Sailor finds herself in traditional family waters

There is no disguising her father's pride, but Rukiya Matisat knows that when it comes to family history she has a tough act to follow. There is a concrete reminder of it every day in her hometown.

"My father shows visitors pictures on the wall of me in my navy uniform and tells them of my life on the aircraft carrier," the 19-year-old Uygur sailor said.

"My parents have often said that if my great-grandfather knew I had joined the navy, he would be very happy."