Reportage from Truong Sa

1. In the past few days, Working Group No. 8 visited Truong Sa Lon Island, Da Lat, Da Tay, Truong Sa Dong, Da Dong, Phan Vinh and Toc Tan submerged island, the easternmost point, 600km from the mainland, on the journey to visit and encourage officers, soldiers and people of Truong Sa archipelago. On April 25, the delegation leaders and some members also visited points A and C of Thuyen Chai Island and this morning visited the famous An Bang Island. A week has passed quickly since the delegation left Cat Lai port, Ho Chi Minh City to follow ship HQ 561 to the island. The Navy Command organized the trip right on the occasion of the solemn 38th anniversary of the liberation of Truong Sa by the army and people of the island. Many emotions were shared between the delegation leaders and members of the delegation with the officers, soldiers and residents of the archipelago. During the trip, there was not a single meeting without bright smiles, echoing songs and also lingering, difficult to bear feelings before each farewell.

Since 2005, the Navy Command has initiated to organize working groups to visit, inspect, and encourage officers, soldiers, and people of Truong Sa. And this year, they also plan to organize a number of trips for relatives of officers and soldiers of Truong Sa to visit the island. Perhaps the soldiers in Truong Sa have become familiar with the meetings. However, the loyal children in that outpost island region still long for the embraces, affections, and warmth from the mainland and the hearts of the people of the whole country for Truong Sa.

Itinerary of the business trip

2. On the journey to Truong Sa, many nights the sea shook, the ship rocked, many members of the group did not sleep to stay awake with Truong Sa, stay awake with the island guardians. In the midst of the ocean waves, I kept thinking about the historical journey of the nation. Generations of our ancestors expanded the territory, affirmed the territory in the West, and at the same time carried out tireless marches to the Southern land, the Mekong Delta. In that heroic, proud and intelligent national process, we also moved towards the sea, towards the vast ocean. Generations of our ancestors surpassed themselves, surpassed traditional institutions, the constraints of the agricultural system, of small village spaces, of delta thinking to move towards the immense ocean. We are forever proud of the legends associated with the founding of the nation. Right from that time, in history, Vietnamese culture had components of the ocean, of the maritime cultural tradition. In the cosmological thinking of the primitive times, it has been recorded and confirmed the sympathy and consciousness of the ancient people about the waves of sea advance and sea retreat; about the great migrations and relocations; about the ability to explore and conquer nature and the extremely close and intimate relationship between the sea and the continent. In the birth of the nation, the sea and ocean were not only the living environment but also the cultural exchange environment of the ancient communities in the three regions of the North, Central and South of the Fatherland of Vietnam.

3. More than half a century has passed since our entire nation had to struggle to carry out the resistance war to liberate the country. Among the troops that marched along the Truong Son range that year were our fathers and brothers. In their letters back home, the soldiers of the past wrote about the majestic Truong Son range, about its natural beauty, its rich flora and fauna, and the sounds of the mountains and forests that those who grew up in the plains had never heard or experienced.

In 1975, with the great victory and reunification of the Fatherland, we not only restored national independence and controlled vast spaces from Muc Nam Quan to Ca Mau cape, but Vietnam also had the vast East Sea. Deeply aware of the position and importance of the sea and islands, during the days when the whole nation focused on the historic campaign named after Uncle Ho, the whole world turned to Vietnam to witness the strategic retreat of the Americans and the escape of the Saigon government, following the direction of the Politburo and the Central Military Commission, the Navy soldiers secretly, unexpectedly, and bravely advanced to liberate Truong Sa. Vietnam's sovereignty was affirmed in the midst of the turbulent East Sea. Thanks to that, we were able to control a vast sea space of over 1 million km2, three times the land area.

Dawn at Truong Sa Island, 5:33 a.m. on April 21, 2013.

Based on the majestic Truong Son mountain range, on the strength of the deltas, in the current process of Renovation, industrialization, modernization and international integration, the whole nation is moving out to the sea, integrating with the ocean environment. We have been making great efforts to develop the marine economy, establish offshore fishing fleets, develop shipbuilding industry, maritime transport, organize maritime services, develop sea tourism, etc. By mastering the sea, we can not only exploit oil and gas (an industry that brings important revenue to the country), but also have more opportunities and conditions to open the nation's door to the region and the world. Although there are still many difficulties and challenges, storms and dangers that can occur abnormally in the East Sea, the nation is on the rise, Vietnam has escaped the list of poor countries to confidently integrate with the world. In the long-term vision, we have gradually mastered advanced scientific and technological achievements to conduct marine exploration and exploitation, and develop the marine economy. Marine science and technology, including marine biotechnology and marine energy development, are increasingly valued and in the future, when “traditional” resources are no longer abundant, new scientific and technological fields will become the development prospects of Vietnam and many countries in the world.

