Guardians of the Maritime Frontier Write Their Youthful Answers with Dedication

Xinhua News Agency Ren'ai Reef, March 28 (Reporters He Xinyuan, Mao Jun) In the spring days of the South China Sea, the blue waves stretch for miles, and the Coast Guard ship Sandu is cutting through the waves. "Duty alert!" The urgent alarm sound pierces the cabin, and the Coast Guard law enforcement officers quickly arrive at their posts, starting their operations in an orderly manner under unified command.

In recent days, reporters have witnessed alongside the law enforcement officers of the Coast Guard ship Sandu as they protect the country's maritime territory and safeguard the flickering fishing lights here.

On March 24, the Coast Guard ship Sandu patrolled around a reef in the South China Sea (drone photo). Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Mao Jun

The responsibility and commitment of youthful faces

"I have spotted a suspicious vessel in my jurisdiction, preparing to verify its identity." Wang Yilin put down his work and quickly rushed to the bridge. With the ideal of going to the front line, the Coast Guard newcomer, who just graduated from school last year, has now become an indispensable backbone of the ship. As he said, "This responsibility is entrusted to us, so we must guard this sea area well."

On March 6, law enforcement officers of the Coast Guard ship Sandu observed nearby fishing boats with binoculars. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Mao Jun

Nearly 70% of the crew on board are "post-2000s" like Wang Yilin, who diligently fulfill their duties.

Hao Guiwen, a "post-2000s" law enforcement officer from Jincheng, Shanxi, is the "chief steward" of the ship's power system and has been awarded two third-class merits. This Spring Festival, he, along with many colleagues, remained on duty at the front line, saying, "There must always be someone on duty, and the targets understand."

Endurance and perseverance on the job

After midnight, in the hot engine room, law enforcement officer Chen Ren from Hunan put down the oil-stained pump rod and wiped the sweat from his forehead. He and three other colleagues had just separated nearly 8 tons of oily wastewater, and the soreness from his wrist to his waist had persisted for two days and nights.

"Since I chose to come here, I must endure the loneliness." Chen Ren showed us another side behind the poetic sea.

In this position, working in three shifts, enduring noise and heat is commonplace; sometimes, the unbearable "rotten egg" smell here drives them out for fresh air. After returning to the dock from a mission, rust removal, repainting, equipment maintenance, theoretical study, and physical training have become everyone's daily routine.

This year marks his seventh year of steadfast service in the Coast Guard.

On March 8, law enforcement officers of the Coast Guard ship Sandu conducted cabin inspections. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Mao Jun

Disconnection from the internet is the norm; for these "guardians of the sea," they can only occasionally use satellite phones to exchange a few simple pleasantries with their families. As for when communication will be restored and whether they can return on time, no one can say for sure; all they can do is remain on standby at all times.

Every time before going to sea, law enforcement officer Wang Yilin always leaves a message saying "I'm going out." His parents understand without needing to say much, repeatedly reminding him to pay attention to safety; the family has long reached a tacit understanding.

"Don't ask me where I am; I won't tell you even if you do." The scenes from the song reflect reality. As for how hard this job is, most crew members simply respond with a straightforward "I'm used to it."

The warmth and legacy amidst the waves

Not long ago, law enforcement officer Zhu Bin returned to the dormitory late at night and was pleasantly surprised to find that his colleagues had gathered there to prepare a warm "farewell banquet" for him. Shyly, he smiled and said he couldn't let everyone down.

Life on the ship may have reduced the "width" of social circles but has increased the "depth" of brotherhood.

Law enforcement officer Xing Hanwen from Wenchang, Hainan, has lived on the ship since joining the Coast Guard in 2015, saying, "The ship is like our second home."

On the flight deck, Xing Hanwen was guiding his colleagues in operating a drone. This seemingly simple operation actually requires overcoming wind resistance and considering the ship's speed and sway. "Leave some space in front; don't use just one finger to control the joystick." As the sound of the blades grew louder, his colleague held the joystick more steadily. After a moment of swaying, the drone landed smoothly on the ship.

On March 8, law enforcement officers of the Coast Guard ship Sandu took off and landed a drone on the deck. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Mao Jun

"Passing on knowledge and helping each other" is deeply ingrained in these law enforcement officers' genes. Officer Ma Ziyao said, "Our tradition is to ensure that no one gets left behind." Experienced officer Liu Mingyang remarked, "Since taking over the ship, I have trained almost every batch of newcomers, which is very fulfilling."

Inheritance, unity, and mutual assistance are the foundational qualities of these Coast Guard law enforcement officers rooted at the front line. Just like this vast ocean, they move forward together in unity.

As the last ray of sunset sinks into the boundless horizon, the broadcast carries the law enforcement officers' resolute oath: "The bow of the ship plows through thousands of waves, I guard the national borders with my youth." The signal light is on, and the Sandu continues to sail through the waves.