Journalist working in Truong Sa

For every reporter and journalist, getting on the ship to Truong Sa to work is considered a precious journey of their life. On that ship, journalists from different provinces and cities all share the same sentiment in their hearts towards the Fatherland at the forefront.

From Cam Ranh military port, the journey to Truong Sa must cross hundreds of nautical miles. There were trips to Truong Sa in the rough sea season, the journalists boarding the ship were also shaken by the waves that continuously crashed against the ship's hull. The ship had not been moving for long when the weaker journalists began to get seasick and lay still. There were meals on the ship, the journalists had to hold onto the railing to move, some journalists were so seasick that they had to ask the soldiers to bring porridge and food to their accommodation. "But strangely enough, the ship had been moving for 2 days and 2 nights, everyone was exhausted, but as soon as we heard shouts from outside the deck, "Oh, Song Tu Tay Island! What a beautiful island!" we seemed to forget all the tiredness and seasickness, excitedly went out to see Song Tu Tay Island and prepared to go to the island to work", journalist Trinh Lan - Bac Giang Newspaper recalled.

Journalist Le Nguyen Phong talks with officers and soldiers on Da Thi island.

Journalist Le Nguyen Phong - Head of Nhan Dan Newspaper Representative Office in Khanh Hoa has been to Truong Sa many times. Documents from the sea voyages have helped journalist Le Nguyen Phong write hundreds of works about Truong Sa and publish 3 books with the majority of content about Truong Sa. Journalist Le Nguyen Phong shared that working in Truong Sa is very different from working on the mainland. The first thing is that it is extremely hard, requiring reporters to be in good health and quick-witted. Each sea voyage to Truong Sa usually lasts from 7 days to more than 1 month at sea. Before going to the island, each reporter has an idea of ​​what work needs to be done. From there, when going to the island, reporters must take advantage of the short time to observe, take photos, film, and interview to have a lot of documents for their journalistic works. The time on the islands usually only lasts 2 - 3 hours, so reporters must know how to balance and arrange properly to be able to get a lot of documents to serve their writing.

Journalist Trinh Lan interviews soldiers on Truong Sa island.

Recently, journalist Le Nguyen Phong had the opportunity to return to Truong Sa to work after many years, but the feelings are still the same as the first time: “Every time I return, I see that Truong Sa has changed a lot, becoming more and more spacious and modern. Looking from the sea, the islands and island spots of Truong Sa are very green with lush trees; creating a very beautiful scene, a clean environment, and neat landscape. What impressed me the most was the greetings in Truong Sa. Stepping on any island or island spot, meeting anyone, from officers, soldiers, people to children, they all greeted very sincerely and politely. That is what gives me the feeling that coming to Truong Sa is like coming to a peaceful village in Vietnam”.

Journalist Nguyen Van Tung with soldiers on Truong Sa island.

Female journalist Nguyen Van Tung - Vietnam Law Electronic Newspaper, who worked in Truong Sa for the first time at the end of April 2025, shared: “When I set foot on the sacred land of Truong Sa, I was overwhelmed with indescribable emotions. In this place of stormy seas, I admire and am grateful to the soldiers who always hold their guns firmly to guard the sea and islands of my homeland. Coming to Truong Sa, I love my Fatherland and country even more”. From that memorable working trip, when returning to the mainland, journalist Nguyen Van Tung had nearly 10 works written about Truong Sa.

Colonel Ngo Dinh Xuyen - Deputy Chief of Staff of the Navy: Every year, the Navy organizes many trips by ship carrying delegations and journalists to Truong Sa district. Although the weather in Truong Sa is harsh, with their love for the sea and islands, the journalists have overcome difficulties to work. Thereby, contributing to encouraging the soldiers and people of Truong Sa to perform well the task of firmly protecting the sacred sovereignty of the sea and islands of the Fatherland. At the same time, the journalists are also the ones who bring Truong Sa closer to the mainland, connecting millions of hearts towards the sea and islands of the homeland.

VAN GIANG - THAI THINH

Source: https://baokhanhhoa.vn/xa-hoi/202506/nha-bao-tac-nghiep-o-truong-sa-3d502a3/