Brown Water Navy

Brown Water LST
Washtenaw was one of many LST's serving on the muddy brown rivers of Vietnam's Mekong Delta. LST - Landing Ship, Tank; MSS - Minesweeper, Special (Device). (Photo circa 1968 - with Mobile Riverine Force)

Rick's Brown Water Navy Page
I was a Naval Operations Center watchstander for River Division 552 in Tra Cu, Vietnam in 1969/70 - I was only 18 at the time. Another lifetime ago. I was stationed in Tra Cu for 9 months. I was transfered to support the PBR Mobile Base 2 in Tan An for 2 months and then to Headquarters of operation Giant Slingshot in Ben Luc for a month.

Mobile Riverine Force, Brown Water Navy, Vietnam, Mekong Delta
There has never been anything before or after my Vietnam experience that will ever compare with the intensity of facing the enemy in frontline combat. I have attempted to recreate that type of adrenaline flow by doing some pretty crazy things. I've never come close to matching it. Vietnam has placed an indelible mark upon my soul and it is most difficult to erase. 

RiverVet-Vietnam
The Vietnam war impacted a generation.  These are the stories and pictures of one sailor's experiences in that war.  Hopefully, along the way I'll provide you information on the little known, yet valuable contributions to the war effort by "The Brown Water Navy."

The Gamewardens of Vietnam Association, Inc.

Official Home of Task Force 116
The oldest, continuously operating Vietnam group in the United States