TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The military rehearsed an aerial display on Monday (May 13) for next week's presidential inauguration.
However, due to poor weather conditions, only two helicopters and three fighter jets flew their planned routes, CNA reported. One Chinook and one Black Hawk helicopter took off from the Air Force's Taipei Songshan Command, while three F-16Vs took off from Chiayi Air Force Base. They flew over the Presidential Office at 7:09 a.m. and 7:23 a.m., respectively.
During the May 20 inauguration ceremony, the military will deploy 52 aircraft to fly over the Presidential Office in honor of the new commander-in-chief.
The Army will deploy Chinook, Black Hawk, Apache, and Super Cobra helicopters, while the Navy will deploy the S-70C anti-submarine helicopter for the first time. The Air Force’s Thunder Tigers Aerobatics Team will also make an appearance.
Preparations for the inauguration ceremony began last month. Over 40 overseas delegations, including 400 foreign dignitaries, are expected to attend President-elect Lai Ching-te’s (賴清德) inauguration ceremony.
Palau President Surangel Whipps, Jr., Tuvalu Prime Minister Feleti Teo, U.S. Representative Andy Barr, who co-chairs the Congressional Taiwan Caucus, and U.S. Representative Mike McCaul, who leads the House Foreign Affairs Committee, have publicly confirmed their attendance.
