Song Tu Tay - A steel fortress in the South China Sea

(GLO) - After more than 30 hours at sea, Task Force No. 17 arrived at Song Tu Tay Island - the first island in the 2026 visit to Truong Sa and the DK1 platform. Amidst the vast ocean, the soldiers and civilians on the island remain steadfast in their commitment to the sea, standing firm on the front line protecting the sovereignty of the Fatherland.

With a journey of over 250 nautical miles, the KN490 ship of the 955th Brigade, 4th Naval Region, departing from Cam Ranh International Port, brought the 17th working group to Song Tu Tay Island - the first stop on their 2026 visit to the Truong Sa archipelago and the DK1 platform.

Ship KN490 transported Task Force No. 17 to the island. Photo: My Ha

To reach the island, delegates were assisted by officers and soldiers of the KN490 ship into small boats to brave the waves. From the ship's vantage point in the open sea, Song Tu Tay Island appeared steadfast like a steel fortress at the forefront of the Fatherland – a symbol of unwavering will, vibrant vitality, and love for the sacred sea and islands.

Officers and soldiers on Song Tu Tay Island welcome the No. 17 working group . Photo: My Ha

Under the scorching sun at sea, officers, soldiers, civilians, and other forces on duty on the island gathered in the harbor, standing in neat rows, joyfully welcoming the delegation from the mainland to visit the island.

Immediately after the welcoming ceremony, the delegation offered incense at Song Tu Tay Pagoda and the Monument to National Hero Tran Quoc Tuan (Hung Dao Dai Vuong). The 11-meter-high stone monument, facing the East Sea, is a sacred structure, expressing profound gratitude to ancestors and the resolute determination of the military and people in this frontier region to protect the sovereignty of the sea and islands.

Vice Chairman of Gia Lai Provincial People's Committee Lam Hai Giang and his delegation visit officers, soldiers, and people on Song Tu Tay Island. Photo: My Ha.

During the working session with the delegation, the island's leaders stated that 100% of the officers, soldiers, civilians, and forces on the island consistently maintain their political steadfastness, uphold a high sense of responsibility, and are ready to accept and successfully complete all assigned tasks.

Delegation No. 17 lays flowers and incense at the Monument to National Hero Tran Quoc Tuan (Hung Dao Dai Vuong). Photo: My Ha

Not only is Song Tu Tay a "steel fortress" protecting maritime sovereignty, it is also a solid support for fishermen venturing out to sea. The island consistently and effectively carries out civilian outreach, search and rescue operations, and supports fishermen in catching seafood in the Truong Sa (Spratly) Islands.

In 2025 and the first five months of 2026, the island guided and assisted more than 200 fishing vessels; repaired dozens of vessels with engine failures free of charge, totaling over 100 man-days of work; and provided fresh water, medical examinations, treatment, and free medicine to many fishermen from the central provinces.

On this occasion, representatives from agencies, units, businesses, localities, and the Gia Lai provincial delegation presented many meaningful and practical gifts to the officers, soldiers, and people on the island.

The Gia Lai provincial delegation presents gifts to officers and soldiers on Song Tu Tay Island. Photo: My Ha.

Faced with the unwavering will, optimistic spirit, and radiant smiles of the soldiers on the island, the members of the delegation could not hide their emotion and pride.

Lieutenant Colonel Ksor H'Bơ Khắp - Deputy Director of the Gia Lai Provincial Police, conveyed this message to the officers, soldiers, and people on the island: "Always have faith in the path you have chosen. That faith will become a light for future generations to follow, continuing to firmly protect the sacred sovereignty of the Fatherland's sea and islands."

The majestic statue of General Tran Quoc Tuan, the Great King Hung Dao, stands tall on Song Tu Tay Island. Photo: My Ha.

Thanks to the affection, trust, and support from the mainland, the soldiers and civilians on Song Tu Tay Island have become even more steadfast in the face of harsh conditions, continuing to bravely hold their ground and protect every inch of sacred land of the Fatherland.

Amidst the vast expanse of the Truong Sa archipelago, Song Tu Tay today is not only a "living landmark" affirming Vietnam's sovereignty over its seas and islands, but also a vivid symbol of indomitable will, the spirit of solidarity between the military and the people, and the aspiration to preserve the homeland's seas and skies for generations to come.

Source: https://baogialai.com.vn/song-tu-tay-phao-dai-thep-giua-bien-dong-post587894.html