PLA Navy's crucible of future warship leaders
For almost four decades, the Zheng He has served as an operational classroom and floating instrument of China's maritime diplomacy
From cadet to instructor
For Zhang, the bond with the vessel began in the summer of 2018 during his sophomore year at the academy, when he embarked on a monthlong navigation exercise.
"We encountered a succession of typhoons, and for over 10 days we couldn't make port. Giant waves battered the ship, and my stomach churned," he recalled. "But after that experience, I never got seasick again, and I no longer fear rough seas."
What proved even more transformative was watching the crew maintain composure under pressure. Upon graduation in 2020, Zhang requested and received an assignment back to the Zheng He. The transition from trainee to trainer brought a sharp learning curve.
When his first group of cadets came aboard, he tried to pour everything he knew into them, repeating explanations and demonstrations endlessly. But he soon realized that the deluge of information overwhelmed them.
"Over time, I came to understand that teaching isn't about cramming — it's about guiding. You have to progress step by step and tailor your approach to each cadet's ability," he said.
Today, Zhang has evolved into what the PLA Navy terms a "four-in-one" professional: capable of serving simultaneously as a crew member, instructor, combatant and tactical commander.
Passing the torch
Every member of the Zheng He's crew doubles as an educator. Navigation officer Wu Jiahui maintains 17 distinct lesson plans on her workstation, tailoring instructional modules for specific specialties and mission profiles. Rather than drilling formulaic exercises, she forces cadets to evaluate dynamic operational hazards.
"You have to actively engage and guide cadets to think," she said. "They will become combatants and commanders one day, and they must rely on their own exploration and creativity."
Elsewhere on the ship, navigation officer Gao Siyu leads cadets through every compartment to help them memorize equipment layouts, having them draw dozens of detailed piping diagrams by hand. Down in the heat and engine noise, engineering officer Li Hui provides hands-on instruction in machinery diagnostics and emergency repairs.
In the ship's honor room, new arrivals gather to memorize the dying words of the ship's first commanding officer, Feng Zuanshu: "The ship obeys my commands; I obey the Party's commands — guard the seas and defend the motherland!"
Cadet Deng Yuyang said: "The Zheng He is a warship with tradition and heritage. I must carry forward and build on that proud legacy."
