Muara Naval Base

{{Short description|Naval base and headquarters of the Royal Brunei Navy}}

{{Infobox military installation

| name = Muara Naval Base

| map_type = Brunei

| native_name = Pangkalan Tentera Laut Muara
ڤڠكالن تنترا لاوت موارا

| location = Muara, Serasa, Brunei-Muara

| country = Brunei

| image = File:BN-muara-marine-2.jpg

| alt = Muara Naval Base

| caption = Muara Naval Base in 2013

| coordinates = {{Coord|05|01|56|N|115|04|54|E|region:BN-BM_type:landmark|display=title,inline|format=dms}}

| type = Naval base and headquarters

| ownership = Government of Brunei

| operator = {{Navy|Brunei|1974}}

| controlledby = Ministry of Defence

| condition = Operational

| website = [https://navy.mindef.gov.bn navy.mindef.gov.bn]

| built = {{Start date and age|1974|df=y}}

| used = 1974–present

| current_commander = Capt Mohamad Sarif Pudin (acting)

| garrison = Fleet of the Royal Brunei Navy

}}

Muara Naval Base ({{Langx|ms|Pangkalan Tentera Laut Muara}}) is a naval base which serves as the headquarters and main operating base for the Royal Brunei Navy (RBN; {{Lang|ms|Tentera Laut Diraja Brunei}}, TLDB).{{Cite web|url=https://mindef.gov.bn/SitePages/RB%20Navy%20Organisation.aspx|title=RB Navy organisation|website=MinDef.gov.bn|publisher=Royal Brunei Navy, Public Relations Unit, Ministry of Defence Brunei Darussalam|date=2015|access-date=5 January 2024}} It is situated approximately {{Convert|4|km|0|abbr=off|lk=on}} from Muara Town, Brunei-Muara District, in the sultanate of Brunei Darussalam.{{Cite web|title=Muara Naval Base – Muara Naval Base is the main headquarters of the Royal Brunei Navy, part of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF). It is located in Pekan Muara.|url=https://www.naval-technology.com/projects/muara-naval-base/|website=Naval-Technology.com|publisher=Naval Technology, Verdict Media Limited|date=26 January 2012|access-date=5 January 2024}}{{Cite book|author=Mohamed Deli bin Ahmad|date=1993|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zlXz6PfeVA8C&q=Muara+Naval+Base|title=Brunei-Muara District|publisher=Department of Information, Prime Minister's Office|pages=18|isbn= |via=Google Books}}{{Failed verification|date=January 2024}} The naval base is located near the mouth of the Brunei River, which flows into the Brunei Bay.{{Cite book|last1=Schwarz|first1=Jürgen|last2=Herrmann|first2=Wilfried A.|last3=Seller|first3=Hanns-Frank|date=2002|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Eu25AAAAIAAJ&q=Muara+Naval+Base|title=Maritime Strategies in Asia|publisher=White Lotus Press|pages=452|isbn=978-974-480-008-4|access-date=5 January 2024|via=Google Books}}

