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Focus
- Photo Report Aboard PLAN Type 052C Destroyer Changchun |
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Photo
report: 24 Hours Aboard a PLAN (Chinese Navy) Type 052C Luyang II class
Destroyer |
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Journalists
from a Chinese naval magazine were able to spent some time aboard People's
Liberation Army Navy's (PLAN or Chinese Navy) Type 052C Destroyer Changchun
(hull numer 150). They published an interesting photo report with one
picture every hour during an entire day (24 hours) showing the life
of the crew on board a PLAN destroyer. Pictures were taken in July 2015
while the vessel was deployed in the western Pacific ocean. |
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Type
052C (Luyang II class) Destroyer Changchun (hull number 150) is the
third vessel of the class |
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The Type 052C destroyer (NATO designation Luyang II class) is a class
of destroyer built by China. It features four AESA multi-function phased
arrays radar. Six vessels in the class were built with the last one
delivered
in February this year. Following the Type 052C, the PLAN will
commission improved and more powerful destroyers such as the Type
052D and the future Type 055. According to the PLAN: "Type 052C vessels are new-generation guided missile destroyers independently researched, developed, designed and manufactured by China. With a maximum length of 155 meters, width of 17 meters, and a full load displacement of 6,000-plus tons, this new-type destroyer is equipped with multiple sets of new-type weapons and equipment independently researched and developed by China. With advanced performance and state-of-the-art equipment, it is able to attack surface ships and submarines either independently or in coordination with other naval forces, and has stronger combat capabilities of long-distance alerting and detection as well as area air-defense." |
First
picture: the photo report is nammed "The 3000 nautical miles
of Changchun (150) in the Pacific Oean" |
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01:00
- The vessel is sailing in the Pacific Ocean under starry skies |
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02:00
- On the navigation bridge |
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03:00
- The anti-air warfare Chief takes a shower. Changchun desalinates
40 tons of sea water per day. Warm fresh water is available 24/7. |
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04:00
- The communist party secretary is in the navigation map room to give
a cup of coffee and cookies to the deputy navigation chief. It is a tradition
on the ship. |
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05:00
- The chefs start preparing food in the kitchen |
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06:00
- Type 052C Destroyer Changchun keeps on sailing East |
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07:00
- The deputy navigation chief measures the distance between the destroyer
and a supply ship. Although computers are availabel to perform this task
automiatically, it is nonetheless essential for the navigation crew to
retain these skills. |
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08:00
- Type 052C Destroyer Changchun gets resupplied in liquids |
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09:00
- Communication training |
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10:00
- In the flotilla command room, the commander of the flotilla gives the
GO for training with live fire. Less than 10 people are required to command
the flotilla, through an automated combat system. The average age of the
command crew is 35 years old. |
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11:00
- The deputy communications chief, a young woman who graduated just 1
year ago, focuses during a naval battle simulation. |
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12:00
- Type 052C Destroyer Changchun concludes a series of live fire
exercise |
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13:00
- The Changchun's ASW helicopter deploys its dipping sonar |
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14:00
- The destroyer transfers some of the crew members to Type 054A frigate
belonging to the same flotilla |
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15:00
- Passing exercise/naval maneuvers training for the flotilla |
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16:00
- In the gym, some sailors participate in physical exercise during their
break |
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17:00 - After 4 hours on station, some sailors take their meals. The meal is served self-service, there are 5 different dishes, soup and fruit, like when the crew at shore. |
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18:00 - Start of the night flight and night landing training. Throughout the mission, the helicopters decked 435 times during day time and 292 times at night. |
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19:00 - Some sailors play cards during their break. Others are either in the gym, the library, the multimedia room or on the deck. |
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20:00 - Last landing of the day for the helicopter |
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21:00 - Women onboard the destroyer have their own living quarters |
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22:00 - In the generator control room:"1500 rpm, 50 Hz, 380V" |
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23:00 - In the sonar room, a sonar operator is on watch duty. According to the sailor, each operator must remain on station between 6 to 8 hours every day. They distinguish the signals between civilian ships, military vessels, dolphins and whales. When the journalist asked if this task gets boring, the operator on duty responded "It's just a habit." |
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24:00 - The diesel propulsion team leader makes his usual inspection. |
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