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Record 35 Name: ROY NUNEZ Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: LOS ANGELES Time: 1998-05-16 04:27:00 Comments:
1966 I SERVED ON THE HOVERCRAFTS, COASTAL SQUADRON ONE, PACV DIVISION 107. UNIT CONSISTED OF THREE HOVERCRAFTS AND WERE BASED OUT OF CAT LO. PACV'S PARTICIPATED IN BOTH MARKET TIME AND GAME WARDEN PARTOLS. DURING NOV/DEC 1966, PACV'S OPERATED IN THE PLAIN OF REED WITH ARMY SPECIAL FORCES. THE UNIT LEFT VIETNAM CHRISTMAS EVE 1966 AND RETURNED TO CORONADO. UNIT DISBANDED JUNE 1967.
Record 46 Name: Joe Coyne Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Byron,GA (Cahokia Il) Time: 1998-06-06 04:55:16 Comments:
Great Web Page. I was In-country July66 to Dec67. I rode PBR's out of Cat Lo for abuot 3 months. After Roy Castleberry another ET that I also went to 'A'school with got killed, the Navy pulled all ETs of the boats. I got sent to COMNAVFORV headquaters in Saigon. Worked out of the ET/RM shop. Spent a lot of time TAD to bases and ships in the Delta and Nhe Be working on radars. I'd like to hear from George Crouch, Jimmy Harmon, or anyone else that I might have served with.
Record 66 Name: Don Herr Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Long Beach, CA Time: 1998-07-30 04:08:46 Comments:
Served aboard U.S.S. Tutuila ARG-4, An Thoi and Vung Tau, Vietnam 1966 /1967. Anyone remembers the Tutuila?
Record 118 Name: Dave Wallace Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: Atlanta, GA Time: 1998-11-11 23:59:08 Comments:
OinC PCFs 32 & 65 out of Cat Lo and Sa Dec in 1969-70. Water-skiied the Bassac!
Record 111 Name: Tom C. Dailey Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In From: Denver, Colorado - drier here! Time: 1998-10-24 17:33:02 Comments:
...stuck on Guam, MI, for most of 67-69. TAD into VungTau commcenter, but back to "duva". guess I was lucky, though did'nt feel like it. Our ship went up river in 1962! (of course WE were'nt there, you know). My buddy Tom Lefavour ET3 there, and got a VVA buddy in Denver (Frank Riddle EM I think) who was on swifts. Watch those bights, sailor! "Barlady, another 33 please!" Tom
Record 120 Name: G.E.Langworthy Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In From: Upstate New York Time: 1998-11-15 22:46:14 Comments:
In country 9/29/70 to 9/29/71. After turnover in Cat Lo rode Swifts with Costal Flotilla V (advisor). Spent most of the year at Solid Anchor (Nam Can).
Record 125 Name: Tim Hetz Website: Lee County (Florida) Sheriff's Office Referred by: Just Surfed On In From: Cincinnati, Ohio Time: 1998-11-27 10:02:20 Comments:
Served as radioman at NSA Det Cat Lo, RVN, 1967-68. Would like to hear from anyone else who served there.
Record 129 Name: Dean Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In From: Alabama,but now in Bolivia Time: 1998-12-09 12:59:46 Comments:
I was a plank owner AO2 with VAL-4. Stationed in Vung Tau and Bien Tui. Was with the original group in Vung Tau and left in May 70. Flew back seat every once and a while in the "Black Ponies"and had the forward machine gun position at the end of our position near the fuel bladders.Lt.Com. Butterfield was our commanderand Warren officer Mason. Remember the big sign we had "Go Navy,beat Army".I am a missionary now in Bolivia and my kids think about Vietnam like we thought about the First World War.
Record 145 Name: Mike Gregory (RMSN) Website: Referred by: Net Search From: Indianapolis, Indiana Time: 1999-01-11 18:06:02 Comments:
Was attached to YRBM 16 from July of 1970 through her being towed out to Guam for re-fit, and then the 20 through her being towed to Vung Tau Harbor in May of 71. Would like to renew aquaintances with anyone having served during this period. especially the old radio or ops gang. Any one remember the animals? Jane?, Bud?, George?, Jato? OIC?
Record 158 Name: BM2 Virgil Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In From: Time: 1999-02-13 23:02:32 Comments:
Aboard the YRBM20 Apr,May,June 1970. Advisor to the RVN Boats going to Cambodia. Thanks for all your help you guy's were great, I thing you felt sorry for me. Would love to hear from other advisors from CosFlot3 out of CatLo, swifts,pbr's and wpb's. Did any of you ship over?
Record 175 Name: Everette 'Yogie'Hebert Website: Patrol Boat River of Section 533 Referred by: Lycos From: Houma,LA. 60 miles south New Orleans Time: 1999-03-11 23:47:43 Comments:
Kent , you have a very impressive web site. It's very professionally done and informative. I was "InCountry"
9/66-9/67. I started out in CatLo waiting for the our PBRs to arrive, patroled with the 542 sectiion there. We
assembled 532 and they left for MyTho. I stayed behind and started 533. We got our boats and we moved
to NahBe, which was being built at the time (we lived in tents like on M.A.S.H.). After a 7 month stay there
we moved to an LST for the remainder of my tour. The section (533) Finally moved to MyTho, But was at
Vin Long for TET 68.I never had the pleasure of a YRBM but it had to be as good as an LST without A/C.
Again Good site, ~Yogie EN3, Membership Chairman of PBRFVA (pbr-fva.org)
Record 195 Name: Bill Hart Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: Ottumwa, Iowa Time: 1999-04-12 04:11:20 Comments:
Thanks Kent, you have really put together a fine page. Lot of work here. Brought back some memories and tears too. I served at Cat Lo and Nha Be. RD 541 Feb 96 to July 97. One of the first boats in service. It is really great to see so many of the "Brown Water Navy" shipmates responding. I lost all my pictures in a bad divorce 20 years ago. Now I can down load these for an album. Not exactly the same, but they will do. Thanks again Bill Hart EMC, USN, RET
Record 200 Name: GM. JOSEPH GREER Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In From: COAL CENTER PENNA. Time: 1999-04-27 18:45:13 Comments:
REALLY GREAT SITE KENT, I VISIT OFTEN TO SEE IF ANY SHIPMATES HAVE CHECKED IN, THAT WERE THERE IN 71. I WAS STATIONED ABOARD THE YRBM-20 IN 71. UNTILL THE 20 WAS TAKEN OFF THE RIVER, AND I RECIEVED ORDERS TO AN AMMO DUMP IN VUNG TAU .. WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM PERSONS THAT WERE THERE DURING THAT PERIOD,LOOKING FOR MONTE GLUCK OR ALBERT FINNEY. KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK, KENT...
Record 202 Name: Ric SINCLAIR Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In From: Perth,Western Australia,Australia. Time: 1999-05-06 12:48:13 Comments:
I have just come online with tne Internet and found your website by chance.I have spent a number of hours so far going over your website and have had a lot of enjoyment going over your stories & photos. It brings back a lot of memories for me as I was in Vietnam in 1969 where I served with the Royal Australian Engineers on board AV1356 Clive Steele as a gunner behind an M60.The Clive Steele was a WW2 LSM,commonly known as the "Jolly Green Giant". Most of our time was spent down the Mekong delivering 105 shells to your fire support bases like Cantho,Catlo.I have quite a number of slides of your boats taken around that region and some years ago purchased a book "The Brown Water Navy" by Col.Victor Croizat which I have read a number of times.Feel free to contact me ,keep up the good work mate.
Record203 Name: MATTY VENEZIANO Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In From: BELLINGHAM , MA. Time: 1999-05-07 04:25:31 Comments:
GREAT SITE KENT YOU MUST HAVE AS MANY HOURS SETTING THIS UP
AS YOU DID IN COUNTRY.IT WAS GREAT TO HEAR SOME OF THE OLD NAMES AGAIN, THE 16- 20- 21 WE MOOCHED MORE THAN ONE GOOD MEAL OFF YOU GUYS,GREAT LOBSTER TAILS. I THINK THE 16 IS STILL IN THE NAM, THE ASKARI ARL 30 IS GONE TO INDONESIA, THE TUTULIA ARG 4 WENT TO CHINA, WASHOE CTY 1165 IS IN PERU, AKL MARK IN CHINA, HUNTERDON CTY 838 IN MALAYSIA AND THE HARNETT CTY IS IN SUBIC BAY. I WAS ON THE YTB 785 NAS NHA BE 70-71 I THINK WE TOWED YOU GUYS TO VUNG TAU END OF 70 HAVE PICS SETTING UP THE TOW LINES AND 50 GUYS HANGING OFF THE RAILINGS GOOD MEMORIES.
I TRIED TO GET THE PICS OUT OF THE ALBUM BUT THERE STUCK PRETTY GOOD I GUESS 30 YEARS HAS TAKEN ITS TOLL ON MORE THAN A FEW MINDS. I'LL WORK ON THEM, ALSO ANY INFO ON OTHER SITES TO FIND LOST SHIPMATES.
ANYBODY STILL KICKING OUT THERE BMC FALARDEAU R.L., SNIPE,
BM1 CALLAHAN, BM2 SANDERS, EM2 BROWN, WADSWORTH, MAUTINO, WEBBER, BAKER, SMITTY, SWARTZ. THANKS AGAIN YOU DID A GREAT JOB WILL CHECK BACK AGAIN.
Record 231 Name: Bob Olson Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In From: Borger, Texas , Tulsa, Oklahoma Time: 1999-07-07 19:13:39 Comments:
USS Enterprise 1966-1967
CSC Vung Tau 1968
Advisory Team 62, Saigon 1969-1970
Record 208 Name: Robert (Bob) Byram, rdsn Website: Referred by: Viewing another Guestbook From: Spring Creek ,Nv. Time: 1999-05-12 15:15:26 Comments:
I was on various "Swifts" fm Sept. 69-70 at CatLo/Sadec
The comraderie was tremendous in the Brown Water Navy,
and I remember almost everyone I served with. I feel a
particular sadness for those not as fortunate (in country)
as I. I feel that same sadness for those that did not re-
cover back here, in what we called "THE WORLD."
Record 261 Name: Alfred E Kennon Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In From: Farmington Missouri Time: 1999-08-25 21:44:47 Comments:
Was on board the USS JOHN R CRAIG DD 885 in1969 then went to camp tin shal da dang then went to cat lo as advisor to vietnam navy then don tham then to USS ASKARI ARL 30 last duty station in cam mau
Record 266 Name: Dick Allen Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In From: Alameda,ca Time: 1999-09-06 19:22:11 Comments:
Was on Swifts, first out of An Thoi, then Cat Lo. Was at Cat Lo when PBRs came in country. We were glad to see them as it meant no more bottom scraping for us
Record 271 Name: Richard P Turner Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: middletown Rhode Island Time: 1999-09-13 03:44:59 Comments:
Kent great web page i graduated from niotc class mrf 56 i served in country on tango 152 13 from May
1968 to July 1969 operated off Uss Benewa and Mercer Apl 26 And Apl 30 in mekong delta cantho
Vung tau Mytho Dongtam twin rivers cross road snoopys nose the where we got feet wet training for battle
i am 57 years old retired from the navy in march of 1984 at newport ri work for the naval station now been
there 16 years presently working for a navy bmc my rate we know our shit i operate his boats for oil boom
ops for the coast guard ships do painting keep his pier looking good he call me his main man i have a
purple heart from the u minh forest we got our ass kicked a lot of action down in delta i am not married
messed up from ptsd under treatment by va uin providence ri rate at 30% that chief i work for saw his
dad a va hospital in jersy when he was 6 years old his dad later died for amnesia from vietnam talk again
richard p turner bm1 (sw)
usn retired
Record 278 Name: David Ajax Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In From: Washington State / Colorado Time: 1999-10-07 20:11:46 Comments:
Served with PBR River Divisions 531 & 533 in My Tho 67-68, came back in-country with Swift Boats Coastal Division 13 Cat Lo/Sa Dec 69-70. Viewing all of the web sites bring back many memories .
