'Gagah Samudera' boosts RMN's training capability

PELABUHAN KLANG: The capability of the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) in providing training and skills programmes to its personnel has been enhanced with the latest acquisition of the "Gagah Samudera" training ship.
RMN Planning and Development director Capt Ahmad Shafirudin Abu Bakar said the presence of the high-tech ship since March 1 this year had allowed various exercises, such as ship handling, radar and shooting training, to be implemented in a more efficient manner.
"All sorts of training being held on this ship are appropriate due to the modern technology available on board. In fact, RMN will acquire a more modern ship in the future," he told Bernama recently.
Ahmad Shafirudin said the ship, which can accommodate 45 crew and 60 trainees per voyage, is equipped with the Electro-Optic Fire Control System (for combat); Kelvin Hughes Sharp Eye (radar); sophisticated communications and navigational equipment; and close-range weapons.
Meanwhile, the ship's commanding officer Commander Mahamad Nazir Darus said about 300 personnnel were trained within six months of its operations.
Gagah Samudera is capable of operating non-stop up to 2,500 nautical miles at an optimum speed of 12 knots or 14 days at sea. — Bernama