Springtime of camaraderie amidst the Southwestern sea

In the days leading up to Tet (Lunar New Year), when the spring atmosphere is already bustling in every home, the officers and soldiers of Coast Guard Ship 8005 quietly and diligently carry out their duty of guarding the sovereignty of the Fatherland's seas and islands. Not only are they busy decorating the ship's "spring-welcoming room," but they also persistently cultivate the bond between the military and the people by giving heartfelt gifts, bringing the warmth of the mainland to the fishermen in this remote, windswept area.

• The Vietnam Coast Guard will continue to support the development of the Tho Chau Special Economic Zone.
• The Vietnam Coast Guard is not caught off guard or surprised in any situation.
• Visiting and extending New Year greetings to units responsible for safeguarding maritime security and sovereignty .
• Bringing spring to the island
• Remembering the journey of bringing spring to the southwestern islands.

The ship carries the spirit of spring, standing firm amidst the waves.

On the 28th day of the 12th lunar month, swallows circled above the ship's bow, heralding the arrival of spring; inside, officers and soldiers joyfully decorated for Tet. These coast guard soldiers, accustomed to the harsh conditions of the open sea, with their steady hands on their weapons and steady hands on the helm, were surprisingly skillful.

The "Spring Festival Room" on the ship was meticulously prepared, solemn, and warm.

In the Ho Chi Minh Room, considered the "soul" of the ship during the Tet holiday patrols at sea, preparations began well in advance. Because fresh flowers are difficult to preserve in the salty wind, the crew meticulously cut colored paper into the shapes of apricot and peach blossoms, attaching them to dried branches brought from the mainland. The altar dedicated to Uncle Ho was solemnly arranged with a tray of five kinds of fruit, expressing their heartfelt gratitude to the beloved Father of the Nation. In this meaningful space, the soldiers stood solemnly, reporting to Uncle Ho on a year of maintaining peace at sea.

In the cozy atmosphere of the "spring celebration room," the sight of officers and soldiers gathered around wrapping banh chung (traditional Vietnamese rice cakes) made the ship feel even more like a home. These days, the freezer is meticulously inspected, every kilogram of meat checked; the banana leaves are carefully covered to prevent them from being scorched by the salt spray. The crew takes advantage of calm seas to wrap the cakes together. Without a sturdy table, they spread mats on the ship's deck, their feet resting on the door frame for balance.

Officers and soldiers of Coast Guard vessel 8005 gather to wrap banh chung (traditional Vietnamese rice cakes) in the days leading up to Tet (Lunar New Year).

Therefore, the sticky rice cakes (Bánh Chưng) for Tet (Vietnamese New Year) at sea are tied more tightly and wrapped more securely so that even if the ship tilts and the boiling pot shakes, the cakes remain square and the corners don't break. Deep down, everyone understands that meticulous preparation for the New Year's Eve moment is an affirmation of their fortitude: no matter the circumstances, the Vietnamese Coast Guard soldiers remain steadfast in their steely resolve and maintain the beauty of their souls.

Once preparations were complete, the ship was not just a means of carrying out its mission, but became a "flower garden" in the middle of the ocean. The coast guard soldiers entered a new state of mind, carrying the spirit of spring in their hearts, steadfastly and excellently fulfilling their duties at the forefront of the waves, so that the people could celebrate Tet in peace.

Celebrating Tet at sea strengthens the bond between the military and the people.

Lieutenant Cao Dang Trung, Political Officer of Coast Guard Ship 8005, visited, extended New Year greetings, and presented national flags to local fishermen.

In the vast ocean, brimming with the colors of spring, as our ship cut through the waves on its mission, we encountered fishing boats of local fishermen still diligently heading out to sea. Stepping onto the deck, still damp with the smell of salt, the first thing that caught my eye was the small altar in the cabin: an incense burner secured with wire to withstand the waves, next to it a bunch of green bananas and a few simple rice cakes. That's how simple the New Year's celebration is for fishermen out at sea.

Amidst the vast expanse of the sea on a spring day, we sat together with cups of hot tea. The advice about complying with the law for safe fishing, and about regulations against IUU (Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated) fishing, felt as warm and intimate as brothers reminding each other before a long journey. In response, the old fisherman smiled kindly as he received a small gift from the soldier: “With you officers on duty here, we fishermen can celebrate Tet (Lunar New Year) at sea with a light heart. Seeing the Coast Guard ship from afar is like seeing our home.”

Standing on the deck, watching the fishing boat depart, we shouted across the ship: "Happy New Year to all the fishermen! May you have smooth sailing, calm seas, and a bountiful catch!" In the vast ocean, we knew we were not alone: ​​the fishermen were our support, our eyes; and we were their anchor. The bond between the military and the people thus flourished in the springtime in the Southwestern Sea region of our homeland.

Cao Dang Trung

Source: https://baocamau.vn/xuan-nghia-tinh-giua-bien-tay-nam-a126393.html