1,074 sailors, led by the deputy commander of
the First Air Defense Regiment Capt. Surasit Seankram, parade in honor
of fallen comrades.
Patcharapol Panrak
Coastal-defense forces of the Royal Thai Navy paraded for
superiors in an annual show of readiness in Sattahip.
Rear Adm. Ruechai Ruddit, head of the Air and Coastal Defense Command,
reviewed the nine battalions Dec. 9. Every chief and commander of every
regiment attended the event.
The formations showed the troops’ readiness for service and honored
sailors who gave their lives in defense of their country, as well as
those who sacrifice family time and happiness to serve in the country’s
three strife-ridden southern provinces.
The parade included 1,074 sailors, led by the deputy commander of the
First Air Defense Regiment Capt. Surasit Seankram. Following battalions
included air-defense regiments, the ACDC control center, support
regiment and defense training center.
Ruechai said the ACDC is the main combat force of the Royal Thai Navy
and is very strong, brave and loyal to the nation. Its missions are to
defend the country’s air space and water as well as be responsible for
the country’s well-being.
The unit also is charged with protecting visiting members of the royal
family, patrol border regions, search for drug smugglers, aid victims of
natural disasters, and protect the environment through replantations of
mangrove forests and operation of the Sea Turtle Conservation Center.
Ruechai said such service supports the ACDC’s slogan “guarding the sky,
protecting the coast.”
