"The First Ship of China" Retires from Service

Xinhua News Agency, Qingdao, August 28 (Reporters Li Bingxuan, Li Jie) The first ship of China's second-generation domestically produced missile destroyer, the 112 ship, known as the "first ship of China," was decommissioned on the morning of August 28 at a military port in Qingdao.

The 112 ship is a second-generation main battle vessel independently developed and built by China, and is the first ship of the Type 052 missile destroyer, named Harbin. This ship is equipped with various weapon systems including naval guns, surface-to-air missiles, and anti-ship missiles, can carry 2 helicopters, and possesses complete capabilities for air, sea, and anti-submarine operations, marking a significant leap in the combat capabilities of the Chinese Navy's surface vessels.

The 112 ship was launched in August 1991 and joined the People's Navy combat sequence in May 1994. For over 30 years, the 112 ship has been at the forefront of military struggles and major missions, completing more than a hundred significant readiness training tasks and safely sailing over 400,000 nautical miles. In 1997, the ship visited four countries in the Americas, achieving a historic breakthrough as the first naval vessel to cross the Pacific Ocean and visit the American continent. During the 14th escort mission in 2013, the ship's officers and soldiers were invited to form a parade team to participate in the Seychelles National Day military parade, pioneering the participation of the People's Navy in foreign National Day parades.

Since its commissioning, the 112 ship has visited 22 ports in 20 countries including Russia, the United States, and Australia, conducted joint military exercises with multiple navies 17 times, and received visits from senior military leaders from over 60 countries, showcasing the open and confident image of the People's Navy.

In 2003, the Central Military Commission awarded the 112 ship the honorary title of "Maritime Pioneer Ship."

After decommissioning, this distinguished warship will serve as a national defense education base, docked in Changsha, Hunan Province, the hometown of the first commander of the People's Navy, Xiao Jinguang, for citizens and tourists to visit and learn.