BOLKIAH GARRISON, Wednesday, 11 November 2026 – Major General Dato Paduka Seri Haji Muhammad Haszaimi bin Bol Hassan, Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF), received a farewell call from Commander Bert R. Bratton, outgoing Chief of the United States (US) Military Group, and an introductory call from Lieutenant Commander Sarah E. C. Jones, incoming Chief of the US Military Group, at the Officers’ Mess, Bolkiah Garrison.
The farewell call marked the conclusion of Commander Bert R. Bratton’s tenure as Chief of the US Military Group at the US Embassy in Brunei Darussalam. During the meeting, the Commander of the RBAF expressed appreciation for Commander Bert R. Bratton’s contributions and continued support in strengthening bilateral defence relations between Brunei Darussalam and the US.
Both sides reaffirmed the longstanding defence cooperation between the RBAF and the US Armed Forces, particularly through bilateral defence engagements, professional military education and joint exercises, including Exercise Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT), Pahlawan Warrior and Pacific Angel. These engagements have provided valuable opportunities to enhance interoperability, facilitate professional exchanges and strengthen mutual understanding in areas of maritime security, military medicine, and search and rescue.
During the introductory call, the Commander of the RBAF also welcomed Lieutenant Commander Sarah E. C. Jones to Brunei Darussalam and expressed confidence in further strengthening the existing defence relationship. Discussions highlighted opportunities for continued cooperation through joint exercises, military education, professional exchanges and engagements at the strategic, operational and tactical levels. Both sides also acknowledged the importance of sustained dialogue and cooperation in contributing towards regional peace and stability, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.
The Commander of the RBAF conveyed his sincere gratitude to Commander Bert R. Bratton for his dedication and professionalism throughout his tenure and extended best wishes for his future appointment. He also wished Lieutenant Commander Sarah E. C. Jones a pleasant and successful tenure in Brunei Darussalam. The RBAF remains committed to further enhancing defence cooperation with the US based on mutual respect, shared interests and a common commitment to regional security and stability.
PEMERINTAH ANGKATAN BERSENJATA DIRAJA BRUNEI MENERIMA KUNJUNGAN PERPISAHAN DAN PENGENALAN DARIPADA CHIEF OF THE US MILITARY GROUP
BOLKIAH GARISON, Rabu, 11 November 2026 – Yang Mulia Mejar Jeneral Dato Paduka Seri Haji Muhammad Haszaimi bin Bol Hassan, Pemerintah Angkatan Bersenjata Diraja Brunei (ABDB), telah menerima kunjungan perpisahan daripada Komander Bert R. Bratton, Chief of US Military Group yang akan menamatkan penugasan, serta kunjungan pengenalan daripada Leftenan Komander Sarah E. C. Jones, bakal Chief of US Military Group, bertempat di Mes Pegawai Bolkiah Garison.
Kunjungan perpisahan ini menandakan berakhirnya tempoh penugasan Komander Bert R. Bratton sebagai Chief of US Military Group di Kedutaan Amerika Syarikat di Negara Brunei Darussalam. Semasa pertemuan berkenaan, Pemerintah ABDB merakamkan penghargaan atas sumbangan dan sokongan berterusan Komander Bert R. Bratton dalam memperkukuh hubungan pertahanan dua hala antara Negara Brunei Darussalam dan Amerika Syarikat.
Kedua-dua pihak menegaskan semula komitmen terhadap kerjasama pertahanan yang telah lama terjalin antara ABDB dan Angkatan Tentera Amerika Syarikat, khususnya melalui penglibatan pertahanan dua hala, pendidikan ketenteraan profesional dan latihan ketenteraan bersama termasuk Eksesais Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT), PAHLAWAN WARRIOR dan PACIFIC ANGEL. Penglibatan ini telah menyediakan peluang yang berharga dalam meningkatkan keupayaan kebolehoperasian bersama, pertukaran profesional serta persefahaman bersama dalam bidang keselamatan maritim, perubatan ketenteraan dan operasi mencari dan menyelamat.
Semasa kunjungan pengenalan, Pemerintah ABDB mengalu-alukan kedatangan Leftenan Komander Sarah E. C. Jones ke Negara Brunei Darussalam dan menyatakan keyakinan terhadap pengukuhan hubungan pertahanan yang sedia terjalin. Perbincangan turut menyentuh peluang untuk meneruskan kerjasama melalui eksesais ketenteraan bersama, kursus ketenteraan, pertukaran profesional serta penglibatan di peringkat strategik, operasi dan taktikal. Kedua-dua pihak juga menekankan kepentingan dialog dan kerjasama berterusan dalam menyumbang kepada keamanan dan kestabilan serantau, khususnya di rantau Indo-Pasifik.
Pemerintah ABDB turut menzahirkan penghargaan kepada Komander Bert R. Bratton atas dedikasi dan profesionalisme beliau sepanjang tempoh penugasannya serta menyampaikan ucapan selamat maju jaya dalam penugasan seterusnya. Beliau juga mengucapkan selamat bertugas kepada Leftenan Komander Sarah E. C. Jones dan berharap agar tempoh perkhidmatan beliau di Negara Brunei Darussalam berjalan dengan lancar dan jayanya. ABDB kekal komited untuk terus memperkukuh kerjasama pertahanan dengan Amerika Syarikat berlandaskan saling menghormati, kepentingan bersama dan komitmen terhadap keselamatan serta kestabilan serantau.