Crew Listings for PCF 100+

- On 5 November 1966, PCFs 99 and PCF 100 were delivered to DaNang. The following day, PCF 100 transited down the coast to the Qui Nhon swift base where it was assigned for duty.

- PCF 100 was transferred to CosDiv 13 at Cat Lo 26 April 1969.

- Boat departed Qui Nhon 25 October 1969 for Saigon and turnover to the Vietnamese Navy.

- In ceremonies on 31 October 1969, at the Vietnamese Naval Shipyard in Saigon, 13 PCFs were turned over to the Vietnamese Navy. The PCFs were numbers 11, 23, 42, 44, 47, 57, 58, 66, 67, 68, 91 and 100. They departed that afternoon for Qui Nhon and will commence MARKET TIME patrols in the Second Coastal Zone during November. The Coastal Surveillance Center, Qui Nhon is also scheduled for turnover to the Vietnamese Navy in early November.

- Boat first arrived in country 5 December 1966, it had been one of the reserve boats keep in Subic Bay, PI, and replaced PCF 77, that had overturned and been destroyed in the surf, at Hue on 15 November 1966.

- At about 1730 on 19 March 1969, PCF 101 was proceeding down the Cua Dai River from Hoi An, in company with PCF 58, when it was hit in the main cabin by a 75mm recoilless rifle round. A fire broke out in the main cabin and the craft ran aground. As PCF 58 closed to assist, also receiving automatic weapons fire, the damaged craft broke free of the bottom just as a second 75mm round hit, at the waterline, again in the main cabin. This hit caused a fire which eventually detonated the ammunition stored in the main cabin below deck storage compartments. PCF 58 came upon 11 survivors (one USN and four VNN were wounded) in the water 500 yards up river from PCF 101 which was now aground and ablaze. Artillery and air strikes were called into the enemy positions by PCF 58 before heading for CG 14 with the survivors. Two more "Swift" boats were sent into the river to assist when it was discovered that three men were still missing. Three other PCFs also joined in the search and efforts to salvage PCF 101 before the craft was freed and taken to the CG 14 base at about 0300 on the 20th. At 0730 the three missing men, all with minor wounds, were taken off a sampan while on their way to CG 14 after having spent the night on Thuan Tinh Island.   Full Story
   PCF 101 was out of service until 20 July 1969, for repairs at Naval Base Subic Bay, Philippines.
   Of note: This attack took place in a location that became known, infamously, at least to the Swiftees in DaNang and Chu Lai, as "Ambush Alley," because it was a sharp bend in the river that had a sand bar running diagonally across it. In order to cross this sandbar, it was necessary to throttle back the engines to idle, which would lift the stern of the boat up onto the surface of the water and allow the skegs to clear the sandbar obstruction. This action made the boat a sitting duck target while you glided over the sandbar and then slowly accelerated away to continue down river.

- On the afternoon of 7 October 1969, while on normal Sea Tiger patrol, PCFs 61 and 69 were destroying fishing wiers on the Truong Giang River, about 17 miles southeast of DaNang, when they received heavy automatic weapons fire. The "Swift" boats withdrew to the northeast and saturated the area with 81mm mortars and then made a .50 caliber strafing run on the enemy positions. After rearming, both units proceeded north to exit the Truong Giang River, when they received heavy automatic weapons, semi-automatic and 57mm recoilless rifle fire from bunker positions. In the general hail of fire, the helmsman, Officer-in-Charge of PCF 61, LTJG Kenneth Dean Norton, USN, was killed and PCF 61 ran hard aground while traveling at full speed. At the same time, both "Swift" boats received 57mm recoilless rocket rounds close aboard, resulting in minor damage to PCF 69 and punctured the port fuel tank of PCF 61, causing minor flooding. Both units suppressed the enemy fire. PCF 101, helo gunships and a dustoff helo arrived on the scene at 1310H. The helo gunships saturated the area with rocket and mini gun fire while LTJG Norton was medevaced. PCFs 69 and 101 pulled PCF 61 free at 1600H and proceeded, without further incident, to Coastal Group 14 headquarters, with the helo gunships providing cover. There were 20 structures destroyed in the operation. One other US sailor received minor wounds, was treated and returned to duty. Enemy casualties are unknown.

- PCF 102 arrived at Cat Lo at 3pm on 15 May 1967, after completing a 56 hour transit across the South China Sea from Subic Bay, PI, breaking the endurance record for boats of this type by sailing 750 miles.   Story

- On 16 September 1967, PCF 102 evacuated two wounded sailors attached to Coastal Group 32 from the vicinity of the Dong Tranh River. Both men were wounded-in-action during an operation in that river.

