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Brown Water Sailors
- Thread starter brownshoe
- Start date
I wasn't a boat driver, but we were part of CTF-116, the Brown Water Navy out of Binh Thuy. We, along with the Seawolves, flew lots of cover for the boats, and shot for them an awful lot. Those guys had balls, puttering up and down those narrow canals and the rivers. They were sitting ducks, just trying to draw fire so they could shoot back.
phrogpilot73
Well-Known Member
Not a brown water sailor (clearly), but Dad was a part of Operation Game Warden from 1967-1968. He has two Bronze Stars with "V", and his citations don't read like the guy that I grew up with, falling asleep on the couch by 9:30 pm. I didn't get many stories out of him until I interviewed him for my USNA strategy and tactics class, because I wrote my final paper on the brown water navy. Still didn't get any REALLY detailed stories until I deployed to Iraq. I'm still amazed he never suffered from PTSD...
On a semi-regular basis in ROTC we had the honor of hearing from a local MoH recipient who happened to be an alumnus of our program. He earned it while in command of a riverine patrol group and the story is pretty amazing. Of course you would never know it from talking to him if he wasn't gonged aboard with a "Medal of Honor, arriving" because he is one of the most humble folks I've ever met. Every speech I heard him deliver was focused on thanking and supporting those currently on the front lines. Truly a great American.
I'm not sure if he was a brown water sailor but I worked with a guy named Al, he was a river boat sailor in Nam. Good guy didn't talk much about it though. He retired 2 years ago and moved to Florida, I know he had several medals.
They're baaacckkk!
Don't forget that the RIVRONs are back and operating worldwide (even have some of today's Brown Water sailors on forum):
081127-N-5549O-110 EUPHRATES RIVER, Iraq (Nov. 27, 2008) Sailors assigned to Riverine Squadron 1 race along the Euphrates River in riverine patrol boats. RIVRON-1 was established in May 2006, under Navy Expeditionary Combat Command. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kevin S. O'Brien (Released)
100825-N-9806M-056 PANAMA CITY, Panama (Aug. 25, 2010) Panamanian marines, U.S. Navy Riverine Squadron (RIVRON) 3 from Yorktown, Va., and U.S. Marine Corps 2nd Fast Company from Yorktown, Va., prepare to storm the beach during the pursuit of three suspected drug traffickers during a PANAMAX 2010 riverine training exercise. More than 2,000 civilian and military personnel from 18 countries are participating in a 12-day exercise from Aug. 16-27 to train in a joint, multinational effort to defend the Panama Canal. The purpose of PANAMAX 2010 is to enhance regional cooperation and exercise participating nations' ground, naval, air and special operators' ability to respond to threats to the Panama Canal and plan for major regional humanitarian assistance and disaster relief events. (U.s. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Rafael Martie/Released)
100719-N-9095H-029 VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (July 19, 2010) Adm. J.C. Harvey Jr., commander of U.S. Fleet Forces Command, speaks with Gunner's Mate 2nd Class Michael Finch, left, assigned to Riverine Squadron (RIVRON) 1, aboard the Riverine Command Boat. Harvey presented Finch with the Purple Heart during a visit to Riverine Group (RIVRON) 1. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michael R. Hinchcliffe/Released)
100719-N-0082C-023 VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (July 19, 2010) Sailors assigned to Riverine Group (RIVRON) 1 conduct maneuver drills at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story. The Riverine force conducts maritime security and combat operations against small tactical, waterborne and unconventional warfare units in a riparian environment. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt j.g. Matthew Comer/Released)
100505-N-8377A-039 MUARA, Brunei (May 5, 2010) Quartermaster 2nd Class Caleb Murray, right, assigned to Riverine Squadron (RIVRON) 1, works with two members of the Royal Brunei Navy Support Squadron, demonstrating the proper use of a tourniquet. The Sailors are learning about each other's equipment and how they carry out their similar missions during Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Brunei 2010. CARAT is an annual bilateral exercise entering its 16th year in Southeast Asia. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Michael Ard/Released)
