About this Unit
River Division 552 (RivDiv 552) was a unit of the United States Navy’s Mobile Riverine Force, active during the Vietnam War. Established in the late 1960s, the division operated Patrol Boat, River (PBR) craft, conducting patrols, interdiction, and combat operations along the Mekong Delta’s complex waterways. RivDiv 552 played a key role in disrupting Viet Cong supply lines, providing fire support for ground troops, and supporting riverine assaults. The unit’s actions contributed to the broader mission of controlling the vital inland rivers and denying enemy forces access to these critical routes.
Historical Facts
• Formation and Role: River Division 552 (Riv Div 552) was a U.S. Navy riverine unit formed as part of the Mobile Riverine Force (Task Force 117) during the Vietnam War, tasked with patrolling the Mekong Delta's intricate waterways.
• Patrol Boats: The unit primarily operated Patrol Boat, River (PBR) vessels—fast, shallow-draft boats ideal for navigating Vietnam’s rivers and canals, essential for interdiction and troop support missions.
• Operation Game Warden: Riv Div 552 took part in Operation Game Warden, a campaign aimed at denying Viet Cong forces use of the delta’s water routes for transport and logistics.
• Joint Operations with Army: The division often partnered with U.S. Army infantry and South Vietnamese forces, conducting joint raids, search and destroy missions, and riverine assaults against enemy positions.
• Combat Intensity: Riv Div 552 crews frequently faced ambushes, mines, and intense firefights; the close quarters of the rivers made these engagements particularly dangerous and personal.
• Notable Engagements: The unit participated in notable battles such as the Tet Offensive (1968), providing critical support and rapid response for embattled ground units.
• Innovation: Riv Div 552 crews were known for improvising armor and weaponry on their boats, often mounting additional machine guns or using salvaged armor plating for extra protection.
• Decorations: Members of River Division 552 and their boats received numerous commendations, including the Navy Unit Commendation and individual awards for valor, reflecting their bravery under fire.
• Humanitarian Efforts: In addition to combat, Riv Div 552 took part in medical outreach, delivering aid and medical care to isolated villages along the waterways.
• Legacy: The experiences of Riv Div 552 inspired books and films—most famously, the movie Apocalypse Now was loosely based on riverine operations in Vietnam, immortalizing the challenges faced by units like 552.
