Crew Listings for PCF 20 thru 29

- PCFs 19 thru 22 were delivered to DaNang, from Subic Bay, PI, onboard the USS Fort Marion LSD 22 on 13 February 1966.

- On 25 July 1966, PCF 20, operating 110 miles north of Qui Nhon, collided with a 20 foot, sail only junk in choppy seas and heavy rain. The junk was unlighted and not held on radar. The junk sank immediately, but the two occupants and all their gear were saved. There was no damage to the PCF.

- On 7 August 1967, seven MARKET TIME craft came to the assistance of Coastal Group 16 when its base, 70 miles southeast of DaNang, was assaulted by a battalion-size force of Viet Cong.

The attack on the base began at 0300. PCF 20 reached the area by 0315 and began providing 81mm fire at the request of the base's naval advisor; shortly thereafter PCF 75 and the Vietnamese Navy's PCE 10 arrived to lend additional fire support. By 0345, however, an advancing enemy contingent -- approximately 300 in number -- had overrun the base. At this time USS Gallup PG 85, USS Camp DER 251 and two other Swifts (PCFs 15 and 54) were in the area, furnishing fire support and exfiltration patrols, and helping to evacuate the wounded. Thirty-two miles to the northwest, USS Widgeon MSC 208 had assumed the duty of a relay station for communications between the battle scene and the First Naval Zone's headquarters unit at DaNang. Since there was a possibility that the attack on the base might be combined with an infiltration attempt along the coastline, CTG 115.1, in DaNang, ordered Gallup to return to the southern portion of her patrol sector. Meanwhile, air and artillery strikes countered the enemy's movements within the Coastal Group base and two Vietnamese Army (ARVN) companies and one US Army company were dispatched to the scene. By 0730 the Viet Cong were forced to retreat from the heavily-damaged base. The Coastal Group commander and 13 Vietnamese sailor's had been killed. During the attack the Coastal Group's senior advisor, Lieutenant William C. Fitzgerald, USN and his three assistants joined in the effort to repel the invaders and resisted until the advisors' bunker was virtually surrounded. Lieutenant Fitzgerald then requested an artillery strike on his position and provided covering fire while his men escaped to the river. Before Lieutenant Fitzgerald could make good his own escape he was killed by small-arms fire.

During the enemy attack Swift boats evacuated three Navy advisors and approximately 40 Vietnamese to USS Camp for treatment and shelter; fifteen of the Vietnamese were subsequently transferred to the hospital at Quang Ngai by helicopter. Camp remained on station until the 11th, providing illumination fire and gunfire support as the task of rebuilding the base began.   Full Story

- On 20 January 1968, PCF 20 received a report of a downed helicopter approximately six miles north of Chu Lai. The Swift boat, aided by helicopters, recovered three of the four crewmembers, and the PCF located the wreckage and provided cover for divers who recovered the ammunition from the downed helicopter.

- PCFs 18 and 20 participated in a running fire fight with an infiltrating North Vietnamese arms trawler, scoring one direct hit with a white phosphorus round, and out gunned the trawler into the beach south of Duc Pho (southern I Corps), resulting in the destruction of the trawler, 1 March 1968.

- PCFs 3904 and 3907 were lost on 2 November 1970, in the vicinity of XR 645160, while transiting the Vietnamese coast, as part of a group of six Vietnamese PCFs en route to Cat Lo for repairs, they were overtaken by tropical storm NORA and sank. Both crews were rescued without loss of life and the remaining swifts arrived at a safe haven off Coastal Group 36 at Long Phu.

- PCFs 19 thru 22 were delivered to DaNang, from Subic Bay, PI, onboard the USS Fort Marion LSD 22 on 13 February 1966.

- On 30 March 1968, PCFs 21 and 22 provided blocking patrols for a sweep by units of the US Army 1st Cavalry Division near the mouth of the Cua Viet River. Both Swift boats received intense automatic weapons fire from the beach and one PCF 22 crewmember suffered a minor wound.

- September 1968 --- During one 24-hour period of poor weather when Swift boats were unable to remain on some patrol stations, PCF 21 earned special recognition. While operating in extremely poor weather PCF 21 engaged four evading sampans, sinking one, killing three of the evaders and probably killing two others with her accurate mortar and machine-gun fire.

