TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Navy is set to retire the Ta Tung-class tugboat Da Gang and the Yung Yang-class minesweeper Yung Yang in July as part of a broader effort to modernize its fleet.

Da Gang, a deep-sea tug originally built for the US Navy, was launched on June 14, 1944, per Liberty Times. Taiwan acquired the vessel in 1991, and it has served for a combined total of 81 years.

Yung Yang was launched on Aug. 1, 1953, and previously operated as the USS Persistent before being transferred to Taiwan on Sept. 30, 1995. The wooden-hulled vessel has served for about 30 years under Taiwan’s Navy.

Under the Navy’s force modernization program, newly commissioned ships are gradually replacing older or less reliable vessels. While decommissioning ceremonies vary by naval commander, they typically invite former crew members, captains, and fleet commanders to honor the ship’s service and contributions to safeguarding Taiwan’s maritime sovereignty, Liberty Times reported.

Taiwan Shipbuilding Corporation (CSBC) is constructing two light frigate prototypes—an air defense variant and an anti-submarine warfare variant—under a NT$24.54 billion (US$746.47 million) contract. The Navy plans to build 10 light frigates to replace its aging Chi Yang-class ships.

In March, CSBC also unveiled Taiwan’s first military unmanned surface vessel, the Endeavor Manta. The 8.6-meter-long, 3.7-meter-wide USV has a payload capacity exceeding one tonne and a top speed of over 64.82 kilometers per hour.