Category Archives: News

PBR 721 news and updates.

Next Project

https://www.facebook.com/USARMYTransportationMuseum/photos/a.635943996502559/3736733679756893/

The 458th Sea Tigers showed up to assess the condition of the PBR. Our detail helped them get some measurements and were fascinated by the stories that these Vietnam veterans told them. The 458th is planning to work with the museum to completely restore the PBR. Contact the museum if you are interested in volunteering to assist on this project or another restoration project at the museum….we have trains, aircraft, trucks and more boats that need work.

https://www.facebook.com/USARMYTransportationMuseum/photos/a.635943996502559/3736733679756893/

A pic from the 2019 Sea tigers reunion in September

SKC Pat Doyle (SS) (Ret,) on the fore deck of PBR 721, with PBR 6927 in the background, and him in the pic standing, as a SK-3 in the Nam on the fore deck of a PBR .

Chief P. Doyle is a member of the Mid-Lantic chapter of Game-wardens here in Virginia Beach, VA. , and COB (Chief of the boat) on PBR 721!

Seabee’s of 11 Honor Vietnam Veteran’s Service

GULFPORT, Mississippi (NNS) — On March 29 2019, Seabee’s assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 11 participated in a 2.3-mile interactive run on board Naval Construction Battalion Center Gulfport, Mississippi, in honor of the men and women who served during the Vietnam Conflict.

“I was glad to be able to be a part of the event and assist in raising awareness of the sacrifices that Vietnam veterans made,” said Chief Utilitiesman Charlie King, NMCB 11’s command fitness leader. “We take for granted how much Vietnam vets had to actually endure.

Read more at: www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=109122

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, faceboook.com/usnavy, or twitter.com/usnavy.

Vietnam Vets Honored by Hampton Roads Naval Museum

(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Keia Randall/Released)

VIRGINIA BEACH (NNS) — Service members and guests paid tribute to the service and sacrifice of Vietnam War veterans during the National Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Day commemoration at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story (JEBLC).

Read more at: https://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=109117

For more information about National Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Day and the Vietnam War visit www.history.navy.mil/browse-by-topic/commemorations-toolkits/Vietnam-War-Veterans-Day.html

www.history.navy.mil/browse-by-topic/wars-conflicts-and-operations/vietnam-war0.html

Keep Up With Riverine Reporter

Patrol Boat, River, used in Vietnam War

Sea Tigers Association – a publication of the US Army 458th Trans. Co (PBR): https://www.458thseatigers.org/pdf/Riv-Ron_4.pdf

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Riverine+Reporter

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPRTRqt43I3fLPo_NQpHrbA


Mike Hebert Riverine Reporter – 458th Sea Tigers

Slideshow from Michael Hebert,”Riverine Reporter” for the U.S. Army’s 458th Transportation co., (PBR) Vietnam Veterans Assoc., and Owner/Operator of the “Miss Hampton II” tour boat in Hampton, VA:

Riverine Reporter covers PBR Veterans Reunion Riverine Reporter covers PBR Veterans Reunion Riverine Reporter covers PBR Veterans Reunion Riverine Reporter covers PBR Veterans Reunion

See All Pics: https://photos.app.goo.gl/zaNNrzIPnUXO0pLp2

2012 US Navy SEAL Capability Exercise (CAPEX 2012)

2012 US Navy SEAL Capability Exercise (CAPEX 2012) off the beach of Little Creek, Virginia. US Navy Amphibious Base showing PBR 721 being used for the SEAL cast & recovery exercise.

(Click Any Image Below To View Gallery)


Masthead picture from Game-Wardens page www.tf116.org:
Collection of US Naval ships, boats, aircraft with a still picture of PBR 721 , with SEAL Team 10 during the “CAPEX 2012 ” exercise at Little Creek, VA.

Related Link(s): https://www.facebook.com/Gamewardens/

Riverboat rekindles perilous memories for Vietnam War veterans.

ELIZABETH CITY, N.C.

Bill Ferguson steered a Vietnam War riverboat up the Pasquotank River.
The scene was strikingly similar to his experience nearly 50 years ago when he went around the Mekong Delta searching for the enemy.

