Taipei, May 1 (CNA) A new dock landing ship (LSD) leased from the United States by Taiwan is on its way to the island after completion of crew training, Navy Commander-in-Chief Adm. Lee Chieh said on Monday.
Lee made the announcement while reporting to President Lee Teng-hui on the ongoing programs to modernize the navy.
The president, who will step down on May 20, was on a tour of the armed forces to express his appreciation for the men and women in uniform for their loyal support during his 12-year tenure as head of state and supreme commander of the armed forces.
After being formally commissioned, the new Anchorage-class landing ship, with its high speed, heavy payload, and outstanding command and communication systems, is expected to team up with the Chungho-class tank landing ships to form a high-speed amphibious fleet to meet the navy's demand for a quick response force.
Most of Taiwan's landing ships have been in service for over 50 years and are now used as supply ships to transport military equipment to Taiwan-controlled offshore islands.
Of these aging vessels, the Chenghai-class ships were decommissioned last year, and the Chungcheng-class vessels will follow after the new landing ships are put into service.
The new ship, measuring 117.29 meters long and 25.6 meters wide, has a total displacement of 13,700 tons. With a top-speed of 22 knots, it has a range of 14,800 miles.
The admiral also said that during Lee's tenure, the navy has been able to acquire a total of 40 new vessels and 20 anti-submarine helicopters, which now form the backbone of the navy. (By Bear Lee)
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