Colleton (APB 36) - Naval Cruise Book

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DATELINE SUBIC BAY DATELINE SUBIC BAY On 19 December 1967 the COLLETON got underway for Subic Bay, Philippines after eight months of operations in the Mekong Delta. The ship was scheduled for a 3 week yard period during which a completely epuipped, modern medical facility was to be added and 3 A C Generators replaced. This was a tremendous task to be accomplished in such a short period. For the first time in months the crew enjoyed liberty. A ship ' s party was held on two nights so all hands ' could participate. Every member of the crew was able to relax and enjoy the many recreational facilities provided by Subic Bay. The COLLETON left subic Bay on 16 January 1968 with the impossible job completed. Upon arriving in Dong Tam, Republic of Vietnam, The COLLETON rejoined the Mobile Riverine Force which was then in preparation for the V C TET Offensive. DATELINE... TET OFFENSIVE DATELINE : TET OFFENSIVE 19 6 8 At the beginning of the 1968 Lunar New Year the V. C. TET Offensive started. The COLLETON fresh from the Subic Bay Yard Period and assigned the mission of front line hospital ship began intensive opera- tions throughout the Mekong Delta. The V. C. put on a massive show of force by infiltrating every major city in the Delta. The men of the COLLETON witnessed fierce battles by allied troops to regain lost ground and hundreds of casualties were treated as COLLETON raced from one city to another to keep pace with the often moved battle front. The Army and Navy coordinated efforts began to have its effect as the V. C. were slowly but firmly dug out, routed, killed or aptured. Through the joint effort of the Army Navy team, the V. C. were kept at bay and after two months of con- stant fighting, once again the Mekong Delta was controlled by the Allied Forces. TET was over !