Only instead of dodging bullets or fretting about what waited around the next bend, Ferguson, 74, casually took in the setting. (Read More…)

https://pilotonline.com/news/military/riverboat-rekindles-perilous-memories-for-vietnam-war-vets/article_10b9e2ae-6602-5456-82af-7cf59049cf53.html

The Gig-Line Articles

For those who haven’t seen the two articles written by Marsha Brown in the Gig-Line, printed in “The Coastland Times”, out of Kill Devil Hills and Manteo, North Carolina, about PBR 721.  Here is a reporter who gets it, and has expressed herself in a very powerful way to promote PBR’s in a very positive way!  I hope you enjoy the read!

171st GIG LINE – Sunday, 8-23-15 (Dreams Matter)

GIG LINE
By Marsha M. Brown
‘Dreams Matter’

Life is busy! Even with all the time saving conveniences afforded us, we still struggle to make the hours in a day count so that come sundown we can sit back, take a deep breath and know it was productive. But even if the items on our work and personal ‘check list’ are processed/completed, what about our ‘dream’ list? Do you have a dream? Is there at least one special thing we’ve always wanted to do but we just haven’t had or taken the time to do it? If not, why not? What are we waiting for?

Last week on the way home from a doctor’s appointment just outside Elizabeth City on the Camden Causeway, our grandson Ben noticed a boat docked at the PELICAN (Marina). There were quite a few boats there that day but none were quite like this one. It was special…it was unique…it was historical…it stood out like a diamond in the rough…it was a magnet to history buffs. Ben asked, “Pappy, is that a 50 cal?” which Pappy replied “Yep Ben, it sure is…how ’bout that?” At the time I was driving and with cars behind me, we couldn’t just stop to stare. Being just beyond the entrance to the Marina, Billy asked me to turn around and go back. When we did, the up close and personal sight was awesome and the look on both of their faces was priceless…they were looking at a ‘PBR’…in essence…a River Patrol Boat.

I looked at Billy and his eyes were fixed…as a Vietnam veteran the sight before him was striking…a flood of remembrance, appreciation for the weapon itself and of those who operated it…a meaningful mass of metal valued much like the Huey Cobra…the figure resonated…it recalled defense, protection and a chance to come home. In a few words, Billy attempted to explain (to me) that “the PBR was an awesome war weapon…an awesome piece of machinery” he said. Our 12-year-old grandson who’s all about the military, the Civil War and everything historical (written about in GIG LINE) already knew what the term ‘PBR’ meant. I didn’t know the term itself but I recognized the boat immediately for its use in the Vietnam War; the vessel – a predominant figure known for its speed, maneuverability, security and resistance to the enemy. I had seen it on news accounts, in military books and in magazines and I knew it was a critical piece.

About that time I asked a man walking by if he was the owner who told us that he wasn’t but that he knew the owner whose name was ‘Dennis’. When I told him that Billy was a Vietnam veteran and that it would be really nice to meet the man who had preserved such a piece of history, he offered to go see if he could locate him. When he returned saying that Dennis had already left for the day, Billy suggested to Ben to go up on the dock beside it so he could take a picture with his cell phone. The next thing I knew Billy wason the dock too looking inside the PBR next to our grandson. That moment…is one I won’t forget. You see, Billy never bombards Ben with information about Vietnam but he does answer Ben’s questions as honestly and as gingerly as possible. He wants him to understand but not go overboard with intense details for obvious reasons but Ben’s interest in veterans, their service in general and his thirst for knowledge about his ‘Pappy’ and what he experienced while serving means a lot to Billy. Will Ben always maintain that hunger to learn more? I don’t know but for this time in his life his showing to my husband and to all vets who read GIG LINE that history matters; that men and women in uniform are critically important to our past and our future…and that they are all heroes and NOT to be forgotten.

