Nay Pyi Taw December 24
The Tatmadaw (Navy) founded on 24 December 1947 has reached its 72nd Anniversary. A ceremony to commission naval vessels into service in commemoration of the 72nd Anniversary of Tatmadaw (Navy) took place today at No.3 Naval Wharf in Yangon, attended and addressed by Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.
Also present at the ceremony were Daw Kyu Kyu Hla, wife of the Senior General, Union Minister for Defence Lt-Gen Sein Win and wife, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Admiral Tin Aung San and wife, Commander-in-Chief (Air) General Maung Maung Kyaw and wife, retired Commanders-in-Chief (Navy), retired Commanders-in-Chief (Air), retired senior military officers, senior military officers of the Office of the Commander-in-Chief, the commander of Yangon Command, commanders of Naval Commands, officers, other ranks and families of Tatmadaw (Navy) and war veterans.
First, Chief of Staff (Navy) Vice-Admiral Moe Aung explained the salient points of the naval vessels. Next, the Commander of Naval Shipyard Headquarters handed over the papers of the naval vessels to the commander of the Naval Fleet. Then, the Commander-in-Chief (Navy) presented the scale model of the vessels to Senior General Min Aung Hlaing as a gesture of honour in commemoration of the commissioning ceremony.
The different phases of ceremonial procession of the commissioning ceremony – the declaration of the commissioning of the naval vessels by the Chief of Staff (Navy), the raising of the State Flag, the Navy Flag and the commissioning flag, and the ringing of the bell for eight times – were held.
Afterwards, the Senior General and party inspected Naval Ship (Mottama), coastal area-going Transport Naval Ship (Myitkyina), 27-metre fast patrol boats, 26-metre sea-going tow/tug boats and 20-metre river-going patrol boats.
The Senior General took the salute of the Guard of Honour on the dais on board the Multi Purpose Support Vessel-MPSV. At that time, war ships Yan Taing Aung and Yan Gyi Aung gave a 19-gun salute to the Senior General. Then, the Senior General inspected the Guard of Honour. Later led by Frigate Aung Zeya, Frigate Kyan Sit Tha, Frigate Sinphyushin, corvettes Tabin Shwe Hti and Bayint Naung and fast-attack crafts saluted the Senior General in Single Line Formation.
Then, the Commander-in-Chief (Navy) presented the shell of the first fired gun salute to the Senior General as a commemorative gift.
The Senior General presented gifts of honour to the officers and other ranks of the ships that took part in the naval show and the commissioned ships through the officials. Then, certificates of honour and cash awards were presented to officers and other ranks who took part in building the commissioned ships through Commander of Naval Shipyard Headquaters Rear-Admiral Thant Zin Lay.
Giving an honorary speech, the Senior General said today is a historic day for the Tatmadaw (Navy). Naval vessels including one Multi Purpose Support Vessel-MPSV were put into operation. The Tatmadaw (Navy) must be built from an ordinary navy into a Blue Water Navy of international standard. Our naval shipyard could build various types of vessels including frigates. It is pride for the Navy that it could save expenses for the country. As the naval shipyard headquarters is continued to be upgraded, it will be able to build better equipped and more powerful military ships. He said he believes it will be able to build better military ships based on the experiences of previous military ships and warships. He praised the officers and other ranks of the naval shipyard headquartsers who have built ships as ship building calls for thorough and seamless cooperation between naval commanders and those with high skills of construction, and allows no error. He urged them to maintain the good traditions of the Navy and try to turn it to capable Navy that the country can rely on.
In the evening, the Senior General and party left from No. 3 Naval Wharf to Ayeyarwady Naval Base by military ship Yadanabon.
The Senior General and wife Daw Kyu Kyu Hla cut the cake to commemorate the 72nd Anniversary of the founding of the Navy. Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Admiral Tin Aung San presented anniversary commemorative badges to the Senior General, Commander-in-Chief (Air) General Maung Maung Kyaw, retired commanders-in-chief (Navy), retired commanders-in-chief (Air), and retired senior military officers.
The Senior General and wife officially opened the anniversary commemorative exhibition at Ayeyarwady Naval Base, signed to commemorate the anniversary and looked around the pavilions of respective naval bases. The Senior General then enjoyed the performance of naval band, and awarded cash.
Pavilions showcasing documentary photos, naval equipment, miniature vessels, book shop, consumer goods produced by Tatmadaw, local products, and Myanmar traditional snacks are on display at the anniversary exhibition of the Navy.