- PCF 71 suffered two personnel casualties on 19 February 1968 as she closed the beach approximately 49 miles northeast of Ca Mau point in company with PCF 102 to provide direct gunfire against a hostile area. The Swift boats returned and suppressed the hostile fire with their .50 caliber machine guns while withdrawing to seaward. The injuries to the US Navymen were minor and the extent of enemy personnel casualties was unknown.

- On 12 May 1968, PCF 102 and PCF 98 were proceeding to investigate a small radar contact near the mouth of the Bo De River, 10 miles east on Tan An, in the evening when they received heavy automatic weapons fire from the tree line. PCF 98 was hit by one 57mm recoilless rifle round in the gun tub that wounded tree men; one was seriously injured. Another round passed through the pilot house without detonating. The "Swift" boats evaded out of range as they could not match the heavy volume of fire directed at them. During the brief engagement two mortar rounds were observed to hit the recoilless rifle position apparently putting at least that enemy weapon out of action.  Story

- On 27 July 1968, PCFs 95 and 102 teamed with USCGC Winona WHEC 65 to engage enemy recoilless rifle positions at the mouth of the Bo De river. The Swift boats acted as decoys proceeding up the river firing their .50 caliber machine guns into both banks following a pre-entry barrage by Winona. As they turned back toward the sea the enemy opened fire with three recoilless rifle rounds. One round hit PCF 95 making a 2 foot by 1 1/2 foot hole just above the water line on the starboard side. The Swift boats opened fire with their mortars and machine guns to suppress the enemy fire and Winona joined the action with five-inch gunfire. The enemy lost four killed plus an estimated one wounded, In addition, three weapons positions and a bunker were destroyed and one sampan sunk. Effective damage control stopped the flooding on PCF 95 allowing the two craft to return up river emptying their magazines against the enemy positions with the aid of an airborne spotter. Only two minor wounds were received by crewmen of PCF 95.

- About noon on 11 June 1969, PCFs 102, 95 and 60, Coastal Group 34 junks with RF troops embarked, entered the Rach Bang Cung to probe small canals and fire at targets of opportunity. An enemy initiated fire fight occurred about five miles up the canal. One Yabuta junk received a direct B-40 rocket hit, starting a fire. After suppressing the enemy fire, the units exited the canal without further enemy contact. Enemy losses were 20 structures and two bunkers damaged and nine sampans destroyed. Friendly casualties included two US sailors and eight VN troops wounded. PCF 102 suffered two holes in the hull above the waterline.

- On the night of 1 November 1969, a US Army OH-6A helicopter was reported down about two miles southwest of Sa Dec. PCFs 37, 59 and 102 proceeded to search the area with PCF 102 locating the helo partially submerged at the waters edge. The three US occupants were dead. The PCFs stood by to assist in the removal of the bodies and to provide security for the ordnance on board the helo. A Vietnamese stated that the helo was burning at the time of the crash. PCF 59 remained on the scene until relieved by US Army personnel.

- While conducting a PSYOPS mission, in a canal, 8 miles south of Can Tho, 19 February 1970, PCF 102 came under small arms fire, from an ambush site, and had a grenade thrown into the mount 51 gun tub. The mount 51 gunner, helmsman and OinC were injured. PCF 102 suppressed fire and cleared the area. The crew beached the boat and extinguished the fires, caused by the grenade and resulting ammunition explosions. The two injured crewmen were medevaced, while the OinC remained aboard.

- On 5 July 1967 Coastal Squadron One designated PCF 103 as the replacement boat for the severely damaged PCF 97 and LTJG James Fulcher Tune and an outfitting crew were dispatched to Subic Bay to ready her for combat service.

- PCF 103 was delivered to Vung Tau, RVN, from Subic Bay, PI, on 28 July 1967 on board the USS Oak Hill LSD 7, the boat was later transferred to the docks at Cat Lo.

- On 8 November 1967, PCF 103 conducted a SAR mission when an Army Mohawk aircraft crashed in full view of the Swift boat approximately 28 miles east-southeast of Ca Mau Point. PCF 103 reached the impact area within 90 seconds and commenced an immediate search for survivors. The USCGC Point Hudson also arrived on scene and assisted in the search. One helmet and one inflated life raft were located but no survivors could be found.

