Amidst the vast sea and sky, when the mainland is bustling with the colors of Spring, the soldiers of DK1 Oil Rig (Navy Region 2) still quietly celebrate Tet in a restless duty rhythm. For them, "Happy New Year, Don't Forget Task" is not just a slogan, but a constant reminder, an order from the heart of a soldier guarding the sea.
In the first days of the new year, on the Oil Rigs, officers and soldiers still strictly maintain the combat readiness regime, strengthen observation in the air and at sea, ensuring not to be passive or surprised by any situation. When Tet comes, the requirements of tasks are even higher, because behind them is the peace of the mainland.
Major Le Van Sy - Commander of DK1/19 Oil Rig - who has celebrated New Year's Eve with his comrades on the Oil Rig for many years, shared that each time he celebrates New Year's Eve, he has a very personal feeling. In the vast ocean, there is only the sound of waves, wind and close comradeship and camaraderie. If on weekdays the guard duty is always in a ready state, not to be passive or surprised by any situation, then during Tet days, the requirement to maintain combat readiness is much higher.
We practice proficiently the plans, prepare carefully for the brothers to celebrate Tet warmly, but always maintain the highest combat readiness," he said.
For Sergeant Nguyen Gia Hieu, a DK1/21 rig gunner, this is the first Tet away from home. Hieu shared that Tet at the rig is not much different from the mainland, there are still peach blossoms, apricot blossoms, ornamental kumquats, banh chung, banh tet, Tet jam... The spring atmosphere is still full and cozy in the open sea.
Here, Hieu was also enthusiastically guided by the uncles and brothers to wrap banh chung. Dong leaves from the mainland, fragrant sticky rice, green beans, fatty meat... each ingredient is cherished as if carrying the warmth of home through storms to the offshore platform. In the days leading up to Tet, Hieu and his teammates decorated the room to welcome Spring, so the homesickness gradually subsided, giving way to excitement and pride.
For the first time celebrating Tet away from home, I miss my family very much. But being cared for and taught by the brothers and uncles in the unit to wrap banh chung and decorate together to welcome Spring, I feel very warm and proud to contribute to keeping peace for the mainland to enjoy Spring and celebrate Tet," Hieu shared.
Binh Ngo Spring 2026 is coming in a bustling atmosphere throughout the region. When every family gathers around a reunion meal, on the southern continental shelf, the DK1 "steel fortresses" are still standing tall amidst the sea waves.
From the distant sea, officers and soldiers of DK1 rig head towards the mainland, sending full faith, feelings and promises to firmly maintain their will, firmly hold their guns at the forefront of the waves, so that the Fatherland can welcome a peaceful Spring.
Representatives of officers and soldiers of DK1/21 Oil Rig affirmed: "We promise to continue to unite as one, determined to excellently complete all assigned tasks, firmly protect the sacred sea and island sovereignty of the Fatherland, so that the mainland can enjoy Spring and welcome a peaceful and happy Tet. On the occasion of the New Year, we respectfully wish compatriots and soldiers across the country a new year of peace and prosperity; wish the country to firmly move into a new era with new belief and victory".
