Reunion for former navy officers
NEARLY five decades ago, a group of 35 navy cadets reported for training in Port Dickson, Negri Sembilan.

The six-month programme, during which they underwent basic naval and military training, marked the start of a lifelong friendship.

They also trained in Singapore for a year before being deployed to the United States for an assignment.

They later returned to Singapore and then Malaysia before being absorbed into several departments in the navy.

They were the 16th intake of the Royal Malaysian Navy Short Service Commission Officers (RMNSSC16) who served from 1975 to 1978.

A reunion lunch held recently at KD Sri Gombak in Kampung Datuk Keramat, Kuala Lumpur, was attended by 18 of the former navy officers and their spouses.

Also in attendance were their former training officers.

At the event, there was a slideshow of photos from their training days.

They also paid tribute to former comrades who had passed on.

Organising committee chairman Vice Admiral (R) Datuk Nasaruddin Othman said the reunion was to commemorate good memories.

“The training we received helped us grow into better people, both as navy officers and in our personal lives.

“We should also thank the training officers, whose hard work inspired us to endure the challenges of training,” he said.

Nasaruddin thanked his former comrades, some of whom came from outside of the Klang Valley for the reunion.

Another former navy officer from RMNSSC16, Rear Admiral (R) Karunanithi Munusamy, said the vigorous training instilled discipline and camaraderie among the cadets.

“During this period, we were all made to look the same. We had the same haircut, clothing and equipment.

“It was tough, but it was meant to instil in us the idea that together we are one team,” he recalled fondly.
NEARLY five decades ago, a group of 35 navy cadets reported for training in Port Dickson, Negri Sembilan.