Mobile Riverine Force Association Poster

The Mobile Riverine Force was comprised of elements of the 9th Infantry Army and Navy Task Force 117. Operating in the Mekong Delta from 1967-70, it is credited for essentially denying the VC use of the region. A unique, joint Army - Navy force, its heritage dates back to river operations during the Civil War. This poster was created to honor the service and sacrifice by all who served with and supported the Mobile Riverine Force. It is a summary of images meant to represent an overall picture of the MRF. The lack of a specific unit, item or scene is in no way meant to exclude a particular element of the MRF. Rather, space and available photography limited the number of images that could be shown. The Mobile Riverine Force Association recognizes all MRF units, boats and personnel as essential to the success of the Mobile Riverine Force.

Numbers correspond to the images on the Image Map above

1. 9th Infantry Division Patch Top

2. Mobile Riverine Force Patch

9th Infantry soldiers and other MRF personnel endured some of the worst conditions in Vietnam.

3.     Deep water, always muddy, sometimes swift

4.     Deep mud

5.     Rice paddies and monsoon rains          Top

6.     Razor sharp elephant grass

7.     Dense jungle with its heat, fire ants, snakes and VC

8.     Combat Infantryman Badge

9.     Returning to ATC's after an operation

10.   K-9 search team stepping off the ramp of an ATC          Top

11.   Boat crew on station observing dust-off by UH-1 "Huey" helicopter

12.   Vietnam Service Medal

13.   PACV - Patrol Air Cushion Vehicle, operated by both Army and Navy

14.   Airmobile artillery platform

15.   YRBM - Repair and Maintenance Barge          Top

16.   APB - Self Propelled Barracks Ship with pontoon barge and boat rafts

17.   APL - Non-self Propelled Barracks Ship

18.   ARL - Landing Craft Repair Ship

19.   LST - Landing Ship, Tank with rafts of boats

20.   Monitor leading column of ATC's          Top

21.   UH-1 "Huey" helicopter about to land on an ATC - Armored Troop Carrier

Though not designated as part of the "Mobile Riverine Force", Task Forces 115 and 116) were integral partners with the MRF (Task Force 117). Combined, they comprised what was commonly referred to as the "Brown Water Navy".

22.   PCF - Patrol Boat, Fast or "Swift Boat" (Task Force 115)

23.   PBR - Patrol Boat, River (Task Force 116)          Top

24.   CCB - Command Communications Boat

25.   Purple Heart

26.   Combat Action Ribbon

27.   MP - Military Police. along with guarding base camp facilities they often participated in field operations

28.   ASPB - Assault Support Patrol Boat, on station checking civilian river craft for arms and other contraband

29.   ZIPPO, Flame Throwing Monitor          Top

30.   Army LCM-8's. Provided transportation, resupply, and support to field artillery units

31.   Artillery and accompanying Support Barge

32.   A field memorial consisting of a helmet, rifle, and boots has been joined with an anchor as a symbolic tribute to both Army and Navy personnel who gave the ultimate sacrifice while serving with the Mobile Riverine Force. They are placed over a map of the Mekong Delta, the principle area of operations of the MRF.          Top

Images shown are interpretations of Official Navy Photographs and photographs taken by the artist. Special recognition is given to Navy photographer Daniel Dodd whose work inspired many of the poster's scenes. Top

The poster is Copyrighted 1999 by Tom Nielsen and the Mobile Riverine Force Association