100328-N-4153W-210 FORT KNOX, Ky. (March 28, 2010) Members of Riverine Squadron (RIVRON) 1 practice live fire boat battle drills at Fort Knox, Ky. RIVRON-1 participated in a three-day field exercise to prepare for an upcoming deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Bryan Weyers/Released)
100328-N-4153W-196 FORT KNOX, Ky. (March 28, 2010) Gunner's Mate 3rd Class Geoffrey Martin, assigned to Riverine Squadron (RIVRON) 1, fires a GAU-17A gun from the bow of a riverine assault boat during live fire battle drills at Fort Knox, Ky. RIVRON-1 participated in a three-day field exercise to prepare for an upcoming deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Bryan Weyers/Released)
Don't forget that the RIVRONs are back and operating worldwide (even have some of today's Brown Water sailors on forum):
081127-N-5549O-110 EUPHRATES RIVER, Iraq (Nov. 27, 2008) Sailors assigned to Riverine Squadron 1 race along the Euphrates River in riverine patrol boats. RIVRON-1 was established in May 2006, under Navy Expeditionary Combat Command. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kevin S. O'Brien (Released)
100825-N-9806M-056 PANAMA CITY, Panama (Aug. 25, 2010) Panamanian marines, U.S. Navy Riverine Squadron (RIVRON) 3 from Yorktown, Va., and U.S. Marine Corps 2nd Fast Company from Yorktown, Va., prepare to storm the beach during the pursuit of three suspected drug traffickers during a PANAMAX 2010 riverine training exercise. More than 2,000 civilian and military personnel from 18 countries are participating in a 12-day exercise from Aug. 16-27 to train in a joint, multinational effort to defend the Panama Canal. The purpose of PANAMAX 2010 is to enhance regional cooperation and exercise participating nations' ground, naval, air and special operators' ability to respond to threats to the Panama Canal and plan for major regional humanitarian assistance and disaster relief events. (U.s. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Rafael Martie/Released)
100719-N-9095H-029 VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (July 19, 2010) Adm. J.C. Harvey Jr., commander of U.S. Fleet Forces Command, speaks with Gunner's Mate 2nd Class Michael Finch, left, assigned to Riverine Squadron (RIVRON) 1, aboard the Riverine Command Boat. Harvey presented Finch with the Purple Heart during a visit to Riverine Group (RIVRON) 1. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michael R. Hinchcliffe/Released)
100719-N-0082C-023 VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (July 19, 2010) Sailors assigned to Riverine Group (RIVRON) 1 conduct maneuver drills at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story. The Riverine force conducts maritime security and combat operations against small tactical, waterborne and unconventional warfare units in a riparian environment. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt j.g. Matthew Comer/Released)
100505-N-8377A-039 MUARA, Brunei (May 5, 2010) Quartermaster 2nd Class Caleb Murray, right, assigned to Riverine Squadron (RIVRON) 1, works with two members of the Royal Brunei Navy Support Squadron, demonstrating the proper use of a tourniquet. The Sailors are learning about each other's equipment and how they carry out their similar missions during Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Brunei 2010. CARAT is an annual bilateral exercise entering its 16th year in Southeast Asia. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Michael Ard/Released)
100328-N-4153W-210 FORT KNOX, Ky. (March 28, 2010) Members of Riverine Squadron (RIVRON) 1 practice live fire boat battle drills at Fort Knox, Ky. RIVRON-1 participated in a three-day field exercise to prepare for an upcoming deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Bryan Weyers/Released)
100328-N-4153W-196 FORT KNOX, Ky. (March 28, 2010) Gunner's Mate 3rd Class Geoffrey Martin, assigned to Riverine Squadron (RIVRON) 1, fires a GAU-17A gun from the bow of a riverine assault boat during live fire battle drills at Fort Knox, Ky. RIVRON-1 participated in a three-day field exercise to prepare for an upcoming deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Bryan Weyers/Released)
