President of the Republic of China, Lai Ching-te, attended the press conference for the release of the film “Spirit of Craftsmen” today (2nd). He praised Sergeant Huang Chien-chih’s strong willpower and professional skills, as well as the hard work of the Navy’s Underwater Operations Unit. He expressed the hope that the future national defense forces would learn the spirit of craftsmen, continuously improve themselves, and unite to continue their efforts in safeguarding national security.
Celebrating the Armed Forces Day on September 3rd, the Cultural Association collaborated with the Military News Society to launch the latest episode of the “Spirit of Craftsmen” series, titled “#51 Underwater Welder.” The premiere press conference was held at the Presidential Palace today, with President Lai Ching-te, Minister of National Defense Gu Li-hsiung, and the protagonist of this episode, Sergeant Huang Chien-chih, sharing the professionalism and confidence of the Navy’s Underwater Operations Unit in safeguarding national security. President Lai presented a special commemorative “Craftsman Calendar” to honor the craftsmen and “Youth Daily” presented President Lai with a baseball bat and an exclusive arm patch for the Armed Forces Day.
In his speech, President Lai Ching-te expressed his delight in watching the “Underwater Welder” episode of the “Spirit of Craftsmen” series, which captures the daily lives of the national defense forces. He mentioned how the professionalism of the craftsmen in the film, like Sergeant Huang Chien-chih, who silently safeguard everyone in challenging environments, was truly admirable.
President Lai Ching-te highlighted the heavy equipment the Navy’s Underwater Operations Unit carries, with weights reaching up to 40 kilograms and helmets alone weighing 15 kilograms. He acknowledged the dual risks of diving and working with electricity underwater faced by the “Underwater Welder,” emphasizing the dedication and respect owed to Sergeant Huang Chien-chih.
Sergeant Huang Chien-chih, who is certified as an international welding diver within the unit, was commended by President Lai for his outstanding technical skills and unwavering determination in overcoming various challenges underwater. Sergeant Huang even aspires to create a manual on underwater welding and cutting techniques to pass down his expertise, a dedication that deeply moved everyone.
President Lai Ching-te emphasized the contributions of the Navy’s Underwater Operations Unit in tasks such as inspecting underwater parts of ships, salvaging aircraft and ships in accidents, and eliminating underwater obstacles. He expressed gratitude for their efforts during the recent response to Typhoon Kemi and extended warm applause to the unit for their relentless dedication.
President Lai credited the Cultural Association for spotlighting the contributions of the national defense forces through the “Spirit of Craftsmen” visual series, showcasing the diverse talents and dedication of craftsmen across Taiwan. He appreciated the Association’s collaboration with the Military News Society in producing annual films featuring the national defense forces, allowing the public to better understand the spirit of craftsmen within the military.
As the Armed Forces Day approaches on the 3rd of September, President Lai Ching-te conveyed gratitude on behalf of all Taiwanese citizens to the servicemen and women of the national defense forces for their tireless protection of the nation and its people. Sergeant Huang Chien-chih’s statement in the film, “If I weld it, there won’t be a problem,” exemplifies the confidence and teamwork spirit of the national defense forces in ensuring the safety and security of the country.
President Lai Ching-te expressed his hope that all members of the national defense forces can embrace the spirit of craftsmen, continuously improve themselves, and maintain unity in their efforts to safeguard national security. He concluded by extending his warm wishes for a happy Armed Forces Day to all servicemen and women.
Sergeant Huang Chien-chih noted that the Navy’s Underwater Operations Unit is responsible for maritime search and rescue as well as handling underwater unexploded ordnances. During times of disaster, they are tasked with preventing and eliminating underwater hazards while conducting routine operations such as naval vessel maintenance and clearing obstacles in harbors. He emphasized the unit’s confidence and mastery of underwater operations with the motto, “Only the seabed can stop us from diving deeper.”
Sergeant Huang recalled his experience during the salvage operation of the F-16V aircraft crash in Chiayi, where the anxious expressions of family members ashore fueled his sense of responsibility, motivating him to persist and complete the mission without giving up. He envisions the establishment of a systematic technical manual to advance and promote underwater welding and cutting techniques for the modernization of the Underwater Operations Unit, collectively safeguarding the Navy and defending the country.
Various dignitaries including Minister of National Defense Gu Li-hsiung, Navy Commander Tang Hwa, Cultural Association Secretary General Lee Hou-ching, Chairwoman of Taiwan South Financial Holdings and South Taiwan Bank Chen Fen-lan, and Deputy General Manager of Personal and Family Business Division at Chunghwa Telecom Chen Shu-ling attended the event today.