Vietnamese Navy Junk Force Advisory Group

[oldsquid]

From Feb. 1968 to Jan. 1970, I was assigned to the Third Coastal Zone Advisory Group.  We worked with the VN Navy Junk Force in, basically, the Mekong Delta.

 

The following is a verbal, passed down mini history of the Junk Force Advisory Group.  Keep in mind this is verbal, as I remember it from my shipmates that had been with the 3CZA before my time.  One, a GMG1, had been with the group for 8 years when he left in 1969; another, an ET1, for 5 years when he left in 1969.

 

The Junk Force was started by the CIA in the mid-50s to help patrol and control the major rivers and canals of South Viet Nam.  Early in the '60s it was turned over to the U. S. Navy for the advisory function.  We still worked closely with the CIA, especially at Coastal Group 31.  

 

There were 5 bases (Coastal Groups) for the Third Coastal Zone - 31 (right at the end of the Central Highlands), 32/33 (consolidated) between Vung Tau and Cat Lo, 34, 35, and 36 which was on the Ba Sac River (basically the end of the Delta).  The passage of years and fading memory has lost the locations of the other ones mentioned but not located.  Our headquarters was located on the joint Naval Base at Cat Lo.  

 

Our Commander was a dual job.  He was CTG 115.3 as well as the Third Coastal Zone Advisor.

 

The Coastal Zone Advisors was the first U.S. unit ever authorized to wear a beret.  This went back to the late 1950's during the turnover from the CIA.  It was the same beret worn by the VN Sailors of the Junk Force.  Later on, about 1968, or so, some of the Riverine Forces (PBRs and PCFs) started wearing the black beret.  It, as far as I know, was never an official part of their uniform as it was with the Coastal Zone Advisors.  

 

Again, this is how I heard it from those that were there before me and had been at it a long time.  

 

The GMG1 helped build all of the Coastal Groups, was well known for his bravery throughout the advisory community, had a Navy Cross and the Vietnamese equivalent of the Medal of Honor.  He had to leave VN as the "smart" folks in Saigon decided he had been in-country too long and needed to go elsewhere.  He was transferred to Subic Bay to teach at the Jungle Environment Survival School.  

 

The ET1 married a Vietnamese girl, and it took that long to get it all done.  They were married in a VN civil ceremony, by an Army chaplain, in a Buddhist ceremony, and in a Catholic ceremony.  In the meantime, they had two sons.  By the time all the paperwork was finished it was about 5 inches thick.  Last I heard they were living and happy in Los Angeles.  He planned on keeping every piece of the paperwork against the day his sons said, "I love her, Dad, I want to get married.".  He said that is when he would drag the paperwork out and tell them "Are you willing to do all this?  If not, you don't really love her.". 

 

That's it.  I am sure there are those that may have far more information that I do.  I would like to hear it from you.  

 

 

 

 

[Cobra 6 Actual]

An interesting read. Thanks for posting. Always interested to see the actual objects: berets, pins, patches, etc. So, post away!

[oldsquid]

Thank you, Cobra 6 Actual.

I vividly remember the first time we received support from a Cobra - I was pretty sure the world had come to an end.

Being used to Huey's M-60s, the first burst from the mini gun was rather shocking.  But nowhere near as much to us as to the other guys, I am sure.    

Thank You for your service and your support!  

 

[Cobra 6 Actual]

You’re welcome, oldsquid! And, thank you for your service! Good memories there! Again, hope to see some photos of your ‘goodies’ when you get a chance!

[tom arnold]

I was the Sr Advisor to Coastal Group 35 during 1971 and closed our 3 man unit down in Dec of 1971.  The base was located on the Co Chin river about 14 miles upriver from the ocean. I can't tell you how many junks we had as they came and went constantly.....maybe about 5-7.  We had a good readiness rate as I only remember one junk engine that ever crapped out regularly. The unit did the usual river patrols, stopping various river craft, setting waterborne guardposts (river ambushes), hauling troops (festooned off the boats like huge grape clusters), hauling building supplies to various outposts, and hauling various officials to villages up and down the river. 

 

At the time, the Army and Marine ground had pulled out of Vietnam leaving only the helicopter support. As a result, I became a favorite FAC for various Vietnamese river units as they wanted air support but the helos would only talk to an American on the radios. As a result I wound up riding a lot of armored gunboats controlling Loach and Cobra gunship teams as we slowly chugged into the canal systems. Very exciting. Much like an enema, it was an interesting time but I don't ever want to repeat it. The photo is me on one of those rides.

 

The black berets were mentioned but I never wore one as I did not want to stick out anymore than a 6' American does. Army green was good enough for me.  The Vietnamese junkies never wore them either and we never had any award formations so they stayed out of sight. We had sniper shots on the river anytime we got close to the "Secret Zone" at the mouth of the river. Never could understand what was so "secret" as the whole world knew where it was! I wore tennis shoes while on the river as if I went into the water, I did not want boots on.

 

I never was impressed with anybody who stayed beyond 2 tours in country. If they did, it usually was because they were running some business, legit or otherwise, or married a local girl and went native. I had one enlisted advisor who had been at the CG for 2 1/2 years and he was totally burned out and hated the Vietnamese.....a real racist. I got him transferred out within a month and am sorry I waited that long. Going along with line, I have found I have little in common with other Vietnam vets. My experience was so different from the standard US grunt or sailor in a US unit. The PBR and Swift boat guys can not fathom what my small advisory team did and for the most part looked upon the south Vietnamese as corrupt, cowardly, and working for the VC. That was not my experience as one of the bravest men I ever knew was my counterpart.

 

I have lost track of two of my troops and really would enjoy talking to them again. Is there any locator on this site?

Thanks,

Tom Arnold

Casper WY

118.bmp

[Salvage Sailor]

Aloha Old Squid & Tom Arnold,

 

Welcome aboard, glad you found us.  We have several USN vets and collectors posting here with knowledge of the Junk Force in RVN although it is usually associated with the earlier 1960's period.  There are several topics on the forum regarding Junk Force including these recent posts.  

 

USN Junk Force patches and badges in wear RVN

 

EVER HEAR OF THE "JUNK FORCE"?

 

I completely agree with your assessment in regard to the VNN.  They were a very professional and competent group of sailors.

 

Nuff Said

 

[Mike]

I was with C G 32/33 ‘67and ‘68. Who is old squid?