Mine Div 112 ,Vietnam

• Formation and Purpose: Mine Division 112 (MineDiv 112) was a U.S. Navy minesweeper division established as part of efforts to keep shipping lanes open during the Vietnam War. • Operation Market Time: MineDiv 112 played a key role in Operation Market Time, a U.S. and South Vietnamese effort to prevent the smuggling of weapons and supplies by sea to the Viet Cong. • Home Port: The division operated primarily out of U.S. Naval Base Subic Bay in the Philippines and later from ports in South Vietnam, such as Danang and Cam Ranh Bay. • Ships Assigned: The division typically consisted of oceangoing minesweepers (MSC/AM class), including ships like USS Leader (MSO-490), USS Conflict (MSO-426), and others. • Dangerous Duties: Minesweeping in Vietnam was extremely hazardous due to both natural and enemy-laid mines, as well as the constant threat of ambush from shore. • Combat Engagements: MineDiv 112 ships occasionally engaged in direct combat, returning fire when attacked by North Vietnamese or Viet Cong forces. • Joint Operations: The division often worked alongside South Vietnamese Navy (VNN) minesweepers and patrol craft, helping to train and support local forces. • Technological Upgrades: Many ships in MineDiv 112 were upgraded with improved sonar, minesweeping gear, and electronic countermeasures to meet the evolving threats in Vietnam. • Legacy: The work of MineDiv 112 was crucial in maintaining the flow of supplies to U.S. and allied forces, preventing the enemy from mining vital ports and harbors. • Humanitarian Missions: Beyond combat, MineDiv 112 ships sometimes assisted in humanitarian efforts, such as rescuing fishermen or providing medical aid to civilians along the coast.