DK1/10 Platform - A Steel Fortress on the Ca Mau Shoal

In the vast expanse of the southern continental shelf of our homeland, where only endless waves and seas prevail, the DK1/10 platform stands firm and unwavering, like an unshakeable landmark of sovereignty. There, naval soldiers bravely and steadfastly overcome difficulties and hardships day and night to protect the sacred sovereignty of our nation's seas and islands.

• Naval platform DK1/10 rescues fishermen from Bac Lieu in distress at sea.
• Strengthen management and firmly protect maritime border sovereignty .
• The national flag flies over the DK1 offshore platforms on the morning of September 2nd.

As long as there are people, there are offshore platforms, and there is national sovereignty.

Located in the southern waters of Ca Mau province, the DK1/10 platform is a complex of service, economic , scientific, and technical facilities, built in 1994 and managed, operated, and protected by the Command of Naval Region 2. For over 30 years, the platform has not only served as a center for meteorological and oceanographic research but also as a " steel fortress " guarding the strategic sea area, allowing fishermen to confidently venture out to sea and contribute to the nation's prosperity. It is a solid landmark of sovereignty in the ocean, affirming the inviolable sovereignty of the southern continental shelf of the Fatherland.

Training ensures combat readiness, preventing passivity and surprise in all situations.

Located within the DK1 system, DK1/10 is a rather unique offshore platform. Constantly affected by strong winds and the Southwest monsoon, the climate here is arid year-round. The combat readiness of the officers and soldiers is quite demanding. Furthermore, being 67 nautical miles from the mainland (Ca Mau province), life on the DK1/10 platform is inevitably fraught with shortages: fresh water must be conserved to the maximum; food supplies are mainly delivered periodically every few months, and bad weather can delay the delivery schedule by many days; electricity depends on generators or solar panels. During storms, waves reach 5-6 meters high, sometimes even higher, and the wind gusts threaten to tear apart the iron railings. During typhoons, the entire platform shakes as if it's about to collapse. Overcoming all these harsh conditions is the steely will and unwavering spirit of the soldiers stationed on the platform.

“The offshore platform operates in the maritime border area of ​​three countries: Vietnam, the Philippines, and Malaysia, a densely populated area with many potential dangers. Therefore, the officers and soldiers of the unit are always aware of their assigned responsibilities, strictly adhering to duty schedules, maintaining a high level of vigilance, proactively identifying and promptly handling incidents. Despite facing difficulties, with a spirit of unity and determination to win, we always believe that as long as there are people, there is the offshore platform, and there is the sovereignty of the Fatherland,” affirmed Captain Tran Van Luc, Political Officer of the DK1/10 offshore platform.

Maintain discipline and quality in the maintenance, inspection, and repair of weapons and technical equipment.

Decisive in their duties, creative and flexible in their lives, the soldiers on the offshore platforms find every way to increase production, improve their living conditions, and contribute to maintaining the rear support right at the front lines of the Fatherland. Between training, guard duty, and patrols, the soldiers take the time to tend to their vegetable gardens. Keeping plants alive at sea is a meticulous task; fresh water is conserved to the maximum, soil is transported from the mainland, and fertilizer is homemade from organic waste. The soldiers of DK1/10 sow green seeds amidst the waves and winds. Under their diligent hands, the vegetable beds are neatly arranged in rows, and are especially lush and green.

Harvesting green vegetables on the DK1/10 offshore platform.

Having figured out how to grow vegetables, they then considered raising chickens, ducks, and pigs on a small scale. The enclosures were designed with sturdy iron bars, carefully enclosed to protect against wind and storms. Although the quantity wasn't large, it was a valuable source of food, improving their diet and adding joy to their daily lives. Increased production on the offshore platforms was no longer just about improving their living conditions, but also demonstrated the self-reliance, resilience, love of work, and patriotism of the naval soldiers.

A solid support for fishermen.

Beyond its strategic role in national defense and security, the DK1/10 platform also serves as a solid support for fishermen, allowing them to confidently venture out to sea and contribute to the protection and development of the homeland's marine and island economy. When fishing vessels encounter difficulties, or when they need supplies of food, fresh water, or medical assistance, the fishermen always receive ready support from the DK1/10 platform. The friendly smiles, compassionate glances, and dedicated assistance from the soldiers have instilled confidence and strength in the fishermen, giving them peace of mind on every voyage.

The DK1/10 platform – a symbol of Vietnam's presence on the Ca Mau shoal for over three decades – has contributed to affirming and firmly protecting the sacred sovereignty of the Fatherland's sea and islands. It also serves as a strategic anchor for the development of the marine economy and national security and defense.

Thanh Hai - Van Duong

Source: https://baocamau.vn/nha-gian-dk1-10-phao-dai-thep-tren-bai-can-ca-mau-a123333.html