Royal Air Force of Oman Marks Annual Day with Graduation Ceremony at Ghala Base

Muscat, The Gulf Observer: The Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO) celebrated its Annual Day on January 25, coinciding with the graduation of the Basic Officer Candidate Course and the Limited Service/University Graduate Officer Candidate Course.

The ceremony was held at the military parade grounds of Ghala Base and the Sultan Qaboos Air Academy under the patronage of HH Sayyid Dr. Kamil bin Fahd Al Said, Secretary General at the Secretariat General of the Council of Ministers.

On the occasion, RAFO staged a military parade showcasing the professionalism and skills of its personnel, reflecting the continued attention and support accorded to the force by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, the Supreme Commander.

Upon the arrival of the chief guest, the graduates rendered a military salute while the RAFO band played the Royal Anthem. HH Sayyid Dr. Kamil then inspected the front column of the graduating officers. This was followed by an infantry parade led by the Sultan Qaboos Air Academy’s standard, accompanied by military music as the column advanced in formation before the dais.

HH Sayyid Dr. Kamil awarded the Sword of Honour to Flying Lieutenant Al Farooq Hamad Al Jabri, who secured first place in the Basic Officer Candidates Course. Air Lieutenant Abdulrahman Nabhan Al Amri was also honored for achieving first place in the Limited Service and University Graduate Officer Candidate Course.

The ceremony included the formal handover of the Sultan Qaboos Air Academy’s standard from the graduating batch to the trainees currently undergoing instruction, who pledged to uphold the Academy’s values and traditions.

The graduating officers then recited the Royal Air Force of Oman anthem, took the oath of loyalty, and proclaimed their allegiance to His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik.

Aerial displays by RAFO fighter aircraft followed, demonstrating the force’s advanced capabilities in modernization, training, and operational readiness. The RAFO band later performed a selection of military compositions highlighting the ensemble’s musical excellence.

The event concluded with the formal dismissal of the graduates’ column from the parade ground.

The celebration was attended by members of the Royal Family, ministers, senior commanders of the Sultan’s Armed Forces and other military and security services, along with a number of invited guests.