U.S. Naval Advanced Tactical Support Base Ben Keo (1969-1971)

This small Village, on South Vietnam’s Vam Co Dong River, was the location of a Advanced Tactical Support Base (ATSB) during the Vietnam War in Southeast Asia. Naval leaders deployed River Patrol Boat (PBR) units there as part of Operation Giant Slingshot to interdict the movement of enemy troops and supplies across the Cambodian border.

Seabees brought in from I Corps Tactical Zone in northern South Vietnam constructed the installation during 1969 and 1970. The Naval Construction men built a defensive perimeter, fuel and ammunition storage facilities, personnel accommodations, and a helicopter pad.

The complete facility was transferred to the Vietnamese Navy when the U.S. naval forces were withdrawn from the forward area in April 1971.