State President Truong Tan Sang met naval staff who excelled in the force’s patriotic emulation movement in Hanoi on April 25, ahead of the 60th founding anniversary of the Vietnam People’s Navy (August 5).

On August 2 and 5, 1964, patrol boats from the Vietnamese navy, in coordination with other forces, drove the US destroyer USS Maddox and aircraft out of Vietnam’s territorial waters in the Tonkin Gulf, marking the first victory for the northern army in the resistance war against the US aggressors.

The August 5 was declared the traditional day of the navy.

In the era of renewal (doi moi), the navy has accomplished its mission to safeguard sea and island sovereignty.

The force has worked as an advisor to the Party, State, Central Military Commission and Defence Ministry in sea-related issues, living up to its expectation as a source of support for fishermen working at sea.

The President congratulated the navy on its 60th anniversary, saying that it should build on its tradition to deal with problems arising from complicated developments.

He also asked the force to protect fishermen, marine-based economic activities, and scientific research.

With a vision of maintaining an environment of peace in line with international law, the navy should build a modern and capable revolutionary force while performing well on defence external relations both in and outside the region, the leader concluded.-VNA