In early 2025, the Lao Dong Newspaper reporter was honored to be present on the mission on Truong Sa 21, organized by the 2nd Naval Command, visiting and wishing the New Year DK1 rigs on the southern continental shelf of the country. During 16 days of floating in the middle of the sea, overcome hundreds of nautical miles with great wind waves, we witnessed and clearly felt the hardships, hardships, silent and resilient sacrifices of naval soldiers who have devoted to the youth, life for the sacred ideals: protecting the sovereignty of the sea and islands.
Despite facing difficulties, DK1 soldiers are still steadfastly holding on, turning houses in the ocean into invincible "steel fortresses" - affirming Vietnam's sacred sovereignty over the East Sea. The rigging house is a symbol of indomitable will and spirit that generations of officers and soldiers of the Vietnam People's Navy have been preserving for more than 35 years.
Colonel Vu Duy Luu - Deputy Head of Political Region 2 Navy - affirmed: "Deeply aware of the meaning, responsibility and great honor, right from the first days, generations of cadres and soldiers of the DK1 rig have shown a strong political bravery, absolute loyalty to the Party, Fatherland and the people.
During the journey, what impressed us most was the youth and bravery of the soldiers. They are young people from all over the country, captains, vice captains, politicians... on the ship, most of them are only from 20 to over 30 years old. From university, they do not choose a place to flower in urban areas but get on a boat, face the sea wind and live in harsh environments.
In addition to the task of transporting supplies to the captain's house, the officers and soldiers on the Truong Sa 21 ship also undertook a combat mission that lasted for many months. Each trip is a journey that challenges courage. But it is in hardship that they learn to grow up, learn to put the Fatherland above all.
Snooker Pham Hong Son, 26 years old, from Can Tho, after graduating from university, enlisted in Naval Region 2. During this trip, Son was assigned to the service team on the ship. The work is not heavy, but in the open sea, everything requires carefulness and dedication. Every day I learn something more - patience, solidarity and sea and island love - Son shared.
Senior Lieutenant Ngo Duc Chien, 29 years old, Deputy Captain of Ship 609 (Brigade 125, Naval Region 2), with extensive experience, is a support for the whole group in the midst of the storm. When the group members struggled to get drunk, he still kept a smile optimistic, patiently bringing hot congee and white rice to each person, even though his shirt was wet after many unloadings.
He confided: "Every time I board a ship, I always remember three things: Fatherland - ship - captain". Put the Fatherland first, protect the ship as yourself and absolutely trust the commander - that is the guiding principle to overcome all challenges.
Life between the ocean and on the rigs is not like any other place. It was an isolated world, where the mainland was just a remote spot. There, each officer and soldier must be steadfast and courageous in the face of all challenges. Whether day or night, sun or rain, they still quietly observe each ship, monitor unusual movements at sea to promptly report to the mainland - a job that requires patience, meticulousness and a high sense of responsibility.
On the journey of more than half a month, the most obvious is the indomitable and steadfast spirit of the DK1 soldiers - a heart that is devoted to youth to maintain the sovereignty of the sea and islands.
Major Bui Xuan Ngoc, who has been with the Navy for more than 30 years and currently works at DK1/9 Ship House, shared: Since I was 14-15 years old, I have dreamed of becoming a Navy soldier. Now, I am proud to have contributed to protecting the sea, islands, and sacred continents of the Fatherland. Although the conditions of living and working on the platform are more difficult than on land, we still overcome everything with our passionate love for the Fatherland.
Lieutenant Nguyen Trung Duc, the captain of the DK1/21 Arms House, said briefly: Whether the sea is an island or the border is far away, it is the Fatherland. I am proud to be a part of my homeland's sea and islands".
Over the past three decades, life at DK1 has changed a lot. The mainland never turned its back on the ocean. Supply ships are still regularly launched, carrying love and trust. In the midst of hardship, the soldiers improved their lives by growing green vegetables, raising chickens, ducks, and pigs. Each year, each house can grow 300-400kg of vegetables, catch 1,500-1,700kg of fish, and make hundreds of liters of fish sauce. These achievements are not only offside for the army but also shared with warships and fishermen.
We were surprised to see lush green vegetable gardens in the salty sea. To ease the homesickness, soldiers also grow star fruit, lemons, and spices sent from the mainland. In the case of a lack of fresh water, maintaining a vegetable garden is a task.
Senior Lieutenant Do Duy Duc (DK1/21 Meeting House) confided: Rau on land may not be precious, but for island soldiers, vegetables are more precious than fish meat. Growing vegetables not only improves meals but is also a way to share, connect, and ease homesickness.
Every time he saw the national flag hanging in the air, the DK1 soldier became more confident and attached to his home ship, sea and island.
