07 July 2011

Brunei: Brunei International Fleet Review 2011

ROYAL BRUNEI NAVY, Monday 4 July 2011 - Royal Brunei Navy (RBN) will be hosting its inaugural Brunei International Fleet Review (BIFR) this July to commemorate the Golden Jubilee Anniversary of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces.   There are 22 ships from 13 countries that will be participating in the BIFR 2011, which include Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Philippines, Republic of Singapore, Thailand, Japan, India, Australia, New Zealand, People’s Republic of China, United States of America and Pakistan.  The BIFR will start from Monday, 4th July 2011 to Saturday, 9th July 2011.   Royal Brunei Navy being the host will present themselves with 6 ships.

Participating ships from the International countries are due to arrive on Monday, 4th July 2011.   The BIFR itself comprises of two main events; the Sail Pass and the City Parade.   The Sail Pass will be conducted at the coastal area in the vicinity of the BRIDEX Center in Jerudong.   This prestigious event will take place on Wednesday afternoon, 6th July 2011 and it will be grace by the His Majesty Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, Minister of Defence and Supreme Commander of Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF),.

On Thursday, 7th July 2011, all ships will be opened to visitors at the Royal Brunei Navy Jetty and Muara Commercial Wharf.   Completing the BIFR event is the City Parade by 1000 sailors of the participating ships at Taman Sir’ Omar Ali Saifuddien (SOAS), Bandar Seri Begawan.   The event is expected to commence at 0830 to 0930 in the morning.   The procession will march through Jalan Sultan and Jalan Pretty before ending at the waterfront.   The parade will be graced by His Royal Highness Prince General Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, General of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF).