For the officers and crew, missions during Tet carry special meaning. While families across the country prepare for reunion and celebration, Coast Guard soldiers remain steadfast amid waves and winds, fulfilling their responsibility to safeguard the nation’s maritime sovereignty and security.

At the naval base of Flotilla 11 under Coast Guard Region 1, vessel CSB 4036 has completed preparations for its Tet mission. This time, it will maintain combat readiness, conduct patrols, inspections and law enforcement operations, and implement measures to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing in the Gulf of Tonkin.

Recognising that Tet duty at sea means prolonged days away from family during the most cherished time of the year, Party committees and commanding officers at all levels have carefully prepared for the voyage. Spring flowers, peach blossoms, traditional ingredients for making bánh chưng (square sticky rice cake – an indispensable dish for Tet), food supplies and festive decorations were brought aboard. Weapons, equipment and technical systems were thoroughly inspected and securely fastened to ensure absolute safety throughout the journey.

Sailor Tran The Anh, a signal operator on CSB 4036, is experiencing his first Tet mission at sea.

“It is my first time being on duty during Tet, so I felt a bit unfamiliar at first. But with the encouragement and support of the ship’s commanders, I am fully reassured and determined to accomplish my tasks well. This will be a memorable milestone in my military service,” he shared.

For the Vietnam Coast Guard, Tet missions are not only routine assignments but also a demonstration of unwavering commitment to protecting national sovereignty, maintaining security and order at sea, and ensuring a safe maritime environment. Beyond patrol and law enforcement duties, Coast Guard vessels actively prevent smuggling, trade fraud and other violations, while strengthening efforts to combat IUU fishing in line with international regulations.

The constant presence of Coast Guard ships in offshore waters serves as a firm legal and security safeguard, supporting fishermen to operate safely and lawfully. It also contributes to preserving stability in maritime areas, particularly during periods when complex developments may arise.

Lieutenant Colonel Vu Duc Thao, Political Commissar of Flotilla 112, emphasised that the Tet mission carries holds political significance.

“All officers and soldiers aboard CSB 4036 have demonstrated strong determination, high discipline and readiness to handle any situation without passivity or surprise,” he said.

Echoing that spirit, Captain Dao Xuan Duong, Commander of CSB 4036, affirmed: “Every officer and soldier aboard clearly understands the honour and responsibility of being a Coast Guard serviceman. We are united in our resolve to successfully fulfill all assigned tasks.”

As CSB 4036 departs the pier, it carries with it not only supplies and equipment, but also the trust of the Party, the State and the people. Ahead lie open seas and challenges; behind stands the confidence of the nation.

While people on shore welcome the arrival of spring, at the frontline of the waves, Vietnam Coast Guard officers and soldiers remain vigilant day and night to ensure ensuring that the Lunar New Year on land is celebrated in peace and safety.

Spring returns to northern frontier, where people stand guard

VOV.VN - As the Lunar New Year (Tet) approaches, red national flags flutter in villages along Lai Chau’s border, where ethnic communities and border guards quietly safeguard peace on Vietnam’s northern frontier.