East Sea Fleet
Gu spent most of his career in the PLAN's East Sea Fleet, rising to deputy chief of staff, and then deputy commander in 1996. He also attained the rank of rear admiral the same year. In July 2004, he was promoted to commander of the South Sea Fleet and concurrently deputy commander of the Guangzhou Military Region, succeeding Wu Shengli. He was promoted to vice-admiral in July 2005, and appointed deputy commander of the PLA Navy in January 2008.