China and Russia have wrapped up joint naval exercises off the coast of Qingdao in east China's Shandong Province. Major combat drills were carried out on and off the ships.
On the PLA Navy guided-missile frigate Linyi, simulated emergency drills are routine and electromechanical crew members are tested often on their response to situations like the engine room being damaged.
Our department does a lot of work to ensure the safety of the vessel and the success of the weapon launches," said Master Sergeant Liu Xiaodong, one of the members of the team.
"Our preparations help guarantee things like the course and speed of the ship, the power supply, and avoid failures caused by emergencies.”
Simulated medical treatment also took place on Linyi.
Medical staffer Dai Zhihua worked hard throughout the drills.
“The exercises include sending wounded personnel here for medical treatment," she said. "And we are standing by during battle drills to receive them.”
She has been attached to the frigate for two years and has had her share of challenges, like seasickness. But Dai says that she and the other female crew members are confident in their ability to perform.
“We can do as good as the male soldiers on the ship,” she said.
For the more than 200 crew members aboard the frigate, healthy and nutritious food is a priority.
Every day, soldier Cao Shua performs the vital duties of cook; his comrades call him the chef.
“From early in the morning till late into the night, we stay busy in the kitchen, making food for our comrades,” he said.
The young man and his teammates aren't much for words. But they do every job carefully to make sure that everyone has the best food on board.
The most impressive thing during the exercise is perhaps seeing so many support personnel giving of their best.
Liu Xiaodong said that the crew members are all in the same boat, so to speak, and everybody is equally important.
Dai Zhihua said that as members of the support team, she and her teammates are always committed to a better service to their comrades.
Cao Shuai agreed.
“We are also soldiers and will work to give the best canteen service possible to make sure that everyone can stay in fighting shape,” he said.
