Coast Guard Captain Welcomes Naval Son Home From Voyage

A father and son serving in different branches of Taiwan's maritime forces have created a heartwarming story. Chiu Ming-shen, captain of the Coast Guard's Taitung ship, stood in uniform to greet his son, Chiu Ko-yang, a naval academy student, as the Navy's goodwill fleet returned to port after a 104-day journey.

The younger Chiu was inspired to join the navy after attending a recruitment event. His father, who has served in the Coast Guard for many years, often took his son to naval events, which he believes influenced the boy's decision. "He chose the navy as his first choice," Chiu Ming-shen said, according to the military's official media, Youth Daily News.

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He chose the navy as his first choice.

Chiu Ming-shen expressed immense pride in his son's accomplishments, noting how the naval academy has fostered maturity, self-discipline, and confidence. "Compared to his past self, who lacked confidence, he can now express his opinions logically and with confidence, and he understands time management," the father said. He also highlighted his son's development of responsibility and empathy through leadership roles, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and discipline.

Beyond his military duties, Chiu Ming-shen was touched to see his son dedicate his free time to church service rather than solely personal entertainment, viewing this as a sign of true maturity. The Coast Guard's Taitung ship is a 1,000-ton patrol and rescue vessel, displacing nearly 1,900 tons and capable of speeds up to 24 knots.

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Compared to his past self, who lacked confidence, he can now express his opinions logically and with confidence, and he understands time management.