Captain Nguyen Hoang Hai Quang, 30 years old, was among the outstanding representatives at the 11th National Patriotic Emulation Congress, taking place on December 27 in Hanoi under the theme: “Innovation, acceleration, and breakthrough to lead the nation into a powerful, civilized, and prosperous era.”

More than 2,200 delegates - including national heroes, representatives of exemplary collectives, and leading emulation soldiers - gathered for the event.

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Captain Nguyen Hoang Hai Quang attends the 11th National Patriotic Emulation Congress. 

Captain Quang currently serves as Deputy Squadron Leader and Chief of Staff of Squadron 1, Regiment 925, Division 372, Air Defense – Air Force Service. He is considered one of the most distinguished young soldiers attending this year’s congress.

This marks his seventh visit to Hanoi this year, having previously participated in the 11th All-Army Patriotic Emulation Congress in September.

“This congress gives me the chance to meet and learn from outstanding individuals nationwide. I hope to spread the spirit of the congress - encouraging everyone to learn, grow, and contribute to the country,” Captain Quang shared.

From a curious child to a combat pilot

Born in the former Quang Nam province, Quang grew up near Da Nang Airport, where he often watched military aircraft take off and soar across the sky.

“As kids, we’re often fascinated by what we don’t understand. Watching those planes fly ignited my dream of one day flying above my homeland,” he said.

In 2012, while still in high school, he heard a military pilot recruitment announcement on Da Nang Television. His parents took him to the examination site, and, after a rigorous health screening, he was accepted.

In September 2013, Quang began his training at the Air Force Officer Training School.

“Working in the armed forces has its own demands. I wasn’t used to being far from home, and I had to quickly adapt to military rules and discipline. Fortunately, my comrades and commanders were very supportive,” Quang recalled.

First solo flight: A moment of transformation

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On February 18, 2016, three years after joining the academy, Quang completed his first solo flight on the YaK-52 trainer aircraft, soaring over Cam Ranh.

“Alone in the cockpit, flying solo from takeoff to landing - that feeling is indescribable,” he said.

In 2019, he graduated and was assigned to Regiment 925, Division 372.

Since then, he has performed numerous flights - from live-fire missions and exercises to aerial competitions. Each one, he says, holds a special memory. But the most emotional moment came in 2024, when he flew a newly assigned aircraft back to Da Nang, passing over the very house where he grew up.

To date, Captain Quang has logged nearly 700 hours of flight, earning the title of Level-2 Military Pilot. He has been certified as an instructor for combat application flights, including ground and aerial target engagements - both day and night, over land and sea.

In 2024, he was recognized as a Vietnam Outstanding Youth and a Top Young Figure of the Armed Forces.

Despite the accolades, Captain Quang remains humble:

“Achievements in the air are never mine alone. Every mission’s success starts on the ground - with my comrades, technicians, commanders, and logistics crew. I’m just one link in that chain.”

Precision in every flight

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Captain Quang with fellow young delegates at the congress. 

In the air, Quang is a commander, comrade, and guardian of Vietnam’s skies.

On the ground, he meticulously plans each mission - calculating flight times, weather conditions, technical requirements, and safety parameters, ensuring that everything is flawless.

“There’s no room for carelessness in this line of work. Only serious training and thorough preparation allow you to confidently handle the unexpected,” he explained.

Family and quiet sacrifice

As both a soldier and a pilot, Quang is often away from home. He and his wife recently welcomed their first child - a six-month-old daughter.

Despite the demands of his duty, he remains devoted to both his profession and his family.

Tran Thuong