MUARA, Friday 20 November 2015 – The Royal Brunei Navy (RBN) KDB DARULEHSAN completed a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with the French Navy war ship, FNS VENDÉMIAIRE.
During this PASSEX, KDB DARULEHSAN and FNS VENDÉMIAIRE conducted Maritime Interdiction Operations (MIO) where both navies interchanged interrogation and boarding procedures as well as an outlet for improvement in the conduct of boarding operations at sea. These included flag hoisting drills, basic ship maneuvers, small boat operations that involved exchange of personnel, visit, board search and seizure training evolution and ships sailing in formation.
The 93.5m FNS VENDÉMIAIRE ship which was commanded by Commander Damien Lopez and carrying around 99 officers and sailors, was aimed to enhance the bilateral friendship, mutual understanding and trust with RBN, in line with the two countries’ policy to promote the bilateral strategic partnership.
FNS VENDEMIARIE arrived in the Brunei Darussalam on a 5-day goodwill visit on 14 November. In the framework of the FNS VENDEMIARIE regular activities in the South Pacific, the FNS VENDÉMIAIRE usually makes short stops at various countries around the world, including Brunei Darussalam. The short visit in Brunei Darussalam helps foster maritime cooperation and enhance interoperability, especially the already existing good relationships between RBN and the French Navy.
As part of their visit in Brunei Darussalam, the crew of FNS VENDEMIAIRE also made several visits around Brunei Darussalam including places of huge cultural significance to the Brunei people like the Kampong Ayer, Royal Regalia, Brunei Museum and Brunei Maritime Museum as well as Brunei Arts and Handicraft Centre.
A sports interaction was also organised between the officers of FNS VENDEMIAIRE and the RBN where a friendly match of football was played. Although a friendly match, the two teams played in full competitive spirit.
The FNS VENDEMIARIE ended her goodwill visit to Brunei Darussalam yesterday to continue their journey. Present to bid farewell from the RBN was Commander Sahibul Bahari bin Haji Zainal Abidin along with officers of RBN and the Navy Band.
