KOTA KINABALU: The Royal Malaysian Navy has appointed Vice Admiral Datuk Ahmad Shafirudin Abu Bakar as commander of the Eastern Fleet, taking over from Vice Adm Datuk Khir Junaidi Idris.
The change of command ceremony was officiated by Deputy Chief of the Navy, Vice Adm Datuk Badarudin Taha, at the Sepanggar naval base here on Tuesday (Oct 20).
The appointment makes Vice Adm Ahmad Shafirudin the seventh commander since the Eastern Fleet Headquarters was established in April 2017.
The ceremony was marked by a handover certificate, followed by presentation of the handover notes from Vice Adm Khir Junaidi to his successor.
This was followed by the removal of the command insignia by the Deputy Chief of Navy to be pinned on the new commander.
A ceremonial handover of binoculars was also held to symbolise the transfer of command and leadership responsibilities of the Eastern Fleet.
Vice Adm Ahmad Shafirudin, who hails from Kuala Kedah, has extensive experience in naval service after joining the Navy in 1989.
He previously served as assistant chief of staff (Development Planning and Strategy) at Navy headquarters.
