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The Thailand Bases
Ubon - Udorn - NKP - U-Tapao - Takhli - Korat - Don Muang - Nam Phong
The following are from a document called: If You have any info or want additional bases listed please contact the TLC Webmaster (examiner@cfl.rr.com)
UBON ROYAL THAI AIR FORCE BASE
- click on the bottom row, fourth map to see the actual base location. MAJOR UNITS:
AIRCRAFT
ASSIGNED: F-4D, F-4E, AC-130, HH-43B, OV-10 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE AT UBON ROYAL THAI AIR FORCE BASE:
The 8th Tactical Fighter Wing, originally activated in 1931 as the 8th Pursuit Group, has a long history of contributions to the military forces of the United States. It has participated in campaigns in every war since its activation and has been awarded numerous decorations for duty in New Guinea, the Philippine Islands, Japan, Korea, and more recently, Southeast Asia. Returning from Japan in July 1964, the 8th TFW began conversion to the McDonnell F-4C Phantom II at George AFB, Calif. In a short 18 months, it was reorganized, equipped with a full complement of aircraft, passed its first Operational Readiness Inspection, and sent to Southeast Asia in two operational units, the 68th and 431st Tactical Fighter Squadrons. These squadrons, along with two others, the 45th and 47th TFS, flew combat missions from Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base (RTAFB) in a rotational duty status. The first two MIG-17s to be destroyed in Southeast Asia were shot down by pilots flying F-4Cs from Ubon. In mid-November 1966, the 8th TFW was alerted for movement to Southeast Asia. Upon arrival at Ubon RTAFB the wing was composed of the 433rd and 497th TFS, with the 8th Field Maintenance Squadron, 8th Organizational Maintenance Squadron, 8th Armament and Electronics Maintenance Squadron and the 408th Munitions Maintenance 6quadron as supporting units. The four fighter squadrons that deployed to Ubon before the arrival of the 8th TFW were returned to the US. to serve as training units. In February 1966, the 555th Tactical Fighter Squadron, also equipped with F-4Cs, became part of the wing and in July 1966, the 435th TFS, equipped with F-104s, was added to the wing structure, although still operating from Udorn RTAFB. By the end of June 1966, after only six months in the theater, the wing had flown more than 10,000 combat sorties, achieving a 99 per cent sortie rate for which they received many commendations. More than 13,809 aircraft sorties were recorded by December 1966, and the 555th "triple nickel" squadron became the first squadron with five MIGs kills- to its credit, to achieve ace" status since the Korean War. At the end of December 1967, the 555th TFS had 18 MIGs kills while its sister squadron, the 433rd TFS, had 12 MIG's on its records, The wing, chalking up a total of 30 MIG's, emerged as the top Killing-killing unit as 1967 ended. Significant events occurred in 1967, which resulted In the 8th TFW becoming the first Air Force fighter unit to bomb an enemy airfield Major Thomas D. Hirsch, 555th TFS, was credited with destroying five enemy MIG's on the ground during the attack. Colonel Robin Olds, who joined the wing as its commander earlier in 1966, became the leading MIGs killer of the Vietnam war with four MIGs kills to his credit. Twenty new F-4D aircraft arrived at Ubon in May 1967. This gave the wing the distinction of being the first in Southeast Asia to be operationally equipped with F-4Ds. Using these aircraft, Wolfpack pilots struck the previously untouched Canal des Rapides Bridge and the Paul Doumer bridge, near Hanoi plus many other strategic military and industrial targets. The final phase out of the F-4C was completed by the end of 1967 and the wing became fully equipped with the F-4D. By the end of August the wing logged more than 50,000 combat sorties since its arrival in Southeast Asia. These sorties ran the gamut from MIGs combat air patrol to interdiction missions. The wing's flexibility in response to mission changes also added immeasurably to its effectiveness in interdicting movement of enemy supplies, manpower and equipment into South Vietnam. On 28 May 1968, the 555th TFS deployed to Udorn RTAFB. The 25th TFS, formerly with the 33rd TFW, Eglin AFB, Fla., replaced the "triple nickel" as the fourth F-4D fighter-bomber squadron at Ubon. By the end of May, eight, and a half MIG's added to the wing's roll of kills. The total of 38 1/2 insured retention of its title of top MIG-killer of the Vietnam War. With the arrival of the 16th Special Operations Squadron in October 1968 flying the AC-130 gun ships the wing's mission was greatly enhanced. When the bombing of North Vietnam was halted in 1968, the wing's mission turned to interdiction missions against the flow of supplies down the Ho Chi Minh Trail. During 1970 the wing recorded destroying nearly 15,000 trucks, earning them a new title of "top truck killers". In 1970, the 8th TFW received the American Fighter Pilots' award of "Most Outstanding Tactical Fighter Wing in Southeast Asia for 1970". In early 1971, the 8th TFW received the Maj. Gen. Robert F. Worley Memorial Trophy, sponsored by the American Fighter Pilots' Association, as the "Most Outstanding Tactical Fighter Wing in Southeast Asia." in May 1972, the aircrews of the 8th TFW were commended by General John W. Vogt, 7th Air Force Commander, for the destruction of the Thanh Hoa Bridge, 215 miles north of the demilitarized zone, after resumption of bombing of North Vietnam. The 8th TFW played a leading role in the destruction of rail and road communications in North Vietnam after resumption of the bombing in the north.
