MUSCAT: The Royal Air Force of Oman (Rafo) and the Royal Army of Oman (RAO) marked the Sultan's Armed Forces Day on December 11 with grand celebrations in Muscat, showcasing their strength, skill, and modernisation under the leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, the Supreme Commander.
At the Rafo's ceremony held at Seeb Air Base, the event began with a military salute to Shaikh Ghosn bin Hilal al Alawi, Chairman of the State Financial and Administrative Audit Institution, the patron of the occasion.
The Royal Air Force band played the Royal Anthem, followed by a silent infantry parade and a musical performance featuring various musical pieces. The highlight of the celebration was a parachute display by Rafo’s freefall team, a flyover by a helicopter carrying the Sultanate of Oman's flag, and a series of fighter jets performing in the sky.
The event demonstrated the high capabilities and skills of the Rafo, along with the ongoing development of modern equipment, advanced technologies, and systems. After the ceremony, the chief guest and the attendees toured exhibitions showcasing advanced aircraft, weapons, and equipment that reflect the Rafo's role in supporting national defence.
Meanwhile, the Royal Army of Oman celebrated the occasion in Muscat Governorate, under the auspices of Qais bin Mohammed al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion.
The Royal Army Music Band performed the Royal Anthem, followed by a military parade, a rapid attack demonstration by mechanised infantry, and horsemanship displays by the Sultan of Oman’s Armoured Cavalry. The event also featured a paragliding show and a free-fall parachute performance by the Royal Army’s free-fall team.
The celebration concluded with a review of modern military vehicles and equipment, and the presentation of the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal by the Minister to members of the Royal Army of Oman in recognition of their dedication to national service.
Both events were attended by leaders of the Sultan's Armed Forces, retired commanders, senior officers, dignitaries, and students, celebrating the dedication and achievements of Oman’s military forces.
Meanwhile, the 11th Infantry Brigade and the Firaq Forces at the Royal Army of Oman (RAO) also marked the Sultan’s Armed Forces (SAF) Day, which falls on December 11 in the Wilayat of Salalah.
A ceremony marking this occasion was held at the military parade ground of Ngour Sahalnoot Camp in the Dhofar Governorate under the auspices of Maj Gen Sulaiman bin Khalid al Zakwani, Secretary-General of the Military Affairs at the Royal Office.
During the ceremony, the chief guest pinned long-service and good conduct medals on some officers and personnel of the 11th Infantry Brigade and Firaq Forces in appreciation for their sincere efforts and dedication in carrying out the sacred national duty. — ONA
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