VNAF air strikes destroyed five NVA tanks but during one strike, a bomb accidentally hit ARVN sector headquarters severely disrupting communications. After the 1973 Paris Peace Accords, Pleiku AB became a center of reconnaissance in the Central Highlands, with the RVNAF monitoring PAVN activity and treaty violations. . By Aviel Smolka asmolka@newsargus.com. In 1988, four Pleiku Air Base veterans got together in a small town in Pennsylvania for a backyard picnic, where they decided to take up the task of searching for any and all veterans of Pleiku Air Base. Here's what you need to know about the project. The troops blow up the barracks of US military advisors at Pleiku, killing 8 Americans and wounding 126. Built by the Colonial French government of Indochina in 1949, it became a training school for Vietnamese pilots. Martin, Patrick (1994). The squadron was reassigned to Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand in early 1967, engaging in special operations primarily in Laos. Shopping Cart | Bill Thompson, 633rd Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter. During this meeting Thieu made the decision to attempt an orderly withdrawal from the Central Highlands around Kontum and Pleiku in order to conserve forces and regroup for a counter-attack. Skojack caught a moth Lake outside of Pleiku Main Entrance A man comes out of the well. Jarhead03 2,171 4 Sep 21, 2011 #2 Lieutenant Colonel Robert L. Gilmore, 14 July 1966-5 July 1967. [11] Its mission was to provide close air support, day and night interdiction, and visual and photo reconnaissance. Vietnam War home movies 170th AHC Bikinis & Buccaneers Pleiku Camp Holloway 1967-68 Vietnam War home movies 170th AHC Bikinis & Buccaneers Pleiku Camp Holloway 1967-68 Go to vintagefilmarsenal.com to purchase a full-length 1hr, 40min. Vietnam War - Memories of Pleiku. At Pleiku, it was the operational flying component of the 663d. They set fire to it. These were on Pleiku AB well into 1968 and possibly beyond. 472.2 RECORDS OF THE MILITARY ASSISTANCE ADVISORY GROUP (MAAG) VIETNAM 1950-64 154 lin. Camp Enari (also known as Dragon Mountain Base Camp and Hensel Airfield) is a former U.S. Army base east of Pleiku in the Central Highlands of South Vietnam. It was established by the Republic of Vietnam Air Force (RVNAF) in 1962 at an undeveloped airstrip, and was used by the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War in the II Corps Tactical Zone of South Vietnam. The USAF forces stationed at Pleiku were under the jurisdiction of the Seventh Air Force, United States Pacific Air Forces (PACAF). The deadline for sending in seeds was October 15th, but there are still plenty of ways to get involved. [6]:113, In mid-1965 Pleiku AB became a forward operating location for four Douglas AC-47 Spooky gunships of B Flight, 4th Air Commando Squadron. The 633rd supported many different units: the 1st Air Commando Squadron, a flying unit of 25 A-1 Skyraiders and four U-10 Super Couriers, the 9th Air Commando Squadron, which flew 18 O-2 Skymasters and six C-47 Skytrains, and the U.S. Armys 4th Infantry Division. It was reassigned 1 January 1972 and moved to Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas.[9]. The former base facility has been torn down and a few streets remain, the land now being used for agriculture; a few of the former base buildings remain in use. The People's Army of Vietnam Special Forces Arms (Vietnamese: Binh chng c cng), officially the Special Operation Force Arms or Special Operation Arms, is the elite combat armed service of the People's Army of Vietnam, led by the General Staff of the Vietnam People's Army.It is uniquely organized, equipped, and trained with special fighting skills, bravery and heroism, resourcefulness . President Thieu reviews Montagnard troops. Click on the unit to view details about that unit. Heroin, in the 250milligram clear plastic vials that are universal in Vietnam, is freely available in Pleiku,. Pop. The start time is not announced, however, customer ser, 7th Transportation Brigade (Expeditionary), Fort Eustis Civilian Personnel Advisory Center (CPAC), The Army Distributed Learning Program (TADLP), Sexual Assault Prevention & Response Program, Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil. Charles McLaughlin, 633rd CAMS. The majority supported Johnsons view that this was the time to take action, thus Operation Flaming Dart was approved. Pleiku Air Base was little more than an undeveloped air strip in December 1962 when it was designated by the South Vietnamese Air Force (VNAF) as Air Base 62. Featured Collections | Plei Djereng Camp also known as Plei Djereng Special Forces Camp is a former US. [6] On 15 September 1965 this detachment was