BOLKIAH GARRISON, Sunday, 30 June 2019 – The Royal Brunei Navy (RBN) had the opportunity to showcase its various assets and capabilities as it opens its static display exhibition to the public during the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) 58th Anniversary celebration.
The RBN Static Display Exhibition not only showcased various assets that are under the RBN, but also highlighted its achievements as a navy. This year has seen an increase in the number of international deployments and exercises in which the RBN was able to participate compared to the previous year. The RBN was able to participate in the most recent multilateral exercises such as ASEAN Defence Minister’s Meeting Plus Expert Working Group on Maritime Security Field Training Exercises in Korea as well as China’s Southeast Asia Maritime Exercises in Qingdao. Aside from attending multilateral exercises, the RBN also sent ships for goodwill visits to improve diplomatic relations. KDB DARUTTAQWA’s visit to Thilawa Port, the Republic of the Union of Myanmar marks RBN’s first official visit to Myanmar, highlighting RBN’s commitment to improving diplomatic relations with its neighbouring countries.
While the RBN was able to send its assets to participate in international deployments and goodwill visits, RBN was also able to host the 28th Western Pacific Naval Symposium workshop in Brunei early this year, with representatives from 17 different countries in attendance.
One other key achievement for the RBN is whereby the raising of the giant national flag ceremony in conjunction for His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah’s 73rd birthday will be led by a female officer. This will be the first time the flag hoisting ceremony of the giant national flag will be led by a female officer. The role of RBN’s female personnel have expanded with RBN’s latest deployment for the first time included 4 female noncommissioned officers of different vocations joining the deployment.
The RBN also highlighted its key developments within the organization, most recently its collaboration with Muara Maritime Services. This collaborative effort between the private and public sector will help build a dynamic and sustainable economy in supporting the maintenance of RBN assets.
The Base Defence organization was another area within the RBN organization which saw its personnel sent for international peacekeeping missions such as the International Monitoring Team (IMT) in Mindanao, Philippines. Furthermore, the Base Defence was able to expand the number of courses which have now allowed them to conduct land force operations.
In the Naval Surface Action Group (NAVSAG), the divers were able to expand its roles and responsibilities towards boarding and clearance diving. Its personnel most recently expanded its capability towards Explosive Ordnance Disposal.