- While conducting naval gunfire against positions near the mouth of the My Thanh River in Ba Xuyen Province on 10 June 1968, PCF 103 received hostile fire from the beach. The enemy fire was quickly suppressed, but not before one crewman on the "Swift" boat received minor wounds in the engagement.

- A large operation on the Cua Lon and Bo De Rivers took place on 29 October 1968. In this operation, three PCFs entered the Bo De River as four others came up the Cua Lon river. Heavy recoilless rifle and automatic weapons fire was encountered by PCFs 28, 32 and 103, about 3 miles up the Bo De River. The fire was suppressed and the three craft proceeded to rendezvous with PCFs 3, 36, 50 and 94 at a point 10 miles up the Cua Lon River. Here a wounded crewman from PCF 103 was transferred to PCF 94 for evacuation out the Cua Lon in company with PCF 50. The remaining five "Swifts" returned toward the mouth of the Bo De under cover of Vietnamese Air Force A-1s, methodically destroying craft and structures found along the waterway. The results included 17 structures, 170 sampans and one large junk destroyed plus 85 structures and 74 sampans damaged. Four other "Swift" boat crewman were slightly wounded.

- On 11 February 1969, 10 PCFs teamed with as LSMR, an LST, an MSO, a WPB, a WHEC, an airborne spotter, Air Force jets and Mobile Strike Force (MSF) troops to carry out eight hours of operations on the southern portion of the Ca Mau Peninsula, SEALORDS 308.
  After preparatory naval gunfire by USCGC Wachuset WHEC 44, USCGC Point Cypress and USS White River LSMR 536, the river incursions began at 1223. At the mouth of the Rach Duong Keo PCFs 43, 44 and 71 proceeded approximately 2.5 miles up river while 20 MSF troops swept up the east river bank. Also starting from the same point PCFs 3, 10 and 31 proceeded about two miles up the Trum Gong River for a psyops broadcast. At the same time 10 miles to the east-northeast PCFs 28, 53, 60 and 103 entered the Rach Nang and in just four minutes came under heavy hostile fire from the south bank, about one mile up river. With PCF 103 taking two rocket rounds in the port engine and PCF 60 hit in the bow below the waterline, all four craft turned back down river and cleared the mouth about 15 minutes later. Two men were slightly wounded in this engagement, one each from PCF's 60 and 53.
  The effort to save PCF 60, which was starting to settle by the bow, continued for over an hour. PCF 60 had to beach on a sandbar outside the canal to avoid sinking. The boat's flooding was brought under control, even though the bow had already gone below the surface, after a P-250 pump, provided by the Point Cypress, and delivered by PCF 44, was received. The boat was then temporarily repaired by its own crew with more permanent repairs being made later by the White River.
  The remaining undamaged craft assembled for another venture up the Rach Nang after the enemy positions were hit by air strikes and naval gunfire, in the early afternoon. At 1625 PCFs 3, 10, 31, 43, 44 and 71, with the MSF troops embarked, headed up river. The troops were landed at the river mouth and contact was soon made as PCF 71 took a rocket hit on it's port side. By 1630 the troops had surrounded the enemy firing position. In the ensuing fight two Viet Cong were killed and another probably killed before the enemy retreated up river with the MSF unit in pursuit, until darkness forced breaking contact. Despite vigorous attempts by the OinC and crew to control flooding and to beach PCF 71, it sank in 10 feet of water, only a half mile south of the river mouth. Units stood by PCF 71 and began salvage operations the following morning. Most of the electronic gear and the majority of weapons, including the 81mm mortar, were salvaged by the OinC and crew of PCF 44, despite some very dangerous sea conditions. The next day, 13 February, PCF 71 was successfully refloated by a salvage team.
  Other minor casualties were on PCF 10 where three crewmen were wounded by flying, broken glass from a shot out pilothouse window.
Enemy losses to the PCF and MSF forces, that day, came to 27 bunkers, 20 claymore mines, 28 grenades, one structure, and one sampan destroyed; 2 AK-47 rifles captured and numerous bunkers damaged. One MSF soldier was wounded.

