Resolutely overcoming the big waves
DK1 Battalion, part of Naval Region 2, was established on July 5, 1989 in the context of many complicated developments in the sea, islands and continental shelf in the South. The unit is assigned the task of managing and protecting the sea area with a particularly important position in terms of politics, economy, national defense and security.
After 36 years of construction and growth, DK1 officers and soldiers have built 20 stone houses on 7 important shelters including: Tu Chinh, Phuc Nguyen, Phuc Tan, Huyen Tran, Que Duong, Ba Ke and Ca Mau. This is an area with very harsh weather and hydrological conditions, often affected by tropical depressions and major storms. Many storms with waves up to 13 -15m high have brought down 5 displacement houses, killing 9 officers, soldiers and 2 comrades on the ship at a very young age.
Many soldiers have spent their life-and-death hours floating at sea after their tents were collapsed, struggling with storms, lacking green vegetables, fresh water and minimum living conditions. But it is in the midst of hardship that the spirit of "Since people, until the house" becomes an order from the heart, the motivation to overcome all challenges.
Major Le Van Sy, Commander of DK1/9 Fishing Company affirmed: "No matter the circumstances, we are always absolutely loyal to the Party, the Fatherland and the people, ready to fight and sacrifice to firmly protect the sovereignty of the assigned sea; a support for fishermen to go offshore and stick to the sea".
From the initial 3 troupes, the Battalion has built, upgraded and solidified 15 troupes. Officers and soldiers strictly implement 24/7 duty, monitoring hundreds of thousands of targets at sea and in the air. Close coordination with forces creates a comprehensive defensive posture, resolutely fighting against all acts of abuse of sovereignty.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Trung Duc - Party Secretary, Political Commissar of the DK1 Battalion, the new development stage poses many higher requirements in the task of protecting the sovereignty of the sea, islands and the southern continental shelf. Based on the implementation of the Resolution of the 14th Naval Party Congress, term 2025 - 2030), the Battalion determined the key direction of: building a clean and strong Party Committee; improving the leadership capacity and fighting strength of Party committees and organizations; providing substantial training, high combat readiness, and mastering modern weapons.
The unit also focuses on building a team of officers and soldiers with strong political will, pure ethics, strict discipline, ready to receive and complete all assigned tasks well. DK1 officers and soldiers are determined to build a comprehensively strong unit, with regimental and modern houses, following in the heroic tradition, worthy of being a "steel fortress" to protect the sovereignty of the sea, islands and the southern continental shelf of the Fatherland.
A support for the coastal area
In addition to the task of protecting sovereignty, DK1 officers and soldiers are also a reliable support for fishermen. They are always ready to support fishing vessels in distress, provide emergency care and treatment to hundreds of fishermen, provide fresh water, fuel and food to more than 650 fishing vessels. In the first 6 months of 2025 alone, 8 fishing vessels were promptly supported.
Fisherman Tieu Viet But (born in 1970, Quang Ngai) recounted: in mid-June, while fishing, he suffered a serious head injury. The captain's ship is only about 5 nautical miles from the DK1/21 rig. Thanks to timely paramedic guidance, the dispatcher took 4 stitches, used anti-inflammatory and painkillers to relieve pain, helping him stabilize his health and return to the ship after about 1 hour.
Similarly, fisherman Le Van Muoi (born in 1963, Hai Phong) suffered a deep neck wound while working at sea and was also treated by the DK1/10 medical team with 8 stitches, bananas and given adequate medicine, and monitored for his health until stabilization.
On December 21, 2005, the DK1 Battalion was honored to be awarded the title of Hero of the People's Armed Forces by the Party and the State. The unit was also awarded the Third Class Medal of Honor, the Second Class Fatherland Protection Medal (2 times) and many other noble awards.
