Speaking at the function, Prince Salman said he was happy to understand that the armed forces across the Kingdom are vigilant and maintain their high sense of responsibility to serve the country and religion.
“I am very happy over what I have witnessed here today,” the minister said, referring to the combat readiness of the armed forces.
“This country is safe in the hands of its people with the support of God,” he said while addressing armed forces at the grounds of the 4th King Khaled Brigade in Khamis Mushayt.
The function was attended by Asir Gov. Prince Faisal bin Khaled, Chief of Staff Gen. Hussein Al-Qubail, and Southern Province Commander Maj. Gen. Abdullah Al-Amri. Prince Salman also watched an air show involving the land forces’ planes.
Addressing the parade, Al-Amri said the armed forces in the region were happy to receive Prince Salman, who is visiting the region for the first time after his appointment as defense minister.
He noted Prince Salman’s efforts to strengthen the armed forces by acquiring the most modern weaponry and providing them with intensive training.
He commended the efforts made by the late Prince Sultan, former defense minister, in the development of the Kingdom’s armed forces by establishing giant military facilities across the country.
The commander also noted the Kingdom’s peace, security and stability under the leadership of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, supreme commander of the armed forces. He reiterated the armed forces’ allegiance to the Saudi leadership.
Prince Salman also visited the fourth air defense brigade in Khamis Mushayt where he met with Maj. Gen. Hashim Al-Khamaali, commander of the brigade, who briefed the prince on the development of the brigade as well as its training and maintenance to enhance its preparedness.
Prince Salman later inspected a military show and watched a number of equipment and weapons. He expressed his satisfaction over what has seen at the brigade. “I am extremely pleased by the high morale of the brigade, their discipline and their readiness to sacrifice their lives for the Kingdom,” he said.
The minister also visited King Khaled Airbase in Abha where he was greeted by Maj. Gen. Muhammad Al-Otaibi, commander of the base. The prince later laid the foundation for a big mosque in the base, a water treatment plant and an aviation medicine clinic. He also opened a runway for warplanes and a helipad in Jabal Al-Sahen. Later he opened the barracks for officers. He also met with aviation crew and technicians and inspected F-15 fighters and Cougar helicopters.