- On the morning of 9 April 1969, PCFs 21, 23, 31, 93 and 103 entered the Song Ong Doc with Mobile Strike Force (MSF) troops embarked. As they proceeded up river, light small arms fire was received from the river bank. At a point seven miles up river, the force came under small arms, automatic weapons and recoilless rifle fire. One recoilless rifle round hit PCF 31 but failed to detonate causing only a small hole at the waterline. After suppressing the enemy fire and clearing the area , PCF 31 was escorted back to sea by two additional Swift boats sent up river. Strikes by Army LHFT and naval gunfire from USCGC Mendota WHEC 69 were placed on the enemy position. More small arms was encountered by the PCFs still on the river and the LHFT without friendly casualties. After leaving the river to rearm, the Swift boats proceeded 5 miles up river and put the MSF ashore on the south bank in mid-afternoon. Following the departure of these units from the river at the completion of the ground sweep, PCFs 22, 67 and 94 entered the river to establish night blocking patrols. The purpose of the operation was to intercept Viet Cong which might attempt to head north across the river as they evaded the forces of SILVER MACE II operating to the south. Early on the 10th, PCFs 31, 38, 43 and 71 took over the continuing blocking patrol. At a point 6 miles up river PCF 71 received minor damage from a recoilless rifle hit and one MSF was wounded. Other than light small arms fire the patrols continued without incident until termination that evening. In addition to suppressing hostile fire, the Swift boats, MSF, LHFT and fixed wing aircraft took targets of opportunity under fire in what local authorities had declared a totally restricted zone along the river. Results included 17 structures and nine sampans destroyed, 15 structures and two sampans damaged and one Viet Cong killed in action.

- On the morning of 8 August 1969, five PCFs and four PBRs conducted area prep fire on Hon Lio Island about 11 miles southeast of Go Cong, prior to the insertion of airborne troops. During the prep fir several secondary explosions were observed. The PRU troops were inserted at 0930 and immediately came in contact with the enemy. Throughout the day and night the Swift boats provided H&I fire and blocking force while receiving intermittent automatic weapons fire. At 2230, OV-10 aircraft arrived in the op area and the PCFs provided targets and illumination. The Swift boats and PBRs were detached the morning of 9 August, following a prep of the area for another troop insertion. PCF 103 received small arms fire hits causing only minor damage and slightly wounding a US sailor.

- At 1120H on 30 November 1969, the Alaska Barge and Transport Company office at Vung Tau reported that the civilian tug R Pace, with three barges, was sinking in the vicinity of channel marker 2 in the Cua Tieu River, about 12 miles southwest of Vung Tau. PCFs 53 and 103, enroute to Binh Tuy overheard the tug's SOS transmission and proceeded to the scene. The tug was sighted at 1155H and PCF 103 assumed the position of On-scene Commander. At 1216H, the PCF evacuated all 11 crewmembers. Two MSTS tugs had been dispatched to the scene, and at 1245H the R Pace tug master was transferred to the MSTS salvage tug Ann B. The tug master stated that the R Pace was badly holed when she went aground.

***All swift boat crew training was done in Coronado, CA until July 1969, when it was moved to Mare Island, CA***

- Boat was discovered in Port Townsend, WA, spring 1996, by Neil Geis's son. The boat was rescued from the DRMO salvage yard in Bangor, WA and transported to the SIMA boat yard on the U.S. Naval Amphibious Base, Coronado, CA, in January 2000. The boat underwent extensive repair and restoration by volunteer ex-swiftees, SIMA San Diego personnel and members of SWCC/SBU-12, before being moved to CISM field on the amphibious base, for inclusion in a memorial to the Vietnam era "Brown Water Navy". The boat was dedicated on Veterans Day, 11 November 2000, during the Swift Boat Sailors Association reunion held in Mission Valley, CA.

PCF 104 - January 1968, Naval Amphibious Base, Coronado, CA		PCF 104 - Vietnam Memorial, Naval Amphibious Base, Coronado, CA

- PCF 137 was the first US Navy Swift boat transferred to the South Vietnamese Navy, at Vung Tau, on 14 October 1968.

- In late October 1968, PCF 139 crewmen rescued a downed US Air Force pilot only four (4) minutes after he had ejected from his disabled jet.

- PCFs 38, 93, 96 and 691 were assigned to extract 115 Mike Strike Force troops from the coast of the South China Sea, 13 April 1970. The troops proceeded 1,500 yards into the water for an at sea extraction but the incoming tide caught many in surf above their heads. PCF crewmen dove into the water and swam to many with life lines and life rings. Two (2) of the MSF troops had stopped breathing but PCF crewmen were able to revive them. The extraction required six (6) hours and removed all 115 MSF troops successfully.

