MUARA, Monday, 27 December 2021 – JS URAGA and JS HIRADO of Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) made a logistic port of call to Brunei on 27th December 2021. Along with the visit,
The Royal Brunei Navy (RBN) and JMSDF have successfully
conducted Passage Exercise (PASSEX) while enroute to Muara Commercial Port.
The exercise was participated by 3 ships namely,
KDB DARULEHSAN, JS URAGA (Uraga-Class Minesweeper Vessel) and JS HIRADO (Awaji-Class Minesweeper Vessel).
Prior to and during the PASSEX, planning, coordination meetings and execution were conducted virtually and did not involve physical contact, in line with the COVID-19 guidelines from the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). A sequence of communication and maneuvering exercises were prearranged to offer an opportunity for all officers and crew from both navies to exercise interoperability while working and operating together at sea. The event concluded with a farewell pass where both navies partake ceremonials on piping the side and lining the deck to bid farewell as well as expressing appreciation on good friendship between both navies.
The PASSEX conducted provides an opportunity for all crew and officers from both navies to practice and enhance their drills whilst performing the serials. Both captains expressed gratitude and fulfillment with the exercises and look forward to more opportunities to strengthen naval ties in the future. This will further enhance interoperability between RBN and JMSDF through naval exercises, training, and contactless interactions.
During the logistic visit, Captain Khairil bin Haji Abdul Rahman, RBN Fleet Commander received a virtual courtesy call by the JMSDF delegation led by Captain Yasushi Noguchi, Commander of Minesweeper Division One of the JMSDF along with the Commanding officers, Commander Koji Kondo and Lieutenant Commander Akira Ito. Representatives from the Embassy of Japan in Brunei Darussalam were Lieutenant Commander Sugimoto Kentaro, Second Secretary of Japanese Embassy for Defence Cooperation to Brunei Darussalam.
The RBN remains committed to strengthening bilateral relations with JMSDF, enhancing interoperability and capacity building opportunities towards the goal of cooperation at sea. The RBN wishes the JMSDF ships fair winds and following seas to their next port of call.
