Binjiang Police Affairs

Chapter 1446 - 236: Come Often!

Among all the armed forces worldwide, the Navy is the one with the most ceremonies.As the fleet entered Malaysian territorial waters, Han Yu couldn’t afford to delay and immediately rushed to the bridge.

The Captain contacted the Malaysian Navy according to international protocol and sent a greeting telegram. The welcoming ship from the Malaysian Navy soon sailed over, expressing welcome to the Chinese Naval Fleet and raising signal flags to show their welcome.

The Shenzhen Ship immediately sent a thank-you telegram and also raised thank-you signal flags.

The waters of Malaysia are among the busiest shipping routes in the world. Although they were approaching a military port, it was right next to a commercial port, known as one of the world’s busiest ports.

To ensure navigation safety, especially during the port entry, the Malaysians not only sent a welcoming ship but also a tugboat. Following the previous agreement, the Shenzhen Ship took aboard the liaison officer of the Malaysian Navy and the port’s pilot.

Although the fleet had several translators, who spoke English quite well, they didn’t quite understand the maritime and international maritime conventions, making translation somewhat inaccurate.

Han Yu’s English was far from perfect, with even non-standard pronunciation, but like Captain Qian from Guangzhou Navigation College, he at least understood the true intention behind the words and could convey the meaning to the other party. Thus, he became the Captain’s translator.

At 9:46 in the morning, the fleet entered the port under the guidance of the welcoming ship.

Two warships hoisted full flags, and the off-duty officers and soldiers on board tidied their uniforms and lined up on both the port and starboard sides, commonly known as "standing guard."

Not all the officers and soldiers on this visit were from the Shenzhen Ship and the Nancang Supply Ship.

For instance, the command post had officers from the Navy Headquarters and the South Sea Fleet Command. There were even journalists accompanying them, such as those from the People’s Liberation Army Daily, People’s Navy Newspaper, and the PLA Television Art Center, which produces the military segment for Central Channel 7, as well as publicity officers from the fleet and even headquarters.

In addition, there was also a military band.

As the Shenzhen Ship was berthing, it saw the Malaysian Navy band performing on the dock.

Not far from the Malaysian band, there was a crowd of Overseas Chinese waiting to greet them, some holding banners, some waving China’s national flag, some presenting flowers, and others vigorously waving their hands to express their excitement at seeing the national warships.

As the warship docked, ropes were fastened, the gangway was set up, and the band on board played a lively march.

Chief of Staff Zheng and Captain Shen, wearing crisp, clean ceremonial uniforms, were the first to disembark.

Malaysian Navy generals had been waiting for a long time. In the company of the liaison officer who disembarked together and the Chinese ambassador to Malaysia, military attaché, and others, they stepped forward to greet Chief of Staff Zheng and Captain Shen and introduced each other.

As previously arranged, the Malaysian Navy Admiral gave a brief speech on the dock, welcoming the Chinese Naval Fleet’s visit. In response, Chief of Staff Zheng expressed gratitude on behalf of the visiting fleet for the warm welcome from the Malaysian Navy and the Overseas Chinese.

Immediately following, Malaysian generals, officials, and social celebrities were invited to board the ship for a tour.

The embassy must have prepared for many days for this moment, and Han Yu clearly saw the ambassador, counselor, and military attaché shedding tears of excitement just now!

Anyone who has traveled abroad, especially those who have lived overseas, can understand their feelings at this moment.

A weak nation has no diplomacy, and no Chinese diplomat who has experienced a century of humiliation can feel this more deeply.

The motherland has become stronger, and the naval ships of the motherland are visiting. For these diplomats, it is a source of confidence!

The scale of the Chinese Naval Fleet is not big enough, and the ships are not very advanced, but the size of the Malaysian Navy is even smaller, and its naval vessels are more outdated.

Malaysian generals and officials accompanied by Chief of Staff Zheng, Political Commissioner Shen, and the ambassador showed great interest during the tour and kept asking questions. They were amazed and envious upon learning that this large missile destroyer was independently built by China.

