His Majesty checks military prowess
By Azaraimy HH

His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, Minister of Defence and Supreme Commander of Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) yesterday consented to visit Penanjong Garrison in conjunction with a military exercise dubbed "Exercise Hikmat Bersatu III" that began April 15.

Joined by His Royal Highness Prince General Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, His Majesty first visited Penanjong Garrison to be briefed on the ongoing military exercise at the Exercise Command Centre (ECC). Later His Majesty flew by helicopter to the Anduki Aerodrome, Brunei Shell Petroleum to witness part of the ongoing exercise.

His Majesty was greeted upon arrival at the Penanjong Garrison by Deputy Minister of Defence, Pehin Dato Singamenteri Colonel (Rtd) Dato Seri Paduka Hj Mohammad Yasmin bin Hj Umar, Commander of the RBAF, Major General Hj Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Dato Seri Paduka Hj Abidin and Permanent Secretary I at the Ministry of Defence and senior officers of the RBAF.

Upon arrival at the Exercise Command Centre (ECC) Briefing Room, His Majesty was briefed first by the RBAF Commander followed by an exercise briefing by Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Colonel Mohd Tawih bin Abdullah, Commandant of TI RBAF as the Exercise Director.

This was followed by another exercise briefing about the attack on the Anduki Aerodrome by Colonel (L) Abdul Aziz bin Hj Tamit, Joint Force Commander, Royal Brunei Armed Forces.

Exercise Hikmat Bersatu III, which is scheduled to end tomorrow, April 29, is aimed at assessing the effectiveness and efficiency of Royal Brunei Armed Forces Command and Control, especially between the Joint Force Headquarters (JFHQ) and other Royal Brunei Armed Forces units.

The royal visit was followed up with a walkthrough of the Exercise Control Centre (ECC), which acts as the focal point for the running of the exercise. His Majesty later consented to a photo session and light refreshment.

Later, His Majesty and HRH the Crown Prince visited the Anduki Aerodrome to witness part of the ongoing exercise there.

In general, the attack on Anduki Aerodrome was part of a scenario of the taking over of the aerodrome by an enemy.

This involved a joint operation comprising the Royal Brunei Land Force, Royal Brunei Navy, Royal Brunei Air Force and the Special Force Regiment.

Furthermore, it also involved a successful hostage rescue operation of some Brunei Shell Petroleum employees who were taken hostage by members of the Special Force Regiment.

His Majesty consented to receive a 'pesambah' from the Royal Brunei Armed Forces and Brunei Shell Petroleum.

The visit ended with the signing of the parchment marking His Majesty's visit and viewing of the latest Royal Brunei Armed Forces equipment. Before leaving, His Majesty and the Crown Prince took part in a photo session with all personnel involved in the exercise. - Borneo Bulletin (28th April 2010)


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