We had the opportunity to visit the Command of Coast Guard Region 2 (Nui Thanh Commune, Da Nang City) in the final days of the year, when the Tet holiday atmosphere had permeated everywhere. At the naval port, Coast Guard ships were busily preparing for their voyages through the Tet holiday. On the pier, boxes of essential supplies were neatly and systematically transferred to the ships. Fresh vegetables, meat, and fish were prioritized for the first days of the new year; behind them were frozen food reserves for the long journey at sea.
Coast Guard vessel 4037 sets sail to carry out maritime patrol duties throughout the Tet holiday.
The atmosphere was bustling with preparations, yet still serious and in accordance with regulations. Some checked the machinery, others reviewed the life-saving equipment and communication systems. Inside the living quarters, items were neatly arranged, ready to be displayed on the altar dedicated to President Ho Chi Minh on New Year's Eve.
On the ship's deck, the soldiers take turns on guard duty 24/7, their eyes always fixed on the horizon.
Amidst the hectic preparations, we had the opportunity to chat with the officers and soldiers to learn more about the life of a naval soldier, about Tet holidays away from home, the longing left behind, and the pride in guarding sovereignty in the spring at the forefront of the waves.
Lieutenant Dao Van Quyet is participating in his first ever on-duty assignment at sea during the Tet holiday.
From the initial awkwardness to the springs of familiar, turbulent times.
This year, Lieutenant Dao Van Quyet, a deck mechanic on Coast Guard vessel 4037, will be on duty throughout the Tet holiday at sea.
In previous years, Lieutenant Dao Van Quyet would be reunited with his family during the Lunar New Year. This year, far out at sea, the young soldier received New Year's greetings from his family through short phone calls. This encouragement helped the soldier remain steadfast at sea. "This is my first time on assignment far from home during Tet, and I miss my family, which is a little emotional. But knowing this is an important mission for the unit, I have built up my determination and unwavering resolve to be ready to carry out the task," Lieutenant Dao Van Quyet shared.
For Major Nguyen Dinh Son, the squad leader of Coast Guard vessel 4037, that feeling was experienced more than 20 years ago, but it remains vivid to this day. In his 20 years of service, he has celebrated Tet (Lunar New Year) at sea 12 times.
“ It was my first time on duty during Tet, and I felt a bit lost and homesick, just like everyone else. But with the care and encouragement from superiors at all levels, we always remained united and determined to complete our mission. After celebrating Tet at sea 12 times, the initial feeling of unfamiliarity has now given way to a feeling of honor and pride, ” Major Nguyen Dinh Son said with a smile, adding, “Tet on land means family reunions, while Tet at sea means brothers gathering together, sharing stories and traditional spring dishes. Everyone misses home, but thinking about our duty to maintain peace in the sea and islands makes us feel warm and more confident.”
Coast Guard officers prepare essential supplies for their mission throughout the Tet holiday.
For a young soldier, it's the longing of being away from home for the first time, but for a seasoned soldier, it's the memories of many springs spent at sea. Major Son still remembers Tet in 2017, when the entire crew gathered on deck to butcher a pig, preparing food for the Tet holiday. The atmosphere was lively and warm, like a big family in the middle of the ocean.
There were New Year's Eve nights with rough seas and strong winds, forcing the crew to huddle in the corridors, middle deck, and lower main deck due to the harsh weather conditions. The space was cramped, and the waves crashed against the ship's hull. But it was precisely in these circumstances that the spirit of solidarity was clearly demonstrated: "No matter the conditions, the Coast Guard soldiers remain united and determined to fulfill their mission."
Back home, his two children have become accustomed to their father's frequent absences. Hasty New Year's greetings via phone calls have become the link between the sea and the land. A strong home front provides a sense of security for the soldier at the forefront of the waves.
On the day of departure, the unit's leaders and commanders were present to encourage, assign tasks, and shake hands with each officer and soldier. As the ship's horn sounded, it cut through the waves and set sail, carrying with it the determination to maintain peace and security in the sea and islands.
Coast Guard vessel 4037 is on standby, ready to fight, enforce the law, and prevent violations at sea before, during, and after the Lunar New Year of the Horse 2026.
To keep the mainland intact
Lieutenant Nguyen The Hung, Political Officer of Coast Guard vessel 4037 (Squadron 212, Brigade 21, Command of Coast Guard Region 2), said that Coast Guard vessel 4037 is on standby for combat readiness, law enforcement, and prevention of violations at sea before, during, and after the Lunar New Year of the Horse 2026.
“ This is a very important mission, especially during Tet (Lunar New Year), when the situation at sea can be more sensitive. But it is also an honor and a source of pride for every officer and soldier,” said Senior Lieutenant Nguyen The Hung.
To bring a festive atmosphere of spring to the officers and soldiers amidst the vast ocean, the ship's Party committee and command organized many activities: a rice cake wrapping competition among different departments and teams; a warm New Year's Eve celebration; karaoke sessions; folk games; and giving lucky money at the beginning of the year…
Amidst the vast expanse of the sea, the altar dedicated to President Ho Chi Minh, along with the national flag, is solemnly placed in the most prominent location on the ship, demonstrating respect and the presence of President Ho Chi Minh at sea, helping officers and soldiers to remain steadfast on duty during Tet and protect national sovereignty.
For naval soldiers, Tet (Lunar New Year) is not about a family feast, but about being on duty, ready for combat, and keeping watch at sea at night, ensuring that the mainland can enjoy a complete Spring festival.
In the common room, carefully wrapped green sticky rice cakes, sweets and preserves are displayed, and the soldiers' smiles are ever-present. This atmosphere cannot completely replace the warmth of family, but it is certainly enough to make each soldier feel that they are celebrating Tet not far from home.
Out there, the sea continues to ripple with the tide. Inside the ship numbered 4037, the watch shifts are strictly maintained. Every watchful glance, every patrol step embodies the highest sense of responsibility.
As fireworks light up the sky over the mainland, somewhere out at sea, Coast Guard soldiers may be quietly celebrating New Year's Eve amidst the sound of waves.
They weren't there for the family reunion dinner. But their presence at the forefront contributed to millions of families experiencing the complete joy of togetherness.
In the middle of spring, the ship continued to move forward. On the deck, the salty sea breeze blew. On the horizon, the water stretched endlessly. For the Coast Guard soldiers, Tet (Lunar New Year) is not about a celebratory feast, but about being on duty, ready for combat, and about gazing ahead at sea at night, guarding the mainland so that it can have a complete spring.
Source: https://congthuong.vn/giu-bien-binh-yen-giua-mua-xuan-443320.html