A special exhibition area dedicated to the Shenzhen Special Zone was set up on the ship. They even brought in a large-screen LCD TV to continuously play a promotional video for the Shenzhen Special Zone.

Almost all the embassy staff that could attend were present.

Han Yu, no longer needed as a translator, stood by curiously asking, "Brother Wu, how much did Shenzhen pay for the promotion?"

Adviser Wu, while smiling and nodding at several Malaysian officials touring, replied nonchalantly, "There is a reason for naming it the Shenzhen Ship. It not only embodies the spirit of ’being bold and pioneering’ but also demonstrates our national commitment to reform and opening up to the world."

"Didn’t Shenzhen pay anything?"

"All you think about is money," Adviser Wu playfully rebuked, then added thoughtfully, "But of course, they must have extended courtesy, and courtesy naturally isn’t given with empty hands."

This day can go down in history; today’s visit is highly significant.

Han Yu also changed into a spotless white naval officer’s ceremonial uniform, wearing the rank of Navy Reserve Major. After the cameramen left, he remarked nonchalantly, "The East Sea Fleet also has a frigate named after our Binjiang, and our city leaders visit every year."

"That’s right," Adviser Wu glanced back and continued, "Shenzhen City leaders not only come to visit but are also known to give the Shenzhen Ship a quota for the annual resettlement of transferred personnel."

"Only one per year?"

"Shenzhen is a special economic zone; it’s not a place where anyone can just come! Besides, there are only so many officers on the ship; how many can transfer in a year?"

"That’s true."

Adviser Wu had been on the supply ship these past few days and wasn’t aware of what was happening on the Shenzhen Ship.

Making sure no one was paying attention here, he couldn’t resist asking, "Brother, was there another malfunction yesterday?"

Han Yu took a deep breath and replied casually, "Last time, there was a steam leak in the main engine, and an elastic piece of the steam turbine transmission shaft fell off. The problem wasn’t big and was quickly resolved."

"That’s good to hear; they said there was another malfunction, which had me on edge."

Just as Adviser Wu finished speaking, a whistle sounded from the front.

It was mealtime, and a luncheon was to be held on the ship, hosting Malaysian Navy generals, Malaysian officials, and celebrities from various fields.

For this, the ship’s cooks had been preparing for several days!

As an observer appointed by the Navy Headquarters, Han Yu was to participate as a garrison liaison officer.

Chief of Staff Zheng and the Ambassador gave speeches, the Malaysian Navy Admiral also spoke... The meal was quite "official," not as enjoyable as dining with the officers and soldiers.

Han Yu was about to ask the Deputy Captain responsible for logistics if the protective suits had been delivered, when suddenly drums were heard from the pier, accompanied by cheers.

Stepping out of the dining room and looking down from the edge of the deck, Han Yu was surprised to see that the overseas Chinese who had come to welcome them hadn’t left. In fact, there were even more than in the morning. Some were playing drums and gongs; others were performing lion dances, while more people were busy lining up to take photos with the officers on duty at the pier.

According to the schedule, the ship was open for tours this afternoon, welcoming the Malaysian people and overseas Chinese to come aboard.

No need to ask; they were obviously waiting to board the ship.

When the naval fleet visits, the officers disembarking are like entering the country, and they must go through entry procedures.

There are dedicated personnel from the command responsible for liaising with Malaysian officials, and the procedures were completed in the morning, taking just under two hours.

Han Yu couldn’t resist walking along the gangway to the pier, watching the overseas Chinese waving frantically and shouting greetings, feeling moved from the bottom of his heart and genuinely proud.

An elderly Chinese man approached him eagerly and asked, "Officer, is this a navy ship built by China itself?"

"Hello, I’m not an officer, and in the Chinese Navy, we don’t use titles like officer."

"Yes, yes, yes, not officer, it should be comrade!"

Seeing that the overseas Chinese wanted to take photos, Han Yu stood cooperatively beside them, allowing them to take pictures while smiling and confirming, "Sir, this warship was indeed built by China itself. Since the reform and opening up, the domestic scene has changed rapidly. You are welcome to visit the country when you have time."

