Tet in Truong Sa - Part 8: Celebrating the New Year without forgetting our duties

In Truong Sa during the Tet holiday, the combat readiness duty is maintained even more strictly, to both protect targets and prevent the homeland from being caught by surprise.

Báo Thanh niên•19/02/2026

Upon reaching the Truong Sa (Spratly) Islands, the most noticeable sight is the patrol vessels of the Navy, Coast Guard - Fisheries Surveillance, maritime militia, and ships from other forces.

These ships are tasked with protecting sovereignty in their assigned areas and are ready for search and rescue operations, carrying out missions as requested by higher authorities.

Tet in Truong Sa - Part 8: Celebrating the New Year without forgetting our duties - Photo 1.

Truong Sa - the frontline of the Fatherland

PHOTO: MTH

Tet in Truong Sa - Part 8: Celebrating the New Year without forgetting our duties - Photo 2.

Fisheries patrol vessels are on duty protecting sovereignty in the waters of Song Tu Tay.

PHOTO: MTH

In the days leading up to Tet (Lunar New Year), patrol ships receive supplies from the shore, including essential items for the soldiers to celebrate Tet, as well as gifts from the Ministry of National Defense , the commanding unit, the local government where the unit is stationed, and even Tet gifts from relatives.

Tet in Truong Sa - Part 8: Celebrating the New Year without forgetting our duties - Photo 3.

Patrol vessel protecting sovereignty in the Sinh Ton sea area.

PHOTO: MTH

On the Spratly Islands, many people often focus on the scenery, sovereignty markers, and beautiful spots for taking pictures. Few know that at all the important locations, guard posts are maintained, and soldiers with rifles and ammunition pouches are seriously observing. When people approach to ask about this, they only receive a shake of the head because "they are on duty."

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Soldiers on Truong Sa Island patrol during Tet holiday.

PHOTO: MTH

In addition to specialized equipment capable of detecting targets from many kilometers away, the islands always maintain visual observation posts, monitoring all movements in the surrounding area. When a situation arises, they promptly alert the troops to deploy combat plans.

Tet in Truong Sa - Part 8: Celebrating the New Year without forgetting our duties - Photo 5.

Soldiers on Sinh Ton Island are training to destroy low-flying targets.

PHOTO: MTH

Lieutenant Colonel Pham Thanh Liem, Deputy Commander of Brigade 146, Region 4 of the Navy, said that during the Tet holiday, the islands in the Truong Sa archipelago strictly adhered to regulations on combat readiness, maintaining strict discipline and procedures for command duty, duty officer, combat duty, and patrol and guard duties to ensure the security and safety of targets. They proactively supplemented and adjusted plans and organized thorough training exercises, ensuring they were fully capable of completing their missions should any situation arise.

Tet in Truong Sa - Part 8: Celebrating the New Year without forgetting our duties - Photo 6.

Soldiers on Song Tu Tay Island observe targets on the sea surface.

PHOTO: MTH

During a recent teleconference connecting the mainland with Truong Sa, General Phan Van Giang (Member of the Politburo , Minister of National Defense) cordially inquired about the well-being of the soldiers and people of Truong Sa.

General Phan Van Giang stated that the Navy's ships carrying Tet (Lunar New Year) supplies had simultaneously braved rough seas to promptly deliver food, necessities, and Tet gifts from the mainland to Truong Sa (Spratly Islands).

These ships also carry the affection, trust, sharing, and responsibility of the mainland towards those who are protecting the sacred sovereignty of the nation's seas and islands day and night.

Tet in Truong Sa - Part 8: Celebrating the New Year without forgetting our duties - Photo 7.

Observatory on Truong Sa Island

PHOTO: MTH

"The saying 'The whole country for Truong Sa, Truong Sa for the whole country' is not just a slogan, but a message that embodies the faith, affection, and responsibility of the entire Party, the entire people, and the entire army towards the soldiers in the islands. Truong Sa is not far away, because behind each soldier there is always the great support of the country watching over, accompanying, and empowering them."

(General Phan Van Giang, Member of the Political Bureau, Minister of National Defense)

Some images of the combat readiness and training of the Truong Sa troops in protecting the sea and islands during the Lunar New Year of 2026.

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Ship 571 (411th Squadron, 955th Transport and Landing Ship Brigade, 4th Naval Region) is carrying out its mission in the Truong Sa (Spratly) Islands area.

PHOTO: MTH

Tet in Truong Sa - Part 8: Celebrating the New Year without forgetting our duties - Photo 9.