Patrol Craft Fast
The Patrol Craft, Fast (PCF), commonly referred to as the Swift Boat, was a 50-foot (15 m) all-aluminum, shallow-draft vessel designed for high-speed coastal and riverine patrols.[1][2] Powered by twin diesel engines, PCFs achieved speeds of up to 28 knots with a draft of approximately 3 feet, enabling operations in littoral waters inaccessible to larger warships.[3] Armament typically included two twin .50-caliber machine gun mounts fore and aft, supplemented by radar for detection and optional mortars for fire support.[2] Introduced in 1965 as part of the U.S. Navy's response to North Vietnamese coastal infiltration, the PCF class numbered 193 hulls, with 84 deployed by late 1966 under Task Force 115 for Operation Market Time, which aimed to interdict enemy resupply via sea routes.[1][4] These boats proved effective in interdicting small craft and sampans, contributing to a significant reduction in seaborne infiltration along South Vietnam's coast, though they operated in hazardous conditions exposed to ambushes and mines.[2] Beyond Vietnam, variants or similar designs were transferred to allies including South Vietnam, the Philippines, and Thailand, extending their service in regional patrol roles.[5] Several PCFs have been preserved as museum pieces, such as PCF-816, highlighting their role in the "Brown Water Navy."[6]Development
Conception and Initial Requirements
The U.S. Navy's conception of the Patrol Craft Fast (PCF) stemmed from the escalating need for effective coastal interdiction during the Vietnam War, particularly to counter Viet Cong and North Vietnamese resupply efforts by sea. On February 1, 1965, a staff study by the Naval Advisory Group, Military Assistance Command, Vietnam (NAVADGRP MACV), identified deficiencies in existing patrol assets and proposed a dedicated small counter-insurgency (COIN) craft for shallow-water operations along Vietnam's extensive coastline.[7] This initiative gained urgency following the discovery of a steel-hulled North Vietnamese trawler unloading munitions and supplies in Vung Ro Bay on March 3, 1965, which demonstrated the vulnerability of sea infiltration routes and directly influenced the launch of Operation Market Time on March 11, 1965, under Task Force 115.[7] Initial requirements emphasized versatility for high-speed intercepts of fishing junks and small vessels in littoral zones, prioritizing reliability in harsh tropical conditions over heavy armament or long-range endurance. Key specifications included a non-wooden hull—ultimately aluminum—for corrosion resistance and reduced maintenance; protected propellers and rudders to withstand frequent groundings on sandy bottoms; self-sufficiency for patrols of 400 to 500 miles; sustained speeds of 20 to 25 knots; and quiet propulsion to enable stealthy approaches.[7] Additional needs encompassed a compact, high-resolution radar with 4- to 6-mile detection range; communications systems interoperable with U.S. Army and Air Force equipment; limited offensive armament such as machine guns and a mortar; sparse accommodations with no dedicated messing facilities; a fathometer accurate from 0 to 50 feet for navigation in uncharted waters; and a powerful searchlight for night operations.[7] These parameters led to a contract award in April 1965 to Sewart Seacraft in Berwick, Louisiana, which adapted its existing all-aluminum crew boat design—originally for offshore oil rig support—to meet naval standards, enabling rapid prototyping and production of the 50-foot vessels.[1] The first two PCFs were delivered in late August 1965 for testing at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, California, with initial deployment to Vietnam commencing in October 1965 to support Market Time patrols.[7] This expedited development reflected the Navy's pragmatic focus on shallow-draft, agile platforms capable of operating independently from larger warships, filling a gap left by slower wooden-hulled predecessors and experimental alternatives like Coast Guard cutters.[8]Production of Mark I
The Patrol Craft Fast Mark I was produced by Sewart Seacraft Inc. in Berwick, Louisiana, under a U.S. Navy contract initiated in 1965.[7][9] The initial order comprised 54 boats, followed promptly by an additional order for 50 units, yielding a total production run of 104 Mark I vessels.[7][10] Deliveries occurred progressively from 1965 through 1967, enabling rapid deployment to support inshore interdiction efforts during the Vietnam War.[7] This accelerated production schedule reflected urgent operational requirements for fast, shallow-draft patrol craft capable of countering enemy resupply along coastal and riverine routes.[11] The Mark I's aluminum construction facilitated efficient assembly, with the first two prototypes (PCF-1 and PCF-2) serving as test platforms prior to full-scale output.[7]Evolution to Mark II and Mark III
