The DK1 platform stands amidst vast, stormy seas.
In April 1994, I boarded the HQ-624 ship of the 171st Brigade and braved the waves to reach the DK1 Phuc Nguyen 2A offshore platform.
Back then, life for the officers and soldiers at the DK1 offshore platform was very difficult. To buy a kilogram of tea, two months before the ship's shift change, I sent a telegram via cryptography to the mainland requesting to buy 2 kilograms of Northern tea and began waiting. When the ship's shift change came and I received the package of tea from the sailors, I was so happy I cried.
After a day of grueling combat training to protect the offshore platform, we officers and soldiers sat on the balcony facing the mainland. The platform commander told the duty officer for the day, "Please make a pot of tea!" A few minutes later, a hot cup of tea, along with nine smaller cups, was placed on the balcony floor. The nine of us sat around, enjoying the tea while gazing towards the mainland to ease our homesickness. The work for the next day was also discussed and planned during this tea party.
For the past 30 years, "enjoying tea while gazing at the sea and sky of our homeland" has not only become a beautiful tradition for the soldiers stationed at the DK1 offshore platforms on the southern continental shelf of our country, but also the most relaxing moment for us after hours of arduous training under the scorching sun and salty sea air.
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