February 04, 2026 | 23:32 (GMT+7)
Those who keep flame alive on voyage to MILAN 2026
PANO - Ship 17 of Brigade 171, Naval Region 2, embarked on a more than 40-day deployment to take part in the multinational naval exercise MILAN 2026. Alongside training missions and defense diplomacy activities, logistics support played a decisive role in sustaining the health, morale, and combat readiness of the ship’s officers and sailors throughout the long journey.
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Officers and sailors of Ship 17 salute at Lumut Port. |
After leaving port, Ship 17 undertook a 40-day voyage covering thousands of nautical miles. To maintain crew readiness and morale, the mission prioritized logistics and technical support. Central to this effort is the ship’s fresh food storage, known as the area that “keeps the flame” alive for the galley. This compartment is vital for sustaining the hundreds of personnel serving aboard during long deployments in challenging maritime environments.
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Senior Lieutenant Nguyen Thanh Tien, Head of Section 5 of Ship 17, inspects the engine during voyage. |
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Inspecting and addressing technical issues during voyage |
Non-commissioned Lieutenant Commander Tran Quoc Toan, chief cook of Ship 17, and his team work tirelessly from dawn to dusk. Beyond preparing standard daily meals, their greatest challenge is preserving fresh produce in a confined, high-humidity marine environment. Toan noted that meticulous logistics planning, based on crew size and contingency needs, ensured ample food supplies for the entire deployment.
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Non-commissioned Lieutenant Commander Tran Quoc Toan checks logistics support on board the ship. |
Meticulous logistics significantly bolstered morale and health aboard Ship 17. This solid support enabled the crew to focus on maritime training and defense diplomacy at MILAN 2026, confident that their daily needs were met.
More than a routine mission, this voyage was a point of pride for the crew representing the Vietnam People’s Navy. The exercise enhanced interoperability and international cooperation, reaffirming Vietnam’s global responsibilities. Senior Lieutenant Nguyen Thanh Tien, Head of Section 5, emphasized the mission's importance, noting that proactive preparation and a strong sense of responsibility were instilled in every servicemember.
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Logistics personnel prepare lunch during the voyage to the Indian Ocean. |
From political and organizational work to logistics and technical support, all preparations were conducted in a coordinated and disciplined manner. From port to open sea, Ship 17 carried not only modern equipment, but also the image of Vietnamese sailors who are professional, responsible, and committed to peace, cooperation, and international engagement.
Translated by Tran Hoai