MUARA, Tuesday, 17 May 2016 – Today marked the closing ceremony for the bilateral exercise code name ‘EX SEAGULL 07/16’ between the Royal Brunei Navy (RBN) and Philippine Navy (PN), which was held at the Multinational Coordination Centre (MNCC), Muara Naval Base.
Present as the guest of honour was Commander Nor Ariffin bin Haji Mohd Ali, the Acting Fleet Commander of RBN. The exercise was conducted from the 12 – 17 May 2016 which proved to be a success for both navies.
Both RBN and PN have shared and strengthen their naval professionalism through combined training and various sea evolution exercises – namely, Surface Firing, Helicopter Deck Landing Practice, Emergency Drills, Visit Board Search and Seizure, Flag Hoist, Manoeuvring Exercise and so forth.
Aside from the sea evolution, both navies had the opportunity to interact through friendly sport activities and visits to places of interest in Negara Brunei Darussalam. The interaction gave both sides the chance to socialise and further enhance their relationships.
During the Closing Ceremony, the signing of Exercise Report was witnessed between the Commander Task Group 16.1 (CTG) and Deputy Commander Task Group 16.1 (DCTG), which was subsequently followed by the presenting of the SEAGULL trophy by the guest of honour to the winning recipient of the sports interaction between KDB DARUSSALAM and BRP GREGORIO DEL PILAR. This year’s winner is KDB DARUSSALAM, RBN.
The Executive Officer of BRP GREGORIO DEL PILAR, Commander Noel A Laurio said that the Exercise SEAGULL 07/16 was executed successfully and its timing is unique because it commenced immediately after the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting – Plus Maritime Security and Counter Terrorism Field Training Exercise. He also mentioned that both navies conducted helicopter deck landing practices together for the first time, and that further deck landing procedures will be incorporated in the subsequent series of Exercise SEAGULL.
Additionally, the guest of honour concluded the ceremony with his closing remarks, stating that Exercise SEAGULL signals the professional development for both navies’ in basic seamanship evolutions, warfare procedures and now aviation serials. The Exercise SEAGULL has become a significant and conducive platform in facilitating dialogue between the two navies in working together in ensuring maritime security. Furthermore, the exercise has further enhanced mutual understanding and bilateral relations between the two navies’ whilst improving interoperability.
Part of the bilateral interaction also consisted of a Courtesy Call, Curry Lunch and a Cocktail Reception on-board BRP GREGORIO DEL PILAR. The ship will depart for Manila, Philippines and arrive on the 18 May 2016.
Signing of Exercise Report between the Commander Task Group 16.1 (L) and Deputy Commander Task Group 16.1 (R)
Curry lunch between RBN and PN officers
Signing of parchment by Captain Ruel S Saonoy PN, Deputy Commander, Fleet Marine Ready Force of Philippine
Helicopter deck landing practice on-board KDB DARUSSALAM and BRP GREGORIO DEL PILAR
Surface firing exercise being conducted
Flag hoist exercise
Visit, Board, Search and Seizure
Cake cutting ceremony during the cocktail reception on-board BRP GREGORIO DEL PILAR
First Admiral (Rtd) Dato Seri Pahlawan Abdul Aziz bin Haji Mohd Tamit, Deputy Minister of Defence (L) receiving a gift from Captain Ruel S Saonoy PN, Deputy Commander, Fleet Marine Ready Force of Philippine Navy (R)
Cultural show from the Philippine Navy