1 March 1967
The Royal Australian Navy’s largest single commitment to Vietnam was a destroyer to serve with the United States Navy’s 7th Fleet. Four RAN ships fulfilled this commitment on what became known as the ‘gunline’. They provided naval gunfire support for ground forces from March 1967 to September 1971.
- HMAS Hobart
- HMAS Perth
- HMAS Brisbane
- HMAS Vendetta
The ships participated in Operation Sea Dragon. It focused on the bombardment of North Vietnamese military targets. They also disrupted the supply routes and logistic craft along the coast of North Vietnam from the demilitarised zone to the Red River Delta between April 1967 and November 1968.
HMAS Hobart was the first destroyer to join the US 7th Fleet on 15 March 1967. It was followed by Perth and Brisbane. All three were Charles F Adams-class guided missile destroyers (DDG). They were followed by the Daring-class HMAS Vendetta.
Hobart and Perth deployed 3 times to Vietnam, while Brisbane deployed twice and Vendetta once. The destroyers carried out naval gunfire support missions in all of South Vietnam's 4 military regions.
Hobart and Perth were actively involved in Sea Dragon and came under fire on a number of occasions. Perth was hit once during her first deployment without casualty. Two of Hobart’s crew were killed and 7 wounded when Perth was mistakenly hit by missiles fired from a United States Air Force jet.
Hobart was awarded a US Navy Unit Commendation in recognition of its service in Vietnam. Perth received both the US Navy Unit Commendation and the US Meritorious Unit Commendation.