- On 22 October 1968, sailed to Cat Lo for an in country overhaul.

- On 11 December 1968, PCF 21 transferred to An Thoi after completing its' in country overhaul at Cat Lo.

- On 29 December 1968, PCFs 9, 21, 66 and 72 raided enemy positions in the Bay Hap river-Dong Cung canal destroying numerous sampans and structures, several bunkers and killing 1 Viet Cong. Enemy fire was encountered on 3 occasions, wounding 5 USN crewmembers and 1 USCG man.

- 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 afternoon of 24 June 1969, PCFs 21, 52 and 40 with VNN PSYOPS team embarked, patrolled west on the Cua Lon River. Upon reaching the Rach Ong Trang, two VC flags were sighted and PCF 40 entered the canal while the other units provided cover. Two B-40 rockets passed over PCF 40 and only one detonated. The Swifts suppressed the fire with unknown results. Two VC propaganda signs were later sighted which read "We kill Americans. Vietnamese soldiers stay out."

- An incident on 29 June 1969, marred the otherwise uneventful four days of psyops campaigns as Operation SEA FLOAT continued. A command detonated mine exploded in an abandoned sampan which PCF 52 was investigating, about six miles northeast of Nam Can. There were no personnel casualties but the Swift sustained five broken windows and minor damage to it's fathometer.

- PCFs 19 thru 22 were delivered to DaNang, from Subic Bay, PI, onboard the USS Fort Marion LSD 22 on 13 February 1966.

- On 15 November 1966, PCF 77 capsized and broke up at the entrance to Hue Harbor as it moved in to assist PCF 22 in rescuing a man overboard. Three members of the crew of PCF 77 were lost. Five survivors of PCF 77 and the man overboard from PCF 22 were rescued.

- On 30 March 1968, PCFs 21 and 22 provided blocking patrols for a sweep by units of the US Army 1st Cavalry Division near the mouth of the Cua Viet River. Both Swift boats received intense automatic weapons fire from the beach and one PCF 22 crewmember suffered a minor wound.

- On 24 February 1969, PCF 67, while on the Co Chien River, received a request to provide transportation for the Naval Intelligence Liaison Officer, Tra Vinh. After proceeding about 2 miles up the Tra Vinh Canal from the river the "Swift" boat's stern was lifted out of the water and two crewmen thrown overboard by a command detonated mine. After recovering the two men from the canal PCF 67 proceeded back to the Co Chien where PCF 22 arrived to provide assistance. After the flooding could not be controlled PCF 67 was beached at Coastal Group 35. Three of the six men wounded were placed on PCF 22 and the other three went to Coastal Group 35 for medevac. After the flooding was brought under control PCF 71 made temporary repairs and proceeded to Vinh Long escorted by PCF 57.
  Note:The keel of PCF 67 had been broken by the 300 pound mine. It was amassing that the injured crewmen were able to keep PCF 67 afloat ... a GREAT FEAT of SEAMANSHIP by these "Brown Water Navymen."

- 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 5 May 1969, seven PCFs encountered heavy enemy fire while operating in the Rach Duong Keo. MSF troops countered with a sweep, killing ten (10) of the enemy attackers. One US Navy KIA and several wounded. PCF 22 suffered heavy damage when it was hit by three (3) rockets and sank up to the gunwales. After approximately 12 hours the boat was temporarily patched with DC plugs, pumped out and then towed from the river ... first to an LST for additional patching and then on to An Thoi for repairs.

- While escorting the USS Brule AKL 28, on 14 July 1970, PCFs 22, 89, 96 and VNN PCF 3816 in company with USS Canon PG 90, came under heavy B-40 rocket and automatic weapons fire. The Canon was hit twice, by rocket fire, in the engine room, causing a loss of maneuverability in the kill zone. PCF 96 and VNN PCF 3816 beached in the ambush area, and began placing heavy suppressive fire to cover the Canon. The VNN PCF 3816 was hit in the pilothouse by B-40 rockets three (3) times, wounding five (5) VNN personnel. Biet Hai troops were inserted by PCF 96, to secure the area.

- On 18 September 1970 PCFs 22 and 74 completed the last combat patrol operation by American PCFs at Solid Anchor (Old Nam Can). The escort of the tug Michael to the South China Sea was completed without incident.