Record310 Name: David Ajax Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In From: Westminster, Co. by way of Bremerton, Wa. Time: 1999-12-22 01:18:31 Comments:
Served with RivDiv 531 & RivDiv 533 in My Tho from July 67 until July 68, then came back for more with Coastal Division
13 69-70 in Cat Lo and Sa Dec. Looking for fellow Vets. Great Page, Kent.
Record 319 Name: Mike Burden Website: Referred by: Viewing another Guestbook From: Saginaw, Michigan Time: 2000-01-09 06:47:34 Comments:
I was a FN aboard the USS Monmouth CTY. between Oct 1969 - June 1970 (you have a picture of me aboard
LST 1032 leaning over the railing, passing a JP5 fuel line to your YRBM - 20}. This picture must have been taken
around Jan. '70 because I can remember being on the fantail shortly after super and one of your mess cooks
dumped a can of trash & garbage off your stern and about 4 to 5 local civilians dugout boats, with make shift
nets, started scooping this junk up. We had to use the high pressure fire hoses to keep them away from the ships
because it was during the Tet offence and we were under orders not to dicharge our weapons unless we were fired
upon. We were attached to COMLANSHIPRONTWO (command landing ship squadron two) and based out of
Vung Tau at AB&T (Alaska barrage & transport) compound where we would beach the ship, open the bow doors,
lower the tank ramp, & take on supplies.I hope to see more pictures, since I did not take any during my tour (I
could not imagine anyone ever wanting to remember those days) and for that I am sorry. Would like to hear from
my shipmates (it's been so long - can't even remember the names :-{ ). God Bless the USN!!!!!
Record 335 Name: Mel Neef Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In From: Harpers Ferry, WV Time: 2000-02-05 03:52:15 Comments:
I was at Cat Lo from May '69 to Dec '70. Worked as an engineman on the pier crew working on PCFs. I also ran the Mike-8 (LCM8 740) out of Cat Lo to Saigon, Nha Be, Rung Sat Zone etc.
Record 371 I really enjoyed all those photos of Brown Water ships and boats. I was also stationed on the USS Caliente (AO-53) which operated off the coast of Viet Nam refueling carriers and destroyers. The Caliente also escorted several minesweepers back to Hawaii after they swept Hanoi Harbor. Thanks for doing such a great job on your web site.
Dennis Murphy
Dennis Murphy <smurphofpa[ at ]aol.com>
Unit/Ship= USS Mark (AKL-12), - YRS= 70-71 - base/location= Cat Lo, RVN - Friday, March 24, 2000 at 17:18:25 (PST)
Record 383
Just like to say hope everyone who was over there is doing fine. if you remember me e-mail me. even if you don't send
me something.
richard foster <wingnuts[ at ]csj.net>
UNIT/SHIP= PBR27, - YRS= one - BASE/location= cat lo nhe bey FROM= 66-67, ILL. - Wednesday, April 12, 2000 at 14:53:39 (PDT)
Record 384 Was an RDSN/RD3 incountry 69/70, detached to SEAFLOAT in late 69/early 70. Had a bunch of pictures that were unfortunaley stolen with the camera (back in the states), so am enjoying these pictures, brings back a bunch of memories, even some good ones.
Brian Hupper <brian.hupper[ at ]hanscom.af.mil>
UNIT/SHIP= SEAFLOAT/ IUWG-1, - YRS= 69-70 - BASE/location= SEAFLOAT & Vung Tau FROM= Merrimack, NH REFFERED By= WEBFERRET - Thursday, April 13, 2000 at 04:16:05 (PDT)
Record 397 I served on USS MARK (AKL-12) from October 1970 until she was decommissioned on July 1, 1971, in Taiwan. I have just recently started searching for my shipmates through the Mobile Riverine Force Association web site (WWW.MRFA.ORG).
Stan LAMBERT (YN2) <stanlambert[ at ]prodigy.net>
UNIT/SHIP= USS MARK (AKL-12), - YRS= 70-71 - BASE/location= Cat Lo, RVN FROM= St. Clair Shores, MI - Wednesday, April 26, 2000 at 07:44:02 (PDT)
Record 419 Great site. Appreciate the pictures. Brings back a lot of
old memories. Looking for some of the original crews of
River Section 532 who formed up in Cat Lo and put the boats
together and moved to My Tho. Enjoyed browsing. Thanks again.
Doug Lott in Utah.
Douglas L. Lott <lottdl[ at ]aol.com>
UNIT/SHIP= River Section 532, - YRS= 1966 - BASE/location= My Tho FROM= Layton, UT - Tuesday, June 27, 2000 at 12:27:35 (PDT)
Record 425 Looking for crew, and friends
James L. Boyd <safetyjimb[ at ]aol.com>
UNIT/SHIP= PBR 44, - YRS= 66-67 - BASE/location= Cat-Lo FROM= Houston, Tx - Saturday, July 08, 2000 at 11:06:05 (PDT)
Record 473 Thanks for the memories....kind of tried to forget, but it never goes away...many bad and beautiful times and many, many wonderful shipmates...
Gene Heintz <genezh[ at ]earthlink.net>
UNIT/SHIP= PCF Div 101 [ at ] 102, - YRS= 65-66 - BASE/location= Cat Lo [ at ] An Thoi FROM= Phoeniz, Az - Saturday, September 23, 2000 at 15:43:37 (PDT)
Record 481 Great Site.
James Hodges <jrhodges_qmc[ at ]yahoo,com>
UNIT/SHIP= cosdiv 13, - YRS= 68-69 - BASE/location= cat lo FROM= Eldorado, Tx REFFERED By= bowing - Wednesday, October 04, 2000 at 12:10:29 (PDT)
Record 485 Arrived in country back end of Tet at Siagon.
Myself and seamen Harry Creamer were put on a 30 cal. mg
on the roof.
Prior attachment to Sealords, we lost Pochell and McDermott.
Started with Sealords Oct 68 and stay with it until Feb 69
when I got my freedom bird.
Former crew Ltjg Jim Will (OIC), RDSN Jack Cook, GM2 Herman
Lavinghouse ( from LA and still looking for him), QM2 Raul
Najera, EN2 Odell Young.
Prently serving as an officer of Swift Boat Sailors Association.
Will be in San Diego on November 11th, 2000 to dedicate the All Unit Navy Memorial, PCF-104, a PBR and CCB.
Tommy Trees Forrest
Thomas G. Forrest <Tmytrees[ at ]concentric.net>
UNIT/SHIP= PCF 28, 98 & 102, - YRS= 68 - 69 - BASE/location= Cat Lo FROM= Detroit, MI REFFERED By= Brousing - Saturday, October 07, 2000 at 14:36:55 (PDT)
Record 486 Enjoyed your site.Spent a lot of time around Vung Tau and south of there. Keep up the good work-never forget...
John L. Warren <airsnoopy[ at ]home.com>
UNIT/SHIP= USS Oxford AGTR-1, - YRS= 68-69 - BASE/location= Vung Tau FROM= Knoxville, TN - Sunday, October 08, 2000 at 07:55:39 (PDT)
Record 500 Great Site. Hope to see alot of guys at reunion in San Diego.
David Ajax <dpajax[ at ]USWEST.net>
UNIT/SHIP= RD 533 / Cos Div 13, - YRS= 67-70 - BASE/location= myTho/Cat Lo/Sa Dec FROM= Westminster, Co REFFERED By= PBR-FVA Links Page - Tuesday, October 31, 2000 at 17:45:45 (PST)
Record 509 I was SK2 from Mar of 69 to Feb of 70. I have pictures of the Monmouth County. If any one wants a copy of them send me a E-Mail.
Gary Bales <gbales[ at ]erinet.com>
UNIT/SHIP= Monmouth County LST-1032, - YRS= 1 - BASE/location= Vung Tau FROM= Middletown, Ohio - Monday, November 20, 2000 at 11:33:19 (PST)
Record 513 Excellent site, more pictures are needed, I have some to send in.
Paul H. Beebe <phbeebe[ at ]earthlink.net>
UNIT/SHIP= USS Tacoma (PG-92), - YRS= 71-72 - BASE/location= Guam, CamRanh, VungTau FROM= Wesley Chapel, FL REFFERED By= Joe Patton - Monday, November 27, 2000 at 08:31:59 (PST)
Record 524 I was on an LSD, but I spent most of my time on a gunboat. Great site. Dan
Dan McGowan <bear10[ at ]aol.com>
UNIT/SHIP= USS Asheville PG-84, - YRS= 68-72 - BASE/location= Cam Rahn Bay/Vung Tau FROM= Taunton, MA REFFERED By= Just surfed on to it - Friday, December 08, 2000 at 23:41:43 (PST)
Record 541 Served on the Pitkin County from 7-67 to 9-68 and the USS Tutuila ARG-4 from 6-69 to 6-70. Went everywhere on the Pitkin from Cua Viet down to Vung Tau and up the rivers. Stationed on the Tutuila at An Thoi and Vung Tau. Was a shipfitter on both ships. Would like to hear from and share the brown water experience with other LST sailors or mates from the Toot.
Great Web Site! Keep up the great job and as Bob Hope would say, "thanks for the memories"!
Steve Holden <smholden[ at ]plix.com>
UNIT/SHIP= Pitkin County LST1082, - YRS= 67-68 - BASE/location= Guam, M.I. FROM= Colville, Wa - Sunday, December 24, 2000 at 21:01:32 (PST)
Record 543 Hey there! Did my Navy time in Okinawa '63-'67. Worked for AB&T on Tugs Michael and Cayuse in Danang and Vung Tau off/on 1968-1972. Had many USN buddies in both locations. Looing at the river maps is a trip back in time (although I think of that life quite often). I just wanted to say hello to all of you guys and just remember that you were a part of history and that those days are never to be repeated in your lifetime. For better or worse, one hell of a time! Good luck to all.
Roger Manley <bsmff[ at ]hotmail.com>
UNIT/SHIP= Ab&T Tug Michael-Cayuse, - YRS= '68-'72 - BASE/location= Vung Tau-Danang FROM= Los Angeles, Ca REFFERED By= Surfed on while researching AB&T - Thursday, December 28, 2000 at 19:05:05 (PST)
Record 552 Good Site. Just browsing and came upon it. I came in country at the first of Jun 68. Fighting was still going on in Cholon. Lived in the Ky Son Annex just off Tran Hung Dao St. near the Metropole. Assigned to the VN Naval Shipyard relieving EMC James Cook. Outside of a few rocket and mortar attacks it was a good year. If I lived in the boonies, I might have other thoughts on the subject. Flew down to Vung Tau for a week and numerous trips to Long Binh, Ben Hoa and Nha Be. Several of us would cruise down the Saigon River on newly built Yabuta Junks,making sure they worked. The first time I saw VN was in Jan/Feb from the Deck of USS O'Bannon (DD-450). In 1970 while aboard the Fleet tug "Moctobi" we towed a YTB from Subic to Vung Tau, and then towed a Water barge from Danang to Subic. In 75 I was aboard HB Wilson (DDG-7) off Vung Tau for the evacuations and also under fire from the NVA (No Hits!). 15 May saw us off Koh Tang Is., Cambodia, (Mayaguez), picking Air Force and Marines out of the water, after their Helo had been shot down. Spent the rest of the day giving gunfire support to the Marines trying to get off the Island. The next day loaded with about a hundred Marines, we headed for Subic Bay. The last time I saw Vietnam was in 99 flying from Malaysia to Hong Kong. You have a great site here. I have written a book for my daughters, about my Navy career, with my one year in country, being the longest chapter.
