By Aemy Azlena
His Royal Highness Prince General Hj Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince, Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office and General of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF), consented to make a working visit to the Royal Brunei Air Force (TUDB) yesterday at Rimba Air Base, Gadong.
This was HRH's second working visit this year after the Royal Brunei Navy visit last January to observe the capabilities and development of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF).
Upon arrival, the Crown Prince was greeted by the Deputy Minister at the Prime Minister's Office Dato Seri Paduka Awg Hj Eusoff Agaki bin Hj Ismail, Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General Dato Paduka Seri Hj Awg Halbi bin Hj Md Yussof and Commander of the Royal Brunei Air Force Brigadier General (U) Dato Paduka Hj Mahmud bin Hj Saidin.
Also present were the Permanent Secretary at the Prime Minister's Office Datin Paduka Hjh Salbiah bte Hj Sulaiman, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Defence Dato Paduka Hj Abdul Majid bin Mangarshah, Deputy Permanent Secretaries at the Ministry of Defence Dr Hj Emran Hj Bahar and Awg Mohd Sahrip Othman.
After the Royal Salute, HRH inspected the royal guard of honour mounted by 107 Royal Brunei Air Force personnel under the command of Major (U) Amirul Tarip.
HRH was then introduced to the Royal Brunei Air Force senior officers and viewed the gallery of award presentations of the Royal Brunei Air Force Honorary Pilot Wing by His Majesty the Sultan to various Chiefs of Air Forces of friendly nations.
During the visit, the Crown Prince also saw a video clip presentation of the mission, vision and roles of the Royal Brunei Air Force by the Commander of TUDB at the Helang Conference Room. This was followed by a presentation of a pesambah to HRH from Royal Brunei Air Force officers, which was presented by the commander.
In order to take a closer look at the set up and its manning in ensuring the smooth running of the Royal Brunei Air Force daily operations, HRH also took the opportunity to tour the Air Operations Centre, which was officially opened in March 2006. The tour included the Current OPS room, Future OPS room and the Flight Coordination Centre.
HRH was also given a short tour of the air base and show some of the new infrastructure that has been built.
After the tour, the Crown Prince signed the Royal Parchment, followed by a group photo session with the senior officers from the Ministry of Defence and the Royal Brunei Air Force at the Headquarters Building.
Later, HRH boarded a Blackhawk to fly to Bukit Agok Firing Range in Tutong District. There the Crown Prince heard a welcoming speech and briefing by the Air Regiment Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel (U) Hasmee bin Hj Abd Wahab.
HRH also witnessed a live-firing of the Mistral air defence missile system, as well as various aerial displays of Multi Rope Abseil and Jungle Line Re-supply by the Operations Wing.
- Borneo Bulletin
(12th Mar 2008)