The Patrol Craft Fast (PCF) underwent iterative refinements following initial deployments of the Mark I variant, leading to the development of the Mark II in response to operational feedback from Vietnam coastal patrols. The Mark II featured a relocated deckhouse positioned more amidships compared to the forward-set wheelhouse of the Mark I, which improved weight distribution and handling in rough waters, alongside redesigned porthole windows in the cabin structure for enhanced durability and visibility.[12] Only a limited number of Mark II boats entered U.S. Navy service in Vietnam, including PCF-137, PCF-138 with Coastal Division 13 at Cat Lo, and PCF-139, reflecting cautious adoption of these modifications before broader implementation.[7] Subsequent evolution to the Mark III built directly on the Mark II design, incorporating enlarged dimensions to provide greater internal volume for crew accommodations, equipment storage, and potentially extended endurance, addressing limitations in the compact 50-foot hulls of earlier marks amid prolonged interdiction missions.[12] From 1969 to 1972, 33 Mark III PCFs were produced and deployed to Vietnam, primarily as part of the U.S. "Vietnamization" policy, which transferred enhanced coastal patrol capabilities to South Vietnamese forces to bolster their navy against supply infiltrations.[4] These variants maintained the core aluminum construction and shallow-draft profile but offered marginal improvements in seaworthiness and payload, with overall production across all marks totaling nearly 200 units, though only about 110 saw combat in Vietnam.[12] The changes represented pragmatic adaptations rather than radical redesigns, prioritizing reliability in littoral environments based on empirical lessons from Mark I operations.[4]Design and Specifications
Hull, Propulsion, and Performance
The hull of the Patrol Craft Fast (PCF) was constructed from all-welded 1/4-inch aluminum plate, selected for its light weight, strength, and resistance to corrosion in marine environments, enabling rapid construction and high-speed performance in coastal waters.[13] The standard dimensions for Mark I and II variants included a length overall of 50 feet 1.5 inches, a beam of 13 feet 6.5 inches, and a full load draft varying from 3 feet 10 inches at the hull to 5 feet 10 inches in navigation configuration, which facilitated operations in shallow littoral zones.[14] Propulsion systems consisted of twin Detroit Diesel 12V71N marine diesel engines, each rated at 480 horsepower, paired with SM-118 hydraulic clutches featuring 1.15:1 reduction gears and driving counter-rotating screws for improved maneuverability and reduced cavitation.[15] This setup powered the vessels through submerged propellers, contributing to their designation as "fast" patrol craft designed for quick interception duties.[16] Performance characteristics included a maximum speed of approximately 32 knots and an operational range of 318 nautical miles, allowing effective coverage of Vietnam's extensive coastline during interdiction missions while balancing fuel efficiency and endurance.[15][12] The shallow draft and aluminum construction minimized vulnerability to mines and small-arms fire, though the high-speed design prioritized agility over heavy armor. Mark III variants featured slightly enlarged dimensions but retained comparable propulsion and speed profiles to earlier marks.[12]Armament, Sensors, and Equipment
The standard armament of the Patrol Craft Fast (PCF) included two twin mounts of .50 caliber (12.7 mm) M2HB Browning machine guns, positioned one forward and one aft on Mark 17/Mod 1 ring mounts for 360-degree traversal, providing suppressive fire against small surface threats and personnel.[15] Amidships, an 81 mm Mark 2/Mod 0 mortar was installed for indirect fire support against coastal targets, often fitted with an additional M2HB machine gun atop for anti-aircraft defense.[15] [1] This configuration emphasized rapid engagement in shallow-water interdictions, with the machine guns fed by belt ammunition and the mortar using high-explosive rounds for a maximum range of approximately 3,500 yards.[1] Sensors on the PCF were basic, tailored for coastal operations, featuring a Decca D202 X-band radar for short-range surface detection up to 4-6 miles, enabling navigation and target acquisition in low-visibility conditions.[15] A fathometer provided depth sounding to avoid grounding in shallow drafts, while magnetic compasses and rudimentary plotting tables supported manual navigation; no advanced sonar or electronic warfare systems were standard, reflecting the craft's reliance on speed and visual spotting over technological sophistication.