This
is the first time the carrier has conducted a cross-sea training voyage
since it was commissioned into the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy
last year, according to the Liaoning's Captain Zhang Zheng.
The aircraft carrier was escorted by two missile destroyers, the Shenyang
and Shijiazhuang, and two missile frigates, the Yantai and Weifang.
The voyage will test the carrier's equipment, Zhang said.
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 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.
The upcoming South China Sea trial is a normal arrangement in the carrier's
scheduled training, according to the PLA Navy.
The Liaoning is China's only aircraft carrier in operation. It was refitted
based on an unfinished Russian-made carrier and delivered to the navy
on Sept. 25, 2012.
Source: Xinhua
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