About this Unit
Task Force 116 (TF-116), also known as the River Patrol Force, was a United States Navy unit established in December 1965 during the Vietnam War. Its primary mission was to interdict the movement of Viet Cong personnel and supplies along the rivers and canals of the Mekong Delta under Operation Game Warden. TF-116 operated Patrol Boat, River (PBR) craft, conducting patrols, ambushes, and supporting ground operations in the challenging riverine environment. The unit played a crucial role in disrupting enemy logistics and providing security for South Vietnamese communities until its disestablishment in March 1973.
Historical Facts
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Origins: TF-116, also known as Task Force 116 or "Operation Game Warden," was established by the United States Navy during the Vietnam War to conduct riverine patrols and interdiction operations in the Mekong Delta.
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Primary Mission: The unit's main mission was to deny Viet Cong forces the use of the waterways for transporting troops, weapons, and supplies by interdicting and patrolling the rivers and canals of South Vietnam.
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PBRs in Action: TF-116 operated the famous Patrol Boat, River (PBR), a fast, agile, and heavily armed fiberglass boat that became an icon of American riverine warfare.
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Joint Operations: TF-116 often worked closely with the Army’s 9th Infantry Division and South Vietnamese forces, conducting coordinated assaults, search-and-destroy missions, and ambushes along the riverbanks.
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Significant Achievements: From 1966 to 1971, TF-116 units inspected over one million watercraft, captured tons of enemy weapons and munitions, and severely disrupted enemy supply lines.
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Dangerous Duty: Riverine operations were extremely hazardous; PBR crews faced ambushes, mines, snipers, and rocket attacks in the narrow, jungle-lined waterways.
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Medal of Honor: Several members of TF-116 were awarded high honors for their bravery, including Engineman First Class James E. Williams, who received the Medal of Honor for his actions during a fierce firefight in October 1966.
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Innovative Tactics: TF-116 pioneered nighttime river patrols using starlight scopes and infrared equipment, making them among the first U.S. Navy units to use these technologies in combat.
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Legacy: TF-116’s experiences and tactics significantly influenced modern riverine warfare doctrine and the creation of the Navy’s current riverine and littoral combat forces.
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Disbandment and Honors: TF-116 was disestablished in 1971 as U.S. involvement in Vietnam wound down, but its units earned multiple Presidential Unit Citations, Navy Unit Commendations, and other awards, reflecting their valor and effectiveness.
