HARBOR CLEARANCE UNIT ONE

CALENDAR YEAR 1970

OPNAV REPORT 5750-1

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

CHAPTER

I. CHRONOLOGY

A. Chronological Listing of Significant Events

B. HCU ONE Craft Rotation Schedules for 1970

C. Harbor Clearance Team Rotation Schedules for 1970

II. BASIC NARRATIVE

A. Introduction

B. Operations, Republic of Vietnam

C. Summary of Minor Salvage Operations

III. SPECIAL TOPICS

A. Awards and Commendations

B. Personnel Casualties

C. ADS IV, Advanced Diving System

IV. DOCUMENTARY ANNEXES

A.. Biography of Commanding Officer with Photograph- not on this webpage

B. Roster of HCU ONE Officers as of 31 December 1970

C. Roster of HCU ONE Enlisted Men as of 31 December 1970

D. Commendatory Messages

E. Welcome Aboard Pamphlet- not on this webpage

F. Photographs of Operations- not on this webpage

G. Press Releases- not on this webpage

HCU-1/JDE:wh

5750

Ser: 05

14 Mar 1971

CONFIDENTIAL (UNCLASSIFIED upon removal of section IV (d))

From: Commanding Officer, Harbor Clearance Unit ONE

To: Chief of Naval Operations (OP-09B9)

Subj: Command History

Ref: (a) OPNAVINST 5750.12A

Encl: (1) Harbor Clearance Unit ONE Command History for Calendar Year 1970 (OPNAV Report 5750-1)

1. In compliance with reference (a), enclosure (1) is forwarded herewith.

J. D. EDWARDS

Copy to:

CINCPACFLT

COMSERVPAC

COMSERVGRU THREE

SUPSALV (Code OOC)

EXPERIMENTAL DIVING UNIT, WASH, D.C.

NAVSCHOLDIVESALV

COMUSNAVFORV

I.  CHRONOLOGY

A. CHRONOLOGICAL LISTING OF SIGNIFICANT EVENTS

6 Jan Salvage of grounded PBR 31RP6693 on the Vam Co Tai, RVN.

6 Jan Salvage of grounded (3) AMMI barges at Moc Hoa, RVN.

8 Jan Salvage of PBR 31RP6651 at Tan An, RVN.

11 Jan Removal of anti-swimmer nets around YR-9 at Ben Luc, RVN.

21 Jan Salvage of ATC-36 and USN AMMI Barge at Go Dau Ha, RVN.

31 Jan Salvage of ATC-HQ-1204 on the Vam Co Tai, RVN.

4 Feb Demolition of bow section of ATC-36 at Go Dau Ha, RVN.

5 Feb Salvage of five (5) VNN LCVP's at Ben Tre, RVN.

10 Feb Salvage of MSR-7 at Chau Doc, RVN.

13 Feb Salvage of ATC-37 at Tra Cu, RVN.

18 Feb Salvage of YFU-7 at An Thoi, RVN.

22 Feb Salvage of PBR-6658 at Go Dau Ha, RVN.

23 Feb Salvage of LCM-6 at Ben Keo, RVN.

1 Mar Salvage of A-H Skyraider 139643 at the mouth of the Ham Long River, RVN.

11 Mar Salvage of an NLP refueler at Rach Soi, RVN.

13 Mar Demolition of VNN HQ-1572 and 20' Vendetta at Rach Soi, RVN.

14 Mar Second attempt to salvage ATC-5 at old Song Ong Doc, RVN.

17 Mar Salvage of PBR at Ben Keo, RVN.

20 Mar Salvage of VNN ASPB-5144 at Ben Keo, RVN.

29 Mar Salvage of VNN HQ-1236 at Ben Tre, RVN

1 Apr Salvage of LCM-8 8115 and LCM-8 8258 at Tuy En Nhon, RVN.

10 Apr Salvage of stranded USNCB TD-15 bulldozer at mouth of Song Soi Rap, RVN

12 Apr Attempted salvage of VNN Monitor HQ-6527 at Ben Tre, RVN.

14 Apr Salvage of Army Warlord Helicopter at Moc Hoa, RVN.

19 Apr Assist Army personnel in construction of bridge at Duc Hoa, RVN.

25 Apr Patching and dewatering of USS PAGE COUNTY at Nha Be, RVN.

26 Apr Salvage of ATC-36 at Go Dau Ha, RVN

31 Apr Clearance of Ap Bac Bridge span and 5 ton truck at Ap Bac, RVN.

2 May Salvage of CCB-1 at Vung Tau, RVN.

18 May Salvage of two civilian ferry boats at point above border in Cambodia in the Mekong River.

1 Jun Salvage of civilian ferry boat at My Tho, RVN.

10 Jun Salvage of VNN ASPB.

14 Jun Attempted salvage of an LCM-6 at Song Ong Doc, RVN.

15 Jun Demolition of VNN ATC at Thoi Vinh, RVN.

15 Jun Salvage and repair of VNN ASPB at Go Dau Ha, RVN.

16 Jun Demolition of VNN HQ-1238 at Song Ong Doc, RVN.

17 Jun Salvage of Army UH-141 at Nha Be, RVN.

6 Jul Extraction of Army PBR from mud bank near Vung Tau, RVN.

7 Jul Pumping of SS WHITEHALL at Saigon, RVN.

12 Jul Salvage of VNN HQ-1209 near Ben Luc, RVN.

21 Jul SS SEATRAIN WASHINGTON went aground and was floated free.

22 Jul Salvage of VNN ATC

22 Jul Salvage of LCM-6 at Song Ong Doc, RVN.

23 Jul Salvage of LCM-6

20 Aug Salvage of LCM-6 at Rach Ga, RVN.

20 Aug Demolition of 65 foot tug REUBEN PACE.

23 Aug Demolition of ferry pontoon at Tan Tich, RVN.

31 Aug Repair of POL Line at An Thoi, RVN.

31 Aug Salvage of VNN ATC and ASPB near Mo Cay, RVN.

4 Sep Survey of command junk at Ha Tien, RVN.

7 Sep Salvage of PCF at Qui Nhon, RVN.

11 Sep Salvage of HQ-9170 Zippo fueler at Ben Soi, RVN.

16 Sep Survey of Thai fishing boat at Rach Gia, RVN.

17 Sep Demolition of 2 Thai fishing boats at Rach Gia, RVN.

25 Sep Survey of VNN Alpha Boat and Tango, both sunk at Solid Anchor'.

2 Oct Survey of LSSL 226 Co Chien River, RVN.

29 Oct Turnover of YLLC-5, YLLC-1 and CSB-4 to the VN Navy.

31 Oct Survey of VNN HQ-1278 at Solid Anchor'.

15 Nov Pumping of SS COURTLAND at Saigon, RVN.

21 Nov Salvage of RPC at Cau Mau, RVN.

22 Nov Survey communist SL-3 trawler sunk S. China Sea.

28 Nov Attempted salvage of LCM-8 at Vung Tau, RVN.

29 Nov "Solid Anchor" SALVOPS

7 Dec Dewatered SS ILISSOS in Saigon, RVN.

21 Dec Cleared Two LCM-8's on Can Gao Vic Canal, RVN

23 Dec Attempted Salvage of VNN ATC HQ-1268

24 Dec Salvage of VNN ASPB HQ-5129 Dong Hong, RVN.

B. HCU-1 CRAFT ROTATION SCHEDULE, 1970

C.  HARBOR CLEARANCE TEAM ROTATION SCHEDULE, 1970

Note: Dates are based on arrival at or departure from Subic Bay, R. P.. For instance, under "RVN", the dates 10 July - 26 October indicate that the craft deployed form Subic on 10 July and arrived in Subic from deployment on 26 October. The dates 1 January and 31 December are not beginning dates or terminal dates of deployment. They indicate the craft's location at the beginning or end of 1970. For instance, under "RVN", the dates 14 October - 31 December mean that the craft deployed from Subic on 14 October and was still in-country on 31 December.

II.  BASIC NARRATIVE

A.  INTRODUCTION

1. Harbor Clearance Unit ONE began 1970 operations with Commander Joseph MADEO, Jr., 522770/6000, USN, as Commanding Officer. Commander MADEO was relieved by Commander Joe D. EDWARDS, USN, 603963/1100 on 21 September 1970. Prior to duty at HCU ONE, Commander EDWARDS served as Executive Officer of USS FORREST ROYAL (DD-872). Upon his relief as Commanding Officer, Harbor Clearance Unit ONE, Commander MADEO retired after more than thirty years of Naval service.

2. With its home port at the U.S. Naval Station, Subic Bay, Republic of the Philippines, Harbor Clearance Unit ONE continued its assigned mission of providing Western Pacific harbor/river clearance and salvage capability with primary commitments to operations in the Republic of Vietnam. Considered to be an afloat command, HCU ONE is a unit of Service Force, U. S. Pacific Fleet, under the direct administrative and operational control of Commander Service Group THREE. Elements deployed to Vietnam are under operational control of Commander U.S. Naval Forces, Vietnam. HCU ONE maintains administrative control of in-country forces through the HCU Representative in Vung Tau.

3. As of 31 December 1970, 21 officers and 218 enlisted men (including 62 divers) were assigned to one of the following departments depending on the individual's capabilities and experience: One of four Harbor Clearance Teams, the Headquarters Staff (consisting of Administrative, Medical, Supply, and Maintenance Departments) or to one of the following salvage craft:

a. YRST-1

b. YHLC-1 and YHLC-2

c. YLLC-3

d. CSB-3

e. YDB-1 and YDB-2

f. Two LCM-8's

4. During 1970 five HCU ONE craft were reassigned to the Vietnamese Navy as part of the ACTOV-X Program having met criteria outlined in NAVFORV/NAVADVGRU MACV Inst 4900.5 of 22 February 1970. CSB-4 was turned over on 30 June and CSB-2 on 17 September 1970. YLLC-1, YLLC-5, and CSB-1 were transferred during ceremonies at the Cat Lo Naval Support Activity on 29 October 1970.

5. During 1970 a great deal of emphasis was placed on increasing the salvage capability of the Vietnamese Navy through training in salvage techniques, operation of salvage craft and machinery, and diving operations. The goal of this program is future expansion of Vietnamese responsibility in assuming the burden of salvage operations. Several Vietnamese Navy Divers underwent training at the Second Class Diving School, SRF, Subic Bay, and a two week course in the operation of salvage equipment taught by HCU-1 personnel, also in Subic. In-country they participated in HCU-1 operations for on the job training in salvage operations.

B. OPERATIONS, REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM

1. Army LT-1969

On 3 February, three divers from HCT-1 made a preliminary survey of LT 1969 in the Qui Nhon area. On 7 February, the HCU-1 Rep arrived at Quin Nhon and reported to the 5th Transportation Command. On 8 February, the HCU-1 Rep arranged for the use of the 100 ton and 60 ton cranes.

BRIEF NARRATIVE OF OPERATIONS

On 10 February, the YMLC-5 arrived at Qui Nhon and moored port side to N-1 Delong Pier.

On 11 February, 3" wires were broken out, and diving operations were started on the LT 1969.

On 12 February, two 1 5/8" wires were passed, one forward and one aft, to parbuckle the tug from its starboard to its port side; rolling the Lt 1969 to its port side permitted repair of a hole in the starboard side upon raising the tug.

On 13 February, the bow and stern 3" lift wires were passed with complete round turns and both bow anchors were removed to facilitate passage of a 2" lift wire through the hawse pipes.

On 14 February, the 2" lift wire was passed through the hawse pipes. The aft wires were secured to chocks with wire preventers and 3/4" chain passed around bitts was used as preventers on the forward wires. All Boulivant Clamps were passed and the forward peak tank cover was removed.

On 15 February, all pumps, the welding generator, fire pump hoses and fuel was transferred onto the small work barge. The blocks on the YMLC-5 were fleeted out and eyes were lowered to the bottom. Suction hoses were placed in the forward hold and the engine room of the LT 1969.

On 16 February, YMLC-5 was breasted out from the pier to a position directly astern of the LT 1969. The eyes of the 2" wire were passed to the 60 ton BD6065, the eyes of the forward 3" wire were passed to the 100 ton BD 6662, and the eyes of the after 3" wire were passed to YMLC-5. A strain was taken.

At 1103 the lift was commenced with the damaged area unpatched because the position of the large rubbing strakes precluded satisfactory patching. The BD6662 and the BD 6065 lifted the bow high enough to allow all forward spaces to be dewatered by 3" pumps. By 1700 the forward spaces had been dewatered and the LT 1969's main deck was awash. As the cranes continued to lift, the hole came clear of the surface and the 3" pumps were started to dewater the engine room. By 2100 the hole was 15 inches above the surface and permanent repairs by welding commenced.

On 17 February, the repairs were completed and by 0130 the LT 1969 was afloat and stable with a slight starboard list.

2. VNN ATC HQ-1236

On 22 March, the ATC HQ-1236 was sunk by an enemy mine, incurring severe damage in her after starboard lazarette and engine room. She settled in 40 feet of water, with her stern on the bottom and her bow due to the flotation gear in the wing walls was out of the water,.

On 29 March, salvops commenced by members of HCT-5 and two VNN ATC's. On the 30th, parbuckling wires and a salvage pontoon were secured in place and attempts were made to parbuckle her through the 1st of April. All efforts ceased when the VNN Monitor (HQ-6527) was sunk in the same area and salvage attempts were shifted to her.

After unsuccessful operations on the monitor, salvops were resumed on the Tango boat on the 15th of April by HCT-5, LCM-8 and HCT-1 personnel. A 1 5/8" strap was passed beneath the stern and a lift was made utilizing air trapped in the well deck to lift the bow. She was then run aground.

