His Majesty 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, on Friday attended the Closing Ceremony of Basic Parachute Course 1317 and presentation ceremony of the parachutist badge “British Military Parachute Wings” for His Royal Highness 920 Major (U) Prince ‘Abdul Mateen, which was held at the Royal Air Force (RAF) Brize Norton, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom.
The arrival of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam at the RAF Brize Norton Officers’ Mess was welcomed by Air Vice Marshall Suraya Marshall, Air Officer Commanding 2 Group and Group Captain Gareth Burdett, Commander Air Wing, in which His Majesty was then introduced to Executive Officers of the RAF Brize Norton.
At the RAF Brize Norton, His Majesty, among other things, witnessed a parachute display performance by the RAF Falcons team and was briefed by Sergeant Lane Miller, Course Senior Non-Commissioned Officer / Lead Instructor on the United Kingdom’s parachute capability as well as presentations of the equipment capability including Low Altitude Parachute, High Altitude Parachute, Synthetic Training and Basic Parachute Course video.
His Majesty then presented the “British Military Parachute Wings” badge to His Royal Highness 920 Major (U) Prince ‘Abdul Mateen, who had successfully completed the Basic Parachute Course 1317.
During the course, His Royal Highness, among other things, learned military parachutting techniques from a number of instructors of the Royal Air Force, leading to His Royal Highness’ successful parachute jumps at a height of 1,000 feet.
In addition, participants had also undergone trainings at the Parachute Training Squadron Hangar and The course is based on a written and practical assessment before any live parachuting takes place.
The Airborne Delivery Wing – which is based at RAF Brize Norton, Carterton, Oxfordshire – is a Royal Air Force training unit that provides parachute training to the British Armed Forces.
Meanwhile, the Parachute Training Squadron which was established in 1940, is the biggest squadron in the Airborne Delivery Wing, which trains troops on their first parachuting activity as well as conducts continuation training to Specialist Training Units.
*Departure from London, United Kingdom*
His Majesty 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, today left London, United Kingdom.
Prior to departure, a Doa Selamat was recited by Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr.) Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned, the State Mufti.
Present at Heathrow International Airport to bid farewell to His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam were Second Minister of Foreign Affairs Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Haji Erywan Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Haji Mohd Yusof, and High Commissioner of Brunei Darussalam to the United Kingdom and Eire His Excellency First Admiral (Retired) Pengiran Dato Seri Pahlawan Norazmi Pengiran Haji Muhammad,
Whilst in London, His Majesty attended His Majesty King Charles III Reception and the State Funeral for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away on 8 September 2022.
His Majesty then attended the presentation ceremony of the “British Military
Parachute Wings” badge to His Royal Highness 920 Major (U) Prince Abdul Mateen, who had undergone the Basic Parachute Course 1317 at Airborne Delivery Wing, RAF Brize Norton.
THE BRUNEIAN | BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
