MUARA, Monday 07 April 2014 – Ex Helang Laut, a bilateral exercise conducted annually between Royal Brunei Navy (RBN) and Tentara Nasional Indonesia – Angkatan Laut (TNI-AL), has reached its 15th serial this year and Royal Brunei Navy has the honor this year to host the Exercise Helang Laut 15B/14 in Brunei Darussalam.The exercise was activated by First Admiral Dato Seri Pahlawan Abdul Aziz bin Haji Mohd Tamit, Commander of Royal Brunei Navy during the Opening Ceremony at Multinational Coordination Centre, representing TNI-AL was Commodore Ahmad Taufiq Rahman, Chief of Staff of Western Fleet TNI-AL.
During the ceremony, Commander RBN highlighted that Helang Laut is a testament to the existing bond between the two navies and this year, Helang Laut will elevate the relationship to a higher level. The Commander also emphasized on the safe conduct of the evolutions throughout the exercise whilst focusing to meet the objectives of the exercise; improving mutual doctrine, procedures and operational tactics between both navies.
The 5-day exercise consists of KRI CUT NYAK DIEN, KRI BARAKUDA and a section of Vessel Board Search & Seizure (VBSS) team of TNI-AL. whereas; RBN is consisting of KDB DARULEHSAN, KDB IJHTIHAD and a section of Naval Surface Action Group (NSAG).
The exercise will feature both ashore and sea training activities. The harbour training will cover theoretical subjects and sharing of knowledge between experts such as Exercises Briefing and Boarding Demonstration. While the Sea Phase activities aim to develop naval coordination in executing tactical operations which includes Minefield Transit, Communication Drills, Surface Tracking and Firing, Maritime Interdiction Operations and Emergency Drills. RBN and TNI-AL share common values as well as traditions and looking forward to continue strengthening mutual bonds and professional relationship through the conduct of Helang Laut series of exercises.
The exercise has witnessed broadening of scope and complexity through the years of its existence and this exercise codenamed “HELANG LAUT 15B/14” is the latest of its continuing series.
