PBR Patrol Boat Riverine 3D model

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Patrol boats, referred to as PBRs or River Patrol Boats by the United States Navy, were designated for use during the Vietnam War beginning in March 1966 through to the end of 1971. A force totaling 250 such craft was deployed with PBRs being used more frequently than any other vessel within Task Force 116's River Patrol Force. PBRs operated by searching and halting river traffic in specific areas like the Mekong Delta, the Rung Sat Special Zone, the Saigon River, and throughout I Corps.PBRs possessed exceptional maneuverability thanks to their fiberglass hulls coupled with water jet drives which enabled them to navigate shallow rivers, particularly those infested with weed. The low water draft of just two feet even when fully loaded allowed for navigation in narrow waters while their advanced drives could rapidly reverse direction, change course or make rapid stops from high speeds over the length of a short boat distance.Several PBRs remained in operation within the United States Naval Reserve up until 1995 at Mare Island's base in California. This continued activity took place prior to that year's BRAC closure which mandated the shutdown of the facility. Many have found their way into museums or private ownership as others fell out of commission following the conclusion of the Vietnam War.