IUWG-1 Veterans Organization

ESTABLISHMENT OF IUWG-1 WPD

    Inshore Undersea Warfare Group ONE, Western Pacific Detachment (IUWG-1 WESTPAC DET) was established on 15 November 1966. Headquarters was temporarily located at Saigon, Republic of Vietnam.

    LCDR L. S. MARSH, 512235/1100, USN, established the Detachment and reported it operational to Commander, Inshore Undersea Warfare Group ONE in accordance with the Chief of Naval Operations message 221523z JUN 66.

    IUWG-1 WESTPAC DET was established under the administrative control of Commander, U. S. Naval Inshore Undersea Warfare Group ONE; Type Commander, Commander Mine Forces, U. S. Pacific Fleet; and under the operational control of Commander Coastal Surveillance Force, Vietnam, in accordance with Commander Task Force 115 Operation Order 302-YR.

    IUWG-1 WESTPAC DET composition upon establishment was Officer in Charge with staff, tasked with administrative and logistics control; and four Inshore Undersea Warfare units. The basic Inshore Undersea Warfare Units consisted of Mobile Inshore Undersea Warfare Surveillance Units (MIUWS) and Harbor Patrol Elements.

    MIUWS ELEVEN and THIRTEEN were deployed from Inshore Undersea Warfare Group ONE, Long Beach, California and MIUWS TWENTY-TWO and TWENTY-THREE were deployed from Inshore Undersea Warfare Group TWO, Little Creek, Virginia.

    The following officers were assigned responsibilities listed, prior to and after the official establishment of IUWG-1 WESTPAC DET:

    Officer in Charge, MIUWS 13, Harbor Defense Vung Tau, RVN and Commander Task Unit 115.3.4, St J. D. AUSTRAW, 646488/1100, USN.

    Officer in Charge, MIUWS 11, Harbor Defense Cam Ranh Bay, RVN and Commander Task Element 115.2.2.5, LT M. E. HARKSEN, 642207/1105, USNR.

    Officer in Charge, MIUWS 22, Harbor Defense Nha Trang, RVN, and Commander Task Element 115.2.2.4, LT S. W. Barber, 638768/1100, USN.

    Harbor patrol Elements utilized Landing Craft, Personnel Light (LCPL) as patrol boats. Outfitting of LCPL's included two 50 caliber machine guns, RADAR, portable searchlights, high frequency (HF) and very high frequency (VHF) transceivers for patrol coordination between Harbor Entrance Control Post and patrol boats. LCPL's were assigned as follows:

        Vung Tau             4

        Cam Ranh Bay    4

        Qui Nhon             3

        Nha Trang             3

    Personnel strength upon establishment of IUWG-1 WESTPAC DET:    27 Officers and 437 enlisted.

    IUWG-1 WESTPAC DET is assigned the following mission:

        Conduct harbor patrols and surveillance operations as directed in order to protect friendly shipping and military vessels within the assigned harbors from attack by enemy sneak craft, swimmers, sabotage and other threats.

    18 November 1966 - 21 November 1966 - The first group of Southeast Asia Semi-permanent Harbor Patrol (SEASHARP) personnel deployed from Little Creek, Virginia and arrived in Vietnam on 21 November 1966. These SEASHARP personnel were designated IUWG-1 WESTPAC DET Unit THREE under LCDR H. L. KINSEL, 540658/6400, USN, and on 29 November 1966, relived MIUWS-23. This Unit consisted of 5 officers and 54 enlisted assigned to the Harbor Entrance Control Post (HECP) and 1 officer and 47 enlisted assigned to the Harbor Patrol Unit. This was the first time the HECP and Harbor Patrol Unit were integrated into one group. The total number of personnel remained constant at Qui Nhon at 6 officers and 101 enlisted. The tasks assigned to this Unit are contained in enclosure (2). At the same time Unit THREE was relieving MIUWS-23, Explosive Ordnance Team (EOD) 22 was assigned to this unit and commenced operations. The tasks assigned to in-country EOD Teams were; (1) daily anchor chains and hull inspections of ships anchored in Qui Nhon; (2) render safe any explosive devices as requested by higher authority; and (3) salvage operations when requested by other commands on a no-to-interfere basis with primary mission.

    5 December 1966 - Officer in Charge, Inshore Undersea Warfare Group ONE, WESTPAC DETACHMENT relocated his staff from CTF 115 headquarters in Saigon to the Market Time Base at Cam Ranh Bay, RVN.

