Wednesday 23rd April 2014 – A Multilateral Maritime Exercise hosted by People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), is being held in Qingdao, People’s Republic of China. The Royal Brunei Navy’s very own Patrol Vessel, KDB DARULEHSAN led by its Commanding Officer, 612 Major (L) Willie bin Padan together with a complement of 69 crew members, was Brunei Darussalam’s representative to the Exercise.KDB DARULEHSAN, along with 7 other foreign naval ships from Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Singapore and the host nation themselves, had previously arrived at Qingdao Naval Base, on Sunday 20th April 2014.
Respective ship’s Commanding Officers paid a Courtesy Call to the Commander North Sea Fleet PLAN, Rear Admiral Qiu Yanpeng and made a Cultural Tour around the city of Qingdao. Also in attendance at the Dinner Reception was First Admiral Dato Seri Pahlawan Abdul Aziz bin Haji Mohd Tamit, Commander RBN accompanied by his spouse Datin Sakdiah binti Hj Mohd Noor.
The highlight of this MMEX was the sea phase 23rd April 2014, in which KDB DARULEHSAN is placed in Command Task Group 2 along with Pakistan Navy Ship SHAMSHEER and three other PLAN Ship. The main focus of CTG2 was to conduct a joint sea and air search and rescue exercise. The overall serial went particularly well with the respective navies excelling in their tactical as well as practical conduct. Apart from the seaphase, sports interactions was also organized to further strengthened the relationship between ships’ personnel.
KDB DARULEHSAN will set sail Thursday, 24th April 2014 at 1400 Local Time towards its next destination, Hai Phong, Socialist Republic of Vietnam for a Goodwill Visit and is expected to arrive on Tuesday, 29th April 2014.