Jack W Miller EMC USN (ret) <moc105[ at ]hotmail.com>
UNIT/SHIP= NAG Saigon,VN Shipyard, - YRS= 68-69 FROM= San Diego, CA - Friday, January 05, 2001 at 08:20:08 (PST)
Record 556
I am trying to find people who were on Swift boats in
the Cau Mau area 69-70, especially the Mark 3 boats. 3 We were based at Cat Lo for awhile.
James E Morgan <JMORGAN12,rye5239>
UNIT/SHIP= COSDIV16, - YRS= 69-70 - BASE/location= SEAFLOAT FROM= Holly Hill, FL. - Saturday, January 13, 2001 at 17:31:20 (PST)
Record 558 Awsome website. We ran the rivers alot hauling supplies
to you guys. From getting mined in Vung Tau (it didnt go
off) to having fire onboard in Cambodia, It made for
a lot of exciting times. The words I hated most were
"Your can't return fire, That's a friendly village".
Friendly my butt!!
Bill Posson <bposs[ at ]phillipsburg.net>
UNIT/SHIP= USS Hampshire County LST 819, - YRS= 69/70 - BASE/location= Mekong/Bassac Rivers FROM= Stuttgart, KS - Wednesday, January 17, 2001 at 15:47:45 (PST)
Record 585 I was on the USS Hampshire County LST819 and was in-country during summers of 68-69. It would be great to hear from old shipmates.
Larry Roszkowiak (RM3) <lroszkowiak[ at ]its.ucsf.edu>
UNIT/SHIP= USS Hampshire County LST-819, - YRS= 1968-69 - BASE/location= Vung Tau - Friday, February 09, 2001 at 15:08:37 (PST)
Record 593 looking for old buddies keith brackett william wilbanks and mac miller
charles e.rowe <rowboat69[ at ]alltel.net>
UNIT/SHIP= cat lo repair div et shop, - YRS= 68-69 - BASE/location= cat lo rvn FROM= 4/68 4/69, ohio REFFERED By= friends on iwon.com keno - Tuesday, February 20, 2001 at 01:04:45 (PST)
Record 610 Served aboard PCF-35 out of Cat Lo at the begining of 1969 unitl our boat and a few others were transfered to Coastal Division 11 operating off of APL-21.
It was interesting to see pictures of my boat docked at Operation Seafloat.
Gary "Carpie" Carpenter <biggare29[ at ]yahoo.com>
UNIT/SHIP= PCF-35, - YRS= 1969-1970 - BASE/location= CosDiv 13 then CosDiv 11 FROM= La Puente, CA - Sunday, March 18, 2001 at 13:05:59 (PST) Record 611 I remember being anchored near the Tutuilla and going up above Vung Tau and up the Co Chien and the Ham Luong Rivers for fire support missions as well as H&I fire. Looking for any other shipmates from any of the "Rocket Rainmakers" ships. The Carronade, White River LSMR536, St. Francis River LSMR525 and the Clarion River LSMR409. I was a GMGSN aboard the Carronade from Dec 1965 to Aug 1968. Either look up my Carronade webpage or me directly at my email addy. Thank God we made it back...Bernie
Bernard Howlett GMGSN <Husky5[ at ]webtv.net>
UNIT/SHIP= USS Carronade IFS1 , - YRS= 1965-1968 REFFERED By= surfing by - Sunday, March 18, 2001 at 16:59:22 (PST) Record 613 was looking for a freind i had in catlo and used copernic and found this site, its beautiful. anybody still alive and can remember those years please email me.
charles hertzog <zog2916[ at ]hotmail.com>
UNIT/SHIP= navsupport catlo vietnam, - YRS= 65-66 - BASE/location= catlo vungtau vietnam FROM= annville , pa REFFERED By= just got lucky - Monday, March 19, 2001 at 19:52:40 (PST) Record 617 Great page....Lots of memories, lots of history...
Tom Sellers <tom.sellers[ at ]gsa.gov>
UNIT/SHIP= USS OXFORD (AGTR-1)/IUWG-1 WPD Unit 2 HECP, - YRS= 67-70 - BASE/location= An Thoi, Cahm Rahn, Vung Ro FROM= Manassas, VA REFFERED By= Just surfed in.... - Monday, March 26, 2001 at 10:50:42 (PST) Record 625 Volunteered for PBRs but they assigned me to a desk.
Visited Nha Be frequently, also Vung Tau, Cat Lo -- and lots of nights in Saigon bars.
Ron Farmer <farmer147[ at ]hotmail.com>
UNIT/SHIP= Naval Advisory Group , - YRS= 70-71 - BASE/location= Vietnamese Naval HQ, Saigon FROM= Johnston City, IL REFFERED By= (search) - Tuesday, April 03, 2001 at 10:02:44 (PDT)
Guest Record 634 Was on the Iredell County LST 839 in 69 and 70. Delivered supplies to the Flotilias and bases on the Mekong Delta.
We were on a sand bar for 10 days after making a river run.
NAME = Robert E Dunbar <EMAIL = Robert _Dunbar[ at ]msn.com> UNITs SHIPs BOATs = Iredell County 839 BASEs or LOCATIONS= Vung Tau YEARs in VIETNAM = 69-70 FROM WHERE = Bolivar, NY
- Sunday, April 15, 2001 at 17:39:22 (PDT)
Guest Record 635 Served on the Iredell County supplying Flotilias and bases
on the Mekong Delta. The Ship was on a sand bar for 10 after making a river run.
NAME = Robert E Dunbar <EMAIL = Robert _Dunbar[ at ]msn.com> UNITs SHIPs BOATs = Iredell County 839 BASEs or LOCATIONS= Vung Tau YEARs in VIETNAM = 69-70 FROM WHERE = Bolivar, NY
- Sunday, April 15, 2001 at 17:35:32 (PDT)
Guest Record 637 Looking for anyone who served with my husband George Edward Burtchell. Two tours in Vietnam 66/68
Only information I have was written on his cartridge case,
152nd Mobile Riverine Force=Anloc=Bein Ho=PBR 105.
"To my brothers who never left Country,I'll always love you"
***********************************************************
I also have his black beret,pin with river assault flotilla 1 & River rat patches. George died of a sudden heart attack on 4/1/00. Photos,Veterans links and his memorial can be seen on my website. Thanks and may God Bless all of you for a job well done! Rosemarie
LILITALY--> http://lilitaly.homestead.com/
NAME = Rosemarie Burtchell (for my husband George) WEB SITE = http://lilitaly.homestead.com
<EMAIL = lpn412rb[ at ]usit.net> UNITs SHIPs BOATs = USS Rowan/ USS TTutuila/ 152nd MRF/ PBR 105 BASEs or LOCATIONS= Anloc/Bein Hoa/Cat Lo/Vung Tau YEARs in VIETNAM = 66/68 FROM WHERE = Brooklyn N.Y to, TN REFFERED By = surfed on
- Wednesday, April 18, 2001 at 21:14:53 (PDT)
Guest Record 649 After training at coronado for Naval Advisory Group went all overthe place doing everything except NAG stuff. Worked on new galley at Nha Be, worked some at Cat Lai, Vung Tau, and at Warehouse Six outside of Saigon. Lived at the Walling Hotel for a while. Really enjoyed the website.
NAME = john craig UNITs SHIPs BOATs = Naval Advisory Group BASEs or LOCATIONS= Saigon/Warehouse six, Nha Be, Cat Lai YEARs in VIETNAM = 71/72 FROM WHERE = Largo, FL
- Wednesday, April 25, 2001 at 20:38:09 (PDT)
Guest Record 663 Looking for Fritz Von Stife's email address. can anyone help? He was also a radioamn on board the USS Indra.
I was the resident Teletype Repairman and repaired the machines not only on our ship but one or two ships in Vung Tau.
NAME = Jerry Lentsch RM2 <EMAIL = jlentsch[ at ]msn.com> UNITs SHIPs BOATs = USS Indra ARL-37 BASEs or LOCATIONS= Cat Lo YEARs in VIETNAM = 68-69 FROM WHERE = St. Paul, MN
- Saturday, May 12, 2001 at 20:38:56 (PDT)
Guest Record 668 the 329th supported the marines in eye corp, and was based in danang harbor near camp tien sha. we later moved down the coast to vung tau and supported the army at dong tam and throughout the delta. always envied you PBR guy's. great job on the site!
NAME = David Faulkner <EMAIL = dafturbo[ at ]excite.com> UNITs SHIPs BOATs = 329th Trans. Co. (Hvy Bt) LCU 1575 BASEs or LOCATIONS= Danang, Vung Tau, Can Tho YEARs in VIETNAM = 1968 FROM WHERE = San Diego, CA REFFERED By = Tonkin Gulf Yacht Club
- Monday, May 14, 2001 at 15:24:54 (PDT)
Guest Record 672 Minesweepers in Runsat and Marketime. Then Swifts in the Delta, Ha Tien, Nam Can, and Cambodia. Thanks guys. I'm sorry it didn't break our way.
NAME = John O'Neill <EMAIL = oneilljohn[ at ]copn.com> UNITs SHIPs BOATs = Pcf's Ha Tien, Seafloat, Cosdivs 11 & 13, USS Woodpecker MSC 209 BASEs or LOCATIONS= Anthoi, HaTien, Seafloat, Vung Tau, Runsat YEARs in VIETNAM = 67-70 FROM WHERE = Houston, Tx
- Wednesday, May 23, 2001 at 10:22:18 (PDT)
Guest Record 698 I was stationed at Vung Tau on the USS Tanner AGS 15. We were at the mouth of the Mekong River. We surveyed the river. I was on watch when the Esso tanker went up.
NAME = Jim Brockman RM3 <EMAIL = Brockman[ at ]peoplepc.com> UNITs SHIPs BOATs = USS Tanner AGS 15, USS Conserver ARS 39 BASEs or LOCATIONS= Vung Tau, An Thoi YEARs in VIETNAM = 1966-1969 FROM WHERE = McDonald , PA
- Thursday, June 21, 2001 at 13:56:50 (PDT)
Guest Record 699 I was on the YRBM 20 from Feb '71 until the 20 was towed to Long Pier in April '71. Most of the crew was released with undated orders and were suppose to be on their honor to report to Annapolis in three days. C.W.Bell and I got our orders stamped in Nha Be (by the same yeoman from the YRBM 20 that left the date off) and didn't reported in until we got orders for our next duty station, ten days later. We lived at the Vic' and in that short time learned how to make money selling non-rationed items like candy, soap and tissue paper from the well stocked Cholon PX. From that point on I never spent my paychecks but managed to stay at the Vic' so often the people at the front desk kept room 701 reserved for me the entire year I was in-country. By the way; the terrace of the Vic' that's on this web sight says it's on the 13th floor. For your information, I have a booklet I saved from the hotel that says the terrace was on the 9th floor.
