In April 1975, the country entered into a period of peaceful reunification , but the regional context was still full of unpredictable changes. The urgent requirement was to quickly consolidate the air defense-air force posture, strictly manage the airspace, sea areas, and southern borders. On October 30, 1975, implementing the Decision of the Ministry of National Defense, the 370th Air Division was established. That event not only marked a new unit in the Air Defense-Air Force formation, but also demonstrated the strategic vision of the Party, State, and Army in building a strong air force, ready to protect the sacred sovereignty of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

Preparing for training at the 935th Air Regiment, 370th Air Division.

Right from the beginning, the officers and soldiers of the Division embarked on their missions with a high sense of urgency and discipline. The aircraft, equipment, and airports they took over were promptly inspected, supplemented, and put into operation; the flight and technical crews intensified their training, learning while doing, gradually mastering technology and procedures, and building a strict on-duty and combat order. Behind each take-off were hours of meticulousness by the mechanics, the calmness of the commander with only a few but accurate commands, and sweat soaked through the runways scorching with Lao wind or drenched with rain in the Central region. The motto "Basic - Practical - Solid - Safe - Economical" soon became the red thread in training, concretized in each flight, each technical test, each scenario of situations in the air and at sea.

When the Southwestern border was engulfed in flames of bullets (1977-1979), the MiG-19 squadrons of the 925th Regiment of the 370th Air Division bravely took off. The timely and accurate fire support not only contributed to the defeat of the enemy's invasion plot, but also demonstrated a noble international responsibility, helping the Cambodian people escape the disaster of genocide. December 27, 1978 went down in the unit's history as the first milestone of victory, opening the tradition of "Determination to fight - Determination to win" for a division that was young in age but mature in spirit.

Take off for training flight.

Since August 1987, the Division has been stationed at Tan Son Nhat Airport, directly managing and protecting the airspace, sea and continental shelf in the South - the most important area in terms of national defense and security, and at the same time the living and development space of the country. The frontline mission requires high intensity of on-duty and combat duty, flexible mobility and close coordination between the air force, air defense, navy, coast guard and friendly forces at sea. In the context of the country's economic difficulties and insufficient equipment, each shift and each flight is imbued with a sense of responsibility. Continuous maneuvers and exercises are organized with iron discipline, ensuring absolute safety, consolidating a solid air defense and air force posture from the mainland to the sea and islands.

Entering the 1990s and the following stages, the 370th Air Division persistently improved its technical and tactical skills and standardized flight safety, focusing on difficult subjects. Night flying is not simply a professional habit, but a matter of sensory mettle and operational discipline. Flying far out at sea requires not only navigation skills and the use of equipment, but also composure in the vast sky with only the horizon and starlight as companions. Flying in complex conditions does not accept any errors: Every movement of the steering wheel, every displayed parameter is a reminder of the life, mission and honor of the air force soldier. All are accumulated into experience, into a "safety culture", into the modern combat capability of the unit.

Pilots exchange after flight training.

The length of 50 years is also the depth of the tradition of emulation and commendation. The entire Division, 3 regiments, 2 squadrons and 6 pilots were awarded the title of Hero of the People's Armed Forces; Regiment 917 alone was honored to receive this noble title twice. Along with that are 10 Military Exploit Medals, many Exploit Medals and many other noble awards. But above all medals is the people's trust, the feeling of security when looking up at the sky and knowing that there are always wings guarding the peace.

During the 2015-2025 period, the image of Division 370 was prominently present in many important events of the country. The flying formation in the parade commemorating the 70th anniversary of Dien Bien Phu Victory, the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South, the reunification of the country, the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day September 2, demonstrated the level, bravery and precision down to the second. At the Vietnam International Defense Exhibition 2024, the Division contributed to introducing the image of the Vietnam Air Force as professional, modern, friendly and responsible. On the peacekeeping front, supporting the No. 1 Level 2 Field Hospital to carry out its mission in South Sudan not only demonstrated the coordination and assurance capacity, but also affirmed the position and prestige of the Vietnam People's Army before international friends.

Joy after successful training flights.

