Atwood, Charles Aaron, Jr., EN3

U.S. Naval Support Activity
Cua Viet (1967-1970)

The furthest north of the Navy?s bases in Vietnam, Cua Viet was under mortar,
rocket, and ground attack for most of the war by the North Vietnamese Army
(NVA). Because of its location on the Cua Viet River that skirted the boundary
of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), the base was uniquely situated to provide fuel,
ammunition, administration, supplies, and construction materials to Marine
and Army combat forces. In March 1967, the Da Nang NSA Detachment Cua Viet
was established to augment the efforts of the nearby base at Dong Ha. Together,
Cua Viet and Dong Ha provided logistical support to American and allied units
operating around the DMZ area. Cua Viet acted as a trans-shipment point for
supplies headed for Dong Ha. The detachment?s work was made difficult not only
by enemy fire but by the physical environment. Winds and rains of the winter
monsoons were particularly harsh at Cua Viet. Outside the river mouth, shoals e
ndangered ships making the 90 nautical mile trip from Da Nang. Crossing the bar
was made difficult by shifting sand bars (solved by continuous dredging) and
enemy direct fire weapons. In March 1967, the USS Caroline County (LST-525)
became the first major naval vessel to enter the river and tie up at Cua Viet.
USS Snohomish County (LST-1126) followed her sister ship to Cua Viet and
became the second ocean-going visitor. The 61-man detachment at Cua Viet
gradually improved living conditions at the base. At first, the LST ramp consisted
of one steel mat for off-load of supplies. By the end of the year, a more permanent
soil and cement hardened landing area was in place. The detachment increased the
efficiency of the ship-to-shore fuel line and the tank storage facility. Tankers
discharged fuel at Cua Viet that was then transferred to LCM-8 landing craft with
fuel bladders for further transport to Dong Ha. The Cua Viet detachment also
operated a small boat repair facility and cargo staging area. As the South Vietnamese
began to take over a greater combat role in the war, U.S. forces were withdrawn
from such forward areas as the DMZ. Task Force CLEARWATER headquarters and
a number of river patrol boats redeployed to Tan My in February 1970. At the same
time, NSA Da Nang, Detachment Cua Viet was disestablished and became an ATSB
for limited support of naval units. By the end of the year, all U.S. forces at Cua Viet
had been withdrawn to Da Nang.