USS Thomaston Naval Operations...

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Operation "Saddle Up" off of Borneo, June 1959

Operation "Saddle Up" was a exercise is being staged by SEATO (Southeast Asia Treaty Organization) which consisted of approx. three thousand American Marines and British soldiers who pushed into jungle country on the northwest tip of Borneo.
A big fleet of American, Australian, British and New Zealand warships is standing off Borneo’s brilliant white beaches supporting the operation.
The operation which simulated war including the UDT teams

Jets and propeller driven planes from the U. S. carrier Shangri La attacked the simulated enemy targets
MSTS Artic Operations (1950-1957)
The MSTS operation addressed resupply problems during Arctic sealifts of weather stations and military bases,
Also included was the construction of dewline sites, Aerial reconnaissance and Hydrographic surveys
The operation required the preparing and outfitting of the ships along with Cargo Operations
Also included was the construction of dewline sites, Aerial reconnaissance and Hydrographic surveys
The operation also provided Crew training, Seamanship, and 'Wintering In'
View from one of the landing craft headed to the beach in a operation
Vietnam war training off mindanao for Marines, 1973
Vietnam war training off mindanao for Marines, 1973
- Phu Quoc Incident -
Merchant Marine ships such as the Pioneer Contender took part in the evacuation of refugees
- Phu Quoc Incident -
The Merchant Marine ships which were anchored off Phu Quoc island, claimed at the time by Cambodia, were completly filled with refugees with no supplies or aid being provided
- Phu Quoc Incident -
The refugees were disperate for food, water and aid.
- Phu Quoc Incident -
The Thomaston was first to arrive but was not allowed to provide help until negotiations between US and Cambodia were completed. Other ships arrived, but only one was allowed to provide aid. The Thomaston crew moved supplies from our landing craft to the designated ship.
Vietnam Evacuation - Click image to see photos and more
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