The country has changed a lot since the event of April 30th of that year. In the hearts of Truong Sa today, there is the common sentiment of the nation and the heroic spirit of Truong Son in the past; there is the will and determination to open the Ho Chi Minh trail at sea and the spirit and loyalty of many generations of cadres and soldiers ready to dedicate and sacrifice for the sovereignty of the sea and islands and for the future development of the country.

Preparing to go to Truong Sa island. Morning of April 21, 2013.

4. Going to Truong Sa, each member of Working Group No. 8 wanted to bring back souvenirs from the sea. A small branch of coral, some sea snails, a square almond fruit... each famous specialty of Truong Sa became precious to those who came from the mainland to the island. However, following the direction of the group commander, to protect the green space of the islands and for the sustainable development of the environment, all members of the group raced against time, trying to capture images, recording in their memories the natural beauty, the strange attraction of the coral reefs, of the schools of fish, of the rich and diverse flora and aquatic life of Truong Sa. Occasionally in Truong Sa, groups of dolphins emerged to play with the waves, swimming around the hull of the ship and sometimes it seemed like they wanted to lead the ship out to the deep blue ocean. They are intelligent animals, extremely friendly to humans. Fishermen love, trust and often rely on them.

The ecosystem and the great potential of the East Sea, of Truong Sa and Hoang Sa are gifts of nature for brave people. However, according to our understanding today, even the ocean's large resources are not endless. We need to strengthen international cooperation to implement a correct Marine Strategy. The sea and ocean need people who understand it and live in harmony with it. Exploiting nature but still taking into account the ability to regenerate and maintain the balance of the natural world. Generations of Vietnamese people have lived on nature and in fact, nature has supported human life. That is the experience and knowledge passed down from our ancestors and at the same time, it is also the philosophy of life and the philosophy of development rich in humanity of the international community today.

Coming to Truong Sa, I remember the valuable notes of the 18th century scholar Le Quy Don. In the famous work “Phu Bien Tap Luc”, the author said that since the time of Nguyen Phuc Nguyen, Nguyen Phuc Lan, Nguyen Phuc Chu… the Nguyen lords had organized the Hoang Sa, Bac Hai teams and sent them to exploit natural products, collect chemicals on ships and merchant ships passing through the Hoang Sa and Truong Sa sea areas. Visiting the Truong Sa islands, sometimes here and there we still see the wrecks of sunken ships. We do not know and do not have the conditions to specifically survey the history of these ships, to determine who their owners are? What kind of ships are they: fishing boats, transport ships, merchant ships or exploration ships that sank? And, when did they exist in Truong Sa, for what reason, etc.?. But what is certain is that, for many centuries ago, the Hoang Sa and Truong Sa sea areas were located in one of the main routes of the Asian maritime trade system. According to Western merchants and sailors, the ocean routes in the Hoang Sa and Truong Sa regions, although advantageous for anchoring ships and avoiding storms, also contain many dangers, especially the unpredictable developments of whirlpools, ocean currents and the presence of coral reefs. Surely there are many sunken ships and boats in the Truong Sa sea. Recent discoveries in Cu Lao Cham, in the seas of Quang Ngai, Binh Thuan, Ca Mau... have been urging us to soon develop marine research sciences, including: Marine history, Marine management science, Undersea archaeology, Geological and environmental research... and above all, the combination to build a National Marine Research Institute following an Interdisciplinary Approach to link expert training with research, focusing on studying basic issues, proposing policies and solutions to solve major ocean problems as well as for the future development of the country in an objective and comprehensive manner.

Many historical changes have passed, but the sea and ocean have always been closely associated with the nation's journey. We always feel the majestic beauty and great economic potential of the ocean, but we also clearly understand that modern people still do not fully understand the sea, the laws of movement and creation of the sea. Realizing the Marine Strategy with specific policies is an urgent requirement that has been and is being posed to all levels, management agencies, universities and research institutes in Vietnam today.

5. Also participating and leading the 8th Working Group this time were Rear Admiral Nguyen Van Ninh, Deputy Commander of the Navy, Deputy Minister of Education and Training - Pham Manh Hung, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Khanh Hoa Province - Le Duc Vinh, Vice Chairman of the People's Council of Vinh Phuc Province - Nguyen Van Tri, Deputy Commander of Naval Region 4 - Phan Tuan Hung, Comrade Nguyen Viet Thuan, Chairman of the People's Committee of Truong Sa District, Deputy Brigade Commander of the 146th Naval Brigade and many leaders, senior experts of ministries, branches, provinces and many scientists, artists, businesses, reporters and other social activists. In the delegation on the journey to Truong Sa, among the more than 200 members of the delegation, there were also students from many universities. Their participation brought many emotions, joy and youthful times to the sea and islands.