070123-N-5758H-204 Fort Pickett, Va. (Jan. 23, 2007) – Sailors assigned to Riverine Squadron One (RIVRON-1), based at Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, train aboard Small Unit River Craft (SURC), during a unit-level training exercise. RIVRON-1 is part of the newly formed Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC). NECC integrates all warfighting requirements for expeditionary combat and combat support elements. This transformation allows for standardized training, manning and equipping of Sailors who will participate in the global war on terrorism as part of the joint force. It also results in more capable, responsive and effective expeditionary Sailors. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication 3rd Class Kenneth R. Hendrix (RELEASED)
070308-N-0916O-018 VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (March 8, 2007) - Intelligence Specialist 1st Class Michael Cherry, assigned to Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC), hugs his family goodbye as he prepares to deploy with Riverine Squadron (RIVRON) 1, attached to Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek (NAB). This will be the first deployment of RIVRON-1. Their mission is to integrate Marines from 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force with Sailors to conduct Maritime Security Operations (MSO). U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Octavio N. Ortiz (RELEASED)
070427-N-4928M-032 HADITHA DAM, Iraq (April 27, 2007) - A Small Unit Riverine Craft (SURC), from the Navy’s Riverine Squadron (RIVRON) 1, conducts an orientation ride in Lake Qadisiya, the man-made reservoir on the North side of Haditha Dam. RIVRON 1, based out of Naval Amphibious Base (NAB) Little Creek, is currently supporting the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force (II MEF) in the Al Anbar province of Iraq. The deployment marks the first for a Navy riverine squadron since the Vietnam War. U.S. Navy photo by Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist Jon E. McMillan (RELEASED)
070427-N-4928M-038 HADITHA DAM, Iraq (April 27, 2007) - Engineman 1st Class Stacy Burleson, left, and Quartermaster 1st Class Michael Beane from the Navy’s Riverine Squadron (RIVRON) 1, conduct an orientation ride in a Small Unit Riverine Craft (SURC) at Lake Qadisiya, the man-made reservoir on the North side of Haditha Dam. RIVRON 1, based out of Naval Amphibious Base (NAB) Little Creek, is currently supporting the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force (II MEF) in the Al Anbar province of Iraq. The deployment marks the first for a Navy riverine squadron since the Vietnam War. U.S. Navy photo by Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist Jon E. McMillan (RELEASED)
071022-N-4515N-146 VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (Oct. 22, 2007) - Quarter Master 2nd Class Nikolas Appel runs out to greet his wife and child following a 7 month deployment to Iraq with Riverine Squadron (RIVRON) 1. The primary mission of RIVRON 1 was to conduct maritime security operations along rivers and inland waterways. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joshua Adam Nuzzo (RELEASED)
071220-N-8135W-437 HADITHA, Iraq (Dec. 20, 2007) A Riverine patrol boat attached to Riverine Squadron (RIVRON) 2 patrols the water ways of the Haditha dam Forward operating base. Haditha's dam and surrounding waterways denying their use to insurgence which in turn provides security to local fisherman. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kirk Worley (Released)
071229-N-4089S-133 HADITHA, Iraq (Dec. 29, 2007) Boats from Riverine Squadron (RIVRON) 2 Detachment 3 prepare to insert members ashore at Lake Qadisiyah near Haditha dam. RIVRON-2 regularly patrols the lake and the surrounding inland waterways, protecting their use for legitimate commerce. Riverine forces belong to the Navy Expeditionary Combat Command. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Paul Seeber (Released)
070706-N-5330L-068 YORKTOWN, Va. (July 6, 2007) - Cmdr. Gregory Sandway, commanding officer of Riverine Squadron (RIVRON) 3, speaks during the establishing ceremony for his new squadron at Naval Weapons Station Yorktown. RIVRON 3 is the third and final planned squadron established under Navy Expeditionary Combat Command. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Matthew D. Leistikow (RELEASED)
