NAY PYI TAW December 24
With the aim of fully protecting the maritime interest of the State and exclusive economic zone of Myanmar, the commissioning of warships was held at the 77th Anniversary of Tatmadaw (Navy) of Republic of Union of Myanmar at the No 3 naval jetty in Yangon, attended by Chairman of State Administration Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.
Also present at the ceremony together with the Senior General were retired commanders-inchief (navy) and wives, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Admiral Htein Win and wife, Commanderin- Chief (Air) General Tun Aung and wife, union level officials and wives, union ministers and wives, the Yangon Region Chief Minister and wife, senior military officers from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief and wives, the Yangon Command commander, the commander of naval command HQ, naval base commanders, war veterans, officers, other ranks and families of Tatmadaw (Navy) and honoured guests.
According to the agenda, Chief of Staff (Navy) Vice-Admiral Aye Min Htwe explained the salient points of naval vessels to be commissioned.
The commandant of Naval Shipyards presented papers related to the commissioned shipsto the tactical flotilla commander. Then, the Commander- in- Chief (Navy) presented scaledown replicas of warships commissioned at the ceremony to the Senior General.
Afterward, the Chief of Staff (Navy) carried out the commissioning process such as announcing the newly commissioned warships, raising the National Flag, raising the Navy Flag and the commissioning flag and ringing the bell eight times in its proper order.
The Senior General and party inspected the newly commissioned warships – two 63-metre long anti-submarine warfare water crafts — while responsible officers explained salient points about them.
Afterwards, the Senior General and party posed for documentary photographs with guests.
The Senior General took the salute of guard of honour from the dais abroad the naval ship (Mottama) and inspected it. At that time, warships (Yangdineaung) and (Yangyi-aung) fired a 21-gun salute in honour of the Senior General. Later, led by frigate (Aungzeya), frigate (Kyansittha), frigate (Hsinbyushin), corvette (Tabinshwehti), offshore patrol boat (Inle), and anti-submarine warfare water craft (Yanye-aung) in single line formation, led by 49-metre fast combat craft (Donbyan), naval ship No. 491, two warships and four fast patrol boats in line abreast formation, saluted the Senior General.
The first shell of the 21-gun salute was presented to the Senior General as a commemorative gift.
The Senior General then presented plaque of the Commander- in-Chief, certificates of honour, honorary cash awards, and gifts to officers and other ranks of the ships who took part in the saluting process and building the commissioned ships through the relevant officials.
Then, the Senior General delivered an address, saying today is an auspicious day for the Tatmadaw and the Tatmadaw (Navy) as a 135 meters long frigate built by the Tatmadaw(Navy) was named and commissioned into service while 63 meters long two anti-submarine ships built by the Tatmadaw (Navy) were commissioned into service.
The frigate is installed with the flexible gear system and the combination of diesel or gas (CODOG) system. It is to be proud of the fact that the Tatmadaw (Navy) is able to build vessels ranging from riverboats to frigates. In accordance with the motto “Combat Capabilities of the Navy Lie in the Strength of Vessels,” the Tatmadaw (Navy) has turned itself from the buyer to the builder by building new warships.
Rich in valuable resources in and under the waters and natural beauties, the coastline of Myanmar is 1,260 knots long and comprises more than 1,400 islands. To protect the priceless Myanmar waters, efforts are being made constantly to expand the Tatmadaw (Navy) so that it is modern, strong and capable. By building the Tatmadaw (Navy), it has completed the first phase of being a three dimensional combat ready navy capable of fully protecting the exclusive economic zone of Myanmar waters. Continued efforts must be made to turn it into an adjacent force projection navy/ regional navy in the second phase. As heavy and powerful warships are essential to do so, shipbuilding must be stepped up.
To become a naval troop with combat power, the Tatmadaw (Navy) must have readiness of war vessels, readiness of weapons and systems and readiness of naval men and efforts must be made to be well versed in the use of weapons and weapon systems. It is necessary to hand down fine traditions to new generation officers and other ranks of the Tatmadaw and to perform duties responsibly to protect the Myanmar sea and its interests. In conclusion, the Senior General prayed that the Tatmadaw (Navy) would continue to live up to the reputation of the country and the Tatmadaw from its 77th Anniversary to upcoming centuries and millenniums.
Then, the Senior General and party left No.3 Naval Jetty for Ayeyawady Naval Base aboard Warship (Yadanarbon).
During the voyage, the Commander- in-Chief (Navy) presented emblems of commemorating the 77th Anniversary of the Tatmadaw (Navy) and newly commissioned warships.
Then, the Senior General and party signed the commemorative book for the 77th Anniversary of the Tatmadaw (Navy) at the naval base and viewed the commemorative booths and exhibition booths organized by respective naval bases, shops selling souvenirs, traditional food, books and consumer goods produced by the Tatmadaw before cordially greeting officers, other ranks and families.
