Far from the mainland and their families, despite many hardships and shortages, the officers and soldiers of the Public Security Force, Border Guard, Military, Navy, and Coast Guard stationed on Con Dao remain steadfast. They stay close to the people, the land, and the sea — quietly contributing to the safety and peace of this sacred island.
From Radar Station 590 under Regiment 251 (Naval Region 2), our vehicle climbed nearly 4 km of winding mountain roads — reminiscent of the steep paths of the Ha Giang border — to reach the station’s observation post. From here, a panoramic view of Con Dao Town opened before us, framed by the vastness of sea and sky.
The radar soldiers’ duty is to monitor all vessel movements in the surrounding waters. Their mission is to detect, identify, and promptly report any unusual targets for higher command to handle.
Lieutenant Đỗ Đức Thiện, Deputy Technical Officer of Radar Station 590, explained that weather conditions here can be extremely harsh — heavy fog, strong winds, and sudden cold spells. Yet, under any circumstances, the radar must continue rotating flawlessly. This requires flexibility, experience, and constant vigilance.
Political Officer Lieutenant Phạm Cao Cường shared that the station not only excels in its core missions but also maintains strict discipline, builds a clean and orderly environment, collaborates with other forces to protect the island and territorial waters, and conducts community work with local authorities and residents. Every week, soldiers join with the community in the “Green–Clean–Beautiful Sunday” campaign to clean beaches around the town center.
Their professionalism becomes even more evident during live shifts. At Radar Station 590, we observed the perfect coordination between the shift leader, radar operators, and mapping personnel. To ensure accurate results, the team must assess quickly, identify correctly, and coordinate seamlessly. Every movement is carried out with precision and great care.
Neighboring Radar Station 32 under Regiment 294 (Air Defense – Air Force) operates in close partnership with Station 590. Over many years, both units have maintained round-the-clock vigilance, promptly detecting unauthorized vessels entering Vietnamese waters. They have repeatedly been recognized with prestigious awards such as “Determined-to-Win Unit,” “Excellent Training Unit,” and “Outstanding Equipment Management and Safety Unit.”
Lieutenant Colonel Trương Công Hùng, Political Commissar of Regiment 251, affirmed that Radar Station 590 consistently performs its duties with exceptional accuracy, never missing or misidentifying targets, and always reporting promptly to higher command.
To achieve this, Station Chief Đồng Xuân Minh emphasized the importance of intensive technical training, strict adherence to operating procedures, regular maintenance, and a strong focus on safety. Their weekly “Technical Day” has become a disciplined routine.
Back at the station, Lieutenant Phạm Cao Cường guided us through the living quarters and vegetable gardens. Alongside blooming lotus ponds were lush flower pots and shade trees cared for by the soldiers. Thanks to attention from higher command, both radar stations now have improved vegetable-growing areas, water storage systems, and even hydroponic vegetable gardens at Station 32.
Many soldiers have made Con Dao their home. A number of them have brought their families to live on the island, while others have married local teachers or residents and built new lives here. Among them is Professional Officer Captain Trần Văn Trung (from Thanh Hóa) and his wife, teacher Nguyễn Thị Tình (from Nghệ An), who now live on the island with their two sons. “The support from our leaders and the camaraderie of our unit give us strength,” they shared.
During the 2020 Lunar New Year’s Eve dinner with Naval Region 2’s working delegation, local authorities, and soldiers’ families, we deeply felt the bond between the army and the island community. Their shared love for Con Dao, and their pride in protecting it, created a warm and heartfelt atmosphere.
These men — steadfast, humble, and dedicated — are the silent guardians of Con Dao, the ones who help keep this sacred island peaceful.
