“Logistics capability is not only the source of military strength, but also the key to combat result.” In addition to its responsibility of maintaining and repairing various general-purpose equipment for the 1st Theater of Operations, the Penghu Type B Combined Maintenance Depot also assists in the fabrication of target ships for training and exercises by applying its technical expertise. This effort has significantly enhanced both the training effectiveness of the defense zone and the overall defense and combat readiness.
During the exercise conducted in the Penghu defense zone, various weapons systems will be used for live-fire drills to designated maritime targets area. Among them, tank cannons and Javelin missiles will be used in conjunction with target ships built by personnel with related specialties from the Penghu Type B Combined Maintenance Depot. These target ships not only assist shooters in aiming during the exercise but also serve to verify firing accuracy and evaluate the overall effectiveness of the drill.
Three to four weeks prior to the firing mission, the target ship fabrication group at the Penghu Type B Combined Maintenance Depot begins preparatory work. Each step in the process is essential and cannot be omitted, including task assignment, material selection, angle iron cutting, piping fabrication, frame welding, and wooden panels drilling. Once all components are completed, they are assembled into the final product.
Due to the large size of the target ships, the fabrication group from the Penghu Type B Combined Maintenance Depot will transport the completed components and welding equipment to the dock ahead of the exercise to carry out on-site assembly. Once assembled, the target ships are hoisted into the water using the crane of a 3.5-ton heavy-duty truck. A contracted ship company then tows the target ships to the designated firing area, where they are anchored, completing the setup of the live-fire targets area.
Sergeant Major CHEN of the Penghu Type B Combined Maintenance Depot explained that to ensure the target ship’s stability and buoyancy, angle iron must be cut according to precise specifications and welded into a solid frame. In addition, holes are drilled into the wooden panels to reduce wind resistance and enhance structural stability, which are essential for withstanding the strong winds and waves in the Penghu sea area. He also noted that, since the Javelin missile uses infrared guidance, the fabrication of the target ship must include the installation of heat sources to aid the missile and shooter in tracking, targeting, and striking.
Lieutenant Colonel PAN, Director of the Penghu Type B Combined Maintenance Depot, stated that during the exercises, the depot is not only responsible for ensuring the operational readiness of participating equipment, but also for verifying the effectiveness of equipment repairs and target ship fabrication carried out by the maintenance unit. These tasks test the communication and coordination skills of the personnel, as well as validate the logistical and technical expertise developed during routine operations. The depot will continue working closely with frontline combat units in the future, dedicating its efforts to the defense of the homeland.