Source:
BernamaJanuary 30, 2005 18:03 PMM'sian Navy Pioneer Submariners Begin Training In FranceFrom Openg OnnPARIS, Jan 30 (Bernama) -- A group of six Royal Malaysian Navy officers have started their training in Brest, a French naval base some 500km west of here, under a programme to prepare them as submariners following Malaysia's move to purchase two diesel-powered Scorpene submarines from France.
Malaysian Defence Attache in France Capt Musa Omar said the officers with the rank of lieutenants and lieutenant-commanders arrived here early this week and later proceeded to Brest for the training.
The officers were the first batch of 156 naval officers and personnel to be sent to France to undergo the four-year training programme, with the rest coming in two batches in March and October.
He said they would train with similar type submarines known as "AGOSTA" of the French navy to adapt themselves to Scorpene whose construction was slated for completion in 2008.
The navy officers and personnel forming Malaysia's pioneer submariners in the newly formed force under the Royal Malaysian Navy would bring home the underwater combat vessel when they are completed.
The two Scorpene submarines are being built at the Cherboug coastal town, some 300km north-west of here, by DCN Cherbourge Shipyard, a French contractor.
Malaysia sent a team of 19 senior naval officers and men, accompanied by their families, since two years ago to monitor and oversee the progress of the submarine construction after it signed the contract in June 2002.
The Submarine Force Project Team comprising all RMN units - executives, engineering (electrical and mechanical) and logistics -- is headed by First Admiral Datuk Kamal Darus.
Acquisition of the state-of-the-art submarines marked another milestone for the Malaysian Armed Forces, especially the navy, being in the forefront to safeguard the country's territorial waters.
-- BERNAMA
