| James Kon |
ROYAL Brunei Navy (RBN) ship KDB Daruttaqwa has completed a six-week long deployment to four nations – the Republic of Philippines, Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Republic of Korea and People’s Republic of China – from September 20 to November 1.
Led by Commanding Officer Commander Azrin bin Haji Mahmud, the 73 RBN personnel of KDB Daruttaqwa arrived in Cebu, the Philippines on September 24 for the opening of the bilateral exercise between the Philippine Navy and RBN, codenamed ‘Exercise Seagull 08/18’ at the Integrated Mess Hall of the Naval Forces Central.
After its conclusion, KDB Daruttaqwa set sail for Vietnam on September 29, arriving at the Tien Sa Port for a two days goodwill visit to Da Nang, on October 2.
Courtesy calls were made on government officials of Da Nang and military officials of the Vietnam People’s Navy (VPN). Other activities held included interaction programmes for young officers, ship visits and RBN-hosted reception onboard KDB Daruttaqwa, which was also attended by Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) students in Da Nang.
KDB Daruttaqwa then set sail for the Republic of Korea on October 4, arriving at the Jeju Naval base on October 10 to participate in the Republic of Korean Navy International Fleet Review (ROKN IFR), one of the largest naval events held internationally.
The event was held in conjunction with the 70th anniversary of the Republic of Korean Armed Forces with the slogan ‘Jeju, Where Peace Starts.’ This year, it was held at the Jeju Civil-Military Harbour Complex, hosted by the ROKN.
An estimated 20 ships from 13 countries participated at the event, alongside the 24 ships and 24 aircraft from the host country.
Republic of Korea President Moon Jae-in embarked the flagship, ROKS Ilchulbong, and reviewed the fleet of 43 shiped and 24 aircraft in formation. He also received a salute for vessels as they sailed past. RBN Commander First Admiral Pengiran Dato Seri Pahlawan Norazmi bin Pengiran Haji Muhammad was also in attendance.
On October 15, KDB Daruttaqwa sailed for the inauguration of the ASEAN- China Maritime Exercise 2018 (ACMEX-2018) People’s Republic of China, arriving on October 21 at the Ma Xie Naval Base in Zhanjiang, China.
The programme included a three-day harbour phase and two-day sea phase. The ACMEX-2018 also saw participation from other ASEAN member countries in the form of observers and staff officers.
The KDB Daruttaqwa departed Ma Xie Naval Base on October 28, heading for her home voyage. En route, she conducted a bilateral exercise codenamed ‘Exercise Pelican 37/18’ with RSS Stalwart of the Republic of Singapore Navy.
The exercises included communication drills, manoeuvering exercise and surface action group exercise. The exercise concluded on October 29.