His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, today graced the Commissioning Ceremony of Patrol Vessel KDB AS-SIDDIQ held at Jetty Bravo of Muara Naval Base. The ceremony began with His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam received the Royal Salute and inspected the Parade comprising 110 Royal Brunei Navy (RBN) personnel led by Lieutenant Commander Mohammad Husaini bin Haji Mohammad Sofian, RBN. Then, ceremonial proceedings continued at the Commissioning Dais with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah led by Commander Haji Ainolnizam bin Haji Ibrahim, RBN, Director of RBAF Religious Directorate (JAMA’AT). His Majesty then proceeded to deliver the Commissioning Titah and awarded KDB AS-SIDDIQ with its Commissioning Pennant presented to Lieutenant Commander Haji Mohammad Arnold bin Haji Osman, RBN, Commanding Officer of KDB AS-SIDDIQ. This was followed by the inaugural hoisting of the Commissioning Pennant and RBN Ensign, accompanied by the National Anthem.
The ceremony ended with a group photo on Jetty Bravo with KDB AS-SIDDIQ in the background before proceeding to the RBN Officers’ Mess for an executive session between His Majesty and key leaders from both nation’s Ministry of Defence, Armed Forces and Navies and this was followed by a luncheon. The handing over of the ship, previously known as RSS BRAVE, is the result of the close collaboration between the two Armed Forces and Navies. The renaming of the ship from RSS BRAVE to KDB AS-SIDDIQ, which is translated to “truthful,” holds a profound significance that embodies the strong bilateral relationship between RBN and RSN. Over the years, Brunei Darussalam and the Republic of Singapore had worked closely together, built on a foundation of trust, mutual respect, and understanding. These qualities will continue to play a pivotal role in strengthening cooperation between both nations in the years to come.
The Fearless-class patrol vessels were built by Singapore Technologies (ST) Marine for the Republic of Singapore Navy in the 1990s. Together, the ships formed the 182 and 189 Squadron. The Fearless-class patrol vessels were ordered as replacements for the earlier Swift-class coastal patrol craft after they had been transferred to the Police Coast Guard. The first six vessels of the class: Fearless (94), Brave (95), Courageous (96), Gallant (97), Resilience (98) and Unity (99), are armed for anti-submarine warfare missions. The remaining six vessels: Resilience (82), Unity (83), Sovereignty (84), Justice (85), Freedom (86) and Independence (87) are patrol vessels. The first six vessels are fitted for anti-submarine warfare, while the remainder are configured as patrol vessels. In January 2005, 189 Squadron was transferred to the Coastal Command from the Fleet, and the 11 Fearless-class patrol vessels now form the 182 and 189 Squadron.
