Springtime fragrance at the forefront of the waves

At exactly 9 PM on January 29, 2026, the horns of the Coast Guard vessel CSB 805 sounded, signaling the official start of the sea voyage of the Vietnam Coast Guard delegation to inspect combat readiness and extend New Year greetings for the Year of the Horse 2026.

Báo Cà Mau•20/02/2026

Visiting and presenting gifts to officers, soldiers, and people of Tien Hai island commune.
Visiting and presenting gifts to officers, soldiers, and people of Tho Chau island commune.
Visiting and giving gifts to officers and soldiers on Nam Du Island - the final stop on the sea voyage to visit the southwestern islands.

This ship not only checks combat readiness, but also carries the spirit of spring and deep affection from the mainland to the units on the southern islands. and the ships are carrying out missions in the waters bordering Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. On board Coast Guard vessel number 805, not only are goods and Tet gifts being transported, but also the trust, responsibility, and concern of the Party, State, and people of the whole country are being sent to the military and people on the front lines of the Fatherland.

" I am deeply moved that, despite harsh weather and hydrological conditions, and with the Lunar New Year approaching, the naval forces on duty at sea remain determined to overcome all difficulties and fulfill their assigned tasks," shared Lieutenant General Bui Quoc Oai, Political Commissar of the Vietnam Coast Guard.

After more than six hours sailing from Phu Quoc Special Economic Zone, the delegation arrived at Tho Chau Special Economic Zone port – an area of particularly crucial strategic importance for national defense, security, and maritime sovereignty . Spring on Tho Chu Island, though simple, is filled with the warmth of the military-civilian bond among the officers, soldiers, and people. The ships arriving during the days leading up to Tet (Lunar New Year) not only carry goods and Tet gifts, but also carry hope and warmth from the mainland.

Lieutenant General Bui Quoc Oai, Political Commissar of the Vietnam Coast Guard, presents gifts and visits residents in the Tho Chau special zone.

Comrade Lam Van Hien, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of the People's Committee of Tho Chau Special Zone, happily shared: "Although there are still many difficulties, the attention and support from the Party, the State, and the people on the mainland are an immense source of encouragement, helping the forces and people on the island to confidently fulfill all tasks."

Unable to hide his emotion upon receiving Tet gifts from the mainland, Mr. Nguyen Van Trung, from Bai Ngu hamlet, shared: "These days, the people are all waiting for the ships from the mainland, not just to receive gifts, but to feel the affection and concern from the mainland for the people on the island."

The Tet gifts were carefully inspected before being loaded onto ships to be distributed to the forces and people on the frontline islands and at sea.

Leaving Tho Chau, the CSB 805 continued to sail through the waves, bringing the spirit of spring to the naval squadrons on the ground and to the fishermen operating in the waters bordering Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

The delegation visited, extended New Year greetings, and presented gifts to officers and soldiers of the permanent militia vessel KG 96029 TS, the fisheries patrol vessels KN 373, KN 273, KN 268, KN 205, the coast guard vessel 9003, and the permanent militia vessel BT 98393 TS, who are performing duties in the border waters. In addition, the delegation also visited and extended New Year greetings to several fishing vessels of fishermen operating in this area.

Onboard the ship, the soldiers also decorated an altar dedicated to President Ho Chi Minh and placed yellow apricot blossoms to welcome Tet.

In rough seas and strong winds, some ships and delegations directly visited and extended New Year greetings, but there were also ships that sent New Year gifts in a very special way: packed in boxes, tied with ropes, and lowered into the sea. Greetings and New Year wishes were sent via radio, but the sentiment remained abundant.

Amidst the vast expanse of the sea, with waves over 2 meters high, the soldiers and armed forces steadfastly remain, protecting sovereignty and wholeheartedly supporting fishermen at sea. The constant presence of these naval squadrons is not only a legal anchor at sea, but also a bridge connecting the mainland with the nation's front lines.

Captain La Van Dan of the permanent militia vessel BT 98393 TS emotionally stated: "On board, there are crew members who have been on duty during Tet for two consecutive years. Although far from home, the care, support, and trust from the mainland are the motivation that helps us overcome difficulties and be ready to successfully complete all tasks."

Sharing the same sentiment, Captain Nguyen Minh Hoang of the fisheries patrol vessel KN 205 expressed: "The care and encouragement from all levels, sectors, and the people of the whole country through each voyage and each Tet gift has given us more motivation to stay at sea and successfully complete our assigned tasks."

"For many years, the Vietnam Coast Guard has always strived to ensure that the Lunar New Year celebrations for those on duty at sea are organized in a joyful, healthy, and economical manner, while maintaining high combat readiness and avoiding being caught off guard in any situation," Lieutenant General Bui Quoc Oai added.

The mission to visit and extend New Year greetings to the military and civilians on the islands and seas is a strong link between the home front and the front lines. On the ships heading out to the islands and seas in the last days of the year, besides sticky rice cakes, apricot blossoms, tea, and candied fruits, there is also the love, trust, and responsibility of the mainland, as an affirmation: the mainland always stands by the islands and seas, working together to firmly protect the sacred sovereignty of the Fatherland.

Nguyen Phu - Chi Linh

Source: https://baocamau.vn/huong-xuan-noi-dau-song-a126243.html