King presents prestigious banner to air force squadrons

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah, the Supreme Commander of the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army (JAF), on Wednesday handed over the banner of "His Majesty the Supreme Commander" banner to three combat squadrons at the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Azraq. 

“The solemn flag handover military ceremony was held in appreciation of the heroic efforts of the members of the first, second and sixth squadrons at the airbase,” according to a Royal Court statement. 

The ceremony, which was attended by several Royal family members and high ranking officials and officers, comes as testimony of JAF's key role and commendable achievements in protecting and safeguarding the country, the statement said.  

The banner of the Supreme Commander, which was presented by His Majesty in person, is considered the most prestigious military honour granted to JAF’s combat squadrons, and is a show of appreciation of the bravery and sacrifices offfered by the pilots of these units and their role in defending the country, according to the statement. 

In the centre of the banner, whose base colour is maroon, lies an image of the Royal Crown lifted on two ears of wheat. On the top corner of the flag to the side of the wand appears the emblem of the honoured unit.

During the ceremony, which began and concluded with the national anthem, squadrons of F16 aircraft of the Royal Jordanian Air Force were flying above the location, with the Hashemite flag hanging from their wings.