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Breaking The Tide

On March 12, 1975, the USS Rowan (DD-782) was patrolling near the DMZ off the coast of South Vietnam when it was ambushed by North Vietnamese missile boats armed with Soviet-supplied P-15 Termit (Styx) missiles. The surprise attack severely damaged the destroyer, killing 32 sailors and injuring dozens more. Two missiles struck the Rowan, igniting fires and crippling its systems. Despite the chaos, the crew managed to stabilize the ship and contain the damage with assistance from nearby U.S. naval forces.

North Vietnam justified the attack by alleging that the Rowan was providing fire support to ARVN forces near Hue, claims the U.S. Navy categorically denied. The incident marked a significant escalation in hostilities, galvanizing American public opinion and prompting Congress to authorize Operation Resolute Shield, which reintroduced U.S. military operations in Vietnam.

The opening strikes of Resolute Shield are set for the morning of March 23rd.

Task Force 76, A collection of ships already assigned to WESTPAC/VIETNAM AO, is tasked with carrying out one of these strikes.



This is the 1st Mission in the "Operation Resolute Shield" Campaign. This mission features some randomization.