Royal Brunei Navy Ships at Down Under for Exercies Kakadu 2012..!!!

HTMS Rattanakosin 441, KDB Darulaman 08, KRI Frans Kaisiepo 368 (photo : Brunei Mindef)

AUSTRALIA – KDB DARULAMAN which departed Brunei on 20 August 2012 is currently in action with some other seven foreign navies in Down Under Australia. Exercise KAKADU 2012 is one of the largerst Australian International Maritime exercise conducted at he Northern Territory sea area. This year Navies from France, Indonesia, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand and Brunei took part in one of the most significant multi lateral naval engagement in the region.

This year, the Exercise is aimed at developing the interoperability of multilateral operations as well as the ability to work with international naval forces in maritime security exercise and activities and will test the effectiveness of participating navies in simulated warfare at sea. For Royal Brunei Navy, this sort of naval interaction is not only a life opportunity but an absolute gain in core competency and valuable exposure for all officers and men on combat platform . With its new platform in service, namely the DARUSSALAM Class patrol boats, our Bruneian naval operator need to prove theselves as competent and efficient seafeares. Joint naval interation with other navies also promotes our defence diplomacy interest.

The Officiating Ceremony of Exercise KAKADU 2012 took place onboard Royal Australia Navy frigates HMAS PERTH and HMAS WARRAMUNGA. The opening ceremony was officiated by Rear Admiral T.Barret, Commander of Australian Fleet.

KDB DARULAMAN along with other participating ships and aircraft will commence the eleven-day period sea phase exercise, which begin on the 2nd September 2012. As reported by the Commanding Officer of KDB DARULAMAN, Lt Col (L) Pg Mohammad bin Pg Hj Damit, his officers and men onboard KDB DARULAMAN are in good shape and spirit to meet the exercise challenges. KDB Darulaman is due to arrive home on the 24 September 2012.

(Brunei Mindef)