The 49th escort task force of the Chinese Navy has set sail for the Gulf of Aden.

On the morning of the 12th, the 49th escort task force of the Chinese Navy set sail from a military port in Sanya, Hainan, to take over the escort mission in the Gulf of Aden and Somali waters from the 48th escort task force. The 49th escort task force is primarily composed of naval forces from the Southern Theater Command, including the guided-missile destroyer Kunming, the guided-missile frigate Yueyang, and the large ocean-going comprehensive supply ship Luomahu, carrying two onboard helicopters and dozens of special operations personnel. All three warships were independently designed and built by China, with the Kunming making its debut in escort missions.