The 2026 Midshipmen and Cruising Training Squadron (MCTS) of the Republic of China Navy, led by Commander RADM Chen Ming-Feng, visited the Republic of the Marshall Islands from March 10 to March 12. This year marks the MCTS’s 20th visit to the Marshall Islands, which was selected as the first port of call of this year’s training voyage, symbolizing the close and enduring friendship between the two nations.
Upon arrival, the MCTS was welcomed by the Majuro Atoll Local Government with a welcoming ceremony. During the visit, Commander Chen and senior officers paid courtesy calls on President Hilda C. Heine, Speaker of the Nitijela Brenson Wase, and Acting Mayor of Majuro Atoll Jina David. President Heine also attended the reception hosted by Commander Chen aboard the Fast Combat Support Ship ROCS Pan-Shi. High Chiefs, Speaker, Vice Speaker, Cabinet Ministers, Senators, members of the Taiwanese community, and other distinguished guests were also in attendance. Ambassador Herbert Hsu accompanied the delegation throughout the visit.
The MCTS’s visits to the Marshall Islands are always warmly received by the local community. In addition to opening the Fast Combat Support Ship ROCS Pan-Shi to the public and showcasing Taiwan’s culture and technological strengths through a Taiwan-themed exhibition area on board, the MCTS also held a baseball equipment donation ceremony at ECC. The donated baseball and softball equipment—including bats, various gloves, catcher’s gear, batting helmets, baseballs, and base plates—meets international standards. This marks the fourth consecutive year that the MCTS has donated sports equipment to the Ministry of Education of the Marshall Islands. At the ceremony, Minister of Education Gerald Zackios expressed sincere appreciation for the MCTS’s continued support, noting that it allows Marshallese students to enjoy the benefits and joy of sports.
Following the ceremony, the Naval Academy Drum & Bugle Corps, Navy Military Band, Marine Corps Honor Guards, and Marine Corps Chikwondo Team delivered impressive performances. The Marine Corps Chikwondo Team especially amazed the audience by breaking bricks and wooden boards with their superb combat skills, drawing enthusiastic cheers from the packed audience. After the performances, members of the MCTS and Marshallese athletes participated in friendly basketball and volleyball matches. The lively atmosphere even led to additional games, demonstrating how sports exchanges can bring people closer together.
On the morning of March 12, the MCTS held a Joint Flag Hoisting Ceremony. Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Kalani Kaneko attended the event and, together with Ambassador Herbert Hsu, delivered remarks to bid farewell to the MCTS and wish them a safe and smooth journey ahead. During the ceremony, the national flags of ROC(Taiwan) and the Marshall Islands were raised side by side, symbolizing the deep and valued friendship between the two countries. Following the ceremony, the MCTS set sail for its next destination amid warm farewells from Minister Kaneko, Senator David Anitok, officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, members of the Taiwanese community, and staff from the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan).
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