BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

THE Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) Commander continued his farewell visits to various parts of the military prior to his retirement at the end of the month.

Major General Dato Paduka Seri Hj Aminuddin Ihsan Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Hj Abidin paid a farewell visit last Friday to the Royal Brunei Navy Headquarters in Muara, according to the Ministry of Defence (MinDef) in its website.

During the visit, he received an honourary salute before inspecting the guard of honour comprising 55 naval personnel and commanded by Captain (L) Muhd Rosfadhly Hj Rosli.

The RBAF Commander also paid a courtesy call to the Royal Brunei Navy Commander, First Admiral Dato Seri Pahlawan Hj Abd Halim Hj Mohd Hanifah, at the Pahlawan Room before boarding the KDB Darulehsan to review a sail past and receive the sail-by salute.

Warships involved in the sail past were the KDB Darussalam, KDB Berkat, KDB Pemburu, KDB Mustaed, KDB Puni and KDB Teraban.

After receiving a token of appreciation from the naval fleet, the RBAF commander held a meet-and-greet session while having brunch with naval personnel at the multipurpose hall. In his farewell speech, he thanked the navy for their dedication, support and commitment during his tenure.

He also expressed his belief that the Royal Brunei Navy will continue to progress with further advancements. Souvenirs from various units, including Officers Mess, were also presented to the outgoing commander.

On the same day, the commander paid a farewell visit to the RBAF Defence Academy at the Sg Akar Camp. His arrival was greeted by the Commandant of the Defence Academy, Colonel Hj Abd Hadi Hj Saim.

The RBAF commander received an honourary salute and inspected a parade led by Major (U) Mohd Khairul Pehin Dato Indera Setia Dato Paduka Seri Hj Sulaiman.

As a token of appreciation and acknowledgement for the outgoing commander’s valuable contributions to the Defence Academy, a tree was planted in his honour within the compounds during the ceremony.

Mass Asar prayers were also conducted at the Officer Cadet School (OCS) surau, where a special doa (supplication) was recited to ask for blessings upon the RBAF commander.

The farewell visit continued with hi-tea at the OCS dining hall, followed by a speech from the commander. In his speech, the commander highlighted the developments of the Defence Academy since its establishment in 2008.

He also thanked all the officers, instructors and loan service personnel who have contributed to the success of the Defence Academy.

Prior to signing a parchment, the commander received commemorative mementos from the Defence Academy Commandant and representatives of the Command and Staff College, the Leadership and Management Centre and OCS.

– Rabiatul Kamit

The Brunei Times