naval advisors faced the challenge of helping to develop an infant Vietnamese Navy into an effective fighting force. Regional security through collective action was a major objective during this period. Under the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization, established in 1954, the United States Navy played a leading role in military demonstrations and combined exercises to bolster the determination of states in the area and to improve their military preparedness. Piece by piece the stage was being set for more direct American military involvement in the Vietnam conflict. The remaining pieces would soon be in place, for in 1959, as this volume draws to a close, the Communists were increasingly resorting to acts of violence in their efforts to bring about the fall of the Republic of Vietnam. These actions would soon lead to yet another phase in the prolonged conflict, open warfare between North and South Vietnam. The United States would increase its military aid and expand its advisory and assistance actions in support of the Republic of Vietnam. And, it would not be long before the United States Navy and other military services would be engaged in combat in the Vietnam conflict. * Commander Seventh Fleet changed to Commander U.S. Naval Forces, Western Pacific, 1 January 1947. ** Commander U.S. Naval Forces, Western Pacific with additional duty as Commander Seventh Fleet from 1 August 1949. COMMANDERS NAVAL FORCES, FAR EAST Vice Admiral Robert M. Griffin* Vice Admiral Russell S. Berkey Vice Admiral C. Turner Joy Vice Admiral Robert P. Briscoe Vice Admiral William M. Callaghan Vice Admiral Roscoe F. Good** 21 Jan 1946-9 Jul 1948 9 Jul 1948-27 Aug 1949 27 Aug 1949-4 Jun 1952 4 Jun 1952-2 Apr 1954 2 Apr 1954-14 Sep 1956 14 Sep 1956-30 Jun 1957 Commander U.S. Naval Activities, Japan changed to Commander U.S. Naval Forces, Far East, 1 January 1947. * Commander U.S. Naval Forces, Far East changed to Commander U.S. Naval Forces, Japan, 1 July 1957. • The MAAG operated on an ad hoc basis until it was formally established in December 1950 as a result of a multilateral agreement for Mutual Defense Assistance signed by the United States, France, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. |