Steadfast steel "fortresses" in the East Sea

DK1/18 platform firmly in the middle of the East Sea

• FROM HARD WORK TO MODERNITY

In the 1980s, when sea and island sovereignty was still facing many challenges, the DK1 platform was born as a miracle. From the Phuc Tan reef, the engineers laid the first bricks to build the Phuc Tan Economic - Scientific - Service Station, the predecessor of today's DK1/18. After many ups and downs, the primitive platforms of the past have now been replaced by a third generation of solid, modern platforms. With a solid structure, many times taller and wider, the new platform can withstand level 10 and level 11 waves. The interconnected, airy rooms help officers and soldiers feel secure in their work and stay close to the sea.

The delegation of Lam Dong province visited the soldiers and the DK1/18 platform, also known as Phuc Tan D, right when the army and people were organizing many activities to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Vietnam People's Navy and the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of Truong Sa. For the soldiers on the platform, protecting the sovereignty of the sea and islands is not only a duty but also a sacred mission like any other navy soldier. In the middle of the vast ocean, they face natural disasters, harsh storms, and other difficulties and shortages. But their spirit is always steadfast and steadfast: "Keep your gun steady, stay strong at sea", "As long as there are people, there will be the platform".

Those oaths were written with the blood and tears of generations of DK1 soldiers. Comrade Bui Thang - Deputy Secretary of Lam Dong Provincial Party Committee, when visiting DK1/Phuc Tan D platform, was moved to recall the heroic sacrifice of the three Phuc Tan soldiers in the past. They heroically sacrificed themselves in the storm, but still kept the oath "As long as there are people, there will be platforms" and held on until the last moment.

• AFFIRMING SOVEREIGNTY OVER THE CONTINENTAL SHELF

DK1 platforms are not only of economic and scientific significance but also "milestones" affirming Vietnam's sovereignty over the continental shelf, a place rich in invaluable oil and gas potential. DK1/18 belongs to the DK1 platform cluster, which has a particularly important position in terms of national defense and security, is an area rich in mineral and marine resources, and is located on the international shipping route through the East Sea. Therefore, this place also has many other potential threats in addition to the danger of natural disasters.

Captain Le Ky Nam - Commander of DK1/18 platform, proudly shared: "Currently, officers and soldiers of DK1/18 platform are very confident in working on extremely sturdy platforms, and therefore, will always inherit and promote the achievements of previous generations, promote the tradition of resilience, courage, overcoming all difficulties, solidarity and discipline, determination to maintain sovereignty, and always complete assigned tasks well".

Today, the soldiers of DK1 platform are constantly studying and training to protect the sea. They are not only soldiers but also scientists, skilled workers, always ready to respond to any situation. DK1/Phuc Tan D platform is now the third generation, extremely sturdy with 3 solid floors, connected by a 50m long steel bridge, a testament to the strength of the force on duty to protect maritime sovereignty. Each platform is a "divine eye" guarding the sea and sky, a symbol of Vietnam's will and strength in the East Sea.

Source: https://baolamdong.vn/xa-hoi/202505/vung-chai-nhung-phao-dai-thep-tren-bien-dong-74d268b/