From there I went to the YW 126 and Bell went to the YF 866. On the YW, we spent most of the time tied up at Cat Lo skiing, drinking beer, shooting the .45 at empty beer cans in the water and watching movies. We had three mama-sans cooking and cleaning the YW until we got caught of the coast of Vung Tau with them onboard. The Craftmaster got sent to another boat and we got an Admirals inspection. Everything turned out OK because the Admiral knew the women were there just to clean and since they had worked on the Cat Lo base before they were hired to work on the YW, we all got off with an ass-chewing and a new Craftmaster that turned out to be a good guy - Chief Dixon. We then went back to parting everyday at Cat Lo or Vung Tau; except when our screw fell off and we spent six weeks at the Port of Saigon in dry dock. I spent about two thousand dollars at the Vic' during that time on the room, a girl, parting around town, food and consa. I have many great memories of Saigon but have yet to see other vet's talk about the "fun" stuff. Like the USO show on the YRBM just before it got towed to Long Pier that featured the big breasted girl that did a striptease and more, kicking back in the nets around the flight deck of the YRBM while getting a buzz and watching the helo's shooting tracers at VC all night and all the other cool stuff people don't want their relatives to know about.
The YW was more like "McHale's Navy" with our laid back lifestyle and constant focus on liberty call. I had a unique tour; my brother was wounded six weeks after arriving in-country and is still disabled so I appreciate my good fortune. You have a great web site. Thanks for your hard work. Rick Pratt
NAME = Rick Pratt <EMAIL = clayroses[ at ]msn.com> UNITs SHIPs BOATs = YRBM 20 - YW 126 BASEs or LOCATIONS= Cat Lo - Nha Be YEARs in VIETNAM = 1971
FL
- Friday, June 22, 2001 at 19:42:53 (PDT)
Guest Record 708 Did maintenance and repair work on Partol Boats and partied in VUNG TAU, town of "a thousand raven haired beauties(?) and a hundred bars" and those famous words from them girls "Hey sailor, you buy me a Saigon Tea?" Looking for shipmate from that era.
NAME = Don Herr <EMAIL = rustyone21[ at ]hotmail.com> UNITs SHIPs BOATs = USS TUTUILA ARG-4 BASEs or LOCATIONS= AN THOI & VUNG TAU YEARs in VIETNAM = 1966-1967 FROM WHERE = Long Beach, CA REFFERED By = Surfed in
- Wednesday, July 04, 2001 at 16:50:28 (PDT)
Guest Record 722 In country mid67/ 4-68. Was QM2 on a land base...go figure. Rode Swifts and Junks only on occasion....spent lots of time with Aussies. Was told about an R&R center in VungTau but never found it! Have found some old buddies including BMC Sangillo, EN1 Emch, and Trung Ta Son. So glad he made it out in 75!
NAME = Tom Burton <EMAIL = VungTauQM[ at ]aol.com> UNITs SHIPs BOATs = Coastal Surveillance Center/ Naval Advisory Unit, VungTau BASEs or LOCATIONS= Robinson Compound/ Lighthouse Hill YEARs in VIETNAM = 67-68 FROM WHERE = Baltimore (in 67), MD
- Sunday, July 15, 2001 at 06:25:36 (PDT)
Guest Record 723 I can say that the good lordwatched over me, I transfered
from cat-lo to IUWG-2, the day I left a young fellow ask if
he could have my bunk becuse it had an electric plug neer it
he wanted to plug in his radio,the next day the V.C.fired a
b-40 round into the quanset huts and it hit his radio and he
was hit with wires and parts from his radio, This could have
been me. when the time came to go home thay senta young boy
to replace me,I was32 yrs old at the time and i remebered
how young he looked with his bright red hair, He got to the
Base at 3pm and he got hit with a hand gernade that evening
while walking in Cat-LO,he got hit in the ankle and budotts
he suvived,he had 3 days in country,a short tour!had to
whait another 30 days for a replacment,When I first got to
Cat-Lo we were living in tents and had bunker to get in-to
and a fighting trench to repell attacks,I have seen some
pictures on your web site and thay sure have built the base
up after I left. Ill close for now saying (Toi Goi ahn vay
ahn Nha)Im Glad you got home. John Weiler
NAME = John a Weiler <EMAIL = JWeiler 542 [ at ] aol .com> UNITs SHIPs BOATs = Macv, IUWG-2 BASEs or LOCATIONS= Cat-Lo, 1/66-1/67 mt top vung tau68-69 YEARs in VIETNAM = 2 yrs FROM WHERE = Albany , - Sunday, July 15, 2001 at 08:04:20 (PDT)
Guest Record 724 YR-71 was at SCRF Annex, Camp Tien Shau, DaNang. We repaired and recovered PBR's (RIVDIV 543) and Swift Boats.
With our LCM-8 that was made into a floating mobile drydock.
After the turn over of the Swifts, the PBRs as well as the Coast Guard Cutters. We were sent south first to Cat LO then Vung Tau (rough duty) then up river to Bhien Thuy.
Set up shop mid-river outside NAVSUPACT Bhien Thuy until we
we moved up river to Tan Chau. We were at Tan Chau for a few months then we had company...If I remember correctly it was APL-23. Then it came time to DEROS...being a snipe meant sea duty....so I ETS and joined the Army.
Spent 23 years in the military and without a doubt my tours in the Brown Water Navy is what I consider the high light of my career... not only because of the location by the people that I had the pleasure of serving with...
God Bless!
Welcome Home Brother...
Steve Dall
NAME = Steve Dall <EMAIL = dall48[ at ]juno.com> UNITs SHIPs BOATs = YR-71 BASEs or LOCATIONS= DaNang, Vung Tau, Bhien Thuy, Tan Chau YEARs in VIETNAM = 68,69, 70-71 FROM WHERE = Esparto, CA REFFERED By = Just passn' thru...
- Tuesday, July 17, 2001 at 09:19:26 (PDT)
Guest Record 726 Hot, muggy and monsoonal. Need I say more? Vung Tau was heaven on earth.
NAME = Doug <EMAIL = duke525[ at ]home.com> UNITs SHIPs BOATs = USS St. Francis River LSM(R)-525 BASEs or LOCATIONS= Cam Rahn YEARs in VIETNAM = 67-69 FROM WHERE = Lakeside (San Diego), CA REFFERED By = Met Kent a couple of years ago
- Wednesday, July 18, 2001 at 16:56:09 (PDT)
Record 731 I was the young Ensign Supply Officer from Dec. 1970, (located right outside Cambodia) until Feb 1971 when we floated down the Mekong to Vung Tau and she went on to Guam. I will never forget the expertise of the men during a "scramble." Other memories- Petty Officer Hatten, a former Hell's Angel, the Flaming Flamingo, concussion grenades all night,the Beer Barge. Went to ISB Cat Lai as a Supply Advisor until Dec. 1971. Later served in Desert Storm. Thanks Supply Department for taking me under your wing and taking care of me. Finally retired in 1997 as a Captain. Thanks for your web site. It brought back a lot of memories.
NAME = Moe Letlow <EMAIL = mletlow[ at ]wii.com> UNITs SHIPs BOATs = YRBM16 BASEs or LOCATIONS= ISB Cat Lai YEARs in VIETNAM = 70-71 FROM WHERE = Arcadia, LA
- Tuesday, July 24, 2001 at 05:36:52 (PDT)
Record 759 Was QM/COB on Swifts at COSDIV 13 from 9/67 to 1/68. Moved North to support counter TET Ops. Qui Nhon from 1/68 to 9/68 as COB and MAA. Left as QM1. Stayed in Reserves after Nam and returned to active duty in 9/99 will retire 9/02
NAME = Dave Bradley <EMAIL = bradleydm[ at ]ncwg2.navy.mil> UNITs SHIPs BOATs = COSDIV 13 & 15 BASEs or LOCATIONS= Cat Lo & Qui Nhon YEARs in VIETNAM = 67-68 FROM WHERE = Maumee, OH
- Tuesday, August 14, 2001 at 12:15:45 (PDT)
Record 776 Bitter sweet thoughts and memories. Flew with US, Austrailian, and New Zeland groups. Favrite times Hail and Fairwell Parties for the Aussies round eyed strippers and flaming butts races (lit newspapers held between buttucks of returnees).
NAME = Wayne Donelson <EMAIL = donelson[ at ]tiac.net> UNITs SHIPs BOATs = 765th Transportation Btn BASEs or LOCATIONS= Vung Tau Airbase YEARs in VIETNAM = 69-70 FROM WHERE = Nairobi, Kenya, - Tuesday, August 21, 2001 at 07:49:46 (PDT)
Record 777 I was on yr71 1970-71 at tan chau cambodia border i was a en repairing 12v71 detroits for swift boats was there on 5-28-71 atack on yrbm21 would like to contact any one around at the time. would like info on small craft painted like US flag that came down river out of cambodia at high rate of speed we all called him captain america.
NAME = JOE BEST <EMAIL = jjssbest[ at ]msn.com> UNITs SHIPs BOATs = yr71 navel ordance vung tau harold e. holt de 1074 YEARs in VIETNAM = 70 71 72 FROM WHERE = rhome , tex
- Tuesday, August 21, 2001 at 10:55:07 (PDT)
Record 779 Whew!! Found your site. Was on the Mark and "Benjo Maru" (LST-902)as a QM-1. Saw the pictures of downtown Vung Tau (been there, done that)(had a nice "barb er shop" near the right side of the picture, as I remember) and that hotel/restaurant. Quite a trip...some I remember, some I don't care to. Took all four LST's (Luzerne, Pitkin, and 2 others) back to Mare Island early 1970. Boy, I had been on old Fletcher-class DD's, but those T's were really antiques. Had a Loran on there that was so old, had to manually count each step. "Killer" Krause (ET-2) and I made it go away (haha) and I used celestial and visual nav all the way back. Food was so bad, most of the crew ate C-rats. Wonder where Len("Gumby Gad") Gadsinski and Baldini are??? Flew back Incountry to the Mark and finished my tour on it. Was supposed to have gone to the Junk Force as advisor, but they wanted me to extend incountry for another year. However, "Vietnamization" was going on then (remember that??), so just completed my tour.
NAME = Ron Bay <EMAIL = rbay[ at ]pacnorwest.uscg.mil> UNITs SHIPs BOATs = USS Mark (AKL-12), USS Luzerne Cty (LST-902) BASEs or LOCATIONS= NSB Cat Lo YEARs in VIETNAM = 1970-71 FROM WHERE = Luverne, MN
- Wednesday, August 22, 2001 at 08:16:27 (PDT)
Record 783 Have enjoyed your website. I was a green LTJG and served as OPS OFF on board the Soley before she came back, with her whole squadron,for inactivation. Good memories aided by your website. Would love to hear from any shipmates. Thanks
NAME = Harlan Frymire <EMAIL = frysline[ at ]aol.com> UNITs SHIPs BOATs = LST-902 BASEs or LOCATIONS= Vung Tao YEARs in VIETNAM = 1969 FROM WHERE = Tyler, TX REFFERED By = LST "Scuttlebutt" newspaper
- Thursday, August 23, 2001 at 17:54:55 (PDT)
Record 786 Served aboard the Tutuila ARG-4 repairing Coast Guard, and variety of PBR,s, Supply ships. Stationed at the island of An Thoi for 9 months. 1 yr tour of duty from 2-68 to 2-69. Worked in "R-1 and R-2 Office. Smooth sailin to all shipmates serving at that time.
