Black Cat Squadron focus of Taoyuan arts fest

2014-08-28

Figurines celebrating the Black Cat Squadron of the ROC air force are the centerpiece of military-themed activities and artworks at the Taoyuan Land Arts Festival kicking off Sept. 4 at the county’s naval base.

A total of 80 of the 80-centimeter-high cat figures have been created. Their faces are modeled on the original unit emblem of the Cold War-era secret aerial surveillance squadron formerly stationed at the base.

“We are excited to introduce this little-known history to the public through the festival,” an official of the local government’s Cultural Affairs Bureau said. "Each figure has been individually painted by students at the county’s Chuen Chow, St. Francis Xavier and National Yang Ming Senior high schools."

According to the official, the younger generation will find it easy to relate to this glorious history after seeing the BCS artworks.

A total of 26 ROC air force pilots served in the squadron during its 1961-1974 existence. It conducted 220 operational missions, including 102 surveillance flights over mainland China with the U-2 high-altitude jet. The flights were extremely hazardous, with several pilots shot down, but provided intelligence vital to the defense of the nation.

The festival incorporating exhibitions, outdoor performances and other related activities runs until Sept. 14. It also features airplane-related design workshops for children and a BCS-themed bicycle renovation contest.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=221086&CtNode=413)