The Truong Sa Defense Brigade receives the title of Hero of the People's Armed Forces for the second time.

Speaking at the ceremony, Vice Admiral Tran Thanh Nghiem commended the outstanding achievements of Brigade 146 in combat, training, combat readiness, and production. He requested the unit to continue to thoroughly understand the Party's guidelines and the State's policies and laws on military and national defense, proactively grasp the situation at sea, and promptly advise on solutions to firmly protect maritime sovereignty.

According to the Commander of the Navy, Brigade 146 needs to focus on building a "revolutionary, regular, elite, and modern" unit in a streamlined, efficient, and powerful manner; improving the quality of training and combat readiness. At the same time, the unit should continue to be a core force and a pillar of support for fishermen venturing out to sea, contributing to consolidating the "people's support" at sea.

Colonel Pham Van Tho, Secretary of the Party Committee and Political Commissar of Brigade 146, said that the unit was established on May 8, 1978, according to Decision No. 391 of the Minister of National Defense, under the name Regiment 146 for the defense of Truong Sa, based on the core force of officers and soldiers of Regiment 46 under Brigade 126. In February 1979, Regiment 146 was upgraded to Brigade 146.

Over nearly half a century of development and growth, generations of officers and soldiers of Brigade 146 have been tasked with defending and protecting the Truong Sa archipelago. In the past 10 years, the unit has observed and detected thousands of targets in the air and at sea, promptly reporting and advising on the handling of situations, preventing any passive or unexpected events.

In search and rescue operations, the unit conducted nearly 150 search and rescue missions; provided emergency medical care and treatment to nearly 1,500 fishermen, including 10 foreign fishermen; and towed nearly 60 fishing vessels in distress to safety. Thousands of officers and soldiers, along with equipment, were also mobilized to assist people in overcoming the consequences of natural disasters, storms, and floods.

According to the leaders of Brigade 146, each island and islet of the unit currently serves as a base for fishermen to stay at sea for extended periods. The unit has also mobilized localities, organizations, and businesses to donate trillions of VND to build public works, cultural and spiritual facilities, and plant and care for millions of trees in the Truong Sa Special Zone.

In 1983, Brigade 146 was awarded the title of Hero of the People's Armed Forces for the first time. On October 14, 2025, the President signed a decision to award the unit the title of Hero of the People's Armed Forces for the second time.

In addition to the title of Hero of the People's Armed Forces, Brigade 146 was also awarded 3 Combat Merit Orders, 2 Military Merit Orders, and many other prestigious awards for collectives and individuals.

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/lu-doan-bao-ve-truong-sa-nhan-danh-hieu-anh-hung-llvt-nhan-dan-lan-thu-2-2513413.html