IPOH: The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) warship KD Hang Tuah was officially decommissioned in a ceremony held at Lumut RMN Base on Wednesday (Dec 3).
The Strategic Communications Division of the Western Fleet Command Headquarters, Lumut, in a statement announced that the symbolic ceremony was officiated by the Commander of the Western Fleet, Vice Admiral Datuk Baharudin Wan Md Nor.
The ceremony marked the end of the service of a warship that had served RMN for almost five decades.
According to the statement, since being commissioned into His Majesty's service on July 22, 1977, KD Hang Tuah has played an active role as Navy's frontline combat ship.
"In line with the big name given, this ship was often assigned to lead various operational tasks to preserve the sovereignty and maritime interests of the country which at that time was still new and faced various forms of threats to its existence.
"However, this role was gradually taken over by other warships that were more modern and capable, and starting in the 80s, KD Hang Tuah focused more on being a training platform for RMN personnel," according to the statement.
The statement informed that the decommissioning ceremony took place in a solemn atmosphere with the presence of previous crews and former Commanding Officers who had held the reins of KD Hang Tuah.
"The atmosphere became more silent and touching when the bell of the ship rang out and the maces were lowered, each recalling memories and historic moments while serving on this ship.
"This moment is not just the end of a service, but also the closing of an era that has shaped the identity of the country's navy through the transition from small coastal vessels to the ability to operate on the high seas," the statement said.
The statement informed that the decommissioning of KD Hang Tuah is also part of the Navy's ongoing efforts to modernise its Fleet in line with the aspirations of the fifth Transformation Programme 15.
The programme aims to enhance RMN's capabilities in line with technological developments and changes in the defence landscape at optimum cost and to provide higher returns to the country.
KD Hang Tuah, named after a warrior figure in the history of Malaya, Laksamana Hang Tuah, is 103.5 metres long, 12.02 metres wide and has a target weight of 2300 tonnes and is capable of travelling at a maximum speed of 24 knots.
Since its maiden voyage from Portsmouth with 163 crew members, the ship, which was the backbone of the country's maritime defence from the 1970s to the 1990s, has sailed 313,784.95 nautical miles.
Apart from operational duties, KD Hang Tuah also regularly participates in domestic and international exercises such as Malindo Jaya, Emas Hitam, Milan, Kakadu and Bersama Lima. - Bernama
