KUANTAN, 1 June 2024 – His Royal Highness Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah Ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah, graciously attended the 66th Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) Anniversary Parade at Kuantan Air Base, Pahang.
His Royal Highness was received by the Air Force Chief, General Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Mohd Asghar Khan bin Goriman Khan RMAF and his wife, Puan Sri Datin Sri Bibi Nasratjahan binti Gulab Khan; Deputy Air Force Chief, Lieutenant General Datuk Seri Hj Muhamad Norazlan bin Aris RMAF and his wife, Datin Seri Wan Nor Sazlina binti Wan Abd Shukor; Air Operations Commander, Lieutenant General Datuk Mohd Shahada bin Ismail RMAF and his wife, Datin Dr Halina binti Haron; and Air Support Commander, Major General Masro bin Kaliwon RMAF and his wife, Puan Dewimastura binti Tumiran.
Also in attendance was Brigadier General Tengku Panglima Raja, Tengku Amir Nasser Ibrahim Shah Ibni Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah.
Today’s parade was an official ceremony involving eight Standards: the RMAF Regiment, Air Force College, No 6 Squadron, No 10 Squadron, No 12 Squadron, No 15 Squadron, No 18 Squadron, and No 20 Squadron, along with four guard squadrons.
The entire parade consisted of 23 Officers and 418 Other Ranks, led by Lieutenant Colonel Ahmad Zikri bin Azhar RMAF, Commanding Officer of No 14 Squadron. The parade was accompanied by a combined band from the RMAF Central Band, Air Force College, and Air Force Academy, under the leadership of Lieutenant Colonel Mohd Rizal bin Hj Mohd Nor RMAF.
His Royal Highness, as the Colonel-in-Chief of the RMAF, received the Royal Salute accompanied by a fly-past of three EC 725 AP helicopters carrying the Malaysian, MAF, and RMAF flags. This was followed by an inspection of the parade by His Royal Highness aboard a ceremonial vehicle.
The parade also featured fly-pasts by RMAF aircraft during the slow and fast marches, involving Sukhoi Su-30MKM fighters, F/A-18D Hornets, BAE Hawks, A400M and C-130H transport aircraft, EC 725 AP and AW 139 helicopters, and PC-7 MK II training aircraft.
His Royal Highness then delivered a Royal Address, expressing his support for the RMAF. “In my view, the force that always flies high in the skies is not only an air force but also a symbol of bravery, integrity, and dedication. Therefore, continue to fly high, carrying the banner of peace for the sovereignty of our land to remain firmly established in this blessed country.”
Following the parade, His Royal Highness attended the Royal Luncheon with former Air Force Chiefs, Defence Advisors, Embassy representatives, and RMAF personnel.
In conjunction with this year’s celebration, “Air Power, Shield of National Sovereignty” was chosen as the official theme for the 66th RMAF Anniversary. This theme highlights the significant strength and reflects the core principles and aspirations of the RMAF, which aims to remain a credible air force upholding national sovereignty. Air power is an indispensable element of national defence to ensure the continuity of heritage. The RMAF’s role as the main pillar in defending the nation’s airspace is symbolized as a shield protecting the nation’s prosperity.
Indeed, this grand parade will be etched in the history of the RMAF, made even more meaningful by the presence of His Royal Highness Sultan of Pahang at the 66th RMAF Anniversary Parade.
“Air Power, Shield of National Sovereignty.”