A strain was taken at low tide on the 16th, two ATC's were secured alongside the LCM-8 and the tow of the ATC was underway at a speed of one knot. Approximately halfway to Ben Tre the craft encountered heavy rocket and machine gunfire, in two separate fire fights, the second of which caused the death of two VN sailors, and the serious wounding of one HCT-5 member and the coxswain of the LCM-8. The tow was run aground during this action and she was released to prevent further casualties or damage.

At 0700 on the 19th of April salvops were resumed by HCT-5, LCM-8 and CSB-1. CSB-1 lifted the stern and air was pumped into the well deck. The bow was secured to the LCM-8 by two wires and two VNN ASPBs were placed alongside the LCM-8 for power and protection. Again the towing convoy came under fire, but the ATC was successfully removed without further casualties or damage, and was grounded on the north bank of the Ham Long River.

Salvops were continued on the 20th with the arrival of YLLC-3 who moved the ATC closer to the beach, exposing the damaged area at low tide. A portion of the lazarette was removed and the engine room bulkhead was made watertight.

On the 25th of April, after an unsuccessful attempt to parbuckle the ATC, and the lack of security in the area, the craft was towed to Dong Tam, again in the inverted position. She was then lowered to the bottom alongside the 60 ton YD, which had divers aboard. The services of HCU-1 were no longer required. All salvage equipment was recovered and the operation was completed.

3. VNN MONITOR HQ-6527

During the night of 2 April, the monitor was sunk by a mine placed six feet from the bow. She settled to the bottom in the inverted position, approximately 50 yards from the VNN ATC HQ-1236, on which salvops were being conducted.

Salvops were begun on the morning of the 4th of April by HCT-5 personnel and the crew of  LCM-8, at which time a stern wire was passed and secured to LCM-8, A lift attempt was unsuccessful and salvops were ceased due to the loss of the divers air supply compressor.

After a four day wait for equipment, the operation was resumed. A 1 5/8" wire was passed to the bow of the monitor and a strain was taken on the beach gear rigged in LCM-8. This attempt was unsuccessful due to air leaks in the stern and operations were ceased in order to resume the salvage of ATC (HQ-1236) with this method.

On the 23rd of April, operations were again resumed with CSB-1 in company of LCM-8 and HCT-5 and HCT-1 personnel. Preparations were made to lift the monitor in the late afternoon, but the enemy began walking mortar rounds up to the salvage site and operations were canceled. While returning to Dong Tam, enemy fire was encountered, resulting in the wounding of one HCT-5 member.

4. SS SEATRAIN WASHINGTON

On 21 July, word was received from the Vung Tau Harbor master that the SS SEATRAIN WASHINGTON was hard aground in the Vung Tau Harbor. YLLC-5 arrived at the salvage site at 2100 and proceeded to take soundings. On 22 July, YLLC-5 laid two legs of beach gear approximately 1000 feet from the stranded ship. Difficulty was encountered in passing the tow wires to the ship and its master decided to use tugs to push him off the sandbar. The results were negative, but the backwash caused by the attempt washed the YLLC-5 over her beach gear legs entangling them so that they had to be retrieved and relaid.

On 23 July, YLLC-5 relaid one leg of beach gear and the LCM-8 laid the other. During this time cargo was off loaded. YLLC-5 got in the harness and an attempt was made, using the beach gear and five tugs. The SS SEATRAIN WASHINGTON was moved approximately 25 feet.

On 24 July, USS BOLSTER and USS DELIVER were underway for the salvage site. More cargo was off loaded and another attempt was made. This attempt had negative results and YLLC-5's port beach gear leg dragged considerably.

On 25 July, CSB-3 relaid YLLC-5's port beach gear leg. USS DELIVER arrived and more extensive salvage efforts were started.

On 26 July, YLLC-5's beach gear legs were extended to 1200 feet and USS DELIVER started laying her beach gear legs with tandem anchors.

On 27 July, USS BOLSTER arrived and laid beach gear. All three craft were in harness by 2330 awaiting high tide.

On 28 July, at high tide, a pull was made using an additional three tugs with negative results. Fuel was removed and SS SEATRAIN WASHINGTON became lively.

On 29 July, SS SEATRAIN WASHINGTON floated free, YLLC-5 retrieved her beach gear and returned to Cat Lo.

C. SUMMARY OF MINOR SALVAGE OPERATIONS IN VIETNAM, 1970

1. On 6 January, a MSN PBR 31RP6693 ran aground and was stranded on the bank of a small canal off of the Vam Co Tay River. CSB-1 arrived the same day and used her fire monitors to dig a channel for the stranded craft. Logs were then placed under the hull to act as rollers as the PBR was pulled off the beach into deeper water.

2. On 6 January, CSB-4 arrived at Moc Hoa on the Vam Co Tay River to assist in the salvage of three grounded AMMI barges. Five LCM-8's were used to pull the barges into deeper water where they were remoored.

3. On 8 January, CSB-4 was dispatched to recover PBR 31RP6651 which had been sunk at Tan An by enemy fire. Upon arrival CSB-4 parbuckled and lifted the wreck until the gunnels were above the surface. Eductors were then rigged and the craft was quickly dewatered.

4. On 11 January, YDB-1 and CSB-4 were tasked with the survey and removal of anti-swimmer nets which were preventing the YR-9 from getting underway from its berth at Ben Luc. On 12 and 13 January the nets were removed and placed on the bank, section by section, using CSB-4's "A" frame. The three remaining 12 inch "I" beam pilings which were blocking the exit from the berth, were cut with C-4 charges and removed by CSB-4.

5. CSB-3, YLLC-1, and three HCT-3 divers began salvage operations on a damaged AMMI barge and ATC-36 on 21 January at Go Dau Ha. The damage was incurred when a floating mine exploded between the two craft. The barge was heavily damaged but with only one section holed.  However, ATC-36 had incurred heavy damage to the bottom and port side. The AMMI barge was still partially afloat and was quickly pumped out and patched. The ATC, however, could not be floated by dewatering the engine room and lazarette, and lifting the bow with the CSB "A" frame. On 25 January, YLLC-1 was sent to assist in an attempt to beach the ATC by lifting with YLLC-1 forward and the CSB aft. Using this method, the craft was successfully beached and positioned for another hull survey. Due to the extensive damage to the hull, HCU ONE was ordered to salvage the stern section, ramp, and flight deck only. By 30 January the ramp and flight deck were lifted by a U.S. Army tank retriever, and the stern section floated and towed to Ben Luc.

6. On 31 January, YLLC-1 surveyed and salvaged VNN ATC HQ-1204 located in a small canal of the Vam Co Tay. The craft was struck with a B-40 rocket and sank with the stern in approximately 12 feet of water resting on the bottom, and the bow aground on the bank. Divers made a survey and lifting straps were rigged to the after lifting pad-eyes. The stern of the HQ-1204 was lifted with YLLC-1's "A" frame until the main and well deck gunwales were clear of the water. Once this was accomplished the craft was dewatered using eductors and patched and turned over to the VNN.

7. YLLC-1 arrived at Ben Tre on 5 February and began salvops of five VNN LCVP's which were sunk when the barge they were tied to was mined. Using her "A" frame, YLLC-1 lifted each craft and placed them on the beach. By 7 February salvage operations were completed.

8. On 10 February, three HCT-3 divers began the salvage of the MSR-7 which sank in about 17 feet of water after receiving 5 enemy B-40 rocket hits. Using the forward gun turret, which was above the surface, the ammunition hold was closed off and the compartment pumped dry. The buoyancy gained enabled two ATC's to beach the craft bow first. On 11 February, all accessable holes were plugged or patched and all compartments, with the exception of the engine room lazarette, were dewatered. The attempt to raise the stern using two 3 ton chain falls, was unsuccessful. Salvops were terminated until more equipment could be obtained. On 19 February, the compartments were again pumped and two 5 ton chain hoists were used to lift the stern. Once the main deck was above the surface the craft was dewatered and turned over to local forces for tow.

9. On 18 February, OIC, HCT-3 and four divers made a survey of the YFU-7 at An Thoi. The YFU was heavily damaged and broached on the beach during a severe storm. She was bouyant forward, and flooded aft sitting on the bottom in 5 feet of water with the bow broached against the LST ramp. By 19 February, the holds and the engine room were dewatered. An anchor was then placed 300 feet aft of her bow and the anchor wire was run to her gypsy head. At high tide a strain was taken in an attempt to pull the bow off the rocks. Due to insufficient power, the attempt failed. On 20 February, YFU-4 was used in conjunction with the previously rigged anchor and succeeded in pulling the bow of the YFU-7 around 100 degrees. The YFU was then placed in a three point moor. Further efforts were postponed pending a decision on the economic feasibility of the repair project.

10. On 23 February, YLLC-1 located the sunken LCM-6 at Ben Keo and began salvage operations. Slings were rigged aft and salvage pontoons secured foreward. The YLLC then lifted and beached the stern. With each flood tide and by simultaneous dewatering, the LCM was placed high and dry on the beach. On inspection, the craft was considered unrepairable, therefore, the engines were removed on 26 February and the LCM-6 left in place.

11. On 1 March, YLLC-3 and three HCT-5 divers began a search for a downed VNN A-1H Skyraider believed to have crashed near the mouth of the Song Ham Luong River. After an extensive search, the wreckage was located in 25 feet of water still intact except for a missing nose section. Divers made an immediate survey of the wreck and succeded in recovering the body of the pilot. Straps were then rigged and the aircraft was placed on the beach using the YLLC's "A" frame. The wreckage was then picked up by helicopter.

12. On 9 March, a Navy fuel barge sank near Rach Soi because of overloading and improper towing. Four members of HCT-5 arrived at Rach Soi on 11 March and found the barge upside down and sitting in 12 feet of water. The barge was parbuckled and beached using an LCM-8.  Two 5 ton and one 3 ton chain hoists were used to lift the barge partially out of the water while air was blown into the lower tanks. The barge was turned over to local officials on 12 March.

13. On 13 March, two divers from HCT-1 and three VNN divers began the demolition and clearance of VNN HQ 1572 (LCM-6) and a 20 foot metal hull vendetta at Rach Soi. These craft were located in a channel which runs through the main market and had seriously blocked river commerce for over 18 months. The project was refused by both EOD and UDT teams due to the proximity of heavily populated areas and the inability to use large charges. Harbor Clearance divers used small shape charges of 5 to 20 pounds of C-4 to section and pound the craft into the bottom. On 17 March, the last section was flattened leaving the channel clear for all traffic.

14. The second attempt to salvage the ATC-5 at Song Ong Doc was begun by 12 members of HCT-1 on 14 March. A beach gear winch, 125 cfm air compressor, 8,000 pound ells anchor, 1 5/8 inch wire, diving equipment and various other hardware were loaded on the USS MARK (AKL) and transported to Breezy Cove. From Breezy Cove, it was transported up river to the wreck site by river craft, and placed on the beach using an Army helicopter. Parbuckle wires were rigged and a strain taken with negligible results due to slippage of the deadman. Operations were called off 26 March until a lift craft could be made available.

15. On 17 March, CSB-1 began salvage of a PBR at Ben Keo. The craft, which sank when an old patch failed, was lifted and beached using the CSB's "A" frame. On 18 March, the CSB again lifted the craft and transported it to the repair facility at Ben Luc.

16. On 19 March, the ASPB-HQ-5144 was struck in her port side amidships by a floating mine, and suffered an 8 ft by 3 ft hole in her hull. She quickly settled to the bottom on her port side in 25 feet of water. YLLC-1 and two HCT-5 divers commenced salvops on 21 March and successfully parbuckled her to an upright position using the YLLC's "A" frame. All removable items such as radios, guns, etc. were removed. With the arrival of CSB-1, salvops continued on 22 and 23 March, but all operations were halted when YLLC-1 suffered the loss of her 200 KW generator. On 29 March, operations resumed with YLLC-3, CSB-1 and personnel from HCT-5.  The ASPB was successfully beached by the 30th. A soft patch was installed, the engines were removed, and all salvage gear was retrieved. On 3 April, the ASPB was refloated and towed to the USS SPHINX.

17. On 2 April, CSB-2 arrived at Tuyen Nhon and inspected two LCM-8's sunk on the bank of Kinh Lac Range. LCM-8115 had an 8ft by 10ft hole in the starboard side and the LCM-8258 had a similar hole in the port side. The CSB lifted the stern of LCM-8115 with her "A" frame as the lazerrette was pumped and patches installed. CSB-2 then moved alongside the LCM-8115 and pulled her off the beach and towed her to Tuyen Nhon. On 3 April, CSB-2 returned to recover the LCM-8258. A cofferdam was constructed and installed over the engine room-lazarette hatch and eductors were placed in the compartment. Using the "A" frame while dewatering all watertight spaces, enabled the refloating of the stern. Two ATCs were then tied up alongside and the LCM-8258 was towed to Tuyen Nhon where CSB-2 patched the hull by welding steel plate over the damaged sections.

18. On 10 April, a stranded USNCB TD-15 bulldozer was recovered by YLLC-1. The lift craft beached and used the flood tide and wave action to get close enough to the bulldozer to attach a whip wire from her "A" frame. Having lifted the bulldozer clear of the water, she retracted from the beach using her stern anchor and delivered the TD-15 to the Vung Tau Sea Bee Repair Team.

19. On 14 April, CSB-2 proceeded to Moc Hoa to salvage a downed Army Warlord Helicopter.  After making a thorough yet unsuccessful search for the crewman, lifting straps were rigged. Using her "A" frame, the helicopter was lifted and placed on the beach for helicopter pick up.