NAME = Jack Shanahan HTC,USN,RET <EMAIL = jshanirh[ at ]iland.net> UNITs SHIPs BOATs = USS TUTUILA ARG-4 BASEs or LOCATIONS= Vung Tau and AnThoi YEARs in VIETNAM = 2-68 2-69 FROM WHERE = Sedalia, MO REFFERED By = Me
- Sunday, August 26, 2001 at 17:41:30 (PDT)
Record 790 TOLD A SMALL PART OF IT ALL, AFTER READINDING OTHERS ACCOUNTS I THOUGHT WHAT THE HELL.DOES ANY ONE REMEMBER
WHEN IN 1971 I CAN'T REMEMBER COXINS NAME WE WERE SENT UP RIVER TO PICK UP 200 MATERESS FOR COUNTER PARTS.ON THE WAY BACK WE WERE BITCHING ABOUT THE FACT SOME OF US SPENT THE NIGHTS IN HAMKS. SO WE THROUGH OVER BOARD 17 OF THESES WITH CONCOSION GERNADES ON TOP FOR EFFECT. GOT BACK WAS IN TROUBLE. BACK END OT 06 BOAT WAS BLOWN OFF.
NAME = joe best EN 4 <EMAIL = jjss[ at ]msn.com > UNITs SHIPs BOATs = YR71,VUNG TAU NAVEL ORDANICE, HAROLD.E.HOLT DE 1074 YEARs in VIETNAM = 70,711.72 FROM WHERE = RHOME TX. SAN JOSE CALIF., REFFERED By = SURFED IN
- Monday, August 27, 2001 at 15:54:38 (PDT)
Record 791 I was in IUWG-1 stationed on the hill. Saw the few pictures on the net and I could add a few more. I was a Signalman when I was there.
NAME = Jim Johnson <EMAIL = jayhaw5[ at ]attglobal.net> UNITs SHIPs BOATs = IUWG-1 WPD BASEs or LOCATIONS= The hill, Vung Tau YEARs in VIETNAM = 1969-1970 FROM WHERE = Glenmora, LA REFFERED By = Surfed in
- Thursday, August 30, 2001 at 17:51:41 (PDT)
Record 792 Was on HMAS Jeparit as Radio Bloke, on our last trip to Vung Tau we had quite a few blokes on board for a cold beer, we called it the "Vung Tau Clutch", you shook hands
then autimatically the fist went into the shape of the cold
bottle or tin of fosters beer. The ship was presented with squadron and/or Unit Plaques by all the mobs up there which are now housed on the Royal Australian Navy Shore Base in Sydney "HMAS Kuttabul". would like to know who were the Helicopter Unit at Vung Tau in February 1972 and also if any US Navy guys are out there what were the names of the two US Navy ships berthed at the pier who I heard were supplying power to the airfield at the time. As I get older the memories fade so any info would help. ..regards to all
Vietnam Vets.. Ern Barrett.
NAME = ern barrett <EMAIL = ern1610[ at ]hotmail.com> UNITs SHIPs BOATs = HMAS Jeparit. Aussie Navy Ship BASEs or LOCATIONS= Vung Tau YEARs in VIETNAM = 1972 FROM WHERE = Adelaide South Australia, REFFERED By = Nobody
- Friday, August 31, 2001 at 05:43:15 (PDT)
Record 827 I was in Cat Lo from Feb 67 to Mar 68. I spent most of my time PCF 37 although I spent time on a number of other boats toward the end of my tour. I was the Gunners Mate. I was on the sister boat when Gary Friedman was killed on a double load of a mortar round in 1967. My boat officer was Ltjg Bob Plumb. I served with 1st Class Radarman Leo Johnson, Boatswains Mate Woody Drew, Yeoman Mike Youle, 2nd class Enginman Ed Zimmerman. I've been in communication with Bob Plumb and would like to contact others on my crew.
NAME = James H Marohn <EMAIL = jmarohn[ at ]new.rr.com> UNITs SHIPs BOATs = PCF 37 96 70 BASEs or LOCATIONS= Cat Lo YEARs in VIETNAM = 1967-68 FROM WHERE = Neenah, WI
- Sunday, September 30, 2001 at 19:50:48 (PDT)
Record 835 I spent about 6 mo in Danang at the ET shop and then they sent just me to a bunch of new guys in Cat Lo and then on to Long Phu via a landing craft( can't remember the name of the craft). We worked on Swift Boats, PBRs and other boat electronics - Radios, Radar and the like. I remember the Army bringing their boats in to be worked on. In Long Phu, I did none of that twidget stuff. I filled sand bags and built bunkers, rebuilt a small fiberglass boat with a ship fitter named Kenny Kane. That was 30 years ago. Any one out there remember Danang Navsupfac or Long Phu?
NAME = Andy Stimpson <EMAIL = stimp04[ at ]digitalexp.com> UNITs SHIPs BOATs = Nav Sup Fac BASEs or LOCATIONS= Danang YEARs in VIETNAM = 1970 - 1971 FROM WHERE = Billerica , Mass
- Friday, October 05, 2001 at 17:22:24 (PDT)
Record 844 MAN THIS SURE BROUGHT BACK SOME FAROUT MEMORIES! I'LL BE BACK AT THIS SITE AGAIN AND AGAIN! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.
NAME = NELLO D'AMATO <EMAIL = WWW.NELLOD[ at ]MSN.COM> UNITs SHIPs BOATs = MADERA CTY905 PAGE CTY 1076 LANSHIPSQUAD2 ARG4TUTUILA BASEs or LOCATIONS= VUNG TAU, DELTA,BASES ALONG COAST. YEARs in VIETNAM = 69-71 FROM WHERE = WASH.DC., REFFERED By = FELL IN TO YOUR SITE.
- Saturday, October 13, 2001 at 12:46:22 (PDT)
Record 847 WELCOME HOME BROTHERS. DAMN, WE WERE YOUNG AND PROUD! NOW WE'RE JUST PROUD!! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK KENT. I'LL BE A REGULAR AT THIS SIGHT. GOD BLESS AMERICA, AND THE BROWNWATER NAVY.
NAME = NELLO (DAGO) D'AMATO <EMAIL = WWW.NELLOD[ at ]MSN.COM> UNITs SHIPs BOATs = LANDINGSHIPSQUADRON2-LST-905 MADERA CTY, LST-1076 PAGE CTY, TUTUILA ARG-4 BASEs or LOCATIONS= VUNG-TAU, VINH LONG, CAN THO, DONG TAM, SAIGON, AND BASES UP AND DOWN THE COAST. YEARs in VIETNAM = 69-71 FROM WHERE = WASH,DC., REFFERED By = SURFED IN.
- Sunday, October 14, 2001 at 06:33:56 (PDT)
Record 859 Nice site! Just feelin' nostalgic, Thought I'd say Hi to LTJG John (CRAZY JOHN) Kelkerer and Ed Fortier. Yeah, I know they'll never see this. But what the heck.Ya'll take care now, hear? dale
NAME = Dale(Big AL) Kumher RM1 <EMAIL = msgraph[ at ]bellsouth.net> UNITs SHIPs BOATs = NAG ComCosFlot3, LSB CAT LAI BASEs or LOCATIONS= CAT LOYEARs in VIETNAM = 70-71
OH REFFERED By = Just surfed in
- Wednesday, October 24, 2001 at 12:08:23 (PDT)
Record 861 During my time in SVN I was a very young grunt,served 20 years in the Oz Army and am now like many others of our era, permanently incapicated but keep what brain cells I still have left active by doing voluntary work assisting other vets with dealings with out Vet Affairs Dept.The info I seek on behalf of a Navy vet is confirmation of a Vietnamese, probably a buddist monk,burning himself to death at Cat Lo area around 6th to 8th June 1966-any info would be appreciated. God Bless.
NAME = Trevor Dunne <EMAIL = boxcar[ at ]iprimus.com.au> UNITs SHIPs BOATs = 5th Bn Royal Australian Regiment BASEs or LOCATIONS= Nui Dat YEARs in VIETNAM = 1966-67 FROM WHERE = Australia, WA REFFERED By = a VetNet mate
- Thursday, November 01, 2001 at 05:43:29 (PST)
Record 863 Looking for anyone who served with my husband George in Nam. Photos can be seen at my website "Anchors Away"I wish you are in one of them..George passed away 4/1/2000. May God Bless all of you,for a job well done! Rosemarie
NAME = George Burtchell (by wife Rosemarie) WEB SITE = http://www.homestead.com/lilitaly/Welcome.html
<EMAIL = lpn412rb[ at ]usit.net> UNITs SHIPs BOATs = USS Tutuila 64/67 USS Rowan 67/68 BASEs or LOCATIONS= Anloc/Bein Hoa/AnThoi/Vung Tau YEARs in VIETNAM = 66/67 FROM WHERE = Crossville TN. (former New Yorker), REFFERED By = surfed on
- Thursday, November 01, 2001 at 12:54:42 (PST)
Record 875 My first entry was #485. Back for another visit. I am still
searching for Herman Lavinghouse from Cajon country. He was our gunnermate. Please note my new e-mail address. Still active with the Swift Boat Sailors Association.
NAME = Tommy Trees Forrest <EMAIL = Tompcf102[ at ]aol.com> UNITs SHIPs BOATs = PCF's 28, 98 & 102 BASEs or LOCATIONS= Cat Lo YEARs in VIETNAM = 68 - 69 FROM WHERE = Harper Woods, MI REFFERED By = Surfed In
- Wednesday, November 07, 2001 at 15:23:08 (PST)
Record 884 after SERE school in whidbey island, wash in july 68 i flew into saigon, stayed at the imfamous annapolis hotel. first night in-country pulled guard duty atop the hotel m-60, sandbags all around, all i could say was what the hell did you get yourself into this time. haven't volunteered for anything since!!! from there i went to cam rahn bay and served as a staff yeoman after being there for a few months i was sent to cat lo to replace their staff yeoman. while in each place i participated in several PCF patrols, wanted to be in the action i suppose, some were quite boring and others well let's they were quite an experience. sure would like to hear from anyone that was at either place during those dates. some names i remember; warrant officer bob spinner, lcr russell, cmd, horne, cmd hodge, yn1 whitlock, yn1 murdock, sk2 bob hudson, rm2 bob clubbs, sn mmike lavallie, sn sampson and a ton of other crazies i'd love to hear from. mentioned above that i was in other places, now and then i got dragged along to help inspect the othe swifty bases, an thoi, da nang, and quin nhon
NAME = Craig P. Doyle <EMAIL = bacp575[ at ]earthlink.net> UNITs SHIPs BOATs = COMCOSRON1 Cam Rahn Bay and COSDIV13 (Black Cat) Cat Lo BASEs or LOCATIONS= Cam Rahn Bay, Cat Lo, Quin Nohn and short stops in a few other places YEARs in VIETNAM = July 68 - Aug 69 FROM WHERE = Pittsburgh, Pa REFFERED By = just surfing
- Monday, November 12, 2001 at 14:59:57 (PST)
Record 898 Second generation LST sailor.Memories-Welding up holes in the bottom of the hull that rusted through,Beached next to the Tom green County when it was hit with a 122MM rocket in Vung Tau,Waking up in the middle of the night in Dong Tam for GQ during rocket attacks.
