Final article: The sons of Nghe An go to protect the sea.
Major Dao Dinh Phu, a cryptography officer at the DK1/9 platform, is one of the first people to be associated with the DK1 platform. He hails from Ngoc Son commune, Thanh Chuong district. Although he is 27 years old this year, he has spent nearly 10 years working at the DK1 platform. When he spoke with us, he still vividly recalled his first experience at sea: “In 1990, I was assigned to the DK1 platform. It was my first time at sea, so I felt nervous and excited. Because I wasn't used to it, I got seasick and couldn't eat or drink anything. But as soon as I saw the platform, all my fatigue vanished. I felt a lump in my throat…”
At that time, because the offshore platform was newly built, the lives of the soldiers were very difficult and lacking. Fresh water had to be carefully conserved. Vegetables, not yet accustomed to the harsh climate at sea, sprouted very little; those that did sprout required meticulous care to make them edible. Every time a level 4 or 5 storm hit, the platform shook violently. The soldiers were always mentally prepared to leave the platform. Even when recounting the difficulties, Mr. Phu's voice was still enthusiastic. He said that they got used to the hardships. No matter how difficult things got, they never complained or grumbled. Of the 15 offshore platforms, Mr. Phu served on 9 and spent 3 Tet holidays out at sea. In every platform he served on, he successfully completed his assigned tasks.
Although his time at the offshore platform wasn't as long as Phu's, Captain Phan Huy Thuat, the operator of the HQ624, experienced no less hardship and difficulty as a naval officer. With over 23 years of military service, including two years at the offshore platform, Thuat understands that as a naval soldier, his endurance needs to be many times greater than others. Thuat's hometown is Dien Loc commune, Dien Chau district. In 1986, through his uncle's introduction, he began studying marine engineering. In 1988, he graduated and was assigned to Brigade 171. In the following years, he was assigned to operate marine engines on the HQ17 and HQ624 ships. Thuat had to be away from home for 8-10 months each year. "Because I've been traveling so much, I haven't been back to Nghe An to visit my family and relatives for four years. Even though I'm far away, I'm still proud to be a son of Nghe An and I hope that one day I can return and live in my hometown," Thuat shared.
Captain Phan Huy Thuật has served in the military for over 23 years.
For sailors, being away from home frequently makes personal matters more difficult. Like Thuật, who didn't get married until he was 36. Before his wife had even had a chance to get used to him, he had to leave for a new assignment, and it was almost a year before he could visit her. “That night, my wife and I talked until we were exhausted. I had to explain it to her for a long time before she understood and sympathized. She had to accept that being the wife of a sailor meant accepting sacrifices and shouldering the household responsibilities in place of her husband.” As for Captain Nguyễn Trung Dũng, Deputy Commander of the DK1/15 Platform, he still vividly remembers the feeling of hearing that his child was sick at home and that he couldn't be there for them. “That day, when I heard my wife call to say our child had bronchitis and needed to be hospitalized urgently, I was distraught. I was far away, on duty, so even though I wanted to, I couldn't go home to be with my wife and child. At that time, all I could do was encourage and comfort my wife over the phone and ask my colleagues to come and help,” Dũng said.
Dung is from Tuong Son commune, Anh Son district. His entry into the military was both a matter of fate and a childhood passion. He recounts that after finishing high school, while preparing his university application, a friend told him about the Navy soldiers. “At that time, I was very impressed by what my friend told me. I wanted to be like them, standing in the open sea, holding a gun firmly to protect the Fatherland, so I decided to apply to the Naval Academy in Nha Trang,” Dung said. That year, he passed the entrance exam for the Marine Corps. After six years, he graduated and was assigned to the 563rd Marine Battalion, 5th Regional Command, stationed on Phu Quoc Island. In 2007, he was transferred to the 171st Brigade and began his duty guarding the DK1 offshore platform. “The five years I spent living and working at the DK1 platform were truly the most meaningful time for me. Despite the difficulties and hardships, when I understood the importance and sacredness of my mission, I felt truly honored. We are like ‘all-seeing eyes’ in the sea, guarding the nation’s maritime territory,” Dũng proudly stated.
In solidarity with people from all over the country, the people of Nghe An are dedicating their youth and energy day and night to the sacred cause of protecting the Fatherland. This year, at 30 years old, Lieutenant Hoang Duy Tan, Deputy Captain of ship HQ624, has spent more than four years at sea. Lieutenant Tan's hometown is Nam Thanh commune, Nam Dan district. Tall and with a tanned complexion from the sun and wind, what's special about him is his ever-present smile. He says that no one in his family pursued a military career. But because of his passion for the sea and islands, in 2002, he decided to apply to the Naval Academy. With his intelligence, during his time at the school, he achieved many remarkable accomplishments. For example, in 2002, he won third prize in Chemistry; in 2008, he received the Phan Vinh Award; and he was the captain of the school's Robocon team. Therefore, upon graduation, he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. In 2009, he was sent by his agency to further his studies in surface ship command. After graduation, he was assigned to the HQ624 ship and took on the position of Deputy Captain.
2012 was the most memorable year for Tan when the ship remained on duty and he celebrated Tet (Lunar New Year) at sea. He said: “That was an incredibly meaningful Tet for me. Although I didn't have family or loved ones by my side during the New Year's Eve, I had my comrades standing shoulder to shoulder with me. For me, it was a source of pride to contribute a small part so that the people of the whole country could have a truly joyful and warm Tet. I am young and healthy, so I must contribute to the country and the Fatherland.” On the afternoon of the 30th, the officers and soldiers on the ship began preparing for Tet. The entire crew prepared a meal and gathered together to welcome the New Year. They received New Year's greetings from their superiors and then called home to send their best wishes to their families.
Many, many more sons and daughters of our beloved Nghe An province are tirelessly performing the sacred duty of guarding the nation's seas and skies. Due to the rough seas, we haven't had the chance to meet them all, but we are proud that you are all sons and daughters of Nghe An. We hope that, at the forefront of the waves and winds, you will always hold your weapons firmly, steadfastly cling to the sea, and fight victoriously to protect the territorial integrity of our nation. Following your example, the sons and daughters of Nghe An will be a strong support system to help you fulfill all your assigned tasks.
Pham Bang (Email from DK1/9 Platform)