20. On 23 April, the LST PAGE COUNTY suffered hull damage which resulted in the flooding of the port shaft alley and access trunk. It was undetermined as to whether she ran over an old wreck or punctured her hull when she settled on the bottom during low tide. On 25 April, three members of HCT-1 assisted NSD Nha Be divers in constructing a soft patch for the 4 foot by 8 inch rip in her hull. The patch was put in place from the inside due to swift currents making work from the outside impossible. Tha patch was forced from the inside through the hole, positioned and secured. The flooded spaces were then dewatered and further repairs turned over to the Nha Be NSA detachment.

21. On 31 April, HCT-4 personnel began the recovery of a 5 ton truck and a 155mm Howitzer which were lost when the bridge span at Ap Bac gave way. A howitzer wrecker was used to pull the submerged truck and howitzer onto the beach. Three wreckers were then used in an attempt to clear the channel of the bridge wreckage. The wreckers succeeded in pulling it to the side but were unable to raise it. CSB-1 was then called to the scene to assist clearance operations.  Explosives were used to cut away damaged sections and the remaining sections were lifted from the channel and placed on the beach.

22. CCB-1 SALVOPS:

a. On 2 May, salvops began by HCT-4 aboard YMLC-5, YDB-2, and YLLC-3 on the CCB-1 which sank in 40 feet of water in the South China Sea, in the vicinity of Vung Tau, RVN, in late October 1969. Foul weather had precluded immediate salvage operations.

b. Nine days were spent tunneling under the CCB-1, which was one-third submerged in the mud. Weather proved to be a limiting factor, as all operations ceased for two days to ride out a storm which brought seas in excess of ten feet to the salvage area.

c. By 16 May, CCB-1 was brought to the surface starboard side up. YMLC-5 was taken into tow (with the CCB-1 suspended from her bow) on 17 May by USS SAFEGUARD (ARS-25) for the outer Vung Tau Harbor. YMLC-5 was brought into the inner Vung Tau Harbor for the remainder of Salvage Operations by local tugs. CCB-1 was parbuckled and set down on the bottom 1000' from a sandbar.

d. YLLC-3 prepared and laid one leg of beach gear on the opposite side of the sandbar and placed herself into position for pulling. Then 1000' of 1 5/8" wire was passed to the CCB-1's main deck which was awash at high tide.

e. Two days were spent demudding and dewatering. Upon completion, the CCB-1 was pulled off the sandbar and refloated. She was immediately taken to Cat Lo and drydocked. Upon completion of drydocking, CCB-1 was turned over to NSA Cat Lo.

f. YLLC-3 returned to the salvage site to retrieve her beach gear. One leg of beach gear was retrieved with no problem. However, while retrieving the second leg, a wire strap parted and the ells anchor and a shot of 2 1/4" Dielock chain were lost. YLLC-3 was unable to recover the lost leg of beach gear and proceeded to the Delong Pier at Vung Tau.

23. On 31 May, four members of HCT-3 departed Cat Lo aboard YDB-2 to survey and salvage a sunken VN ferry boat. A survey conducted on 1 June disclosed the ferry to be resting on the bottom in an upright position in approximately twenty feet of water. Lying off the port side were a front end loader and a dump truck which had fallen off the ferry. After the arrival of YLLC-1, the vehicles were lifted and turned over to the local VNs. On the following day YLLC-3 arrived and by using both lift craft moored side by side, the ferry was lifted, dewatered and refloated.

24. On 10 June, while tied up alongside USS SPHINX, a VNN ASPB began taking on water through a leaky exhaust line. It sank, resting upright on the bottom. Upon arrival, CSB-4 passed wires to the crane on SPHINX with their "A" frame hook and lifted the craft and refloated it in the same day.

25. On 14 June, HCT-4 commenced salvageing an LCM-6 which had sunk alongside the AMMI complex at Song On Doc. After three days of extensive rigging, they were unable to raise the craft due to the lack of equipment.

26. On 15 June, CSB-4 refloated a VNN ASPB which had sunk while beached on the river bank at Go Dau Ha. After lifting the stern above the surface the craft was dewatered and a leaky exhaust was repaired.

27. Members of HCT-4 arrived at Thoi Binh on 15 June to demolish a VNN ATC, which was preventing the flow of normal river traffic. A series of three demolition charges were used to section and flatten the craft.

28. On 16 June, four members of HCT-4 departed Song On Doc for Thoi Binh to level HQ-1238.  Upon arrival at the sink site, charges consisting of Mark VIII hose charges and C-4 were placed, and leveling commenced. Several charges were needed to adequately level the ATC, eliminating all navigational hazards.

29. On 16 June, YLLC-3 and two divers from HCT-4 got underway for Nha Be, RVN to salvage a U.S. Army UH-1 helicopter in compliance with verbal orders from the HCU-1 Rep. On 17 June, YLLC-3 arrived at the salvage site and anchored. YLLC-3 then manuevered over the wreck and secured a mooring line to the helicopter. YLLC-3 and HCT-4 divers shackled a lifting strap into the lifting connection on top of the rotor. The helo was then lifted and snugged to YLLC-3's starboard bow, and YLLC-3 got underway for the Nha Be Pier. Upon arrival, YLLC-3 transferred the wreck to the Nha Be land crane where authorized U.S. Army personnel took custody of the wreck.

30. On 6 July, at 1930, a request was received from NCOIC Vung Tau Harbor Military Police to salvage U.S. Army PBR J-7813 which had run aground at high tide on a mud flat between Cat Lo and Vung Tau. Because the craft was needed for a night patrol, salvage operations took place at low tide. The PBR was approximately 300 yards from the waters edge at this time. YLLC-5 dropped its stern anchor and then beached as close to the PBR as possible. After lowering the bow ramp, the whip wire was walked out to the PBR (through mud at times waist deep) where it wasattached to the forward lifting padeyes. Using the beach gear winch, the PBR was pulled to YLLC-5 without any problems. After flushing out the PBR's cooling system with fire hoses, YLLC-5 returned to Cat Lo at approximately 2400.

31. On 7 July, YLLC-5 departed Cat Lo for Saigon and the SS WHITEHALL salvage operations. YLLC-5 arrived at the salvage site the same day and moored alongside WHITEHALL. A survey was made of the extent of flooding. It was found that the shaft alley was completely flooded, the engine room was partially flooded as were some of the cargo holds. Pumping operations commenced on 8 July, continuing until 11 July. Also, a limited amount of patching was accomplished especially around the packing gkands. Upon completion of the salvage operations, YLLC-5 departed the salvage site and returned to Cat Lo on 12 July.

32. On 12 July, YLLC-3 and CSB-4 commenced salvage operations on VNN ATC HQ 1209 nearBen Luc. After making a joint lift, the craft was refloated and was positioned on the beach where patches were made. After the craft was refloated and patched, it was towed to Dong Tam for further repair.

33. On 22 July, nine members of HCT-3 arrived at new Song On Doc to salvage an LCM-6 sunk alongside the ATSB in 12 feet of water. Two ATCs were positioned parallel to the sunken craft and two 17 foot spreader bars were placed between them to keep the craft apart. Four 10 ton chain falls were rigged on the ATCs and four lifting wires were passed under the wreck, After making the initial lift the wreck was moved to shallower water where a second and final lift was made, at which time the craft was dewatered and refloated.

34. On 22 July, YLLC-3 working with CSB-4 (just recently turned over to the VNN) successfully refloated a VNN ATC which sank in forty feet of water. The wreck was resting in an upright position, with the stern buried in the mud. After passing lifting straps to each craft, the ATC was lifted and dewatered.

35. On 23 July, YLLC-3 got underway for Cat Lo. A radio telephone message was received from the HCU-1 Rep to alter course and report to the Commanding Officer, USS SATYR (ARL-23),located at WS 236 970, to assist her with the salvaging of a sunken LCM-6. On 26 July, YLLC-3 arrived at SATYR's location. The LCM-6 was secured to SATYR's starboard bow. On 27 July, YLLC-3 rigged the LCM-6 for lifting. After taking a strain on the forward lifting straps, YLLC-3 passed the straps to the SATYR's forward boom hook. Then YLLC-3 hooked into the lifting straps on the stern and lifted the stern as SATYR lifted the bow. When the LCM-6 welldeck andengine room were clear of the water, an eductor was placed in both. Since water was leaking into the engine room through the exhaust system, DC plugs were placed in the port and starboard exhaust lines. The LCM-6 was pumped dry and refloated. SATYR moved the LCM-6 to her port side. lifted it, and placed it on an ammi barge for repairs.

36. On 20 August, members of HCT-1 arrived in Rach Gia to survey and salvage a LCM-6 which had been driven aground during a storm. After removing nearly seven tons of excess weight, the craft was refloated on a high tide several days later.

37. Ferry Pontoon

a. On 20 August, YLLC-5 got underway for Tan Tich in order to destroy a sunken ferry pontoon. Vietnamese Navy personnel were used in all watch standing positions and salvage equipment training continued. Upon arrival at Dong Tam, YLLC-5 took on water and some stores, and spent the night. On 23 August, YLLC-5 arrived at Tan Tich and, after locating local authorities, began surveying a similar pontoon that was across the river. The local police asked that demolition be delayed until noon on Monday so they could establish a perimeter to keep townspeople from being injured by debris that might come out of the water.

b. On 24 August, training in salvage equipment continued and an underwater survey of the ferry pontoon was made. It was decided to place haversacks of C-3 against the interior walls and when these were weakened, to lay some MARK VIII hose charges on the upper surface to break it up completely and drive as much as possible into the mud. Divers placed six haversacks of C-3.  Operations were suspended in the late afternoon due to the heavy current.

c. On 25 August, training continued aboard YLLC-5 while divers placed two haversacks of C-3 and three Mark VIII hose charges. Current again forced a halt in diving operations in the late afternoon. On 26 August, training continued aboard YLLC-5 while divers placed one haversackof C-3 and two Mark VIII hose charges. Diving operations secured in the late afternoon due to the current.

d. On 27 August, the last of the demolition was accomplished by placing one haversack of C-3 and two Mark VIII hose charges. Divers reported that the largest chunk of concrete above the river bottom was eighteen inches high. A stern anchor winch casualty prevented YLLC-5 from lifting the ramp which had settled slightly with each charge that was set off. The pontoon on the other side of the river was dewatered by the Vietnamese as a salvage project and then YLLC-5 got underway for Dong Tam with the Vietnamese standing all underway watches with only limited supervision. YLLC-5 spent the night in Dong Tam.

38. REUNEN PACE

a. On 20 August, a survey of the 65 foot tug REUBEN PACE conducted by YDB-1 found the wreck upside down and protruding five feet above water at low tide. The hulk was severely deteriorated and damaged from collisions. On 22 August, eighty MK VIII hose charges, previously woven into mats of ten each, were placed on the forward section and as far aft aspossible. The area was cleared and the charge initiated. A survey on 24 August showed six feet of water over the debris at low tide.

b. A later survey, held on 7 September, found the forward section protruding five feet from the mud line. Eight MK VIII hose charges were placed on the hulk on 9 September but were not detonated due to heavy weather. On 16 September, additional hose charges were placed on the bow. A survey after the detonation showed no obstruction above the bottom.

39. POL Line repair at An Thoi, RVN. Inclusive dates were 31 August to 3 September. Thesubject line was broken at a flange joint and completely separated. The bolts necessary for repair were manufactured at the VNN repair shop at An Thoi. The line was then pulled together and a new gasket was installed. The line was rejoined at the broken flange point. Five members of HCT-5 were employed in this operation. The line was in 15 feet of water.

40. VNN ASPB HQ-5125 and VNN ATC HQ-1240

a. On 31 August, YLLC-5 departed Cat Lo for Dong Tam and further travel to the Mo Cay Canal to salvage the VNN ASPB HQ-5125 and VNN ATC HQ-1240. Three Vietnamese divers were embarked as well as a corpsman (HCU-1) and an EOD Warrant Officer. YLLC-5 arrived at Dong Tam and spent the night. On 1 September, after the OIC HCT-1 arranged security, YLLC-5 and the LCM-8 salvage boat got underway for the Ham Luong River and rendezvoused near the mouth of the Mo Cay Canal where all craft anchored for the night. On 2 September, YLLC-5  proceeded up the canal to the salvage site. The morning was spent looking for the ASPB whose position was not marked. Once the wreck was located, YLLC-5 used straps rigged to the lifting padeyes to lift the boat until the gunwales were clear of the water. The engine room and lazerrete were then pumped. To help attain a higher lift, the LCM-8 tied up along side YLLC-5 and attached two 5 ton chain falls to the wreck's bow. The ASPB was then towed out of the canal and taken to Dong Tam. The 100 ton YD in Dong Tam took the wreck from the salvage boats and placed it on a barge. The salvage boats then proceeded to the rendezvous site near the mouth of the Mo Cay Canal where they anchored for the night.

b. On 4 September, the salvage craft and security boats entered the canal and proceeded to the salvage site. During this transit enemy fire was received. YLLC-5 positioned itself over the stern of the upside down wreck (ATC HQ-1240) whose bow was out of the water on the beach. The LCM-8 came along YLLC-5s starboard side near the wreck's bow. A padeye was welded on the bow and the engine room was made as watertight as possible. When security was reestablished, the salvage craft were positioned as before and salvage operations continued. Stays were rigged through the struts, an air bubble was put in the engine room, and a strap was rigged through the welded padeyes. YLLC-5 lifted the stern, and using two five ton chain falls the LCM-8 lifted the bow. With an ASPB tied along the port side of YLLC-5, the nest proceeded out of the canal and into the Ham Luong River headed for Dong Tam. After travelling about ten miles, the current became too strong and the nest anchored until slack water.

c. On 5 September, the nest again got underway for Dong Tam. Later that day, due to the extra draft with the conn of the ATC underwater, the nest ran aground breaking the forward lifting straps and ripping the metal from around the welded padeye. Attempts were made to re-rig usaing a belly strap around the bow. After moving a short distance, the nest again ran aground. The nest then awaited high tide before attempting another move.

d. On 6 September, with YLLC-5 and LCM-8 tied to the wreck, two ASPBs and an ATC were tied alongside to assist in propulsion. Steaming backwards, the salvage craft travelled upriver for about an hour before running aground again. The ATC was then parbuckled, its gunwales lifted out of the water with chain falls and it was pumped. For additional support the LCM-8 was tied alongside YLLC-5 and using their chain falls they took a strain on the stern of the ATC. With two ASPBs alongside, the nest proceeded to Dong Tam, arriving at approximately 2200.

e. On 7 September, the 100 ton YD took the ATC from the salvage craft at 1700. They then proceeded to Cat Lo arriving at approximately 1900.

