HMAS Perth (ll) in Vietnam
RSL (Port Pirie Sub Branch) Inc.The Guided Missile Destroyer H.M.A.S. Perth completed three deployments during the Vietnam War between September 1967 and April 1971 which saw her serve as a unit of the US Seventh Fleet operating off the coast of Vietnam, providing naval gunfire support to land forces and interdicting enemy supply routes.
“FIRE”… The sharp command of Gunnery Officer Lieutenant Commander Geoff Furlong came across the telephone line from the Combat Information Centre and the 10,000th round fired by H.M.A.S. Perth during Vietnam operations was on its way to the target which was not even visible to the alert lookouts through binoculars.
The salvo containing the 10,000th shell was fired at a North Vietnamese anti-aircraft battery on Hon La Island which in the past had fired at spotter aircraft working with Perth. The result was two large secondary explosions on the island, either an ammunition or fuel dump. It was another blow struck by Perth against the enemy, and another hazard to our spotter aircraft removed. This was just another day in Perth’s most recent assignment to Operation Sea Dragon. Throughout the 16 day period the Sea Dragon forces were commanded by Captain Doyle and in company with two USS destroyers.
Also to come under fire were some 47 bridges or ferries, stowage areas and the sinking of 13 barges. To keep everything going over this period Perth replenished from 13 USN tankers, ammunition or stores ships. Perth topped the 7th Fleet Cruiser Destroyer efficiency assessment for underway replenishment during October 1967. This was based on dead time, pumping rates, and transfer rates.
Perth was to become the first Australian ship to be hit by enemy fire during the Vietnam War and the only one to suffer casualties as a result. Seven sailors were wounded by a 3” shell that sliced through a corner of the after turret and exploded in an empty compartment below deck.Two were severely wounded and had to be airlifted to the aircraft carrier USS Oriskany and from there to a Naval hospital.
Perth steamed over 149,000 miles on active service during the Vietnam War, fired approximately 30,711 five-inch rounds and came under fire on five occasions. Over 7,000 officers and sailors served on Perth during her period of service. The ship was awarded the United States Navy Unit Commendation following her first deployment and the United States Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation after her second deployment. The Secretary of the Navy cited ‘the prowess and teamwork displayed by the personnel of Perth …. uniformly characterised by personal valour, professional acumen and individual initiative. The tenacity, professionalism and dedication demonstrated by the officers and men of Perth reflect great credit upon themselves and the Royal Australian Navy’.