[15] [1] Equipment included UHF/VHF radios for coordination with larger naval units and air support, ensuring interoperability in joint operations, alongside searchlights for night patrols and basic damage control gear such as pumps and fire extinguishers.[1] Mark II and III variants introduced minor upgrades, such as potentially enhanced radar antennas, but retained the core sensor suite due to the emphasis on affordability and rapid production.[1] Crew-carried small arms, including M16 rifles and M79 grenade launchers, supplemented the vessel's fixed weapons for boarding or close defense, though these were not integral to the craft's design.[1]Crew and Operational Capabilities
The Patrol Craft Fast (PCF) was manned by a crew of six: one officer-in-charge, a boatswain's mate, a radar and radioman, an engineman, and two dedicated gunners.[12][13] This compact complement necessitated multifunctional proficiency among personnel, who handled navigation, engineering repairs, communications, and armament during patrols, often under high-stress conditions in contested waters.[17] PCFs demonstrated operational versatility through speeds sustaining 20-25 knots for extended durations, with a maximum of up to 32 knots in short bursts, supported by twin diesel engines.[15] Their range extended 320-500 nautical miles at economical speeds, facilitating multi-day missions without frequent resupply, while a shallow draft of 3-5 feet enabled ingress into rivers and canals for close coastal interdiction.[13][7] Primary capabilities included supply line disruption, junk and sampan inspections, reconnaissance, and suppressive fire in support of larger naval operations, typically conducted in coordinated groups of three to five vessels to enhance survivability against ambushes.[1] Later Mark II and III variants incorporated minor enhancements like improved stability and sensors, but retained core crew and endurance profiles for riverine and littoral roles.[7]Operational History
U.S. Navy Deployment in Vietnam War
The U.S. Navy introduced Patrol Craft Fast (PCF) vessels, known as Swift Boats, into Vietnam service in October 1965 to conduct coastal patrols and interdict enemy resupply efforts.[4] These shallow-draft craft were designed for operations in littoral waters, enabling rapid response to Viet Cong infiltration by sea.[1] PCF Division 102, comprising early Mark I models, departed Coronado, California, on December 1965 aboard transport ships, transiting via Subic Bay, Philippines, before establishing a forward base at An Thoi on Phu Quoc Island in South Vietnam by early 1966.[5] This unit, later redesignated Coastal Division 12, focused on patrolling the Gulf of Thailand and Rung Sat Special Zone to enforce blockades.[5] Over the conflict, Swiftships delivered 193 PCFs to the Navy, with approximately 110 seeing direct combat deployment.[4] Swift Boats primarily supported Operation Market Time, a sustained coastal interdiction campaign launched in 1965 to stem North Vietnamese logistics via waterborne routes, replacing less capable Vietnamese junk forces at a ratio of one PCF to five junks.[1] Crews of six—typically one officer and five enlisted—endured 36-hour patrols under harsh conditions, contributing to the neutralization of enemy trawlers and sampans.[18] By war's end in 1972, around 3,500 sailors had served on these vessels, with many units transitioning to riverine roles amid escalating inland threats.[8] Evolving designs included Mark II variants from 1966 onward, featuring improved seaworthiness, followed by larger Mark III models arriving from 1969 to 1972 for enhanced endurance in extended operations.[13] Deployments expanded to multiple divisions, such as Divisions 11 and 13, operating from bases like Cat Lo and Sa Dec, where they integrated with larger Task Force 115 assets for joint interdictions.[5] Post-1968, as U.S. forces drew down, over 100 PCFs were transferred to the Republic of Vietnam Navy to sustain coastal defense capabilities.[19]Key Missions: Operation Market Time and Interdictions