redesignated as Detachment 9, 38th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron. The former base facility has been torn down and a few streets remain, the land now being used for agriculture; none of the former base buildings remain. It was captured by the People's Army of Vietnam (PAVN) in March 1975 and was abandoned for many years. The remaining photos are within the. Source(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Army Aviation Safety Center database. Last edited on 11 February 2023, at 22:37, "Headquarters MACV Monthly Summary April 1970", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Camp_Enari&oldid=1138837841, This page was last edited on 11 February 2023, at 22:37. General Peers being decorated at the change of command of 4th Infantry Division in Pleiku, South Vietnam. Within a 15-kilometer circle of Pleiku city were compounds and base camps for the ARVN II Corps Headquarters, MACV II Corps Advisory Group, 4th Infantry Division, the 23rd ARVN Division, the 20th Engineer Brigade, the Pleiku Air Force Base, and several Special Forces units. Pleiku AB about Feb 1968. From 1968 - 27 June 1972 the 362d Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron flying specially-equipped EC-47s were assigned to Pleiku. Pleiku Air Base History. Major General William R Peers talks to soldiers and shakes hands with them after the change of command. It is now a Vietnamese Army base and the most you will be able to do is drive or walk by the entrance gates and will not see anything that is familiar. The USS Ranger launched its planes to attack a North Vietnamese army camp near Dong Hoi. It also doe, This website uses cookies for functionality, analytics and advertising purposes as described in our, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CsTdsCRoH2E, http://189thahc.org/welcome_to_pleiku_photos.html. After 30 years and learning the computer and finding VetFriends, I went to my first reunion of the USS Navasota AO-106. For the civil airport use of this facility after 1975, see, Use by the United States during the Vietnam War, sfn error: no target: CITEREFMiller1990 (, 38th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron, 362d Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron, "Factsheet 6 Special Operations Squadron (AFSOC)", USAF Historical Research Division/Organizational History Branch 35th Fighter Wing, 366th Wing, VNAF The Republic of Vietnam Air Force 19511975, USAAS-USAAC-USAAF-USAF Aircraft Serial Numbers1908 to present, ThaiDuong 530 Fighter Squadron, Cu Hanh Pleiku Air Base, Vietnam, Showdown in Vietnam, 1965/02/08 (1965) (Video), South Vietnamese military ranks and insignia, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Pleiku_Air_Base&oldid=1133967549, Installations of the United States Air Force in South Vietnam, Buildings and structures in Gia Lai province, Short description is different from Wikidata, Wikipedia articles incorporating text from the Air Force Historical Research Agency, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0. As Veterans Day approached, retired Southeastern School teacher and U.S. Air Force veteran Dan Richard sat to answer questions and reminisce of his military days and life in general. You should also label each packet with the variety name, date, and a brief description (e.g. The former USAF control tower and large fire department building on the flightline remains standing; their current use is undetermined. A sign in Vietnamese reads ' Plei Chi' the huts of Montagnard village. Benjamin Barto, flight chief, the APS returned fire and pushed back the assailants, preventing the destruction of several air frames. Life on the base - Pleiku. Tea, coffee, handicrafts, timber, and upland rice are the main products of the region. Chandler Baker Nha Trang Air Base is a military airfield in Vietnam, located 1.7 miles (2.7 km) northwest of Nha Trang in Khnh Ha Province. 1. (AP Photo) Pleiku Air Base was then managed by the VNAF 92d Base Support Group and the base was used as a staging and emergency airfield. On the bottom right you can see the approach lights of the Pleiku Air Base. RVN (Republic of Vietnam) soldiers stand in formation at Pleiku Air Base. Fierce fighting continued for three more days but by 14 March the situation was hopeless. The VC forces also attacked nearby Camp Holloway, also secured by the 633rd APS. [11]:291, On 19 May 1970 a PAVN rocket attack on the base destroyed 1 EC-47 and damaged 2 more. Unfortunately for the South Vietnamese, the commander of the region, General Phm Vn Ph, misinterpreted this order and directed an immediately evacuation of both cities. Join Your Unit Today Join VetFriends To: Reunite with Unit Buddies Browse Military Units Post Unit