Muscat - The close ties between the Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO) and UK's Royal Air Force (RAF), will continue 'for many years to come', according to Air Commodore Musallam al Zeidi, a senior official of RAFO.
Air Commodore Zeidi said, this in a statement issued as part of the opening of the exhibition celebrating RAFO's friendship with the RAF at Hendon Museum in the UK last week. "The (UK) Royal Air Force has contributed greatly to Oman through providing expertise and technical know-how to our personnel which have helped them to keep abreast with the latest technological advancements. The close cooperation has carved out a niche worldwide as a unique relation and will continue to be so for years to come."
The exhibition, curated with the support of the archives division of RAFO, tells its story and its links with RAF down the years. Formed in 1959 and manned by the Royal Air Force loan officers RAFO has since grown into one of the most capable air forces in the Middle East. Among the exhibits are details from the visit of Sultan Taimur bin Faisal to Hendon RAF base in 1928 as the guest of the British government, as well as the vital support offered by Oman to the UK during the World War II.
Ross Mahoney, aviation historian and exhibition curator said, "The RAF's relationship with RAFO is proof of the enduring importance of this shared set of values based on respect and friendship, which began with the latter's formation in 1959. It continues to this day and will do so into the future as well." The opening ceremony was attended by Air Vice Marshall Matar al Obaidani, commander of RAFO and Air Chief Marshall Sir Andy Pulford, chief of air Staff, RAF. The opening event included performances by Omani musicians and a display of cultural heritage like providing coffee and dates to guests. The exhibition will last for a year.
© Muscat Daily 2014