That afternoon we weren’t able to meet ‘Dennis’ but we were able to get ‘A SHORT HISTORY OF THE PBR’ paper that was provided for onlookers. After we got home we emailed Dennis Ambruso (owner) who called us back and at that point we had a lengthy chat with him. At the end of the phone call he invited Billy to come back (with Ben & our son Bill) so he could take them out for a ride on the river. Oh my! Oh my! Oh my! That…my friends will be an experience of a lifetime and I can’t wait to write about it next week! It was great talking with Dennis who seemed especially nice, determined and committed obviously to a dream that he saw to fruition. Hearing his story struck you especially knowing he was a Vietnam veteran and that the project took years to complete…the time and financial sacrifices he made…the devotion of his friends who helped him see it through were nothing short of touching…and the thought that other Vietnam vets will have a chance to see a masterful piece of history, preserved for future generations is a blessing. Dennis did this for Dennis…it was his dream and his heart’s desire but perhaps he didn’t realize at the onset of his project…or maybe he did…that families like ours will embrace his dream because it’s personal to veterans like my husband and our grandson. Dennis would like others to see his masterpiece if they want to and are up for it so, the next time you’re in Camden, please stop by and see it. Thank you Dennis Ambruso…thank you for all you went through to re-create this PBR…your PBR for yourself and for those like us who appreciate its extraordinary value. If you’re interested in learning more, Dennis invites you to visit his web site: www.pbr721.com. His story will inspire you, make you laugh and make you proud that a veteran cared to protect and defend the demise of a historical PBR for future reference. Next week after the boys have had a chance to meet and actually ride in it (good Lord willing), I’ll share their thoughts…and mine too of course. Also, I’ll write about special events coming up over the following months to acknowledge, celebrate and honor our veterans so you can save those dates!

We couldn’t be happier serving on the Dare County Veterans Advisory Council which has made great strides reaching out to our vets. Our seven Council members are working daily to reach out to our veterans and it shows! We now have close to 400 Dare County Veteran ID Cards issued to veterans who can appreciate savings at nearly 50 local businesses; we have initiated interest across not only Dare County but with other counties near and far inspired by the work we’ve done and while we can only share some of the things we do due to the privacy factor – we are proud and grateful for the overall boost in veteran interest and the positive feedback we have gotten from the public! Last week when Billy attended a V.F.W. District 1 meeting out of town, he presented information on what our Council had been doing since its inception and how other counties should consider establishing a council or committee etc. if they hadn’t already to reach out and provide similar help and services to their veterans as well. Following his ‘talk’ several fellow vets approached Billy and clearly indicated they were inspired to grow their outreach potential. That’s GREAT!

God bless all of you who not only say you support veterans but show it in many different ways. You are all GOLDEN! Until next time, thank you all for reading GIG LINE. Be happy, be safe and be proud of our veterans and their families! Please support those who volunteer on behalf of veterans everywhere and if you have a question, please write to giglineheroes@aol.com or call us. Billy’s cell: (252) 202-0798 or mine: (252) 202-2058. God bless you all and stay tuned!


Gig-Line Follow Up

GIG LINE
By Marsha M. Brown
‘Veterans Always & Forever’

If you read GIG LINE last week, you heard the story about a dedicated U. S. Navy veteran whose name is Dennis Ambruso. He is the awesome gentleman who had a dream, made a plan and saw it through realizing his hearts desire in tangible form – restoration of his very own PBR721 (river boat) formerly used to combat the evil in Vietnam.

Until last weekend I had only spoken to Dennis over the phone following an email I had sent him about the interest Billy and our grandson Ben had after seeing his PBR721 and to thank him for what he had done…preserving an instrument of history. If you remember from my last GIG LINE, Dennis had called us last Tuesday night at which time he kindly extended an invitation to take a boat ride with him which Billy and our

