The restored Vietnam War-era Swift Boat takes visitors for a ride along the San Diego bay. Courtesy photo: Maritime Museum of San Diego
SAN DIEGO–The Maritime Museum of San Diego’s fully restored Vietnam War-era Swift Boat has cleared its final hurdle to become a part of the museum’s permanent collection. Since the U.S. Coast Guard has certificated the Swift Boat, it can now be used for narrated tours along the San Diego Bay.
Over the past two years, former Swift Boat sailors in their 60’s and 70’s have devoted thousands of hours to restoration of the ship. The vessel was stripped to bare metal, primed and repainted to its original Navy colors and original number PCF 816. All systems have been upgraded to present day standards.
Formally called Patrol Craft Fast (PCF), the United States Navy’s PCFs were first put into service in 1965 when American sailors used them to patrol the coastline of South Vietnam to prevent sea infiltration of soldiers and munitions from North Vietnam. Such counterinsurgency missions had to be executed quickly, and hence, the crafts were nicknamed “Swift Boats” for their speed and agility in moving in and out and harm’s way. In preparation for war, PCF training exercises were conducted on San Diego Bay at the Naval Amphibious Base Coronado.
The specific 50-foot Swift Boat acquired by the Maritime Museum was originally donated by the United States Navy to Malta’s Maritime Squadron in 1971. It continued in service to that country until being retired in 2010. The following year, Malta’s minister of defense conveyed her deep acknowledgement of America’s veterans with the gesture to return the boat to the Swift Boat Sailors Association (SBSA). The SBSA then sought the help of the Maritime Museum, renowned for its reputation for ship preservation.
“We are proud to see this Swift Boat restored to her former glory,” said Ray Ashley, CEO of the Maritime Museum of San Diego. “By doing so, we hope to educate our guests about this important time in history and honor the brave Vietnam veterans who served on these Swift Boats.”
The Maritime Museum is committed to the Swift Boat and to the preservation and interpretation of the history it represents.
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