Operation Market Time, established on March 11, 1965, as Task Force 115, aimed to interdict North Vietnamese seaborne resupply efforts to Viet Cong and People's Army of Vietnam forces along South Vietnam's coastline.[20] The operation focused on inspecting and boarding thousands of civilian fishing vessels, known as junks and sampans, to prevent covert infiltration of troops, weapons, and supplies.[21] Patrol Craft Fast (PCF), or Swift Boats, served as the primary vessels for close-in coastal patrols, leveraging their 23-knot speed, shallow draft, and armament of .50-caliber machine guns and 81-millimeter mortars to approach and board suspect craft effectively.[20] By November 1966, 84 PCFs were integrated into Task Force 115 operations, covering over 1,000 miles of coastline in coordination with U.S. Coast Guard cutters and South Vietnamese naval units.[1] PCF crews conducted round-the-clock patrols, routinely verifying papers and cargo on civilian vessels to detect hidden munitions or personnel, often under hazardous conditions from potential ambushes or booby traps.[21] In August 1967 alone, Market Time units, including PCFs, detected 114,000 junks and sampans, with over 50 percent inspected or boarded.[22] These interdictions disrupted enemy logistics, though the sheer volume of fishing traffic—exploited for smuggling—posed persistent challenges, as small arms and rice could be concealed in routine hauls.[21] Swift Boats also engaged in direct confrontations with steel-hulled trawlers attempting infiltration, such as on July 15, 1967, when PCFs alongside Coast Guard cutter Point Orient shelled a 120-foot trawler, forcing it aground and enabling recovery of its cargo.[21] During the Tet Offensive in early 1968, PCFs supported operations that destroyed three infiltrating trawlers off the coast.[21] Overall, Market Time's efforts, bolstered by PCF agility, significantly curtailed large-scale maritime resupply from the north, shifting enemy reliance to overland routes like the Ho Chi Minh Trail, though low-level coastal smuggling persisted.[20]Losses, Engagements, and Specific Incidents
During operations in the Vietnam War, four Patrol Craft Fast (PCF) vessels were lost in combat, with an additional seven lost to heavy seas or severe weather, some after transfer to the South Vietnamese Navy.[23] These losses occurred amid frequent engagements with Viet Cong and North Vietnamese forces, including gun battles, rocket attacks, and mines during coastal interdictions under Operation Market Time and riverine patrols. PCFs typically relied on speed, .50-caliber machine guns, and supporting fire from larger vessels or aircraft to counter enemy small craft, shore batteries, and ambush positions, though their light construction made them vulnerable to direct hits.[23] One early combat loss was PCF-4, sunk by a mine in an ambush off the Three Sisters area in February 1966, resulting in four crew killed and two wounded.[24] PCF-4 had been conducting inland waterway patrols when it struck the mine amid enemy fire, marking the first Swift Boat sunk in Vietnam and highlighting the risks of shallow-water operations against concealed threats. Salvage efforts followed under cover of Navy and Coast Guard units, but the vessel was a total loss.[25] PCF-41 was lost on May 22, 1966, during a patrol under Coastal Surveillance Force Task Group 116.2 (CTG 116.2). The boat sustained heavy damage from shore fire and a mine explosion in a South Vietnamese river, grounding on a muddy bank with steering cables severed and forward armament disabled. Despite salvage attempts by RF Company 999 and CTG 116.2 units arriving at 0820, PCF-41 was irreparably damaged and considered a combat loss.[26][27] On the night of June 15-16, 1968, PCF-19 vanished during a routine patrol off the North Vietnamese coast near the Demilitarized Zone as part of Operation Market Time. The vessel was struck by two rockets from an unidentified source—initially attributed to friendly fire from U.S. Air Force aircraft but later evidenced as possibly a North Vietnamese MI-4 helicopter based on eyewitness accounts of rotor noise and attack patterns. The boat sank rapidly in shallow water, killing three U.S. crew members (GMG2 Billy S. Armstrong, EN2 Edward Cruz, and BM2 Anthony Chandler) and one South Vietnamese liaison (Bui Quang Thi); QM2 Frank Bowman remains missing. Survivors included the blinded skipper and GMG2 John R. Anderegg, rescued by USCGC Point Dume; Anderegg received the Silver Star for his actions. Divers recovered three bodies but could not locate Bowman's, and the incident's exact cause remains debated despite investigations.[23][28] PCF-43 was destroyed on April 12, 1969, in the Rach Duong Keo area during a riverine operation. As the last boat in a formation, it was hit by a claymore mine, one 75mm recoilless rifle round, and three B-40 rockets, igniting a cargo of explosives that caused the vessel to be beached and burned. Four crew were killed, including LTJG Donald Glenn Droz; the remaining 13 (12 wounded, three unharmed) were rescued by PCF-31 and embarked Vietnamese Marines. The ambush underscored the hazards of inland raids against fortified enemy positions.[23][29] Beyond these losses, PCFs engaged in numerous skirmishes, such as the December 3, 1968, raid by PCF-10, PCF-43, PCF-88, and PCF-93 into the Cai Lon River, where they destroyed 15 structures and 17 bunkers held by Viet Cong forces.[30] In Operation Market Time, PCFs contributed to interdicting North Vietnamese trawlers, including gun battles that sank or forced the scuttling of infiltration vessels attempting to deliver supplies and troops along the coast. These actions, while effective in disrupting seaborne logistics, often exposed the boats to asymmetric threats like ambushes and mines, contributing to the overall casualty rate among Swift Boat crews.[1]Post-War Transfers and Foreign Military Use
