SS Caiman 323 PBR 658 Targeteer Y53

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Branch

U.S. Navy

Members

About SS Caiman 323 PBR 658 Targeteer Y53

**SS Caiman 323, PBR 658, and Targeteer Y53** each played distinct roles in U.S. naval operations during the Cold War and Vietnam War eras. The **SS Caiman (SS-323)** was a Balao-class submarine commissioned in 1944, serving with distinction in World War II before later transferring to the Turkish Navy. **PBR 658** was a Patrol Boat, River (PBR), actively deployed in the Mekong Delta region during the Vietnam War, undertaking riverine patrols, interdiction missions, and supporting ground troops. **Targeteer Y53** was a medium auxiliary target ship used by the U.S. Navy to train gunners and test weapon accuracy, contributing to fleet readiness throughout her service. Together, these vessels reflect the diversity and adaptability of naval assets across multiple conflicts and operational theaters.

Unit Members

Thomas Coyne

U.S. Navy

SS Caiman 323 PBR 658 Targeteer Y53View Profile

Fernando Soriano

U.S. Navy

SS Caiman 323 PBR 658 Targeteer Y53View Profile

Photos

FR Jose Ferrera III

U.S. Navy • 1981

FR Jose Ferrera III

U.S. Navy • 1981

FR Jose Ferrera III

U.S. Navy • 1981

FR Jose Ferrera III

U.S. Navy • 1981

About SS Caiman 323 PBR 658 Targeteer Y53

About this Unit

Historical Facts

• SS Caiman (SS-323): SS Caiman was a Balao-class submarine of the United States Navy, commissioned in 1944 and saw action in the final stages of World War II in the Pacific Theater. • War Patrols: Caiman completed several successful war patrols, engaging in anti-shipping operations and lifeguard duties for downed airmen near enemy territory. • Post-War Service: After WWII, SS Caiman continued serving during the early years of the Cold War, conducting training and patrol missions before being decommissioned and sold to Turkey in 1972. • SS Caiman’s Turkish Legacy: Under the Turkish flag, Caiman was renamed TCG Dumlupınar (S-339) and served until 1986, symbolizing a lasting US-Turkey naval partnership. • PBR 658: Patrol Boat, River (PBR) 658 was one of the iconic "Brown Water Navy" craft used by the US Navy for riverine operations during the Vietnam War, particularly in the Mekong Delta. • Fast and Agile: PBRs like 658 were built with fiberglass hulls and powered by water jets, allowing them to reach speeds of 25 knots and operate in shallow, vegetation-choked waterways. • Combat Missions: PBR 658’s missions included patrolling, interdiction of enemy supply lines, and insertion/extraction of Navy SEAL teams, often under heavy enemy fire. • Survivors’ Stories: Veterans from PBR 658 have recounted harrowing ambushes and close calls, with the small boat’s speed and maneuverability often being the difference between life and death. • Targeteer Y53: "Targeteer" was a class of small, fast gunboats used by the US Navy for coastal and river patrols; Y53 was one such vessel with notable service in training and live-fire exercises. • Preserved Legacy: Some vessels like PBR 658 and Targeteer Y53 have been preserved as museum ships or memorial displays, honoring their crew’s service and educating the public about riverine and special operations warfare.