Messages Great Discounts & More! By early 1968, the area around Pleiku had become a huge cluster of bases. [2]:275, In late 1964 a detachment of two Kaman HH-43 Huskie (B variants) were stationed at the base for rescue and local search and rescue. [2]:263 Pleiku Air Base was then managed by the RVNAF 92nd Base Support Group and the base was used as a staging and emergency airfield. [12] With the departure of its personnel in late 1969, a small group remained at Pleiku for a short period of time to advise the RVNAF. I was a strike team leader for "C" flight, 633rd Security Police Squadron, Pleiku AB, the night of 5/6 Jan 1967. My AC-47D had returned from a fire support mission this 7 am. Additionally its central location on the plateau between Kon Tum in the north Bun Ma Thut to the. Thanks VetFriends. The bombs explode on the terrain, 30 miles east, to the southwest of Pleiku, on 10 September. The base was named for 1st Lieutenant Mark Enari, the first 4th Infantry Division member awarded the Silver Star . 538th LCC Project. Jeep stops and officers at the review stand. This 800-page book provides a meticulous catalogue of American facilities during the Vietnam War -- bases large and small, BOQs, BEQs and memorials -- which were named for individuals who had fallen in battle in this war of our youth. They set fire to it. [8], The 1878th Communications Squadron was designated and organized at Pleiku Airport on 1 November 1965, part of the 1964th Communications Group. [8]:113 The 1st Air Commando Squadron moved to Nakhon Phanom RTAFB in early 1967. When these attacks failed to draw a military response from Washington, the NVA staged a massive attack on the strategic town of Ban Me Thuot in the Central Highlands. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Squadrons transferred from Nha Trang were: The 6th Air Commando Squadron was formed at England Air Force Base Louisiana as a unit of the 1st Air Commando Wing. It was a stay that began in June 1956 when the original 16 members of the 14th Special Forces Operational Detachment entered Vietnam to train a cadre of indigenous Vietnamese Special . 633d Air Base Wing Public Affairs. By Staff Sgt. Join Tomato Lovers & Participate in the Ukrainian Tribute Growout! Early sweet peppers are a great addition to any garden. (1999) mentioned that before 1965, the fighting by the United States (U.S.) Soldiers in Vietnam had been in minor skirmishes with Viet Cong (VC) troops conducting hit-and-run counterinsurgency operations. In January 1965 the 62nd Wing and a detachment of the 516th Fighter Squadron moved to Nha Trang Air Base. During their time at Pleiku, the 633rd Air Police Squadron defended the base against guerilla forces. A bulldozer on a road. [7]:70, In September 1965 the 21st Tactical Air Support Squadron equipped with 30 O-1 Bird Dogs began operating from Pleiku AB. With its diverse units, a wide variety of propeller-driven aircraft operated from the base, along with a large number of helicopters. On March 24, 1971, the 633rd Air Base Wing inactivated at Pleiku Air Base, Republic of Vietnam. [10], In late October 1967, some of the 604th Air Commando Squadron Combat Dragon A-37A Dragonflys moved to the base from Bien Hoa AB to perform armed and visual reconnaissance missions and night interdiction flights in the Tiger Hound operational area over southeastern Laos. Web Template Donated By Templates In Time - Web Development Donated By davidcdalton.com, 229th/235th Helicopter Squadron Bell UH-1H, Det B 259th Helicopter Squadron Bell UH-1H (Medevac). maxhightForP2 = 13222; Life on the base - Pleiku. The VNAF 1141st Observation Squadron moved to Pleiku from Da Nang Air Base in January 1965, and a detachment of Douglas A-1 Skyraiders from Bien Hoa Air Base resided there for close air support capability. This compact, bushy plant produces bright red tomatoes that ripen early in the season. A large number of soldiers of the 4th Infantry Division lined up on a field. The 1st ACS also trained USAF and South Vietnamese Air Force aircrews in the United States and South Vietnam in unconventional warfare, counterinsurgency, psychological warfare, and civic actions. The first couple photos are of the Army Veterans in the tour group hold a flag with the 4th Infantry Division insignia. Ban Me Thuot controlled Highways 14 and 21, vital lines of communication from the southern Central Highlands to Saigon and the coast. This article is converted from Wikipedia: Attack on Camp Holloway. Life on the base - Pleiku Barracks Hangout Silouette & Skyline View of the Mountains Red Dust Everywhere Twighlight & Fog EM Club & Long View Barracks Maid Good as Gold Taking in the view on a bunker Perimeter Bunkers Chopper coming to join the party