GS’s delegation visits Truong Sa archipelago and DK1 platforms

PANO - A delegation from the General Staff (GS), led by its Deputy Chief Lieutenant General Thai Dai Ngoc, visited and checked islands on the Truong Sa archipelago and DK1 platforms from April 1 to 9.

National flag raising in Truong Sa archipelago

Firm fulcrum on Truong Sa archipelago

OVs visit troops and islanders on Truong Sa archipelago and DK1 platform

Before the voyage, the delegation offered flowers and incense in tribute to the fallen at Gac Ma Soldier Memorial Site, Linh Nguyen Pagoda, and the Spiritual Park Area of Naval Region 4.

The working delegation visited and inspected Da Nam (South Reef), Son Ca (Sand Cay) Island, Nam Yet (Namyit) Island, Da Lon (Discovery Great Reef) A, Co Lin Island (Collins Reef), Tien Nu (Tennent Reef) B, Nui Le (Cornwallis South Reef) C, Thuyen Chai (Barque Canada Reef) D, An Bang (Amboyna Cay), Da Lat (Ladd Reef), Truong Sa Island, and DK1/8 platform.

At each island and rig house, the delegation conducted a comprehensive inspection of such aspects as training and combat readiness; discipline and regularity building; Party and political work; logistics support and technical service. They also learned about the material and spiritual life, socio-economic development of troops and people on the Truong Sa (Spratly) Archipelago and DK1 platforms.

The delegation also visited, presented gifts to, and encouraged officers, soldiers, civilians, and other forces stationed on the islands and platform; participated in flag-raising ceremonies; offered incense at pagodas and memorials on the islands.

In addition, the delegation held a memorial ceremony for the heroic soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the sacred cause of protecting national sovereignty over sea and islands.

On behalf of the Central Military Commission and the Ministry of National Defense, Lt. Gen. Thai Dai Ngoc acknowledged and praised officers and soldiers on the islands and DK1 platforms for overcoming hardships, clearly understanding their duties, maintaining unity and consensus, firmly safeguarding national sea, islands, and continental shelf, and successfully fulfilling their assigned tasks.

The GS’s deputy chief also urged officers and soldiers to continue thoroughly grasping their missions, enhancing their political stance, raising training quality, and upholding a high spirit of combat readiness, and being determined to firmly protect the national sovereignty over sacred sea and islands. He emphasized that they should be a reliable support, promptly assisting fishermen in confidently venturing out to sea.

The visit and inspection by the delegation took place on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the Truong Sa Archipelago (April 29, 1975 - 2025), the 50th anniversary of the South Liberation and National Reunification Day (April 30, 1975 - 2025), and the 70th anniversary of the foundation day of the Vietnam People’s Navy (May 7, 1955 - 2025).

This activity aimed to promptly encourage officers, soldiers, and civilians living and working on the Truong Sa Archipelago and DK1 platforms to uphold their firm political stance, pro-actively overcome difficulties, stay united, and excellently fulfill the tasks entrusted by the Party, State, military, and people.

On this occasion, the Vietnam People’s Navy awarded the insignia for the cause of safeguarding sovereignty over sea and islands and the Truong Sa Soldier Badge to the delegates participating in the working delegation.

Below are photos of the visit.