Between that call and last Sunday Ben could hardly wait. He grinned from ear to ear researching everything he could find about PBR (river boats) through the Internet; in books and magazines and every publication he could get his hands on. He talked to his Pappy about the vessel; he talked to his friend Sam about them…he could hardly wait…Ben’s anticipation about meeting Dennis and taking that special ‘guy day’ trip with his Pappy consumed him. His genuine enthusiasm reminded me of the popular holiday classic movie “A Christmas Story” about little ‘Ralphie’ (played by Peter Billingsley) who simply couldn’t wait to see if Santa had brought him his much anticipated “Red Ryder Carbine Action 200 shot Range Model Air Rifle”…remember? (our whole family loves that movie!) Anyway…Ben was so cute…he asked me if it would be O.K. if he wore his U.S. Army outfit that he had pieced together one item at a time from military surplus stores, thrift stores and private donations and I said, “Of course Ben! Mr. Dennis might get a kick out of seeing such military pride in a 12 year old!” So…come Sunday morning Ben was rearing to go…all decked out in full gear…including his olive green helmet. He was ready to meet another ‘hero’ and to rock n’ roll and before Billy could get to Wanchese to pick him up, I’ll bet he called or text’d us at least five times to make sure they would be on time to meet “Mr. Dennis”.

Yes, I had planned to be there too…I really wanted to be and to witness their reaction to actually riding in Dennis’ river boat but sometimes guys just don’t need women around…they want to do their ‘guy thing’ and I wanted that memorable event to be just for the two of them…so, I took the opportunity to enjoy special time with my granddaughter Elizabeth – nickname ‘Bay’ before school started. However, trust me when I say…I might as well have been there because I got a minute by minute account and by the end of the day I felt as if I had been right there!

The guy’s arrival at the PELICAN marina on the outskirts of Elizabeth City was a great start. Meeting Dennis alone they felt was a reward all in itself…not to mention actually seeing and riding in his PBR721. My fella’s impression of Dennis was clear…that he was a devoted and dedicated veteran always and forever.

‘Mr. Dennis’ explained in full detail the features of his river boat to the guys; he was a nice man they both said, who appreciated others love of military history; he was proud of his vessel and of what he had accomplished and of being able to show others what very brave and committed men used to carry out missions long ago.

A few people who are anti-gun may not see the glory in this story about ‘Mr. Dennis’ and his preservation of his PBR and some may even look at his PBR721 as a killing machine. But let me tell you my impression of it…my impression is that it was mighty…it was hard core…it was a mechanism of defense and a mechanism to save lives as much as it I’m not a proponent of destruction…but I AM a proponent of anything and everything that will protect, defend and bring home our military men and women; I AM a proponent of politicians, lawmakers, leaders and clergy when they support our fighting men and women wholeheartedly and beyond that…I thank God that He gave an abundance of courage to the soldiers, seamen and airmen, that have had the task of using weapons whenever necessary in order to protect our American troops…wherever they might be no matter what got them there. Furthermore it hurts me to hear that some people nowadays back down easily to pressure to dismantle our symbols of patriotism, love of country and respect for our military. Personally I don’t give a hoot nor a holler about a worry that a red, white and blue American flag will “offend” someone and to the folks who whine and bellyache because they are so accommodating to those who don’t wish to support our standards or our symbols…our history and our American way of life…I say this…put your big boy and big girl panties on and get a grip! We cannot afford to be passive…no matter our political preference…we cannot afford to keep letting things slide into oblivion or the abyss…as Americans we stand for justice and peace and honor and anyone who can’t deal with it…oh well! I’m sorry for you and I pray for you. I pray that you will set aside your nit picking and move on toward something positive like protecting our symbols of “…life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” [for all]. Life is too short not to do our best to embrace it, preserve it and defend it. To do otherwise is lame…lame I said.

So…its true…I didn’t make the trip to ‘Mr. Dennis’ PBR721 but I will make every effort to see him soon, hug his neck, thank him for his service to our country having served in our outstanding U. S. Navy and I will further encourage him to take on another dream be if for restoration of a helicopter…a Huey maybe? (Billy said he’s thinking about it). My hat is off to Dennis for his tenacity and his ‘go-getter’ spirit and attitude and to all veterans especially the older ones…just remember…if you’re reading this…no matter what…you’re still upright and vertical 🙂 and much like cheese and wine…the older you get…the better you become! God bless our military men and women all over our nation.

Thank you all for all you have done and continue to do to keep us safe. We love you and appreciate you more than you may ever know!

