Posted on 08/16/2004 3:11:35 PM PDT by Steven W.
Apparently, the latest version of Kerry's Cambodia Chronicles includes the insertion of Navy SEALs by Swift boat into Cambodia in the early part of 1969. Well, I am a former Navy SEAL that served in the 1990s, my father in law is a former SEAL and he served in the Mekong Delta in Vietnam in 1970. I spoke with him about the likelihood that this story could be correct. My contention was that Swift boats were too large to be routinely used as an insertion platform for SEALs.
SEALs typically used the Medium SEAL Support Craft (MSSC) or the LSSC. My dad's platoon, had one of each assigned. These boats were designed by SEALs and specially built for the Teams to use on clandestine riverine insertions at night of usually no more than 8 operators. Swift boats operated in groups as independent entities, and not as insertion/extraction platforms for small units.
Jim Rassman's ODA was probably on there because SF A teams don't have organic boat assets and were using the Swifties because they had no other means of getting where they needed to go. Also, it is my understanding that the engagement with Kerry getting the Bronze Star took place during the day, which leads me to believe the insertion mission was either a large infantry force led by the SF guys, or a civic action type mission for which SF is well known.
Waterborne infiltrations done illegally into a "neutral" country if performed would be done by small groups of operators (less than 8), at night, in a small tributary, by a boat with a very shallow draft and jacuzzi, not propeller drive. To do otherwise, would be ridiculous.
SEALs also did not trust anyone outside of their immediate peer group. They developed their own intel by snatching high ranking VC out of their beds in the middle of the night. They did not share this info outside the platoon, boat guys, and Seawolves helo crews (close fire support assets). They learned early on that passing intel up the chain was a sure way to be compromised on future operations.
In order to get permission to conduct an illegal incursion into Cambodia by Swift boat the following must occur: 1. Extremely fresh intel of a high value target (think U.S. POW, or VC chieftain). 2. Take that intel outside the group and up to intel at a higher level (risking compromise) in order to obtain boat support from the Swifties to go into Cambodia. That is extremely unlikely to the point of absurdity.
Furthermore, neither myself or my father in law knows anyone who was inserted anywhere by a Swift boat during Vietnam. It just wasn't done. It wasn't something SEALs wanted, and it wasn't something Swifties did.
Bottom Line......Kerry is a liar.
Hugh's talking about this right now!
This should be good: Jacques and his band of mothers about to smear the SEALS!
Works for me.
bttt
Time to change the story again.
Ping.
Oh, it's over here!!!
What?????!!!!!!
This is where Kerry & Brinkley get into trouble - the SEALs are water units and bring their own tools & toys. The only reason Rasman was on Kerry's boat (not that everybody's gotten onto the same page and admitted that) was because Rasman was Special Forces - NOT SEALS - and didn't have his own boat or other water craft. By changing their story to try and incorporate SEALs and CIA guys not only adds to the tale's absurdity it also diminishes any believability and each iteration they go through means the less scrutiny these series of farces can stand up to!
But...but....but....He was in Vietnam.
http://www.mst2-vietnam.info/
These are the boats he is talking about.
Silent and deadly.
I have a feeling we will hear from former SEALs in the near future. They do not like a phoney like Kerry.
but....but...but...he was in vietnam AND got a bunch of shiny medals...
This is what Brinkley told Britain's The Telegraph:
"He said: 'Kerry went into Cambodian waters three or four times in January and February 1969 on clandestine missions. He had a run dropping off US Navy Seals, Green Berets and CIA guys.' The missions were not armed attacks on Cambodia, said Mr Brinkley, who did not include the clandestine missions in his wartime biography of Mr Kerry, Tour of Duty.
'He was a ferry master, a drop-off guy, but it was dangerous as hell. Kerry carries a hat he was given by one CIA operative. In a part of his journals which I didn't use he writes about discussions with CIA guys he was dropping off.'"
"Bottom Line......Kerry is a liar."
Let me save you guys the trouble of waiting for Kerry's response:
Seals? Did I say seals? What I mean to say was Rangers. I delivered Army Rangers to Cambodia. Who is this guy anyway? He must be part of a dirty republican trick.
good picture. Kerry's not there nor is any swift boat ROFLMAO
Rangers? did I say Rangers? I meant Ranger Rick", friend to the animal world ROFLMAO
Of course LaVey is head of the Satanic church here in the US and another big supporter of CISPES in the 80's
LOL!
I love that pic.
(You do know it's fake right?)
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.