Following the Paris Peace Accords and the U.S. withdrawal from Vietnam, the remaining 20 Patrol Craft Fast (PCF) vessels in U.S. Navy service were transferred to the Republic of Vietnam Navy in 1973 as part of the Vietnamization process.[19] Upon the fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975, the Vietnam People's Navy captured numerous PCFs from South Vietnamese stocks, incorporating them into its inventory for coastal patrol and interdiction roles.[4] These captured vessels, including Mark I and Mark II variants, remained operational with the Vietnam People's Navy for decades, with reports confirming their active use as late as 2014 in routine maritime security missions.[4] In Cambodia, several PCFs previously supplied to the Khmer Republic's Khmer National Navy via U.S. military aid were employed for coastal defense against incursions until the Khmer Rouge victory in April 1975.[31] The Khmer Rouge forces then seized at least 13 to 17 of these ex-U.S. Swift boats, repurposing them for their nascent naval arm; these were notably involved in the Mayaguez incident on May 12, 1975, where Khmer Rouge PCFs pursued and fired upon the U.S. merchant vessel SS Mayaguez in the Gulf of Thailand.[31] The vessels saw limited subsequent employment amid the Khmer Rouge's logistical constraints and internal purges, with most falling into disuse or disrepair by the late 1970s. The Armed Forces of Malta received two PCFs (designated P-23 and P-24) via U.S. donation in 1971 for training and patrol duties in the Mediterranean; these continued in active foreign military service post-Vietnam War until their retirement after approximately 40 years of operation around 2011.[8] One, former P-24 (U.S. hull PCF-816), was later repatriated to the United States for preservation. No verified post-1975 transfers to other foreign militaries, such as the Philippines or Thailand, occurred, though U.S.-operated PCFs had transited regional waters during the war era.[17]Operators
Former State Operators
The United States Navy commissioned 118 Patrol Craft Fast (PCF) vessels between 1965 and 1967 for coastal and riverine interdiction during the Vietnam War, with 84 deployed to South Vietnam by November 1966.[32] These were phased out of U.S. service by 1971 as part of the Vietnamization policy, with remaining hulls either transferred to allies or placed in reserve.[1] The Republic of Vietnam Navy received the bulk of transferred PCFs, incorporating them into its coastal patrol and brown-water operations until the collapse of South Vietnam in April 1975.[1] Approximately 100 such vessels were in South Vietnamese service by the war's end, supporting missions against Viet Cong supply lines along rivers and canals.[4] In 1971, the U.S. Navy donated two PCFs to the Armed Forces of Malta, which operated them as P01 and P02 in the Maritime Squadron for coastal surveillance and fisheries protection until their decommissioning around 2011 after 40 years of service.[13][33] Additional transfers occurred to Southeast Asian and Latin American allies, including the Khmer National Navy of the Khmer Republic, which utilized PCFs for river patrols during the Cambodian Civil War in the early 1970s; the Philippine Navy, which integrated surplus Vietnam-era hulls for littoral defense; the Royal Thai Navy, employing them in riverine roles; and the Panamanian National Maritime Service, which commissioned at least two as GC-201 Comandante Torrijos and GC-202 for canal zone security.[12] These operators decommissioned their PCFs by the late 20th century due to age, maintenance challenges, and fleet modernization.[12]Captured and Adversary Utilization
