The 2018 Midshipmen and Cruising Training Squadron ( 2018 MCTS) of the Republic of China Navy, also known as the ROC (Taiwan) Naval Goodwill Squadron visited the Republic of the Marshall Islands between March 14 and 16, 2018.

The 2018 MCTS, consisted of the flagship Pan-Shi and 2 frigates Pan-Chao and Kun-Ming with a total of 776 Navy officers, midshipmen and sailors on board, was led by Rear Admiral Kao, Chia-Bin. During the visit, Rear Admiral Kao, accompanied by H.E. Ambassador Daniel D.W. Tang, had meetings with the Acting President, Minister of Culture and Internal Affairs Hon. Amenta Matthew, Speaker of the Nitijela Hon. Kenneth A. Kedi, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Hon. John M. Silk and Mayor of the Majuro Atoll Local Government Hon. Ladie N. Jack.

On its arrival at Delap Dock in the early morning of March 14, a joint welcome ceremony, as well as handover of the token from the people of the ROC (Taiwan) to the people of the RMI, was hosted by Ambassador Tang and Minister Silk.

The Squadron officers, while in Majuro, had a goodwill basketball game with the Majuro Team at Sgt. Solomon Sam Sport Center of the College of the Marshall Island in the afternoon of March 15. The Squadron’s Drum and Bugle Marching Band, Honor Guards and Marine Corps Chikwondo Team also presented their outstanding performances at Sgt. Solomon Sam Sport Center to showcase the goodwill of the Squadron to the people of the Marshall Islands the same afternoon. There were hundreds of people gathered around the center watching the game and the performances.

The Squadron Flagship Pan-Shi was open to the general public of the Marshall Islands at Delap Dock from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on the same day. According to the Squadron, there were 1,243 local students and friends went on board and enjoyed the Taiwanese culture display in the Flagship Pan-Shi.

The ROC (Taiwan) Naval Goodwill Squadron departed Delap Dock for its journey to Central America with the blessing of Marshallese friends in the morning of March 16. The Squadron’s visit to the Marshall Islands not only shortens the geographic distance between the ROC (Taiwan) and the RMI, but also brings the peoples of the two countries together for closer friendship and better understanding.

H.E. Ambassador Daniel D.W. Tang, Rear Admiral Kao, Chia-Bin and Hon. Minister John M. Silk join for a picture at the welcome ceremony.

Rear Admiral Kao, Chia-Bin escorts H.E. Ambassador Daniel D.W. Tang and Hon. Minister John M. Silk as soldiers salute the honorable guests on board.

H.E. Ambassador Daniel D.W. Tang, Rear Admiral Kao, Chia-Bin and squadron officers pay a courtesy visit to Acting President Hon. Minister Amenta Matthew.

H.E. Ambassador Daniel D.W. Tang and Squadron officers pose for picture at the dinner banquet on Flagship Pan-Shi.

H.E. Ambassador Daniel D.W. Tang, Rear Admiral Kao, Chia-Bin and Hon. Minister John M. Silk co-host a Joint Flag Hoisting Ceremony.