- PCFs 692 and 695, with a Seal team embarked, probed the seaward entrance of the Rach Duong Keo, 5 September 1970. Upon entering, the units received intense automatic weapons fire and ten (10) B-41 shoulder launched rockets. PCF 695 suffered minor damage to the starboard engine and holes in both of her sides. Two (2) crewmen were slightly wounded, and were evacuated by SEAWOLVES. The 691 and 694 were sent to join the patrol. The 691 escorted the 695 back to Seafloat and encountered small arms and B-40 rocket fire while exiting the Duong Keo. The 692 and 694 continued further up stream and observed the wreckage of PCF 43 from a patrol in April 1969. While pulled into the riverbank, awaiting an early morning insertion of the Seals, the 691 and 694 encountered three sampans, headed downstream, carrying NVA regular troops.  A fire fight ensured, with no casualties to the Swifts or Seals. The Swifts then moved upstream several miles to the Seal team insertion site. After daylight, approximately 200 yards downstream from where the Swifts were awaiting the return of the Seals, a very large explosion sent large amounts of debris 100 feet into the air, well above the tree line. Upon the return of the Seals, the Swifts exited the Duong Keo with Black Pony and Seawolf providing covering fire. When passing the site of the prior nights encounter with the sampans, the sampans and three or four bodies, in full NVA uniform, were observed lying on the river bank.

- PCFs 22, 74, 691, 692, 693, 694 and 695, the remaining seven American PCFs of Coastal Division ELEVEN, departed Solid Anchor at 0200 19 September 1970. This departure was the last trip by United States Navy SWIFT boats on the rivers of the lower Ca Mau peninsula. During their transit the PCFs fired continuous .50 caliber and 81mm mortar H&I fire into enemy bunkers along the banks of the Song Cua Lon and Song Bo De rivers. This awesome display of firepower was a demonstration of the power that enabled Coastal Division ELEVEN PCFs to assist friendly forces in the pacification of this Viet Cong stronghold.

- PCF 691 was transferred to CosDiv 13 at Cat Lo 25 September 1970.

- While returning from a Kit Carson Scout operation, 20 October 1970, and on entering the Ben Tre canal mouth, PCF 691 and 692 received approximately 50 rounds of M-60 fire from a friendly position. One KCS was seriously wounded and was MEDEVACED upon arrival at Ben Tre.

- On 15 May 1970, PCFs 692 and 35 were escorting the tug SKIPJACK to the mouth of the Bo De river, when they were taken under fire by two (2) B-50 rockets from the north bank of the Cua Lon river, 13 miles NNE of SEAFLOAT. PCF 35 received one (1) hit, on the waterline amidships, causing a 1'x2' hole in the hull. Numerous shrapnel fragments penetrated the main cabin. All main cabin windows were blown out and the steel core of the rocket passed through the forward magazine, which was empty, and exited through the hull, starboard side amidships. A second rocket exploded astern and a third detonated in the water between the tug and PCF 692, neither of which caused damage. PCF 35 returned fire, cleared the ambush site, beached and commenced repairs with the OinC and a crewman jumping into the water to plug the large hole. Meanwhile, PCF 692 stopped short of the ambush site and commenced heavy machine gun and 81mm mortar suppressive fire. Believing contact was broken, PCF 692 attempted to run the kill zone and assist PCF 35. PCF 692 received two (2) rocket near misses, short and astern, before clearing the kill zone. Two nearby SEAWOLVES were directed to the area and placed strikes on the ambush area. When the battle repairs were complete, both PCFs returned to SEAFLOAT.

- On 16 May 1970, PCFs 50, 64 and 692 were proceeding east on the Song Dam Doi, when all units were taken under heavy automatic weapons fire and rocket attack. PCF 50 was hit amidships, by 125mm launch bomb, and suffered a 5'x6' hole. PCF 64, astern, was hit by a B-40 rocket on the fantail, killing two (2) US Navy personnel and wounding three (3) US Navy and four (4) Kit CarsonScouts. All units returned fire and spotted for SEAWOLVES and BLACK PONIES as they placed strikes. PCF 50 was stripped of all weapons and most of its gear, and then left in the river, because of the extensive amount of damage suffered.

- PCFs 692 and 695, with a Seal team embarked, probed the seaward entrance of the Rach Duong Keo, 5 September 1970. Upon entering, the units received intense automatic weapons fire and ten (10) B-41 shoulder launched rockets. PCF 695 suffered minor damage to the starboard engine and holes in both of her sides. Two (2) crewmen were slightly wounded, and were evacuated by SEAWOLVES. PCFs 691 and 694 were sent to join the patrol. PCF 691 escorted the 695 back to SeaFloat and encountered small arms and B-40 rocket fire while exiting the Duong Keo.PCFs 692 and 694 continued further up stream and observed the wreckage of PCF 43 from a patrol in April 1969. While pulled into the riverbank, awaiting an early morning insertion of the Seals, PCFs 691 and 694 encountered three sampans, headed downstream, carrying NVA regular troops. A fire fight ensured, with no casualties to the Swifts or Seals. The Swifts then moved upstream several miles to the Seal team insertion site. After daylight, approximately 200 yards downstream from where the Swifts were awaiting the return of the Seals, a very large explosion sent large amounts of debris 100 feet into the air, well above the tree line. Upon the return of the Seals, the Swifts exited the Duong Keo with Black Pony and Seawolf providing covering fire. When passing the site of the prior nights encounter with the sampans, the sampans and three or four bodies, in full NVA uniform, were observed lying on the river bank.