NAME = Warren Storms SF-2 <EMAIL = Thunderstorms47[ at ]yahoo.com> UNITs SHIPs BOATs = LST 1032 Monmouth County BASEs or LOCATIONS= Vung Tau YEARs in VIETNAM = 8/68 1/70 FROM WHERE = Mahwah, n.j REFFERED By = browsing the web
- Monday, November 19, 2001 at 18:38:02 (PST)
Record 903 I was in the first group of PBR sailors to go in country. We trained in Coronodo CA and ourfitted our boats on the Belle Grove in the South China Sea. I was on the very first PBR patrol ever to take place in Viet Nam on Easter Sunday, 1966.
JOHN LYTLE, I was close friends with your father and would like to hear from you. I am also in contact with another river rat who knew your father well. Your entry in the guest book did not include instructions as to how to contact you.
NAME = Rusty Johnson EN2 <EMAIL = propinquity1[ at ]home.com> UNITs SHIPs BOATs = River Section 541, PBRs 26 and 18 BASEs or LOCATIONS= USS Belle Grove, Cat Lo, Nha Be YEARs in VIETNAM = 1966 FROM WHERE = Tacoma, WA REFFERED By = Surfed on in
- Monday, November 26, 2001 at 21:47:17 (PST)
Record 908 GMGSN Jim Marohn Neenah Wi Cat Lo
I arrived in Cat Lo in March of 1967 and spent my first few weeks on PCF 96 along with my crew. After less than a week in country, on a training run with our sister boat, a mortar round exploded on board on a presumed double load of the 81 MM on the fantail, killing Gary Friedman and wounding a few others. That was LTjg Keating's PCF. What a way to start. Shortly after that we assigned to PCF 37 and stayed on it for most of our tour. My crew consisted of me as the gunner, LTjg Bob Plumb as boat officer, Radarman 1st Class Leo Johnson, Woody Drew BMSN, Ed Zimmerman 2nd class snipe and Michael Youle Yeoman SN. Bob Plumb is in Washingotn DC. His e-mail is plu[ at ]bellatlantic.net It was good year and bring lots of memories - both good and bad. The year was a roller coaster of sheer boredom to adrenaline bursts. Great Fun... Anyway, I left Cat Lo right during the start of the Tet Offensive - nice timing. I sure would like to heard from some of the my old friends.
NAME = Jim Marohn GMGSN <EMAIL = jmarohn[ at ]new.rr.com> UNITs SHIPs BOATs = PCF 37 , 96 and few others BASEs or LOCATIONS= COMCOSDIV 13 Cat Lo YEARs in VIETNAM = 3/67-3/68 FROM WHERE = Neenah, WI
- Wednesday, November 28, 2001 at 20:03:35 (PST)
Record 917 served a year at cat lo as agmg3/gmg2 from jan 67-jan68
NAME = gabriel m.vigil WEB SITE =
<EMAIL = vigil1947[ at ]aol.com> UNITs SHIPs BOATs = pcf 35 pcf 95 BASEs or LOCATIONS= cat lo cos ron one black cat div YEARs in VIETNAM = 1-1967-1968 FROM WHERE = aguilar, colo REFFERED By = self
- Monday, December 03, 2001 at 03:00:47 (PST)
Record 920 I have really been enjoying these pages. They bring back memories like going back home almost. I recognize some of the pictures. Crewman Weiser was in the boat unit when I arrived in country. He was from Miami and he went by the name of Bud Weiser. He was the Snipe on IUWG1 35 as indicated in the picture, It was the fastest boat in the unit. Shortly after I arrived, a new LCPL (same as IUWG1 35) arrived at Cat Lo. I became the Snipe on IUWG1 52. Unfortunately for Bud Weiser, and IUWG1 35, new boats rule! I would very much like to hear from any of the gang from Cat Lo and The Hill from '69-'70 or before or after I was there.
NAME = Jim Nelson <EMAIL = SWABBYNELSON[ at ]worldnet.att.net> UNITs SHIPs BOATs = IUWG1 26, IUWG1 52, IUWG1 27 BASEs or LOCATIONS= Vung Tau Harbor patrol out of Cat Lo YEARs in VIETNAM = 5/28/69-5/26/70 FROM WHERE = West Palm Beach, FL REFFERED By = surfed on in
- Wednesday, December 05, 2001 at 18:50:44 (PST)
Record 926 SHIP MATES REMEMBERED: "BILLY JEAN" CLARK "SN" FM: WEST MEMPHIS ARK., PARTYED VUNG TAU IN CIVIES>LUCIE&BILLY JEAN
MY NICKNAME "LUCIE" RMSN-RM3/LANGUAGE SKOOL CORANADO W/OIC
SUPPORTED 1ST [ at ] PHAN THIET
RAN THE MEKONG. RUN AGROUND VUNG TAU HARBOR, REPAIRED [ at ] AG3
OIC:ATTORNEY OFF A CARRIER; CAME ABOARD AS JG>LT/HQ.
BM1: NAME N/A FM: CLAREMORE OK
GM:NAME N/A 2ND CLASS/HIT BT 6-BY!
EG: NAME N/A 2ND CLASS <><><><><><><>*TRYING 2 HOOKUP W/???*
NAME = LUCIEN BUFFINGTON CLARK JR. <EMAIL = BUFFYABOY[ at ]AOL.COM> UNITs SHIPs BOATs = COMCOSDIV 13 BASEs or LOCATIONS= CAT LO>PHAN THIET>SOUTHERN RIVERS>MEKONG YEARs in VIETNAM = 67-68 FROM WHERE = TULSA , OKLA REFFERED By = N/A
- Sunday, December 09, 2001 at 13:21:24 (PST)
Record 927 Came in country Feb '69....Vung Tau (Cat Lo) then Cam Ranh before going down to Nam Can....was at Seafloat from July 69 to Dec 69....Worked the radio shack and went on patrols planting sensors and listening devices along the routes....ran the alleys (thanks for the ride)....Could use some pictures from that time....lost all of mine....Was there when Dave Nichols (ltjg..Seal) was killed and a couple of others.....Just found this location....great site
NAME = Steve Bertschi <EMAIL = box50[ at ]aol.com> UNITs SHIPs BOATs = IUWG-1 BASEs or LOCATIONS= Seafloat, Nam Can, Ca Mau YEARs in VIETNAM = 1969 FROM WHERE = Long Island, NY REFFERED By = surfed in
- Monday, December 10, 2001 at 09:06:20 (PST)
Record 964 i Was transfered to catlo from Danang in early 1970. I was a SK3 at the time. I worked in the supply warehouse issuing parts. I was one of the only "RT" drivers, so I loaded many ammo-ships before they headed up river. I was there when we changed the command of the base to the vietnam navy. I remember good liberty in catlo, and great liberty in VungTau...................to all my brothers..Welcome Home..
NAME = Dean B. Booen SKCS/SS (USN-RET) <EMAIL = deano[ at ]westal.net> BASEs or LOCATIONS= NSAD CATLO YEARs in VIETNAM = 1969 1970 FROM WHERE = JANESVILLE, MN REFFERED By = JUST FOUND IT
- Friday, January 04, 2002 at 12:19:19 (PST)
Record 968 More to follow.
NAME = Jeff Mohn, Sr. <EMAIL = dwnhilrcr[ at ]aol.com> UNITs SHIPs BOATs = Bo's'n locker LCM's BASEs or LOCATIONS= Cat Lo YEARs in VIETNAM = 1970 FROM WHERE = Sinking Spring {Reading}, Pa. REFFERED By = surfed on in
- Tuesday, January 08, 2002 at 18:03:13 (PST)
Record 974 Arrived in the Nam for Tet '68 aboard USS Kemper County (LST854) in support of river ops. Hit bases in all Corps but spent most of our time between DaNang and Saigon. Watched fuel piers a Vung Tau go up one night after rocket attacks on LST. Upon return to the world to see all the antiwar stuff of 69-74 in SoCal and San Francisco, stayed in reserves and joined PBRs at Mare Island. Got commissioned in '73 and checked out in '74...now a family man with my own two little reasons to continue to uphold and defend our freedoms and way of life forever and "against all enemies, foreign and domestic". Peace and Strength in Unity and Freedom.
NAME = Travis McCann <EMAIL = travis_mccann[ at ]dca.ca.gov> UNITs SHIPs BOATs = USS Kemper County, CosRiv Div11 BASEs or LOCATIONS= Cua Viet, Chu Lai, Vung Tau, Saigon, DaNang YEARs in VIETNAM = 68-69 FROM WHERE = Sacramento, CA REFFERED By = Just Browsing PBR sites
- Thursday, January 10, 2002 at 11:04:32 (PST)
Record 976 Guys ,What no pictures of 37 barbershop in Vung-tau.
DILLIGAF
RIGGIN
NAME = Theodore J. Riggin,Sr. <EMAIL = THEOPACRAT[ at ]AOL.COM> UNITs SHIPs BOATs = U.S.S. Tutuila ARG-4 BASEs or LOCATIONS= An-Thoi and Vung-Tau YEARs in VIETNAM = 68-70
PA REFFERED By = Just Browsing
- Friday, January 11, 2002 at 08:41:58 (PST)
Record 980 Outstanding Website.... This is my first visit. You can change the tag under the MSO from possibly to it is! That is the Firm. I would imagine that the Firm made more than one trip to Vung Tau but during her 1965 deployment she anchored off Vung Tau and sent the motor whale boat in. Unfortunately, as I remember it, the motor whale boat ran aground. The C.O. at the time, LCDR. C.W.Roth, was not a happy camper. Always looking to exchange sea stories with old shipmates........
NAME = Ed Livingston <EMAIL = baldy-san[ at ]juno.com> UNITs SHIPs BOATs = USS Firm (MSO-444) BASEs or LOCATIONS= Also, MinePac (YFU-39) & USS Whippoorwill (MSC-207) YEARs in VIETNAM = 1965-1969
- Saturday, January 12, 2002 at 18:55:10 (PST)
Record 984 I got very close to the guys in my boat I think closer than family, would like to here from any of you to see how life is treating you.We all had some real bad times but we stuck togeather lets not forget to stay in touch.
NAME = Jim Nelson "Nelli" <EMAIL = jabo[ at ]xyz.net> UNITs SHIPs BOATs = River Division 512 BASEs or LOCATIONS= Location VungTau , CamRanh YEARs in VIETNAM = 68 - 69 FROM WHERE = Homer, AK
- Wednesday, January 16, 2002 at 01:38:19 (PST)
Record 991 great site!! I've been looking for a number of the guys from the VN days EN3 Neef, Hebert(Bill) Williams, Ralph Wiengard,EN1 Anderson,John Smith(from LA)and the Morman EN3 at Cat Lo, among many others for 30 + years just to resolve questions of what happened to them. Especially Bill Williams. If anyone of you all can get me up to speed on this info I would be most greatful.
NAME = Neal H Clark (Tiny) <EMAIL = nealclarkn[ at ]cs.com> UNITs SHIPs BOATs = COSDIV 13, LCM 8-740/751 BASEs or LOCATIONS= Cat Lo, Nha Bae YEARs in VIETNAM = 1969-70 FROM WHERE = Virginia Beach, VA via Maine, REFFERED By = surfed in
- Sunday, January 20, 2002 at 08:31:33 (PST)
Record 992 While I started out on a guided missle distroyer in 1965. When I got back to the states I had orders to go to training on the pbrs. And I was to head back to vietnam for another tour. Man I don't regret it at all, I met alot of good friends.
