1966

On 31 August 1966 OZBOURN received an emergency call for NGFS for U.S. advisors to suppress an enemy machine gun firing on a friendly position a few miles south of Vung Tau. At the time OZBOURN was already providing support elsewhere. Despite monsoon weather with limited visibility OZBOURN responded at maximum speed, crossing Lagi Bay. While dodging the shoals and shallows of the bay the enemy tracer fire was sighted between breaks in the weather. Open fire was ordered at maximum gun range, firing directly into the tracer positions. The spotter's first call for correction was, "great-more of the same". Within 20 minutes the VC attack had been broken. Three VC were killed and two wounded were captured. Illumination was provided later to assist local friendly forces to search for the fleeing enemy.

On 12 September, as a result of an emergency night mission for the Senior Advisor in the RSSZ, OZBOURN was credited with 13 enemy killed. OZBOURN departed Vietnam on 13 September and spent 16 through 20 September in Singapore. After a brief dip below the equator OZBOURN proceeded to Subic Bay, P.I. for a brief stay before returning to the line.

On 30 September 1966 OZBOURN responded to a different call for emergency assistance, this time to provide medical aid at sea. Proceeding at 25 knots from Subic Bay, OZBOURN rendezvoused with a merchant tug boat towing a disabled merchant tanker. In a monsoon storm which created high seas OZBOURN transferred Dr. John GLICK, Division Doctor, to tend an ailing merchant seaman. The patient was eventually transferred to the USS CURRITUCK (AV 7) by OZBOURN's motor whaleboat for further treatment ashore.

OZBOURN reported for duty to TU 70.8.9 and was assigned to III Corps on 1 October 1966 and was again directed to support the Rung Sat Special Zone. This required OZBOURN to patrol the River de Saigon near Vung Tau day and night and in any weather in order to be available for immediate NGFS. On many occasions it was necessary to position the ship between enemy held positions in order to reach deep, high priority targets. On 6 October 1966 OZBOURN was uniquely utilized by ground forces to establish NGF barrage to cut off escaping VC personnel and sampans.

On 7 October 1966 OZBOURN with Hollister was called to assist a unit of friendly forces that the enemy had pinned down. The report states, "Unit 7 was pinned down and the Commanding Officer was wounded. The Senior advisor and unit executive officer took command and OZBOURN's call for fire let Unit 7 get away without any heavy casualties. The Senior Advisor will write up a recognition for OZBOURN." A letter of appreciation was received from U.S. MACV Sub-Detachment PHUOC TUY SECTOR Advisory Team 89, dated 10 October 1966 via COMCRUDESGRU SEVENTH Fleet, COMDESRON 9 and COMDESDIV 92.

On 14 October 1996, while proceeding to replenishment at sea, OZBOURN was asked to provide medical assistance to the USS Mt. KATMAI (AE 14). LT. John GLICK, Division Medical Officer, was transferred by motor whaleboat to assist in the emergency treatment of an ailing Navy man.

At the end of October 1966 OZBOURN headed toward Yokosuka for upkeep; however, another emergency call was to be answered. A special mission requiring OZBOURN to operate as a surveillance unit in the Sea of Japan was filled during the period 24-31 October.

From 3 to 13 November 1966 Commanding Officer, OZBOURN was assigned as Commander Task Group 130.2, the Western Pacific task Group for maned space-craft recovery. OZBOURN with HOLLISTER participated at sea on station as recovery vessels for GEMINI 12. During December 1966 OZBOURN was assigned duty as a Station Ship, Hong Kong for 13 days and arrived at home in Yokosuka in time for Christmas.

1967 >>