The Royal Thai Navy honored retiring officers with processions on land and sea.
Navy Commander-In-Chief Adm. Narong Pipatanasai – who himself is retiring to become education minister in the Cabinet – presided over the Sept. 15 ceremony at the Air and Coastal Defense Command in Sattahip.
Nine battalions performed mixed maneuvers, including marching and motorized formations, to demonstrate the navy’s forces and weaponry.
Afterward, Naron and top navy officers flew via helicopter to the HTMS Chakri Naruebet aircraft carrier for the marine procession of 12 ships.
The Royal Thai Navy honored retiring officers, including Navy Commander-In-Chief Adm. Narong Pipatanasai – who is also retiring to become education minister in the Cabinet – with processions on land and sea.
Vice Adm. Ruengrit Boosongprasert reflected on his term as commander of the Sattahip Naval base, saying he worked hard to uphold the honor of the service while guiding the navy base through some difficult situations.
He said he tried to fulfill the navy’s combat strategies by ensuring budgets were used efficiently to supply and equip naval operations while also working in disaster zones to help residents and build a good image of the navy.
After reviewing the naval parade – which included HTMS Aangthong, Kraburi, Krabit, Tapee, Rattanakosin, Sukhothai, Klongyai, Bangrajan, Ladya, Matra, and patrol ships 994 and 113 – Narong was given a 19-gun salute from the HTMS Pinklao.
In his parting remarks, he said he was filled with emotion.
“This day will always remain in my memory,” the admiral said. “Through I am retiring, I hope the navy will continue with its planned strategies for development and progress.
“The Naval forces in Sattahip are a very important part and heavily involved with the Royal Thai Navy’s operations,” he said. “I would like to thank every one and I believe strongly that all officers will continue the responsibilities for the navy to remain strong and be a shoulder on which people can lean.”
