IPOH, Dec 3: The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) warship, KD Hang Tuah, was officially decommissioned today after almost 50 years of service in a ceremony held at the Lumut RMN Base near here.
Since being commissioned into service on July 22, 1977, KD Hang Tuah has played an active role as RMN’s frontline combat ship, the Western Fleet Command Headquarters in Lumut said in a statement.
The ceremony was officiated by the Commander of the Western Fleet, Vice Admiral Datuk Baharudin Wan Md Nor.
KD Hang Tuah, named after Laksamana Hang Tuah, a noted national historical figure, is 103.5 metres long, 12.02 metres wide and has a target weight of 2,300 tonnes.
“In line with the prominent name given to the vessel, it 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,” RMN said.
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,” RMN said.
The decommissioning of KD Hang Tuah is also part of the RMN’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.
Built by Yarrow Shipbuilders at Scotstoun Yard in Glasgow, it was 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, had sailed 313,784.95 nautical miles.
Apart from operational duties, KD Hang Tuah had also regularly participated in domestic and international exercises such as Malindo Jaya, Emas Hitam, Milan, Kakadu and Bersama Lima.
— BERNAMA