A flag-salute ceremony on the DK1 platform.

On July 5, 1989, the Chairman of the Council of Ministers (now the Prime Minister) issued a directive to establish the Economic - Scientific - Service Complex, known as DK1, on the southern continental shelf in Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province. This is a strategic initiative for national construction and defense, especially in protecting Vietnam’s sovereignty over its sea, islands, and continental shelf.

Along with the construction of the platforms, the Defense Ministry established the DK1 Battalion, tasked with managing, guarding, and protecting the DK1 platforms and reefs on the southern continental shelf.

"The slogan 'As long as we are here, the platforms and national sovereignty remain' is ingrained in the hearts and minds of officers and soldiers. We always stay determined, motivate each other, unite to overcome difficulties, and complete all assigned tasks," Lieutenant Colonel Le Hai Trung, Commander of DK1-2 platform, said.

From 1989 to 2008, 20 platforms were built on seven shoals on the southern continental shelf of Vietnam..