When duty calls

There were no firecrackers or family reunions this Spring Festival for Chinese naval soldiers patrolling the pirate-ridden waters off the Somalian coast. But it will remain a memorable one as they recreated the festive spirit, far from home on the Gulf of Aden.

Self-made couplets carrying wishes for a good year decorated the cabins on the ships, and the soldiers even got together to make the traditional dumplings, without which no Chinese New Year celebration is complete.

There was also their own version of the Spring Festival Gala, titled Blessings to Our Motherland featuring much singing, poem recitation and martial arts displays, with the soldiers turning performers with great ease.

"We do not feel in the least bit lonely," said Bao Huyou, a 20-year-old soldier who has not been home for the Spring Festival for the past four years. "This year is unique because we are here fulfilling an important mission for the well-being of our country, and we are very proud of that."

"People across the country have sent their wishes to us and we feel happy," he said.

It is now nearly one month since they arrived in the Gulf of Aden on Jan 6. Earlier, China sent two Chinese destroyers and a supply ship to the Gulf of Aden off Somalia on Dec 26, 2008, offering protection for Chinese civilian vessels and crews, including those from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, as well as foreign vessels, on request.

By Jan 26, the Chinese ships had carried out 10 escort missions offering protection to 24 vessels off the Somalian coast.

Their 11th escort mission began on Jan 26, the very first day of the first month according to the Chinese lunar calendar.

But the soldiers took this in their stride, allowing themselves a little emotion only while thinking of their loved ones.

On Jan 26, some of the soldiers were able to see their families through a video call, but many chose to keep their conversations short so that everyone could get a chance.

Those unable to talk to their families, wrote down their blessings for their loved ones on their cell phones, even though they could not send them out because of a weak signal.

"Today is your birthday, my son. Although I am not by your side, you know that I love you so much. Happy Birthday to you," wrote Dong Lifeng, a sailor on the naval ship, on his cell phone on Jan 13, and said he would share that with his son when he went back home.

On Feb 1, Chinese naval ships started their 15th escort mission for two Chinese vessels on the Gulf of Aden.

(China Daily 02/04/2009 page10)