    9 December 1966 - The second group of SEASHARP personnel under LCDR T. Coyne, 609719/1100, USN, as Officer in Charge, IUWG-1 WESTPAC DET Unit TWO relieved MIUWS-11. This unit consisted of 5 Officers and 54 enlisted assigned to the HECP and 1 officer and 88 enlisted assigned to the Harbor Patrol Element.

    3 January 1967 - The first four of twelve Boston Whalers (Skimmers) arrived in country and were assigned to Unit Two at Cam Ranh Bay. These craft were civilian product outfitted to augment the Harbor Patrol effort in assigned harbors of responsibility and for quick reaction due to their high speeds.

    20 January 1967 - EOD Team 22 arrived in-country and was assigned to Unit TWO for operational control.

    22 January 1967 - The third group of SEASHARP personnel under LCDR B. CROOK, 615195/1100, USN, as Officer in Charge, relieved MIUWS-22. This unit was designated IUWG-1 WESTPAC DET Unit FOUR and commenced operations at Nha Trang. This Unit consisted of 5 Officers and 54 enlisted assigned to the HECP and 1 officer and 44 enlisted assigned to the Harbor Patrol Element.

    28 January 1967 - EOD Team 23 arrived in country and was assigned to Unit FOUR for operational control.

    13 February 1967 - The fourth and last group of SEASHARP personnel under LCDR MCPHERSON, 573137/1107, USN, as Officer in Charge, IUWG-1 WESTPAC DET Unit ONE, relieved MIUWS-13. On this date, all SEASHARP units assigned to the OIC, IUWG-1 WESTPAC DET for administrative and logistics control were in country.

    Although all Units continued to maintain a readiness posture set by their predecessors, maximum efforts were initially directed to improve existing living structures, strengthen perimeter defenses and set up a workable liaison level with local commands and Vietnamese officials. To this end, units were required to either completely rebuild all structures on site or rehabilitate existing buildings.

    During the month of February 1967, IUWG-1 WESTPAC DET Unit THREE was directed by OIC IUWG-1 WESTPAC DET to evaluate the LCPL mounted 1900 Raytheon radar as a back-up for the existing HECP radars (TPS-31). The 1900 radar was to be utilized as an interim vehicle during periods of prolonged outages due to non-availability of spare parts for the TPS-31. Results of this evaluation are in included as enclosure (4).

    19 February 1967 - The first Advanced Base Functional Components (ABFC) for STABLE DOOR forces arrived in-country. These components were tailored to meet the requirements of individual STABLE DOOR units. Each component consisted of the following items:

    B1 - Electronic and test equipment

    B2C - Small craft (LCPL, Skimmer and 45' Pickets) assigned as follows:

Unit         LCPL         SKMR         45' PKT

    1                 4                 2                 3

    2                 6                 4                 2

    3                 4                 4                 4

    4                 3                 2                 1

    B5A -  Small boat pool

    B7 -     Surface Detection RADAR (TPS-31/SPS-53A).

    C8 -    Visual Station (small)

    D4C-    Tank farm (small)

    D5C-    Base supply support

    N1A-    250 Man camp.

    22 February 1967 - At approximately 2210H, STABLE DOOR forces suffered their first in country personnel casualties due to enemy action in Qui Nhon harbor, RVN. During a routine board and search operation, a skimmer approached a sampan, an object was thrown from the sampan and landed in the skimmer. The boat captain (BM3 Terry Lee DAVIS, 776 29 93, USN) immediately ordered the other crew member (SN Daniel Eugene MOORE, Jr. 693 71 54, USN) to clear the craft. Immediately thereafter, an explosion occurred causing both crew members to be thrown in the water. BM3 DAVIS remained conscious until arrival of an additional patrol craft and directed attention to search for SN MOORE, whom he believed to have still been alive. BM3 DAVIS was subsequently transferred to the 67th Evacuation Hospital, Qui Nhon, RVN. Initial injuries were multiple schrapnel wounds of the chest, abdomen and head. BM3 DAVIS's condition was very serious upon admission to the hospital and prognosis was questionable. BM3 DAVIS subsequently died at 0125H, 24 February 1967 at the 67th Evacuation Hospital, Qui Nhon, RVN as a result of wounds received. Condition directly leading to death was a cardic arrest. A search of the immediate area for SN MOORE was conducted by additional harbor patrol units until 0004H, 23 February 1967. This search was terminated due to the tide conditions, and shallow water and was continued at first light. Upon resumption of the search, 9 units consisting of patrol craft and men on foot, covered the scene and the surrounding shore line area, continuing until 1130H, 23 February 1967 with negative results. Local Army, Navy and civilian facilities were alerted to the circumstances concerning the status of SN MOORE; as of this time SN MOORE was declared missing in action (MIA).  At 0819H, 24 February 1967, SN MOORE's body was recovered on the beach at the southern end of the Delong pier, located in the inner harbor at Qui Nhon. Next of kin was notified at this time as to the change of status from MIA to killed in action. Cause of death determined as asphyxiation due to submersion (drowning). Material casualties resulting from this incident were restricted to ancillary equipment. Hull and engine did not receive notable damage. Repairs were affected by assigned personnel and the skimmer was returned to operable status.

