President Chen Shui-bian this morning presided over a reception marking the commissioning of two Kidd-class destroyers that the Navy has newly acquired and expressed his gratitude toward the naval offices and sailors for their part in the commissioning of the new vessels and toward the lawmakers for making possible the purchasing of the navy ships. The President said that he felt honored and was thankful as he witnessed the historical moment in which the country’s naval forces received a boost.
The President's speech:
I want to take this opportunity to thank again all the distinguished guests, people of the country, and families of navy officers and manors for taking time to be here. My gratitude extends specially to all members of the naval force for their part in the launching and commissioning of the new navy ships as well as the lawmakers for your support that made possible the purchasing of these vessels. We are here to witness a historical moment as new blood is injected into our Navy. We have come a long way to get those ships to our country, and we are very grateful toward all this.
The Legislative Yuan has decided that the four Kidd-class destroyers be named after Taiwan's four military harbors-- Keelung, Suao, Tsoying and Makung — to manifest the significance of these harbors, which serve as the military powerhouse of the island in terms of national security. I believe that our people in Keelung and Suao are well aware of the government's determination that our armed forces will always stand by this land and its people. By christening the vessels with names of the four harbors, we hope to transform your love of this land into support of our military forces.
In addition, I would like to use the occasion to express my greatest respect to families of the naval officers and sailors. I truly understand the hardship that you have endured, as families of military men and women, especially those who have been abroad to take delivery of naval ships that Taiwan purchases. It is because of your staunch support behind them that they have completed the tough jobs the nation has entrusted upon them. They are the "sons of ocean" and the "sons of Taiwan." Today, two naval ships are successfully placed in commission. I believe that not just me, but you all will agree that this credit belongs to the families of our respectful navy members. I hereby extend once again my highest regard and gratitude to all the families here.
It comes as an encouragement to see the Navy gain remarkable improvement under the leadership of Defense Minister Lee Jye and Navy Commander-in-Chief Admiral Chen Pang-chih. I hope sincerely that the Navy continue in its effort in guarding the security of the Taiwan Strait just as our people have expected. I wish that the good reputation of our Navy last forever, and health and happiness to all distinguished guests, fellow countrymen, officers and sailors. Thank you.