TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Taiwan Navy's Dunmu Goodwill Fleet is preparing to embark on a long-range training voyage. 

The fleet is making final preparations before it departs at the end of this month or early next month, Liberty Times reported. Over the past two weeks, the Goodwill Fleet made port calls around Taiwan, allowing the public to tour the vessels.

The fleet consists of the Cheng Kung-class frigate Cheng Ho, Kang Ding-class frigate Wu Chang, and the Pan Shi-class fast combat support ship Pan Shi. The ships will visit Taiwan’s diplomatic allies and provide open-sea training for newly enlisted sailors and non-commissioned officers. 

Last year, the fleet visited Taiping Island and made port calls in Palau and the Marshall Islands 

The new personnel will train to navigate unfamiliar waters and practice response protocols during an encounter with allied navy vessels.

In May, Taiwan confirmed it conducted drills, such as refueling and resupply, in April with US Navy ships in the Pacific. Then-Defense Ministry Spokesperson Sun Li-fang (孫立方) said that basic drills were carried out under the Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea to reduce mutual interference and facilitate communication.