Football! These aircraft were equipped with various electronic warfare components. My Account | The USAF forces stationed at Pleiku were under the jurisdiction of the Seventh Air Force, United States Pacific Air Forces (PACAF). Read more Written March 23, 2015 Here are the events of 5-6 Jan 1967 attack on Pleiku AB. Operation Dn Thng 2120 to 26 October 1965 the first Pleime preparatory phase was the relief operation of the besieged Pleime camp. [8]:241, During 1966 USAF personnel assigned to the base increased from 150 to over 2500. Schiffer Publishing, Ltd. Contents 1 History 11 1966-72 2 Current use 3 References History 1966-72 Camp Enari was established near Dragon Mountain Ni Hm Rng and Highway 19. [1]:41 RMK-BRJ returned in 1964 to replace the PSP runway with three-inch asphalt pavement. An unaltered photocopy of your Report of Separation DD-214 WD AGO or NGB22 along with any military-issued document establishing your service at Pleiku Vietnam Allied Base. Corrections? The former USAF control tower and large fire department building with garages for the large fire engines on the flightline remains standing; their current use is undetermined. Color guard marches past the review stand. Thank you for the generous documents and photographs I have received thus far. Pleiku AB South Vietnam 1966 - 1972. In Pleiku, Vietnam 1968, the U.S. Military owned the day but "Charlie" owned the night. [12][11] During the stay at Pleiku, the squadron maintained a forward SAR alert unit at Da Nang Air Base from 1 April 1968 1 September 1969. Aka: "The Stadium" ZA 204-214 LZ OUTRIDER also ZA 200-170 26km SSW Pleiku ZA 218-342 PZ MUSTANG III ( PZ = Troop Pick-up Zone ) 1967, Viet-Cong forces attacked the perimeter and overran the South Vietnamese army outpost. Fierce fighting continued for three more days but by 14 March the situation was hopeless. Douglas A-1G Skyraider drop two Mk.82 bomb on open flat terrain in support of Operation MacArthur in Vietnam. . This variety grows best when grown alone and can reach up to 12 feet tall. South Vietnamese President Nguyen Van Thieu reviews RVN (Republic of Vietnam) troops at Pleiku Air Base in Vietnam. The battalion was posted to the 35th Engineer Group at Cam Ranh Bay for departure from Vietnam on 31 August 1971, enroute to Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Vietnam veteran Dan Richard with a C-47 plane similar to one he crewed in Pleiku. ZA 182-527 Pleiku Ammo Supply Point Plei Mrong Rd. Many of these troops experienced their fair share of violence and trauma when deployed Vietnam, much like the other half-million American soldiers in the war. Ten US aircraft were destroyed. That task eventually led to the formation of our Association and the locating of over 550 former officers and enlisted airmen. Viet Cong troops attack a helicopter base at Camp Halloway. American Army and Air Force civil engineering units resurfaced and extended to 6000ft (1829 m) runway and the base was jointly used for both VNAF and USAF air activities, but never reached the saturation and population proportions of the major air bases of the coastal lowlands. For over 30 years, our annual reunions draw Pleiku veterans of all ranks, job positions and lengths of service from coast to coast for a few days of remembrance, socializing and a chance to visit with both old and new found friends. At Pleiku airfield, the small ARVN garrison came under attack and was forced to defend the control tower, preventing attempts to fly in reinforcements. The unit was originally designated as the 633rd Combat Support Group when it was activated at Pleiku in April 1966. FAQs - How to Order | The 6th ACS was designated as the 6th Special Operations Squadron on 1 August 1968. View of the Mountains. No aircraft were lost in the air, but three A-37s at Pleiku were destroyed by 122mm rockets on 11 March when the NVA rocketed the airfield. This article incorporates public domain material from the .mw-parser-output cite.citation{font-style:inherit;word-wrap:break-word}.mw-parser-output .citation q{quotes:"\"""\"""'""'"}.mw-parser-output .citation:target{background-color:rgba(0,127,255,0.133)}.mw-parser-output .id-lock-free a,.mw-parser-output .citation .cs1-lock-free a{background:url("//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/65/Lock-green.svg")right 0.1em center/9px no-repeat}.mw-parser-output .id-lock-limited a,.mw-parser-output .id-lock-registration a,.mw-parser-output .citation .cs1-lock-limited a,.mw-parser-output .citation .cs1-lock-registration a{background:url("//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d6/Lock-gray-alt-2.svg")right 0.1em center/9px no-repeat}.mw-parser-output .id-lock-subscription a,.mw-parser-output .citation .cs1-lock-subscription a{background:url("//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/aa/Lock-red-alt-2.svg")right 0.1em center/9px no-repeat}.mw-parser-output .cs1-ws-icon a{background:url("//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4c/Wikisource-logo.svg")right 0.1em center/12px no-repeat}.mw-parser-output .cs1-code{color:inherit;background:inherit;border:none;padding:inherit}.mw-parser-output .cs1-hidden-error{display:none;color:#d33}.mw-parser-output .cs1-visible-error{color:#d33}.mw-parser-output .cs1-maint{display:none;color:#3a3;margin-left:0.3em}.mw-parser-output .cs1-format{font-size:95%}.