The Sultanate of Oman celebrated Wednesday the Sultan’s Armed Forces Day (SAF Day). This auspicious occasion, which commemorates the historical national achievements made by the Sultan’s Armed Forces (SAF), has been celebrated every year since 1975.

The 11th of December, considered a glorious day in Omani military history, has illuminated Oman’s path of peace and security, marking a comprehensive launch of the country’s development process.

On this occasion, the SAF Corps organized a number of events that embody the march of modernization in various fields.

The events reflect various aspects of progress and prosperity in Oman, as well as the great attention accorded to the SAF by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, the Supreme Commander, Oman News Agency (ONA) reported.

For its part, the Royal Army of Oman (RAO) also celebrated the Sultan’s Armed Forces Day. The ceremony was held in the Governorate of Muscat under the auspices of Qais Mohammed Al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion.

The event began with a military salute to the chief guest. The RAO band played the Royal Anthem, followed by episodes of the celebration. The Chief Guest and attendees saw examples of training exercises, military shows and various field skills that demonstrated competence and skill mastered by members of the RAO.

The attendees also watched an equestrian show and a tent-pegging show performed by the Sultan of Oman’s Armored Cavalry, followed by a free-fall show performed by a team from the Sultan of Oman’s Parachutes regiment.

Within the context of marking the SAF Day, the Chief Guest felicitated members of the RAO and distributed medals of Long Excellent Service and Good Conduct (photo).

The ceremony was attended by some Commanders of the SAF and other military and security services, SAF Veteran Commanders, SAF Senior Officers, other military and security units, Senior Retired Officers and SAF personnel.

Meantime, His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, the Supreme Commander, conferred medals of Excellent Service and Royal Commendation on a number of Officers, non-commissioned Officers (NCOs) and personnel of the Sultan’s Armed Forces (SAF) and other departments of the Ministry of Defence and the Royal Guard of Oman (RGO).

The ceremony was held under the auspices of HH Sayyid Shihab bin Tarik Al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs at Al Murtafaa Garrison.

HH Sayyid Shihab pinned the Medal of Excellent Service and the Medal of Royal Commendation on the honoured Officers, NCOs, military and civil personnel of the SAF and the RGO, in appreciation for their dedication and sincerity in serving the homeland and performing their sacred national duty.

HH Sayyid Shihab congratulated the recipients of the Royal medals. He praised them for their outstanding efforts and urged them to keep up the good performance under the wise leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, the Supreme Commander.

The ceremony was attended by Dr. Mohammed Nasser Al Zaabi, Secretary General at the Ministry of Defence, Vice Admiral Abdullah Khamis Al Raisi, Chief of Staff of the Sultan’s Armed Forces, Major General Mattar Salim Al Balushi, Commander of the Royal Army of Oman, Air Vice Marshal Khamis Hammad Al Ghafri, Commander of the Royal Air Force of Oman and Rear Admiral Saif Nasser Al Rahbi, Commander of the Royal Navy of Oman.