Master Sergeant First Class Xu Weiming repairs the equipment inside the submarine. (Photo by Huang Jiawang)

Master Sergeant First Class Xu Weiming is a communication technician assigned to a submarine flotilla under the PLA Southern Theater Command. The past 28 years of service witnessed the growth of this hard-working and down-to-earth submariner. He completed the communication support work for many major training tasks with his superb professional skills. He won the third prize in the Outstanding Talent Award for Non-commissioned Officers and the third-class merit for four times.

Master Sergeant First Class Xu Weiming conducts equipment maintenance inside the submarine. (Photo by Huang Jiawang)

Make diligence the second nature

Xu came to the PLA Naval Submarine Academy and began the eight-month study of submarine radio communication at the end of 1994. From that time on, diligence gradually became his second nature.

"During that time, I got up early every morning and went to the empty football field to memorize English words and practice passwords. I kept copying the Morse code. I could copy 110 codes per minute when I graduated, and until now, I can still keep this speed," said Xu.

Many people regard submariners' job the hardest and most tiring compared to others in the Navy. Inside the submarine, it's so cramped and stuffy that people can't eat and sleep well. In the radio room Xu Weiming works, three people have to sit sideways on one bench so that they could be able to work.

“The submarine is like a tumbler, but the good thing is that I have seldom felt seasick in the last 28 years," Xu Weiming said with a smile. In such a cramped space, he insisted on fitness all the years. “Strength, speed and endurance, these three words are the goals I set for myself. By keeping in good shape could I ensure the smooth running of the daily work," he said.

Xu Weiming always worked out to strengthen his physical skills during 28 years of service. (Photo by Huang Jiawang)

Never put off today's work till tomorrow

Submarines are "assassins" and lonely hunters in the sea. And this mystery comes with risk. From a radio operator to a squad leader of radio operation, and then to a radio technician, Xu made progress step by step and finally became an expert. He could always make accurate judgments and respond calmly whenever failures in communication occur underwater.

The radio communication to submarine is like the central nervous system to human body. Before each voyage, Xu would lead the crew to carefully study various plans and regulations, and repeatedly check the communication equipment to ensure that they can handle various emergencies in communication. Xu said that the best way to tackle emergencies is to nip them in the bud. Compared with being a "knight" who solves problems to save the day, he would rather be an "unsung hero" who prevents problems from happening.

At sea, even a small problem can affect one's judgment and operation. "Over the years, I learned that adequate preparations must be made on the shore so that the equipment can be safe to use in the ocean. As a professional technician in charge, I only feel successful when no problem happens during the mission," Xu said.

Honors and regrets

Xu has gained superb skills and received many honors, which made him the pride of his family. However, the pride can not heal the regret he holds in mind to his family.

Xu's father died of cancer in 2014. "I remember very clearly that tears welled up in my eyes when I held my father's cremation urn to my chest. I joined the army at the age of 19. I have never hugged my father for so many years, but finally what I hugged was only his urn," Xu said. "I made up my mind at that time that I must take good care of my mother. But having said that, what I can do now is to call her every night and chat with her for half an hour as long as I am not on mission."

From an ordinary sailor to a veteran submariner, Xu achieved great success in his career. Devoting his youth to the submarine, Xu realized his dream in the deep sea and witnessed the development and growth of the Chinese PLA Navy. To be a Chinese sailor has been and will always be his pride and honor.

Xu Weiming checks and maintains equipment. (Photo by Huang Jiawang)