History

During World War II, then occupied Muara was previously used by the Japanese Navy as a naval base until the country was liberated by the Australian 9th Division.{{Cite book|last=Saunders|first=Graham|date=5 November 2013|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DUv8AQAAQBAJ&dq=Muara+Naval+Base&pg=PA123|title=A History of Brunei|publisher=Routledge|pages=123|isbn=978-1-136-87394-2|access-date=5 January 2024|via=Google Books}} The Boat Section of the Royal Brunei Malay Regiment (RBMR), specifically, the administration of First Sea Battalion, was relocated to its current location at Muara in 1974.{{Cite web|url=https://mindef.gov.bn/SitePages/RB%20Navy%20History.aspx|title=Royal Brunei Navy history|website=MinDef.gov.bn|location=Bolkiah Garrison|publisher=Royal Brunei Navy, Public Relations Unit, Ministry of Defence Brunei Darussalam|date=2015|access-date=5 January 2024}} Among many international visitors to the naval base, the United States Navy (USN) warship {{USS|Robert E. Peary|FF-1073}} was berthed at Muara Naval Base in 1989.{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Yt5RAQAAMAAJ&q=Muara+Naval+Base|title=Brunei Darussalam newsletter|publisher=Department of Information, Prime Minister's Office|pages=20|date=1989|via=Google Books}} In 1991, Brunei ordered three {{Sclass|Nakhoda Ragam|corvette}}s, which were planned to be based at the naval base.{{Cite book|editor-last1=Carpenter|editor-first1=William M.|editor-last2=Wiencek|editor-first2=David G.|date=2005|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lzyiDYow25gC&dq=Muara+Naval+Base&pg=PA64|title=Asian Security Handbook: terrorism and the new security environment|edition=3rd|publisher=M.E. Sharpe|pages=64|isbn=978-0-7656-1552-7|access-date=5 January 2024|via=Google Books}} However, due to a contractual dispute with their manufacturer, all three ships of the class were never commissioned into the navy.{{Cite news|title=Ships Monthly - September 2007 news|url=http://www.shipsmonthly.com/auto/newsdesk/20070710103927ships.html|website=ShipsMonthly.com|publisher=Ships Monthly, IPC Media Ltd.|date=10 August 2007|access-date=18 May 2022|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071221210705/http://www.shipsmonthly.com/auto/newsdesk/20070710103927ships.html|archive-date=21 December 2007}}

In 1997, the base's upgrade project costed B$140 million, in which it included the construction of a new {{Convert|314|m|0|abbr=off|lk=off}} long quay, shiplift, and renovation of its existing facilities. The project was carried out in order to facilitate the three new {{Sclass|Darussalam|offshore patrol vessel|3}}.{{Cite web|title=GHD Annual Review 2002 / 2003|url=http://www.ghd.com.au/aptrixpublishing.nsf/AttachmentsByTitle/Annual+Review+2002_03+PDF/$FILE/AR_02_03.pdf|website=GHD.com.au|publisher=GHD Pty Ltd|page=15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080809230828/http://www.ghd.com.au/aptrixpublishing.nsf/AttachmentsByTitle/Annual+Review+2002_03+PDF/$FILE/AR_02_03.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=9 August 2008}} Between 2007 and 2012, ammunition and explosive storage bunkers were constructed not far from the base, at Kampong Kapok.{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xCkEAau3IrQC&q=Muara+Naval+Base|title=Brunei Darussalam long-term development plan|date=2007|publisher=Government Print. Department, Prime Minister's Office, Brunei Darussalam|pages=208|via=Google Books}}

Another B$44.6 million project was started in July 2011, to provide new accommodation facilities for the base's personnel, workshops, technical buildings, and car parks.{{Cite web|title=BND44mil facility buildings handed to RBN|url=https://mindef.gov.bn/airforce/Lists/News_Test/DispForm.aspx?ID=19|website=MinDef.gov.bn|location=Muara|publisher=Royal Brunei Air Force, Public Relations Unit, Ministry of Defence Brunei Darussalam|date=31 October 2013|access-date=5 January 2024}} During BRIDEX 2011, the Royal Brunei Navy celebrated its 46th anniversary at the naval base (and jointly at the BRIDEX International Conference Centre),{{Cite web|title=Royal Brunei Navy celebrates 46th anniversary at International Defence Exhibition BRIDEX 2011|url=https://armyrecognition.com/bridex_2011_daily_news_actualites_pictures_video/royal_brunei_navy_celebrates_46th_anniversary_at_international_defence_exhibition_bridex_2011.html|website=ArmyRecognition.com|publisher=Army Recognition|date=8 July 2011|access-date=5 January 2024}} in which twenty-four warships from ten countries were invited to attend.