Following the Fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975, the Vietnam People's Navy (formerly the North Vietnamese naval forces, an adversary to the United States during the war) captured a substantial number of Patrol Craft Fast (PCF) vessels previously operated by the Republic of Vietnam Navy. These acquisitions occurred as communist forces overran South Vietnamese naval bases and assets, with estimates indicating up to 107 PCFs integrated into the unified Vietnamese fleet.[34] The captured boats, originally transferred from U.S. stocks to South Vietnam in the early 1970s, were repurposed for coastal and riverine patrol roles, leveraging their shallow draft and speed for similar interdiction missions once conducted against North Vietnamese supply lines.[4] Utilization by the Vietnam People's Navy extended well beyond 1975, with the vessels undergoing modifications to extend service life amid limited Soviet-supplied alternatives in the immediate postwar period. Armament upgrades included replacing the original U.S. M2 .50-caliber machine guns with domestically produced or Soviet-influenced 12.7 mm NSV heavy machine guns, while retaining the 81 mm mortar for fire support.[35] These PCFs participated in patrols along Vietnam's coastlines and internal waterways, including border enforcement against Cambodian Khmer Rouge incursions in the late 1970s, where their agility proved valuable in shallow-water engagements.[36] By the early 1980s, many were phased out in favor of more advanced craft like Osa II-class missile boats, though some remained operational into the 2010s following refits that enhanced propulsion and electronics for border security duties.[4] No verified instances exist of PCFs being captured intact by Viet Cong or North Vietnamese forces during active U.S. combat operations prior to 1975, as wartime losses typically involved sinking via mines, ambushes, or heavy weather rather than seizures for reuse.[23]Non-State and Private Operators
No Patrol Craft Fast (PCF) vessels, also known as Swift Boats, have been documented in operation by non-state actors such as militias, insurgents, or irregular forces for patrol, interdiction, or combat roles.[1][4] Searches of naval records and post-Vietnam dispositions reveal no transfers to private military contractors or security firms for armed maritime operations.[12] Decommissioned PCFs have occasionally been acquired by private non-profit organizations for non-military purposes, primarily preservation and public education. For instance, PCF 816 was transferred to the Maritime Museum of San Diego, a private 501(c)(3) entity, where it functions as a static exhibit offering historical tours rather than active patrol duties.[13] This contrasts with state-affiliated uses, such as the operational R/V Matthew F. Maury (ex-PCF 2), employed by Tidewater Community College—a public institution—for maritime training since 1995.[4] The absence of private operational employment underscores the specialized military design of PCFs, including their aluminum hulls optimized for shallow-draft coastal interdiction, which limited appeal for civilian or non-state adaptation beyond historical contexts.[1] No verifiable instances exist of individual private ownership leading to refitted patrol use, with disposals typically routed through government auctions or donations favoring institutional recipients.[4]Preservation and Modern Status
United States Preservation Efforts
![Patrol craft on display at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado][float-right]PCF-1, the prototype Patrol Craft Fast, is preserved as a static exhibit at the United States Navy Museum in Washington Navy Yard, serving as one of two such static displays in the country.[37][4] This vessel, originally commissioned in 1965, underwent transfer to the museum following its decommissioning to represent the class's historical role in coastal interdiction operations.[1] PCF-816, a Mark II variant, has been fully restored and is operational at the Maritime Museum of San Diego, where it conducts narrated naval history tours of San Diego Bay, including high-speed demonstrations.[13][38] Repatriated from the Maltese Navy after 40 years of service, its restoration, completed around 2012-2014 with significant volunteer contributions from Swift Boat veterans, earned it listing on the National Register of Historic Places on July 23, 2018.[6][39] The project, funded initially by private donations exceeding $100,000 for transport and initial work, highlights collaborative efforts between veterans' groups and maritime institutions to maintain functional authenticity.[39] The Swift Boat Sailors Association has actively supported preservation initiatives, including assistance in PCF-816's restoration and visits to static displays like PCF-1 to promote historical awareness among over 3,500 Vietnam-era crew members.[37][6] Additionally, the National Museum of the United States Navy is undertaking conservation of another Vietnam-era PCF, addressing challenges in preserving Alclad aluminum hulls exposed to harsh marine environments, as detailed in a 2024 technical paper.[40] These efforts ensure the vessels' material integrity for long-term exhibit, prioritizing empirical documentation of their construction and service wear.[40] Static displays at sites like Naval Amphibious Base Coronado further complement these museum-based projects by providing public access to representative examples.[41]