On August 10, Chiayi AFB opened its gates to the public, and despite the rain, masses of people nonetheless arrived to visit. This was truly a rare experience for the public, as it marks the only opportunity for the public to visit a military base this year. This open house included performances from the ROCAF’s main fighters - IDF, Mirage 2000, and F-16V. These fighters demonstrated highly challenging maneuvers such as flypasts, slow flights, and tight turns, impressing the crowd below and leaving them cheering for more. These amazing feats demonstrate the ROCAF’s skill and accomplishments from rigorous training.
Fostering Closer Public Relations Through Diverse Military Activities
Chiayi AFB Open House is the only open house event this year. This open house was presided over by ROCAF Chief Gen. Liu Jen-yuan, attended by local leaders and representatives, and featured 4 main events: aerial acrobatics, performances by the armed forces honor guard and local schools, and a fair. The military hopes to foster closer public relations through these diverse activities.
The open house kicked off with an amazing and uplifting performance by the armed forces honor guard accompanied by the fanfare of a military band. In addition, the popular armed forces’ mascots also made an appearance to the delight of children. Next, IDF, Mirage 2000, and F-16V fighter jets made a low flyby, zoom climb, and aileron roll. This impressive performance finished to the thunderous applause of the crowd, fully demonstrating the outstanding skills of the ROCAF’s pilots and its aircraft. For the afternoon, the open house arranged a search and rescue demonstration by the ROCAF Air Rescue Group’s UH-60M utility helicopter. This demonstration simulated rescue under combat conditions, showcasing the thorough training of its personnel.
Static displays were also a massive hit with visitors. Displayed airborne equipment included the Brave Eagle AJT, C-130H transport aircraft, AH-64E attack helicopter, Albatross drone, and 16 others. Ground equipment displayed included the Patriot PAC-3 air defense missile system, Sky Sword I missiles mounted on a vehicle, Clouded Leopard armored vehicle, and 11 others. The fair featured multiple stands centered on all-out national defense. By providing the public with interactive and fun military activities, the military hopes to realize the objectives of all-out national defense.
Source: Youth Daily (August 11, 2024)