The delegation was led by Rear Admiral Ngo Thanh Cong, Director of the Vietnam Naval Academy. Participants included officers and cadets from the Political Officer Candidate School, the Signal Officer Candidate School, the Armored Officer Candidate School, and the Border Guard Academy; representatives from agencies under the General Staff and the General Department of Political Affairs; naval officers and soldiers; as well as journalists from military press agencies.
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The head of Working Delegation No.4 receives flowers from Naval Region 4 representatives. |
During the week-long voyage, the delegation visited and encouraged troops and residents on Song Tu Tay (Southwest Cay), Son Ca (Sand Cay), Da Thi (Petley Reef), Sinh Ton Dong (Grierson Reef), Len Dao (Lansdowne Reef), Da Tay (West Reef) B, Truong Sa (Spratly) islands, and DK1/17 platform.
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Rear Admiral Ngo Thanh Cong, Director of the Vietnam Naval Academy, strikes the bell at the pagoda on Song Tu Tay Island. |
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The delegation pose for a group photo with the Chain-of-command of Song Tu Tay Island. |
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Offering incense at the monument of General Vo Nguyen Giap on Son Ca Island |
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Visiting the seedling garden on Son Ca Island |
At each location, the units’ commanding officers briefed the delegation on the implementation of tasks in 2025 and the first quarter of 2026. All islands and DK1/17 platform have strictly maintained training, combat readiness, regularity building, and military discipline observance. Troops have actively planted and cared for greenery, while production activities have been promoted to improve daily meals. Civil-military relations have been strengthened, with forces providing support to offshore fishermen, including fresh water supply, emergency aid, healthcare, and food provisions.
The delegation presented meaningful gifts and encouragement to troops and residents. The delegation’s leadership highly appreciated the resilience, determination, and readiness of forces in firmly safeguarding national sovereignty over sea and islands.
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Representatives of military schools and agencies under the General Department of Political Affairs present gifts to troops on Da Thi Island. |
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Officers and soldiers on Sinh Ton Dong Island welcome the delegation. |
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Rear Admiral Ngo Thanh Cong presents gifts to troops on Len Dao Island. |
They expressed confidence that troops and residents would continue upholding the glorious traditions of the Vietnam People’s Army and the heroic Vietnam People’s Navy, maintaining vigilance, building comprehensively strong units, and serving as a solid support for fishermen operating at sea.
During the trip, a solemn memorial ceremony was held to pay tribute to fallen soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the protection of national sovereignty over sea and islands, leaving a profound impression on participants.
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Cultural exchange performance on Da Tay B Island |
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Representative of the Department of Military Training and School Management under the General Staff presents books to troops on Da Tay B Island. |
During the trip, a solemn memorial ceremony was held to pay tribute to fallen soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the protection of national sovereignty over sea and islands, leaving a profound impression on participants.
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The memorial ceremony for fallen officers and soldiers who sacrificed for national maritime sovereignty |
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Delegates release flowers in tribute. |
Throughout the voyage, a wide range of activities were held to commemorate the 51st anniversary of the Liberation of the Truong Sa (Spratly) Archipelago (April 29, 1975 - 2026) and the 71st anniversary of the establishment of the Vietnam People’s Navy (May 7, 1955 - 2026).
The delegation also organized a contest on “Vietnam’s sea and islands and the heroic Vietnam People’s Navy,” along with chess competitions and writing contests about Truong Sa and maritime sovereignty, attracting active participation of delegates. A total of 13 prizes were awarded to winners.
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Officers, soldiers and residents on Truong Sa Island welcome the delegation. |
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Representatives of military schools and agencies under the General Department of Political Affairs present gifts on Truong Sa Island. |
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The Border Guard Academy delegation presents gifts to the Truong Sa Border Post. |
Art exchange programs held aboard Ship 571, on islands, and at DK1/17 platform, featuring hundreds of performances, provided invaluable spiritual encouragement to troops and residents on the country’s frontline.
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A cultural exchange program on Truong Sa Island |
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A large number of troops and residents join the cultural exchange program on Truong Sa Island. |
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The delegation visits DK1/17 platform. |
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The delegation leader inspects signal troops at DK1/17 platform. |
The trip of Working Delegation No.4 completed successfully, fulfilling all set objectives and ensuring absolute safety. The trip offered vivid practical insights, helping participants gain a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s sea and islands and the silent sacrifices of naval forces. It also contributed to spreading the spirit of “The whole country for Truong Sa, Truong Sa for the whole country,” and strengthening the Vietnam People’s Navy as the core force in safeguarding national sovereignty and supporting fishermen at sea.
Translated by Trung Thanh