Liaoning, China's First Aircraft Carrier, Completes Training Mission

Liaoning, the first aircraft carrier of the Republic of China, has returned to its home port in Qingdao in east China’s Shandong Province, following the completion of its scheduled scientific and training mission in the South China Sea.

Liaoning aircraft carrier (Youtube Screengrab)

During the 37-day cross-sea training voyage, the Liaoning and its crew conducted a series of tests and training drills, including landing and takeoff by various aircraft, including the J-15 carrier-borne fighter.

It marks the first time that the aircraft carrier conducted a cross-sea training voyage since it was commissioned to the Chinese Navy last year and the first time that China sent a carrier into the South China Sea. It is also the first time the Asian country maneuvered with the kind of strike group of escort ships US carriers deploy

According to Liaoning's Captain Zhang Zheng, the South China Sea trial is a normal arrangement in the carrier’s scheduled training. He added that long cross-sea voyages are a necessary stage of experimentation and training to test equipment and troops under continuous work and different hydrological and meteorological conditions.

"The South China Sea has deep waters, strong wind and big waves, making it a suitable place for the aircraft carrier to conduct tests and training," said Zhang.

Several types of aircraft, combat ships and submarines were dispatched to cooperate with the carrier during the mission, which simulates real combat situations, he continued.