| Hakim Hayat |
ROYAL Brunei Navy (RBN) yesterday welcomed First Admiral Haji Othman bin Haji Suhaili @ Suhaily as its new commander at a Change of Command Ceremony that saw First Admiral Pengiran Dato Seri Pahlawan Norazmi bin Pengiran Haji Muhammad handing over the post following his retirement.
Upon arrival at the parade square of the RBN Headquarters in Muara, outgoing Commander of RBN First Admiral Pengiran Dato Seri Pahlawan Norazmi received the honorary salute and inspected the guard of honour which comprised of personnel from the RBN. The march parade was commanded by Lieutenant Commander Junaidi bin Haji Duraman.
The outgoing RBN commander in his final speech as the 15th Commander of RBN noted that since its formation 56 years ago, the RBN has achieved many significant milestones and has progressed and moved forward with new assets and a substantial number of personnel.
“Various initiatives and modernisation has been implemented in terms of policy and procedures including in service schemes, operations, maintenance and logistics to ensure the RBN can carry out its responsibilities of ‘To Raise, Train and Sustain’,” he added.
These efforts, he said is to enhance the capabilities of RBN to match with regional navies.
A signing ceremony of the handover certificates marked the official handing over of the Commander of RBN. A Doa Selamat was then recited to bless the ceremony.
Marking the new duty placement, the new Commander of RBN, First Admiral Haji Othman received the honorary salute and later proceeded to inspect the guard of honour.
In his inaugural speech as the 16th Commander of RBN First Admiral Haji Othman urged all the ranks in RBN to work together in building strength and force of a credible navy force.
“We must enhance our readiness and preparedness at all times and situation… we must continue to equip ourselves by enhancing our knowledge and skills in our respective areas,” he added.
Having served the RBN with excellence for 32 years, First Admiral Pengiran Dato Seri Pahlawan Norazmi was appointed as the Commander of RBN since 2015. Under his leadership, the RBN achieved successes in both her regional and international operations.
He also contributed to Ministry of Defence and RBN by further strengthening the bilateral relations between RBN and other foreign naval forces.