Coast Guard Squadron One

• Vietnam War Origins: Coast Guard Squadron One was established in 1965 as part of Operation Market Time, a joint U.S. Navy and Coast Guard effort to interdict the flow of arms and supplies from North Vietnam to the Viet Cong by sea. • Squadron Composition: The unit consisted of 26 Point-class 82-foot cutters, divided into three divisions (11, 12, and 13), making it the largest U.S. Coast Guard combat deployment since World War II. • First Combat Action Since WWII: The deployment of Squadron One marked the first time since World War II that Coast Guard vessels and crews were sent into combat zones. • Coast Guard Crews Adapted to Navy Role: The cutters were transferred from Coast Guard to Navy operational control, and crews underwent rapid "in-country" training to adapt to their new combat and patrol roles. • Unique Camouflage: The Point-class cutters in Squadron One were painted in gray Navy colors rather than the standard white-and-orange Coast Guard scheme to reduce visibility in combat zones. • Joint Operations: Squadron One worked closely with U.S. Navy and South Vietnamese Navy forces, conducting boarding and inspection of thousands of vessels to disrupt enemy logistics. • High Operational Tempo: The Squadron patrolled over 1.5 million nautical miles and inspected more than 280,000 vessels during its Vietnam operations. • Combat Engagements: Squadron One cutters engaged in direct combat, including firefights with enemy sampans and shore batteries, and rescued downed pilots and wounded personnel. • Transfer to South Vietnam: As part of the Vietnamization policy, all Squadron One cutters were eventually transferred to the South Vietnamese Navy between 1969 and 1970. • Legacy and Honors: The members of Coast Guard Squadron One received numerous awards for valor, including Bronze Stars and Purple Hearts, and their service is commemorated by both the U.S. Coast Guard and Vietnam veterans' organizations.