41. On 4 and 5 September, a command junk sank in the Gulf of Thailand off of the entrance to Ha Tien, RVN and was surveyed by five members of HCT-5. The junk was beyond economical salvage and was therefore left alone. The boat was in 12 feet of water.

42. A PCF was sunk at Qui Nhon in 25 feet of water. During the period 7 - 11 September it was raised using a 60 ton YD. Lifting straps were attached and the boat was lifted on 11 September.  The rest of the time was spent on removal of weapons and one body. Three members of HCT-5 were employed in this operation.

43. On 11 September, YLLC-1 got underway for Ben Soi, RVN, to recover HQ-9170, a zippo refueler, sunk by a mine ten days earlier. The refueler was parbuckled and raised in four days and beached five miles down river at Ben Keo opposite the NAG Base. On 23 September, YLLC-1 returned to Ben Keo to pick up HQ-9170 again and transit with it to Saigon. It was delivered to the VNN Shipyard after 46 hours of steaming from Ben Keo.

44. A Thai fishing boat was sunk in the harbor at Rach Gia in 15 feet of water. The boat was sunk alongside the quaywall near the fish market. The boat was determined to be beyond economical salvage and it was therefore decide to demolish the boat with the use of explosives. The survey of the boat was conducted on 10 September. The boat was demolished on 17 September with the use of C-4. Five members of HCT-5 were employed in this operation.

45. One ASPB and one ATC were sunk at Solid Anchor as a result of sappers. Both boats were sunk in approximately 40 feet of water. Upon completion of the survey the ASPB was determined to be beyond economical salvage, and salvage of the ATC was beyond the capabilities of the assets in the area. One 50 cal. machine gun was recovered from the ATC. Inclusive dates of the survey were 25-30 September. Five members of HCT-5 were employed in this operation.

46. LSSL-226

a. LSSL-226 was sunk in the Co Chien River approximately 40 kilometers east of Vinh Long in about 35 feet of water. After a thorough survey of the wreck, it was determined to be beyond the salvage capabilities of the "in-country" assets. Salvage of this craft would require the use of a YHLC. Inclusive dates of the survey were 2-9 October. Five members of HCT-5 and YDB-2 were employed in this operation.

b. On 12 October, YLLC-5 got underway for Dong Tam for further transit to the Co Chien River and the LSSL-226 salvage operations. The purpose of the job was to pass four 5/8 inch wires around the hull and to parbuckle the wreck to an upright position. YLLC-5 arrived at Dong Tam and spent the night.

c. On 15 October, YLLC-5 tied into the wreck but diving operations could not begin until 1400 because of the current. The messenger that had been passed on the 14th was fouled, and the remaining slack water was spent untangling it and tying it off to the proper position. Upon suspension of diving operations, YLLC-5 anchored downstream.

d. On 16 October, the second bow messenger wire was passed, and divers started passing the first stern wire, however the capstan was inoperative requiring the suspension of diving operations.  On 17 October, divers finished securing the stern wire and passed the second stern wire. On 18 October, a 7/8 inch messenger was passed around the superstructure to assist in passing the parbuckling wire. The crew started passing the 1 5/8 inch parbuckling wire but suspended operations. YLLC-5 remained tied up to the wreck. On 19 October, the crew finished passing the parbuckling wire and streamed it upstream. YLLC-5 anchored downstream. On 20 October, YDB-2 finished their sounding survey and remained on station to assist in the parbuckling attempt. YLLC-1 arrived, and the morning was spent passing beach gear blocks, carpenter stoppers, etc. to them. Using YDB-2, reference buoys for the beach gear were placed in the afternoon. On 21 October, YLLC-5 laid two legs of beach gear with the Vietnamese observing the operation. Using YDB-2, the parbuckling wire and the beach gear wires were passed to YLLC-1 who was in harness by 1900. On 22 October, at slack water, YLLC-1 began pulling on the beach gear. Efforts were continued until the parbuckling wire parted. YLLC-1 then began retrieving the beach gear legs. YDB-2 departed the salvage site for Sa Dec and further transit to Cat Lo. On 24 October, the survey was completed. It found the LSSL-226 in the same relative postion and when soundings were made of the hull, no air pockets were discovered. YLLC-5 departed the salvage site and anchored at the mouth of the Cau Tu River.

47. On 29 October, YLLC-5 was turned over to the Vietnamese along with YLLC-1 and CSB-4 in ceremonies at Cat Lo, Republic of Vietnam.

48. During the period 31 October - 4 November a survey of the ATC sunk near Solid Anchor, showed that the craft was inverted in 20 feet of water. Two small holes were found in the hull and the bow ramp was forced open. The craft was salvagable, however salvage operations would be severely hampered by the narrow width of the canal and a lack of security in the immediate area of the wreck. Four members of HCT-5 and twoVNN divers were employed on this survey.

49. During the period 15-20 November all 16 personnel of HCT-5 were sent to Saigon where the SS COURTLAND was listing. The ship, a victory hull, had been derelict in Saigon since early 1968. During this time it had taken on sufficient water to develop a 7 1/2 starboard list. With the assistance of a U.S. Army 60 ton crane the cargo booms were center lined and hatch covers removed affording access to the five cargo holds. The holds, engine room and shaft alley were dewatered with a jetting pump and 4" peri-jet. The list ws reduced from 7 1/2 starboard to 1 1/2  starboard. The shaft packing gland was sealed with oakum and temp-sealed to prevent further leaking. It was requested that COURTLAND's owners provide hatch tarps to prevent rain water from entering the holds thereby causing a similar problem in the future. This request was deniedas the owners did not desire to expend the money. Before departing Saigon, four members of HCT-5 boarded SS BOWLING GREEN , a similar ship, to tighten the shaft packing gland.

50. A VNN RPC sank near Gia Rai. Three members from HCT-5 and two VNN divers surveyedthe wreck during November 11-14. The boat was sunk near a fish trap in 30 feet of water.  Salvage operations began on 21 November. Lifting straps were passed fore and aft, the boat was raised on 24 November using two 10 ton chain falls attached to the bow ramps of two LCM-6's.  The RPC was towed to Gia Rai where it was beached and turned over to the VNN on 26 November.

51. During the period of November 22-25, seven members of HCT-5 surveyed an S-3 Communist trawler sunk in the South China Sea as a result of allied gunfire. The trawler was sunk in 25 feet of water. The superstructure was entirely demolished from explosions aboard the trawler as she sank. Samples of the various weapons and ammunition were recovered from cargo holds. The trawler would require the use of a YHLC for salvage. 52. On 28 November, divers dove on a sunken LCM-8 at Vung Tau. VNN YLLC's would not remain on station to complete the job.

53. On 29 November, eight members of HCT-4 departed on YLLC-5 for Solid Anchor/Nam Can. They surveyed three wrecks. Lifted and salvaged one VNN ATC. Cleareed and changed screws on river boats at Solid Anchor. Salved one mini-gun and one 50 cal from a medium gun boat off of the coast at Nam Can. Surveyed one LCM-8 north of Ca Mau. Operations at Solid Anchor ended approximately 25 December.

54. On 7 December, AOIC, HCT-3 and seven members departed Cat Lo in YDB-2 for Saigon at the request of the Saigon Port Authority. SS ILISSOS, a ship of 4961 gross tons had developed a 9 degree port list and was in danger of capsizing. During December 8-10 an initial survey found the list to be due mainly to rain water collected in the five holds and main engineering spaces. The ship was dewatered and restored to a 2 degree port list. 55. On 21 december, OIC, HCT-3 and six team members employed two VNN LCM-8s equipped with four 5 ton chain falls to clear two VNN LCM-8s blocking the Can Gao Vic Canal. The craft were in a horizontal upright position.

56. On 23 December, OIC, HCT-3 and six team members arrived at the sink site of VNN ATC HQ-1268 which had been mined by a VC sapper while beached for the night. The force of the explosion opened an 8' x 4' hole in the port wing wall just forward of the engine room causing the craft to capsize immediately. It was found in 10 feet of water with a 150 degree port list. On 24 December, it was determined that the craft was beyond salvage with the equipment on hand. The decision was made to search for two bodies which had been trapped in the wreck since 11 December. The first was located in the forward part of the well deck at 1400H. The rest of the day was spent removing debris from the well deck which created, in conjunction with the current, extremely hazardous diving conditions. On 25 December, after removing still more debris, the second body was found in the forward part of the conn.

57. On 24 December, AOIC, HCT-3 and two team members arrived at the sink site of VNN ASPB HQ-5129 near Dong Hong. The craft was perpendicular to the canal bank with its bow resting on the bank and the stern submerged in approximately five feet of water. Two B-40 rocket holes were discovered; one 5" in diameter 1' below the waterline on the starboard side near the forward gun turret; the other, 1' high and 2' wide in the stern, starboard of the centerline, one foot below the main deck. On 27 December, at 0800 two ATCs were positioned perpendicular to the wreck. Four 5 ton chain falls, two on each ATC, were attached to the lifting padeyes and the wreck was raised until the deck was awash. All watertight fittings were secured and the holes patched. Dewatering was accompished with a peri-jet. On 28 December, the wreck was taken under tow by another ASPB and taken to Kien An for future transit to an overhaul facility. During the transit, the convoy came under small arms fire from both banks. There were no casualties.

III.  SPECIAL TOPICS

A. AWARDS AND COMMENDATIONS

1. During the current year, numerous awards and commendations were received by personnel of Harbor Clearance Unit ONE. Many officers and men were awarded the Vietnam Campaign and Vietnam Service Medals. There have been numerous awards of the Combat Action Ribbon. In addition, the following presentations were made:

Award Recipient

Purple Heart SFI Jerry D. O'CONNELL

TMC Anthony K. WADDELL

BM2 Thomas P. JONES

Bronze Star CDR J.F. MADEO, Jr.

LT Herbert W, TUFTS, III

LTJG Joseph S. BUBAN

LTJG K.D. CROWLEY

QMC Frank De La OLIVA

BMC John T. BAUDER

GMG3 Donald L. WILSON

Navy and Marine Corps Medal SF2 John I. FAITH

Navy Commendation Medal LT William M. MATHERS

LTJG Daniel F. JOHNSTONE

LTJG David I. PETERSON

SFC Gary L. SPICKERMAN

GMGC Frank A. STUCKEY

TMC Anthony K. WADDELL

QMC Frank De La OLIVA

BMC John T. BAUDER

ENC William W. WINTERS

SF1 Jerry D. O'CONNELL

BM1 Thomas R. BOWER

EM1 John C. BOOKOUT

EN1 Orville L. THOMPSON

HM1 Ronald E. KLEPPER

TM1 Frank J. MANTELL

MR1 Dennis L. LONG (2nd Award)

EN2 Richard HOWE

BM2 Thomas P. JONES

EN2 Ronald S. PRIVETTE

MM3 Michael A. CATTOLICO

GMG3 Robert G. HOFFMAN

BM3 Daniel V. KINCAID

FN Dale M. STIEHL

FN Paul S. DEPAOLI

SA Gary A. DAHLBECK

Navy Achievement Medal SF1 Robert M. MCKEONE, III

SF1 Kenneth J. WHITNEY

MM1 Felix (NMN) BAYONA

CS1 Roberto SILAO

CS1 Diego B. SABINIANO

BM1 Albert BEEBE

SK2 William T. FLORES

MR2 Michael MILLER

EM2 E.J. MCLAUGHLIN, Jr.

EN2 Dennis F. MCNIGHT

MM2 Woodrow A. LANCASTER

EN2 Eddie D. DAVIS (2nd award)

SF2 John I. FAITH

SF2 David MORGENSON

EN2 Stephan W. EVANS

QM2 Paul S. FRANKLIN

EN3 Richard M. SIEMSSEN

FN Patrick TRACY (Posthumously)

FN Herbert B. BARNETT

SA William D. TAHKEAL

Republic of Vietnam Staff

Service Medal First Class CDR Joseph F. MADEO, Jr.

Republic of Vietnam Technical

Service Medal First Class LT Don THOMAS

LTJG Leslie A. HOWITT

B.  PERSONNEL CASUALTIES

1. SF1(DV) Jerry D. O'CONNELL, USN and BM2 Thomas P. JONES, USN received wounds from and enemy B-40 rocket and small arms fire during salvage operations near Ben Tre, RVN on 16 April 1970. Petty Officer O'Connell was medevaced to the Third Field Hospital Saigon for emergency treatment. He was then moved to the 84th Evac Hospital in Long Vinh for recuperation and then on to Yokosuka Naval Hospital, Japan and finally to Balboa Naval Hospital, San Diego for further operations and treatment. He is presently recovering in Balboa Naval Hospital. BM2 JONES sustained superficial shrapnel wounds in the face and arm and was treated at the scene. The wounds were as the result of a direct hit in the chest of a VNN sailor on board the Mike-8 in which they were embarked for the salvage operation.

2. TMC(DV)(SS) Anthony K. WADDELL, USN received shrapnel wounds in both arms during operations near Ben Tre, RVN on 22 April 1970. After receiving emergency treatment on the scene he was medevaced to the Third Field Hospital in Saigon where he was treated and returned to HCU-1 Rep at Cat Lo, RVN.

