The domestic island-circuit voyage training of 2024 by the Navy Midshipmen Cruising & Training Squadron will begin today. For two consecutive days (16th and 17th), it will berth at Keelung Port, and the general public is welcome to board the vessel. Across these two days, various booths featuring national defense matters will be set up, while a number of exciting naval exercises will be on display, helping the public witness the solid combat power of the Navy.
The opening ceremony of the visit to the Midshipmen Cruising & Training Squadron at Keelung Port was chaired by Rear Admiral Chang, Deputy Chief of General Staff of Naval Command Headquarters. Hsieh Kuo-liang, Mayor of Keelung, Legislator Lin Pei-siang, Chief Chang Yuan-siang, Department of Civil Affairs of the Keelung City Government, and other distinguished guests were invited to attend. The Keelung City Government also presented a token of its appreciation to the Midshipmen Cruising & Training Squadron and wished the mission success.
After the opening ceremony, the Drum Corps of the Navy Academy, Marine Honor Corps, and Marine Corps Chikwondo performed wonderful drills, drawing enthusiastic cheers and applause from spectators. The general public were also allowed to take photos with drill officers and soldiers as a show of solidarity of the military and civilians, helping to enhance the effectiveness of national defense.
This event attracted a large number of people from the northern region and tourists to Keelung. Since members of the public could board the naval warship, they were see the daily rigorous training of naval officers and soldiers for themselves. The introduction of officers on the vessel further allowed the public to appreciate the solid combat strength of the Navy.
The Squadron will visit other ports such as Magong, Taichung, and Anping, providing another opportunity for the Navy to communicate with the general public, and for the general public to further understand national defense matters and the importance of protecting the maritime borders of our country, and a rare chance to experience the bearing and demeanor of our Navy in person.