Bandar Seri Begawan - The Royal Brunei Air Force (RBAirF) will be receiving a number of new and modern facilities in an effort to raise its current capability in the air force. This will include the replacing of the Black Hawk S701 and the Mid-Range Air Defence System.

In addition, there will also be upgrading and construction works of infrastructures such as the football field and running track which was received last Monday, renovation and upgrading of the air force operation centre, as well as renovation and upgrading of the operation room in the flight squadron branch operation, surau and also the training branch building as the centre of excellence.

The new facilities are a testimony of the RBAirF's progress, which will continue to progress from time to time.

Col (U) Hj Wardi bin Hj Abd Latif in his speech as the new Commander of the Royal Brunei Air Force yesterday during the handing over of duties ceremony from the former Commander of the Royal Brunei Air Force, Brig Gen (U) Dato Seri Pahlawan Hj Jofri bin Hj Abdullah, lauded the new facilities.

"From time to time, the Royal Brunei Armed Forces and national needs continue to grow. This will bring about new challenges that we need to overcome together. With the blessings from Allah the Almighty and cooperation from all, we will be able to overcome the challenges professionally," said Col (U) Hj Wardi.

With the attitude of high discipline and cohesive support from all the personnel, he added ,"we will ensure success and excellence for RBAirF in face of any upcoming challenges".

In realising the core values of the RBAirF, which are "Service Above Oneself, Excellence and Teamwork", he highlighted, "It is my aim and hope to make sure that the related matters will become my priority as well as all the air force personnel's priority"

Outlining three major priorities, he stressed that all personnel first need to put their focus on raising the level of discipline, leadership and management of the RBAirF. This can be achieved with each personnel and the whole of the RBAirF gaining appropriate knowledge to make sure that they can implement their duties and role effectively, credibly, confidently and prestigiously.

The second priority he said, "Is to build professional individuals or personnel through creating discipline, leadership and management that are credible. The level of professionalism in each personnel can be further polished and developed by making sure that each personnel possesses knowledge, experience, exposure and training. Toward this, I would like to urge that we give priority to continuous training; either in groups or individual."

The new Commander of the RBAirF, on the third priority, stressed on the basic regimental tradition in the military, including the dress code, morning march, pre- and post-ceremony march, daily attendance and attendance in ceremony. Furthermore, it also includes the understanding of punishment and other regimental tradition that needs to be comply with and maintain in the RBAirF."

Col (U) Hj Wardi then conveyed his heartfelt gratitude to the former commander of the RBAirF for his leadership and contribution in leading the RBAirF towards success and excellence.

--Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin