[Charles Martel]

Um those boats were some of the most dangerouns assignments in 'nam. You were a sitting duck, open target, going up and down rivers full of snipers. Saying that his assignment was safe is re-writing history.

I read in another thread that Kerry's Swift Boat duty was coastal interdiction, not Riverine. Anyone know for certain?

[Mo1]

I read in another thread that Kerry's Swift Boat duty was coastal interdiction, not Riverine. Anyone know for certain?

I believe he started out doing coastal and then went to the river and yes that part was more danagerous

[Cuttnhorse]

Swift Boat mission was multiple, including coastal interdiction, which tended to bring us very close to shore, especially at night. We also provided illumination support with the 81 mm mortar on board. Many boats patroled up rivers and escorted ships up the Saigon river. Many were sunk doing this.

Another mission was transporting special ops groups and placing them ashore and recovering them, including Navy SEALs.

The boats had an almost 6-foot draft which made them a little problematic in shallow water, especially during low tide. Boats ran aground often.

They were good boats, relatively fast and fairly well armed.

[StriperSniper]

I read in another thread that Kerry's Swift Boat duty was coastal interdiction, not Riverine. Anyone know for certain?

Nothing certain, but there is a listing for him here:Swift Boat Crew Directory

John Forbes Kerry, LTJG, OinC 10/68-4/69 An Thoi

(He is listed on PCF 66)(Thanks again consort :)

That was in the zone on the Western coast in the Gulf of Siam, and does not include the Mekong Delta according to a map I found on another site. I'm sure there were rivers there, but I think I've heard him refer to Mekong. It will be something to listen for.