His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, who is Minister of Defence and Supreme Commander of Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF), consented to attend RBAF's 48th anniversary celebration at the Royal Brunei Air Force Base in Rimba.

His Majesty was greeted on arrival by the Deputy Minister of Defence, Pehin Datu Singamanteri Colonel (Rtd) Dato Seri Paduka Awg Haji Mohammad Yasmin bin Haji Umar, and the Commander of RBAF, Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Md Yussof.

Accompanying His Majesty were His Royal Highness Prince General Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, General of RBAF, His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Azim, His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Malik and His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Mateen.

After receiving the Royal Salute, His Majesty inspected a guard of honour, which comprised 1,448 personnel from RBAF units that included Royal Brunei Land Force, Royal Brunei Navy, Royal Brunei Air Force, Training Institute RBAF, Women Military Personnel and the Special Force Regiment under the command of the Parade Commander, Lieutenant Colonel (U) Hasmee bin Hj Abd Wahab.

This was followed by the grand parade which saw personnel carrying His Majesty's and RBAF regimental flags. Next was the Royal Brunei Air Force helicopters' fly-past, followed by three chants of "Daulat Kebawah Duli Tuan Patik" by the grand parade.

His Majesty then delivered a Titah in conjunction with RBAF's 48th anniversary celebration.

A Doa Selamat was then read by the Head of RBAF Religious Department (JA'MAAT), Lieutenant Colonel (U) Haji Abdur' Rahim bin Haji Abd Karim.

His Majesty also met 148 RBAF personnel with the rank of corporal and below and 148 RBAF Senior Non-Commissioning Officers at the TUDB Punai Hall. His Majesty also consented to join in a group photo with the personnel and signed the Royal Parchments.

His Majesty viewed a mock bus ambush demonstration by the Special Force Regiment before visiting the Static Displays inside Hangar A.

His Majesty attended a luncheon with the Ministry of Defence and RBAF officials. His Majesty then consented to cut RBAF's 48th anniversary cake and received a Pesambah - a telescope.

After signing the Royal Parchment, His Majesty joined in a group photograph with senior officers of the Ministry of Defence and RBAF.

This year's theme for RBAF's anniversary celebration is 'Strengthening Defence in Supporting a Mature Nation'. - Borneo Bulletin (1st June 2009)