UDORN ROYAL THAI AIR FORCE BASE
- click on the bottom row, third map to see the actual base location. MAJOR UNITS: Det 1, 39th ARRS
HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE AT UDORN ROYAL THAI AIR FORCE BASE:
The first unit assigned at Udorn Royal Thai Air Force was the 333d Air Base
Squadron. The. formation of this unit took place in October 1964. The squadron
was subordinate to the 35th Tactical Group, Don Muang Air Port. Prior to the
formation on of the squadron, support personnel were provided by temporary duty
personnel from the 35th Tactical Group. On 18 July 1965, the 333rd Air Base
Squadron was redesignated the 6232nd Combat Support Group (CSG). This unit
reported directly to the Commander, 13th Air Force and to the 6234th Tactical
Fighter Wing (TFW) at Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base, at that time the only
tactical wing in Thailand. The formation of the group at Udorn RTAFB was brought
about because of expanding Air Force programs., an increase in assigned
personnel and increased base support requirements. The majority of personnel at
Udorn RTAFB, prior, to the formation of the group, were temporary duty
assignments. Shortly before the group was activated a gradual input of permanent
party personnel was made to replace those on temporary duty. On 15 November 1965 the 6232nd CSG was given the responsibility of reporting directly to the Deputy Commander 2nd Air Division/13th Air Force rather than directly to the Commander, 13th Air Force. The 6232nd CSG was redesignated the 630th CSG on 8 April 1966, with a reporting responsibility to the Deputy Commander, 7th Air Force/13th Air Force (7/13AF), headquartered at Udorn. On 18 September 1966, the 432nd Tactical Reconnaissance Wing (TRW) was organized and the 630th CSG was placed under the new wing and redesignated the 432nd CSG. The 432nd wing originally had two tactical reconnaissance squadrons (TRS), the 11th and 20th, flying the RF-4C and RF-101 respectively. On 30 October 1967, the RF-101 squadron was deactivated and replaced by another RF-4C squadron, the 14th TRS. These two squadrons accounted for more than 80 percent of all reconnaissance activity over North Vietnam. In addition to the two RF-4 squadrons, the wing also had a tactical fighter squadron (TFS), the 13th. This squadron employed the F-4D fighter-bomber aircraft on strike missions over North Vietnam. The 13th TFS was credited with two MIGs kills. On 25 April 1968, Lieutenant General Benjamin O. Davis Jr., Commander of 13th Air Force, presented the 432nd TRW the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with "V" device for meritorious achievements during the period 18 September 1966 to 18 September 1967. On 28 May 1968, the 555th TFS arrived at Udorn from Ubon RTAFB, adding to the 432nd TRW's distinction of being an Air Force wing with a dual reconnaissance- fighter mission. The 555th, better known as the Triple Nickel was credited with 27 MIG kills, the last seven victories scored while at Udorn. On 31 October 1968, the 7th Airborne Command and Control Squadron, which had been assigned to the base as a temporary duty unit, became part of the 432nd wing.. With the addition of this C-130 squadron, the 432nd TRW became the most diversified unit of its size in the Air Force. At the end of 1968, Udorn housed 14 different combat flying units, representing every phase of tactical air power. On 25 February 1970, Major General Robert L. Petit, Deputy Commander, 7/13 Air Force, presented the 432nd TRW the Presidential Unit Citation for extraordinary gallantry in connection with military operations from 19 September 1967 to 1 November 1968. On 10 November 1970, the 11th TRS was deployed to Shaw AFB, S.C. ending. a distinguished tour of service with the 432nd TRW. The departure of the 11th left the wing with two fighter squadrons, one reconnaissance squadron and the airborne command and control squadron. On 1 April 1972 the 7th Airborne Command and Control Squadron was deployed to Korat RTAFB. The mission of the wing is to provide intelligence information about hostile forces through tactical reconnaissance and use its fighter elements to destroy the targets earmarked by the intelligence data provided. The wing has numerous missions in the support area also. As the command base for 7/13AF in Thailand, Udorn RTAFB plays a lead role in accomplishing the objectives of the United States in fulfilling its policy in Southeast Asia.
