USCGC Klamath (Seattle), Coastal Division 11 (Antoi, Viet Nam) & Division 12 (Danang)

• USCGC Klamath (WHEC-66) Service in Vietnam: The USCGC Klamath, an Owasco-class high endurance cutter, served with the U.S. Navy in Operation Market Time during the Vietnam War, conducting coastal patrols and interdiction missions. • Seattle Homeport: Prior to its Vietnam deployment, USCGC Klamath was homeported in Seattle, Washington, serving law enforcement and search-and-rescue roles in the Pacific Northwest. • Operation Market Time: Klamath was part of Operation Market Time, a joint Navy-Coast Guard mission to prevent the infiltration of weapons and supplies by sea into South Vietnam. • Coastal Division 11 (An Thoi): USCGC Klamath frequently operated in support of Coastal Division 11, based at An Thoi, Phu Quoc Island. This division consisted mainly of 82-foot Point-class cutters conducting close inshore patrols. • Coastal Division 12 (Da Nang): Division 12 was based in Da Nang, operating in the northern coastal waters of South Vietnam and often faced direct threats from enemy fire and challenging sea conditions. • Notable Engagements: Klamath and the associated divisions intercepted numerous North Vietnamese trawlers attempting to smuggle arms and supplies, playing a crucial role in disrupting enemy logistics. • Joint Operations: The crew of Klamath worked closely with both U.S. Navy and South Vietnamese Navy units, fostering interoperability and combined mission success. • Combat Action Ribbon: Members of Klamath and the coastal divisions were eligible for the Combat Action Ribbon due to frequent engagement with enemy forces and hazardous operations. • Transfer of Cutters: Many Point-class cutters from Divisions 11 and 12 were later transferred to the South Vietnamese Navy as part of the Vietnamization policy, significantly bolstering local maritime defense. • Legacy: The service of USCGC Klamath and the Coast Guard divisions in Vietnam is commemorated by veterans’ organizations and Coast Guard museums, highlighting their unique contributions to riverine and coastal warfare.