If you have a question or comment please call us: Billy’s cell: (252) 202-0798 and mine (252) 202-2058 or write to me at giglineheroes@aol.com Remember Dare County Administrative Bldg. (Manteo) Rm. 142 each Monday between 10:00 AM -1:00 PM for walk in access to acquire your Dare County Veteran I.D. Card, just bring your DD-214 showing ‘Honorable Discharge’ (only for our review – you do not have to leave it with us nor bring your original – a simple copy will do and also please bring your local Driver’s License). There is no charge for the ‘Card’ and once you receive it as a Dare County veteran; you will be entitled to discounts at 50 businesses or more on the Outer Banks. (Special note: Dare County offices will be closed Monday, September 7th).

Until next time…be happy…be safe and be proud of yourselves (as veterans) and be proud of people like Dennis and Billy and Ben. They love our country and if you can find a way…as a veteran or not…please show how much you love it too!

Next week’s GIG LINE will be ‘loaded for bear’ about the upcoming event on Hatteras Island that veterans Pete Groom, Frank Miller and other island vets are working on together through the Hatteras Island Veterans Support Group. I will include a personal message from Pete’s lips to your ears too, so don’t miss it! I’ll also talk about the very special September 11th event planned for in Nags Head (on 9/11) and a host of other matters of great importance to be held in our veterans honor! Until then, God bless you & God bless our country so by all means stay tuned!

Fundraiser Ended: Help Us Reach Our Goal!

This fundraiser has ended and site below is no longer active.

Dave Pizzoferrato of PBR 6927

This fundraiser was really not supported by those whom we thought would have an interest in such an adventure. We offer a heart felt thanks, and the monies we did collect were put to good use in supporting our endeavor’s to transport both Dave’s and my PBR up through the Dismal Swamp Canal to the Joint Army/Navy PBR Crewman’s Reunion in Hampton, VA.

Thanks again to all who supported us.

Brown Water Navy Small Craft Support Base

www.indiegogo.com/projects/brown-water-navy-small-craft-support-base

PBR 721: Restored Vietnam-era Navy river patrol boat moves to Currituck

Reprinted with permission from:
www.dailyadvance.com/features/pbr-721-restored-vietnam-era-navy-river-patrol-boat-moves-currituck-927325
advance.cookepublishing.net/features/pbr-721-restored-vietnam-era-navy-river-patrol-boat-moves-currituck-927325
www.dailyadvance.com

By Robert Kelly-Goss
The Daily Advance

Saturday, February 18, 2012

CURRITUCK — Dennis Ambruso and his friend Pat Doyle stand aloft the PBR 721, a restored Vietnam-era river patrol boat. The two men point to various instruments, guns, the engines and the like, admiring the work that Ambruso says took him nearly 10 years to complete.

“There was nothing on the boat but this frame,” says Ambruso, pointing to the frame that holds up a canvas canopy. “No wires, no gauges, no engine, no nothing.”

When he found the old Navy patrol boat, it was simply a stripped down hull with a frame. But Ambruso, 64, was no stranger to restoring military surplus machinery, so he knew that eventually this boat would be back in prime condition, a showpiece that recalls a different time.

Ambruso was living in Bridgeport, Conn. He had served in the Navy during Vietnam, and had worked as a marine technician in the civilian world for most of his career.

His passion, however, has been military history. He had been a re-enactor for Revolutionary War events, Civil War events and World War II events. Ambruso had also restored seven tanks, a number of other vintage military vehicles and was a co-founder of the Military Museum of Southern New England in Danbury, Conn.

Ambruso was immersed in the world of military history, surplus and memorabilia.

Click Any Image Below To View Details

But it was back in 1990 when a river patrol boat from the Vietnam era would come into his life.

This 31 ft. boat was the first one built in 1972, thus the number, 721. It was a training boat for the Navy and never actually saw combat in Vietnam. It is also the same type of boat seen in scenes from the Francis Ford Coppola classic, “Apocalypse Now.”

