In early 2025, I had the opportunity to join officers and soldiers from Ship 390 of the Navy Region 3, braved the waves and winds to make pre-Tet visits and extend greetings to the soldiers and people of the two islands, Con Co (Quang Tri Province) and Ly Son (Quang Ngai Province). This trip left us with unforgettable memories of the bond between the army and people in the country’s islands.

Con Co: So far yet still so close

Before departure, we were warned of rough seas with waves reaching 3-5 meters and winds gusting at levels 8 to 9. Hours before spotting Con Co Island, everyone on board was awakened by the surrounding stormy seas and bone-chilling cold, each of us trying to find a place to balance ourselves.

Ship 390, measuring over 90 meters in length, rocked violently as fierce waves crashed against its sides. Soldiers on board recounted that during the previous Lunar New Year 2024, due to unfavourable weather conditions, Ship 390 could not dock at the island as planned.

Before departure, Rear Admiral Nguyen Dang Tien, Party Committee Secretary and Political Commissar of Naval Region 3, emphasised the significance of this voyage to visit and extend Tet greetings to the officers, soldiers and residents of Con Co and Ly Son Island districts.
“The gifts and greetings from our delegation are a great source of encouragement for the soldiers to stay firm and vigilant at work while ensuring a warm, safe, and joyful Tet celebration for them,” Rear Admiral Nguyen Dang Tien stated.

“There's the island!” a member exclaimed joyfully as we eagerly followed his gaze. Con Co appeared shrouded in mist with frothy waves, while fishing boats bobbed around. Con Co seemed so close but still so far for us.

We had all heard about Con Co, but most had never set foot on the island. At that moment, Con Co emerged like a majestic green warship standing proudly amidst the ocean with its national flagpole and antenna towers reaching high.

The island holds strategic importance and has witnessed heroic historical periods. During the national resistance war against the US, 34 officers and soldiers along with 70 brave militia members laid down their lives defending Con Co.
A visit to Ly Son

A delegation from the Naval Region 3 Command deliver Tet greetings and provisions to officers, soldiers and people on Ly Son Island on January 11. (Photo: VNA)

Ship 390 turned towards Ly Son Island. An announcement over the ship's loudspeaker informed us that our delegation would visit ships stationed at sea during the Tet holiday.

After more than two hours of travelling, the ship reached our meeting venue amidst the sea. The sound of the ship's horn dispelled any feelings of fatigue or seasickness among us.

From afar, Ship 311 approached through the waves, and its crew stood attentively amid fierce sea swells.

Through radio communication, Colonel Pham Dinh Thanh, Deputy Political Commissar of Naval Region 3, stressed that while everyone across the country is bustling preparing for the Tet celebration with their families, naval soldiers must remain away from their loved ones to fulfil their mission in safeguarding the national maritime sovereignty.

Ha My, a delegate of Ship 390 emotionally spoke to Ship 311’s crew: “You have set aside your personal feelings to stand here amid the vast ocean as a pillar of hope for all of us.”

In response to these heartfelt sentiments, Captain Nguyen Dinh Thanh of Ship 311 shared that his crew always considers their ship as home, the ocean as their homeland, and the vessel as the soul of naval soldiers. Meeting our delegation brought the warmth of Tet to the hearts of the soldiers.

The night before arriving at Ly Son, we listened to an introduction about the island via loudspeaker. Our destination was Radar Station 550 of Regiment 351, located at Ly Son's highest point.

The radar station acts like a “magical eye” watching over our country’s seas day and night. Throughout the national salvation as well as during the national construction process, Radar Station 550 has achieved numerous victories and received many prestigious awards.

The heroic island is now undergoing a vigorous revival with a beautiful and fresh appearance. It features paved roads winding under green canopies and spacious houses with bright tiled roofs.

We had prepared Tet gifts for the army and residents of Con Co, however, we were informed that docking would not be possible due to severe sea conditions.

In adversity, the bond between military and civilians shines even brighter. The plan to visit and extend Tet greetings was shifted to an online format.

On board Ship 390, amidst turbulent waters, a special meeting took place. We gathered together, focusing our eyes on the screen, in hopes of seeing our comrades on the island.

During those brief moments, our delegation sent Tet greetings, along with songs and heartfelt sentiments from mainlanders to islanders on Con Co. The regret of not being able to set foot on Con Co seemed to fade away, replaced by warm and sacred feelings.
On the morning of January 11, we set foot on Ly Son Island. At Radar Station 550, a tranquil and quiet atmosphere enveloped us, as we only heard the sound of wind howling against rocky cliffs.

The quiet was then swept away with joyful singing and cheerful performances by artists from Tuoi Tre (Youth) Theatre, extending sincere wishes, warm handshakes and the delivery of Tet gifts to soldiers and people on the island.

As this year marked his first Tet celebration at Radar Station 550, Corporal Nguyen Thua Viet Quang felt somewhat nostalgic. However, with support and encouragement from leaders and comrades, he felt like he was at home. “As a naval soldier, in whatever circumstance, I always remind myself to be ready for any mission assigned - that is both my responsibility and honour,” Quang stated.

The singing, laughter, and applause followed us throughout the voyage to extend New Year gifts and greetings to the soldiers and people of the two island districts of Con Co and Ly Son, which helped to cement the camaraderie between military personnel and civilians.