071228-N-4089S-135 HADITHA, Iraq (Dec. 28, 2007) A U.S. Navy medical corpsman assigned to Riverine Squadron (RIVRON) 2 treats the injured finger of an Iraqi fisherman. RIVRON-2 patrols lakes and the inland waterways. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Paul Seeber (Released)
080317-N-6208N-029 FORT PICKETT, Va. (March 17, 2008) A Sailor assigned to Riverine Squadron (RIVRON) 3 keeps watch ashore as a riverine patrol boat patrols a reservoir during the Navy Expeditionary Combat Command Advanced Training Exercise (NAT-EX). NAT-EX is an integrated adaptive force package exercise focusing on training a command and control staff element as well as increasing interoperability among the Navy's expeditionary forces. U.S. Navy photo by Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist Dave Nagle (Released)
080704-M-1391M-005 HADITHA, Iraq (July 4, 2008) Sailors assigned to Riverine Squadron (RIVRON ) 3 take Marines assigned to the civil affairs group of 2nd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment on a tour of Lake Quadsiyah near Haditha, Iraq. RIVRON-3 patrols the area waterways to help ensure safety and security in Al Anbar province. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Seth Maggard (Released)
080704-M-1391M-006 HADITHA, Iraq (July 4, 2008) Sailors assigned to Riverine Squadron (RIVRON ) 3 take Marines assigned to the civil affairs group of 2nd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment on a tour of Lake Quadsiyah near Haditha, Iraq. RIVRON-3 patrols the area waterways to help ensure safety and security in Al Anbar province. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Seth Maggard (Released)
080711-M-1391M-036 HADITHA, Iraq (July 11, 2008) Sailors assigned to Riverine Squadron (RIVRON) 3 post a security watch as they prepared to be extracted from the Watah Peninsula, near Rawah, Iraq, by approaching Riverine patrol boats. Riverine units are actively engaged in waterborne operations in Anbar Province to update census details, improve security, and deter insurgent activity. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Seth Maggard (Released)
100325-N-3136P-122 FORT KNOX, Ky. (March 25, 2010) Sailors aboard a riverine patrol boat assigned to Riverine Squadron (RIVRON) 1 fire an Mk 44 mini machine gun during a six-day field exercise at Ft. Knox, Ky. RIVRON-1 participated in the exercise to prepare for its upcoming deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jimmy C. Pan/Released)
4th Riverine Squadron to be created
NECC has announced that a 4th Riverine Squadron will be added to the 3 currently operating despite drawdown in US combat forces in OIF thereby highlighting their contribution to Irregular Warfare worldwide.
NECC has announced that a 4th Riverine Squadron will be added to the 3 currently operating despite drawdown in US combat forces in OIF thereby highlighting their contribution to Irregular Warfare worldwide.
Clux4
Banned
Any plan to have that capability in the USNR?
100719-N-0082C-023 VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (July 19, 2010) Sailors assigned to Riverine Group (RIVRON) 1 conduct maneuver drills at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story. The Riverine force conducts maritime security and combat operations against small tactical, waterborne and unconventional warfare units in a riparian environment. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt j.g. Matthew Comer/Released)
Riparian? Amazingly that is an actual word, but seriously, who talks like that?
100328-N-4153W-196 FORT KNOX, Ky. (March 28, 2010) Gunner's Mate 3rd Class Geoffrey Martin, assigned to Riverine Squadron (RIVRON) 1, fires a GAU-17A gun from the bow of a riverine assault boat during live fire battle drills at Fort Knox, Ky. RIVRON-1 participated in a three-day field exercise to prepare for an upcoming deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Bryan Weyers/Released)
Judging by the brass stream blur, I guess 3000 rounds/min is beyond the camera's capture ability. That thing is a beast.
I don't know what camera the photographer was using but I'd wager he didn't set up for that type of shot. If they can take photos of bullets traveling through the air then they can capture brass flying out of a gatling gun. I like that stream though. Looks cool.
Actually, there are aviators attached to RIVGRU level for air liaison and UAS tasking.