A recollection on Memorial Day
The Vietnam War was a divisive period in American society. Duty called people in many, often differing diections.
The pictures below are of Solid Anchor a combined Vietnamese US Navy base on the Cua Lon river at the very tip of the Ca Mau penisula. This stage of the war was relatively quiet. The Seal team’s primary role was to gather information about threats from Viet Cong or North Vietnamese presence in the area. These pictures are from January and February 1971.
Leaving the USS Windham County (LST 1170) to go to Solid Anchor.
Passing an Island on the way
Large swaths of vegetation and lowlands destroyed by agent orange spraying.
The river front at the base dredged from the lowland. The river patrol boats at the dock.
The water front, an artificial peer from sand filled 40 gallon drums.
A patrol boat disabled by a mine.
VIew from a base watch tower, manned 24 hours.
Joint command flags. Base main office with chow hall and for paying troops with military pay certificates (MPC) not dollars.
The Seal team’s hooch, Happiness is . . . The boy with snake had found a Viet Cong cache of 200 grenades.
Sunset at helo pad with two gunships always ready to lift off at the first sign of trouble.
Dawn on helo pad.
Day after some incoming. Bunkers and metal for airstrip. (January 9, 1971)
At setting sun down main street.
Heading to Saigon with another huey close by to return all left over MPC which was being replaced with a new issue.
A straight canal on way to Saigon.
A Coast Guard ship deployed with our LST.
Heading to homeport after being gone for over six months.
Waiting for dads’ return atYokosuka Naval Base, Japan. Lara in yellow rain coat and Alix on the way.
Thanks for sharing, Chip. Thanks for your service as well and same thoughts for your buddy Alan.
Vic