- PCFs 22, 74, 691, 692, 693, 694 and 695, the remaining seven American PCFs of Coastal Division ELEVEN, departed Solid Anchor at 0200 19 September 1970. This departure was the last trip by United States Navy SWIFT boats on the rivers of the lower Ca Mau peninsula. During their transit the PCFs fired continuous .50 caliber and 81mm mortar H&I fire into enemy bunkers along the banks of the Song Cua Lon and Song Bo De rivers. This awesome display of firepower was a demonstration of the power that enabled Coastal Division ELEVEN PCFs to assist friendly forces in the pacification of this Viet Cong stronghold.

- PCF 692 was transferred to CosDiv 13 at Cat Lo 25 September 1970.

- While returning from a KCS operation, 20 October 1970, and on entering the Ben Tre canal mouth, PCF 691 and 692 received approximately 50 rounds of M-60 fire from a friendly position. One KCS was seriously wounded and was MEDEVACED upon arrival at Ben Tre.

- On 12 November 1970, PCFs 45, 87, 97 and 692 entered the southern mouth of the Rach Eo Lon and inserted KCS troops. The PCFs fired H&I at suspected enemy positions. At least two (2) tons of ammo was captured and destroyed. PCFs 692 and 45 were taken under fire with B-40 and small arms. Black Ponies were scrambled to assist. KCS captured one B-40 shoulder launcher. PCF 87 was ambushed while proceeding out of the Eo Lon canal, 12 November 1970. One (1) B-40 rocket hit the after conning station killing two (2) KCS troops and wounding two (2) US sailors (one was medevaced to the 23rd BVAC hospital), one (1) VNN crewmember (also medevaced) and one (1) KCS.

- This was the last incident, of the Vietnam conflict, where a US Navy swift boat was damaged or a crewman was injured.

 PCF 693 came to the assistance of VNN PCFs 3811 and 3817, 18 June 1970, which were ambushed by B-40 rockets, on the Song Bo De, while escorting the tug Michael. The PCFs suppressed the incoming fire and MEDEVACED two (2) wounded civilians from the tug.

- PCFs 22, 74, 691, 692, 693, 694 and 695, the remaining seven American PCFs of Coastal Division ELEVEN, departed Solid Anchor at 0200 19 September 1970. This departure was the last trip by United States Navy SWIFT boats on the rivers of the lower Ca Mau peninsula. During their transit the PCFs fired continuous .50 caliber and 81mm mortar H&I fire into enemy bunkers along the banks of the Song Cua Lon and Song Bo De rivers. This awesome display of firepower was a demonstration of the power that enabled Coastal Division ELEVEN PCFs to assist friendly forces in the pacification of this Viet Cong stronghold.

- PCF 693 was transferred to CosDiv 13 at Cat Lo 25 September 1970.

- PCFs 692 and 695, with a Seal team embarked, probed the seaward entrance of the Rach Duong Keo, 5 September 1970. Upon entering, the units received intense automatic weapons fire and ten (10) B-41 shoulder launched rockets. PCF 695 suffered minor damage to the starboard engine and holes in both of her sides. Two (2) crewmen were slightly wounded, and were evacuated by SEAWOLVES. PCFs 691 and 694 were sent to join the patrol. PCF 691 escorted the 695 back to SeaFloat and encountered small arms and B-40 rocket fire while exiting the Duong Keo. PCFs 692 and 694 continued further up stream and observed the wreckage of PCF 43 from a patrol in April 1969. While pulled into the riverbank, awaiting an early morning insertion of the Seals, PCFs 691 and 694 encountered three sampans, headed downstream, carrying NVA regular troops. A fire fight ensured, with no casualties to the Swifts or Seals. The Swifts then moved upstream several miles to the Seal team insertion site.After daylight, approximately 200 yards downstream from where the Swifts were awaiting the return of the Seals, a very large explosion sent large amounts of debris 100 feet into the air, well above the tree line. Upon the return of the Seals, the Swifts exited the Duong Keo with Black Pony and Seawolf providing covering fire. When passing the site of the prior nights encounter with the sampans, the sampans and three or four bodies, in full NVA uniform, were observed lying on the river bank.

