USCGC PT. SWIFT (WPB 82312)

• Designation and Class: USCGC PT. SWIFT (WPB-82312) was a Point-class cutter operated by the United States Coast Guard, part of the 82-foot patrol boat series built for multi-mission coastal operations. • Construction: She was constructed at the Coast Guard Yard in Curtis Bay, Maryland, and commissioned in 1961, one of 60 "Point" boats built between 1960 and 1970. • Name Origin: The name "PT. SWIFT" follows the tradition of naming this class of cutters after geographical points in the United States, with "Swift" referencing a point in California. • Vietnam War Service: PT. SWIFT was one of the 26 Point-class cutters deployed to South Vietnam between 1965 and 1970 as part of Operation Market Time, supporting interdiction of enemy supply routes. • Combat Role: While in Vietnam, she was re-designated as WPB-82312 (dropping the "PT." prefix) and operated with a mixed American and Vietnamese crew, conducting patrols, boarding, and search-and-rescue missions. • Armament Modifications: For Vietnam service, her armament was upgraded, including the installation of a .50-caliber machine gun/81mm mortar combination on the bow for enhanced firepower. • Transfer to South Vietnam: In 1970, USCGC PT. SWIFT was transferred to the Republic of Vietnam Navy as part of the Vietnamization program, where she continued service under a new flag. • Versatility: The Point-class cutters, including PT. SWIFT, were praised for their shallow draft and high maneuverability, crucial for riverine and coastal patrol duties in the challenging waters of Southeast Asia. • Crew Comfort: These cutters were among the first Coast Guard boats with air-conditioned crew quarters, a major improvement for tropical and harsh environments like Vietnam. • Legacy: The service of PT. SWIFT and her sister ships in Vietnam is credited with saving countless lives and disrupting enemy logistics, marking a significant chapter in the Coast Guard's combat history.