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Patrol Boat Riverine (PBR)

1966 COLD WAR VIETNAM WAR

History of River Patrol Boats (PBRs)

Arguably one of the most interesting ships of the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War was the PBR (or "Patrol Boat, Riverbank", although sometimes called "Pibber"). This low-draft, high-speed riverboat is used for simple river patrols, searching for river traffic, and deploying special forces trying to clear enemy rivers of supplies, ammunition, and more.

The ship is the heart of the River Patrol's Task Force 116, can be armed with a wealth of weapons, and is very effective in its intended role.

The design focus of the PBR is to be powered by two Detroit diesel engines producing up to 220 horsepower. These engines power two Jacuzzi Brothers water jets, allowing the PBR to reach speeds in excess of 28 knots. The rigid hull is made of fiberglass and creates a shallow draft that allows the PBR elements to pass through sections of the delta that are inaccessible to other naval vehicles. The accommodation is equivalent to a standard load of four staff, one of whom usually consists of an interpreter for conversations and navigation. Ceramic-based armor provides some protection for the cabin, which houses the three crew members and their passengers.

The fourth crew mounted the detached forward weapons tray on the bow.

Weapons consist of countless combinations of weapons based on experience and practice. The front turret is usually armed with two .50 caliber 12.7 mm M2HB Browning machine guns. The midship trunnion mounts can accommodate either a Mark 19 40mm grenade launcher or a single-shot belt-driven M60 7.62mm (0.30 caliber) machine gun. The rear trunnion (protected by a ceramic shroud) can hold a 12.7mm or 7.62mm machine gun. The ship's additional weapons include mortar launchers, 20mm cannons and flamethrowers, the latter of which has an impressive effect on straw and straw structures throughout the area.

The standard weapons of the PBR can also be supplemented by crew personal weapons.

There are two brands of PBR, known simply as Mark I and Mark II. The most notable feature of the two is the longer body of the Mark II series. PBR plays a major role in the Hollywood movie Apocalypse Now. PBR served with the U.S. Navy until 1995.