C. ADS IV DEEP DIVE SYSTEM

Advanced Diving System FOUR, housed at the U.S. Naval Station, Subic Bay R.P. was maintained and operated by Harbor Clearance Unit ONE, Team TWO.

Because of weld flaws noted in x-rays made by SRF Subic in 1969 the ADS IV system remained out of commission until May 1970. In May training operations were conducted with the USS LIPAN (ATF-85). While the training was successful, further repair to the system was required.  Due to repeated maintenance requirements and the inability of SRF to correct material deficiencies NAVSHIPSYSCOM air lifted ADS-IV to CONUS for complete refurbishment and redeployment.

At this time Harbor Clearance Team TWO was disestablished and the personnel rotated to the other HCT's.

IV.  DOCUMENTARY ANNEXES

B. ROSTER OF HARBOR CLEARANCE UNIT ONE OFFICERS: 31 DECEMBER 1970

BILLET OFFICER

Commanding Officer CDR JOE D. EDWARDS, USN, 640963/1100

Executive Officer LCDR DONALD C. JOERRES, USN, 640334/6302

Salvage Engineer LT HERBERT W. TUFTS III, USN, 680372/1400

Maintenance Officer ENS JAMES E. HOWARD, JR., USN, 721824/6301

Asst. Maintenance Officer ENS CALVERT E. MILLS, JR., USNR, 768992/1105

Medical Officer LT THOMAS P. MORGAN, Jr., USNR, 729830/2105

Administrative Officer LTJG GENE C. NAPIER, USNR, 756812/1105

Supply Officer LT FRANK I. BURLEY, USN, 696631/3100

Asst. Supply Officer CWO-2 LARRY N. GUEVARRA, USN, 697465/7982

OINC HCT ONE LTJG PAUL R. FOLTZ, USNR, 726138/1105

AOINC HCT ONE LT CHARLES A. THOMPSON, USNR, 719819/1105

OINC HCT THREE LTJG DANIEL F. JOHNSTONE, USNR, 733387/1105

AOINC HCT THREE LTJG CARL E. BOROWSKI, USNR, 733094/1105

OINC HCT FOUR LTJG AUGUSTUS B. KENNEDY III, 730713/1105

OINC HCT FIVE LTJG LLOYD A. BORNMANN III, USNR, 734143/1105

AOINC HCT FIVE LTJG THOMAS R. CULLISON, USNR, 732106/1105

OINC YRST-1 LT JOHN E. GALLAGHER, USNR, 695529/1107

OINC YLLC-3 LTJG PAUL C. HUBBELL, USNR, 755691/1105

OIC YHLC 1 LTJG DALE C. NIEMAN, USNR, 745263/1105

OIC YHLC 2 LTJG RICHARD C. ALT III, USNR, 742671/1105

HCU-1 Rep LTJG PETER F. BERDZAR, USNR, 730972/1105

Unassigned Pending Detach LTJG JOE M. CANTRELL, USNR, 731276/1105

C. ROSTER OF HARBOR CLEARANCE UNIT ONE ENLISTED PERSONNEL: 31 DECEMBER 1970

ACKERMAN, ROBERT P. B38 92 17 SN

ADAMS, GEORGE C. 450 37 19 DC1(DV)

ADKINS, KEITH A. B87 91 69 SN

ALEXANDER, JAMES N. 793 87 38 SM2

ALLEN, RICHARD O. B82 08 63 SKSN

ALON, PAULINO A. 476 32 24 PN1

ANDREWS, KENNETH E. 389 90 02 BT1

ANGLO, RIZALITO V. 476 31 23 SH3

APLIN, OWEN R. B87 89 90 SN

AREHART, GERALD J. 524 56 69 SM1

ARLAND, MARK S. D89 58 80 SN

ARMSTRONG, CHARLES 596 19 86 BT2

ARNOLD, RONALD B87 53 16 BT2

BALL, DAVID J. 544 71 46 HM1(DV)

BARCLAY, DANA C. 682 71 61 BT2

BARNETT, GERALD M. D80 20 15 SN

BARRENTINE, WILLIAM 428 57 88 BMC(DV)

BAUTISTA, RUDOLFO R. 777 00 12 MR2

BAYONA, FELIX 498 53 26 MM1

BEAM, MARK S. D80 13 91 SN

BOOKOUT, JOHN C., Jr. 593 55 38 EM1(DV)

BOOTH, JOHN E. 998 19 47 MM2(DV)

BORJA, HERMIE F. 513 13 15 SD2

BOWER, THOMAS R. 685 12 06 BM1(DV)

BROWN, LESTER L. 599 07 78 BT2

BROWN, SIMIEL B56 57 35 SN

BUDOMO, NORBERTO M. 589 78 14 SD3

BUSKI, FRANK, JR. 417 07 82 SFI(DV)

BUTTON, FRANK T. 696 52 13 CS1

CAINTIC, MANUEL A.. 513 02 92 EM1

CAMPANO, PABLO M. 476 21 96 EM2

CASTILLO, MARCARIO A 589 64 24 SD3

CASTRO, BIENVENIDO D 589 69 80 EM2

CAVANAUGH, GREGORY B56 57 24 SN

CHANEY, WILBURN B. 420 38 26 GMG1(DV)

CHESSER, WALTER T. 516 10 25 SM1

CHIMEL, WALTER 770 04 40 SFM3

CLARKE, WALTER A. JR. 683 15 05 RM3

CLONTS, EDDIE L. 767 41 24 QM1(DV)

CLYMER, DAVID R. 391 14 65 BM1

COEBACA, STEVEN W. B87 34 61 SN

COLE, JOHN W., JR. 516 21 55 EM1

COMMO, LEE S. 592 34 52 SK2

CONN, PHILLIP D. 775 83 12 BM2

COTTRILL, JAMES A. 794 99 47 EN3

CRUSE, JAMES E. 388 79 17 SF1

CUNANAN, NARCISCO C. 476 27 95 CS1

CURTIS, RICHARD H. 544 84 59 MM1

DAMANTI, THOMAS W. B87 54 99 EN3

DARENSBOURG, A.B.,III 119 10 30 BM2

DAVIS, EDDIE DAVID 913 28 32 SM2

DE LA OLIVA, FRANK 512 71 15 QMC(DV)

DEES, TOMMY D. 350 28 20 GMG1(DV)

DEGUZMAN, RICHARD D 476 34 12 EM2

DEOSS, DONALD L. 554 31 97 BM1

DEPAOLI, PAUL S. B89 18 77 EN3

DOAK, STEPHEN W. B59 92 66 FN

DOMINGUEZ, RUPERTO 468 03 28 MR1

DOYLE, MICHAEL W. B59 90 26 EM3

DUFFANY, WALTER L. B19 89 81 FN

DUNGY, ASIC C. B87 77 11 FA

EATON, JAMES O. B78 57 72 SN

EDANG, RAYMUNDO E. 513 01 23 EM2

EISSING, FRANK E, JR. 812 73 47 DCCM(DV)

EVANS, ROGER D. B20 29 83 BT2

EVANS, STEVEN W. B82 40 90 EN2

FAIOLA, FRANK A. B16 84 24 SA

FAITH, JOHN I. 692 26 96 SFP2(DV)

FAZZOLARI, WILLIAM A. B17 42 49 SA

FLORES, WILLIAM T. 493 01 50 SK2

FOLEY, JOHN E, JR. B17 13 34 SN

FORMENTO, JOSE L. 513 04 16 CS1

FREITAS, GARY B. D88 76 11 SN

FRIEND, VERNON D. 443 05 20 MM1

FULLER, BOINE R. 485 02 97 HMC(DV)

GABALOON, GEORGE E. 794 38 66 DC2

GARTMAN, JONES C. 462 09 35 BMC

GAUB, JACK D. B84 73 54 EN2

GREINER, EDWARD J. B78 82 15 FN

GROSS, CHARLIE E. 524 49 23 SF1(DV)

GUNN, JOHN E. B66 05 03 FN

GUTIRREZ, WILLIAM A. 592 92 96 BM1(DV)

HANSEN, BURL G. B81 04 00 FTG3(DV)

HARVEY, KENNETH D. B60 54 08 BM1(DV)

HATFIELD, FREDDY D. B20 35 34 MM3

HAYES, JAMES O. B56 49 77 SA

HEADLEY, ROBERT E. 490 75 78 QM1

HEISHMAN, HOWARD L. 592 46 96 MM3

HENRY, HUBERT A. 298 38 54 CS1

HILL,WILLIAM F. B16 86 53 SA

HUDEK, GEORGE J. B78 75 23 SA

HUGHES, MACK E. 350 62 44 RM2

ILAS, CONSTANCIO C. 468 05 01 CS1

JONES, GENE R. 538 02 03 SFP2

KANIKEBERG, LARS R. 389 07 60 EN1

KASSEL, JAMES L. B59 87 57 FN

KELVER, FREDERICK J. B56 38 93 SN

KEYS, ELPHAGE J. B71 90 39 BM3

KIRBY, JAMES M. B59 86 75 FN

KLEPPER, RONALD E. 472 26 68 HM1(DV)

KOESTER, HERBERT 391 50 11 HM1(DV)(PJ)

KOESTERMAN, JOHN H. 391 12 54 BMC(DV)

KOSKIMAKI, JAMES G. 388 91 22 MN2(DV)

KURZ, GEORGE J. 520 70 33 EN1

LAMBERT, CHARLES L. B56 49 73 SN

LAURON, JOSE L. 476 29 05 SK1

LEBLANC, FRANCIS B. 903 86 66 DC1

LECHMAN, KENNETH J. 527 76 31 EN1

LEE, JIMMY D. B56 57 40 SN

LEIGH, RICHARD D, D89 65 03 SN

LINN, JAMES H. B52 80 15 CS2

LONG, DENNIS J. 517 49 03 MR1(DV)

LOVELL, JAMES A. III B82 51 04 EN2

LOVELL, STEVEN G. B88 73 56 FN

LYLE, DONALD R. B87 99 70 FN

MACE, LARRY R. 469 67 34 BTC(DV)

MAGPOC, ALFREDO 476 31 50 EN1

MAIER, KENNETH E. 391 45 89 SFM2

MAKANEOLE, WILLIAM 491 79 91 HM2(DV)

MARIANI, RONALD J. B87 89 73 DC3

MAUGHMER, EARL K. 511 06 49 QMC(SS-DV)

MAYNARD, LARRY 794 95 90 MM2

MCCORMICK, THOMAS 918 65 78 EN2

MCKEONE, ROBERT III 427 88 35 SF1(DV)

MCLAUGHLIN, E.J. Jr. 390 88 38 EM2

MEDIN, DONALD R. 370 67 59 BM1(DV)

MILANAK, DOUGLAS L. 370 97 62 BM1(DV)

MILLER, JAMES R.. B59 98 33 YN3

MILLER, MICHAEL 794 46 91 MR2

MILLER, RONALD J. 491 51 53 EN1

MIRALLES, ENRIQUE E. B96 19 50 SH3

MOORE, DAVID A. 524 20 42 MM1(DV)

MOORE, ROBERT R. 399 87 95 MM1(DV)

MURPHY, CHARLES T. 797 11 74 RM3

MURPHY, MICHAEL T. B17 42 24 FN

NEAL, JOHN S. 693 08 27 BT3

PADGETT, JAMES M. 914 65 54 BT2

PARK, DAVID A. 694 97 39 SM2

PARTIDO, EMILIO N. 544 15 14 EM1

PENNINGTON, CHARLIE 290 18 83 BM2(DV)

PHILLIPPI, ROBERT D. 467 84 30 DC1

PIERGALSKI, RICHARD B78 72 93 FN

POWELL, FORREST C. B74 26 25 SK3

POWER, GEORGE W. 489 11 86 ENC(DV)

PRATT, CHARLES T. B11 84 78 FN

PRILL, WILLIAM H. 595 81 38 BT2

PRIVETTE, IRA W. 692 72 08 MM2

PUELIU, PAUL (NMN) 441 55 68 SF1

RALLECA, GLICERIO T. 468 05 23 MM1

RAMIREZ, EFREN V. 476 30 30 EM1

RAMOS, FELIX L. B17 11 81 FN

RAMOS, JESUS C. 467 92 73 EM1

RAMOS, JUAN (NMN) 547 86 57 BMC(DV)

REAGAN, LAWRENCE A. 913 63 32 DC2

REDDING, LAMAR B. B16 84 31 SA

RENNER, ROBERT C. 684 09 03 BM2

RICHARD, DON J. B98 33 53 FN

RICHARDS, JAMES E. 438 91 55 QM1

RICHARDSON, KEVIN L. D80 10 89 SN

RIDGEWAY, RICHARD L. B65 06 98 SN

RIVERA-ASTACIO, J.E. 493 54 42 EN2

ROBBINS, DAVID L. 436 16 95 BT1

ROQUE, AVALINO M. 583 42 41 CS1

ROYSE, STEVEN B. D88 07 10 SN

RUDISELL, JOSEPH F. B45 47 39 FN

SCHEER, PAUL S. B85 85 62 DC3

SCHNEIDER, FREDERICK D80 40 93 DCFN

SCHWEEDLER, MICHAEL 997 23 84 BM3

SCOTT, WAYNE D. B16 19 53 SN

SEARCY, JOHN A. 595 81 84 SF1(DV)

SEELEY, ROGER LEE 685 73 66 SFP2(DV)

SELLERS, L.E. 276 10 60 ENC

SHINKLE, RODGER L.. B64 31 80 FN

SHUEY, MARK A. B53 15 18 BT3

SIBBACH, ROBERT G. B45 63 85 FN

SILAO, ROBERTO S. 467 98 72 CS1

SMITH, DAVID R. B86 87 92 FN

SMITH, PATRICK J. B56 67 39 FA

SMITH, RAYMOND A. B13 24 77 QM2

SNYDER, WILLIAM H. 444 42 67 DC2

SOARES, JOHN A. 377 82 80 BM2

SPRING, WAYNE C, JR. B87 31 45 FN(DV)

