Muscat: HH Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham Al Said, Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth, presided over the annual celebration of the Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO) today, which is held on January 25 each year. The event also marked the graduation of officer cadets, limited service officer cadets, and university officers who successfully completed their training programs. The ceremony took place at the military parade grounds at Ghala Base and the Sultan Qaboos Air Academy.
During this significant event, the RAFO showcased a military parade that highlighted the proficiency of its personnel and underscored the commitment of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, the Supreme Commander, to the RAFO.
Upon HH Sayyid Theyazin's arrival at the celebration venue, the graduates rendered a military salute, and the RAFO band performed the Royal Anthem. Following this, HH Sayyid Theyazin conducted an inspection of the front column of graduates.
Subsequently, the front column of graduates executed an infantry parade, led by the banner of the Sultan Qaboos Air Academy, as they marched past the dais accompanied by military music from the bands. The column then continued forward in parade formation.
HH Sayyid Theyazin presented the Sword of Honour to Flying Lieutenant Al Waleed Khalid Al Maamari, who achieved first place in the Basic Officer Candidates Course. Additionally, Air Lieutenant Yaqoub Khalfan Al Riyami was recognized for securing first place among the Limited Service and University Officer Recruits.
The ceremony concluded with the handover of the Sultan Qaboos Air Academy’s banner from the graduating class to the current training batch, whose members pledged to uphold the Academy’s banner with pride.
The graduating officers then recited the anthem of the Royal Air Force of Oman, took their loyalty oath, pledged their allegiance, and declared three times: “Long live His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, the Supreme Commander.”
Subsequently, several fighter aircraft from the Royal Air Force of Oman conducted an aerial display over the celebration square, showcasing RAFO’s advanced modernization, armament, training, and personnel capabilities. This impressive exhibition highlighted the significant support provided to the RAFO by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, the Supreme Commander. Following this, the RAFO band performed the Royal Anthem.
Afterward, the commander of the graduates’ column sought permission from HH Sayyid Theyazin to conclude the ceremony. The graduates then exited the parade ground, passing in front of the dais. The RAFO Band played a selection of military tunes, demonstrating the exceptional musical talent of its members and the modern instruments at their disposal.
During the annual celebration of RAFO and the graduation of officer candidates, HH Sayyid Theyazin took a commemorative photograph with the graduates.