NAKHON PHANOM ROYAL THAI AIR FORCE BASE ("NKP")
- click on the bottom row, fourth map to see the actual base location. MAJOR UNITS:
AIRCRAFT
ASSIGNED: A-26, A-IH & E, C-47, HH-53, HH-43, C-123 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE AT NAKHON PHANOM ROYAL THAI AIR FORCE BASE: Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Force base, referred to as NKP and known as the "the biggest little base in the east", is located about nine miles west of Nakhon Phanom city. More than 16,000 inhabitants live in this northeastern Thailand city and the USAF base population is about 4,200. The U.S. military first arrived there in 1963 when the U.S. Navy's Mobile Construction battalion Three (SEABEES) laid out the runway and raised the first buildings as part of a United States commitment under SEATO. ;The 507th Tactical Control Squadron was the first U.S. Air Force unit assigned to NKP. The bulk of its members arrived in early 1964. The 5th Tactical Control Group exercised command jurisdiction over the 507th until May 1965 when the 6235th Air Base Squadron was formed. Overall control of the USAF units was then turned over to the 35th Tactical Group (now the 631st Combat Support Group) at Don Muang Airport, Thailand. On 8 April 1966 the 6235th Air Base Squadron was discontinued and the 634th Combat Support Group along with its subordinate squadrons was activated. In its infancy, the base housed search and rescue forces and maintained a communications capability in support of U.S. Air Force objectives in Southeast Asia. The 634th CSG was deactivated and the 56th Air Commando Wing was formed on 8 April 1967. The 606th Air Commando Squadron formed the operational backbone of the new wing and the 56th CSG took over the major support functions. Nearly one year later the 56th ACW designation was changed to 56th Special Operations Wing, 1 August 1968. There are now five operational squadrons attached to the wing. They are: 1st, 21st., 18th Special Operations Squadrons, 23rd Tactical Air Support Squadron and the 554th Reconnaissance Squadron. The major operational associate units stationed at NKP are the 1987th Communications Squadron (AFCS), Det 5, 621st Tactical Control Squadron, 40th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron and Task Force Alpha (PACAF).
