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History of Harbor Clearance Unit One

Harbor Clearance Unit One (HCU-1) was a specialized U.S. Navy unit established in 1966 during the Vietnam War to provide salvage, diving, and clearance operations in Southeast Asia. The unit's primary mission was to clear harbors, rivers, and coastal waters of sunken vessels, unexploded ordnance, and other hazards to navigation, thereby ensuring the safe movement of military and civilian shipping. HCU-1 operated a variety of craft and utilized advanced diving equipment, often working under dangerous conditions in combat zones such as Da Nang, Cam Ranh Bay, and the Mekong Delta. The unit played a crucial role in maintaining logistical supply lines throughout the conflict and contributed significantly to postwar salvage and clearance operations in the Pacific region.

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ABOUT Harbor Clearance Unit One

  • Establishment and Purpose: Harbor Clearance Unit One (HCU-1) was established by the U.S. Navy in 1966 during the Vietnam War, with the primary mission of clearing harbors, rivers, and coastal waters of sunken ships, debris, and other obstructions to ensure safe passage for military and commercial vessels.
  • First of Its Kind: HCU-1 was the first dedicated U.S. Navy unit formed specifically for salvage and harbor clearance operations in a combat environment.
  • Nickname - "Salvage Pirates": The unit became known as the "Salvage Pirates" due to their daring salvage operations and the Jolly Roger flags displayed on some of their equipment.
  • Mobile and Versatile: HCU-1 operated a fleet of specialized vessels, including YLLC (Yard Lighter, Lift Craft) and salvage barges, which could be rapidly deployed to different locations along the coast and rivers of Vietnam.
  • Dangerous Missions: The unit frequently operated under enemy fire while clearing rivers and harbors, including the Mekong Delta and Saigon River, often encountering booby traps and unexploded ordnance.
  • Notable Operation - Saigon River Clearance: One of HCU-1's most significant missions was clearing the Saigon River after the Viet Cong sank several ships to block navigation, enabling continued resupply of Saigon during the war.
  • Underwater Demolition Expertise: Many members of HCU-1 were trained in underwater demolition, using explosives to remove submerged obstacles and wrecks.
  • International Assistance: HCU-1 also assisted allied navies, including the South Vietnamese and Royal Australian Navies, with salvage and clearance operations.
  • Post-Vietnam Legacy: After the war, HCU-1 continued to serve in the Pacific, participating in salvage operations, disaster response, and training exercises throughout the region until its decommissioning in 1996.
  • Recognition and Decorations: The unit and its personnel received numerous awards and commendations for their bravery and ingenuity, including the Navy Unit Commendation and Meritorious Unit Commendation.

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