What is this? Saigon River 1971.

[sandy1000]

In 1971 I took a number of photos of various ships in the Saigon River. Looking at them several days ago I noticed the strange little craft passing by an LST. I have been in contact with 2 US ex Riverine groups and they are not sure, other than to say it was not one of their boats. Does anyone know what it is and to whom it belonged?

[Don Boyer]

The hull of that boat looks very similar to the former US "RPC" type (River Patrol Craft) which was the predecessor to the PBR. 34 units were transferred to the South Vietnamese Navy in 1965 and 68-69. Thirty six foot boats weighing originally about 15 tons.

These boats were modified over the years by the Vietnamese into many shapes with many gun mounts, open and plated. Hard to tell which is which. Carried .50 cals, .30 cals in twin and single mounts, Could do about 15 knots. Based on my time on the river, the plating was a nice addition due to the tendency of NVA and VC to snipe at boats, particularly the gunners. I never did like them very much.

[sandy1000]

The hull of that boat looks very similar to the former US "RPC" type (River Patrol Craft) which was the predecessor to the PBR. 34 units were transferred to the South Vietnamese Navy in 1965 and 68-69. Thirty six foot boats weighing originally about 15 tons.

These boats were modified over the years by the Vietnamese into many shapes with many gun mounts, open and plated. Hard to tell which is which. Carried .50 cals, .30 cals in twin and single mounts, Could do about 15 knots. Based on my time on the river, the plating was a nice addition due to the tendency of NVA and VC to snipe at boats, particularly the gunners. I never did like them very much.

Thanks Don.

[John O'Callaghan]

Hi Sandy&Don! The patrol boat in the photo is,I believe,what the South Vietnamese Navy called a Truy Kich Dihn (Don't ask) it was based on a French design built in local boatyards during colonial times.The French called them a Vedette. Francaise Outre Mer (FOM). When the US became involved in the war in the 1960s they operated some of them in cojunction with the South Vietnamese.They were sometimes referred to as River Patrol Boats just like the US versions Don has mentioned.
They and other modified boats filled the gap until the USN developed more up to date vessels. The general specifications Don has posted are about right but judging by the bulkyness of the gun barrels I suspect the guns may not be 50 or 30 cal. Brownings.The boxy turrets were of local design and commonly mounted on a wide range of small craft. I have seen these boats still in service (in a sad state of repair) with the Vietnamese Police/Customs on the Mekong River in recent times.
Cheers John O'C.