Vietnam commemorates 65th anniversary of the Ho Chi Minh Trail at Sea

Vietnam is marking the 65th anniversary of the opening of the Ho Chi Minh Trail at Sea, a strategic maritime route established in 1961. Originally formed as Military Transport Unit 759, also known as the “no-number ships,” the unit later became Naval Brigade 125.

Between 1961 and 1975, the route played a critical role in transporting hundreds of thousands of tonnes of weapons and tens of thousands of personnel to support the southern battlefield. This logistical effort contributed significantly to the reunification of the country.

Veterans, including Tran Van Lich of Hai Phong, have gathered to honor the legacy of the mission. Lich recalled serving on the Phuong Dong 1, the vessel that pioneered the route. He noted that the first ship, Ship 41, was a wooden vessel that successfully delivered 28 tonnes of weapons from Hai Phong to Ca Mau in nine days. Ship 41 was later renamed HQ-671 and was twice awarded the title of Hero of the People’s Armed Forces.