By Ubaidillah Mash

Bandar Seri Begawan – The Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) exhibited the full extent of their military might yesterday as they lifted the patriotic spirits of tens of thousands with spectacular displays of discipline, fortitude and coordination in commemorating the tri-services’ 48th anniversary.

Taking place at the RBAF airforce base in Rimba, the public flocked in huge numbers early to a cool, overcast morning, in heightened anticipation for a show that would leave them in awe of the nation’s main line of defence.

Under the theme, “Strengthening Defence in Supporting the Mature Nation,” the scheduled events commenced with a grand parade, where 1,448 soldiers marched pass a crowd of cheering supporters. Military vehicles, such as tanks, motorcycles, amphibious assault vehicles also rumbled pass.

Decked out in camouflage gear, the military personnel readily mingled with the public whom they have sworn to protect and safeguard.

As the airbase was chosen as the site for this year’s celebrations, a majority of the performances revolved around the capabilities of RBAF aircraft such as jet fighters and a host of helicopters. In one particular performance, RBAF staged a mock, terrorist hijacking of a bus that was headed for the airport.

Coming in from one side of the airbase was a helicopter, accompanied by three sport utility vehicles speeding to intercept the bus. Special forces, in all-black attire, rappelled down from the helicopter, throwing small explosives which demobilised the bus.

Trapped, the “terrorists” transformed the bus into a temporary fortification. However, the Special Forces swiftly subdued the enemies with their strategic tactics and extracted them to the awaiting vehicles.

Another performance involved two BO 105 helicopters, whose pilots took advantage of the aircraft’s agility and quick responsiveness to perform a number of precisive aerial movements. The pair of choppers mirrored each other in synchronised harmony.

Other performances also took place including a wheeled sailboat race, flag-raising race and parachuting exercises.

Meanwhile, in the airbase hangar, a multitude of exhibitions were on display, which showcased all aspects of the RBAF, ranging from army medical services to weaponry and artillery. Information on the units of the tri-service, such as their vision and mission as well as their respective histories was on display to educate the public further on RBAF’s activities.

The performances were also repeated in the afternoon for those who missed out in the morning. As the event drew the attraction of the masses, visitors were also checked for higher-than-normal body temperatures as a precaution to the current global epidemic as well as to educate the public on the A H1N1 Influenza. — Courtesy of The Brunei Times

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