Awe and Pride on Deck: Hong Kong Students Explore Naval Ships, Feel the Nation’s Might

The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy's guided-missile destroyer Nanning and frigate Hengyang hosted a special session for young students at the Ngong Shuen Chau Naval Base on July 3. Teachers and students from several primary and secondary schools boarded the ships for an up-close look.

Teachers and students from several primary and secondary schools boarded the ships for an up-close look. Photo by Bastille Post

Photo by Bastille Post

The event took place in the morning, with students lining up in batches to tour the two docked vessels.

The event took place in the morning, with students lining up in batches to tour the two docked vessels. Photo by Bastille Post

Petty Officer Yan Jun, from the Hengyang, said it was his first time visiting Hong Kong with the ship. He noted the warmth of the local residents and the vibrancy of Hong Kong as an international city, expressing hope for a more stable and prosperous future for the city. He added that the students were enthusiastic and deeply curious about the ships, radiating happiness and vitality. He also expressed hope that they would carry this sense of patriotism into their studies and daily lives.

Petty Officer Yan Jun, from the Hengyang, Photo by Bastille Post

Yan also mentioned that the Hengyang has carried out several escort missions in the Gulf of Aden since its commissioning, primarily to protect Chinese and foreign merchant ships from pirate threats. He recalled interactions with Hong Kong-linked merchant vessels: "The Hong Kong merchant ships would fly the regional flag and the national flag, and display banners. We were very excited to see that."

Officer Chen Jindang, from the Nanning, Photo by Bastille Post

Officer Chen Jindang, from the Nanning, noted that the destroyer, commissioned in 2021, took part in the 2023 evacuation of Chinese nationals from Sudan, including the safe extraction of two Hong Kong citizens, in addition to its Gulf of Aden escort missions. He expressed his hope that through this exchange, Hong Kong people would view the motherland as a strong backing. "No matter where you are, as long as you are Chinese, there is no need to be afraid. The motherland will always have our back."

At the firearms experience area near the pier, a long queue of students gathered. Photo by Bastille Post

Photo by Bastille Post

At the firearms experience area near the pier, a long queue of students gathered. A teacher from the P.L.K. Siu Hon Sum Primary School said she had brought 43 students to the visit today. They eagerly took turns handling the gun models, with their faces lighting up with excitement. One student, Chu, described the experience: "Some guns were difficult to handle and very heavy. After opening the magazine, I found it was much heavier than I expected, which was nothing like in video games." He also revealed that the school's morning assemblies already include content related to national security education. He admitted that the visit gave him a preliminary understanding of the two vessels and expressed hope to learn more in the future.

Student Chu, Photo by Bastille Post

Another student, Chan, who toured the deck of the Nanning, said he was most impressed by the ship's torpedoes and vertical-launch missile systems, describing them as "well-developed technologies in China" and expressing interest in pursuing a future career with the Navy.

Student Chan, Photo by Bastille Post

On-site, several themed exhibition zones were set up along the two ships' berths, including displays on firearms, knots, flags, fireproof suits, and navigational instruments. The two naval ships will remain docked at the Ngong Shuen Chau Naval Base until July 6, with public visitation days scheduled for July 4 and 5.

On-site, several themed exhibition zones were set up along the two ships' berths, including displays on firearms, knots, flags, fireproof suits, and navigational instruments. Photo by Bastille Post

During the visit, students can also enter the PLA Hong Kong Garrison Exhibition Centre to have a deeper understanding of national technology and strength. Photo by Bastille Post

During the visit, students can also enter the PLA Hong Kong Garrison Exhibition Centre to have a deeper understanding of national technology and strength. Photo by Bastille Post

During the visit, students can also enter the PLA Hong Kong Garrison Exhibition Centre to have a deeper understanding of national technology and strength. Photo by Bastille Post

The PLA Navy's guided-missile destroyer Nanning and frigate Hengyang opened their decks to the public on July 4 at the Ngong Shuen Chau Naval Base for a two-day visitation program, with access granted to those who had secured online reservations.

The PLA Navy's guided-missile destroyer Nanning and frigate Hengyang opened their decks to the public on July 4 at the Ngong Shuen Chau Naval Base for a two-day visitation program. Photo by Bastille Post

For Petty Officer Chen Yufei of the Nanning and Officer Liang Qiurui of the Hengyang, this visit marks their first time in Hong Kong. Both expressed eagerness to sample local cuisine and take in the city's distinctive character during their stay. Beyond sharing stories of life at sea, they also spoke warmly of the hospitality they had already received from Hong Kong residents.

The PLA Navy's guided-missile destroyer Nanning and frigate Hengyang opened their decks to the public on July 4 at the Ngong Shuen Chau Naval Base for a two-day visitation program. Photo by Bastille Post

Petty Officer Chen Yufei recounted Nanning's participation in the 2023 evacuation of Chinese nationals from Sudan. She described how the crew rehearsed boarding arrangements in advance, dividing the vessel into five zones to accommodate evacuees and preparing meals for them. Her most vivid memory, she said, was watching the evacuees step aboard: "They had traveled long distances in the dust, carrying their luggage and families. Everyone looked at the warship and smiled; some even cried with emotion, thanking us for coming all the way across the ocean to bring them home."

Petty Officer Chen Yufei of the Nanning, Photo by Bastille Post

Speaking of her first impressions of Hong Kong, Chen said she was struck by the city's towering skyline as the vessel docked. "It feels like a very prosperous city," she said. She particularly hopes to visit Tsim Sha Tsui: "There are so many shopping malls and snacks there. I really want to try Hong Kong-style desserts."

Having spent years on overseas missions with the Nanning, Chen acknowledged that life at sea can be challenging. "There's no mobile phone signal or internet at sea," she explained. "It's hard to stay in touch with home, and the homesickness hits especially hard when the work pressure is high." However, she noted that the crewmates supported her, so she rarely feels truly alone. She also observed that men and women serve side by side aboard the ship; while women may have slightly less physical strength, with time and adaptation, they can complete all tasks together.

Officer Liang Qiurui of the Hengyang, Photo by Bastille Post

Officer Liang Qiurui, making his first visit to Hong Kong aboard the Hengyang, described the people of Hong Kong as "very warm and friendly, especially sincere and polite in their interactions." During the vessel's open day, he noted that students had asked the crew about life aboard a warship and at sea, while also expressing admiration for the military. "This activity made us feel that it was very meaningful," he said, "allowing our compatriots in Hong Kong and Macau to gain a more direct and in-depth understanding of the development of national defense and the armed forces in the new era."

Liang said he hopes to slow down and experience Hong Kong's distinctive character, particularly its food, such as the local Cha Chaan Teng. "Whether it's places that carry Chinese cultural traditions or areas full of local life, I want to slow down, walk around, and feel this city that shares our roots," he added.

Visitors queued up to take part in the various military experiences on offer at the activity zones. Photo by Bastille Post

The military band concert at the PLA Hong Kong Garrison Exhibition Centre, Photo by Bastille Post