About this Unit
River Division 572 (Riv Div 572) was a unit of the United States Navy's Mobile Riverine Force during the Vietnam War. Formed as part of the "Brown Water Navy," Riv Div 572 operated Patrol Boat, River (PBR) craft, primarily conducting patrols, interdiction missions, and troop transport along the Mekong Delta's complex waterways. The division was tasked with disrupting Viet Cong supply lines, providing fire support, and ensuring riverine security for allied forces. Riv Div 572 distinguished itself through its adaptability and effectiveness in the challenging riverine environment until the gradual drawdown of U.S. Navy forces in Vietnam.
Historical Facts
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Riv Div 572: River Division 572 (RivDiv 572) was one of the U.S. Navy's riverine units during the Vietnam War, part of the Mobile Riverine Force (Task Force 117) tasked with patrolling and interdicting enemy movement in the Mekong Delta.
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Unit Composition: RivDiv 572 primarily operated Patrol Boat, River (PBR) craft, small and fast boats armed with machine guns and grenade launchers, suited for shallow, narrow waterways.
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Activation: The division was commissioned in 1968 and was part of the expansion of riverine operations as the U.S. increased its efforts to disrupt Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army supply lines.
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Operational Area: RivDiv 572 patrolled the Vinh Long and Sa Dec areas, notorious for heavy Viet Cong activity and challenging terrain filled with narrow, heavily vegetated canals.
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Part of Operation Giant Slingshot: RivDiv 572 took part in Operation Giant Slingshot, an effort to interdict enemy infiltration routes from Cambodia into South Vietnam via the Vam Co Dong and Vam Co Tay rivers.
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Notable Engagements: The division was frequently in direct combat, facing ambushes, mines, and small arms fire. Their aggressive tactics played a significant role in disrupting enemy logistics.
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Decorations: Units and personnel from RivDiv 572 received numerous commendations, including the Presidential Unit Citation and the Navy Unit Commendation for their actions in sustained combat operations.
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“Brown Water Navy” Legacy: The sailors of RivDiv 572 became known as part of the “Brown Water Navy,” a unique community that operated river craft as opposed to ocean-going ships.
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Vietnamization and Handover: As part of the Vietnamization process, RivDiv 572's operations and boats were gradually transferred to the Republic of Vietnam Navy by 1971.
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Veteran Community: Today, veterans of RivDiv 572 maintain an active presence through reunions and online forums, preserving the unit’s history and remembering their unique service in the Mekong Delta.