- 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 22 was transferred to CosDiv 13 at Cat Lo and turned over to the South Vietnamese Navy, 1 October 1970.

- PCFs 23 thru 26 were delivered to DaNang, from Subic Bay, PI, onboard the USS Fort Marion LSD 22 on 13 February 1966 and then further transported to Cat Lo arriving on 23 February 1966.

- PCF 23 was the first Coastal Division THIRTEEN boat to go for a newly initiated out-of-country overhaul in Subic Bay, PI. PCF 23 departed on 22 November 1967 enroute to Cam Ranh Bay for merchant ship transportation to PI.
  PCF's 3, 13, 23 and 42 were loaded aboard the USS Belle Grove (LSD 2) on 29 November 1967, and then transported to the Naval Ship Repair Facility, Subic Bay, Republic of the Philippines. These were the first four boats, of an eventual 24, scheduled for out-of-country overhaul because of serious hull corrosion in the main cabin bilges. All PCF's scheduled for this program were to exit from and return to country from a centralized point at Cam Ranh Bay. All ordnance equipment was off loaded at Cam Ranh Bay, prior to departure for the yards and would be overhauled by the Naval Support Facility, Cam Ranh Bay personnel. PCF's going through the out-of-country overhauls were programmed to receive design improvements, in addition to the refurbishing of the existing equipment. Some of the more significant improvements to be implemented included a more reliable 24 volt electrical system, a higher capacity drainage system and installation of a more powerful AC generator. In the attempt to stop, or at least slow down the rate of hull corrosion in the remaining 62 PCF's not scheduled for these overhauls, a program was initiated involving the application of special anti-corrosive paint and placement of magnesium anodes throughout the bilges.

- On 1 October 1968 boat transferred from Cat Lo to DaNang.

- On 25 January 1969 boat transferred from DaNang to An Thoi.

- A three PCF operation encountered intense hostile rocket and automatic weapons fire from positions three miles from the river mouth of the Bay Hap on the evening of 27 February 1969, wounding one crewman on PCF 23.

- On the morning of 28 February 1969, PCFs 23, 43 and 94 entered the Bay Hap and embarked RF/PF's from Cai Nuoc for a probe of the enemy positions. Landing parties from PCFs 23 and 94 discovered fresh spider holes and much brass in the area as PCF 43 provided cover from the river. After EOD personnel destroyed two bunkers the landing parties were re-embarked for another probe three miles further up the river. Heavy small arms fire was met as the planned landing area was neared. With 30 troops on board each craft the three "Swift" boats responded immediately by turning toward and beaching opposite the enemy positions. This surprise maneuver caused the Viet Cong to stand and run, followed closely by the RF/PFs. As the action moved up river PCFs 23 and 43 followed and again came under hostile fire. Again the enemy positions were charged with PCF 93 joining in the action. With the RF/PFs already ashore this time PCF crewmen went ashore in pursuit of the enemy. During this phase of the action one Viet Cong was killed and his still loaded rocket launcher captured. Total results of the day's action included 30 sampans, 15 structures, 7 bunkers, 12 tons of rice, 1 still and 50 gallons of liquor destroyed; 2 sewing machines, 6 individual weapons, one rocket launcher, small arms ammunition, enemy psyops material, a man, a woman and a child captured; and 10 Viet Cong killed (4 by PCFs and 6 by RF/PFs). There were no friendly casualties and the "Swift" boats received only minor damage.

- The Cua Lon River was the scene of a raid that encountered hostile fire on 12 March 1969. PCFs 23 and 94 took MSF troops up river, where they were landed without incident and began moving to the west. At the same time PCFs 43 and 51 stood by to provide cover. As the sweep progressed PCF 51 probed north of the Cai Nhap Canal and PCFs 23 and 94 probed up the Cai Ngai River. Following these probes light small arms fire was received from the beach and was immediately suppressed. The three Swifts then headed up the Cai Nhap Canal where two of three water mines detonated, one throwing up a 50-foot column of mud and water. Heavy enemy fire was taken from both canal banks and could not be suppressed. The PCFs cleared to the south and picked up the MSF unit. The enemy positions were taken under mortar and artillery fire and air support was called in. A group of 20 additional MSF were brought to the mouth of the Cua Lon from the USS Washtenaw County LST 1166 by LCVP. They were taken by PCFs 43 and 94 up river to where a sweep lasting one hour sighted nine Viet Cong and detained one female suspect. Other results included five structures, 14 sampans and a large junk destroyed. Three of the PCFs received minor damage and one crewman was slightly 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.