- PCFs 22, 74, 691, 692, 693, 694 and 695, the remaining seven American PCFs of Coastal Division ELEVEN, departed Solid Anchor at 0200 19 September 1970. This departure was the last trip by United States Navy SWIFT boats on the rivers of the lower Ca Mau peninsula. During their transit the PCFs fired continuous .50 caliber and 81mm mortar H&I fire into enemy bunkers along the banks of the Song Cua Lon and Song Bo De rivers. This awesome display of firepower was a demonstration of the power that enabled Coastal Division ELEVEN PCFs to assist friendly forces in the pacification of this Viet Cong stronghold.

- PCF 694 was transferred to CosDiv 13 at Cat Lo 25 September 1970.

- While engaged in normal Market Time operations, PCF 695 rescued four Vietnamese civilians, whose junk had broken up on the rocks, 15 miles south of Ha Tien, in the Gulf of Thailand, 20 January 1970.
- PCFs 692 and 695, with a Seal team embarked, probed the seaward entrance of the Rach Duong Keo, 5 September 1970. Upon entering, the units received intense automatic weapons fire and ten (10) B-41 shoulder launched rockets. PCF 695 suffered minor damage to the starboard engine and holes in both of her sides. Two (2) crewmen were slightly wounded, and were evacuated by SEAWOLVES. PCFs 691 and 694 were sent to join the patrol. PCF 691 escorted the 695 back to Seafloat and encountered small arms and B-40 rocket fire while exiting the Duong Keo. PCFs 692 and 694 continued further up stream and observed the wreckage of PCF 43 from a patrol in April 1969. While pulled into the riverbank, awaiting an early morning insertion of the Seals, PCFs 691 and 694 encountered three sampans, headed downstream, carrying NVA regular troops. A fire fight ensured, with no casualties to the Swifts or Seals. The Swifts then moved upstream several miles to the Seal team insertion site. After daylight, approximately 200 yards downstream from where the Swifts were awaiting the return of the Seals, a very large explosion sent large amounts of debris 100 feet into the air, well above the tree line. Upon the return of the Seals, the Swifts exited the Duong Keo with Black Pony and Seawolf providing covering fire. When passing the site of the prior nights encounter with the sampans, the sampans and three or four bodies, in full NVA uniform, were observedlying on the river bank.

- PCFs 22, 74, 691, 692, 693, 694 and 695, the remaining seven American PCFs of Coastal Division ELEVEN, departed Solid Anchor at 0200 19 September 1970. This departure was the last trip by United States Navy SWIFT boats on the rivers of the lower Ca Mau peninsula. During their transit the PCFs fired continuous .50 caliber and 81mm mortar H&I fire into enemy bunkers along the banks of the Song Cua Lon and Song Bo De rivers. This awesome display of firepower was a demonstration of the power that enabled Coastal Division ELEVEN PCFs to assist friendly forces in the pacification of this Viet Cong stronghold.

- PCF 695 was transferred to CosDiv 13 at Cat Lo 25 September 1970.

***All swift boat crew training was done in Coronado, CA until July 1969, when it was moved to Mare Island, CA***

- On 16 January 1971, PCFs 813 and 816, were loaded aboard the USS Wood County LST 1178 at Little Creek, VA, departing on 19 January, 1971 for Malta. The Wood County arrived in Valletta's Grand Harbour on 6 February 1971 and discharged the two Swiftboats now referred to as C-6823 (PCF 813) and C-6824 (PCF 816). Their designations were changed to C23 and C24 during the official handover ceremony on 5 April 1971 and then were later changed to P23 and P24. They are now located at Haywharf, Floriana and serve as part of the Malta Maritime Squadron.

Malta P23 (Mark II)  

- On 7 September 1984, C-23 that the misfortune of blowing up during an illegal fireworks dumping-at-sea operation. This incident left five Task Force soldiers and two Policemen dead. C-23 was repaired to its original state despite the severe damages to the forward part of the of the boat which left the pilothouse ripped apart.

The Malta Independent ran an article on 5 September 2009 commemorating the 25th Anniversary of this incident, "Gone, but never, never forgotten."

