Part 2: Secrecy, Uniqueness, and Innovation
Loading supplies onto ships to support the southern battlefield (November 1968).Source: https://baohaiquanvietnam.vn/tin-tuc/duong-ho-chi-minh-tren-bien-su-sang-tao-doc-dao-cua-nghe-thuat-quan-su-viet-nam
From August 1963, Unit 759 was directly assigned to the Navy, assuming responsibility for maritime transportation and supply operations for the battlefronts in the South. On January 29, 1964, the Ministry of National Defense issued a decision to re-designate Unit 759 as Unit 125, which then came under the High Command of the Navy. Over the course of more than three years of operations (1962-1965), Unit 125 mobilized 17 steel-hulled ships and 3 wooden-hulled ships, organizing 79 voyages to transport more than 4,000 tons of supplies, primarily consisting of weapons and ammunition, to the coastal provinces within Military Region 5, the Mekong Delta, and the far southern-central coastline. Notably, the Ho Chi Minh Sea Trail played a critical role in transporting thousands of Party cadres, military personnel, and military experts to the South, as well as facilitating the return of individuals from the South to the North to report to the Central Committee and receive new directives. This ensured timely support for the leadership, command, and execution of combat operations on the southern frontlines
In February 1965, the steel-hulled vessel designated C143, after unloading more than 63 tons of weapons, anchored securely against the cliffs at Vũng Rô (Phú Yên) in preparation for its return journey. The ship was camouflaged with nets and branches; however, it was still detected and attacked by American aircraft. Despite several attempts by the troops to destroy the vessel, part of its hull was recovered by the enemy and transported to Saigon. In the wake of this incident, the enemy escalated their patrols to prevent and intercept any further incursions. As a result, Naval Unit 125 was compelled to revise its operational strategy, utilizing covert naval teams that navigated international maritime routes to deliver supplies to designated reception ports. By February 1968, due to mounting enemy resistance, the Ho Chi Minh Sea Trail was temporarily suspended. Between 1965 and 1968, Unit 125 conducted 27 voyages, of which only 7 successfully reached their destination, delivering more than 400 tons of military supplies to the battlefronts.
Following the General Offensive and Uprising of 1968 (Tet Offensive), and taking advantage of a temporary cessation of US airstrikes over the North, Unit 125 successfully transported a substantial quantity of supplies to locations near the demarcation line. Furthermore, the unit facilitated the transportation of military aid from allied nations via international maritime routes, transiting through the port of Sihanoukville in Cambodia. Through this strategy, Unit 125 delivered more than 90,000 tons of cargo to the Southern front, including over 20,000 tons of weapons and ammunition. From the end of 1970, after the transportation route through the port of Sihanoukville was severed, Unit 125 proactively sought alternative routes by navigating along the eastern flank of the Paracel and Spratly Archipelago, reaching the northeastern waters of Malaysia, then passing through the Gulf of Thailand and the region of the Nam Du Archipelago, before ultimately arriving at ports in the southwest of Vietnam. Despite the considerably extended journey, which necessitated ample reserves of fuel, oil, and provisions for prolonged travel, and in the face of numerous challenges and hardships, Unit 125 successfully delivered 301 tons of weapons and ammunition to the southern and extreme South-Central regions. This accomplishment represented a remarkable effort by Unit 125 amidst the heightened enemy encirclement, interdiction, and intense attacks.
In 1973, following the signing of the Paris Agreement, Unit 125, in compliance with directives from the Central Military Commission and the Ministry of National Defense, temporarily ceased its operations of maritime transport and direct battlefield support in the South via the Ho Chi Minh Sea Trail. However, during the Spring 1975 General Offensive and Uprising, Unit 125's fleet resumed its transport operations, successfully completing 173 voyages, transporting over 8,000 tons of heavy weapons, 50 tanks, and deploying more than 18,700 officers and soldiers to the frontlines. Notably, Unit 125 worked in close coordination with various units and localities within Military Region 5, facilitating the transport of naval forces and mobile combat units. This effort contributed to the successful liberation of all coastal islands and the Spratly Archipelago.
Over a span of 14 years (1961–1975), the officers and soldiers of the “Unnumbered Fleet” achieved heroic feats under extraordinarily difficult and intense circumstances. Many officers and soldiers, sons of the nation, made the ultimate sacrifice, losing their lives in the vast ocean to ensure the absolute safety of the route. From the initial days with rudimentary wooden ships and a core group of 38 cadres and soldiers, the unit evolved into fleets of iron-hulled vessels operating far from shore. These fleets utilized international maritime routes and even navigated the territorial waters of neighboring countries, relying on celestial navigation and blending in with local fishing boats operating along the coast to safely reach their destinations. Despite facing adversaries equipped with superior weaponry and war equipment, who controlled both the air and sea, as well as the Ho Chi Minh Trail on land, the strategic maritime transport route functioned in parallel, complementing and supporting the other, thereby creating a relatively comprehensive transport system. This route effectively fulfilled its mission by providing timely and efficient support of manpower and resources to the southern battlefield. Alongside the entire Party, people, and military, it contributed to the great victory of the Spring of 1975, which led to the liberation of the South and the reunification of the country.
The Ho Chi Minh Trail at Sea Historical Site. Source: War Remnants Museum