A “friendship flotilla” is to call at the Port of Hualien to allow public tours before heading for the Pacific, the navy said on Friday, following discussions with the Hualien County Government.
The flotilla — which visits the nation’s diplomatic allies and friends — would be setting sail for the first time after the COVID-19 pandemic caused a three-year hiatus on the visits, said Colonel Ma Ke-ping (馬克平), commander of the Suao Logistics Command.
The voyage would also serve as training for the graduating class of naval cadets, he said.
Photo: CNA
The flotilla would anchor in Hualien on March 26 and 27.
Members of the public would be allowed to visit one of the ships in the flotilla, Ma said, adding that the visits are part of the navy’s recruitment drive.
The county is grateful for the navy’s efforts to protect the nation, Hualien County Commissioner Hsu Chen-wei (徐榛蔚) said.
The visit would deepen the public’s understanding and appreciation of the nation’s armed forces, she added.
Several Hualien-based public and private high schools have made arrangements for their students to visit the flotilla after discussing the matter with Ma and Hsu, the navy said.
National Hualien Girls’ Senior High School, National Hualien Senior High School, National Vocational School and National Hualien Industrial Vocational High School are among the institutions cooperating with the navy, it said.
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