STANDRIDGE, JIM L. B89 14 81 EN3

STAUBS, JAY S. B20 93 76 SN

STEINBRINK, DANIEL 480 34 21 ENC(DV)

STEPHENS, WILSON A. 533 01 73 MM1(DV)

STOKES, LAWRENCE S. 370 19 09 HMC(DV)

SWARTZ, JAN 774 89 54 MM2

TANGUNAN, SILVINO V. 455 18 63 ETN2

THAGGARD, AUBREY R. 491 53 06 DCCS(DV)

TINSMAN, LLOYD W. B59 35 92 BM3

TORRES, MICHAEL V. B87 07 39 SN

TRELINSKI, MICHAEL W. B53 14 96 YN2

TSOURIS, STEPHEN G. B56 67 40 FN

TWEEDY, HARRY Jr. 694 96 21 BM3

TYSON, CLEVE J. B87 31 68 FN

VEASEY, CHARLES M. 699 00 11 HM2(DV)

VELDMAN, ALLAN P. B88 71 98 SN

VESPASIAN, WILLIAM 454 03 01 EM1(DV)

WADDELL, ANTHONY K. 459 42 38 TMCS(DV)

WALKER, WILLIAM D. B82 08 05 FN

WALSH, MICHAEL H. 549 14 36 YN1

WALTERS, ISSAAC L. B56 46 97 SN

WARFIELD, THOMAS J. B19 87 79 EN3

WEAVER, JACK L. B87 49 10 FN

WELTEKE, KARL W. 370 52 55 FN

WESTBROOK, OSCAR C. B60 89 85 BT2

WHITNEY, KENNETH J. 205 69 62 SF1

WILLIAMSON, JAMES H. B56 68 11 FA

WILSON, RAYMOND H. 997 69 04 CS2

WILSON, SYLVESTER 454 33 60 BMC(DV)

WIND, RUSSELL H. D88 10 21 FN

WINTERS, WILLIAM W. 514 13 26 ENC(DV)

WRIGHT, WILLIAM P. B74 79 73 SN

TRANSFERRED PERSONNEL:

CDR JOSEPH F. MADEO, JR., USN

LT JAMES E. ANDREWS

LT WILLIAM MATHERS

LT DON THOMAS

LTJG K. D. CROWLEY

LTJG LESLIE A. HOWITT

LTJG DAVID I. PETERSON

FN HERBERT B. BARNETT

BMC JOHN T. BAUDER

BM1 ALBERT BEEBE

MM3 MICHAEL A. CATTOLICO

SA GARY A. DAHLBECK

QM2 PAUL S. FRANKLIN

GMG3 ROBERT G. HOFFMAN

EN2 RICHARD HOWE

BM2 THOMAS P. JONES

BM3 DANIEL V. KINCAID

MM2 WOODROW A. LANCASTER

TM1 FRANK J. MANTELL

EN2 DENNIS E. MCKNIGHT

SF2 DAVID MORGENSON

SF1 JERRY D. O'CONNELL

EN2 RONALD S. PRIVETTE

BM3 FREDERICK J. ROBERTS

CS1 DIEGO B. SABINIANO

EN3 RICHARD M. SIEMSSEN

SFC GARY L. SPICKERMAN

FN DALE M. STIEHL

GMGC FRANK A. STUCKEY

SA WILLIAM D. TAHKEAL

EN1 ORVILLE L. THOMPSON

GMG3 DONALD L. WILSON

CASUALTIES:

FN PATRICK TRACY, USN

D. COMMENDATORY MESSAGES

R 021031Z JAN 70

FM HCU ONE RVN

TO COMNAVFORV

INFO HCU ONE SUBIC

CRAS ONE THREE

OIGC RVN

CTG ONE NINE FOUR PT SEVEN

ROICC DONG TAM

BT

CONFIDENTIAL

1. YOUR 312332Z DEC 69 DEEPLY APPRECIATED BY ALL HANDS. HOWEVER WHAT

WAS ACCOMPLISHED WAS DONE ONLY WITH THE OUTSTANDING COOPERATION

OF ROICC, DONG TAM AND ON SCENE RMK-BRJ PERSONNEL ALL OPERATING

UNDER THE PROTECTIVE UMBRELLA OF RIVER ASSAULT SQUADRON 13. CDR

MADEO SENDS.

GP-4

BT

R 030105Z JAN 70

FM SA ATF TWO ONE THREE

TO OIC HCT THREE

INFO COMNAVFORV

COMSERVPAC

COMSERVGRU THREE

HCU ONE SUBIC

HCU ONE VUNG TAU

CTG TWO ONE ONE

NAVSHIPSYSCOM HQ

SA RAID SEVEN FIVE

COMNAVSUPPACT SGN

BT

UNCLAS EFTO

A. OIC HCT-3 021406Z JAN 70

1. CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR FAST AND SUCCESSFUL SALVAGE OF ATC HQ

1220 AS EVIDENCED REF A. THE SHORT PERIOD OF EIGHT HOURS IS INDICATIVE

OF THE PROFESSIONALISM, EFFICIENCY AND HIGH STATE OF TRAINING OF YOUR

TEAM. WELL DONE. CAPT BLAIR.

BT

R 171023Z JAN 70

FM COMNAVFORV

TO HCU ONE SUBIC

INFO HCU ONE REP VUNG TAU

COMSERVGRU THREE

COMSERVPAC

BT

UNCLAS EFTO

HCU ONE REP VUNG TAU

1. FOR LT JAMES ANDREWS. THE CONSISTENTLY FINE PERFORMANCE OF HCU-1

PERSONNEL IN VIETNAM DURING YOUR TOUR AS HCU-1 REP VUNG TAU HAS BEEN

OUTSTANDING. PARTICULARLY NOTEWORTHY WAS THE TIMELY AND SKILLFUL

MANNER IN WHICH UNDER YOUR DIRECTION ALL COMBAT SALVAGE

OPERATIONS CONTINUED IN SPITE OF THE HEAVY COMMITMENT OF YOUR

RESOURCES TO SANDPUMPER/NEW JERSEY SALVOPS. THE HIGH MORALE,

WILLINGNESS TO WORK AND PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE DISPLAYED BY ALL

HANDS IN YOUR UNIT HAS BEEN INDICATIVE OF YOUR OUTSTANDING

LEADERSHIP.

2. BON VOYAGE AND WELL DONE. VICE ADMIRAL ZUMALT.

BT

P 300805Z JAN 70

FM CTG ONE NINE FOUR PT NINE

TO HCU ONE

INFO CSB THREE

COMNAVFORV

COMNAVSUPPACT SGN

CTG ONE NINE FOUR PT ZERO

BT

CONFIDENTIAL

DEPARTURE OF CSB-3 (U)

1. I WOULD LIKE TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO COMMEND THE CREW OF

CSB-3, ESPECIALLY CHIEF DE LA OLIVA, FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING

PERFORMANCE. THE OPERATIONS OF CSB-3 HAVE BEEN SECOND TO NONE IN

THEIR VERSATILITY, RELIABILITY, AND PROFESSIONALISM UNDER THE MOST

TRYING CONDITIONS.

2. ON ONE PARTICULAR OCCASION CSB-3 GOT UNDERWAY AT 210200H JAN 70

AND PROCEEDED TO GO DAU HA WHERE THE COMMUNIST AGGRESSORS HAD

MINED THE MESSING AMMI AND SUCCEEDED IN SINKING ATC 36 RESULTING IN

TWO USN KIA. THE QUICK RESPONSE AND SOUND JUDGEMENT THE OIC OF CSB-3

RESULTED IN LARGE PART TO A SUCCESSFUL SALVAGE OPERATION AND THE

RECOVERY OF THE TWO USN BODIES.

3. THE CREW OF CSB-3 HAS DISPLAYED A KEEN SENSE OF PROFESSIONALISM,

INGENUITY, AND EFFICIENCY AS A MEMBER OF OPERATION GIANT SLINGSHOT.

PLEASE EXTEND MY PERSONAL THANKS FOR A JOB WELL DONE. CDR SIGMOND

SENDS

GP-4

BT

O 310910Z JAN 70

FM CTG ONE NINE FOUR PT NINE

TO HCU ONE

INFO COMNAVFORV

CO NAVSUPPACT SAIGON

BT

CONFIDENTIAL

YLLC 1 MOVEMENT (U)

1. ANTICIPATE COMPLETION SALVAGE OF HQ1204 311800H. HAVE DIRECTED

YLLC-1 TO ESCORT HQ1204 TO USS SPHINX FOR REPAIR AND TO RON. PROCEEDING

VUNG TAU 010800H.

2. YOUR ASSISTANCE MUCH APPRECIATED PERFORMANCE OF YLLC

OUTSTANDING.

GP-4

BT

R 050142Z/33 FEB 70

FM COMNAVFORV

TO NAVFORV

BT

UNCLAS

RECOGNITION FOR BROWN WATER NAVY

1. THE FOLLOWING APPEARED IN THE JANUARY 1970 EDITION OF DIRECTION

MAGAZINE, A MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF THE CHIEF OF INFORMATION

CIRCULATED NAVY WIDE TO THE PUBLIC AFFAIRS ESTABLISHMENT: QUOTE THE

NAVY MADE A LOT OF HEADLINES IN 1969---MOST OF THEM BAD....THE PUEBLO

COURT OF INQUIRY; THE NAVY EC-121 INTELLIGENCE PLANE SHOT DOWN BY THE

NORTH KOREANS; THE EVANS-MELBOURNE COLLISION; THE USS ENTERPRISE

FIRE; AND THE DOCKSIDE SINKING OF THE USS GUITARRO.

BUT THERE WAS PLENTY OF GOOD NEWS TOO. IN JANUARY THE PRESIDENTIAL

UNIT CITATION WAS AWARDED TO NAVY SEAL TEAM ONE FOR ITS PERFORMANCE

IN VIETNAM, AND IN JULY THE SAME AWARD WENT TO THE JOINT ARMY-NAVY

MOBILE RIVERINE FORCE FOR OUTSTANDING SERVICE DURING THE 1968 TET

OFFENSIVE.

THERE WAS OTHER GOOD NEWS FORM VIETNAM. THE NAVY'S ACCELERATED

TURNOVER PROGRAM LAST YEAR HELPED THE REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM'S NAVY

DEVELOP RAPIDLY. AS OF OCTOBER, THE NAVY HAD TURNED OVER 80 RIVER

PATROL BOATS, 33 SWIFT BOATS, 109 RIVER ASSAULT CRAFT, AND THREE COAST

GUARD PATROL BOATS TO THEIR VIETNAMESE NAVY COUNTERPARTS. IN JUST

ONE YEAR'S TIME THEIR NAVY HAD EXPERIENCED A REMARKABLE 75 PER CENT

INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF ITS PERSONNEL. AS THE TURNOVER OF AMERICAN

ASSETS CONTINUE, THEIR NAVY IS PREPARING TO ASSUME THE BULK OF THE

FIGHTING BY THE END OF THIS FISCAL YEAR. UNQUOTE.

2. I AM JUSTLY PROUD OF OUR ACHIEVEMENTS IN VIETNAM WHICH ARE THE

RESULT OF YOUR COURAGE, PERSEVERANCE, AND DEVOTION TO DUTY. YOUR

PERFORMANCE IN COMBAT AND YOUR RAPID PROGRESS IN OUR TRAINING AND

TURNOVER PROGRAM HERE HAVE RECEIVED CONSIDERABLE RECOGNITION

BOTH IN THE NAVAL AND THE PUBLIC DOMAIN.

3. A SINCERE WELL DONE' TO ALL OF YOU. MANY CHALLENGES STILL LIE

AHEAD AND I AM CONFIDENT THAT THIS FINE TEAM WILL CONTINUE ITS SUPERB

PERFORMANCE, RESULTING IN FAR GREATER PROGRESS, FAR GREATER

ACHIEVEMENTS, KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK. VADM ZUMALT SENDS.

BT

R 091019Z FEB 70

FM SENADV RF/RPG BOAT CO

TO COMNAVFORV

INFO HCU ONE REP VUNG TAU

HCU ONE SUBIC

NAVSHIPSYSCOMHQ

COMSERVGRP THREE

CTF ONE NINE FOUR PT NINE

SENAVADV VNN

BT

CONFIDENTIAL

RPG LCVP SALVOPS (U)

A. YOUR 020230Z FEB 70 (NOTAL)

1. REF A ASSIGNED YLLC-1 WITH THREE EMBARKED DIVERS TO ASSIST IN

SALVAGING FIVE VNN LCVP'S SUNK BY ENEMY MINING.

2. THE OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE OF YLLC-1 UNDER LT GALLAGHER, AND

THE SUPERB AND COURAGEOUS PROFESSIONALISM OF HCU ONE TEAM THREE

DIVERS BMC, KOESTERMAN, FTG3 HANSEN, AND BM3 ROBERTS, WERE SOLELY

RESPONSIBLE FOR A SUCCESSFUL SALVAGE OPERATION IN AN EXTREMELY

HOSTILE ENVIRONMENT. TRANSITING TO THE SALVOPS SITE THROUGH ENEMY

TERRITORY WITHOUT ESCORT. YLLC-1 MANEUVERED OVER THE WRECKAGE IN

SWIFT CURRENTS, MAINTAINING OPTIMUM POSITION FOR THE DIVERS DESPITE

IMMINENT DANGER OF MINE, SWIMMER/SAPPER AND GROUND ATTACK. SWIFT

CURRENTS, MUDDY WATER, THE LARGE NUMBER OF WRECKS, UNCERTAINTY AS

TO EXISTENCE OF UNEXPLODED MINES, AND THE CONTINUOUS THREAT OF AN

ENEMY ATTACK COMBINED TO MAKE DIVING CONDITIONS TENUOUS AT BEST.