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-left{padding-left:0.2em}.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-right{padding-right:0.2em}.mw-parser-output .citation .mw-selflink{font-weight:inherit}Air Force Historical Research Agency. Three miles outside of the city the US maintain a base called Camp Galloway. On quieter days, there were also unique opportunities for Airmen and Soldiers to relax. Other units stationed at Camp Enari included: Hensel Airfield was named after WO-1 Ernest Hensel a 10th Cavalry helicopter gunship pilot who was killed in action on 17 February 1967.[1]:5219. To the many Army and Marine veterans whose units surrounded Pleiku Air Base and often provided needed protection for our base throughout the years, and for whom we in-turn provided combat air support during their ground operations; if you have no formal unit reunions or gatherings, we welcome your membership should you wish to join us. SP/4 Glenn Fannin enjoying a little off duty time, rare, in a traditional . A Military Police officer. [8]:172 In September 13 barracks housing 900 men were completed and in October a further 10 barracks were completed. United States 4th Infantry Division change of Command ceremony at camp Enari in Pleiku, South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. President Thieu talks to a Vietnamese officer. Tail Code: The Complete History of USAF Tactical Aircraft Tail Code Markings. Three miles outside of the city the US maintain a base called Camp Galloway. [7]:253. Army base east of Pleiku in the Central Highlands of South Vietnam. [1] Pleiku, Vietnamese Play Ku, city, central Vietnam, located in the central highlands. Location: Pleiku South Vietnam Date: 1966, April 23 Duration: 1 min 8 sec Sound: No Color: Color Clip Type: Unedited Language: None Clip: 65675058786 United states A-1E aircraft sin flight and lands at Pleiku air base in Vietnam. During the conflict in Vietnam, U.S. Army Engineers played a significant role in support of U.S. and allied forces, both in construction and in combat. The city has a hospital, a commercial airfield, and several air bases that are a legacy of its strategic importance during the later stages of the Vietnam War (1965-75). It is a low acid tomato with a unique flavor that has been described as sweet, yet slightly tangy. We have moved to https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/vietnamveterans/index.php, The Explosive Storage Area on the east end of the runway, Harvest Delicious Red Tomatoes with Red Rocket in Hot Climates South of Memphis, Tomatoes are a popular and versatile crop that can be grown in many climates, but it is important to choose the right variety for your climate. These aircraft were equipped with various electronic warfare components. The squadron was equipped with AC-47Ds Tail Code: ER. . Ill never forget my experience out there, and Airmen in the 633rd now should take the time to understand where they came from. It was inactivated in place on 15 November 1969 with its aircraft being turned over to the South Vietnamese Air Force. THIS IS A FULL Collection of 4 pages of FIRE BASES, AIR FORCE BASES, Naval and Medical, BROWN WATER Naval, and any and all bases DOD during the Vietnam War 1963 to 1975 Great link for in-country Vietnam vets, or those curious about the Vietnam War Thanks to Ed Creamer, Col Wayne Morris USMC (Ret) and LT Don Tyson USN (Ret) for sharing. The newly graduated communications specialists landed in Pleiku and were then flown to base camp An Khe. I was with 633 SOW 6th SOS at Pleiku Air Force Base was not in the Army but so many Army camps surrounded us. A nurse attempts to comfort a wounded U.S. Army soldier in a ward of the 8th army hospital at Nha Trang in South Vietnam on February 7, 1965. Today, the facility has been redeveloped as Pleiku Airport. NOTICE This Display Recognition is available ONLY to authorized recipients who possess orders or authorization form or release documentation that confirms award eligibility. Batumi Adjar Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic, Del Rio Texas Laughlin Air Force Base USA, U-Tapao