Harbor Clearance Unit One, Pearl Harbor

• Origins During the Vietnam War: Harbor Clearance Unit One (HCU-1) was established in 1966 at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, specifically to support salvage and clearance operations during the Vietnam War. • First of Its Kind: HCU-1 was the first U.S. Navy unit specifically organized for harbor clearance and salvage missions, setting the standard for future units. • Deployment to Southeast Asia: The unit rapidly deployed detachments to Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines, supporting U.S. and allied naval operations in combat zones. • “Salvage Sailors” Nickname: Members of HCU-1 were often called “Salvage Sailors” due to their expertise in underwater recovery, salvage, and repair under hazardous conditions. • Pioneering Equipment: HCU-1 utilized innovative gear, such as the YLLC (Yard Lighter, Lift, Craft) and heavy-lift pontoons, to recover sunken vessels and clear harbors. • Combat Zone Operations: HCU-1 personnel frequently worked under fire, removing obstacles, repairing ships, and salvaging valuable assets in combat zones, earning several unit commendations. • Major Salvage Operations: The unit was responsible for clearing the Saigon River, recovering downed helicopters and aircraft, and salvaging sunken ships, which kept critical ports and waterways open. • International Training: HCU-1 trained South Vietnamese, Thai, and Philippine naval personnel in salvage techniques, building allied capabilities in the region. • Post-Vietnam Missions: After Vietnam, HCU-1 continued to support salvage and clearance operations throughout the Pacific, responding to natural disasters and maritime accidents. • Legacy and Disbandment: HCU-1 was disbanded in 1979, but its legacy lives on in the Navy’s current salvage and diving units, with many of its innovations and practices still in use today.