The 115th Class of Watercraft Specialist from the Underwater Operations Unit (UOU) of 192 Naval Fleet conducted its final evaluation today. Through a series of high-intensity and continuous physical and professional skill tests, the trainees were challenged on their endurance, willpower, and underwater operational capabilities in severe conditions. After several months of rigorous training, the trainees successfully passed the final evaluation, demonstrating their solid combat capabilities. They were also awarded the "Golden Dragon Badge," symbolizing their official status as naval underwater operations specialists, entrusted with the important mission of safeguarding the maritime borders.
The final evaluation began at dawn and before the sunrise. The trainees started by a 2-kilometer swim without equipment in the sea, testing their endurance and self-rescue abilities in strong currents and cold temperatures. After going ashore, they immediately transitioned to rubber dinghy march, carrying the rubber dinghy on their shoulders and moved forward to the next testing point. The entire process should be done with teammates, which is a test for both teamwork and physical limits. Hereafter, the trainees continued with an 11-kilometer jogging, running from the Brigade 1st Road to the Taoziyuan Beach. Their physical strength was continuously drained throughout the process; only with strong willpower were they able to reach the terminal point successfully.
Upon reaching Taoziyuan Beach, the trainees began integrated combat skills training on the beach and waterline right away. In this challenging environment, they underwent various physical and combat skills tests, including crawling forward, kicking when back floating, and bear-hug exercises, aimed at strengthening individual physical fitness and obedience to instructor’s commands. Throughout the process, the trainees had to push their physical and mental limits, ensuring an accurate execution even under high pressure.
In the afternoon, the training entered its final stage, with the trainees diving to a depth of 7 meters underwater through free diving. They were tasked with retrieving the "Golden Dragon Badge," a symbolize of honor, to test their underwater adaptability and the execution preciseness of their mission. Once each trainee successfully completed the task, the UOU Commanding Officer, Colonel CHEN, along with other officers, pinned the "Golden Dragon Badge" on the trainees' chests. This ceremony officially marked them as naval underwater operations specialists, entrusted with the important responsibilities of executing underwater operations, port maintenance, and underwater search and rescue missions in the future.
The training content of the Watercraft Specialist Class is rigorous, with all courses designed to cultivate highly skilled professionals in underwater operations. Trainees undergo strict testing in various aspects, including physical training, equipment operation, underwater operation techniques, and crisis response capabilities. Those who pass are equipped with the ability to carry out high-risk underwater missions. This final evaluation not only assessed the trainees' training outcome, but also ensured they professional skills and mental resilience when facing challenges in the future. This is an injection of new talent into the underwater operations capabilities of R.O.C. Armed Forces, making sure that the Navy can execute its missions flawlessly.