Keith Barker -- Minne Gun Boss.
The Coast Guard Cutter Minnetonka (WPG (WHEC) 67) made her deployment to Vietnam from 5 January 1968 - 29 September 1968.
Website copyrighted wrwells 2003.
Photos copyrighted keith barker 2003.


This photo was taken circa 1965. The stripe was added for the film Assualt on a Queen.

Minnie moored at Midway Island, March 1967
Underway training with USGCC Taney in preparation for Vietnam deployment in August 1967.

Above, BM1 John "Shortround" Harris and TN A. Ibarra man the rail while entering Pearl Harbor December 22, 1967. The Minnie left Pearl Harbor on December 26 for Guam.

At right: Janurary 1968, Minnie at Guam outboard of USS Lansing (DE 388). It was probably not known at the time but the USS Lansing also served in the Coast Guard as WDE-488, from June 15 1952 to March 29 1954. See photo

CWO Bob Sincliar (L) and CWO Bill Crumine ashore at Guam.
Going along side USS Taluga (AO 62) for refueling. Ltjg Rick Reichersamer, USCG, in foreground. Note weapons in forground (L-R) ASW hedgehogs, .50 caliber machine gun, 81mm mortar and 5"/38 forward.


Note Mobil Gas Station sign on top of signal shack of USS Taluga (AO 62).

At right receiving fuel.

Receiving supplies and mail.



A party of the "gun gang" as Subic Bay following final Vietnam patrol.
Back Row: GM3 Ray Jordan, SN Al Super, FT1 Bob Taylor, GM2 T. Hollobaugh, GM2 J. Hutchinson, Ltjg. Keith Barker.
Front Row: SN William Van Dyke, FT3 J. Hutchens, FT2 Ira Nelson, GM1 "Red" Beamer, and Ensign John Legwin. Not shown are GMC Bobby Dixon and GM1 Jack Hunter who had departed for home.

Minnie sailed 59,685 miles, conducted 49 unreps and fired 51 gunfire support missions using over 4684 rounds of 5"/38 ammunition.
The welcome home.