Witnessing Navy’s growth

When Zhang once again arrived in the Gulf of Aden and waters off Somalia in 2021, he was filled with emotions: This vast sea area can be described as a witness to the growth of the Chinese Navy, as it has seen the extraordinary achievements of the PLA Navy in the past decade or so.

“In 2008, I participated in the first escort operations as a team leader only two years after graduating. Back then, there were less than 10 ships in the entire fleet, not to mention a detachment, that were capable of carrying out such a mission.” Zhang said. The uncertainties including unfamiliar waterways, complex sea conditions, and how to successfully complete the task all made sailors feel uneasy.

Thirteen years later, as a ship captain, Zhang led his ship to sail in this sea again, this time with confidence. We had only a handful of new- type warships for the first escort mission. Now we have the advanced Type 052D and Type 055 guided missile destroyers that have consecutively entered service. Domestically built aircraft carriers and amphibious assault ships are also joining the PLA Navy’s combat sequence one after another, gradually forming operational capabilities with new- type combat capabilities developing at an accelerated rate. The maritime and aerial forces participating in the escort missions have also undergone great changes.” Zhang said. “The equipment of the PLA Navy has also been tested in real combat. With the continuous development of technology, the reliability of warships and related equipment has significantly improved.”