PANO - Themed “Resounding First Victory”, the artistic exchange yesterday evening at Brigade 170 of Naval Region 1 recalled memories of naval officers who had bravely fought against foreign invaders and heard opinions of today’s naval troops.

An art performance in the exchange

After the US destroyer Maddox was driven out of Vietnam’s waters on August 2nd, 1964, the US Administration cooked up the so-called the Tonkin Gulf Incident as a pretext to start the retaliatory air strikes under the Operation Pierce Arrow. US aircraft had frenziedly raided economic targets and almost all bases, depots and wharfs of the navy of Vietnam in northern coastal areas.

Stories recalled by veterans led the participants back to the moments of battles against US forces. They all admired the naval troops’ courage and intelligence, especially the ship T187 alone had fought back 6 US aircraft at noon on August 5, 1964. One of the American aircraft had been downed on that day and Everett Alvarez, the first US pilot was captured alive in northern Vietnam.

Commenting on the historical lessons leading to this historic victory over US forces, Doctor Colonel Vu Tang Bong, former dean of the Military Technical History under the Vietnam Military Historical Institute, affirmed that it was the good education and practice, firm political stance and high determination that helped all naval cadres and troops overcome all challenges to win over the enemies armed to the teeth.

The spirit of the navy’s first victory has also inspired today’s naval cadres and troops to surmount difficulties and challenges to fulfil their assigned tasks. They have mastered equipped weapons and equipment, exploited effectively their ships, heightened vigilance, practiced firm political stance and improved their qualification and technical know-how to be in the position of strength in any circumstances. The naval soldiers also promise to bring into play the first victory spirit to safeguard national sovereignty over sea and islands.

The exchange is part of activities in celebration of the first victory of the navy and northern troops and people against US forces 50 years ago.

Translated by Ha Thanh