Celebrating the New Year at the forefront of the DK1 wave

Amidst the vast expanse of the sea, the DK1 "steel fortresses" stand silently guarding the "horizon of the Fatherland".

Soldier Nguyen Pham Nhat Khuong trains in aiming and firing at anti-aircraft targets at the DK1/10 platform - Photo: provided by the DK1/10 platform.

At the moment of transition from the old year to the new, while the streets of the mainland are brightly lit, at the southernmost tip of the continental shelf of the Fatherland , more than 200 officers and soldiers on 15 DK1 offshore platforms are still bracing themselves against the waves and winds, monitoring every unusual signal in the vast ocean, steadfastly holding their weapons to ensure peace for the mainland to celebrate Tet.

No fireworks, no New Year's music, only the sound of wind whistling through the iron railings, the crashing waves against the base, and the soldier's eyes never leaving the radar screen for a single moment.

Holding firm with my rifle at the forefront of the battle.

In the final days of 2025, the northeast monsoon intensified, and huge waves relentlessly battered the offshore platforms. Each wave was a test of the will and courage of the soldiers who "stand tall and untouched by the elements." But the storms did not deter them; on the contrary, they further tempered the unwavering spirit of those on the front lines guarding the sea.

At the DK1 /21 Ba Ke platform – considered the "northern horizon of the Fatherland" of the DK1 system, bordering the Truong Sa (Spratly) Islands – the atmosphere in the days leading up to Tet (Lunar New Year) becomes increasingly tense. This is a time when foreign ships are operating in high numbers, with various types of reconnaissance and survey vessels frequently appearing.

Major Ho Sy Luong, commander of the DK1/21 Ba Ke offshore platform , stated emphatically: "The more holidays and Tet (Lunar New Year) come, the more vigilant we must be. We maintain strict vigilance, detect targets early and from afar, and handle situations appropriately at sea, with the spirit of enjoying Tet but not forgetting our duty."

At the Tu Chinh offshore platform complex – a key outpost guarding submerged coral reefs near international shipping lanes – the task is even more challenging. Platform DK1/14 (Tu Chinh 5) holds a particularly important strategic position in terms of national security and defense. Every unusual signal appearing on the screen is meticulously analyzed, and every movement is placed on the highest state of combat readiness.

Captain Nguyen Van Chinh, a professional soldier stationed at the DK1/15 offshore platform, said: "Every New Year's Day, the platform strengthens its duty shifts. The commander, communications officer, radar operator, air defense officer, and medical officer are all on duty 24/7. We coordinate with patrol ships to promptly detect and repel foreign vessels violating our sovereignty . The more holidays and festivals there are, the heavier the responsibility becomes."

The furthest out in the system is the DK1/10 platform, stationed on the Ca Mau shoal, in the waters bordering the Philippines and Malaysia. This is considered the "end of the horizon" of DK1, where foreign vessels operate in a complex manner. Therefore, strict discipline and adherence to maritime policies are always maintained.

From the forefront of the waves, Major Le Dinh Tien - political officer of the offshore platform - shared: "We clearly understand our responsibility. Holding our weapons firmly, guarding the skies and seas so that the people of the whole country can welcome the new year peacefully - that is the command from the heart of a soldier at DK1."

Slow living amidst the vast ocean.

For over a year, Corporal Do Thanh Sang has been away from home. Celebrating New Year's Day for the first time on the offshore platform, the young soldier's emotions remain a mix of excitement and apprehension: "It's tough here, but I get to train and dedicate my youth. Being in the ranks of DK1 is a great honor."

Nguyen Pham Nhat Khuong – a young man born and raised in Ho Chi Minh City – graduated from university and then packed his bags to go to the DK1/10 offshore platform. In the early days, far from the mainland, without a phone or internet, surrounded only by waves and strict discipline, it was a significant challenge for a young man accustomed to modern life.

"On the offshore platform, we live at a slower pace. We have time to think about our responsibilities and our country. This harsh environment helps me mature more every day," Khuong said.

For Sergeant Pham Hoai Nam, who has been stationed at DK1/15 for over a year, the platform is his second home. Besides his combat readiness duties, he and his comrades train, grow vegetables, fish, and maintain a balanced mental state amidst the vast ocean. "Of course I miss home and the mainland. But if we weren't here, who would protect the sea? As soldiers on the platform, we're not afraid of hardship or sacrifice. If we have to sacrifice for the Fatherland, it will be a worthy sacrifice," Nam said, his voice resolute.

Living landmarks in the South China Sea

Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Trung Duc, political officer of the DK1 battalion, affirmed: "Each platform is a fortress, each soldier is a living landmark. The tradition of the past 36 years has forged a spirit of resilience, discipline, and readiness to sacrifice with the motto: as long as the people remain, the DK1 platform will remain."

Amidst the changing seasons, while the mainland joyfully celebrates the New Year, at the forefront of the waves, the soldiers of DK1 silently stand guard in the vast ocean. There are no fireworks, no celebratory greetings; their New Year is marked by endless shifts in the cold wind, by eyes glued to radar screens, and by hands tightly gripping rifles pointed toward the distant sea...

Tuoitre.vn

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/don-nam-moi-noi-dau-song-dk1-20260105085126615.htm#content