Type 055 Destroyer Combat Training: Why First Pass These "Basic Tests"

Recently, the newly commissioned Type 055 destroyers, the 9th ship Dongguan and the 10th ship Anqing, have successively conducted real combat training in a certain sea area of the East China Sea. Navigating through narrow waterways, underway replenishment, damage control, joint search and rescue... a series of exercises were carried out in succession. What challenges do basic exercises pose for a 10,000-ton destroyer? Why are these topics included in the first training of the new ships? Let's take a look at the interpretation from military commentator below.

Basic Exercise: Navigating Through Narrow Waterways

Is it challenging for a 10,000-ton destroyer?

Military Commentator Cao Weidong: This is a basic exercise, but it is also a very challenging one! Because the Type 055 missile destroyer is a 10,000-ton class vessel, with a length of 180 meters and a width of 20 meters, which is equivalent to the length of four swimming pools. Therefore, navigating in a narrow channel is like a car driving in an alley. You have to avoid other obstacles while ensuring your own safety. It is a basic exercise, but it also reflects the ability of the crew to master and operate such new equipment after its commissioning.

Underway Replenishment, Damage Control, Joint Search and Rescue

Why are these the primary exercises for the new ships?

Military Commentator Cao Weidong: Because we must emphasize that it is a 10,000-ton missile destroyer. In the event of a fire or flooding, the damage control department must respond very promptly. During wartime or military operations, this is crucial for effectively preserving the safety of lives and the integrity of the equipment. At the same time, this also enhances their ability to coordinate as a whole ship.