Det-4 Log (1966-1967)

In September 1966, HC-1 (Helicopter Combat Support Squadron-1) selected the officers and listed for the detachment. Det 21 was the first designation for our detachment, but it changed to Det 4 before we reported to Vietnam on December 1, 1966. LCDR George (Rock) Rowell was the commanding officer, and LT. Al Bandford was the executive officer. Before we reported to Vietnam, we trained for 3 months. The training consisted of physical and hand-to-hand combat, followed by SERE (Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape) School. Our last two training items were UH-1 maintenance and weapons training, both at USMC Camp Pendleton.

On December 1, 1966 we were sent to Saigon where our commanding officer, LCDR Rowell, took half of the detachment to the Army 175th (Mavericks) Assault Helicopter Co. at Vinh Long, South Vietnam. Our executive officer, LT. Al Bandford, took the other half to the Army 121st (Vikings) Assault Helicopter Co. at Soc Trang, South Vietnam.

The Army units provided intense training for both the pilots and door gunners. For the pilots, it was about learning how to fly in different combat situations, and for the door gunners, it was about how to react or respond to any possible situation. We started by sitting between both Army door gunners and observing how they worked and interacted with the pilots. We learned how to maintain the aircraft and its guns and weapons systems.

Once the Army felt you were ready, you got assigned to crew a gunship.

Unfortunately, our time with the Army was extended because the Navy didn’t have any gunships for our detachment. So, we gained additional skills, knowledge, and experience during this extension.

After receiving our gunships, we were activated on March 15, 1967, and we were called a US Navy Attack Fire Team. The Seawolves Squadron was activated on April 1, 1967, and Det 4 joined the newly formed squadron.

Next, we were assigned to new duty stations, USS Garrett County and the USS Harrett County, to support Operation Game Warden and be part of the new brown water Navy. Operation Game Warden also included PBR’s (Patrol, Boat, River) and Seal Teams. Since we were working with PBRs and Seal Teams, we had to adapt what the Army had taught us to best serve our new duties. Our assignment onboard the LSTs would continue until the end of the year when our tour ended, and we were rotated home.

This is a list of the eight officers and enlisted who shipped out together on December 1, 1966.

Det 4 Officers                                              Det 4 Enlisted