The Second Patrol Vessel Handing Over, Taking Over Ceremony between the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and Royal Brunei Navy (RBN) took place in Changi Naval Base. The ceremony marks the continuation of strong bilateral ties between the two navies and the completion of the Patrol Vessel Transfer project. Present as Guest of Honour at the ceremony were Captain Hj. Sarif Pudin bin Matserudin, RBN Acting Commander and Rear Admiral Sean Watt, RSN Chief. Also present were His Excellency Dato Paduka Haji Sidek bin Ali, High Commissioner of Brunei Darussalam to the Republic of Singapore, Senior officers involved in the project, the Defence Adviser of Brunei Darussalam in Singapore, officers and staff from both sides.
Rear Admiral Sean Watt initiated the ceremony with his opening remarks which was reciprocated by RBN Acting Commander’s remarks reaffirming the strong ties between both navies. The ceremony continued with the signing of the Certificate of Transfer between them. RBN Acting Commander then delivered the citation for naming the patrol vessel AL-FARUQ. The Negara Brunei Darussalam national flag and RBN Ensign was handed over to Lieutenant Commander Pg. Khairul Anwar bin Pg. Dr. Hj. Abu Bakar, RBN, Commanding Officer of AL-FARUQ and hoisted onboard AL-FARUQ and followed with the commencement of Azan and Doa to bless the event. The ceremony continued with the presentation of the Symbol of Transfer by the RSN Chief to the RBN Acting Commander and followed by group photo session. The Handing Over, Taking Over Ceremony concluded with the sailing-off of AL-FARUQ and her crew to Negara Brunei Darussalam.
The ship was given the callsign V8SD where V8 represents Brunei’s international callsign, ‘S’ represents Singapore and ‘D’ represents the ship’s previous name DAUNTLESS. AL-FARUQ will also maintain the same pennant number 99 as a reflection of the close ties between Brunei Darussalam and Singapore. The name “AL-FARUQ” was a title given to one of the closest companions of the Prophet Muhammad S.A.W., who was known as Sayyidina ‘Umar Al-Faruq, due to his courage in upholding justice and eradicating oppression. This characteristic is associated with the ship’s previous name DAUNTLESS, underlines the qualities of bravery and courageousness, which are instrumental in carrying out the navy’s duties to Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala, the Monarchy dan in defending the nation’s maritime sovereignty.
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.