On 29 May 2013, as part of a state visit to Brunei, President of Singapore Tony Tan visited the Muara Naval Base.{{Cite web|title=Visit to Royal Brunei Navy headquarters at Muara Naval Base|url=https://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/photographs/record-details/ff56b0f5-b324-11e7-843a-0050568939ad|website=NAS.gov.sg|publisher=Ministry of Communications and Information Collection, courtesy of National Archives of Singapore|access-date=5 January 2024}} On 23 February 2014, a {{Convert|172|m|0|abbr=off}} long roll-on/roll-off (ro-ro) car carrier Trans Future 2 collided with {{Ship|KDB|Berkat}} and another {{Sclass|Ijtihad|patrol boat|1}} while in port.{{Cite web|last=Hancock|first=Paul|date=23 February 2014|title=Trans Future 2 – car carrier vs navy|url=https://shipwrecklog.com/log/tag/trans-future-2/|website=ShipwreckLog.com|publisher=Shipwreck Log|access-date=5 January 2024}}{{Cite web|title=Ro-Ro ship incident in the Muara Channel|url=http://www.mtic.gov.bn/Lists/News%20%20Press%20Release/NewItemDisplay.aspx?ID=206&ContentTypeId=0x0100D96C0410F8497A41ABB53106FFA4890D|website=MTIC.gov.bn|publisher=Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications|access-date=19 May 2022}}{{Dead link|date=January 2024}} Later in May, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah landed his Sikorsky S-70 at the naval base in which he visited the {{KDB|Afiat}} and witnessed a naval exercise.{{Cite news|author=Waleed PD Mahdini|date=4 May 2012|title=Sultan witnesses culmination of Hikmat Bersatu IV|url=http://www.sultanate.com/news_server/2012/4_may_3.html|website=Sultanate.com|publisher=Sultanate|agency=Borneo Bulletin|access-date=5 January 2024}} Later that year on 11 November, the 20th annual Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT Brunei 2014) between the United States and Brunei began at the naval base.{{Cite web|title=CARAT Brunei kicks off at Muara Naval Base in Brunei|url=https://www.navaltoday.com/2014/11/11/carat-brunei-kicks-off-at-muara-naval-base-in-brunei/|website=NavalToday.com|publisher=Naval Today, Navingo|date=11 November 2014|access-date=5 January 2024}}{{Cite book|editor-last=Singh|editor-first=Daljit|date=April 2015|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Ah1qDwAAQBAJ&dq=Muara+Naval+Base&pg=PT134|title=Southeast Asian Affairs 2015|location=Singapore|publisher=Institute of Southeast Asian Studies|isbn=978-981-4620-75-8|access-date=5 January 2024|via=Google Books}}

On 12 November 2018, the 24th annual CARAT began at the naval base, in which it involved several exercises in the South China Sea with {{Ship|USNS|Fall River|T-EPF-4}}.{{Cite web|author=Lt. Clyde Shavers|date=12 November 2018|title=CARAT exercise kicks off with US, Brunei Navy|url=https://www.c7f.navy.mil/Media/News/Display/Article/1688449/carat-exercise-kicks-off-with-us-brunei-navy/|website=C7F.Navy.mil|location=Muara, Brunei|publisher=Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet|access-date=5 January 2024}} The 25th annual CARAT was once again held at the naval base on 31 October 2019.{{Cite web|title=U.S., Royal Brunei Navy ships transit in formation during CARAT Brunei|url=https://www.pacom.mil/Media/News/News-Article-View/Article/2005124/us-royal-brunei-navy-ships-transit-in-formation-during-carat-brunei/|website=Pacom.mil|location=Muara, Brunei|publisher=U.S. Indo-Pacific Command|date=31 October 2019|access-date=5 January 2024}}

Units

Three naval divisions are based in the naval base:

Operation Division{{Cite book|author=|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zNayDwAAQBAJ&dq=Muara+Naval+Base&pg=PA100|title=Brunei Air Force handbook - strategic information and weapon systems|location=Washington DC, USA|publisher=International Business Publications, USA / Lulu.com|pages=180|isbn=978-1-4330-0429-2|oclc=946747582|via=Google Books}}{{Unreliable source?|sure=y|reason=Many statements in this publication are very different to the Royal Brunei Air Force official website, and are factually incorrect (it states RBAirF was founded in 1965, whereas the Government of Brunei states 1991 - a massive difference). Furthermore, this publication actually cites the English Wikipedia as its source!|date=October 2022}}
Administrative Division
Support Division

