HAWAII, USA, Saturday, 29 August 2020 – The Royal Brunei Navy’s vessel
Kapal Diraja Brunei (KDB) DARULEHSAN commanded by Commander Haji Edy Jofren bin PDP Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Jalil marks a special juncture in history when it launched its MM40 BII EXOCET Missile at the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF), Hawaii, in the Live Firing Event ‘Sinking Exercise’ (SINKEX) serial whilst participating in the RIMPAC 2020 Exercise.
With this achievement, KDB DARULEHSAN has successfully achieved full operational capability in all aspects following the triumph of her sister ships KDB DARUSSALAM and KDB DARULAMAN for missiles firing in Exercise RIMPAC 2014.
RBN officers and crew worked relentlessly during the preparation and execution of the RIMPAC 2020 which contributed to the success of SINKEX firing dated 29 August 2020 at 1729W (30 August 2020 at 1129H Brunei Time). Not only have they gained invaluable experiences, they have also proved themselves capable, which adds another significant accomplishment to KDB DARULEHSAN’s operational capability and marks another major milestone for the Royal Brunei Navy.
RIMPAC, the Rim of the Pacific Exercise, is the world’s largest international maritime exercise hosted by the United States Navy. This year’s RIMPAC, held from 17-31 August around the Hawaiian Islands, included 20 ships from 10 participating countries and focused at-sea-only event to reduce the risk of the COVID-19 pandemic. RIMPAC depicts defence diplomacy essentially to enhance interoperability among world navies as a means of promoting stability in the region to the benefit of all participating nations.
KDB DARULEHSAN will depart Hawaii on 04 September 2020 for the voyage back and is scheduled to arrive in Muara Naval Base, Brunei Darussalam on 25 September 2020.
