A current Kuomintang legislator and former Naval Commander, Chen Yeong-kang, expressed concern over a lack of sailors to operate the Hai-Kun class submarines.
During a legislative committee meeting, Chen said the new Hai-Kun class will need more crewmembers, citing the Navy’s struggle to meet recruiting goals.
Each submarine may require at least 60 sailors to operate, service, and provide logistical maintenance. Chen also said the Navy should not rely solely on internal transfers.
Chen suggested that the Navy create a new unit, similar in structure to a shipbuilding project management office compared to a traditional submarine task force unit, to solve the issue.