Ambruso had been dealing in military surplus items when he came across it. In a brochure, a company was selling four PBRs in Mississippi. Along with a friend, Ambruso put a bid in for all four boats at $2,300 each.

The pair took the boats and in the end Ambruso was left with his hull and frame. He hauled the shell back to New England where it sat for nearly nine years while Ambruso searched for parts.

The plan was to find all of the surplus parts he could and restore the boat to its original glory.

Ambruso had an indirect history with the boats, serving on a battleship in Vietnam as a gunner assigned to supply cover fire to the patrol boats. So for the Navy veteran, this job would be a labor of love. But what Ambruso wouldn’t know until the end, was that love could be a whole lot of work.

“This is the cutting edge of restoration hobby,” Ambruso said. “This is my biggest achievement.”

First Ambruso went to Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek in Virginia Beach, Va. There he was able to visit with Special Boat crews while they were stripping down old PBRs.

The PBRs are still being used by foreign navies so when these guys at Little Creek stripped an old boat, the parts would go to those countries.

That would be, Ambruso would soon discover, a small problem for him. But first, he would learn as much as he could from the guys at Little Creek about his boat before moving on to Pennsylvania where he would search for the parts.

The company in Pennsylvania, however, told him that he couldn’t purchase those parts. They were contracted to go to the foreign navies who had purchased the old boats.

But Ambruso wouldn’t let that get him down. As a marine technician, he’s also a trained draftsman. He was able to take measurements and create drafts of the parts.

Ambruso would machine his own parts in order to restore his boat.

In the process of restoring the boat, he also had to restore the hull. The hull is fiberglass so Ambruso gathered up 150 gallons of resin and many bolts of fiberglass cloth and got to work.

Next he made the decks. Then the parts such as the engine, the wiring, communications and all of that little stuff that go together to make up a 440 horsepower patrol boat capable of a top speed of 27 knots (about 30 mph) had to be put in, including gun mounts and replica guns — an M-60, a grenade launcher and .50 caliber guns.

“It took about three and half years to put it together,” says Ambruso.

And when he says it, you can see a combination of pride and a hint of exhaustion in his expression.

This was a big restoration job, and yet it wasn’t entirely complete. As the restoration job neared completion, he was left with only two choices.

The only thing left was to install the propulsion system. The PBR boats were originally propelled through the water by two Jacuzzi jet propulsion systems. Ambruso quickly discovered that one system would cost him $18,000 alone and it would likely last two years in the water, he says. And that would mean replacing the jets at $36,000 every two years.

Ambruso had sold the last restored tank he owned for $40,000. He used that money to complete the restoration of the boat. He couldn’t envision spending $36,000 on jets, so he turned to propellers.

He had the props specially made for the boat. They are designed like paddle wheels, giving him more force, he says.

The PBR river patrol boats were used in the Mekong Delta, patrolling the waters of Vietnam during 12-to-14 hour shifts. The sailors on these boats manned the machine guns, engaged the enemy and relied on the swiftness of that vessel.

With the flip of a switch and a skilled pilot at the helm, Ambruso and his friend Doyle say that boat could do a 180 degree turn right smack in the middle of the river while traveling at full speed.

This machine was a highly useful tool of war during the Vietnam conflict.

“This is beautiful,” Doyle declared as he admired Ambruso’s boat.

Doyle had been a part of Operation Game Warden, the Navy’s designation for the group that patrolled the river ways of Vietnam. He had ridden in the boats during the war, but his primary job was shore gunner.

“My job was to protect them,” says Doyle of the boats and the men that operated them.

Doyle is a part of the Mid-Atlantic Game Wardens Association, the group of Vietnam vets that served on and around the Mekong Delta for the Navy. It is for groups like this that Ambruso has created this boat.

The boat was completed and put in the water in 2002. Ambruso says he has used it for memorial services and burials at sea.

He moved it to Currituck County last month, and with the help of his friends like Doyle, he plans to make it available here for veterans, memorials and the like.

The boat is currently on a trailer, but it will soon be moored at Lamb’s Marina in Camden County, Ambruso says.

For more information about PBR 721, go to Ambruso’s website, www.pbr721.com.