The special operations soldiers assigned to the 39th Chinese naval escort taskforce man the rail on the comprehensive supply ship Taihu before departure from a military port in Qingdao, East China's Shandong Province, on September 26, 2021, for the escort missions in Gulf of Aden and Somali waters.  

Sun Luming, Zhao Yang

QINGDAO, Sept. 27 -- The 39th escort task force of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) left a military port in Qingdao, Shandong Province, on September 26 for the Gulf of Aden and Somali waters to take over merchant ships escort mission from the 38th Chinese naval taskforce there.

The 39th escort taskforce is comprised of the guided-missile destroyer Urumqi, guided-missile frigate Yantai and comprehensive supply ship Taihu, with dozens of special operations soldiers and two ship-borne helicopters on board. It is the first time for the guided-missile destroyer Urumqi to participate in the escort mission.

During the preparation period, the taskforce conducted targeted training on anti-terrorist and anti-piracy operations and replenishment at sea, verified the feasibility of escort operational plans and coordination of troops.