Minnetonka (WHEC 67) - Naval Cruise Book

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The MINNETONKA started her first Market Time Patrol on January 28, 1968 when she re- lieved the USCGC CAMPBELL near Phan Thiet off the coast of South Viet Nam. Although her primary mission was preventing contraband goods such as food, medical .supplies, and weapons from being smuggled to the enemy, the MINNETONKAs patrol time was much more diversified. Over the next eight months she became one of the top Naval Gunfire Support ships in South Vietnamese waters. Being replenished at sea by the large oilers and supply ships, providing fuel, water and food to the smaller Navy and Coast Guard vessels in the area, and participating in a variety of civic action projects in coastal towns occupied much of the MINNETONKA ' s time. After each four or five week patrol, the men were able to enjoy liberty in one of the large Asiatic ports-of-call such as Hong Kong, Bangkok, Sasebo or Singapore. On our first patrol, we were honored by a visit from Senator Frank Moss of Utah, who was being briefed on the situation in South Viet Nam. While aboard, Senator Moss administered the re-enlistment oath to S02 J. D. Clark of Ogden, Utah. Following this ceremony, a group of our officers and petty officers went ashore at Nha Trang for a briefing at the Coastal Surveillance Headquarters in the area. Senator Moss tours the ship. Clark S02 re enlists.