Naval Region 5 soldiers help Suoi May residents repair roads and reinforce houses during the rainy season.

During the rainy days in Suoi May (Phu Quoc special zone, An Giang province), officers and soldiers of Naval Region 5 carried out many specific tasks such as clearing roads, whitewashing schools, and supporting people in reinforcing their houses. These simple tasks left a deep impression, strengthening the relationship between the army and the people on the pearl island.

Field training exercises combined with civilian outreach activities.

In mid-July, the rainy season in Phu Quoc ( Kien Giang province) reached its peak, with continuous downpours making roads slippery. Along the winding red dirt roads of Suoi May neighborhood, officers and soldiers of the 5th Naval Region were still regularly present, diligently working with the local people to maintain and beautify their villages.

The field exercise of Battalion 563 and agencies under the Command of Region 5 was not only a regular training exercise, but also an opportunity for soldiers to get closer to the people, understand them better. For many consecutive days, tasks were carried out continuously: cleaning public areas, clearing more than 12 km of drainage systems, filling potholes, whitewashing the fence of Ho Thi Nghiem Kindergarten, and assisting people in reinforcing and securing their houses.

Soldiers from Military Region 5 are clearing drainage ditches and unblocking waterways in Suoi May neighborhood (Phu Quoc, An Giang province). (Photo: Van Dinh)

Despite the unpredictable weather, all tasks were carried out meticulously and safely. Mr. Nguyen Van Muoi, Party Secretary and Head of Suoi May neighborhood, said: "The people here cherish the soldiers very much. They arrive early and leave late, working diligently without rest. Even in sections where the water is knee-deep, we still see them rolling up their trousers, shoveling dirt, and clearing trash. Watching them work quietly and devotedly, everyone is moved and their trust and affection for them grow."

Alongside their work assisting the people, officers and soldiers actively propagated and encouraged the people to comply with the Party's policies, the State's laws, and local regulations. The propaganda focused on preventing and combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, promoting awareness of maritime and island issues, and attracting human resources to build the Navy.

Soldiers join hands with local authorities to maintain a green, clean, and beautiful residential area. (Photo: Van Dinh)

Private Nguyen Van Tai, Platoon 1, Company 25, Battalion 563, said: "At first, I thought that field exercises combined with civilian outreach work were simply about doing easy tasks. But when I directly participated with the local people in clearing drainage ditches and reinforcing houses, I understood that the lives of the people here are still very difficult. Through this exercise, I feel I have matured and understand more about the responsibilities of a soldier in peacetime."

The delegation also paid special attention to families of war invalids and martyrs. On the occasion of the 78th anniversary of the Day of War Invalids and Martyrs (July 27, 1947 - July 27, 2025), officers and soldiers visited and presented gifts to four families of war invalids and martyrs in the area.

Mr. Huynh Hoang Em, a relative of a fallen soldier, said: “I was very surprised when the soldiers came to our house to light incense, inquire about our health, encourage us, and give us gifts. This is a gesture of kindness that is hard to measure. My family is deeply moved.”

The bond between the military and the people remains strong.

To ensure the effectiveness of the operation, the Command of Naval Region 5 directed the Political Department and Battalion 563 to coordinate with local Party committees and authorities to meticulously prepare logistics, tools, and safety plans.

The Commander of the 5th Naval Region Command visits and presents gifts to express gratitude to families entitled to preferential policies in the area. (Photo: Van Dinh)

Lieutenant Colonel Pham Huu Truong, Political Officer of Battalion 563, said: "Despite unfavorable weather conditions, the officers and soldiers of the unit clearly understood their responsibilities, strictly maintained discipline, upheld the spirit of solidarity, and wholeheartedly helped the people. We consider this a practical training exercise, both to strengthen the will of the soldiers and to contribute to strengthening the military-civilian relationship in the area where we are stationed."

The commander of Battalion 563 briefs on the plan for a field exercise combined with civilian outreach work in Suoi May neighborhood. (Photo: Van Dinh)

Colonel Ngo Van Thanh, Secretary of the Party Committee and Political Commissar of the 5th Naval Region, emphasized: "We consider field exercises combined with civilian outreach work as an important task, clearly demonstrating the responsibility of soldiers to the people. Through each specific task, officers and soldiers learn how to be close to the people, understand the people, and live responsibly towards the people. It is from these simple actions that the soldiers become more mature, more capable, and more appreciative of the years spent training and contributing in the military."

Source: https://thoidai.com.vn/bo-doi-hai-quan-vung-5-giup-dan-suoi-may-sua-duong-gia-co-nha-cua-giua-mua-mua-214924.html