Task Force 77 (United States Navy)

Task Force 77 (TF 77) was a United States Navy carrier task force operating in the Western Pacific during the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Specifically, during the Vietnam War, it typically referred to the carrier strike force of the U.S. Seventh Fleet operating in the South China Sea, primarily from Yankee Station and later Dixie Station. The force comprised several aircraft carriers and their associated escort ships (cruisers, destroyers, and frigates), and submarines.

TF 77’s primary mission was to project naval air power against North Vietnam and Laos, conducting bombing raids, providing air support to ground forces, and performing reconnaissance missions. The aircraft launched from the carriers targeted key infrastructure, military installations, and supply lines. Beyond offensive operations, the task force also conducted search and rescue missions for downed pilots.

Command of TF 77 rotated among different carrier admirals, and the composition of the task force varied depending on operational requirements and carrier availability. The task force ceased to exist as a formal entity after the end of the Vietnam War.