Taiwan (ROC) navy “Fleet of Friendship” is visiting Palau this week from the 17th to the 19th of April, 2023. This would be the Fleet’s 16th goodwill mission visit to the Republic of Palau.
The Fleet, consisting of Flagship Pan-Shi, Frigate Cheng-Der, and Frigate Pan-Chao, conducting “Midshipmen Cruising and Training Squadron” called in at the Malakal port on Monday, April 17, 2023.
A welcoming ceremony for the Fleet was held jointly by H.E. Surangel S. Whipps, Jr., President of the Republic of Palau, and H.E. Jessica Chienyi Lee, Ambassador of the ROC (Taiwan), at the port.
The ROC Navy Marching Band and Color/honor Guards’ drills and Marine Corps martial arts performances will be showcased at the Asahi Stadium today, April 18, at 2:30 pm. The performances are said to be both powerful and disciplined. These performances are only carried out at national celebrations, military ceremonies, and official parades. It is admission-free to the general public, and everyone is invited to come and enjoy the shows.
The general public will also be able to tour the Frigate Cheng-Der patrol ship. The open house time is scheduled on April 18 from 09:00 to 15:30. Passport holders of Palau and ROC Taiwan are required to show photo ID upon arrival at the Malakal Port, whereas other foreign nationals are required to register by emailing the Taiwan Embassy by 17 April at: roc.palau@gmail.com.
The Fleet comprises about 800 Navy officers, soldiers, and cadets from Taiwan’s Naval Academy. Graduating cadets sail aboard the Fleet of Friendship each year for shipboard training. During the long voyage, future naval officers are given opportunities to practice their combat skills and tactics and to enrich their navigation experiences.
In recent years, Taiwan’s Fleet of Friendship has sailed to South East Asia, the Pacific islands, the Middle East, Africa, Central America, and other parts of the world.
Since 2016, several Palauan youths have graduated from the Naval Academy of Taiwan. Their performances as cadets at the Academy have been applauded by their teachers and peers. Some of them will join the reception of the Fleet of Friendship.
This connection between Taiwan and Palau has strengthened the ties of brotherhood between our two countries.
The fleet will set sail from Malakal Port for its next destination after a flag-hoisting ceremony on the morning of April 19, 2023.