THE COMPLETE SUCCESS OBTAINED BY THE DIVERS IN LOCATING AND

SALVAGING ALL FIVE LCVP'S IS A TRIBUTE TO THEIR EXEMPLARY

PROFESSIONALISM, EXCELLENT TRAINING, AND DEVOTION TO DUTY.

3. ON BEHALF OF MYSELF AND COMMANDING OFFICER VN REGIONAL

FORCE/RIVER PATROL GROUP I WISH TO EXPRESS OUR GRATITUDE FOR A JOB

WELL DONE. THE SALVAGE OF THESE IRREPLACEABLE UNITS PREVENTED THE

ALMOST TOTAL OBLITERATION OF AN RF BOAT COMPANY.

GP-4

BT

R 270015Z FEB 70

FM COMNAVFORV

TO HCU ONE REP VUNG TAU

INFO HCU ONE SUBIC

CTG ONE NINE FOUR PT NINE

BT

UNCLAS EFTO

MSR-7 SALVOP

1. THE SUCCESSFUL SALVAGING OF MSR-7, IN THE VINH TE CANAL NEAR CHAU

DOC ON 19 FEB 70, WAS ACCOMPLISHED USING ONLY LOCALLY AVAILABLE

MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT. THE ABILITY OF PETTY OFFICERS KOSTRIC, HOWE

AND HANSON IN DEVELOPING A SALVAGE PLAN AND LOCATING EQUIPMENT TO

CARRY OUT THIS PLAN IS EVIDENCE OF THEIR INGENUITY AND DEDICATION IN

ACCOMPLISHING DIFFICULT TASKS. THIS ACHIEVEMENT IN A MINIMUM OF TIME

UNDER CONSTANT THREAT OF ENEMY ATTACK AND HAZARDOUS OPERATING

CONDITIONS IS NOTED WITH PLEASURE. WELL DONE. VADM ZUMALT.

BT

P 160046Z MAR 70

FM COMNAVFORV

TO USS SAFEGUARD

CLEARWATER ATSB CUA VIET

INFO COMSERVGRU THREE

COMSERVPAC

COMNAVSUPPACT DNG

COMSEVENTH FLT

HCU ONE SUBIC

HCU ONE REP VUNG TAU

COMSERVRON FIVE

CTF CLEARWATER

CTF SEVEN THREE

CG III MAF

BT

UNCLAS EFTO

YOG-76 SALVOP

1. THE SUCCESSFUL SALVAGE OF YOG-76, UNDER ARDUOUS AND TRYING

CONDITIONS, BY USS SAFEGUARD, ASSISTED BY ATSB CUA VIET AND DIVING

BARGE LCM(8)-912 HAS BEEN NOTED WITH PLEASURE. THIS HAZARDOUS

OPERATION DEMANDED THE UTMOST COURAGE, SKILL, INGENUITY AND

PHYSICAL STAMINA FROM ALL PARTICIPANTS AND HAS ONCE AGAIN

DEMONSTRATED THAT THE IDEALS AND DETERMINATION WHICH MADE OUR

NAVY GREAT STILL EXIST. IN ADDITION, THE TEAMWORK DISPLAYED BY THE

PERSONNEL OF USS SAFEGUARD, ATSB CUA VIET AND DIVING BARGE LCM(8)-912

WAS EXEMPLARY AND IS INDICATIVE OF SUPERLATIVE LEADERSHIP AND

TRAINING. I WOULD LIKE TO ADD MY PERSONAL COMPLIMENTS TO THOSE YOU

HAVE ALREADY RECEIVED. WELL DONE. VADM ZUMALT

BT

P 271058Z MAR 70

FM CTG ONE NINE FOUR PT NINE

TO HCU1 SUBIC

INFO COMNAVFORV

HCU1 VUNG TAU

BT

UNCLAS EFTO

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE

1. THE DEPARTURE OF LT JACK GALLAGHER USN FROM OPERATION GIANT

SLINGSHOT IS NOTED WITH REGRET. LT GALLAGHER DISTINGUISHED HIMSELF

BY HIS CAN DO ATTITUDE AND HIS HIGHLY PROFESSIONAL PERFORMANCE, HIS

SOUND ADVICE, HIS EXCELLENT SENSE OF JUDGEMENT, HIS FRIENDLY MANNER

WILL BE MISSED BY ALL.

2. IT IS REQUESTED THAT YOU PASS ON TO LT GALLAGHER MY MOST SINCERE

APPRECIATION FOR A JOB WELL DONE.

BT

P 2503122Z APR 70

FM CTG ONE NINE FOUR PT NINE

TO HCU ONE REP VUNG TAU

INFO HCU ONE SUBIC

BT

UNCLAS EFTO

PERSONAL FOR LT THOMAS FROM CDR SIGMOND.

1. I SINCERELY REGRET MISSING YOU THIS MORNING. I DO WANT TO TAKE THIS

OPPORTUNITY TO EXPRESS MY MOST SINCERE THANKS FOR YOUR ADVISE,

UNDERSTANDING AND CONTINUED OUTSTANDING SUPPORT. IT HAS INDEED

BEEN A PLEASURE FOR ME TO HAVE BEEN ASSOCIATED WITH HCU ONE VUNG

TAU UNDER YOUR CAPABLE GUIDANCE AND LEADERSHIP. GOOD LUCK IN YOUR

NEXT ASSIGNMENT. SINCERELY A.C. SIGMOND.

BT

R 270004Z APR 70

FM COMNAVSUPPACT SAIGON

TO NAVSUPPACT DET NHA BE

HCU ONE REP VUNG TAU

INFO COMNAVFORV

COMSERVGRU THREE

COMSERVPAC

NAVSHIPSYSCOMD HQ

HCU ONE SUBIC

BT

NAVSHIPSYSCOMD HQ NOT ADDEE, PASS TO SUPT SALV

U/W HULL REPAIR USS PAGE COUNTY

1. ON 24 APR 70 PAGE CTY WAS HOLED AT NHA BE RVN RESULTING IN TWO

FLOODED MACHINERY SPACES.

2. THE INSTANT RESPONSE OF NSA DET NHA BE AND HCU1 REP VUNG TAU, THE

PERSEVERANCE AND PROFESSIONAL ABILITIES OF THE DIVERS AND SALVAGE

EXPERTS RESULTED IN MOST EXPEDITIOUS EMERGENCY REPAIRS AND

PREVENTED MAJOR CASUALTIES TO ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL

COMPONENTS INSTALLED IN THE FLOODED SPACES.

3. YOUR EFFORTS ARE GREATLY APPRECIATED. YOUR TECHNICAL ABILITIES

AND CAN DO SPIRIT REFLECT CREDIT ON YOU AND YOUR UNITS.

4. WELL DONE.

P 270140Z APR 70

FM CTG ONE NINE FOUR PT NINE

TO HCU ONE REP VUNG TAU

INFO HCU ONE SUBIC

COMNAVFORV

UNCLAS EFTO

REQUEST PASS TO CSB1 AND CSB 2

1. AS THESE TWO CRAFT ONCE AGAIN DEPART COUNTRY FOR A WELL DESERVED

STAND DOWN, I WANT TO EXPRESS MY MOST SINCERE THANKS TO BOTH CREWS

FOR A JOB WELL DONE. EACH PERFORMED IN AN OUTSTANDING MANNER

UNDER SOME VERY DIFFICULT CIRCUMSTANCES. SPECIFICALLY, THE SALVAGE

EFFORT WHICH WENT INTO REFLOATING THE LCM 8'S IN TUYEN NHON WILL LONG

BE REMEMBERED. SUCCESSFUL SALVAGE OPERATION OF THE ASPB IN GO DAU

HA RECEIVED THE ADMIRATION OF ALL. THESE ARE ONLY TWO ILLUSTRATIONS

OF YOUR FINE PERFORMANCE.

2. ALL OF US IN GSS WISH YOU GOOD LUCK AND FOLLOWING SEAS AND LOOK

FORWARD TO YOUR RETURN. CDR SIGMOND SENDS.

BT

R 280324Z APR 70

FM COMNAVFORV

TO HCU ONE REP VUNG TAU

INFO HCU ONE SUBIC

SENAVADV ATF TWO ONE ONE

SEVENTH DCAT

SENAVADV RAID SEVEN THREE

CTG ONE NINE FOUR PT ZERO

COMSERVPAC

COMSERVGRU THREE

NAVSHIPSYSCOMHQ

BT

UNCLAS EFTO

VNN ATC-1236 SALVOPS

1. THE SUCCESSFUL SALVAGE OF ATC-1236, UNDER ARDUOUS AND TRYING

CONDITIONS IN AN EXTREMELY HOSTILE ENVIRONMENT, HAS BEEN NOTED WITH

PLEASURE. THIS HAZARDOUS OPERATION DEMANDED THE UTMOST IN COURAGE,

SKILL, INGENUITY, AND PHYSICAL STAMINA FROM ALL PARTICIPANTS AND HAS

ONCE AGAIN DEMONSTRATED THAT THE IDEALS AND DETERMINATION WHICH

MADE OUR NAVY GREAT STILL EXIST.

2. HCU ONE'S CONTINUED PERSEVERANCE AND RESOURCEFULNESS IN MEETING

EXACTING AND DIFFICULT SITUATIONS ARE EXEMPLARY. ALL HANDS ARE TO BE

COMMENDED FOR A JOB WELL DONE. VADM ZUMWALT.

BT

R O70516Z MAY 70

FM COMSERVGRU THREE

TO COMNAVFORV

NAVSUPPACT SAIGON

HCU ONE SUBIC

HCU ONE REP VUNG TAU

USS PAGE COUNTY

BT

CONFIDENTIAL

PAGE COUNTY HULL REPAIRS (U)

1. THE PROFESSIONAL PATCHING, DEWATERING, EMERGENCY REPAIRS, AND

WORK TO MINIMIZE IMMERSION DAMAGE ACCOMPLISHED IN PAGE COUNTY PORT

SHAFT ALLEY REFLECT GREAT CREDIT ON PERSONNEL FROM HCU ONE, NSA

SAIGON, NSA DET NHA BE AND THE PAGE COUNTY WHO PARTICIPATED.

2. ADDITIONALLY, THE RAPID RESPONSE OF VNN SHIPYARD AND USN ADVISOR

PERSONNEL IN DOCKING AND COMPLETING PERMANENT REPAIRS WHICH

PERMITTED EARLY RETURN OF PAGE COUNTY TO SERVICE WAS OUTSTANDING.

3. (U) WELL DONE.

GP-4

BT

R 200918Z MAY 70

FM COMNAVFORV

TO HCU ONE REP VUNG TAU

INFO COMSERVPAC

HCU ONE

BT

UNCLAS

A. PROSPECTIVE CNO 191755Z MAY 70

1. REF A IS QUOTED FOR YOUR INFO IN REGARD TO RAISING CCB-1 VICINITY

VUNG TAU. PLEASE PASS MY DEEPEST APPRECIATION TO HCU-1 FOR THEIR

MAGNIFICENT FAREWELL. I SHALL ALWAYS REMEMBER THEIR SUPERB

PROFESSIONALISM'.

2. WELL DONE. VADM KING.

BT

R 230445Z MAY 70

FM HCU ONE

TO HCU ONE REP VUNG TAU

BT UNCLAS EFTO

CCB-ONE SALVAGE OPS

1. PASS TO ALCON MY SINCEREST ADMIRATION FOR THE EFFORT INVOLVED IN

RECOVERY OF THE CCB-ONE IN SPITE OF SO MANY PREVIOUS ABORTED

ATTEMPTS IN THE FACE OF CONTINUING ADVERSE DEVELOPMENTS. THEIR

PERSEVERANCE, INGENUITY, COURAGE, AND TECHNICAL SKILL ARE A GREAT

SOURCE OF PRIDE TO ALL OF HARBOR CLEARANCE UNIT ONE. CDR MADEO

SENDS.

BT

R 280314Z MAY 70

FM ADMIN COMSERVGRU THREE

TO HCU ONE REP VUNG TAU

INFO HCU ONE SUBIC

COMSERVPAC

COMNAVFORV

BT

UNCLAS

HCU-ONE REP VUNG TAU NOT ADDEE PASS TO OIC HCT FOUR

A. OIC HCT-FOUR 271400Z MAY 70

1. SUCCESSFUL CONCLUSION CCB ONE SALVOPS ANNOUNCED REF A NOTED WITH

GREAT PLEASURE.

2. THE DETERMINATION, TENACITY, AND SKILL AMPLY DEMONSTRATED THIS

ARDUOUS, GRUELING SALVOP REFLECTED GREAT CREDIT ON YOU AND YOUR

TEAM.

3. WELL DONE.

BT

R 100001Z JUN 70

FM COMNAVFORV

TO HCU ONE REP VUNG TAU

INFO HCU ONE SUBIC

CG DMAC

COMSERVGRU THREE

NAVLE DMAC

CTG ONE NINE FOUR PT ZERO

USS BENEWAH

BT

UNCLAS EFTO

HCU-I REP VUNG TAU PASS TO OINC'S OF HCT-3, YLLC-1, AND YLLC-3

MY THO FERRY SALVOPS

1. THE SUCCESSFUL SALVAGE OF THE MY THO FERRY AND THE HEAVY

EQUIPMENT IT WAS CARRYING IS ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF THE EXPERTISE AND

PROFESSIONALISM OF HCU ONE PERSONNEL.

