Journalism in the middle of the ocean

“No matter the wind or waves, we soldiers on the oil rigs will be there. No matter how precarious the conditions, we soldiers on the oil rigs are not afraid of storms…”, “as long as there are people, there will be oil rigs”… Those lyrics, melodies, and oaths of the navy soldiers will forever be engraved in the hearts of journalists who have had the good fortune to set foot on the sacred seas and islands of the Fatherland.

Journalists working at DK1/21 platform during a visit and New Year greetings to officers and soldiers of the platform on the occasion of the Lunar New Year 2025 by the Naval Region 2 Command.

Working in the middle of the ocean, despite the precariousness and exhaustion of the waves, the “warriors on the cultural and ideological front” are even more enthusiastic and passionate. Because each news line, each article of theirs is a message of love for the sea and islands - a sacred and inseparable part of the Fatherland.

Not counting the business trips to the islands in the Southwest of the country, reporter Nguyen Xuan Tiep ( Dong Nai Radio and Television Station) has had the chance to set foot on Truong Sa island district 3 times.

Mr. Xuan Tiep shared: “Every time I come to Truong Sa, I love my country even more. I have worked in Truong Sa three times, I will definitely love my country many times more.”

“Many times more” that Mr. Xuan Tiep shared is not an exaggeration. Journalists who have personally overcome big waves and strong winds, witnessed with their own eyes the soldiers who steadfastly held their ground at the forefront of the storm, holding their guns firmly to protect the sacred sovereignty of the Fatherland can certainly feel Mr. Xuan Tiep’s feelings.

As a military and defense reporter, journalist Cu Thi Thuan (Dong Nai Newspaper) has many opportunities to meet and work with the naval forces. However, the business trips at sea, to Truong Sa, Hoang Sa, and DK1 Platform always bring her great happiness.

Ms. Cu Thi Thuan confided: "These business trips help me understand, love and share more with the difficulties and sacrifices of the forces on duty at sea and islands, including navy soldiers, coast guard, and fisheries control officers."

Journalist Le Minh Tuan (Lai Chau Radio and Television Station) shared that he had registered many times but it was not until early 2025 that he was able to join the working group to wish the New Year to the DK1 platform. He was very excited and looking forward to the trip. He tried to overcome seasickness to capture the most authentic images of the working group's activities and the soldiers of the DK1 platform.

Joining the working trip with journalist Minh Tuan, journalist Dang Thu Hang (Vinh Phuc Newspaper) had prepared anti-seasickness medicine and supplements very carefully, but all of them were ineffective; for many days, she could only lie in one place and could not get up. However, through the ship's loudspeaker, she still listened and followed the activities of the working group. Every time she had an idea for an article, she forced herself to get up to take a pen and paper to take notes. Despite being exhausted, she still "wound up her spirit" to set foot on the platform, to directly meet and interview the soldiers on the platform.

Lieutenant Colonel Pham Quang Tien (reporter of Vietnam Navy Newspaper) has been working in journalism for 15 years. On average, he has 3-5 working trips at sea each year. Having been to sea so often, he has gradually become accustomed to the waves and wind, but when encountering sudden big waves, this "island journalist" still gets seasick as usual. At times like these, it is his determination that helps him and his teammates and colleagues overcome difficulties to complete their tasks.

During his 15 years of work, Lieutenant Colonel Pham Quang Tien has had the opportunity to meet and collaborate with many colleagues from press agencies across the country. His impression of his colleagues is the spirit of mutual support and assistance; willingness to share experiences and personal documents with colleagues. Because, all have the same goal of spreading love for the sea and islands, the Navy soldiers and contributing to firmly protecting the sacred sovereignty of the sea and islands of the Fatherland.

Hai Yen

Source: https://baodongnai.com.vn/xa-hoi/202506/lam-bao-giua-trung-khoi-edf1570/