DK1 Soldier: Strong will, "as long as there are people, there will be platforms"

VOV.VN - 35 years since its establishment (July 5, 1989 - July 5, 2024), overcoming all difficulties, challenges and dangers, the generation of officers and soldiers of DK1 platform has steadfastly stuck to their positions, determined to maintain the flesh and blood of the fatherland at the forefront, affirming the country's sovereignty. VOV reporter interviewed Colonel Tran Manh Chien, Political Commissar of Naval Region 2.

Colonel Tran Manh Chien, Political Commissar of Naval Region 2

Reporter : Colonel Tran Manh Chien, with the task of managing and protecting the sea and continental shelf in the South, could you tell us how, over the past 35 years, the officers and soldiers of the DK1 platform have affirmed their role in protecting the " sovereignty markers" at sea?

Colonel Tran Manh Chien : The establishment, construction and development of the "Economic - Scientific - Technical Service Stations" in the sea and southern continental shelf are closely linked to the establishment, construction and growth of Battalion DK1 under the Naval Region 2 Command. This is a correct and wise strategic policy, demonstrating the vision and determination of the Party, the State, the Central Military Commission - the Ministry of National Defense in carrying out the task of economic development associated with protecting the sovereignty of the sea and islands in general, and the southern continental shelf of the Fatherland in particular.

That correct strategic vision has been affirmed, especially in the current conditions when the East Sea is heating up with many sensitive issues. Over the past 35 years, the DK1 Battalion, Naval Region 2 Command has been building, training, and ready for combat, firmly holding its position in the open sea, both affirming the sovereignty of the Fatherland and serving as a fulcrum for the development of the marine economy .

With the will to be self-reliant and overcome all difficulties and dangers, generations of soldiers on DK1 platform have stood firm on the front line of the sea and islands, demonstrating their infinite loyalty to the Party, the Fatherland and the people.

Over the past 35 years, continuously sticking to the sea, attached to the sea and continental shelf of the southern part of the Fatherland, generations of officers and soldiers of DK1 Platform through the periods have built up a glorious tradition: "Resilient, brave, overcoming all difficulties, united, disciplined, maintaining sovereignty". That is both an honor, a pride and a great responsibility that the generation of officers and soldiers of DK1 Battalion today are preserving and promoting in carrying out their tasks.

DK1 platform stands proudly on the continental shelf

PV : To meet the task of protecting the southern continental shelf of the Fatherland in the new situation, what solutions have the Party Committee and the Command of Naval Region 2 taken to build officers and soldiers with strong political will, ready to take on the task of guarding the platforms?

Colonel Tran Manh Chien : With the characteristics of DK1 platforms, stationed independently in strategic areas, difficult living conditions, complex hydrometeorology, and frequent large storms passing through the area. When situations arise, it requires a very high level of political courage, determination, loyalty to the Fatherland, the Party and the people, and readiness to sacrifice for national sovereignty.

Therefore, building political will, determination, and readiness to receive and complete tasks well for the officers and soldiers on the platform is a core and consistent issue that the Party Committee - Command of Region 2 always cares about.

We determined that to do that, we must use a combination of measures that closely match the current practical situation.

In particular, education to improve the sense of responsibility, political courage, and determination is the key issue. Promoting the exemplary role, will, and responsibility of each cadre and party member when performing tasks is the central issue. Caring for the families of cadres and soldiers, and implementing policies and regimes for soldiers are important and regular issues. Doing well the above contents is an extremely important issue, deciding the solid foundation of ideology and action of each cadre and soldier when performing tasks.

PV : How is the spirit and determination of the officers and soldiers of DK1 platform, Naval Region 2 Command in receiving and carrying out their tasks demonstrated, Colonel Tran Manh Chien?

Colonel Tran Manh Chien : After 35 years of construction and growth, the officers and soldiers of DK1 platform have left behind beautiful images of the Navy soldier.

Recalling the early days of establishment, the material and spiritual conditions were extremely difficult. Living conditions were lacking in all aspects, especially green vegetables, fresh water, electricity, and entertainment facilities. Spiritual life was also difficult, communication with the mainland and the family home was mainly through handwritten letters sent via on-duty ships. Each time sending or receiving a letter from the home base took several months. Health care and medical care were also difficult. However, the officers and soldiers on the platform always loved and supported each other, finding ways to overcome material and spiritual difficulties to carry out their duties. Storms were always ready to strike. We recall the image of the soldiers on the platform determined to stand firm, holding tight to the national flag, ready to sacrifice when the platform was overturned by storms in previous years. Up to now, 18 officers and soldiers have sacrificed while on duty in the DK1 area. They are examples of courage, loyalty, and determination for national sovereignty at sea.

In the current situation, although material and spiritual conditions have been greatly improved, the situation of sovereignty over seas and islands always contains unexpected and unpredictable factors. The negative impact of the market economy has significantly affected the ideology of officers and soldiers. However, with the close leadership of Party committees at all levels and a high sense of responsibility, officers and soldiers of DK1 platform always uphold the tradition of the unit, always ready to receive and complete all assigned tasks.

"As long as there are people, there will be platforms", that has been the determination of the platform soldiers for the past 35 years whenever facing storms and winds.

Talking about the political mettle and determination of the officers and soldiers of DK1 platform, we can briefly say: Always be ready for any situation.

PV : Thank you very much, Colonel!

Over the past 35 years, the officers and soldiers of Battalion DK1 have always been vigilant and ready to fight. The entire unit has detected more than 60,000 foreign ships of all kinds passing through the area, coordinated with patrol ships to chase away hundreds of foreign research and reconnaissance ships; observed and detected many foreign warships and reconnaissance aircraft, and promptly reported to the command headquarters at all levels for handling. Officers and soldiers of Battalion DK1 are a solid support for fishermen to go offshore and stick to the sea. In the past, the soldiers of the rig have promptly coordinated to rescue 9 Vietnamese fishing boats in distress, provided emergency treatment for hundreds of Vietnamese fishermen; provided fresh water, fuel, food, and medicine to more than 400 Vietnamese fishing boats; welcomed more than 500 visits from political and civil delegations, and have been trusted by the people and commended by the government.

Battalion DK1 has completed its assigned tasks exceptionally well and was honored as a Heroic Unit of the People's Armed Forces in the renewal period.