Facilities

There are several facilities located within the naval base:{{Cite web |title=HIS MAJESTY's VISIT TO ROYAL BRUNEI NAVY, MUARA NAVAL BASE |url=https://navy.mindef.gov.bn/Above%20the%20decks/Aman%20Samudera%20Edition%201%202020.pdf |access-date=2024-06-06 |website=navy.mindef.gov.bn |pages=4-7}}

Royal Brunei Navy Primary School
Royal Brunei Navy Mosque{{Cite web |title=RB Navy Organisation |url=https://www.mindef.gov.bn/SitePages/RB%20Navy%20Organisation.aspx |access-date=2024-06-06 |website=www.mindef.gov.bn}}
Multi National Coordination Centre (MNCC){{Cite web |date=2023-01-05 |title=HANDOVER CEREMONY OF THE MULTINATIONAL COORDINATION CENTER (MNCC) BUILDING BETWEEN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE AND THE PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE |url=https://www.mindef.gov.bn/Lists/News/DispForm.aspx?ID=5854 |access-date=2024-06-06 |website=www.mindef.gov.bn}}
Naval Training Centre (NTC){{Cite web |date=2024-02-14 |title=HANDING OVER CEREMONY FOR NEWLY ACTING COMMANDANT NAVAL TRAINING, NAVAL TRAINING CENTRE, ROYAL BRUNEI NAVY |url=https://navy.mindef.gov.bn/Site%20Pages/News%20Headline.aspx?cid=1467 |access-date=2024-06-06 |website=navy.mindef.gov.bn}}
Training Administration Office
War Training Room
Fire–Fighting Training Room
Learning Management Centre (LMC), operated by the Royal Brunei Training Services (RBTS)
Multi–Purpose Hall
Vanguard Logistic Store{{Cite web |last=Wan Mohamad Sahran Wan Ahmadi |last2=Saerah Haji Abdul Ghani |date=2019-09-30 |title=Tinjau perkembangan TLDB |url=https://www.pelitabrunei.gov.bn/Arkib%20Dokumen/2019/OKT/PelitaBrunei_021019.pdf |access-date=2024-06-06 |website=www.pelitabrunei.gov.bn |page=3 |language=ms}}
Surau Al-Huda{{Cite web |date=2016-12-12 |title=MINDEF AND RBAF SURAUS GET OFFICIAL NAMES |url=https://www.mindef.gov.bn/Berita%20Parajurit/Annual%20Issue%202016.pdf |access-date=2024-06-12 |website=www.mindef.gov.bn |page=35}}{{Cite web |date=2021-04-13 |title=OPENING CEREMONY OF TERAWIH PRAYERS DAN TEDARUS AL-QURAN IN THE HOLY MONTH OF RAMADHAN 1442H |url=https://navy.mindef.gov.bn/Lists/News%20Headlines/DispAnnouncement.aspx?ID=1000&Source=https://navy.mindef.gov.bn/Lists/News%2520Headlines/All%2520Announcements.aspx?Paged=TRUE&p_Publish_x0020_Date=20210419%252016%253A00%253A00&p_Sort_x0020_order=&p_ID=1002&PageFirstRow=721&&View=%257BE0EF3BE5-8529-4846-8A3C-95E5E68C99C4%257D&ContentTypeId=0x010400103FD76F1DC41943A293CF9D1F899C87 |access-date=2024-06-12 |website=navy.mindef.gov.bn}}

References

External links

[https://navy.mindef.gov.bn Navy.MinDef.gov.bn] — Royal Brunei Navy official website
[https://www.mms.com.bn Muara Maritime Services Sdn Bhd] — official engineering provider to the RBN at Muara Naval Base

Category:Royal Brunei Armed Forces bases

Category:Brunei–Muara District

Category:1974 establishments in Brunei

Category:Military units and formations established in 1974

Category:Ports and harbours of Brunei