- PCF 23 was the only boat ever designated an "RPCF" (Riverine Patrol Craft Fast), and then only for a two week period, when ComNavForV, not to politely, told them to change the stern numbering back to the authorized designation.

- 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.

- Not long after the turn over and the renumbering of US Navy PCF 23 to RVN Navy PCF 3858 the following acident happened in Qui Nhon:

Of note: There is a second PCF on the extreme right side of the picture with three numbers visible on its stern, numerals "385", the last number is hidden behind a post ... but with what info there is it would have to be US Navy PCF 44 or 47.

- PCFs 23 thru 26 were delivered to DaNang, from Subic Bay, PI, onboard the USS Fort Marion LSD 22 on 13 February 1966 and then further transported to Cat Lo arriving on 23 February 1966.

- At 0600 on 11 December 1966, PCF 24 ran aground 55 miles southwest of Vung Tau in the mouth of the Co Chien River. Protection and assistance were requested and received from Coastal Group 35 units, PBRs and a helicopter fire team from Vinh Long. USCGC Point Slocum also arrived to assist. At 1200 PCF 24 was freed and was towed into the channel by Coastal Group 35 junks.

- From 1730 on 23 December 1967 until 0730 24 December, PCF 36 stood by and assisted a tug which was attempting to free three barges aground near Ilo Ilo Island. No enemy interference was encountered.
  On 31 December, PCF 25 suppressed enemy fire directed at a tug attempting to refloat a sunken barge near Ilo Ilo Island. There were no friendly casualties and enemy losses were unknown.

- On 3 March 1968 boat transferred from Cat Lo to DaNang

- On a Cua Dai River patrol, PCF 24 was firing on evading swimmers when it was hit by a 75mm recoilless rifle round at about 1830 on 21 March 1969. A second hit was received 30 seconds later, as the PCF was speeding up to clear the area. The hostile fire was returned by PCF 24 and PCF 99, which had been patrolling with the now damaged boat. PCF 24 ran aground, on a sandbar, where the fires were put out and damage evaluated. PCF 99 immediately ran through the ambush zone to assist the stricken craft, taking several small arms hits. It was soon discovered that the shallow water precluded a hand passed tow line. While under continuing small arms fire, a crewman from PCF 99 then swam a tow line to PCF 24, allowing the "Swift" boat to be pulled free. It was then then lashed the to port side of PCF 99, and together they transited, through the still active enemy firing positions towards CG 14, arriving some one hour later and with no casualties to either crew. Artillery and air strikes were placed on the enemy positions. Of note was the fact that all three evading enemy swimmers were all hit by .50 caliber fire and killed.

- On the afternoon of 19 April 1969, PCFs 24 and 79, on SEA TIGER patrols, were headed east about miles from the river mouth when they came under rocket and automatic weapons fire from the shore about 30 yards away. One 82mm recoilless rifle round penetrated the engine compartment of PCF 79 causing minor damage and both craft were hit by numerous small caliber rounds. Three navy men suffered minor wounds and one Viet Cong was killed by return fire from the patrol craft.

- On 3 July 1969, while on routine Market Time patrol, PCF 55 was directed to investigate a downed aircraft about 45 miles southeast of DaNang. The wreckage was located at the reported position and was identified as a UH-1H helicopter, tail number 17694. Divers on board the PCF were immediately sent over the side in an attempt to recover the bodies trapped in the wreckage. A floating body spotted by an Army Americal Division helo was recovered by the scuba divers along with one M-16 rifle, one M-60 machine gun and one survival kit. PCF 55 returned to Chu Lai with the bodies while PCF 24, which was ordered to the scene, towed the wreckage to a salvable position.

- On 21 August 1969 boat transferred from DaNang to Cat Lo.

