A strategic location at the mouth of the sea.

(Baonghean) - Lieutenant Tran Van Hoa, Captain of K62, Squadron 137, gazed intently at the sea and shared: "Every time we go out to sea to protect the sovereignty of the Fatherland's seas and islands, the ships of the squadron are always filled with unforgettable memories. These include the bond between soldiers and civilians, and the camaraderie at sea when facing rough waves and strong winds. During this time, in the context of our homeland's seas and islands facing numerous 'fierce waves,' the responsibility and affection of naval soldiers for the fishermen have become even stronger and more profound..."

Not long ago, Mr. Tran Van Quy, a fisherman from Thanh Hoa, sent a letter to the 137th Naval Squadron to thank the officers and soldiers – the benefactors who helped him and his crew escape death. At that time, Mr. Quy's boat suffered engine failure and drifted aimlessly at sea for nearly two days. While the crew were in despair as their fresh water and food supplies were running low, the HQ 981 vessel of the 137th Naval Squadron appeared. Mr. Quy felt like a drowning man grasping at a lifeline. The officers and soldiers on board HQ 981 shared fresh water and food with the fishermen and towed the damaged boat to Mui Rong (Dragon's Head) in the waters off Nghe An province. Mr. Quy and his fellow fishermen were able to save their lives and property.

Naval soldiers of Squadron 137 are ready for combat.

It is no longer uncommon for the 137th Naval Squadron to receive letters, simple gifts from the countryside, and seafood products made or caught by local fishermen. This is a natural expression of affection stemming from challenging and exceptional circumstances. During Typhoon No. 14 in November 2013 (Super Typhoon Haiyan), the strongest typhoon in the past 10 years, which was predicted to directly hit Central Vietnam, with Nghe An being the epicenter, 30 officers and soldiers of the 137th Naval Squadron were among the first to arrive at key locations to help people reinforce their houses and rescue fishing boats ashore for shelter. Many soldiers didn't even have time to call home to their wives, children, or parents before urgently setting off on their mission. Although the storm did not directly hit Nghe An, the spirit of selflessness for the people, of serving the people in the most dangerous and fierce circumstances, left a special mark on the fishermen and people living in the coastal areas.

Another memorable flood for the farmers in the Con River area of ​​Tan Ky district in 2010 remains vivid in the memories of the soldiers of Naval Squadron 137. Amidst the raging floodwaters, the soldiers of Naval Squadron 137 bravely and selflessly rescued thousands of people from the fierce flood to safety. The timely arrival of the officers and soldiers of Naval Squadron 137, along with rescue forces mobilized from other areas, made the rescue efforts more urgent, proactive, and effective.

Staying close to the people, maintaining close ties with them, and being ready to assist them have always been considered a top priority political task by the officers and soldiers of Squadron 137. This is a responsibility, an expression of affection, and also a driving force for the Squadron to perform its training and combat readiness duties well. This tradition has been passed down from generation to generation by the officers and soldiers of Squadron 137.

Formerly a naval unit that participated in repelling the Maddox in the past, Squadron 137 has always strived to uphold its glorious traditions, truly serving as a pillar of support, a source of trust, and a solid foundation for the people and the Navy. Squadron 137 has consistently been praised by its superiors for successfully completing its training programs, particularly in combat readiness, its ability to mobilize to protect the sovereignty of the nation's seas and islands, and its participation in search and rescue operations in the area. Squadron Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Hoang Trung Dung, stated: For many consecutive years, Squadron 137 has successfully completed its training programs and plans, and is one of the leading squadrons in Naval Region I. The reason for its success in all tasks is the unwavering support and approval of the people in all its activities. The squadron consistently proves itself a reliable support for fishermen in all situations.

Lieutenant Colonel Vu Xuan Tinh, Secretary of the Party Committee and Political Commissar of the Naval Squadron, stated that to achieve high results in all aspects of work, as well as to win the deep affection of the people, in recent years the Naval Squadron has placed special emphasis on political and ideological education and building a strong and comprehensive unit. The core principle that every officer and soldier of Naval Squadron 137 must grasp is that to stay at sea, one must stay close to the people. And to protect the sea, one must help the people stay at sea.

Le Viet Long