The award ceremony took place on 7/5, coinciding with the 71st anniversary of the Vietnam People's Navy.

Brigade 146 was established in late 1977 due to the urgent need to protect the Truong Sa archipelago. At that time, the Naval Service separated a core part of Regiment 46 from Brigade 126 to form a specialized unit for the defense of Truong Sa. In 1978, the Ministry of National Defense established Regiment 146, and a year later, it was upgraded to Brigade 146. The unit first received the Hero of the People's Armed Forces title in 1983.

Authorized by the President, Vice Admiral Tran Thanh Nghiem presented the Hero of the People's Armed Forces title to Brigade 146. Photo: Hai Quan

Colonel Pham Van Tho, Political Commissar of Brigade 146, stated that in its early days, the unit faced challenges regarding facilities and equipment, but officers and soldiers steadfastly held their ground, protecting national sovereignty over the sea and islands.

"This title is not just an award; it also reminds us never to succumb to difficulties and challenges," Colonel Pham Van Tho said.

After nearly 50 years, Brigade 146 has become a core force of the Navy in managing and protecting the Truong Sa archipelago. The unit is currently focused on building a disciplined, skilled, and modern force, enhancing combat readiness, and mastering various weapons and equipment on the islands.

Over the past 10 years, Brigade 146 has detected more than 5,000 air and sea targets, conducted nearly 150,000 search and rescue missions, provided medical treatment to approximately 1,500 fishermen, and safely towed nearly 60 fishing boats in distress to shore.

The unit also mobilized social funding to build civil and cultural facilities and planted millions of trees across the Truong Sa archipelago.

Naval soldiers on duty protecting Truong Sa. Photo: Hong Chieu

The title Hero of the People's Armed Forces is awarded to collectives with outstanding achievements in combat, combat support, and significant contributions to national defense.

Hong Chieu