Force for Peace: Chinese navy fleet completes 339-day maritime escort mission
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A navy fleet from the People's Liberation Army has returned to China after nearly a year at sea. The guided-missile destroyer Jiaozuo, the missile frigate Xuchang, and the supply vessel Honghu, docked on Friday in the city of Zhanjiang in south China's Guangdong Province. Zhao Yunfei recaps the fleet's mission and accomplishments.

Safe back home – the 46th fleet of the PLA Navy completed escorting missions in the Gulf of Aden and the waters off Somalia.

The fleet traveled over 160,000 nautical miles in 339 days; the fleet also conducted counter-terrorism and anti-piracy exercises.

XU FUXIANG Member, 46th PLA Navy's Escort Mission Fleet "This is my first escort mission. During the mission, we carefully planned the escort schedule, strictly organized the escort operations, and safely escorted dozens of Chinese and foreign ships to safe areas. We often received sincere praise."

"If you need any assistance, please contact me on channel 16, over."

Since 2008, China has dispatched naval ships to carry out vessel protection operations in dangerous waters, ensuring security in the area. Over 150 military vessels and 35,000 soldiers participated in the mission.

GONG GEN Member, 46th PLA Navy's Escort Mission Fleet "Over the past 16 years, visits, exchanges, joint exercises and training, and various bilateral or multilateral activities have been carried out during the escort mission. Officers and soldiers have continued to develop skills in routine escort missions and other tasks. The Chinese Navy escort fleet has gradually become an important force for peace, safeguarding the waters on a regular basis."

During the 46th mission, the fleet also participated in a multilateral joint maritime exercise in Nigeria, the celebration of the 328th founding anniversary of the Russian navy, and an international navy festival in South Africa – making friends along the way. Zhao Yunfei, CGTN.