- On 21 November 1969, PCFs 24, 25, 53 & 63 and Coastal Group 36 junks, inserted 100 troops from the Long Phu District in four positions on Cu Lao Dung Island, about 10 miles east of Soc Trang. Following the insertion the "Swift" boats acted as a blocking force. Two OV-10s provided overhead cover and took designated targets under fire resulting in five large secondary explosions. The PCF's destroyed five motorized sampans, and then troops destroyed one large weapons cache. There was one US sailor slightly wounded and enemy casualties are unknown.

- PCFs 23 thru 26 were delivered to DaNang, from Subic Bay, PI, onboard the USS Fort Marion LSD 22 on 13 February 1966 and then further transported to Cat Lo arriving on 23 February 1966.

- At 0915 on 2 December 1966, PCF 25 rescued ten persons and recovered one body after a junk had sunk 60 miles northeast of Vung Tau. Of the 22 persons who had been on board, 18 were rescued, one body was recovered and three were missing and presumed drowned. The survivors were taken to the Coastal Group 31 base.

- In August 1969, a ceramic gunshield was installed on mount 52 for evaluation. The disadvantages of restricting the movement of the .50 caliber mount, with the after pin removed, the restricted viewing area, due to the height of the shield, and the fact that it was a one shot item, that would have to be replaced after any damage, ruled out any further installations.

- On 11 September 1969, PCF 25 transferred from Cat Lo to Sea Float.

- On 21 November 1969, PCFs 24, 25, 53 & 63 and Coastal Group 36 junks, inserted 100 troops from the Long Phu District in four positions on Cu Lao Dung Island, about 10 miles east of Soc Trang. Following the insertion the "Swift" boats acted as a blocking force. Two OV-10s provided overhead cover and took designated targets under fire resulting in five large secondary explosions. The PCF's destroyed five motorized sampans, and then troops destroyed one large weapons cache. There was one US sailor slightly wounded and enemy casualties are unknown.

- PCF 25, while on normal Market Time patrol, on the night of 25 November 1969, sighted a small unlighted sampan about 10 miles north of Soc Trang. When the sampan was illuminated, three persons jumped over the side and were taken under fire. One US sailor fell overboard while throwing concussion grenades and was recovered after the strong current had carried him approximately 150 yards. The "Swift" boat recovered numerous documents, 100 rounds of AK-47 ammunition and several items of personal clothing before the sampan sank. The documents indicated that one of the VC killed was a doctor.

- In December 1969, the only Market Time craft receiving damages was PCF 28 when it received minor damage due to a B-40 rocket strike.

- PCFs 23 thru 26 were delivered to DaNang, from Subic Bay, PI, onboard the USS Fort Marion LSD 22 on 13 February 1966 and then further transported to Cat Lo arriving on 23 February 1966.e

- On the Dong Tranh River, in the Rung Sat Special Zone, PCF 26 ran into an intense ambush by .50 and .30 caliber machine gun fire on 26 March 1966. PCF 26 suppressed the attack with machine gun and mortar fire, but suffered two personnel wounded and light material damage.  Jackstaff Story

- On 24 June 1967, PCF 97 received automatic weapons fire off the Ganh Hao River, 45 miles northeast of Ca Mau Point, while investigating a suspicious junk. PCF 97 was able to suppress the fire without casualties. However, several hours later, PCF 97 again engaged enemy forces off the Ganh Hao River and intercepted an obvious infiltration.
  On 25 June, at 0500, PCF 97 again detected a suspicious sampan in the mouth of the Ganh Hao River and proceeded to investigate. Finding the enemy boat unoccupied, PCF 97 was preparing to get sector permission to take the suspicious vessel under fire when she was ambushed by two Viet Cong units hiding near the mouth of the river. A CHICOM 75mm recoilless rifleround tore a four foot hole in the bow of PCF 97 before her crew was able to suppress the enemy fire. The exploding shell injured two men, including serious injury to the the officer in charge, stationed in the pilot house. The PCF flooded rapidly as it turned seaward in order to concentrate efforts on the damaged area. However, all attempts to arrest the flooding failed and she sank in 35 feet of water. PCF 26 was quick to respond to PCF 97's distress and sucessfully rescued all hands shortly after they had abandoned the sinking boat. The injured officer was medevaced, and planning for the salvage operation of PCF 97 got underway.
   Later on that same day, in two separate incidents, gunfire from PCFs 26 and 98 coordinated by spotter aircraft struck the Viet Cong shore positions which had attacked PCF 97. The aircraft subsequently reported that the gunfire killed 12 Viet Cong, and destroyed several bunkers and sampans. There were no US casualties.
   Salvage operations began the next day. Team 5 of Harbor Clearance Unit 1 was dispatched to the scene from Vung Tau. However, the team's light lift craft was unable to raise the PCF clear of the water. The team then stripped the sunken boat of all removable equipment, and remained on the scene to await the arrival of the SEVENTH Fleet's USS Oak Hill LSD 7, which had a crane capable of lifting the PCF.
   On 2 July, Team 5, together with PCF 95 and the USS Oak Hill LSD 7, hooked up the sunken craft to Oak Hill's 35-ton crane. The PCF 97 was then lifted clear of the surface, dewatered, and lowered into the LSD's well-deck. Seven hours after the recovery operation had begun, PCF 97 was on its way to Subic Bay, PI for repairs.
   The repaired and completely refurbished PCF 97 was returned to service at Cam Ranh Bay on 29 December 1967.

