ADMM Plus HADR & MM: Participating Nations Keep Pouring into Brunei

Participating nations in ADMM Plus HADR & MM multinational military exercise continue to arrive in Brunei via land, sea, and air.  The latest arrival list included countries like India, Japan, Malaysia, Myanmar, Republic of Singapore, Kingdom of Thailand, Russian Federation and the United States.

Incoming assets from Japan included the arrival of two C-130 transport aircraft comprising 28 crew members and 6 passengers. On board the transport aircraft were two vehicles carrying medical equipment and UH-1 aircraft equipment. Japan Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF) SHIRANE has also docked at the Muara Commercial Port, bringing with it Japan’s UH-1 ‘Huey’ helicopter.

Meanwhile, Malaysia’s assets have also arrived in Brunei Darussalam. KD Mahawangsa ship arrived by sea carrying crews, heavy equipment, heavy machineries, and vehicles, and via air  Malaysia’s S-61 Nuri helicopter arrived with its 15-member aircrew. Malaysia also deployed their vehicle convoy via land through Sungai Tujoh and Puni immigration posts.

In addition to Singapore’s assets such as the naval ship RSS ENDURANCE, four Super Puma helicopters have also arrived at the Rimba airbase.

Entourage from India has also arrived in the country using its naval asset the INS GHARIYAL, docked at the Muara Commercial Port. The ship transported 20 medical personnel, the Sea King helicopter with 16 Air Force personnel, three vehicles, ambulance, jeep and 2.5 ton truck.

Yesterday evening, delegations from Kingdom of Thailand and Russian Federation also arrived in the country via commercial flights.

In the midst of participants’ arrivals, an ice-breaking session was held on June 11 at the newly built Multi-National Coordination Centre (MNCC) in Muara. This was the first time for representatives from participating countries to gather at the MNCC since their arrival. Meanwhile, the Force Integration Training (FIT) has also been ongoing. It saw the involvement of participating nations in preparing for exercise scheduled for 17 – 20 June 2013. Today, the medical FIT symposium is scheduled to take place in Berakas Garrison, followed by a helicopter drill Search and Rescue (SAR) and familiarization activities at Rimba Airbase.

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Press Release, June 12, 2013; Image: Brunei Navy