VPN - 69 years of combat and development
Since its inception, the Department of Coastal Defense has urgently perfected its organization, built infrastructure, consolidated forces, and raised its capability to protect and manage assigned sea waters. To enhance the combat power of the forces, on January 24, 1959, the MND issued Decree 320/ND to establish the Department of Navy, with the task of giving advice to the MND on building and commanding forces, managing military ports, and protecting the Northern waters. This was an important transition from the task of researching to directing all activities of building, combat readiness, and combat of the VPN.
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At the ceremony to receive the flag of “Glorious feasts-of-arms and traditions” of the Navy after the victory on August 5, 1964 (Photo: Navy Service) |
In order for the VPN to meet the task requirements in the context that the U.S. imperialists were stepping up and expanding their war of aggression in the South, as well as escalating their war of destruction in the North, on January 3, 1964, the MND issued Decision 01/QP to establish the Navy Command. From that time, the naval force became a service of the Vietnam People’s Army. Soon after that, the VPN bravely repelled the U.S. frigate Maddox, coordinated with the air defense forces and local troops and people of the coastal areas in the North to shoot down and damage many aircraft, obtaining the victory in the first battle on August 2 and 5, 1964.
During the resistance war against the U.S. imperialists, naval troops overcame a series of difficulties, fought bravely, applied the Party's guidelines concerning the people’s warfare; closely coordinated with other forces to complete all assigned tasks, including teaming up with people and military in the North to defeat the war of destruction of and the blockade campaign with mines and magnetic bombs by the U.S. air force and navy.
The VPN was the core force in opening the Ho Chi Minh trail at sea to effectively reinforce manpower and materials for the Southern battlefield; promptly mobilizing forces to attack and liberate islands of the Truong Sa archipelago and islands in the Southwest of the Fatherland, joining hands with the military and people throughout the country to achieve the great victory of completely liberating the South and reunifying the country; deserving the praise of President Ho Chi Minh.
Core force in safeguarding and maintaining national sovereignty and sovereign rights over sea, islands, and continental shelf
After reunification, the country implemented two strategic tasks, building and protecting the Fatherland. The VPN has become the core force for the whole people to protect and maintain national sovereignty and sovereign rights over sea, islands, and continental shelf, protect the socialist political system, defeat the "peaceful evolution" plots and tricks, as well as riots and subversion plots of the hostile forces; mobilize forces to perform international duties in Cambodia and Laos, actively engaging in activities to healing the wounds of war, preventing natural disasters and protecting people’s lives and property; encourage people to strictly observe the Party’s guidelines and policies and the State’s laws, helping them to develop the economy to eliminate hunger and reduce poverty; among others.
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Ship formation of Brigade 175 on duties in Southwestern waters |
Meanwhile, defense factories and enterprises, with the function of “a military of production,” have actively participated in production activities, contributing to speeding up the country's cause of industrialization and modernization, consolidating and enhancing defense-security potential in strategic areas, at sea, and on islands.
During the 69 years of combat and development, the Naval Service has been twice honored with the title “Hero of the People's Armed Forces” and many other noble titles. Additionally, the service’s affiliated units and individuals received the title “Hero of the People's Armed Forces,” while many collectives and individuals were awarded the Military Exploit Order, Feat-of-arms Order, Labor Order, and Fatherland Protection Order.
Senior Captain, Master NGUYEN NGOC TOAN, Vietnam Institute of Military History
Translated by Quynh Oanh