- On 1 August 1968, PCF 26 commenced an 8 week in-country overhaul at the Naval Support Facility, Cam Ranh Bay, RVN. This was the first PCF to participate in this new program.

- On 21 April 1968 boat transferred from Cat Lo to DaNang.

- On 17 January 1968, PCF 27 was called upon to search for a helicopter which had reportedly crashed approximately 11 miles north-northeast of DaNang. Slightly more than an hour after commencing the search the Swift boat sighted a light on the beach. A nearby Marine unit was directed to the scene and found two survivors out of a crew of four. PCF 27 continued to provide illumination for the search until relieved by PCF 16. PCF 16 was joined by the USS Fortify MSO 446 and the two units continued the search with negative results, although some debris and an oil slick were found.

- On the morning of 31 July 1969, PCFs, with RF troops embarked, conducted a sweep west of the Kinh Ba Kheo, about 18 miles northwest of New Nam Can. When the "Swift" boats neared the insertion point, they were ambushed by an estimated two squads of VC. PCF 27 received two B-40 rocket hits, causing only minor damage and no personnel casualties. The fire was quickly suppressed by the PCF's and Seawolf fire team. In addition, the "Swift" boats and Seawolves placed suppressive fire in the area. After sweeping only 100 meters inland and ,500 meters along the canal's east bank, the remainder of the mission was cancelled; the troops re-embarked, and the "Swifts" exited via the Song Ong Doc without further incident.

- At 0245 on 23 July 1968, movement along the beach was observed, in an area known for Viet Cong Activity, by PCF 28 at a position approximately one mile up stream from the Bo De river east of Tan My. PCF 28 was soon joined by PCF 95 and the two craft each fired ten 81mm mortar rounds into the area. Both banks were then taken under .50 caliber machine-gun fire as the Swift boats turned and headed for open seas. At this time, approximately 0315, heavy automatic weapons and recoilless rifle fire was received from both banks of the river. The officer in charge of PCF 28 was severely wounded in the action. The two patrol craft each received minor damage. PCF 95 resumed normal patrol duties and PCF 28 rendezvoused with the support LST for evacuation of the wounded officer. The OinC of PCF 28 had received shrapnel wounds to the head.

- 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.

- PCF 28 repelled two enemy attacks on Ham Luong River outposts, 31 January and 1 February 1969.  Navy News Release

- 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 7 September 1969, PCFs 17 and 28 inserted PRU, National Police Field Forces, and PF forces about 40 miles southeast of Can Tho, on the Bassac River. The "Swift" boats then withdrew to provide a blocking force and gunfire support. The ground forces, led by Hoi Chanhs, found an abandoned VC prison camp. Sweeping to the west, another POW camp was found and six prisoners were liberated. The troops were then extracted, and on the return trip, PCF 17 conducted a psyops mission. The ground forces killed two VC and captured 15 pounds of documents. As a result of the psyops broadcast, two Hoi Chanhs rallied to the "Swift" boats. There were no friendly casualties.

- While exiting a small canal, 9 December 1969, in company with PCF 64, PCF 28 received a B-40 near miss, that wounded three (3) crewmen.

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

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