Naval Support Activity - Saigon

• Key Logistics Hub: Naval Support Activity (NSA) Saigon served as the primary logistics and support base for U.S. Navy operations in South Vietnam during the Vietnam War, especially in the Mekong Delta region. • Established in 1966: NSA Saigon was officially activated on May 1, 1966, to centralize and streamline supply, maintenance, and administrative support for naval units in Vietnam. • Supplying the Brown Water Navy: The unit played a pivotal role in supporting the “Brown Water Navy” – the riverine combat forces operating on the Mekong River and its tributaries. • Massive Supply Operations: At its peak, NSA Saigon handled over 200,000 tons of cargo monthly, including ammunition, fuel, food, and spare parts for thousands of Navy personnel and vessels. • Facilities Spread Across South Vietnam: NSA Saigon’s support network extended far beyond Saigon itself, with detachments and facilities in locations such as Cat Lo, Qui Nhon, Da Nang, and Vung Tau. • Critical Role During Tet Offensive: During the 1968 Tet Offensive, NSA Saigon personnel played a crucial role in defending their facilities and continuing vital supply operations under direct enemy attack. • Unique Workforce: The unit employed a diverse workforce, including U.S. Navy personnel, civilian contractors, and thousands of Vietnamese workers, fostering unique cross-cultural interactions. • Innovative Engineering: NSA Saigon engineers created floating piers, mobile repair shops, and makeshift warehouses to adapt to the rapidly changing needs of riverine warfare. • Commanded by Rear Admirals: Due to its importance, NSA Saigon was commanded by senior officers, including Rear Admiral Kenneth L. Veth, reflecting its critical mission in the theater. • Deactivation and Legacy: NSA Saigon was deactivated on April 29, 1972, as U.S. involvement in Vietnam wound down, but its logistical innovations influenced future naval support operations worldwide.