    23 February 1967 - OINC, IUWG-1 WESTPAC DET representing COMNAVFORV and COMNAVSUPPACT SGN, attended a conference at COMINSHORUNSEAWARGRU ONE Headquarters at Long Beach, California to discuss STABLE DOOR personnel augmentations. Enclosure (5) was promulgated as a results of this conference.

    28 February 1967 - The Royal Australian Navy Clearance Diving Team THREE was assigned to STABLE DOOR forces under the operational control of OIC, IUWG-1 WESTPAC DET Unit ONE at Vung Tau. Their duties paralleled those of the U. S. EOD Teams assigned in country to STABLE Door sites.

    22 March 1967 - The first AN/SPS-53A Surface Surveillance Radar arrived in country and was assigned to IUWG-1 WESTPAC DET Unit TWO at Cam Ranh Bay. This radar was an ABFC item, designation B7 (Surface Surveillance Radar Component) and replaced the AN/TPS-31 radar in its entirety.

    24 March 1967 - The Fleet Technical Assistance Element Southeast Asia (FTAE SEASIA) commenced installation of the B1 ABFC component a the STABLE DOOR site located at Vung Tau. This component consisted of the following units:

    AN/WRT-1    -    LF radio transmitter

    AN/URC-32    -    HF Radio transceiver

    TED-9/URR-35A    -    UHF radio transmitter/receiver

    AN/VRC-46     -    VHF radio transceiver

    AN/URC-58    -    HF radio transceiver

A BIG THANK YOU goes to Mike Harris and Jaan Vari for providing these documents.

The following was taken (verbatim) from declassified documents

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(continued from 1st column)

 12 April 1967 - At 0010H, the privately chartered United Kingdom flag Shell Oil Company tanker SS AMASTRA was holed by an external explosive device, while moored in the POL facility off-loading berth in Nha Trang harbor. Initial investigation indicated that a charge of approximately 50 pounds of explosive was employed. In view of the close proximity (150 yards) of the beach hamlet of Truong Tay ( a known haven for local pilferers/black marketeers and others of demonstrated questionable loyalty) to the AMASTRA berth, it is surmised that the explosive charge was most likely delivered from the hamlet area by a swimmer. SALVOPS were subsequently conducted by Harbor Clearance Unit ONE, USS GREENLET (ASR-10) and the USS CURRENT (ARS-22). The AMASTRA was refloated on 16 April and was expected to be returned to full operational status in the foreseeable future. A complete narrative report of this incident is included as Enclosure (6).

    During the period 25 April to 6 May 1967, OINC, IUWG-1 WESTPAC DET conducted the first formal inspection of assigned Stable Door Units. He was accompanied by LCDR J. DEBOER, 620875/1100, USN. CTF 115 harbor defense representative. The inspection results revealed that all units were operational, efficient, personnel and small craft appearance were outstanding and morale was at a high level throughout the detachment.

    9 May 1967 - The first four of eight 45' picket boats arrived in-country and were assigned to IUWG-1 WESTPAC DET Unit ONE at Vung Tau. These craft with their greater seakeeping ability, longer endurance and improved habitability, allowed all units to more effectively patrol the outer harbor areas in periods of increased sea states.

    During the period 24-25 May 1967, a survey of Vung Ro for a future STABLE DOOR site was conducted by OINC, IUWG-1 WESTPAC DET. The report of the survey is attached as enclosure (7).

    The month of June 1967, saw the arrival of the first increment of Harbor Patrol Element reliefs. On 6 June 1967, 3 officers and 41 enlisted arrived U. S. Naval Support Activity Detachment, Cam Ranh Bay. They were in processed and assigned to Units ONE, TWO, and THREE for duty. On 16 June 1967, the second increment of Harbor Patrol Element reliefs arrived in country, 42 enlisted and were assigned to Unit THREE and FOUR.

