Over 100 Swift Boat PCF types served in the Vietnam conflict, conducting operations in riverine warfare. By Staff Writer
The PCF (Patrol Craft, Fast) vessels - or better known as "Swift Boats" - were a product of the Sewart Seacraft company which designed the ship to military specifications. The approved military design featured limited offensive capabilities in the form of machine guns and mortars but provided a fast and reliable platform from which to conduct the increasingly important riverine operations in the Vietnam War. Nearly 200 of the type were constructed though only about 110 actually served in the war with the United States Navy.
The Swift Boat featured a distinct design profile with a noticeable mast atop the cabin. The driving compartment was held well-forward with three rectangular windows at front. An upper gun tub mounted a dual 12.7mm (.50 caliber) gun system in an open arrangement. Additional armament consisted of a single 12.7mm machine gun mated to an 81mm mortar launcher in an over-under set up. Beyond that, the occasional 7.62mm machine gun could be mounted forward and any personal crew weapons could be utilized.
The Swift Boat appeared in three marks (I, II and III) differing only slightly. The Mark II moved the deck house more amidships and featured redesigned port hole windows for the cabin. The Mark III were based on the Mark II but were larger in size. Swift Boats performed admirably well in Vietnam riverine operations but were susceptible to enemy rocket attacks and water mines. The crew complement was normally six sailors. Power was derived from 2 x Detroit Diesel engines developing roughly 480 horsepower each and held the PCF's reach some 21 knots in ideal conditions.
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Navy Ship Profile:
Photo Courtesy of the United States Department of Defense
1965
Designation: PCF (Patrol Craft, Fast) / Swift Boat Classification Type:Patrol Craft, Fast Ship Class:Patrol Craft, Fast / Swift Boat Country of Origin: United States Number in Class: 193
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