NAME = jIim MacCarthy <EMAIL = Macc33[ at ]earthlink.net> UNITs SHIPs BOATs = (DLG16) PBR 122 (533) BASEs or LOCATIONS= Cat lo,Nha be. Mye toe YEARs in VIETNAM = 2.5yrs. FROM WHERE = 65,66,67, Massachusetts REFFERED By = just surfing
- Sunday, January 20, 2002 at 13:20:41 (PST)
Record 993 black amerasian looking for my father. served two tours had relationship with my mother Sot Trans. had a son , and mother pregnant in her six month. before he left to come back to the states. name was David she called him "Davy" Lawrence.any info please contact me at Luvcoffe[ at ]aol.com or (610)310-1106 he served in 1966-67 and then in 1968-69
NAME = Karla <EMAIL = luv coffe[ at ]aol.com> BASEs or LOCATIONS= Vung tau in 1966-67and 68-69 YEARs in VIETNAM = 5 years
- Sunday, January 20, 2002 at 15:54:54 (PST)
Record 998 I found this site and posted long ago. I have recently been "found" by old shipmates via this board..THANKS!
Cat Lo engine shop, pier crew, and Mike 8 from May '68 to Dec '70. Still in contact with a couple of Cat Lo'ers and would love to hear from more. I would not trade my 1.5 years in Cat Lo for anything. BTW, last name pronounced Neff and this has caused at least one old friend from finding me until recently. He'd been searching by wrong spelling for me whilst I spelled his name wrong also.
NAME = Mel Neef <EMAIL = melneef[ at ]intrepid.net> BASEs or LOCATIONS= Cat lo YEARs in VIETNAM = 69-70 FROM WHERE = Harpers Ferry, WV REFFERED By = 2nd posting, surfed on 1st visit
- Tuesday, January 22, 2002 at 16:52:25 (PST)
Record 1003 I was lead radioman/TTY operator at the establishment of the ATSB at Song Ong Doc. I worked in telecomms support for RivDiv 572 and RAD 131 while there. I also did a couple of tours in the comms at Cat Lo, with three men whos names I do not remember. But one was from Michigan (lead radioman) another from North Carolina (pro D.J.) another guy was qualified Navy diver and a fourth was from southern California. Would like to hear from any of the old gang that might read this. Most of my Vietnam memoribilia got snuffed when a flood came through my home in 1982 - So, I dont have many photos to share.
Take care and welcome home Brothers - - Regards, Dennis Walker RM3/c
NAME = Dennis J. Walker <EMAIL = dennis.walker[ at ]conexant.com> UNITs SHIPs BOATs = NSA for River Division 572 -- '69-70 BASEs or LOCATIONS= NSAD Cat Lo - ATSB [ at ] Song Ong Doc -- '69-'70 YEARs in VIETNAM = 1969 -1970 FROM WHERE = San Jose, CA REFFERED By = Surfed In
- Friday, January 25, 2002 at 16:02:47 (PST)
Record 1017 HI all brown water sailors,
I was a doorgunner with HA(L)-3 Navy Seawolves, stationed at Vung Tau and Nha Be from 3/68-3/69. You guys have a great website here. All the great pictures bring back a lot of memories. We flew air cover for the PBRs, etc a lot. I was in on a rescue of 2 wounded off a PBR where our pilot hovered our ship on the bow of the boat and took off the two wounded sailors. I am told they both survived. Welcome home!!! Regards, Jack Carter AO2
NAME = Jack Carter <EMAIL = pyramidrock[ at ]sedona.net> UNITs SHIPs BOATs = HA(L)-3 Navy Seawolves BASEs or LOCATIONS= Vung Tau - Nha Be YEARs in VIETNAM = 3/68-3/69 FROM WHERE = Sedona, , Ariz REFFERED By = Seawolf Chuck Cosgrove
- Friday, February 01, 2002 at 12:48:13 (PST)
Record 1021 Seeking info on Allen Balian Lt.jg skipper PCF 36 out of CatLo in 1968.Later posted to the destroyerUSS COURTNEY
NAME = Robbie Robinson <EMAIL = freeland[ at ]tsn.cc> UNITs SHIPs BOATs = 32 small ship sqn RAE Australian Army BASEs or LOCATIONS= Vung Tau (pcf 36 Cat Lo) YEARs in VIETNAM = 66-70 FROM WHERE = Sydney Australia, - Saturday, February 02, 2002 at 21:49:09 (PST)
Record 1038 38571
Still looking for anyone who served with my husband George in Vietnam,Thanks Rosemarie
NAME = Rosemarie Burtchell WEB SITE = http://www.homestead.com/lilitaly/Welcome.html
<EMAIL = lpn412rb[ at ]usit.net> UNITs SHIPs BOATs = USS Tutuila arg 4=USS RowanDD782=PBR 105 BASEs or LOCATIONS= Vung Tau/AnThoi/Anloc YEARs in VIETNAM = 66/68 FROM WHERE = Crossville TN. (former New Yorker), TN REFFERED By = surfed on
- Sunday, February 10, 2002 at 13:10:32 (PST)
Record 1061 I was with ARG Bravo surgical team in 69-70. I June 70 I was assigned to the base sickbay at Cat Lo. (HM2) In October 70 I went aboard the YRBM 17 at Dong Tam (HM1). After the boat was turned over to the VNs in Dec 70, we were towed upriver to Chau Doc (I think - it could have been Tan Chau) where we were anchored in the river about 200 yards from the YRBM-20. I am interested in hearing from anyone who was at Cat Lo June-Oct 70, on the YRBM-17 Oct 70-Apr 71 (or later to see what ultimately happened to the 17), or on the YRBM-20 who remembers when the 17 was downriver from the 20, especially anyone involved with the "boat race" and related activities in about March 70.. The names I remember from the 17 were Himes, Godwin, Crawford, Nix & Benoit (all but Benoit were on the advisory team).
NAME = Jim McArthr <EMAIL = mcarthur.jim[ at ]usa.net> UNITs SHIPs BOATs = YRBM-17 BASEs or LOCATIONS= Cat Lo, Dong Tam, Chau Doc (or Tan Chau?) YEARs in VIETNAM = 69-71 FROM WHERE = Wickenburg, AZ REFFERED By = Doug Lindsey
- Sunday, February 17, 2002 at 13:10:20 (PST)
Record 1070 I was a Radioman on the USS UNION in 1967/68, made Westpac cruise during that time to many ports, including Vietnam (Vung Tao & Danang). In approx. June 1971, I went through Naval Advisory Training at the Amphib Base in Coronado (San Diego area), Ca., then on Dec. 15, 1971 I arrived in Saigon VN. I spent about 3 weeks there then got orders to Danang. There was about 40 of us Naval Advisor's in my camp, along with some Seal Team members. There were two other radioman with me, but I can't for the life of me remember their names. I left Danang in late November 1972, spent a few weeks in Saigon, then left NAM on 02 Dec. 1972 for the states. I then was discharged (Honorable) from the NAVY on 08 Dec. 1972. I will be 55 in Sept. 2002, just for info and presently living in EL CAJON, CA. (San Diego area)...r/JOHN...
NAME = JOHN C. SCHUNN JR. <EMAIL = SCHUNNJ[ at ]NAVAIR.NAVY.MIL & JCSSNOOPY[ at ]AOL.COM> UNITs SHIPs BOATs = NAVAL ADVISORY GROUP DANANG, USS UNION (AKA-106) BASEs or LOCATIONS= Peninsula 10-15 KM's South of Camp Tien Shaw/DANANG YEARs in VIETNAM = 1 yr. incountry FROM WHERE = CLEVELAND, OHIO REFFERED By = DONALD L. CLARK
- Friday, February 22, 2002 at 07:19:28 (PST)
Record 1076 I was stationed in DaNang,Vietnam with NavSupAct in
65-66 Assigned to PB-16. Our voice call was Kennelworth and
later changed to Negotiate. I would like for anyone that may
recall PB-16 delivering an Air Force pilots body to the White Elephant landing in early to mid 1966,please contact me at e-mail add. I told myself I'd never forget his name,
but for the life of me I just can't recall. I would love to hear from anyone from our boats. At the time I was an SM-2.
NAME = James (Jim) Davenport <EMAIL = cicatrix[ at ]dbtech.net> UNITs SHIPs BOATs = PB-16 NSA Danang 65-66 TDY RivRon-13 early 68 BASEs or LOCATIONS= Danang Cat lo YEARs in VIETNAM = 65-66,68 FROM WHERE = Clanton, Al. REFFERED By = Surfing
- Tuesday, February 26, 2002 at 22:28:38 (PST)
Record 1080 Arrived Saigon from Subic Bay, flew out to Can Tho next day on a DC-3 type plane, PBR Base out on the Bassac River. Waited a couple of days for the LST to arrive, stood guard duty on midnight watch front gate. Welcome to the Brownwater Navy. LST sailors, the LST Assoc. is having a National Reunion this year in ST. LOUIS in August ck there web. I called a 1032 EN last night talked over an hour. Have not seen him since 67.
NAME = Phil Eastman EM2 <EMAIL = Peast1032[ at ]aol.com> UNITs SHIPs BOATs = USS Monmouth County LST-1032 BASEs or LOCATIONS= Saigon, Can Tho, Vung Tao, coast ports YEARs in VIETNAM = 1966/1967 FROM WHERE = Falmouth, MA REFFERED By = A friend
- Thursday, February 28, 2002 at 13:13:34 (PST)
Record 1088 Trying to locate any Swift Boat Sailor, any Cos Div, Swifties are having a reunion next year. We want all Swifties to be there.
NAME = George A. Wendell <EMAIL = PCF982000[ at ]Yahoo.com> UNITs SHIPs BOATs = PCF-98 BASEs or LOCATIONS= Cat Lo YEARs in VIETNAM = 1969 FROM WHERE = Tarentum, Pa. REFFERED By = Surfed in
- Saturday, March 02, 2002 at 17:10:00 (PST)
Record 1091 I reported for duty in jan,1971 aboard the yrbm16.I put in a transfer to the yrbm21 to serve with my brother cs3 Jim Wilson who was the night baker.I eventually was assigned to the boat shop. I was assigned to mike 4.I was on patrol around the ship on the night of 2 june,1971 when we were attacked by nva and vc.according to citations my engineman and myself penned down the attackers untill the seawolfs could get them.I later was transfered to the naval ammo base at vung tau.
I would enjoy hearing from crew thatI served with me during that time
NAME = gerald d wilson <EMAIL = THE_NEEDLES_DAD[ at ]YAHOO.COM> UNITs SHIPs BOATs = yrbm 21/boat division YEARs in VIETNAM = jan,71/dec,71
- Sunday, March 03, 2002 at 14:57:06 (PST)
Record 1106 I was in River Section 542 in Nha Be May 1967 - May 1968. I Was first stationd on the Jennings County then the unit was transferred to Nha Be. We patrolled the Song Nha Be River from Vung Tau to Saigon. I think I can safely say any one who was on the river will never forget that experience and always appreciated having the helos close by at Nha Be when we needed help. The tank farm at Nha Be was always nice to have with their 155's ready at a moments notice.
