Tet in remote islands
In the days leading up to the Binh Ngo Lunar New Year 2026, I had the opportunity to accompany the working delegation of the Command of Naval Region 5 and delegates from provinces, cities, and businesses from the mainland to visit officers and soldiers on Tho Chu Island. Welcoming us were soldiers of Radar Station 610 of Regiment 551, Naval Region 5 in neat uniforms and radiant smiles. The presence of the working delegation brought early spring colors, easing the harsh sun and wind and shortening the distance between the remote island and the mainland.
The meeting took place in a friendly and warm atmosphere with tight handshakes, sincere greetings, and Tet gifts handed over quickly erased the feeling of separation of the sea and islands. For many young soldiers celebrating Spring for the first time on the frontline island, the presence of the working delegation is not only a surprise but also a great source of spiritual encouragement, helping to ease homesickness in the last days of the year.
When reaching the age of military service, while many friends were still hesitant and hesitant about their own choices, Corporal Doan Minh Phu (from Soc Trang) - Soldier of Military Medicine at Radar Station 610, Regiment 551, Naval Region 5 proactively wrote a voluntary enlistment application. For Corporal Doan Minh Phu, wearing a soldier's uniform is not only the duty of a citizen, but also a source of pride and an opportunity to train and contribute youth to the cause of national defense.
The early days in the army were not a small challenge, from free living at home to getting used to strict discipline and training sessions under the sun and wind of the training ground. Training was sometimes tiring, sometimes homesick, but I never gave up. Being assigned a mission in the frontline island, I feel very proud" - Corporal Doan Minh Phu shared.
Celebrating Tet away from home for the first time on a remote island, homesickness is inevitable for young soldiers. "Celebrating Tet at home with family is always warmer. On the island, there is a bit of sadness, but in return we have commanding officers and comrades by our sides. Everyone lives together, prepares to celebrate Tet together, so we are very happy" - Phu confided.
Sharing the same feeling, Sergeant Le Chi Linh - Radar operator of Radar Station 610, Regiment 551, Navy Region 5 said that his first year in the military brought many memorable experiences. In the early days of training, there were still many confusions, but gradually he got used to the disciplined lifestyle of the army. "The commanders are very close, often encourage, confide and help us in work as well as in life" - Linh said.
In the days leading up to Tet, when delegations from many localities and regions of the Fatherland come to visit and wish Tet to the unit, the joy seems to multiply. "When welcoming delegations, I clearly feel the concern of the rear for officers and soldiers on the island. That is a great source of encouragement for us to feel secure in our work and complete our tasks well" - Sergeant Le Chi Linh shared.
In the moment of changing seasons, many simple wishes were sent back to the mainland by young soldiers. The soldiers wished their families always good health and peace of mind because in remote islands, they are still fully cared for, are cared for by commanders and shared by comrades. In the vast sea and sky, Tet on the frontline island is not only homesickness, but also proof of the spirit of responsibility, silent sacrifice and pride of soldiers who are guarding peace for the Fatherland day and night.
Iron will in the sea breeze
Amidst the atmosphere of preparing to welcome Spring, the combat readiness preparation of Radar Station 610 under Regiment 551, Naval Region 5 is carried out seriously, without a minute of negligence. On-duty shifts are still regularly connected in the sound of the sea breeze and the rhythm of waves crashing ashore.
Captain Le Sy Thang - Head of Radar Station 610, Regiment 551, Naval Region 5 - said that the unit always seriously grasps the instructions of superiors, organizes observation and detection of targets continuously 24/24 hours, ensuring no errors occur in any situation. Not only firmly managing the assigned sea area, the station also closely coordinates with forces in the area in managing low-altitude airspace, contributing to maintaining the defensive posture at the southwest gateway.
To complete the task in harsh weather conditions, the Station Command especially focuses on ideological work, regularly encouraging officers and soldiers, especially during night shifts and stormy days. From there, each soldier builds a high sense of responsibility, steadfast bravery and steely will in the face of all challenges" - Captain Le Sy Thang emphasized.
In parallel with professional tasks, Radar Station 610 also actively participates in mass mobilization activities, coordinates with the Commune Youth Union, Border Guard Station to organize environmental protection activities, build safe stationed areas, contributing to tightening the military-civilian solidarity on the island.