In the seemingly peaceful rhythm of daily life, there are unscheduled take-offs. These are rescue flights, emergency flights for fishermen and soldiers in Truong Sa. Each take-off is a race against time and weather; each safe landing is a combination of technique, bravery and the heart of the soldier. At those moments, the motto “sacrificing oneself for the people” is not a slogan but a natural choice of those who have sworn to dedicate themselves.

Steadfast in action, the Division is also steadfast in ideology. The Division Party Committee thoroughly grasps resolutions and directives; is highly unified in leading combat readiness tasks and airspace management. Flight training is innovated in the direction of "Basic - Practical - Solid - Safe - Economical", taking quality and efficiency as the measure; each lesson plan, each simulation, each test is aimed at the only goal: Safety and combat capability. The Emulation Movement for Victory is closely linked to the central task; a series of models, initiatives, and technical improvements are replicated, creating a professional and creative competitive atmosphere, where each individual strives for the common goal.

Entering the 2025-2030 term, Division 370 identified three strategic breakthroughs. First, improving the level and combat readiness, airspace management, flight management and operations, while promoting the application of science and technology and digital transformation in all stages from command to technical assurance. Second, innovating and improving the quality of training, focusing on flight training, ensuring absolute safety; strengthening night flying, offshore flying, and flying in complex conditions; standardizing processes and lesson plans; promoting the simulation system. Third, building discipline, maintaining order and discipline in the unit; building a healthy military cultural environment, solidarity, discipline, and responsibility. These orientations are gradually being realized through plans, people, and specific products: a digital flight command and operation system; a centralized technical and maintenance database; a synchronized air traffic control process; Standardize the mechanism for coordination of air-sea search and rescue.

In the 370th Air Division, strength comes not only from weapons and equipment, but also from people. They are pilots who control every meter of altitude; technicians who work hard on the fuselage overnight; commanders who struggle with each shift; information and radar soldiers who silently operate in the deep forests or sandy beaches. They share the same oath and the same support: Iron discipline and camaraderie. It is that invisible thread that connects them into a solid flying formation, turning challenges into opportunities, turning difficulties into concrete results in the sky of the Fatherland.

Helicopter squadron of Air Force Regiment 917, Air Force Division 370 participated in mission A50.

It is not difficult to come across everyday stories that sparkle with military spirit: A young technician voluntarily stays late just to check a small detail, because "looking at this screw is not reassuring"; a pilot quietly returns to check the runway when the signal lights show signs of abnormality; a shift lasts longer than expected because of strong winds offshore - these "small" things are the "bricks" that build the citadel of flight safety, the difference between normal and perfect.

Those strict standards do not stiffen the 370 people. On the contrary, they hone their confident, calm, and humble demeanor. There is a hidden pride in their eyes; the way they talk about airplanes, the sea, and their teammates is the care of those who know the value of peace. And in every conversation, the boundary between the individual “I” and the collective “we” almost does not exist - because for them, strength only has meaning when it is part of a team.

From that foundation, the 370th Air Division clearly outlines the direction for the longer term. By 2030, the goal is to become a regular, elite, modern unit; fully mastering new-generation technical equipment; capable of combat, air-sea-land coordination; firmly protecting the airspace, sea and continental shelf in the South. With a vision to 2045, the Division aims to be a model force of the Service in the Southern region: Modern, intelligent, flexible in combat, capable of effective deterrence and quick, accurate response in all situations; continuing to be a reliable fulcrum of the national air defense-air force system.

Among the many achievements, the most obvious thing that remains is probably faith. The faith of the people in the wings that guard the peace day and night; the faith of the previous generation when they see the young generation grow up firmly; the faith of the commander when he knows that behind him is a united, disciplined, and creative collective. That faith is distilled into a simple but proud saying of Colonel Cu Duc Huong, Division Commander: "No matter what the conditions, at what altitude, we are determined to keep the Fatherland's sky peaceful."

Half a century has passed, from Tan Son Nhat runway spreading out in all four directions, Air Division 370 will continue to fly high in aspiration, fly far in faith, firmly guarding the "sky border" in the South - so that today's peace will always be followed by tomorrow's peace, for the Fatherland to grow strong and last forever.

    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/quoc-phong-an-ninh/xay-dung-quan-doi/su-doan-khong-quan-370-50-nam-giu-vung-bien-cuong-bau-troi-to-quoc-943826