This was a special squadron formed to meet the requirements for Naval support of operation Game Warden in IV Corp during the Vietnam conflict. The delta became the responsibility of the Navy because it was under water 90% of the year. The Navy also had special operations control in the area. The Seawolves support was available to all branches of service at any time or need.
The squadron pilots were instrument rated, an essential skill required for night operations and monsoon season. If the Seawolves assistance was needed, the call to scramble the Seawolves would go out.
The squadron was divided into several detachments outside the home base in Binh Thuy, that is when I was there. By the end of the Vietnamization of the conflict, there were 9 detachments throughout the delta region.
My name is Norm, I had the priviledge to become part of the Seawolves during my enlistment in the Navy. I enlisted right out of high school. First boot camp in San Diego, then "A" school in Memphis Tennessee. I spent my first full duty time with the HAL(3) squadron. After several months of special combat training, I joined the squadron on October 19, 1970. I was assigned to Det. 8 out of Rach Gia. My first contact with the group was a crewman known as MadDog. As we waited in the chart house for the pilots, his appearance caused my imagination run wild. Bandaged on his hand, no shave or hair cut; and I knew they only cost two bits. I didn't know what to expect going out to unknown fields, rice paddies and my assigned Det but a crewman known as MadDog wasn't what I expected to be led by to a new responsibility.
My Rach Gia Home
