The “Forward-looking Development Plan for the Construction of Coast Guard Ships” is a key shipbuilding project of the Coast Guard Administration to promote the domestic production of domestic ships. Among them, the “Su’ao Ship” is the tenth 600-ton Anping-class frigate built by Chinatrust Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. On October 2, 2015, the ship was handed over to the Northern Mobile Coast Guard Squadron of the Coast Guard Administration’s Fleet Branch by the Chairperson of the Ocean Affairs Council, Guan Biling. The ship was officially assigned to the Northern Mobile Coast Guard Squadron of the Coast Guard Administration’s Fleet Branch. Captain Chen Qingchang personally led the Su’ao Ship from Kaohsiung Port to the Taipei Port Coast Guard Base at 8 am on the 3rd, officially joining the Coast Guard’s strong duty fleet.
In order to pray for the smooth execution of the new Su’ao Ship’s service and the safety of the crew and ship, a blessing ceremony for the Su’ao Ship was held at the Taipei Port Coast Guard Base at 3 pm yesterday (8th). The ceremony was presided over by Liao Decheng, a Coast Guard Commissioner of the Coast Guard Administration, and the Changkeng Elementary School Lion Dance Team was invited to kick off the ceremony, symbolizing the exorcism of evil spirits and the blessing of blessings, praying for the safe voyage and smooth mission of the colleagues on board.
The Su’ao ship is equipped with four MTU high-speed main engines, capable of reaching speeds exceeding 40 knots. It is also equipped with a high-pressure water cannon with a range of 120 meters. Its armament includes a Zhenhai rocket weapon system and a 20-gun remote-controlled turret. This allows it to not only perform firefighting and enhance fishery protection at sea, but can also be loaded with Hsiung Feng missiles for maximum offensive and defensive effectiveness in peacetime and wartime transitions.
The blessing ceremony also invited distinguished guests, including Chairman Zhu of the Fleet Branch of the Friends of the Coast Guard Association, representatives from the Fisheries Association, the Port Authority, and the Port Police, to pray for safe and successful Coast Guard missions.
This ceremony symbolizes that the ship is not only a guardian of the nation’s seas but also an extension of the unwavering faith and responsibility of every Coast Guard officer. During this ceremony, filled with blessings and gratitude, the distinguished guests truly felt the support and encouragement from the participating organizations for the Coast Guard officers’ long-term dedication to their posts. This heartwarming gesture represents the deep appreciation of society for the selfless dedication of Coast Guard officers. Furthermore, to enhance public understanding of Coast Guard duties, a special ship operation simulation classroom was opened that day, allowing attendees to experience the piloting of a Coast Guard vessel and witness the bravery and professionalism of Coast Guard personnel in daily maritime operations and responding to emergencies.
The addition of the Su’ao vessel to the Coast Guard represents “additional combat power and a secure maritime border.” We hope for continued support from all sectors, allowing the Coast Guard Administration to continue shouldering its heavy responsibility as the “guardian of the maritime homeland,” ensuring the stability of Taiwan’s surrounding waters and the well-being of its people.