Flotilla 3 of the 135th Torpedo Squadron is continuing the heroic tradition as it exhibited 53 years ago.

On August 2, 1964, Flotilla 3 of the 135th Torpedo Squadron of the Vietnamese Navy, consisting of three torpedo boats numbered 333, 336 and 339 and led by sub-lieutenant Nguyen Van Bot, had the first encounter with the destroyer USS Maddox of the United States Seventh Fleet.

Despite having a weaker force, Flotilla 3, determined to protect the country’s waters, fought bravely and brilliantly against the destroyer when it was approaching Hon Me Island off Thanh Hoa Province.

The damaged U.S. destroyer had to flee the North Vietnamese waters, while Flotilla 3 shot down one U.S. aircraft.

The U.S. falsely claimed it as the Gulf of Tonkin incident to commence warfare against North Vietnam in 1964.

The victory against the destroyer USS Maddox was a great achievement as Flotilla 3 won in their very first encounter with a U.S. ship.

The August 2, 1964 feat of arms of Flotilla 3 of the 135th Torpedo Squadron has gone down in the Vietnamese Navy’s history. 

The squadron was honored with the heroic title, and after 53 years of continuing their heroic tradition, soldiers of the 135th Torpedo Squadron have grown stronger with modern new equipment.

They are training day and night, and always ready to fight to protect the country’s island and sea sovereignty.

Below are a series of photos by Minh Nhat featuring the squadron.

These photos were one of the entries to Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper's year-long competition themed “Vietnam – Country – People" concluding in October last year.

Soldiers complete the torpedo installation before a patrol trip.

Soldiers check the torpedo launching room.

Artilleryman Vo Ngoc Hai of ship number 306 of the 135th Torpedo Squadron

Soldiers board a ship to start a patrol trip.

Soldiers relax after a training session at sea.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!