Editors note: For b-roll video and interviews click the thumbnail image above.
HONOLULU – The Coast Guard Cutter Rush hosted approximately 40 Vietnam War veterans to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War Saturday.
The Rush departed Coast Guard Base Honolulu at 9 a.m. for a short day cruise off the coast of Oahu. Guests were provided an opportunity to tour Rush and learn about its history in the Vietnam War. The cruise was one of many events held across America to assist, thank and honor veterans and families of the Vietnam War.
In the early 1970s, Rush was involved in operations off of the coast of Vietnam. On the night of November 22, 1970, Rush was part of a U.S. Naval force tasked with the capturing of a North Vietnamese supply trawler delivering weapons. The trawler tried to flee and then attacked the U.S. Navy Minesweeper Endurance, at which time the Rush assisted along with three other U.S. warships in the eventual sinking of the trawler. On April 11, 1971, Rush saw additional combat in Vietnam. A North Vietnamese trawler was attempting infiltration into the south when it was engaged by the Rush and two other U.S. warships and sunk after a devastating explosion.
"This is a wonderful opportunity to honor Vietnam veterans," said Capt. Aldante Vinciguerra. "It's an absolute privilege to do something like this for people who served and sacrificed so much for this country."
The Rush and other Hamilton-class, High Endurance Cutters, are being replaced by the Legend-class, National Security Cutters. The NCSs are better equipped, more durable, safer, and more efficient than their predecessor, and will allow the Coast Guard to deliver its unique blend of military capability, law enforcement authority, and lifesaving expertise wherever needed to protect American interests, today and for decades to come.
The Rush is the ninth of the Hamilton Class High Endurance Cutters. It was launched on November 16, 1968 at New Orleans at an approximate cost of $20 million.
The Coast Guard Cutter Sherman and crew will transfer to Honolulu and take the Coast Guard Cutter Rush’s duties, as Rush is scheduled to be decommissioned in February after 46 years of dedicated service to the Coast Guard and country.
For more history on the Cutter Rush visit http://www.uscg.mil/pacarea/cgcrush/history.asp. For more information on Vietnam War Commemoration events happening across the nation visit http://www.vietnamwar50th.com.