This is the first time the Liaoning has made a long-distance
training voyage since it was commissioned into the PLA navy last year,
the statement said, adding that the mission is characterized by a large
number of tests, rigorous standards, complicated circumstances as well
as collaboration with multiple military units.
The ship left its homeport of Qingdao, Shandong province, on Nov
26 and anchored at a naval base in Sanya, Hainan province, three days
later. On Dec 5, it set out on the training mission.
Two missile destroyers, the Shenyang and Shijiazhuang, and two missile
frigates, the Yantai and Weifang, participated in the mission. They
escorted the carrier along the whole voyage from Qingdao to Sanya.
"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 Senior Captain Zhang Zheng, captain of the
Liaoning.
Crewmembers also have performed a series of tests on items such
as the ship structure's resistance to stress, sailing speed in deep
waters and stability of weapons and equipment, he added, noting that
combat departments practiced exercises to defend incoming hostile
aircraft, ships and submarines.
Several types of aircraft, combat ships and submarines were dispatched
to cooperate with the carrier during the mission, which simulates
real combat situations, according to Zhang.
After entering active service in September 2012, the Liaoning has
carried out 12 sea trials and tests, including landings and takeoffs
for the J-15 fighter jet.
The ship is still in the test and exercise stage, according to Senior
Captain Mei Wen, Liaoning's political commissar.
"We have commanded the basic capability to operate and coordinate
fighter jets and helicopters with the carrier," Mei said. "We
have accumulated much experience in logistic support for the J-15
fighters and improved a lot in terms of damage control and handling
of equipment malfunctions."
