Director of Crime and Security (D C&S) Lo Mung-hung took the salute as Reviewing Officer at the passing-out parade of 170 members of the Police Tactical Unit (PTU) Yankee Company on March 2.

The following is the translation of Mr Lo's address to the Company.

"It is my great honour to be the Reviewing Officer of your passing-out parade today, witnessing your completion of strenuous training and sharing the joy of your graduation.

PTU officers started wearing blue berets in 1969. Since then the 'Blue Berets' have been playing an important role in internal security and anti-crime operations. They are always stern and invincible in their missions.

On May 10, 1996, a riot broke out in the Whitehead Vietnamese Refugee Camp. Some staff members of the Correctional Services Department were taken hostage, and the responding Emergency Unit crew was besieged. All PTU Companies in the Territory were called out. The Yankee Company, which was still under training, was the first Company arriving at the scene. Together with their instructors the Company effectively contained the situation before reinforcement arrived. It was very similar to what you faced in Mong Kok on February 9. Meeting you today indeed casts my mind back to that episode, because I was the Commander of that Yankee Company.

I put on my blue beret at your passing-out parade today to show my particular bond and passion with PTU. I had been a Company Commander, the Training Officer and subsequently the Commandant, and I had fought side by side with my instructors and Companies for difficult missions. These three periods are certainly the most unforgettable days in my 36-year police career.

In that difficult situation on February 9, you the Yankee Company had not only demonstrated the strong combating power but also your Company motto 'Be United and Set Example'. Take a look at your partners now standing next to you. On that day they fought shoulder-to-shoulder with you in the very trying and hostile scene. Without one single question they took the risk to shield you when you were under attack, because they knew that you would do the same for them if they were in danger.

You will never be alone in the battlefield, because these 169 good brothers are always by your side. For every mission we set off with 170 officers, and we come home with 170; no one will be short, and no one can be short. This is 'Be United', and this is the spirit of 'Blue Berets' that we have been proud of in the past 58 years.

Your instructors trained you the esprit-de-corps in various methods, but I believe that no form of training can come close to the experience in the field. You are no longer 170 individuals but undoubtedly one 'Blue Berets' Company after this battle. I am certain that all your colleagues, families and friends present here today are so proud of you. With perseverance and the invincible spirit of the 'Blue Berets', you will overcome whatever difficulties and challenges in front of you.

Finally, I want to congratulate you all of the Yankee Company. I wish you all work well in your Regional Attachment, setting off in good turnout every shift and coming home safe. Thank you."