About this Unit
River Division 533 was a unit of the U.S. Navy’s “Brown Water Navy” during the Vietnam War, operating as part of Task Force 116, also known as Operation Game Warden. Established in 1967, the division conducted river patrols and interdiction missions along the Mekong Delta’s complex waterways to prevent Viet Cong movements and supply routes. Crews aboard Patrol Boat, River (PBR) craft engaged in frequent small-arms combat, ambushes, and boarding operations, facing constant threats from mines and guerrilla attacks. River Division 533 played a crucial role in maintaining control over vital riverine routes until the drawdown of U.S. forces in the early 1970s.
Historical Facts
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Part of the “Brown Water Navy”: River Division 533 was a component of the US Navy’s Riverine Forces (or “Brown Water Navy”) during the Vietnam War, specializing in operations on the Mekong Delta’s complex network of rivers and canals.
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PBR Operations: The unit operated Patrol Boat, River (PBR) craft—small, fast, fiberglass boats armed with machine guns and grenade launchers, ideally suited for shallow waters and ambush countermeasures.
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Established in 1967: River Division 533 was commissioned in 1967 as part of Task Force 116 (“Operation Game Warden”), which aimed to interdict Viet Cong supply routes.
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High-Risk Missions: Its crews regularly faced intense danger—from ambushes, mines, rocket attacks, and sniper fire—making their missions among the most hazardous in the Navy.
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Key Locations: The division operated primarily out of bases in Vinh Long and other Mekong Delta locales, conducting patrols, interdictions, and troop insertions/extractions.
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Medal of Honor Heroism: Boatswain’s Mate First Class James E. Williams, a PBR sailor (though not directly assigned to 533), was awarded the Medal of Honor for actions similar to those undertaken by River Division 533 crews—illustrating the valor typical of these units.
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Camouflage and Stealth: Crews often camouflaged their boats with local vegetation and operated mostly at night to reduce the risk of detection by the Viet Cong, who were adept at riverine warfare.
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Joint Operations: River Division 533 frequently worked alongside South Vietnamese (RVN) forces, US Army helicopter units, and SEAL teams on coordinated raids and search-and-destroy missions.
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Casualties and Sacrifice: The division suffered casualties in numerous engagements, reflecting the high cost of riverine warfare in Vietnam’s hostile environment.
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Legacy and Recognition: Veterans of River Division 533 are commemorated by the Mobile Riverine Force Association and have reunions to honor their unique service and the critical role they played in the Vietnam War.
