During the war, Royal Australian Navy (RAN) ships and personnel provided troop and equipment transport, naval gunfire support, clearance diving, ship protection and logistics. RAN helicopter crews also flew combat support, troop movement, supply and casualty evacuation missions, including with United States (US) Army aviation units.
While Australia’s involvement in the war began with Army advisers in 1962, the Navy’s direct role in the Republic of South Vietnam began in 1965.
RAN ships regularly supported the Australian logistics base at Vung Tau. HMAS Sydney anchored off Vung Tau and used landing craft, barges and helicopters to ferry troops, vehicles and supplies ashore.
HMAS Sydney was known as the ‘Vung Tau Ferry’. The ship transported Australian troops, vehicles, equipment and supplies between Australia and South Vietnam. Other RAN ships, such as HMAS Parramatta, escorted Sydney and supported the movement of personnel and cargo.
RAN destroyers served off the coast of Vietnam on the ‘gunline’, where they provided naval gunfire support for Australian, South Vietnamese and US forces ashore.
Clearance Diving Teams helped protect shipping by searching for sea mines, underwater explosives and enemy sabotage threats.
Naval personnel also served in the air. The RAN Helicopter Flight Vietnam operated with the US Army’s 135th Assault Helicopter Company, flying combat support missions, troop movements, supplies and casualty evacuations. Some naval aviators also served with No 9 Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force.
By the time Australia officially ended its commitment in 1973, the Navy had played a major role in transport, protection, fire support, diving operations and aviation support.