- Coastal River Division Twenty-Two was established in July 1972 and commisioned on 16 December 1972. It was one of only four similar units charged with maintaining the expertise in coastal and riverine warfare that had been gained in Vietnam. Its primary mission was to be prepared for deployment to forward areas in wartime to support other Naval Special Warfare or amphibious units, conduct coastal and riverine patrols, surveillance and interdiction, or other tasks as may be assigned.
   In a report dated 5 November 1977, CRD 22 had three Patrol Craft Fast (PCFs) as part of its assigned patrol craft; they were pennant numbers: 50NS6814 (PCF 814 shown below), 50NS6501 (PCF 1) and 50NS6502 (PCF 2).
   The units name was changed to Special Boat Unit Twenty-Two in March 1979 to more accurately reflect its mission as a unit of Special Warfare Group Two.

PCF 814, a Mark II Swift Boat

Plank Owners of Coastal River Division Twenty-Two

Standing: LT Ted Marx, LTJG John B. Barrett Jr, EN1 Douglas Cates, EN1 Massey, ETR1 James Clayton Phoebus, GMG2 Charles Burton, EN1 Mel Chastain, GMG2 James S. Simmons
Middle row: EN2 Darnell Fall, LTJG Erwin L. (Butch) McClendon, GMG2 Daniel George Brewer, QMC Wayne J. Meadows, EN1 Charles Fury
Kneeling: EM1 Lorenzo Louigi Musto, QM1 Charles Leslie Gould, GMG2 Michael John Tooley, SK1 Larry Wilson, EN1 Charles E. Smith

***All swift boat crew training was done in Coronado, CA until July 1969, when it was moved to Mare Island, CA***

- On 16 January 1971, PCFs 813 and 816, were loaded aboard the USS Wood County LST 1178 at Little Creek, VA, departing on 19 January, 1971 for Malta. The Wood County arrived in Valletta's Grand Harbour on 6 February 1971 and discharged the two Swiftboats now referred to as C-6823 (PCF 813) and C-6824 (PCF 816). Their designations were changed to C23 and C24 during the official handover ceremony on 5 April 1971 and then were later changed to P23 and P24. They are now located at Haywharf, Floriana and serve as part of the Malta Maritime Squadron.

PCF 816 (Mark II) at training pier - Amphibious Base, Coronado, CA - 1968

Malta P24 (Mark II)

- On 20 July 2012, Colonel David Mifsud (Commander, Headquarters Group, Armed Forces of Malta) and Mark J. Gallant (Director of Operations for the San Diego Maritime Museum) conducted a symbolic but highly significant handing over ceremony at Maritime Squadron (Hay Wharf Base) this morning, the Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) officially handed over the Swift Class Patrol Boat (P24) to the Maritime Museum of San Diego (USA).

In his address Mr. Gallant extended the appreciation of this contribution on behalf of the Chairman of the San Diego Maritime Museum and said that such an initiative between Malta and the United States of America will continue to strengthen a long history of friendship. He also confirmed that the museum will have a display that pays tribute to the fallen Maltese servicemen that died onboard the P23 (the sister vessel of P24) during a tragic accident that occurred on the 7th of September 1984.

In his reply, the Commander of the AFM, Brigadier Martin.G. Xuereb, said that the Swift Boats facilitated the efforts to control Malta's maritime borders and that for a considerable number of years the P23 and the P24 have been the work horses of the Maritime Squadron. He explained that although they were used mainly for Border Control and as SAR launches, the vessels have also proven to be a versatile tool. Furthermore, he stated that the AFM is happy to see the P24 sailing back to the US for public viewing in the Maritime Museum of San Diego and equally happy that the P23 will stay in Malta, a reminder of the past and existing relationship between the US Armed Forces and the AFM.

Following the speeches, Col David Mifsud and Mr Gallant signed the handing over documentation. Guests were then invited to witness the towing of P24 from the terrace of the Maritime Squadron Office Headquarters. A Fog Horn salute from P61 was sounded as the P24 was towed away under the tune of bagpipes played by an AFM soldier. The Austal Class P24 was aptly chosen to tow its predecessor to the Malta Freeport for eventual shipping to San Diego (US).

The event was attended by the Ambassador of the United States of America, H.E Mrs Gina K. Abercrombie-Winstanley.

*** To continue exploring this site, click on any of the links below ***

PCFs 1-9    PCFs 10-19     PCFs 20-29     PCFs 30-39      PCFs 40-49     PCFs 50-59     PCFs 60-69      PCFs 70-79     PCFs 80-89     PCFs 90-99      PCFs 100+

Go back to the start of the Website

"