U-TAPAO ROYAL THAI NAVY AIR FIELD
- click on the second map to see the actual base location. MAJOR UNITS: 11th USAF
Hospital AIRCRAFT
ASSIGNED: B-52, KC-135, HH-43 and P-3 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE AT U-TAPAO ROYAL THAI NAVY AIR FIELD: U-Tapao Royal Thai Navy Airfield, present home of the 635th Combat Support Group (CSG), is the newest of seven key installations which house United States Air Force personnel in Thailand. Originally designed to support an aerial refueling mission and troop transport squadron, the mission has since been amended to include support for Strategic Air Command B-52 bombers in their daily strikes against enemy targets in Southeast Asia. Beginning construction in October 1965, the airfield was considered one of the finest in Southeast Asia slightly more than two years later. First on the airfield construction priorities were the aerodrome facilities, including an 11,000-foot runway, which became serviceable on 6 July 1966. On this date, the first landings were made at U-Tapao; first came a Royal Thai Air Force HH-16, then a USAF C-130. Steadily progressing and adding to the mission, U-Tapao welcomed its first complement of KC-135 tankers in August 1966. In September, the base was supporting 15 tankers. One of the most significant mission changes in the history of the Air Force came about when the Department of Defense chose U-Tapao as a staging base for the SAC B-52 bombers, the giant eight-engine bomber backbone of the USAF. Official approval to use U-Tapao as a B-52 base camp came just three months before the bombers began operations in Thailand. This caused an already tremendous work load to approach the endurability limits of both men and machines, but, in true Air Force fashion, hardships were overcome, progress was made, and all efforts culminated on 10 April 1967, when three B-52 bombers landed at U-Tapao following a bombing mission over Vietnam. The very next day, B-52 operations were initiated at U-Tapao. Presently, the base is supporting these strategic bombers, all participating in daily strikes. The 4258th Strategic Wing (SAC) was activated in June 1966 at U-Tapao under 3rd Air Division, Anderson AFB, Guam. The wing was charged with the responsibility of supporting refueling requirements of USAF fighter aircraft in Southeast Asia, plus conducting bombing missions on a daily basis. On 1 April 1970, in conjunction with the redesignation of the 3rd Air Division, Anderson AFB, Guam, as the Eighth Air Force, the 4258th SW was redesignated as the 307th SW. On 1 June 1972 the 307th SW was reorganized into the 17th Air Division (Provisional), the 310th SW (Provisional) and the 307th SW. U-Tapao Stratofortress force is under the control of the 307th wing, while the, KC-135 tanker force is under the 310th wing. Both wings are under the command of the 17th Air Division. Other missions of the U-Tapao organization include supplying other U.S. occupied Thai installations with equipment and materiel; support of the U.S. Army, Navy and Coast Guard units in the area; and jurisdiction for what has become known as the Sattahip complex. This complex includes a nine-berth deep water port, a Coast Guard LORAN station, three U.S. transportation units, and approximately 10,000 American servicemen and Thai nationals who work and reside in the surrounding hamlets and towns. Facilities located on U-Tapao include airmen dormitories and officer BOQs for housing of more than 7,000 airfield personnel, three recreation clubs, a beach facility, library, a base exchange, swimming pool, base theater, chapel and hobby shops.
KORAT ROYAL THAI AIR FORCE BASE
- click on the top row, first map to see the actual base location. and H-34 helicopters. MAJOR UNITS: Det .4, 3rd ARRS AIRCRAFT
ASSIGNED: F-4E. F-105, EB-66, C-130, HC-130, HH-43, EC-121. HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE AT KORAT ROYAL THAI AIR FORCE BASE Currently hosting 30 units and agencies of six major USAF commands Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base has corn. a long way since April 1962. At that time, one officer and 14 airmen were temporarily assigned to the base as the joint U.S. Military Advisory Group (JUSMAG). In July, 1964, approximately 500 persons were assigned to Korat to start the beginning of a tactical fighter operation. The operational mission commenced 15 August 1964; and by October of the same year, essential USAF base facilities were completed. By late February 1965, the tactical fighter strength increased to two squadrons flying the Republic F-105 "Thunderchiefs", both assigned to the Pacific Air Forces. A Tactical Air Command. McDonnell F-4C "Phantom" rotational unit replaced one of the squadrons a month later. USAF tactical operations in Thailand later came under the jurisdiction of the 6234th Tactical Fighter Wing activated at Korat. For a year, the wing and its subordinate units operating F-105s and F-4Cs flew 10,797 sorties totaling 26,165 hours. The wing's efforts merited the Presidential Unit Citation in March 1968. In April 1966, the 388th Tactical Fighter Wing was reactivated. Historically known for its B-17 Flying Fortress operation in Europe during World War II, the wing absorbed personnel and resources of the 6234th. The 388th TFW utilized three F-105 Thunderchief squadrons. These initially were the 13th TFS., 421st TFS and the 469th TFS. Prior to the bombing halt 1 November 1968, tactical fighter squadrons assigned to the 388th contributed to the air strikes over North Vietnam. For three years, Thunderchiefs from Korat and its sister wing at Takhli Royal Thai Air Force base carried more than 75 per cent of all ordnance delivered north of the demilitarized zone. Combat operations expanded at Korat in late 1967 with the arrival of EC-121 "Constellations" of the 553rd Reconnaissance Wing and Det 1, 552nd Airborne Early Warning and Control Wing. The* 553rd "Bat Cats" were a new organization, formed trained and deployed from Otis AFB, Mass., while Det 1, from McClellan AFB, Calif., had been in Southeast Asia since April 1965. The EC-121s provided airborne radar coverage and surveillance in support of aircraft flying combat operations. The 553rd was inactivated in December 1979 while its subordinate unit, the 553rd Reconnaissance Squadron continued operating out of. Korat for another year. On 17 November 1968, an F-4E Phantom Squadron from Eglin AFB, Fla., replaced the F-105 Thunderchiefs of the 469th TFS. The new Phantom squadron, the first E-models in Thailand, retained the designation 469th TFS. All F-105s at Korat transferred to Takhli RTAFB in October 1969.