Royal Thai Air Force Base Thailand. American soldiers do their own laundry, in February 1968 in the Camp Holloway, near Pleiku, during the Vietcong Tet offensive. On March 24 1971 the 633rd Air Base Wing inactivated at Pleiku Air Base Republic of Vietnam. President Johnson orders immediate reprisals as 49 US Navy jets attack North Vietnam. The APO for Pleiku was APO San Francisco, 96318. [10][8]:243 The squadron relocated to Nha Trang Air Base on 1 November 1967. Band at the parade. Camp Enari was established near Dragon Mountain (Ni Hm Rng) and Highway 19, 12km southeast of Pleiku. [2]:275 The RVNAF 114th Liaison Squadron moved to Pleiku in 1963. The attack killed nine U.S. servicemen and wounded 128 others which led to the sending of conventional American combat forces to Vietnam. The base is abandoned and turned over to farmland, light industry and housing. The troops blow up the barracks of US military advisors at Pleiku killing 8 Americans and wounding 126. Pleiku Air Base is a former air force base in Vietnam. A base was first established in December 1964 by the 5th Special Forces Group Detachment A-214 to monitor communist infiltration along the Ho Chi Minh Trail. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Topographical map of Pleiku, in the central highlands of Vietnam. Ban Me Thuot controlled Highways 14 and 21, vital lines of communication from the southern Central Highlands to Saigon and the coast. After the seizure of the base by the PAVN in 1975, the captured RVNAF aircraft were either destroyed or flown out to other airfields and Pleiku Air Base was abandoned, apparently remaining so for many years. According to Collins, while the 633rd was at Pleiku, they engaged in many community relations activities, including the Security Police Squadrons efforts to help construct the Montagnard, the indigenous tribe in the area, Police Academy. The unit was originally designated as the 633rd Combat Support Group when it was activated at Pleiku in April, 1966., . With so many varieties available, it can be hard to decide which one is best for your climate and taste preferences. Terms & Conditions | Crew Members: P W1 FAHY T . The Ukrainian Tribute Growout is a great opportunity for tomato lovers to get their hands on some unique and delicious varieties. The troops blow up the barracks of US military advisors at Pleiku, killing 8 Americans and wounding 126. Additionally, the SPS provided instruction in the English language and police procedures to the indigenous population. From May 18 to 26, 1967, Soldiers of 1st Brigade, 4th Infantry Division fought a series of five battles over a period of nine days in Pleiku province near the Cambodian border. The large aircraft parking ramp remains but is largely abandoned, along with the jet taxiway which is unused. It was seized by the Vietnam Peoples Army in March. No FEAR Act, An official website of the United States government, Pleiku departure; 50 years later, veterans recall memories, The 633rd Combat Support Group headquarters at Pleiku Air Base, Republic of Vietnam. With the drawdown of United States forces at Pleiku Air Base in the early 1970s, the South Vietnamese Air Force established the 72d Tactical Wing at the base with its own squadron of A-1 Skyraiders (530th FS), along with two Bell UH-1H helicopter assault squadrons (229th, 235th) and the 118th Liaison Squadron, with Cessna O-2A, U-17 forward air controller/light reconnaissance aircraft. More than 3 million people, including 58,000 Americans, were killed in the conflict. 1967 Viet-Cong forces attacked the perimeter and overran the South Vietnamese army outpost. Red Dust Everywhere. It was established by the South Vietnamese Air Force (SVNAF) in 1962 at an undeveloped airstrip, and was used by the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War in the II Corps Tactical Zone of South Vietnam. But much of time we would just hang at the fire station on off days because thats where the action was.. The 9th Air Commando Squadron was activated at Pleiku on 25 January 1967 as a deployed unit of the 1st Air Commando Wing, flying special operations missions using modified C-47D aircraft. The 633rd Dispensary provided critical care and defended against deadly tropical diseases in the country. South Vietnamese President Nguyen Van Thieu reviews Montagnard troops at Plei Me in Vietnam during the Vietnam War. On 1 September 1967, the squadron relocated to Nha Trang Air Base, where unit was being broken up and the pilots were transferred to Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Force Base. My Lightboxes | The Japanese Ambassador makes a speech at a podium. Mesco, Jim (1987) VNAF Republic of Vietnam Air Force 19451975 Squadron/Signal Publications.