On 30 May 1970, River Division 551, The Delta Devils, was decommissioned, turned over to the Vietnamese Navy, and, with River Division 552, became RPD-59. This site is dedicated to the memories of RM1 WILLIAM C. HAGERICH, KIA 20 February 1970, the last man killed from RivDiv551, and EN3 LEONARD C. WARNICK, KIA 7 June 1970, the first man killed from RPD-59.

Arrival

F.N.G. I arrived at RivDiv 551 on 18 October 1969, landing on the helo deck of the YRBM-16 in the upper Mekong River. The YRBM was a "Tender" for River Patrol operations in that area. I was greeted by the Division XO, who took me down to 551's quarters to meet some of the crew members not on patrol. They were a somewhat rowdy and likeable bunch but remained aloof from me, yet I didn't feel snubbed. I soon learned from one of the Boat Captains that this wasn't personal, just that I was the FNG and would be treated a bit differently until I had proven myself. The boat I had been assigned to was currently on patrol and would not return for a couple of days so I spent my time getting to know the people from 551 and observing the normal routine of the Division as well as the crew of YRBM-16. I noticed a certain swagger in the PBR sailors, an element of pride and professionalism not normally seen in such a young group of sailors. These guys were Warriors. I eventually was "on the river" and after 2 patrols under instruction, I relieved PO1 King and took over as Boat Captain of PBR 742. At that time, the Division was conducting operations in the Vinh Te canal, commonly called " The Ditch ", along the Cambodian border.

The French Locks in the Vihn Gia/Tinh Bien area of the Vinh Te canal.......Real Spooky !!!

Normal operations in "The Ditch" consisted of daytime patrolling while checking waterborne traffic, and at night setting up ambush positions to interdict enemy cross border operations. It was here that I received my "baptism" of fire and learned what a true bunch of warriors these River Boat sailors really were. They were young, indestructible, and totally fearless in the face of enemy fire, and I loved them. I was blessed with an outstanding, well trained crew, who helped break me in and teach me the ropes of River Patrol warfare. They were also a humorous and constructive lot, as seen below.

Randy Harvey at the Vinh Te "Peace Monument" built by Riv Div 551 (Shades of John Lennon !!) ( Picture courtesy of John Boswell)

In December of1969, the water levels of the Vinh Te canal became precipitously low, limiting the effectiveness of PBR operations. As a result, Riv Div 551 was pulled out and ordered to move east and take up operations against the enemy on the Vam Co Dong River, the eastern leg of what was known as " Giant Slingshot ". It wasn't hard to say good bye to "The Ditch" as we passed the town of Chau Doc for the last time !

The town of Chau Doc (Chau Phu) at the entry to (and exit from) the Vinh Te canal