Deputy Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) Brigadier General (U) Datuk Seri Pahlawan Mohd Sharif Datuk Paduka Ibrahim is conferred the prestigious Legion of Merit Award, presented by Commander of the US Pacific Air Forces General Kevin Schneider. - Photo: US EMBASSY BSB
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Deputy Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF), Brigadier General (U) Datuk Seri Pahlawan Mohd Sharif Datuk Paduka Ibrahim, has been conferred the prestigious Legion of Merit Award by the United States of America, recognising his exceptional contributions in strengthening defence ties between the two nations from August 2020 to January 2025.
Under Sharif’s leadership, the RBAF introduced its first unmanned aerial vehicle to bolster border surveillance, hosted the first-ever visits of US fifth-generation F-35 fighter jets, and enhanced Brunei’s capacity for regional humanitarian assistance and disaster relief through joint US-Brunei military exercises.
Ahead of the award ceremony, Sharif met with Commander of the US Pacific Air Forces General Kevin Schneider at the US Embassy.
Schneider presented the Legion of Merit medal in a ceremony attended by US Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Caryn R. McClelland, alongside officials from the Ministry of Defence and US Pacific Air Forces.
"Datuk Sharif’s visionary leadership has strengthened Brunei’s defence capabilities and elevated our armed forces partnership to new heights.
"The Legion of Merit recognises his exceptional contributions to regional security and the enduring friendship between our nations.
"As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, we remain committed to deepening our bilateral relationship with Brunei and advancing our shared vision for a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific," Schneider said during the ceremony.
Established in 1942, the Legion of Merit is among the highest military honours the US Armed Forces can award to a foreign officer, recognising exceptionally meritorious conduct and outstanding achievements in service. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
