MAYPORT NAVAL STATION – Hundreds of Chinese crew members from three ships of the People's Liberation Army-Navy are visiting Naval Station Mayport this week.
The ships docked Tuesday morning as part of a goodwill visit to help build a better relationship with the U.S. Navy. The USS Iwo Jima is serving as the host ship for the five-day goodwill visit.
This the first time that the Qindaohu and the other two ships have visited an East Coast port, and Jacksonville's Chinese community came out to welcome them with music, singing and a traditional dragon dance.
"We could not sleep last night," Jacksonville resident Teresa Du said. "We woke up very early to have this wonderful event."
As the People's Liberation ships were towed into port, Chinese native Du, her American husband and their twin children watched in awe. She is using the event to help teach her children about her culture.
"Our longtime dream has come true. China and America has this kind of good relationship come true today," Du said. "To learn about Chinese people and see the ships, it's better than anything they can learn at school and it's all right in front of you."
Her children also dressed up in Navy uniforms and handed out flowers to the Chinese sailors as they descended off the ships.
"I'm very proud of these two youngsters. They did an excellent job," Du said. "We've gone to China several times and visited. It's about time they come to see us."
The ceremony continued with speeches from city officials and naval commanders from China and the U.S. The crowds at Mayport were also allowed to tour parts of the Chinese warships, a gesture that officials say shows a bond between cultures.
"Know each other deeply and better and have a good future both in China and America," Du said.
The Chinese and American sailors will participate in a sports day and travel around Florida during their visit.