NAME = Michael Codian <EMAIL = MichaelCodian> UNITs SHIPs BOATs = River Section 542 BASEs or LOCATIONS= Nha Be YEARs in VIETNAM = 1967-1968 FROM WHERE = Lynwood , Ca
- Friday, March 08, 2002 at 22:49:11 (PST)
Record 1125 AS YOU SEE I AM ARMY OR WAS ARMY, BUT DROVE BY THE NAVY STATION EVERYDAY I WAS ON THE HILL. LEARNED TO BECOME A PRETTY GOOD DRIVER ON THE HILL. ENJOYED MY TOUR ON THE HILL, MET ALOT OF GOOD PEOPLE INCLUDING NAVY.IF ANYONE OUT THERE REMEMBERS MY GET IN TOUCH. GOOD SITE
NAME = LEON TOWNS <EMAIL = JOHNHENRY1776[ at ]AOL.COM> UNITs SHIPs BOATs = US ARMY, TRUCK DRIVER BASEs or LOCATIONS= VUNG TAU VC HILL, LONG LINES BN SOUTH YEARs in VIETNAM = 67-68 70-71 FROM WHERE = HAGERSTOWN, MD
- Monday, March 18, 2002 at 13:52:47 (PST)
Record 1127 I served on the YRBM 16 from about February 1970 until they turned it over to the Vietnamese Navy in Nha Be in about July or August 1971. I ran supplies up the French Canal to some of the remote Army bases in the Mike boat while stationed there. I rode the YRBM 16 out of the delta to Vung Tau where they were taking it for repairs. Unable to repair it in Vung Tau they hooked it to a fleet tug and towed it to Guam Naval Shipyard, via Subic Bay,Phillipines. After an extensive yard period where all the sides were replaced with new steel, it was towed back to Nha Be just outside of Saigon where it was turned over to the Vietnamese Navy. Serving my country on the "Delta Queen" was an honor.
NAME = Darrell Singleton <EMAIL = Chevcorvet[ at ]AOL.com> UNITs SHIPs BOATs = YRBM 16 BASEs or LOCATIONS= Chau Duc, Tan Chau, Mekong River YEARs in VIETNAM = '70-'71 FROM WHERE = Seattle, WA REFFERED By = Don Walsh
- Tuesday, March 19, 2002 at 17:36:36 (PST)
Record 1143 Good page. Nice to see another reference to US AJ in country.
NAME = Neville MADDEN <EMAIL = nrmadden[ at ]optusnet.com.au> UNITs SHIPs BOATs = 32 Small Ship Sqn RAE, AV1355 Vernon Sturdee, AS 3051 John Monash BASEs or LOCATIONS= Cat Lo YEARs in VIETNAM = 1966, 1968, 1969 FROM WHERE = Sydney, Australia, NSW REFFERED By = MRFA
- Thursday, March 28, 2002 at 11:29:14 (PST)
Record 1150 My best friend,Don MacDowell SM-2 was KIA in late 67. I got a letter from him, saying he had been wounded,about a week before I read in Stars And Stripes that he had died of wounds. Have had this on my mind for many years. Would love
to talk to anyone from his boat. I think he was from Ohio.
NAME = Jim Davenport <EMAIL = cicatrix[ at ]dbtech.net> UNITs SHIPs BOATs = PB-16,MSO-455,Swifts,DD-447 BASEs or LOCATIONS= DaNang,Cat Lo,Coastal Ops YEARs in VIETNAM = 65-66,66-58 FROM WHERE = Clanton, Al
- Saturday, March 30, 2002 at 23:22:06 (PST)
Record 1159 No stories for now. I see that John Hendrickson (whom I think I remember as "Cowboy Copus" is here, so I will try to contact him.
NAME = David Covert <EMAIL = dcovert[ at ]coho.net> UNITs SHIPs BOATs = NSA Saigon (YRBM-16[YFNB-21], USS Mark, Clarion River BASEs or LOCATIONS= Nha be, Cat Lo, Tan Chau, Bin Thuy, Ben Tre YEARs in VIETNAM = 67-69 FROM WHERE = Sacramento, CA REFFERED By = JSOB
- Tuesday, April 02, 2002 at 13:40:56 (PST)
Record 1163 Thanks to all those who maintain sites about Vietnam.
NAME = Reuben Collier <EMAIL = RWCOLLIERJR[ at ]AOL.COM> BASEs or LOCATIONS= NSA-DET CAT LO YEARs in VIETNAM = 68-71 FROM WHERE = Shreveport, lA
- Friday, April 05, 2002 at 11:00:34 (PST)
Record 1191 Proud of the Luzerne County, which earned 12 Battle Stars in its career. Mostly we loaded up in Saigon & unloaded at Can Tho. Late in my year we carried 200 U.S. Army comrades on a few days' transport. At Can Tho we would race our Aussie comrades for control of the watering hole. After 7 mos we had a little R&R, a stop in Hong Kong and 3 weeks at Subic, then dry dock in Guam, then back to the grind. Thanks for the great work at this website. Shipmates, contact.
NAME = John A. GARZA <EMAIL = utusn[ at ]flash.net> UNITs SHIPs BOATs = USS Luzerne Cty (LST 902) BASEs or LOCATIONS= Saigon, Can Tho, Vung Tau YEARs in VIETNAM = 10-67 /10-68 FROM WHERE = Rio Grande Valley, TX REFFERED By = Webring
- Saturday, April 20, 2002 at 20:01:49 (PDT)
Record 1195 I went to the "Toot" out of EM B school as an EM3. Left as a 2/C in Feb. of 68 as the TET OFFENSIVE began. Delayed 2 days in country at Cat Lo before going to Tan San Knut to fly home. Did 10 yrs in military and only 2 days at real GQ. However no Combat Action Ribbon awarded. Earned 1 good conduct tho. Thanks to the men who gave all. Dan Ives
NAME = Dan Ives WEB SITE = none
<EMAIL = ozarkpoetz[ at ]aol.com> UNITs SHIPs BOATs = u s s Tutuila arg-4 BASEs or LOCATIONS= Vung Tau YEARs in VIETNAM = 2-67 2-68
- Monday, April 22, 2002 at 02:31:47 (PDT)
Record 1201 I am interested in contacting shipmates from the Hickman and Clark Co. It is important for me to know of other medical problems caused by service on these ships in Vietnam. I have multiple mylenoma and Type II diabetes, and my doctors believe it was exposure to toxic chemicals in Vietnam. Would be very interested to speak with others from either of these ships.
NAME = marvin bretsen <EMAIL = bretsen5[ at ]cs.com> UNITs SHIPs BOATs = hickman co. lst 825 and clark co. lst 601 BASEs or LOCATIONS= Vung Tau etc. Vietnam YEARs in VIETNAM = 1969-1970 FROM WHERE = bainbridge island, wa
- Tuesday, April 23, 2002 at 14:24:00 (PDT)
Record 1204 As an advisor to the RVN our primary duty station was at the Hai Dang (the light house on the seaward hill overlooking the city of Vung Tau and the South China Sea). Our group was responsible for maintaining coastal surveillance from just north of Vung Tau south along the Delta and around the southern tip of VN to Cambodia. We essentially controlled the various sea borne units (PCFs, WPBs, and the Coast Guard vessels) that patrolled the coastline. We also had some command and control responsibilities for several Seal Teams in the Bassac River area as well as a Black Pony squadron out of the Army Airbase at Vung Tau. We were housed in a converted villa/hotel near the entrance of the Air Base. Had much contact with Cat Lo units as well as our headquarters in Cam Rahn Bay. Time has made memories and names of comrades fuzzy but will always remember the restaurant Cyranos along the beach in downtown VT as being one of the best I have ever been in - and that is saying alot! Would enjoy hearing from colleagues stationed there.
NAME = Don Pryber <EMAIL = dpryber45[ at ]hotmail.com> UNITs SHIPs BOATs = Coastal Surveillance Group, CTF II5 BASEs or LOCATIONS= Vung Tau YEARs in VIETNAM = 1970 to 71 FROM WHERE = Willowbrook, Illinois REFFERED By = Surfing
- Thursday, April 25, 2002 at 06:31:20 (PDT)
Record 1211 Still looking for anyone who remembers my husband, in Nam.
Please come visit my website Anchors Away,you may be in one of the photos. God Bless all of you,and WELCOME HOME! Rosemarie
NAME = Rosemarie Burtchell-for->George WEB SITE = http://lilitaly.homestead.com/Welcome.html
<EMAIL = lpn412rb[ at ]usit.net> UNITs SHIPs BOATs = USS Tutuila 64/67 USS Rowan 67/68 BASEs or LOCATIONS= AnThoi/Vung Tau YEARs in VIETNAM = 66/68 FROM WHERE = Crossville (former New Yorker), TN REFFERED By = surfed on
- Saturday, April 27, 2002 at 15:08:41 (PDT)
Record 1214 I'm looking for GM3 BILL CROSS. He was attached to the YR71, after the YR71 was turned over to the Vietnamese
he left for NAM CAN. If anybody who served at NAM CAN remembers him please contact me.I have a xmas card from Bill that he sent me from NAM CAN while I was stationed at Vung Tau Naval Ordanance Base in 71. I have been trying to find him for years. Bill Poffenberger
NAME = BILL POFFENBERGER <EMAIL = cmbtvet[ at ]cox.com> UNITs SHIPs BOATs = YR71 YRBM21 BASEs or LOCATIONS= TAN CHAU AND VUNG TAU YEARs in VIETNAM = 71-72 FROM WHERE = TULSA, OK
- Saturday, April 27, 2002 at 21:03:52 (PDT)
Record 1228 I went to Nam as a boot RDSN. I didn't even know where the place was, but peer pressure in A school made me volunteer. Turns out it was the beginning of a 30 year career that took me through two wars, a coup attempt, and a million great liberty ports.
Fortunately, through the years, I have somehow repressed all the bad memories of Vietnam, and now I just remember the good times. For example, I remember standing on the fantail of a Swiftboat just about dark one evening, tied up alongside YRBM 20, shooting the shit with 3 or 4 other boat guys. All of a sudden a grenade landed on deck in the middle of all of us. We scattered like cockroaches in the light, and it exploded right over the fuel tank. Ripped a nice hole in the deck, but thankfully no one was hurt. It was blamed on the watch, for not making it all the way to the water with his toss, but myself and one other guy know the truth. We laughed about that until our sides hurt later that night.
I remember fishing with grenades and cooking steak almost every day. And I remember those great times on liberty, either in Vung Tau, Cat Lo, SaDec (my favorite place) or in Chau Doc. (Did the MP's really chase me out of that cathouse?)
Looking back on my time in Nam, it's an experience I wouldn't have traded for anything. I turned 21 over there, and can honestly say that I grew up during that year. I'm proud of what we did over there - I just wish we would have had the leadership to win.
Okay, that's enough for now. If anyone wants, check out my website for some pictures of Swiftboat life. Any of you shipmates (boatmates?), feel free to drop me a line.
Take care.
Jack Spratt
http://www.geocities.com/sprattj/vietnam/vietnam.html
NAME = Jack Spratt WEB SITE = http://www.geocities.com/sprattj/vietnam/vietnam.htm
<EMAIL = sprattj[ at ]yahoo.com> UNITs SHIPs BOATs = Swiftboats BASEs or LOCATIONS= Catlo, Sadec YEARs in VIETNAM = 69-70 FROM WHERE = San Diego, CA REFFERED By = Surfed in
- Saturday, May 11, 2002 at 01:31:52 (PDT)
Record 1231 Any names or locations of other ship mates on either ship. Some of the crew from the Caddo Parish moved to the Iredell County when the Caddo is turn over to the Phillipines. I have photos of ship mates and a good photo of the Irede