2. WELL DONE, VADM KING.

BT

P 151202Z JUL 70

FM COMNAVFORV

TO USS KRISHNA

INFO COMNAVSUPPACT SAIGON

CTG ONE ONE SIX PT ONE

COMSEVENTHFLT

CTF ONE ONE SIX

HCU ONE SUBIC

COMSERVGRU THREE

COMSERVPAC

NAVSHIPSYSCOMHQ

BT

UNCLAS EFTO

NAVSHIPSYSCOMHQ PASS TO SUPSALV

USS KRISHNA READINESS

1. BOTH THE IMMEDIATE FLOODING CONTROL ACTIONS AND FOLLOW-UP

EMERGENCY DAMAGE CONTROL REPAIRS ACCOMPLISHED BY KRISHNA AFTER

THE MINING INCIDENT ARE INDICATIVE OF YOUR EXCEPTIONAL BATTLE

READINESS.

2. WELL DONE. VADM KING.

BT

R 310210Z JUL 70

FM MSTSO VIETNAM

TO USS BOLSTER

USS DELIVER

HCU ONE DET VUNG TAU

INFO COMNAVFORV

HCU ONE SUBIC

BT

UNCLAS EFTO

HCU-I REP VUNG TAU PASS TO LCDR JOERRES

SS SEATRAIN WASHINGTON SALVOP

1. I WISH TO EXPRESS MY APPRECIATION FOR THE TIMELY ACTION REQUIRING

INITIATIVE AND HARD WORK INVOLVED IN EXTRACTING SEATRAIN

WASHINGTON IN THE FACE OF ADVERSE TIDES WHICH MADE EACH DAYS

ATTEMPT A LITTLE HARDER THAN THE DAY BEFORE. YOUR EXPERTISE AND

ENTHUSIASM FOR GETTING THE JOB DONE REFLECT GREAT CREDIT ON YOUR

SALVAGE ORGANIZATION AND ALL ITS PERSONNEL. CAPT GLEN R. CHEEK

BT

R 170045Z JUL 70

FM COMNAVFORV

TO HCU ONE REP VUNG TAU

INFO HCU ONE SUBIC

COMSERVPAC

BT

UNCLAS EFTO

SS WHITEHALL SALVOPS

1. THE SUCCESSFUL DEWATERING OF THE SS WHITEHALL HAS BEEN NOTED WITH

PLEASURE.

2. THE COMPLICATED DEWATERING AND PATCHING OPERATION WAS CARRIED

OUT IN A HIGHLY PROFESSIONAL AND EXPEDITIOUS MANNER. TO THE YLLC FIVE

AND ALL HANDS WHO PARTICIPATED IN THIS OPERATION WELL DONE. VADM

KING.

BT

R 290005Z JUL 70

FM USS SATYR

TO HCU ONE REP VUNG TAU

HCU ONE SUBIC

INFO COMSERVGRU THREE

COMNAVFORV

COMNAVSUPPACT SGN

COMSERVPAC

COMTASKFLT TWO ONE

BT

UNCLAS EFTO

SATYR LCM-6 SALVOPS

1. OIC AND CREW MEMBERS OF YLLC THREE ARE TO BE COMMENDED FOR

EFFORTS IN SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF SUBJ SALVOPS. THEIR

RESOURCEFULNESS, PROFESSIONALISM, AND ENDURANCE WAS OF INVALUABLE

ASSISTANCE. THE OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE OF ENC(DV) WILLIAM W.

WINTERS 789 38 10 IN PARTICULAR IS WORTHY OF NOTE.

2. FOR HCU ONE REP VUNG TAU: REQ YOU PASS TO YLLC THREE.

BT

R 291101Z JUL 70

FM CTF SEVEN THREE

TO USS DELIVER

USS BOLSTER

HCU ONE REP VUNG TAU

INFO COMNAVFORV

MSTSO VIETNAM

MSTSO VUNG TAU

COMSERVPAC

HCU ONE SUBIC

COMSTSFE

COMSTSPAC

COMSEVENTHFLT

CINCPACFLT

COMSERVRON FIVE

CNO

NAVSHIPSYSCOMHQ

BT

UNCLAS EFTO

HCU-1 REP VUNG TAU PASS TO LCDR JOERRES

NAVSHIPSYSCOMHQ PASS TO SUPSALV

SS SEATRAIN WASHINGTON SALVOP

1. IT WAS A PLEASURE TO WITNESS FROM DELIVER THE SUCCESSFUL PULL BY

DELIVER AND BOLSTER ASSISTED BY YLLC-5 WHICH FREED THE GROUNDED SS

SEATRAIN WASHINGTON IN VUNG TAU HARBOR.

2. YOUR COOPERATIVE ENTHUSIASM AND PROFESSIONALISM CONTINUE TO

REFLECT GREAT CREDIT ON OUR SALVAGE ORGANIZATION AND ITS PERSONNEL.

3. WELL DONE. RADM BERGNER.

BT

R 310144Z JUL 70

FM COMNAVFORV

TO OIC YLLC THREE

USS SAMPLE

INFO HCU ONE REP VUNG TAU

HCU ONE SUBIC

COMSERVPAC

COMSERVGRU THREE

NAVSHIPSYSCOMHQ

COMTASKFLT TWO ONE

CTG TWO ONE ZERO PT THREE

COMNAVSUPPACT SGN

BT

CONFIDENTIAL

NAVSHIPSYSCOMHQ PASS TO SUPSALV

USS SATYR LCM-6 SALVOPS (U)

A. OIC YLLC-THREE 271200Z JUL 70

1. REF A REPORTS SUCCESSFUL SALVAGE OF USS SATYR LCM-6.

2. THE SWIFT MANNER IN WHICH YLLC-THREE AND USS SATYR

ACCOMPLISHED THIS SALVAGE OPERATION REFLECTS A HIGH STATE OF

PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE. WELL DONE. VADM KING.

GP-4

BT

R 311600Z JUL 70

FM COMNAVFORV

TO HCU ONE REP VUNG TAU

INFO CTF SEVEN THREE

USS DELIVER

USS BOLSTER

MSTSO VUNG TAU

MSTSO VIETNAM

COMSERVPAC

HCU ONE SUBIC

COMSTSFE

COMSTSPAC

COMSEVENTHFLT

CINCPACFLT

COMSERVRON

CNO

NAVSHIPSYSCOMHQ

BT

UNCLAS

HCU-1 REP VUNG TAU PASS TO LCDR JOERRES

SS SEATRAIN WASHINGTON SALVOP

1. I JOIN RADM GERGNER AND RADM MOORE IN ACKNOWLEDGING YOUR

SUCCESSFUL EFFORTS IN FREEING THE GROUNDED SEATRAIN WASHINGTON.

ONCE AGAIN HARBOR CLEARANCE UNIT ONE HAS MET THE CHALLENGE WITH

TYPICAL LEADERSHIP, IMAGINATION AND DEDICATION AND MADE ANOTHER

SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION TO OUR EFFORTS IN VIETNAM. PLEASE EXTEND MY

PERSONAL CONGRATULATIONS TO THE MEN INVOLVED FOR A JOB WELL DONE.

VADM KING.

BT

R 110022Z AUG 70

FM COMNAVSUPPACT SAIGON

TO HCU ONE SUBIC

INFO COMNAVFORV

COMSERVPAC

COMSRVRON THREE

HCU ONE REP VUNG TAU

BT

UNCLAS EFTO

SALVAGE OPERATIONS

1. IN THE COURSE OF THE PAST TWO MONTHS, VARIOUS TEAMS FROM HCU ONE

HAVE PERFORMED SEVERAL SUCCESSFUL SALVAGE OPERATIONS FOR

COMNAVSUPPACT SAIGON. THESE INCLUDED RAISING AN ASPB SUNK

ALONGSIDE USS SPHINX, AN LCM-6 SUNK ALONGSIDE USS SATYR, AND THE

PARTICULARLY DIFFICULT JOB OF EXTRICATING AN LCM-6 FROM THE BOTTOM

OF THE SONG ONG DOC.

2. THESE OPERATIONS WERE CONDUCTED WITH NOTABLE PROFESSIONALISM

AND DISPATCH, AND IN THE CASE OF SONG ONG DOC, WITH ADMIRABLE

PERSISTENCE IN THE FACE OF MOST TRYING CONDITIONS. IT IS GRATIFYING TO

HAVE SUCH FINE ASSISTANCE AT HAND IN TIME OF NEED. WELL DONE! RADM

ADAMSON SENDS.

BT

P 111820Z AUG 70

FM CTG ONE ONE SIX PT TWO

TO COMNAVFORV

INFO COMRIVPATFLOT FIVE

HCU ONE SUBIC

COMSERVGRU THREE

COMSERVPAC

COMRIVDIV ONE FIVE TWO

BT

CONFIDENTIAL

DIVING SERVICES (U)

1. REPAIRS TO RIVER ASSAULT CRAFT BY DIVERS COMPLETED. DIVERS

RETURNING TO CAT LO VIA USS BRULE.

2. AS A RESULT OF CHIEF THAGGARD AND HIS MEN ALL RAC AT SONG ONG

DOC ARE OPERABLE. THESE SERVICES GREATLY APPRECIATED.

GP-4

BT

R 240281Z AUG 70

FM COMNAVFORV

TO MSCU QUI NHON

INTSUPPBASE QUI NHON

USA SUPPCOM QUI NHON

NAVSUPPACT DET QUI NHON

ROKNV

INFO NAVSHIPSYSCOM HQ

COMSERVPAC

COMSCFE

COMSC WASH DC

CO TMA MACV

CO HARBOR DEF QUI NHON

COMSERVGRU THREE

HCU ONE SUBIC

MSCO VIETNAM

CG USA MACV

CG USARV

HCU ONE REP VUNG TAU

BT

UNCLAS

NAVSHIPSYSCOMHQ PASS TO SUPSALV, CO HARBOR DEF QUI NHON PASS TO

SENADV EOD TEAM 70 ELE 06, MSCU QUI NHON PASS TO HAN JIN TRANS CO INC.

HAN JIN TUG SEVEN SALVOP

1. THE TIMELY SALVAGE AND CLEARANCE OF HAN JIN TUG NO. SEVEN FROM THE

QUI NHON SHIPPING CHANNEL IS NOTED WITH PLEASURE.

2. THE RAPID RESPONSE AND OUTSTANDING COORDINATION OF THE SEVERAL

DIVERS UNITS INVOLVED IN THE OPERATION IS EXEMPLARY OF THE

COOPERATIVE EFFORT NECESSARY IN VIETNAM.

3. WELL DONE. VADM KING.

BT

P 090844Z SEP 70

FM COMNAVFORV

TO HCU ONE REP VUNG TAU

INFO HCU ONE SUBIC

SENAVADV CTF TWO ONE ONE

COMSERVPAC

COMSERVGRU THREE

SENAVADV CTF TWO ONE FOUR

CTF TWO ONE FOUR

CTF TWO ONE SEVEN

CNO VNN

BT

UNCLAS

VNN ASPB-5125/ATC 1240 SALVOPS

1. THE SUCCESSFUL AND TIMELY SALVAGE OF ASPB-5125 AND ATC 1240 UNDER

ARDUOUS AND TRYING CONDITIONS, WHILE RECEIVING ENEMY FIRE, HAS BEEN

NOTED WITH ADMIRATION.

2. THE PERFORMANCE OF THE CREWS OF YLLC-5 AND LCM-8 WAS OUTSTANDING

IN EVERY RESPECT. TO EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOUR CREW, MY PERSONAL

CONGRATULATIONS FOR A DIFFICULT JOB WELL DONE. VICE ADMIRAL KING.

BT

R 150405Z SEP 70

FM COMSERVGRU THREE

TO HARBOR CLEARANCE UNIT ONE

INFO COMSERVPAC

BT

UNCLAS//N04740//

ATC AQ 1240/ASPB HQ 5121 OPERATION

A. COMSERVPAC 110403Z SEP 70

1. PLEASE ADD MY WELL DONE TO THOSE OF RADM OBRIEN.

RADM A.A. BERGNER.

BT

R 180357Z SEP 70

FM COMSERVGRU THREE

TO HARBOR CLEARANCE UNIT ONE

INFO COMSERVPAC

BT

UNCLAS//K01320//

CHANGE OF COMMAND

A. YOUR 150137Z SEP 70

1. DURING THE PAST YEAR, HCU-1 HAS SET A NEW STANDARD FOR DEDICATED

AND HIGHLY RESPONSIVE PERFORMANCE. OPERATING IN A HOSTILE

ENVIRONMENT ON MANY OCCASIONS, OFTEN UNDER ACTUAL COMBAT

CONDITIONS, THE PERSONNEL OF HCU-1 RESPONDED TO EACH SALVAGE

COMMITMENT WITH EXEMPLARY ENTHUSIASM AND FIERCE PRIDE.

2. FOR CDR MADEO: THIS HIGH LEVEL OF PROFESSIONALISM CAN BE DIRECTLY

ATTRIBUTED TO YOUR OUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP. AS YOU MAKE READY TO

CLOSE OUT A HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL NAVAL CAREER, I WISH TO EXPRESS MY

SINCERE APPRECIATION FOR A JOB WELL DONE AND EXTEND MY BEST WISHES

FOR SUCCESS IN YOUR NEW CAREER.

3. FOR CDR EDWARDS: AS YOU ASSUME THE BURDENS AND JOYS OF COMMAND, I

EXTEND MY CONGRATULATIONS AND BEST WISHES FOR A HIGHLY

CHALLENGING AND REWARDING TOUR AS COMMANDING OFFICER OF HARBOR

CLEARANCE UNIT ONE.

RADM A. BERGNER.

BT

"The Vietnam Era"

Famous Vietnam Quotes

Graffiti From the Head

 --- COMMAND HISTORY provided by Dave Peterson ---