    25 June 1967 - At 1030H, LCPL 47 while on routine patrol reported an army helo #628 attached to the 17th Aviation Co. had crashed in the bay at Nha Trang. Approximately three minutes later LCPL 47 rescued all ten personnel aboard (6 passengers and 4 crew members) from the water. The crew members were taken to the 8th Army Field Hospital at Nha Trang, while the six passengers were transferred to the USS Maury (AGS-16) for observation and treatment as required. At the time of rescue, no apparent injuries were noted to the rescued personnel. At approximately 1031H, the assigned EOD team arrived on the scene and commenced salvage operations. The EOD team salvaged two crates of electronic tapes and personnel gear and in addition, reported the helo in one piece and salvageable in 50 feet of water on a sandy bottom. At 1638H, Helicopter #628 was salvaged through the combined efforts of EOD team assigned to Unit FOUR, Army 339th Transportation Co. and Unit FOUR patrol craft. For their prompt action and assistance rendered, this unit received a "WELL DONE" from the task force commander, CTF 115, (enclosure (3)).

    24 July 1967 - The third increment of Harbor Patrol Element reliefs arrived in Cam Ranh Bay. After two days of in-processing, they were transferred to Unit ONE, TWO and FOUR.

    During the period 24 - 29 July 1967, COMNAVFORV scheduled the exploratory sweep and mine-hunting operations in Cam Ranh Bay. In conjunction with these exercises, an evaluation of the AN/SQQ-14 sonar in Vietnamese waters was conducted. OIC, IUWG-1WESTPAC DET Unit TWO was designated on scene commander. A report of these exercises is included as enclosure (8). {note - these enclosures were not made available to the site administrator}.

    1 August 1967 - A survey team comprised of CDR G. T. HULL, COMINEDIV 93, LT J.A. MACE, OIC, MINERON 11, DET A, and LT F. L. BOSWELL, STAFF COMNAVFORV, arrived at Cam Ranh Bay to determine feasibility of possible relocation and pre-positioning of 3 or 4 MSB's at Cam Ranh Bay. The conference was hosted by OINC, IUWG-1 WESTPAC DET and included representatives from CTF 115 and U.S. Naval Support Activity Detachment, Cam Ranh Bay. Results of this conference indicates the conduct of routine, periodic sweeps in the carious STABLE DOOR harbors in the II CTZ and possibly Vung Ro, with the craft support from Cam Ranh Bay.

    6 August 1967 - The fourth increment of Harbor Patrol Element reliefs, 1 officer and 29 enlisted arrived Cam Ranh Bay; were in-processed and transferred to Unit FOUR in Nha Trang.

    9 August 1967 - The first meeting of all Unit OIC's was hosted by OINC, IUWG-1 WESTPAC DET at the Market Time Base at Cam Ranh Bay. All aspects of STABLE DOOR operations, logistics and administrative matters were discussed. This also provided the first opportunity for the OIC's to meet personally and to exchange first hand information and problems and to recommend solutions thereto.

    24 August 1967 - IUWG-1 WESTPAC DETACHMENT lost it's first OIC when LCDR B. CROOK was trnasferred to Veterans Hospital, Philadelphia for post operative treatment following surgery at the 8th Army Field Hospital in Nha Trang on 16 August 1967 for a removal of a tumor (benign). Upon his departure, command of this unit was temporairly assumed by LT R. E. ROBINSON, 630881/1100, USN, the former Assistant Officer in Charge of this Unit.

    The fifth and final increment of Harbor Patrol Element reliefs arrived in Cam Ranh Bay on 29 August 1967 and were in-processed and transferred to Units THREE and FOUR.

  For the entire month of September 1967, no significant events occured.

1 October 1967 - The operational commander of STABLE DOOR forces, CTF 115, promulgated a new STABLE DOOR and MARKET TIME Operation Order NO. 302-YR (RD-02) and Operation Order No. 201-(YR) respectively and is included herein as enclosures (9) and (10). {note - these enclosures were not made available to the site administrator}. The most significant change contained in the STABLE DOOR OPORD is in the OPCON for STABLE DOOR Units. The OINC, IUWG-1 WESTPAC DET assumed a Task Group designator (CTG 115.9) and takes operation, logistical and administrative control of Units assigned. Also on 1 October 1967, LCDR J. DEBOER, 620874/1100, USN, CTF 115 Harbor Defense Officer, was transferred to Nha Trang and assumed Officer in Charge, IUWG-1 WESTPAC DET Unit FOUR to fill the gap vacated by the departure of LCDR B. CROOK previously MEDAVAC.