VIETNAM EXPERIENCE THE
A HERO’S WELCOME HOME
Using state-of-the-art technology and rare artifacts, the Vietnam Experience exhibit at Patriots Point brings the war to life. This permanent and interactive expansion takes you back to what it was like to live and work in a U.S. Navy Advanced Tactical Support Base (Brown Water Navy) and a U.S. Marine Corps Artillery Firebase. The Vietnam Experience stretches over a massive 3 acres and uses sight, sound and touch to educate the public on components of the war in authentic and engaging ways. The exhibit also serves to recognize and honor our Vietnam veterans. Patriots Point is proud to be a Commemorative Partner of the Department of Defense, and all veterans are invited to reflect and reconnect with their wartime experiences in this exhibit.
The Vietnam Experience Exhibit is made possible by contributions from Charleston County Council, Bennett Hospitality and Charleston Harbor Benefactors Society.
EXHIBIT INCLUDES: MK1 River Patrol Boat (PBR)
See this rare MK1 version of the 31’ river patrol boat. These fast, maneuverable, and well-armed boats were used to stop and search river traffic in South Vietnam.
UH-34 Sea Horse
CH-46 Sea Knight Helicopter
Walk inside a Marine Corps CH-46 helicopter. The “Sea Knight” could carry 7,000 lbs of cargo or over 25 combatequipped troops.
Fire Control Bunker
From inside the fire control bunker, experience a gunfire support mission; including some interactive activities. Sight, sound, and smell take you there!
105 Howitzer
A veteran of World War II and Korea, the M101 was used in Vietnam as well. Walk up and touch the real thing.
Night Attack Bunker
Enter the bunker and experience an enemy night attack on the base through audio and visual effects.
Observation Tower
Climb the observation tower and encounter an interactive .50 caliber machine gun.
Living and Working Spaces
View the crew’s quarters, ammo, supply storage, command shack, and more. See how crews “roughed it” in remote locations brought to life with sights and sounds.
This rugged workhorse was the primary airlift platform used by the Marines in their helicopter assault operations early in the Vietnam War.
UH-1M “Huey” Gunship
Converted from the common UH-1 “Huey,” UH-1 gunships became the eyes in the sky for PBRs on patrol.
Mess Hall
Sounds of the late 60’s bring to life what was a simple but welcomed luxury in a forward operations base.
MEDEVAC Exhibit
Featuring a UH-1 “Huey” and M725 Military Ambulance, visitors learn about the importance of helicopters in transporting battlefield casualties.
M42 “Duster”
See the self-propelled anti-aircraft used for perimeter defense and convoy duty.
Special Forces & The Montagnards
In the Quonset Hut discover how the U.S. Army Special Forces worked with indigenous people of Vietnam during the Vietnam War.
M113 Armored Personnel Carrier
The M113 APC was used by the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. Developed for the U.S. Army as mechanized infantry, the M113 was designed to be able to survive drops from aircraft and provide a multitude of uses for the armed forces.
Explore the Quonset Hut and see exciting exhibits: Replica of a Saigon street corner Vietnam Experience Theater M151 Jeep 17 foot Viet Cong sampan
Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum is dedicated to sharing and preserving the stories of American heroism. With three ships, including the USS Yorktown, 28 historic aircraft, the three-acre Vietnam Experience, and more we honor those who served in America’s armed forces. Patriots Point hosts events and programs throughout the year that engage and educate the public on the history of the war. These activities explore the cultural impact the war had at home, and above all, honor the 2 million Vietnam veterans and their service to our nation.
PATRIOTS POINT INVITES YOU TO JOIN US FOR THE FOLLOWING EVENTS. Help us recognize our veterans’ stories and sacrifices, from Vietnam and all wars:
March 29: Vietnam Veterans Day May: Memorial Day Celebration July 4: Fourth of July Fireworks Blast November 11: Veterans Day December 7: Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
Visit PatriotsPoint.org for more information
You can be part of the Vietnam Experience by making a tax-deductible gift to the USS Yorktown Foundation! Call 843-881-5925 or visit ussyorktownfoundation.org for more information about becoming a donor.
Remember to visit the Medal of Honor Museum, located aboard the USS YORKTOWN. Salute the Medal of Honor recipients from Vietnam and other wars.
40 Patriots Point Road, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464 • PatriotsPoint.org • 843.884.2727 • Open Daily 9:00 a.m.-6:30 p.m.