Military might on display on Armed Forces Day

Muscat: The Royal Army of Oman (RAO) celebrated the Armed Forces Day yesterday, which falls on December 11 every year.
Minister of Awqaf and Religious Affairs Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Salmi presided over the celebration at the Shooting Ground of the Training Brigade of the Sultan’s Armed Forces (SAF).
The celebration started with the playing of the Royal Anthem. After the military salute to the chief guest, various activities, including para jumping by the Parachute Wing of the Royal Army of Oman took place.
The Sultan of Oman’s Armoured Cavalry unit also performed equestrian show and tent pegging.
Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Salmi, Minister of Awqaf and Religious Affairs conferred long service and good conduct medals to a number of RAO personnel in appreciation of their sincere efforts and loyalty in performing their national duty.
The event was attended by secretary general of the Ministry of Defence, Sultan’s Armed Forces Chief of Staff and a number of commandants of SAF Corps and other security apparatuses, undersecretaries and retired commandants, officers and RAO senior officers and personnel.
Sheikh Abdullah Al Salmi gave a statement in which he spoke about the sacrifices made by the Armed Forces and the Royal Care accorded to the SAF.
He also expressed his gratitude to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, along with his appreciation and thanks to the Armed Forces’ various formations and units.
Major general Matar bin Salim Al Balushi, Commander of the Royal Army of Oman (RAO) gave a speech in which described about the growth of SAF during the blessed era of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said.