Border checkpoints

The ship of the 5th Naval Region, brimming with mission and unwavering faith, braved the waves through the night to arrive at the Hon Khoai island cluster (now part of Rach Tho hamlet, Dat Mui commune) at dawn. As the sun rose, its warm rays bathed the century-old lighthouse in golden light, slowly illuminating the dew-covered trees, the rocky outcrops near the sea, and the clear blue water. Hon Khoai is not only the final point A on the map of the Fatherland, the most resilient outpost at the southernmost tip of the country, but also a "watchful eye" observing the changes and development of Ca Mau - the southernmost point of the nation's expansion.

• For peace on the border of our homeland
• Bac Lieu participates in the national photo contest "Proud of our border region".
• A night of love and compassion in the border region.

Strategic position and unwavering spirit

Known as the largest island cluster in the southernmost region, Hon Khoai possesses an irreplaceable strategic position. Geographically and economically, Hon Khoai is strategically located at the gateway to the southwestern seas, shielding and protecting the entire system of seaports and international shipping routes passing through the Gulf of Thailand. In terms of national defense, it serves as the strongest outer line of defense, acting as a "watchtower" for controlling and protecting sovereignty over the vast sea area.

Currently, on Hon Khoai Island, there are three additional units (Dacinco Investment and Construction Company, CMB Maritime Construction Consulting Joint Stock Company, and the 249th Engineering Brigade/Engineering Corps) surveying and constructing the Hon Khoai dual-use multi-purpose port. Photo: Danh Chanh Da

Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Van Luom, Commander of the Hon Khoai Border Guard Post, a seasoned and dedicated soldier, quickly gets to work for the new day. The duty of a border guard is not only to stand guard, but also to be a support for fishermen. Remembering the schedules of approximately 20-30 boats that anchor and take shelter from storms seasonally, his and his comrades' patrol footprints are all too familiar on the approximately 14-kilometer-long concrete road that encircles the island.

Alongside the resilient border guards, the Hon Khoai lighthouse, standing majestically atop the highest peak, is another historical witness. Begun by the French in 1920 and put into operation shortly thereafter, this century-old lighthouse is one of the oldest in Vietnam. Every night, its light not only guides ships but also represents the light of the past, of an unyielding spirit.

That light becomes even more meaningful when associated with the glorious revolutionary milestone: the Hon Khoai Uprising on December 13, 1940, led by Comrade Phan Ngoc Hien. The uprising was completely and swiftly victorious, becoming the resounding opening shot for the resistance movement in the southernmost part of the country, igniting the flame for future generations. From then on, Hon Khoai was not only a geographical landmark but also a national historical and cultural relic, a symbol of patriotism for the people of Ca Mau in particular and Vietnam in general.

A warm and joyful spring at the front lines.

Hon Khoai Island, the southwestern outpost of the Fatherland, is transforming with new vitality, not only standing firm on the defensive line but also providing a prosperous material and spiritual life for the officers and soldiers stationed there.

Despite being far from the mainland, communication is maintained regularly, facilitating visits from superiors, sending New Year's gifts, and especially enabling the families of officers and soldiers to come to the unit to celebrate Tet. Material life on the island is almost completely self-sufficient, especially during Tet. Freshwater from year-round flowing streams ensures clean water for the island and fishing boats, and even supplies water to people on the mainland. The soldiers also take advantage of opportunities to increase production, becoming completely self-sufficient in vegetables and livestock products (pork, goat, beef).

The sea bridge connecting the mainland to Hon Khoai Island, along with the dual-use general port and the Ca Mau - Dat Mui expressway, is not just a single project but a confluence of strategic projects. Photo: Danh Chanh Da

As spring arrives and Tet (Lunar New Year) approaches, Hon Khoai Border Guard Post organizes cultural and sports activities, along with friendly tournaments with other forces stationed on the island – this year, this includes engineers and workers currently working on construction projects. The communal activity of making banh chung and banh tet (traditional Vietnamese rice cakes) is indispensable, helping to maintain national traditions and create shared joy.

Celebrating Tet (Lunar New Year) for the first time at the front lines, soldier Duong Tien Dat (22 years old, from Thanh Tung commune) shared his feelings of joy mixed with a little apprehension at being far from home. The young soldier eagerly immersed himself in the Tet atmosphere by participating in sports activities and intends to perform in the cultural evening's shows.

Major Quach Thanh Tre, Deputy Commander of Hon Khoai Border Guard Station, shared: "Most of the soldiers in the unit are new recruits, on duty during Tet for the first time, but they are all mentally at ease and eager to celebrate Tet away from the mainland."

"The country's position on the open sea"

From the summit of Hon Khoai Island, the view encompasses not only the ocean but also the rapidly transforming mainland. Looking southwest, Ca Mau emerges with unprecedented momentum of development. The connection between the island and the mainland is not only geographical but also reflects a shared aspiration for growth. Hon Khoai is no longer just a solitary island but has become a symbol of Ca Mau's "breakthrough to the open sea."

The dual-use nature of Hon Khoai serves as a guiding principle for the island's strategy, ensuring that economic development always goes hand in hand with the consolidation of defense, and never underestimates the importance of this task. During his recent visit to the island, General Secretary To Lam affirmed the strategic role of the Hon Khoai dual-use integrated port and the bridge connecting the mainland and the island, becoming a powerful driving force for development in Ca Mau and the entire nation.

Seaports and sea bridges not only serve the needs of the people and the economy, but also act as a vital defense and security artery in the southernmost part of the country.

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General Secretary To Lam.

It is this dual-use orientation that has transformed Hon Khoai Island into a "ship's bow" cutting through the waves, propelling the nation's economic ship straight and fast towards the open sea.

As in previous years, on New Year's Eve and the early morning of the first day of Tet, while the mainland was filled with fireworks and the joy of family reunions, Hon Khoai Island shone with a serene, sacred, and proud beauty. Amidst the strong sea breeze and boisterous laughter, young soldiers were busy wrapping banh chung and banh tet (traditional Vietnamese rice cakes) and organizing folk games. The joyful and enthusiastic atmosphere of these soldiers guarding this frontline outpost is a beautiful image of spring in our country.

Hoang Ngan

Source: https://baocamau.vn/chot-chan-bien-cuong-a126189.html