Mainland delegation visits those at sea ahead of Lunar New Year

PANO - After nearly two days departing from Phuoc Thang ward, Ho Chi Minh City, Ship Truong Sa 19 of Flotilla 1 under Brigade 125, Naval Region 2 arrived in Ba Ke area on January 18.

DK1 platforms welcome New Year while maintaining high combat readiness

Delegation concludes visit to Truong Sa archipelago and DK1 platforms

Sixteenth delegation concludes visit to Truong Sa island district and DK1 platforms

The ship is carrying a working delegation No.2 to visit and extend Lunar New Year greetings to officers and soldiers stationed on DK1 platforms and vessels on duty on the Southern continental shelf of Vietnam.

At year’s end, strong winds and high waves are a familiar challenge for those at sea. On this occasion, however, the weather in Ba Ke shoal area was unusually calm, creating favorable conditions for the delegation to hold a memorial ceremony honoring the soldiers who fought and sacrificed on the Southern continental shelf of the Fatherland, and to visit and convey New Year wishes to the officers and soldiers of DK1/9 Platform.

Sr. Capt. Le Hong Quang delivers the memorial address.

Delegates offer incense and perform the memorial rites.

From early morning, the memorial ceremony was prepared with care and solemnity by the delegation and the crew of the Truong Sa 19. On the ship’s deck, officers, soldiers, and delegates stood neatly in line before a wreath shaped like the national flag, bearing the inscription “Eternal gratitude to the heroic martyrs.”

The delegation respectfully offered incense and flowers, which were gently released into the sea, carrying with them heartfelt gratitude and the enduring tradition of honoring those who laid down their lives for the country.

Weather conditions in DK1/9 Platform area are favorable.

In favorable weather, the delegation and journalists reached DK1/9 Platform, their first stop. Despite calm seas, transferring personnel and supplies remained demanding, requiring strict safety coordination against the waves.

The delegates were warmly welcomed by officers and soldiers with handshakes and embraces that dispelled the sea chill. Representing the mainland, the group extended Lunar New Year greetings and presented gifts from the Ministry of National Defense, the Navy, and Naval Region 2. These tokens carried deep military-civilian affection, bringing the Tet spirit offshore.

Senior Lieutenant Le Cong Tuan, DK1/9 Political Commissar, affirmed that his personnel remain vigilant and steadfast in defending Vietnam’s maritime sovereignty. The visit concluded with a communal New Year meal and "Banh chung" making, fostering a sense of warmth and solidarity for those guarding the nation’s maritime frontier.