Vietnam Conflict

The primary objective of Naval Forces in the Vietnam Conflict was to prevent the enemy
from strengthening his forces in South Vietnam through seaborne infiltration of supplies,
munitions and personnel. This goal was accomplished by three task forces.  

Task Force 115
Market Time
Task Force 115 had the responsibility for coastal patrol and interception of enemy
gun runners, personnel and supplies on the high seas. The Implicit, other aggressive
class minesweepers and United States Coast Guard units were some of the naval 
units attached to Market Time Task Force 115. 


Task Force 116
Game Warden

Task force 116 carried the war up the rivers and canals as far as their shallow draft boats
would go.  Operation Game Warden used modified landing craft, Swift Boats, Patrol Boats,
helicopters and armed Broncos.


Task Force 117
Mobile Riverine Force
Equipped with gunboats, armored troop carriers, and a Brigade of the U.S. Army 9th Infantry 
Division. Assigned to operate against enemy forces within the road less Mekong Delta.

One of three Implicit boarding party teams

(left to right)
Boatswain's Mate 1st Class Peake, the late Seaman Robert Melbe,
Damage Controlman 2nd Class Flaherty and Gunner's Mate Striker Rich DeSantis

Boarding party members stationed on board the Implicit assigned to cover those crew
members searching the junks. In the foreground and looking at the camera is Culinary
Specialist 1st Class Dembeste armed with the Thompson Sub Machine gun. He was my
 department head, an excellent chef, mentor and a friend.

Rarely did we chase after junks. We hailed the junks and the vessels came alongside.

These vessels were commercial fishermen from China, as the Republic of China (ROC) flag
indicates. These vessels were in international waters and were not boarded and searched.

We asked this Crew "Where did you come from?"

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