WEDNESDAY 27 AUGUST 2014, MUARA NAVAL BASE – KDB DARUSSALAM and KDB DARULAMAN have safely arrived in Brunei Darussalam after a long deployment and successfully participated for the first time in the biggest multi-lateral maritime exercise, Rim of The Pacific (RIMPAC) 2014.This was the first long deployment for the Royal Brunei Navy (RBN) whereby both ships took almost three months away from home in order to participate Ex RIMPAC which was hosted by the US Navy Western Pacific Command based in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.This year’s exercise witnessed the participation of 22 countries involving 47 naval ships and 25,000 personnel. RIMPAC 2014 kicked off on 30 June 2014 and was officially closed on 01 August 2014. Both of the events were officiated by Admiral Harry B. Harris Jr, Commander of the United States Pacific Fleet.Both RBN ships participated in various joint exercises throughout the RIMPAC.Operating with various other navies has provided the opportunity to enhance defence ties among each participating nations.
The exercise participants have the opportunity to interact through various sporting and social events as well as establishing network and professional ties. With the motto ‘Capable, Adaptive, Partners’, it show that RBN ships are able to operate at sea anywhere around the world, bringing with her the Bruneian culture and identity.During the sea phase, RBN ships were allocated under the Task Force 175 and Task Force 178. The highlight of the RIMPAC sea phase was the coordination of all ships in formation for a grand photo opportunity, signifying the commitment, professionalism and common understanding of all participating ships in ensuring safety in close quarter manouvres.
During RIMPAC 2014, it also signifies the RBN’s vessels full operational capability in which both ships successfully fired the Exocet MM40 Block 2 surface-to-surface missiles against an ex-Newport Class vessel. The missiles engagement also proves the ability of the ship’s crew in conducting ‘tactical firing’ and thus taking their capability and professionalism a step further.The dedication and commitment of both ships towards the success of the exercise was acknowledged and appreciated when the Deputy Minister of Defence, YM Dato Paduka Hj Mustappa bin Hj Sirat and the Commander RBN, First Admiral Dato Seri Pahlawan Abdul Aziz bin Hj Tamit made separate visits onboard.
The extensive activities during RIMPAC did not hinder the crew in supplicating themselves during the holy month of Ramadhan and celebrating Hari Raya Aidilfitri far abroad away from families and loved ones.In forging closer maritime ties, both RBN ships conducted passage exercises (Passex) whilst enroute and returning voyage back from Hawaii. The PELICAN 33/14 was conducted during enroute to Guam in early June 14 with the Republic of Singapore Navy frigate, RSS INTREPID.
The Multi-National Task Force (MNTF) Group Sail passage from Guam to Hawaii, saw the RBN ships sailing in company with the United States Navy, People’s Republic of China Navy and Republic of Singapore Navy, conducting various serials such as live gunnery firing, cross-deck, publication exercise and tactical manouvering within the Pacific Ocean. After the completion of RIMPAC 2014, KDB DARUSSALAM and KDB DARULAMAN have also took the opportunity to conduct Passex with the Republic of Indonesia Navy landing ship, KRI BANDA ACEH, strengthening the already close ties between RBN and TNI-AL.Despite the challenges faced, the successful of both RBN ships and praiseful performance of the ships’ crews, marked a certain standard of the RBN and the RBAF as a whole.
Undoubtedly, this effort must continue to be maintained in the aspect of operational capabilities and at the same time, maintaining good defence diplomacy with foreign nations. RIMPAC exercise is a bi-annual exercise in which where the next RIMPAC will take place in 2016.Present at the RBN jetty, was Acting Commander RBN, Colonel (L) Pg Norazmi bin Pg Hj Muhammad, RBN senior officers and crew and families of both RBN ships. Recital of Doa Selamat was read by Ustaz Pg Hj Mohd Sofian bin Pg Hj Aliuddin.
