The unit is tasked with overseeing nearly 150,000 sq.km of waters stretching from the North of Dinh An Estuary in Vinh Long to Ha Tien in An Giang. This is a strategic area and also a hot spot for illegal activities such as smuggling, trade fraud, and illegal fishing. Despite initial shortages in equipment, facilities, and trained personnel, the Command has steadily grown, affirming its key role in protecting maritime sovereignty and maintaining security in the assigned waters.
On frontline of maritime law enforcement
Over the past 27 years since its inception, the Coast Guard Region 4 Command has built a strong record in safeguarding sovereignty, combating crimes, conducting search and rescue operations, and consolidating the whole people’s defense posture coupled with the people’s security posture at sea.
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The Coast Guard Region 4 Command honored with the Second-class Feat-of-Arms Order |
In addition, close coordination with relevant forces has helped the unit maintain firm control of the waters, defend maritime sovereignty, and ensure a peaceful, stable environment for national development.
Its officers and soldiers have handled hundreds of smuggling, trade fraud, and drug trafficking cases, helping reinforce law and order at sea. Since July 2021, the unit has conducted patrols against IUU fishing, promptly detecting and handling violations, contributing to Vietnam’s efforts to have the E.C. “yellow card” warning removed and promote sustainable fisheries.
In search and rescue front, the Command has deployed hundreds of missions to save fishermen in distress, upholding the spirit of “treating fishermen as family members” particularly during flood season.
A notable achievement came in 2015, when the unit helped capture eight Indonesian pirates who hijacked the Malaysian tanker Orkim Harmony with 6,000 tons of fuel, contributing to boosting both Vietnam’s prestige and regional maritime security cooperation.
Alongside core missions, the Command attaches importance to mass mobilization work. The program “Coast Guards Support Fishermen” has strengthened bonds with coastal communities through legal education and practical support, helping fishermen maintain their livelihoods at sea and reinforcing national defense and security.
With its outstanding contributions, the Coast Guard Region 4 Command has been honored with various noble orders, including the Third-class Feat-of-Arms Order (2014), the Third-class Fatherland Protection Order (2018), and the Second-Class Feat-of-Arms Order (2024). Above all, its greatest reward is the trust of the people and the confidence of Party and local authorities.
Core force in strategic waters
The Coast Guard Region 4 Command stands as a key force on the frontline of law enforcement and national security defense in Vietnam’s southwestern waters.
Its presence not only symbolizes discipline and order but also sends a strong message of determination to safeguard national sovereignty and support national sustainable development.
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Ships of the Coast Guard Region 4 Command on duty at sea |
Entering a new stage of development, the Command is committed to embracing the Party and State’s guidelines on national sea and islands, grasping situational developments, maintaining vigilance, strengthening training, and building a professional, and loyal force with firm political stance. Its officers and soldiers will continue to stand by fishermen, contributing to sovereignty protection, security, and socio-economic growth. Additionally, they will constantly uphold unity, initiative, and innovation to fulfill all assignments, standing as both a maritime law enforcement force and a firm fulcrum for fishermen, thereby safeguarding the nation’s sacred sea.
Translated by Mai Huong