NAVAL BASE, Sunday 15 May 2016
– KDB DARUSSALAM has safely arrived Brunei Darussalam today after the successful ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) – Plus Maritime Security (MS) and Counter Terrorism (CT) Exercise which concluded on 10th May 2016 at Changi Naval Base, Singapore.
Along with the successful ADMM-Plus MS and CT Exercise, the SEAGULL 07/16 Exercise was officially inaugurated between the Royal Brunei Navy (RBN) and Philippine Navy (PN). Representing both navies were KDB DARUSSALAM and BRP GREGORIO DEL PILAR, both ships departed Changi Naval base on 12th May 2016.
Welcoming the arrival of KDB DARUSSALAM and BRP GREGORIO DEL PILAR was the Acting Fleet Commander of the RBN, Commander Nor Ariffin bin Haji Mohd Ali. Also present were RBN Senior Officers, Officers and RBN personnel as well as family members.
KDB DARUSSALAM which is under the command of Commander Haji Nor Ariwwin bin Haji Mohd Ali, departed for the sea-phase which comprised of MS and CT Exercises on the 5th – 8th May 2016. The MS scenarios commenced in Brunei Darussalam, whereas the CT scenarios were conducted while en-routing to Singapore.
The exercise integrated the ADMM-Plus ships to strengthen their capability and interoperability in effectively addressing terrorism and maritime threats as they are put through realistic sea and land based scenarios. The effort from the ADMM-Plus ships showed their continuous commitment in enhancing regional peace and stability.
Meanwhile, prior to arriving Brunei Darussalam, the MTA SEAGULL sea-phase exercise was conducted. The exercise include, Target Firing, Deck Landing Practices, a combined Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) and a number of communications procedures which utilized the Code of Unplanned Encounters at Sea (CUES).
MTA SEAGULL exercise has served to strengthen bilateral relationship, cooperation and enhanced interoperability between the two Navies. Both navies will be expecting a sport interaction activity to further enhance their bilateral relationships.
