U.S. Navy River Section 521 Mekong Delta Sa Dec – Vietnam War

U.S. Navy River Section 521 was a vital component of the “Brown Water Navy” during the Vietnam War, operating primarily in the intricate river systems of the Mekong Delta, including areas such as Sa Dec and Tuan Giang. This unit specialized in riverine warfare, a crucial aspect of the conflict aimed at controlling the vast network of waterways that the Viet Cong utilized for logistics and transportation. 

Equipped with Patrol Boats, Riverine (PBRs), River Section 521’s core mission involved patrolling, interdicting enemy movements, and supporting ground forces. These small, fast, and highly maneuverable fiberglass boats, armed with machine guns and grenade launchers, were designed to navigate the shallow and often treacherous delta canals and rivers. The unit’s operations were critical in disrupting Viet Cong supply lines, conducting ambushes, and providing fire support during various engagements, including the significant Tet Offensive of 1968. The sailors of River Section 521 faced constant dangers, including ambushes from the dense riverbanks and the challenges of operating in a challenging tropical environment. Their efforts, as part of the broader Mobile Riverine Force, were instrumental in the strategy to secure the Mekong Delta and limit enemy influence in the region.