13 The First Deployment of Australian Ground Forces: RAN
Description
This article is from the Vietnam FAQ, by Brian Ross, John R. Tegtmeier, Edwin E. Moise, Frank Vaughan, John Tegtmeier with numerous contributions by others.
13 The First Deployment of Australian Ground Forces: RAN
The Royal Australian Navy's contingent to the Vietnam war was
somewhat more substantial. The first RAN personnel to see action were
the six members of Clearance Diving Team 3 . CDT 3 was initially part
of the Inshore Undersea Warfare Group 1, based at Ca m Ranh Bay but
itself was assigned to Vung Tau from February 1967. It was largely
responsible for assisting in harbour defence, Explosive Ordnance
Disposal (EOD), harbour patrols and port command and communications
during Operation Stabledoor (1967-1970). (30) In addition to these
responsibilities, CDT 3 was called on to conduct marine salvage
operations, especially where EOD might be called for, river clearing
in preparation for riverine military operations and recovery of enemy
ammunition.
The largest RAN contribution however was supplied by the
deployment of Australian destroyers to Vietnam. The destroyers came
under the command of COMNAVFORV, primarily operating with the US
Seventh meet and in March 1967, HMAS Hobart, was the first to see
action.(31) HMA Ships Hobart and Perth alternated sixth month
deployments until March 1969 when Australia's newest DDG, HMAS
Brisbane arrived. Brisbane was replaced by Vendetta, a Daring Class
Destroyer which was in turn replaced by Perth and Hobart respectively
before completing RAN participation in the Vietnam conflict.(32)
Hobart, being the first RAN vessel to arrive in Vietnam under
combat conditions, participated in Operation Rolling Thunder's
maritime equivalent, Operation Sea Dragon. This was designed primarily
to intercept Water Borne Logistic Craft (WBLC) and bomb military and
logistic targets north of the DMZ. Sea Dragon was suspended in
November 1968 during Perth's second deployment. After this, RAN
vessels' primary task was to provide Naval Gunfire Support (NGFS) for
ground operations near the coast.
Whilst the threat of naval or air assault on Australian vessels
was not very large (33), as was the threat of sea borne mines.
However, during inshore operations against WBLCs and in support of
amphibious assaults, the ships were somewhat exposed to ground fire.
In September 1967 Perth was hit by fire from a shore battery whilst in
the pursuit of WBLC. Australian vessels were also used in conjunction
with 1 ATF in Phuoc Tuy. In May 1970 Hobart relieved USS St Paul and
provided NGFS for Australian troops in the Long Hai Hills.(34)
The Royal Australian Navy also played a considerable role in the
deployment of Australian troops and supply to 1 ATF and RAN vessels in
the Gulf of Tonkin. Primary amongst these was HMAS Sydney, an aircraft
carrier converted into a troop transport. 1 RAR was despatched aboard
HMAS Sydney from Sydney to Vung Tau in May 1965. HMA Ships Jeparit and
Boonaroo acted as supply ships for Australian forces in Vietnam and
were particularly important in supplying HMAS Vendetta with ammunition
during its deployment. (35)
Other aspects of RAN involvement in Vietnam included the dispatch
of 8 pilots and support staff for retraining and posting with US 135th
Aviation Company at Vung Tau in October 1967. The RAN Helicopter
Flight Vietnam (RANHFV) was used for troop insertion and as gunships
for support fire. The RAN also provided pilots as part of a detachment
to No.9 Squadron RAAF at Nui Dat, operating in cooperation with 1
ATF.(36)
The Royal Australian Navy personnel in Vietnam totalled 2800. As
far as possible RAN forces were directed to operate in cooperation
with 1 ATF in Phuoc Tuy Province, consistent with the concept of
having an Australian sphere of influence. Whilst operational command
was reserved for COMNAVFORV, the degree of integration with Australian
forces was maintained until the last RAN vessel, HMAS Sydney departed
from Vung Tau in February 1972.
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