10th June 2014, Guam Naval Base, USA – Today marked the closing ceremony of the Exercise PELICAN 33/14 on board RSS INTREPID at the Guam Naval Base between Royal Brunei Navy (RBN) and Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN). RSN was headed by Lt Col Aaron Beng, Commanding Officer RSS INTREPID and Commander Task Group (CTG) for Ex-PELICAN 33/14. While RBN was led by Lt Col (L) Muhammad Hadi Syarifuddin bin Hj Muhammad Hassanal Mega, Commanding Officer KDB DARULAMAN, who was also the Deputy Commander Task Group (DCTG) for the exercise. Also present was Lt Col (L) Hj Suhailee bin Pungut, Commanding Officer KDB DARUSSALAM, along with other RBN and RSN officers from both ships.Exercise PELICAN was designed to increase and to improve interoperability between the two navies while promoting friendship and cooperation. This year Exercise Pelican has advanced with the introduction of helicopter operations involving RSN’s helicopter conducting deck landing on board RBN Patrol Vessel.
In his closing remarks, DCTG was pleased that the aims of the exercise were met and emphasised on the importance of such exercise as a significant facet of maritime relations in providing enhanced understanding between both navies. He also praised the crews of all the ships involved on the standard of professionalism in which the exercise was conducted. This was achieved successfully due to the early planning and understanding what is required for every exercise serials. PELICAN 33/14 was executed in good form and ended the first stage of this major deployment on a high note. He hoped that this kind of relationship and interoperability continues to further improve teamwork and operational proficiency between the navies. Leading up to RIMPAC 2014 in Hawaii scheduled from June 26 to 1 August 2014, he added that the exercise was highly beneficial to RBN as first time participant.
CTG, in his own closing remarks, seconded the notion and praised given by DCTG. He also mentioned that one of the highlights from this exercise was the young officers from both navies exercising their leadership styles and gained more confidence as the days went on. This was not only restricted to the officers, but to the younger generation of sailors on-board the ships, as it provided the junior ratings a chance to gain experience and further enhance their own skills. Since the very first series of Exercise PELICAN in 1979, the exercise has continued to highlight the strong and long-standing ties between Singapore and Brunei and has continued to be the backbone of the professional interactions between both navies. Overall, Exercise PELICAN has strengthened the defence relationship between Brunei and Singapore, and has significantly boosted the level of interoperability and readiness between RSN and RBN.
