The trip was not just a routine work activity, but also a special journey for each member to observe and better understand the new vitality, changes, and the unwavering determination of the soldiers and civilians of Truong Sa to defend the sea and islands today.

New approaches in inspection work.

Following the incense offering ceremony at the Monument to the Heroes and Martyrs at Brigade 125, Region 2 of the Navy, the ship KN-491 departed the port, carrying nearly 200 members of the working group to the islands, islets, and offshore platforms on the southern continental shelf of the Fatherland.

General Do Xuan Tung and his delegation visited and presented gifts to households on Sinh Ton Island.

Under the close guidance of the head of the working group, this inspection activity featured many innovations in both content and methodology. A noticeable new aspect was the scientifically and thoughtfully designed program; the flexible management and effective handling of unforeseen situations. As a result, the group's overall activities were ensured to be carried out meticulously and according to plan; while still providing time and space for individual teams, departments, and members to exchange ideas, interact, and share experiences. Despite the long journey at sea, the group maintained a serious and efficient work pace; each member also had moments of quiet reflection after visiting various locations and meeting people on remote islands.

A highlight of the military and defense inspection activities was the new, practical approach that yielded tangible results. For example, the inspection of the unit's Party Committee meeting approving the combat plan on the island showed that each comrade, in their respective positions and responsibilities, had a firm grasp of the content, clearly demonstrating their qualities, work capabilities, and leadership skills. Simultaneously, the unit's Party Committee affirmed its leadership role, the accuracy of the combat plan, and the unit's combat readiness. Through the inspection, the head of the General Political Department and the inspection team had the opportunity to more deeply assess the quality of leadership of the Party organization, the organization of command and control, coordination, and situational response at the grassroots level. Similarly, during the inspection of training at the DK1/15 platform, General Do Xuan Tung directly created a simulated scenario, requiring the unit to conduct a Level 1 air defense alert according to regulations. Immediately after receiving the order, officers and soldiers on the offshore platform quickly moved to their combat positions, performing their duties skillfully and coordinating closely, demonstrating their readiness to fight in any situation.

General Do Xuan Tung visited and spoke with teachers and students at the primary school on Da Tay A island.

We were also impressed with the inspection team's coverage of Party and political work, which included many new aspects. Attending the briefing on the political situation, current events, and ideological and action orientation for officers, soldiers, and people on the islands, we clearly felt the effectiveness of this content through the attentive attention and note-taking of the officers, soldiers, and people. To ensure a high-quality briefing, the team invited specialized researchers and experienced individuals, including a former leader of the Central Theoretical Council and the Deputy Director of the Vietnam Institute of National Defense Strategy and History, to participate and undertake this important task. These innovations helped the inspection activities go beyond simply gathering information; they also contributed to exchanging experiences, suggesting solutions, and drawing lessons from each aspect of work for officers, soldiers, and people on the islands and offshore platforms.

For logistical and technical inspections on islands and offshore platforms, under the close direction of the head of the General Political Department, the inspection work emphasized ensuring adequate and robust logistical and technical support for all tasks, while also highlighting requirements for connectivity, coordination, and handling of logistical and technical situations on the islands. On Truong Sa Island, Lieutenant General Do Xuan Tung posed a hypothetical scenario: A patient requiring emergency care needed a consultation with the mainland. Immediately upon receiving the order, the medical team on the island quickly implemented the steps of receiving, examining, and assessing the patient's condition; simultaneously, they connected online with Military Hospital 175 for consultation and agreed on a treatment plan. The practical exercise proceeded quickly and according to procedure, demonstrating professional competence, proactive spirit, and effective coordination in a remote location. The delegation also inspected the provision of logistics services for the fishing industry and the operation of support points for fishermen at sea; and visited and encouraged fishermen and forces on duty in the Truong Sa (Spratly) Islands area.

General Do Xuan Tung inspects the capability to connect and handle a simulated emergency situation involving a patient on Truong Sa Island requiring support from the mainland.

Over the years, the logistics and technical service center system in the Truong Sa Special Economic Zone has proven effective, contributing to meeting the needs of fishermen during their voyages at sea. Here, fishermen receive support in securing mooring places, shelter from bad weather, fuel, fresh water, and essential supplies; technical repairs; and healthcare when needed. The presence of these logistics and technical service points helps fishermen alleviate difficulties during long voyages, providing them with additional support to confidently and safely exploit marine resources, contributing to the efforts of functional forces in safeguarding the sovereignty of the nation's seas and islands.

At each destination, the inspection atmosphere was serious yet approachable. The work was integrated into the daily life of the island, from combat readiness shifts, agricultural production areas, infirmaries, schools, to the harbor where fishermen stop for fresh water, fuel, and equipment repairs. This made the trip not only an opportunity to assess the results of mission performance but also a meeting between the mainland and the islands, between the faith of the home front and the determination of those who are tirelessly holding their ground at sea.

The new aspects of the working group's content and methods in the inspections all aim to enhance political fortitude, build willpower and determination among officers and soldiers, thereby improving the quality of training, discipline, and combat readiness. Through practical inspections, exchanges, dialogues, and gathering information at the grassroots level, the group focuses on assessing the leadership capacity and combat strength of Party committees and organizations; simultaneously clarifying the pioneering and exemplary role of cadres and Party members, especially leading cadres; each cadre must truly be a role model of political fortitude, perseverance, and responsibility; their words must match their actions, they must be closely involved with the troops, and they must be close to the people, so that officers and soldiers can emulate them.

The bond between soldiers and the people is a solid foundation.

