The vessel formation heads for the waters of the Western Pacific. [Photo/Xinhua]

On the morning of Jan. 29, Qingdao waters are shrouded in a thick fog, limiting visibility to less than 50 meters. In accordance to the naval military training program for this year, three warships of the North China Sea Fleet (NSF) left a Qingdao military port for the Western Pacific to conduct the routine training in the open sea.

Among them is the Qingdao Ship, a missile destroyer. The remaining Yantai Ship and Yancheng Ship are both missile frigates. Each of the three vessels is equipped with a helicopter deck and ship-based helicopter. It’s noteworthy that the Qingdao Ship once made the first round-the-world cruise for the People's Liberation Army Navy.

The maritime training areas include the Yellow Sea, the East China Sea, the South China Sea, the Miyako Strait, the Bashi Channel and the waters east of Taiwan. Naval confrontation, mobile operations far out at sea and the command and control of distant sea forces are all part of the training, with some of these sure to be conducted in adverse sea conditions. According to plans, the soldiers will spend China’s Spring Festival holiday out on the ocean.

“Training outside of the island chains is an international routine, which will give impetus to the navy’s combat capability,” said Tian Zhong, leader of the formation.