US Navy FAR EAST CRUISE 1967 Vietnam War Patch

Description: Your browser does not support JavaScript. To view this page, enable JavaScript if it is disabled or upgrade your browser. This Vietnam war in-country machine embroidered patch measures 3.6" by 2", used condition. A great find for any military collectible enthusiast. A Far East Cruise in 1967 for the U.S. Navy was a deployment typically involving aircraft carriers, destroyers, cruisers, and support ships operating in the Western Pacific region. During the Vietnam War, these cruises were highly focused on supporting combat operations, particularly with carrier-based air strikes and naval gunfire support for ground troops in South Vietnam.Key Aspects of a Far East Cruise for the U.S. Navy in 1967: Primary Missions:Air Support and Bombing Missions: Aircraft carriers deployed as part of the cruise, like the USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63), USS Constellation (CV-64), and USS Oriskany (CV-34), carried out extensive air strikes on North Vietnamese and Viet Cong positions. This included bombing supply lines, military installations, and supply depots, as well as close air support for ground forces in South Vietnam.Naval Gunfire Support: Destroyers and cruisers, such as those in the “gun line” off the coast of Vietnam, provided essential fire support. Ships like the USS New Jersey (BB-62), a battleship reactivated in 1968 but deployed to the region, used their large-caliber guns to strike enemy positions along the Vietnamese coast. Carrier Operations and Aircraft:Carrier Air Wings: Aircraft carriers stationed off the coast, including those in the Gulf of Tonkin, operated with Carrier Air Wings equipped with a range of aircraft. These included the F-4 Phantom (for fighter and ground attack roles), A-4 Skyhawk, A-6 Intruder, and A-7 Corsair (primarily attack aircraft), and EA-1F Skyraiders and EA-6B Prowlers (for electronic warfare).Combat Missions: Carrier aircraft flew hundreds of sorties daily, targeting the Ho Chi Minh Trail, enemy supply lines, and Viet Cong base areas. These missions were crucial in disrupting enemy movement and providing direct support to ground forces. Supporting Naval Operations:Operation Sea Dragon: This was a key operation involving surface ships targeting North Vietnamese logistics and supply vessels along the coast. Destroyers and cruisers would patrol and intercept enemy transport boats, while also bombarding coastal supply routes.Operation Market Time: Conducted with U.S. Navy coastal patrol boats (Swift boats and PBRs), this mission was aimed at intercepting North Vietnamese supplies smuggled by sea. Larger vessels provided support, extending the Navy's ability to secure the coastal waters. Replenishment and Support Logistics:Ships on Far East Cruises required ongoing replenishment to maintain extended deployments. Oilers, ammunition ships, and supply ships would regularly conduct underway replenishment (UNREP) to provide fuel, munitions, and provisions, keeping ships in operational status for extended combat patrols.This logistical support ensured that carriers and destroyers could sustain high sortie rates and continuous naval gunfire, an essential factor given the high demands of combat operations in Vietnam. Shore Leave and Regional Ports:Between deployments and combat operations, ships often docked in ports throughout the Pacific and Asia for rest, repair, and resupply. Common port calls included Subic Bay in the Philippines, Yokosuka in Japan, and Hong Kong. These stops provided critical maintenance and a break for sailors after long stretches at sea.The port visits also reinforced U.S. presence and alliances in the Asia-Pacific region, which was strategically important during the Cold War. Impact and Legacy:The 1967 Far East Cruises were part of the broader U.S. naval strategy in Vietnam, demonstrating the Navy’s versatility in sustained air and sea operations. The 7th Fleet’s presence in the South China Sea and the Gulf of Tonkin underscored the strategic commitment to combating North Vietnamese forces and supporting South Vietnam.The operational experience gained from these deployments influenced future U.S. Navy strategies, emphasizing the importance of carrier strike groups, combined air-sea operations, and rapid logistics support, which became foundational for later naval doctrines. For any unsatisfactory reason, item can be returned within 30 days for full refund. For more selection, please visit our eBay store. Thanks !

Price: 11.95 USD

Location: Midway City, California

End Time: 2025-01-25T13:42:47.000Z

Shipping Cost: 0.95 USD