ROYAL BRUNEI ARMED FORCES 48TH ANNIVERSARY

After 6 intense weeks of classes having only taken my camera to the Old Persons Home and The Royal Regalia class outings, yesterday’s trip to The Royal Brunei Armed Forces 48th Anniversary was my first public event in nearly two months … as a civilian armed only with the 5D MkII, EF100-400mm and EF70-200mm and restricted movements, I needed to get back to the swing of things  and there’s no better way of accomplishing this than being in the company of His Majesty Sultan Hj Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah and HRH Prince General Hj Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and General of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF).

Gavin and I left Lumut after 7 am and we arrived at the designated school with some spare time to catch the next available shuttle bus to RBAF base. Large crowds had gathered in acticipation of the celebration. Pictured below, parents keeping their little one entertained while waiting for the bus.

Brunei’s military might on full display | Public all praise for RBAF’s lively and colourful show

“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.” — The Brunei Times

“THE public was full of praise for the displays and lively and colourful demonstrations put up by the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) to mark its 48th anniversary at the Royal Brunei Air Force Base in Rimba yesterday. Visitors to the event were treated enthusiastically to a dynamic display of a mock terrorist bus attack, colourful parachute jumps, exciting combat helicopter sequences and a vehicle parade just to name a few.” — The Brunei Times

“After the grand parade, His Majesty spent some time meeting RBAF personnel from the rank of corporal and below and the armed forces senior non-commissioned officers at a separate venue during a brief resting period. Subsequently His Majesty, who is well known for his passion for the military, also took the opportunity to tour RBAF’s capabilities and developments which were showcased in the static displays held in Hangar ‘A’ building of the RBAirF Air Base in Rimba.” — The Brunei Times

“Accompanied by the Royal Entourage, His Majesty took the opportunity to talk to military personnel and understand their scope of duties as well as view the various equipment on display. Among the static displays that caught His Majesty’s attention were the aircraft, jungle training, learning institutions, latest developments and new additions to the force.” — The Brunei Times