In 1978, to better meet operational requirements, the ministry reorganized the five coastal region and Cam Ranh Base into four naval regions, dissolving Coastal Region 2. Later, in 2009, to strengthen the management and protection of the southeastern waters and the southern continental shelf, Naval Region 2 was re-established. Over half a century of construction, combat, and growth, generations of officers and sailors across all naval regions have remained steadfast on ships, islands, radar stations, and offshore platforms, forming a solid defensive shield, true “steel walls” safeguarding the nation’s maritime sovereignty.
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A leader of Naval Region 4 encourages Brigade 101’s troops during a field training. |
In the context of growing challenges in the East Sea (also known as South China Sea), the naval regions have been tasked with mission of resolutely defending national sovereignty while maintaining peace and stability to facilitate the sustainable development of the maritime economy. Upholding that mission, every officer and sailor continues to demonstrate firm resolve, courage, and dedication in protecting the Fatherland’s sea and islands in the new era.
Naval Region 1 was established from predecessor units that fought heroically in the first naval battles of the Vietnam People’s Navy on August 2 and 5, 1964. In these engagements, the Navy and the northern troops and people repelled the destroyer Maddox, shot down several enemy aircraft, and captured U.S. pilots over northern waters.
Proud of their legacy, officers and sailors of Naval Region 1 today master modern equipment, conduct realistic training, and maintain the highest level of combat readiness. Rear Admiral Tran Xuan Van, the region’s Political Commissar, said that managing the vast maritime area from Quang Ninh to Ha Tinh, the unit has over the past 50 years successfully completed many critical tasks, including disaster prevention, response, and search and rescue operations, particularly in remote sea areas.
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Officers and sailors of Naval Region 3 actively participate in military and defense diplomacy activities. |
He emphasized that Naval Region 1’s troops also protect the lives and property of local people during natural disasters and epidemics, contributing to beautifying the image of “Uncle Ho’s Soldiers - Vietnamese Naval Troops” in the hearts of the people. “Through five decades of guarding the sea, the region has grown into a core force in protecting the northern maritime sovereignty of the Fatherland. That strength is built upon patriotism, resilience, and the enduring spirit of love for the sea and islands, values forged through half a century of dedication and sacrifice. Loyal to the Party, the Fatherland, and the people, our officers and sailors are always ready to overcome any challenge and complete every mission,” said Rear Admiral Tran Xuan Van.
Naval Region 4 is responsible for more than 360,000 square kilometers of water, from Cu Lao Xanh in Binh Dinh (now Gia Lai) to Mui Ba Kiem in Binh Thuan (now Lam Dong), including the Spratly Islands, where many units are stationed. Over five decades of construction and combat, the region has undergone several organizational, force, and equipment adjustments to meet new requirements. Each period is marked by achievements and sacrifices that have greatly contributed to the protection of national sovereignty.
Commander Bui Xuan Binh, Political Commissar of Naval Region 4, said that the region has drawn many valuable lessons from its history, such as maintaining firm political resolve, absolute loyalty to the Fatherland, the Party, and the people, and the steadfast belief that “as long as there are people, there will be islands.” He emphasized that the unity, self-reliance, and determination of generations of officers and sailors remain a great source of strength, helping the region overcome every challenge to firmly protect the sacred sovereignty of the nation’s sea and islands.
Commander Binh added that on every island, ship, and radar station, each officer and sailor clearly understands that ‘The Spratly Islands are the Fatherland,’ and protecting the Spratly Islands means protecting the Fatherland. In all weather conditions and circumstances, the spirit of readiness is always at the highest level.
Naval Region 5 is tasked with managing and defending the southwestern waters, from the mouth of the Ganh Hao River in Ca Mau Province to Ha Tien in An Giang Province, covering more than 150 large and small islands, adjacent to the waters of Cambodia, Thailand, and Malaysia. This area holds a strategically important position in terms of economy, politics, defense and security and is also a traditional fishing ground for generations of fishermen. Through half a century of building, fighting, and maturing, Naval Region 5 has become a firm support in the southwestern waters of the Fatherland.
In the era of digital transformation and military modernization, officers and sailors of Naval Region 5 continue to uphold their bravery and intellect, mastering new technologies and modern weapons. Its Commander Rear Admiral Trinh Xuan Tung stated that to meet the requirements of modernization and digital transformation in the military, Naval Region 5 has pro-actively applied digital technologies to training, command, and operations. As a result, the region’s comprehensive quality and capability continue to grow, ensuring that it remains a key force in defending the southwestern waters.
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Naval Region 5 combat ship squadrons conduct training at sea. |
Rear Admiral Nguyen Dang Tien, Political Commissar of Naval Region 3, noted that in the face of complicated global and regional developments, especially in the East Sea, the task of defending maritime sovereignty has become increasingly demanding. He said that enhancing the leadership capacity and combat strength of the Party organization is the decisive factor.
Accordingly, the Party Committee and Chain-of-Command of Naval Region 3 focus on building a healthy, strong, and exemplary Party organization and a revolutionary, regular, elite, and modern naval region. Officers and sailors are trained to maintain firm political resolve, absolute loyalty to the Party, the Fatherland, and the people, always ready to sacrifice for the protection of national sovereignty. Constant vigilance and high combat readiness ensure that the region successfully manages and defends its assigned waters, contributing to the preservation of peace and stability for national development.
Proud of their 50-year journey, generations of officers and sailors from Naval Regions 1, 3, 4, and 5 continue to follow in the footsteps of their predecessors, upholding “The Oath to Defend the Sea.” Each individual is determined to carry forward the Navy’s glorious traditions, building a revolutionary, regular, elite, and modernized force, truly a “steel shield” steadfastly protecting the sacred sovereignty over national sea and islands in the new era.
Translated by Tran Hoai