LUMUT NAVAL BASE, MALAYSIA, Monday, 18 September 2017 – A delegation of 12 personnel from the Royal Brunei Navy (RBN), headed by Commanding Officer KDB DARUSSALAM, Commander Haji Nor Ariwwin bin Haji Mohd Ali arrived at Lumut Naval Base to conduct the bilateral exercise code name ‘Exercise HORNBILL 26/2017’ at the Maritime Tactical Centre (PUSTAKMAR) commencing from 18th until 21st September 2017. This year’s exercise will be a Command Team Exercise utilising the Action Speed Tactical Trainer (ASTT).
Exercise HORNBILL is a yearly bilateral exercise conducted between RBN and RMN with the aims to further strengthen relationship between both navies and to improve mutual co-operation through common naval procedures and tactics. For this year, RMN as the host for this exercise is headed by Captain Mohd Norizal bin Fahrudin, as the Commander Task Group (CTG) 26.1 and is deputised by Commander Haji Nor Ariwwin bin Hj Mohd Ali as Deputy Commander Task Group (DCTG 26.1). Participating in this exercise are KDB DARUSSALAM and KDB DARULAMAN Command Teams from RBN while RMN is represented by Command Teams from KD JEBAT and KD KASTURI. Both Command Teams will conduct combined naval operations in Maritime Security and Warfare scenarios.
The RBN Head Of Delegation and Commanding Officer KDB DARULAMAN, Lieutenant Commander Azrin bin Hj Mahmud also made a Courtesy Call to the Commanding Officer of PUSTAKMAR, Captain Fadhil bin Abdul Rahman prior to the exercise Opening Ceremony. Following that, the Opening Ceremony for the exercise was officiated by First Admiral Abu Bakar bin Ajis Deputy Fleet Commander Western Fleet RMN and was witnessed by PUSTAKMAR Senior officers as well as the participating Command Teams from both navies.
This series of Exercise HORNBILL is planned to conclude on 21st September and is expected to be closed officially by the RBN Fleet Commander, Commander Spry bin Hj Serudi @ Hj Seruji. During his visit, he is planned to call on the Western Fleet Commander, Vice Admiral Dato Seri Panglima Mohamad Roslan bin Mohamad Ramli, RMN. He will also be given the opportunity to visit various facilities around Lumut Naval Base and to witness the conduct of the exercise.
