A pair of ROC navy Chi Yang-class frigates was decommissioned May 1 in Kaohsiung port, bringing the curtain down on a 20-year service career protecting the territorial waters of Taiwan.
During a ceremony presided over by Adm. Lee Hsi-min, more than 300 officers and former crew members of the Chi Yang and Hai Yang gathered to witness the historic event.
“The two vessels connected the ROC navy to the rest of the world,” Lee said. “Their services have been instrumental in ensuring peace and national security, and are greatly appreciated by all members of society.”
According to the Ministry of National Defense, Chi Yang was built by Lockheed Ship Building and Drydock Co. in Seattle and began service as the USS Robert E Peary in 1972. The Knox-class frigate was transferred to the ROC Navy in 1992.
Hai Yang was constructed by Avondale Shipyard in Louisiana and commissioned in 1971. Formerly USS Cook, the high-performance anti-submarine vessel entered ROC navy service in 1999.
Since the two frigates commenced active duties, the MND said they have detected on numerous occasions submarines passing through waters of east Taiwan. The decision to retire them was taken as a result of increasing downtime for maintenance and repairs.
The MND said the pair will be mothballed, with parts cannibalized for use in the six other operational Chi Yang-class frigates. Some components such as anchors, engine order telegraphs and propellers may be mounted for public display at sites around Taiwan. (SFC-JSM)
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