River Division 554 (Brownwater Navy)

River Division 554 was a unit of the U.S. Navy’s “Brownwater Navy” that operated in the Mekong Delta during the Vietnam War. Established in 1967, the division was equipped with Patrol Boat, Rivers (PBRs) and tasked with patrolling inland waterways, interdicting enemy supply routes, and supporting ground operations against Viet Cong forces. River Division 554 played a crucial role in Operation Game Warden and frequently engaged in firefights, ambushes, and search-and-destroy missions in challenging riverine environments. The unit’s actions contributed significantly to disrupting enemy logistics and maintaining control over vital waterways throughout the conflict.