Roses on a blue sea: The women of China's Navy (4)

Proud to be a female sailor

At such beautiful time in one's life, these eight girls choose to stay on the ship, to be far away from home. They have to travel the seas for more than seven months, fight potential bad weather and pirate threats.

But the tough life on the sea has made them turn from rosebud into blossoming flowers. Sailor Fan Li Juan wrote in her diary, "Yesterday you were a girl. Today you are female sailor. Only after the storm, one can see a rainbow."

When asked about any worries in regards to the long escort mission, Kong Xiangyun said she felt very proud of herself and very lucky to have this chance at sailing out. It's the most meaningful thing in her life. There is nothing to worry about.

Rear Admiral Yuan Shaobai, commander of the Chinese Fleet, told a reporter that female sailors on combat posts during the escort mission will not only optimize the gender composition of the fleet, but also bring the Chinese navy more in line with international practices. This shows China's Navy is a civilized and peace-oriented force.