In response to online misinformation of PLA naval vessels entering our territorial waters near Hualien, the 5th Tactical Composite Wing of the ROC Air Force stationed at Hualien Air Base conducted combat patrols to demonstrate their ability and determination to defend the nation. According to personnel from the 5th Wing, the people of Taiwan should not be fooled by all the disinformation spread by the Chinese Communists. The Armed Forces are on station around the clock and defending the nation through direct action.
Once pilots of the ROCAF 5th Tactical Composite Wing at Hualien Air Base received their orders, they immediately scrambled in their F-16V fighters armed with AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) to conduct combat patrols and demonstrate the Armed Forces’ determination to defend their homeland.
Personnel from the Weapon Loading Detachment, Support Squadron, Sustainment Group of the 5th Composite Wing also carried out the “AGM-84 Harpoon Missile Rearming Operation.” The crew began by conducting a personnel and aircraft safety inspection. The Harpoon missile was then moved into position on a missile cart and loaded onto the fighter in accordance with the standard operating procedure.
Interviewed personnel stated that the Armed Forces is responding to provocative actions from the PLA in a sensible manner based on the principle of preparing for war without seeking war. Their ability and determination to defend our sovereignty and territory integrity should not be questioned however. They also appeal to the people of Taiwan not to be deceived by Chinese Communist disinformation such as “PLANS Nanjing Approaches Heping Power Plant.” For trustworthy updates on military developments in Taiwanese waters, they should depend on information released by the Ministry of National Defense.
Source: Youth Daily News (August 8, 2022)