The closing ceremony of the 15th series of Exercise Sembilang was held at the Multi-National Coordination Centre (MNCC) on Friday. This year’s exercise was hosted by the Royal Brunei Navy (RBN) from December 14 to 18, involving assets from the Royal Brunei Land Force (RBLF), RBN, Royal Brunei Air Force (RBAirF) and Marine Police at the Royal Brunei Police Force (POLMAR at the RBPF).
RBPF Acting Director of Operations Superintendent Haji Mohammad Azrie bin Haji Talip officiated the ceremony. POLMAR at the RBPF Commanding Officer Superintendent Haji Mahran bin Haji Ahmad, Acting Fleet Chief of Staff Commander Azrin bin Haji Mahmud, RBLF Assistant Chief of Staff Operation Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Roasri Erwan bin Haji Tasrif and RBLF Commanding Officer of Support Battalion Lieutenant Colonel Rudie Asmawie bin Haji Abidin were also present.
The exercise focussed on procedures and best practices for maritime interdiction operations (MIOPs), investigation, evidence handling and towing. The exercise at the Jerudong coastal area included integrated boarding exercise and towing exercise between the RBN and POLMAR at the RBPF. It provided the agencies an opportunity to identify underlying issues and gaps to improve operations within the maritime agencies as well as improve interoperability between agencies towards a safe and secure maritime domain through a whole-of-government approach.
The agencies gained valuable knowledge and experience through classes, workshops and practical exercises. A sport interaction also took place to increase trust and strengthen camaraderie between agencies and to compete for the Sembilang Cup.
The agencies played a key role in advancing the exercise’s objectives by working together and hope to make more improvements in the next series of Exercise Sembilang.
