PLA submariners defy death in the depths(3)

A sailor tries to escape from a pipeline during an emergency response drill. ZHOU YANCHENG/CHINA DAILY

Presidential awards

Zhi Tianlong, president of the PLA Navy Submarine Academy, said Wang and his men's handling of the incident was exemplary.

"They succeeded in defusing such a complicated and grave emergency. Their performance was excellent and it will be written into our textbooks. The navy will promote their experience to all submarine forces," said Zhi, who has served with the navy's submarine units for more than three decades.

To further recognize the crew's courage and capability, Senior Captain Wang was given a first-class military service citation by President Xi Jinping, who is also chairman of the Central Military Commission, in September, while the PLA navy gave the crew a first-class merit citation, which is rare in peacetime.

Admiral Wu Shengli, commander of the PLA navy, said at the award ceremony that the Submarine 372 crew's feat will inspire all its servicemen to honor their duties and build a strong navy.

The flotilla organizes long-distance patrols every year, and these operations will continue to expand in distance and duration, with submarines continuing to explore new depths, Wang said.

"We value every experience we get in our operations. Crew members are required to review and learn from their performance and missions, so that they can constantly improve," he said.

Vessel steering chief Zhao Manxing said every submariner in his flotilla aspires to adventure and honor.

"Fighting windstorms and billows is what a man should do in his youth, so I joined the submarine fleet," he said.

"We don't believe in fear and hardship."

FIRST PERSON|CHENG YUNZHAO

With lives in peril, captain brings calm

When the submarine started sinking rapidly, I was on duty. I can recall how nervous I was at that time because the vessel continued to sink for about 10 seconds even though Senior Captain Wang Hongli, commander of our flotilla and mission leader, had ordered all ballast tanks to be blown.

The submarine became suspended in the deep water and then began to surface very quickly.

After three hours of repairs, we submerged again, but all the men still had the jitters. However, I saw Wang was still smiling when he gave orders to us. He told us we would overcome all the difficulties and he would make sure every submariner was safe and sound.

His smile and words were a big relief, and they cleared the tension from my mind. I knew he bore heavy responsibilities and huge pressure, but that didn't stop him from reassuring and inspiring us.

At that time, all the men aboard shared one aim－to repair the equipment and complete our mission. Not one was thinking of himself, like whether he could do something to get a citation. We trust each other. We know we can depend on each other in tough times or crises.

I am very proud to be a submariner in the People's Liberation Army because I believe only a small number of servicemen can be chosen to serve on a submarine.

I can tell you, serving on such a vessel is anything but comfortable and easy. The interior is narrow, and crowded with equipment. Sailors often have insomnia during long missions.

Still, for me, a sailor who has served on a submarine for 13 years, the helm has become a part of my body. I will not leave it, and I will stay at my post no matter what happens.

Cheng Yunzhao is deputy steerage chief of Submarine 372. He was talking to China Daily reporter Zhao Lei.