What is special is that the delegation also included former Vice President Truong My Hoa. Comrade Truong My Hoa enthusiastically attended the meeting, deployed and thoroughly grasped the delegation's work plan at the Naval Guest House 1A Ton Duc Thang on the afternoon of April 18. Early the next morning, from 5:00 a.m., the former Vice President went directly to Cat Lai port to attend the military departure ceremony and encourage officers and soldiers. At 10:00 a.m. on April 21, Comrade Truong My Hoa and some members of the delegation went to the island to speak at the inauguration of Truong Sa Primary School. The school was built based on the initiative and enthusiastic contributions of members and supporters of the Vu A Dinh Fund, of which she is the President and Head of the Steering Committee for the beloved Truong Sa students. The hearts of the members of the Vu A Dinh Fund in coordination with the Ho Chi Minh City Law Newspaper brought Truong Sa the first school in the middle of the sea and islands.

Former Vice President Truong My Hoa (right) visits a classroom at Truong Sa Primary School, April 21, 2013.

Thus, along with the event of the government and people of Vinh Tuong district, Vinh Phuc province welcoming the jade Buddha to Truong Sa with the solemn presence of provincial leaders, Venerable Thich Nguyen Cao and a number of monks, the inauguration of the new, spacious school in the island area with the participation of Deputy Minister of Education and Training Pham Manh Hung, Khanh Hoa province leader Le Duc Vinh and all members of the working delegation has become a cultural and political milestone in Truong Sa. After the inauguration ceremony, former Vice President, Deputy Minister Pham Manh Hung and the delegation leaders visited each classroom, examined the textbook system, library, school supplies... of the students. The cultural institution in Truong Sa is increasingly perfecting, contributing practically to realizing a major policy of the Party, State, Ministry of National Defense and Navy Command on civilianization of activities in the island areas.

During the trip, what each member of the delegation noticed and admired was the spirit of organization, discipline, fighting spirit, and dedication of the soldiers on the HQ 561 ship as well as all the officers and soldiers on the islands. In the stories with the soldiers on the islands of Truong Sa Lon, Da Lat, Truong Sa Dong, Da Dong, Phan Vinh, Toc Tan, Thuyen Chai, An Bang... they were always friendly and sincere but also had a high sense of maintaining military principles and discipline. They came from many regions: Hanoi, Hai Phong, Nam Dinh, Thai Binh, Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Ha Tinh, the provinces of the South Central Coast, the South... different circumstances, different voices but all shared the same strong, steadfast look in the dark skin color of the salty waves and sea breeze. From the commanding officer who has been attached to the sea and islands for 30 years to the new recruits who have just arrived on the island for a few months, they all share the same ideal, belief, and spirit of being ready to sacrifice for the sacred sovereignty of the country.

Vegetable garden on Phan Vinh island. April 24, 2013.

But, as the old saying goes: “Each tree has its own flower, each house has its own scene”, the people guarding the remote islands while undertaking the responsibility of protecting the country’s sovereignty must always remember their homeland, remember a warm family home, long to hear the laughter of children. Viettel network and relatively frequent transport trips have connected the mainland with the islands. However, it is also difficult for them to fulfill their responsibilities as husbands and sons whenever their parents and relatives encounter abnormalities, fatigue, or illness! It is difficult to say or write about all the efforts and silent sacrifices of them in their daily work to keep the country peaceful, ensure a favorable environment for the implementation of scientific research projects, economic development, and programs combining economics with national defense, while building a system of security, social security, and trust so that fishermen can confidently take their boats out to sea, stick to the sea, and fish for long periods at sea.

What we always feel is that from Rear Admiral Nguyen Van Ninh, Comrade Phan Tuan Hung, Deputy Commander of Region 4, the reinforced officers of the Navy Command to the commanding officers on the island, on the ship HQ 561, they all demonstrate the excellent qualities of a commander, Uncle Ho's soldiers. They not only have sharp military thinking, the ability to analyze and handle situations decisively and accurately, understand the challenges and fluctuations of the political life in the region, but also thoroughly understand the cycle of each tide, the channel in and out of the islands, understand the hearts and family circumstances of each officer and soldier on the islands and platforms, even though they are the most remote bases. Looking at the way they communicate with their brothers, discuss work, direct specific tasks on each island... we always feel that between them and the officers and soldiers on the island, it seems that a sacred, flesh-and-blood relationship has long been formed.

Canoe entering DK1-20 platform. April 27, 2013.

In Truong Sa, I remembered the famous saying of the Military Strategist, World Cultural Celebrity Nguyen Trai: "Generals and soldiers have the same heart as father and son - Mixing river water with a cup of sweet wine". The Navy commanders understood and loved their soldiers so much! The strength of Truong Sa today, the peace of the sea and islands not only comes from the attention and leadership of the Party, the strength of the entire army and the entire people; from diplomatic campaigns and struggles; from the way of organizing and coordinating combat readiness between the Navy and the military and service branches; from knowledge and technology, modern weapons but also from the responsibility and affection between the generals and soldiers in the heroic Navy. That responsibility and affection has forged iron faith, creating a solid wall in the East Sea by those who guard the sea and islands.