MUARA, Friday, 3 November 2023 – The handing over ceremony for the Fleet Commander of Royal Brunei Navy (RBN) between the outgoing Fleet Commander, Captain Khairil Haji Abdul Rahman, RBN, and the new Fleet Commander, Captain Sahibul Bahari bin Haji Zainal Abidin, RBN, took place in front of the Fleet Headquarters, Royal Brunei Navy.
The ceremony started with the Fleet Commander receiving the Honorary Salute and later proceeded to inspect the parade commanded by Lieutenant Mahdini bin Sabli, RBN followed by the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah led by Ustadz Muhammad Sabqi bin Nasar. The event continued with a speech by the Outgoing Fleet Commander and the signing of the Fleet Commander's Handing Over Parchment followed by a handing over of the 'Alpha Symbol' to the new Fleet Commander.
Captain Khairil has served the Royal Brunei Navy with distinction, leading the fleet with unwavering dedication and expertise for 3 years and 2 months, starting on 1st September 2020. During his tenure, he oversaw numerous operations and exercises including the latest exercise, Exercise HORNBILL with the Royal Malaysian Navy, KDB DARULEHSAN's participation in the first-ever ASEAN Solidarity Exercise in Natuna, Indonesia, which has helped strengthen the bonds with the neighbouring country's navy and build trust at the international level. The departing leader played a pivotal role in enhancing the Royal Brunei Navy's capabilities and strengthened the nation's maritime security with the development of the Fleet Tactical Aircraft Squadron (FTAS) equipped with Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) and the arrival of two AS-SIDDIQ class patrol vessels.
In the outgoing Fleet Commander's speech, he highlighted that the Fleet needs to be constantly aware and remember that all the progress made is the result of the spirit and determination of every officer and member within the Fleet. This is solely aimed at ensuring the RBN and the Fleet continue to operate at a high standard. The Outgoing Fleet Commander hopes that this spirit and mindset will always be remembered by all Fleet personnel.
To mark the new duty placement, the newly appointed Fleet Commander of RBN received the Honorary Salute and then conducted an inspection of the parade. The Handing Over Ceremony is an occasion to honour the RBN's traditions and values while embracing the fresh leadership that will shape its future.