"Sure, I’ll definitely go back, whenever I can!"

"Major, when will the warship be open for tours, when can we board?"

"Soon, as soon as the Malaysian Navy officers leave, it will be open."

"Great, Major, this is my first time seeing a Chinese warship!"

"Miss, I trust this won’t be the last time. We’ll be visiting often in the future."

On disembarking, it was hard to walk away.

Overseas Chinese had one question after another, and many wanted photos.

Han Yu was extremely busy, and after the reception, the Malaysian officers and officials, accompanied by the two commanders and ambassadors, disembarked from the ship and left in the cars that streamed by.

Tonight, they were going to hold a reception, and Han Yu was to accompany the two commanders to the banquet with the ship captain and political commissioner.

Once the Malaysian officers and dignitaries departed, the command ordered the officers on duty at the pier to allow the overseas Chinese, who had been waiting all morning, to come aboard for the tour as planned.

Some Malaysian Chinese had traveled from hundreds of kilometers away, and even some overseas Chinese had come specifically from Singapore and the Philippines. They couldn’t be let down.

But to ensure safety, they could only let them board in batches.

There were so many people that it was almost dark, and even though they had stopped allowing visitors, many were still asking the officers on duty to let them go up and take a look, even if just for a quick round.

Chief of Staff Zheng and Political Commissioner Shen discussed it and ordered an extension of the visiting hours.

The overseas Chinese were incredibly excited and very understanding of the fleet’s officers and soldiers. After boarding, they really just took a quick look around, not wanting to take up too much of their time.

After the tour, they were reluctant to leave the pier, looking at the majestic Shenzhen Ship, giving the thumbs up, saying that China is now strong, and as Chinese in Malaysia, they felt proud and honored.

On the way to the banquet, Political Commissioner Shen asked quietly, "Salted Fish, how do you feel?"

Han Yu hadn’t expected the commander to ask this, and after a moment of silence, he said, "We came too late; we should come more often, regularly."

Everything that happened in the afternoon also left Political Commissioner Shen deeply moved, feeling touched countless times.

Thinking again about Han Yu’s reluctance to join the military, Political Commissioner Shen remarked meaningfully, "It’s us who came late; it has nothing to do with you."

"Commander, the Reserve Forces are an important part of the People’s Liberation Army of China. I am also part of the Navy. When I said we came late, we should come more often. Did I say ’we’ incorrectly?"

"There is still a difference between the Reserve Forces and the active forces."

"Commander, others might discriminate against our Reserve Forces, but you can’t!"

Chief of Staff Zheng was amused and couldn’t help but laugh: "Xiao Han, now you see how honorable it is to be a soldier. You might consider enlisting through a special recruitment. If you want to join the military and are willing to come to our fleet, I’ll start you as a deputy captain, and if you perform well for two years, you can become the ship captain!"

The commander was sincere.

After all, you can only steer or repair ships, not command in combat.

First, serve as deputy captain, learn how to command in warfare, and then become captain, which is certainly assigning you an important task.

Han Yu was genuinely tempted, but it was just a temptation, and he said awkwardly, "Commander, I know my own abilities, but I really can’t be a ship captain. Besides, I might be able to do more staying on the civilian side than as a soldier."

There are many capable commanders in the military.

But when you think about capable and effective Reserve Officers, there are only a few.

Political Commissioner Shen had already come to understand this and nodded in agreement: "You don’t need to become a soldier; you indeed can make a greater impact on the civilian side."

Han Yu didn’t want to talk about this, so he immediately changed the topic: "Commander, according to the plan, resupply is scheduled for tonight. In the afternoon, when the Shenzhen Ship was open, I took a look around the supply ship and noticed that the fuel tank’s sealing isn’t great, and there was even some water accumulated in the compartment next to Oil Tank No. 2."

This fleet composed of two new ships hadn’t been in service long, and various issues kept cropping up.

Chief of Staff Zheng sighed quietly and nodded: "Noted. I’ll mention it to them later and have them conduct a thorough inspection."