On Son Ca Island, Lieutenant General Do Xuan Tung cordially inquired about the lives, activities, and duties of the officers and soldiers. During this intimate conversation, soldier Ha Nguyen Minh Hoang emotionally shared: “Today, I am deeply moved by the commander's inquiry and encouragement. What I feel most strongly in those words is the concern and the trust placed in us, motivating us to continue striving, training, and fulfilling our duties well on this remote island. For us, the commander's concern is not only a joy during this meeting but also a great source of encouragement for each soldier to be even more steadfast in each guard shift and each daily task.”

General Do Xuan Tung and other delegates visited and encouraged fishermen who are venturing out to sea in the Truong Sa Special Economic Zone.

On the islands, the delegation witnessed the efforts of the medical staff in providing healthcare to soldiers and civilians. On Truong Sa Dong Island, Captain Duong Tri Khang, Head of the Truong Sa Dong Island Medical Clinic, Brigade 146, Region 4 of the Navy, shared that the affection and concern of the people on the mainland are a great source of encouragement, giving strength to the officers, soldiers, and medical staff on the island to continue to dedicate themselves and successfully complete their tasks.

The further we go, the clearer we see the resilience and indomitable spirit of the soldiers and civilians of Truong Sa. The shifts under the sun and wind, the training sessions on coral reefs, the small vegetable gardens meticulously cared for daily, the rows of Barringtonia and Terminalia trees persistently rooted... all speak of their aspiration to master the sea and islands through willpower, discipline, and love for their homeland.

Professor Ta Ngoc Tan, former member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam and former Standing Vice Chairman of the Central Theoretical Council, emotionally shared: “This is my third time visiting Truong Sa, and each time I have different feelings. Those feelings grow stronger when I see the soldiers facing storms, rough seas, scorching sun, and winds blowing day and night, yet they still persevere on the island, ready to fight, increase production, and help the local people.”

The Spratly Islands are rich, welcoming, and full of life.

Today, Truong Sa is not only strong in its defensive position but also flourishing in terms of life, landscape, environment, and the relationship between the military and civilians. Housing, schools, clinics, medical centers, cultural facilities, agricultural areas, harbors, and fishing logistics service areas have created a new face for the archipelago. Immersing themselves in the lives of the military and civilians on the islands, the members of the delegation were very proud of the new appearance, new vitality, and new strength present on this frontline archipelago of the Fatherland. Therefore, the artists were inspired, their creative aspirations were heightened, and 14 musical works were created during this trip, contributing to a vivid reflection of the reality of Truong Sa and spreading love for the sea and islands of the Fatherland.

On Sinh Ton Island, in the April dawn light, we encountered a familiar scene like a village in the middle of the sea. In front of the houses, the national flag fluttered in the wind. Children eagerly welcomed the delegation from the mainland. The traditional long dresses of the women and mothers made the green of the island even softer and more inviting. Nguyen Tuan Ngoc, from Cam Lam, Khanh Hoa, who has been living on the island for nearly three years, shared: “Initially, everything was unfamiliar, we weren't used to the rhythm of life on the island, but thanks to the dedicated guidance of the officers and soldiers, we quickly adapted. During holidays and Tet (Lunar New Year), or when welcoming delegations, everyone pitches in to prepare, strengthening the bond between the military and the people.”

Education in the Truong Sa Special Zone is always a priority. Despite many difficulties, school facilities on the islands have been gradually improved. Small classrooms now have televisions, making lessons more engaging and enabling students to keep up with the curriculum as their peers on the mainland. At Sinh Ton Primary School, Mr. Phan Quang Tuan, born in 1968, teaches a combined preschool and primary school class. Having worked in education for 37 years, driven by his love for his homeland and a desire to contribute to the remote islands, Mr. Tuan volunteered to go to Sinh Ton Island three years ago to teach literacy to young children in the middle of the ocean. Mr. Tuan shared: “Every day, I begin with the clear laughter of my students as they practice singing, dancing, and reciting poetry, and end with the simple joy of seeing each letter appear on their notebooks.”

Upon arriving at Da Tay A harbor, the delegation met Mr. Ngo Van Thuy, born in 1976, from Phuoc Dinh, Khanh Hoa, captain of the vessel KH 91077-TS, while the ship was docking at the island to refuel, resupply, and inspect its equipment. Mr. Thuy said: “When we are at sea for long periods, lacking fresh water, fuel, or experiencing machinery breakdowns, we always receive timely support from the Navy. The bond between fishermen and soldiers at the forefront of the waves is a solid foundation that allows us to confidently continue our traditional fishing grounds.” From Mr. Thuy's story, the crucial role of Truong Sa in supporting fishermen venturing out to sea and maintaining their livelihoods is clearly evident. Each harbor, each service station, and each timely support from the Navy not only helps fishermen feel secure in their production but also contributes to affirming Vietnam's enduring presence in this sacred sea and island region.

Concluding the working trip, General Do Xuan Tung emphasized that each member of the delegation, upon returning from Truong Sa, should act as a reporter to disseminate and spread what they experienced in a truthful and vivid manner; at the same time, according to their responsibilities and duties, they should continue to research, synthesize, advise, and propose to the Central Military Commission and the Ministry of National Defense policies and solutions to protect sovereignty and develop the marine and island economy.

A sea voyage is measured in nautical miles, but what remains in each person's memory are the stopping points, the encounters, the simple yet deeply meaningful stories. Amidst the vast ocean, Truong Sa today appears not only as a solid fortress protecting the sacred sovereignty of the Fatherland but also as a vibrant, fertile land, warm with human kindness.

    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/quoc-phong-an-ninh/xay-dung-quan-doi/suc-song-moi-truong-sa-1039630