Marines Guarding the Sky at the Forefront of the Waves

On the remote DK1/19 rig, a vital outpost in the South China Sea, Vietnamese soldiers stand as unwavering sentinels, embodying the nation's resolve to protect its sovereign territory. These brave individuals, stationed in what are aptly called "steel fortresses," endure the relentless fury of the ocean, their gaze fixed on the horizon, guarding the sacred waters of the Fatherland.

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This is the highest point, from here we can observe in all four, eight directions. Any strange targets are detected, tracked, and reported promptly to the mainland.

The journey to these isolated platforms is fraught with peril. Even reaching the DK1/19 rig, one of the furthest outposts in the DK1 system, requires navigating treacherous waters. Upon arrival, the soldiers' warm welcome, waving enthusiastically from the rig, belies the harsh reality of their daily existence. They are the eyes and ears of the nation in this crucial maritime domain, operating under constant vigilance.

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We are on duty 24/7. If the air defense-air force soldiers guard the sky on land, the rig soldiers guard the sky at sea.

Life on the rig is a testament to their resilience. Soldiers like Lieutenant Ly Thanh Dinh, a young man from An Giang, share their commitment to duty, emphasizing the 24/7 readiness to monitor the skies and seas. Their mission is critical, especially during festive periods, when vigilance must be heightened. The challenges are immense; even a short distance of 30 meters between a supply ship and the rig can become an insurmountable gap during rough seas, forcing personnel and supplies to be transferred via winches, a stark reminder of their isolation and the sacrifices they make for the nation.

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As holidays and Tet approach, combat readiness duty is tightened. Regardless of the harsh weather conditions, we still hold fast to guard the sea and sky, detect strange targets, report them promptly, and be ready to handle any unexpected situations.