Bahrain Defense Force (BDF) Commander-in-Chief Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al-Khalifa patronized the graduation of Royal Bahrain Air Force (RBAF) officer pilots who completed a number of courses. 

He was received on arrival at the ceremony venue by BDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant-General Dheyab bin Saqr Al-Nuaimi, RBAF Commander Air Vice-marshal Shaikh Hamad bin Abdulla Al-Khalifa and other senior officers, Bahrain News Agency (BNA) reported.

RBAF Commander addressed the ceremony, thanking the BDF Chief for patronizing the graduation ceremony and hailing his support which was a catalyst to enhance the combat readiness and training of the Royal Bahrain Air Force.

He commended the BDF Chief’s strategic planning, directives and constant follow-up to form competent Bahraini cadres in all divisions, by sending them to attend courses at military colleges after their graduation, pointing out that Bahrain had spent a lot on this advanced program.

He hailed the signing of contracts to buy the advanced F-16 Block 70 Fighting Falcons and the AH-1Z attack helicopters, in addition to C-130 Hercules which became operational as part of Royal Bahrain Air Force. He extended thanks to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa, the Supreme Commander, as well as the BDF Chief for their keenness on upgrading the Royal Bahrain Air Force. He also congratulated the BDF Chief on the successful parliamentary and municipal elections.

The BDF Commander-in-Chief then distributed certificates to the graduates, awarding the top-achievers.