The East Sea Institute, Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam Concludes Field Mission to Truong Sa (Spratly) Archipelago and DK1 Offshore Platform.

Rear Admiral Ho Thanh Hoan, Deputy Political Commissar of the Vietnam People’s Navy, led the 19th Delegation. Distinguished members included Hoang Trong Quyet, Member of the Standing Committee and Chairman of the Inspection Committee of the Hanoi Party Committee; Major General Nguyen Dinh Luu, Deputy Commander of the Hanoi Capital Command; Phan Van Ban, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of the Ministry of Industry and Trade; and Pham Anh Tuan, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Hanoi.

Departing from Cam Ranh International Port, the delegation sailed over 1,000 nautical miles to reach the country’s easternmost outposts, where sun, wind, and waves prevail day and night. Key destinations included Song Tu Tay (Southwest Cay), Da Thi, Sinh Ton (Sin Cowe Island), Co Lin (Collins Reef), Len Dao (Lansdowne Reef), Da Dong C, Truong Sa Lon (Spratly Island), and the DK1/16 Phuc Tan platform on Vietnam’s southern continental shelf.

Prior to boarding Fisheries Surveillance Ship 491, the delegation engaged with several naval units, including Submarine Brigade 189, Brigade 182 (Submarine of Hanoi), Brigade 146, and Brigade 162 under Naval Region 4. They also paid tribute at the Gac Ma Memorial Site. During the journey, delegates took part in a series of meaningful activities: flag-raising ceremonies, parade reviews, cultural and sports exchanges with stationed naval officers and civilians, and a knowledge contest on the Navy’s 70-year history. They also honored President Ho Chi Minh and fallen heroes through solemn commemorations and acts of remembrance.

The field trip provided East Sea Institute researchers with firsthand insights into maritime governance, the living and working conditions of officers, soldiers, and civilians on the islands and platforms, and the realities of life at sea. Delegates were briefed on sovereignty protection measures, support for fishermen, search and rescue operations, environmental preservation, and cultivation efforts. The delegation also had valuable exchanges with military personnel and local communities across the seven island stations and the DK1/16 platform.

At DK1/16, Dr. Do Thanh Hai, Deputy Director of the East Sea Institute, delivered remarks on behalf of the Delegation. He expressed profound respect and admiration for the unwavering dedication and resilience of those stationed in Truong Sa—heroes guarding Vietnam’s maritime frontiers in the face of unforgiving natural conditions. He reaffirmed confidence in the Vietnam People’s Navy and their steadfast commitment to safeguarding national sovereignty.At the conclusion of the trip, the Vietnam People's Navy presented all delegates with Badges "For the Cause of Maritime Sovereignty Protection" and "Truong Sa Soldier" in recognition of their participation and contributions to the mission.

To conclude the trip, the Vietnam People’s Navy awarded each delegate the commemorative badges “For the Cause of Maritime Sovereignty Protection” and “Truong Sa Soldier”, recognizing their contributions to the sacred mission of defending the homeland’s seas and islands.

Mai Trong