In November 1970, F-105s returned to Korat when the 6010th Wild Weasel Squadron,
flying specially equipped Thunderchiefs, was formed. It was redesignated the
17th Wild Weasel Squadron on 1 December 1971 and today is the only permanent
F-105 unit in Southeast Asia. Also in November 1970, the 42nd Tactical
Electronic Warfare Squadron, which flies EB-66s, transferred to Korat from
Takhli. In April 1972, the 7th Airborne Command and Control Squadron arrived
from Udorn RTAFB and began flying missions in its C-130 aircraft, which are
equipped with command and control capsules. Today, the 388th Tactical Fighter
Wing is composed of two F-4E squadrons, one
TAKHLI ROYAL THAI AIR FORCE BASE HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE AT TAKHLI ROYAL THAI AIR FORCE BASE
DON MUANG ROYAL THAI AIR FORCE BASE
- click on the top row, first map to see the actual base location.
HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATE AIR FORCE AT DON MUANG RTAFB 1961-1970 An advanced party of the 6010 TAC Group arrived at Don Muang RTAFB at the request of the Royal Thai government to establish an aircraft warning system in April, 1961. Four RF-101C aircraft of the 45th TRS and their photo lab arrived in November of 1961 to fly RECCE flights over Laos. In November of 1962 the 2nd Air Division assumed control of the 6010th TAC Group.In August the group was redesignated the 35TH TAC GROUP.The 35th TAC group consisted of the following: 35th ABS-Don Muang 331st ABS-Takhli 332nd ABS-Ubon DET1 35th TAC GP- Korat In July 1965 the 35th TAC Group was redesignated the 6236th Combat Support Group and again in April, 1966 was redesignated the 631st CSG. In March of 1965 there were 1342 enlisted men stationed at Don Muang RTAFB. The primary mission of Don Muang was to provide support for all USAF units and detachments assigned to the base or other bases in Thailand. Other units attached to Don Muang RTAFB were the following: 509 FIS - 4 F-102s 4252nd ARS - 4 KC-135s Tiger Cub 315th AD - 4 C-130s Don Muang was also Thailand's international airport, served by PAA, Swiss Air, Lufthansa and others. Don Muang was also a training base for the RTAF. More important was Bangkok’s harbor. A deep water SEATO port. Up through 1966 many of the USAF logistics requirements flowed through this port to upcountry bases transported by Don Muang's Transport Units. Most operations moved out of Don Muang sometime in 1970 to up country bases. It is very important to remember that from early 1961 through 1970 Don Muang served as a gateway to the north.
NAM PHONG ROYAL THAI AIR FORCE BASE Map of the general area of Nam Phong -click on the top row, third map, scroll about 1/2 way down to see the actual base location RTAFB Nam
Phong was home to the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Air Group 15, Task Force
Delta and its supporting units. MAJOR COMBAT
UNITS SUPPORTING
UNITS HISTORY OF TASK FORCE DELTA AT NAM PHONG While Marine Air Group 15 and MAG-12 conducted operations from Da Nang and Bien Hoa, the 1st MAW (1st Marine Aircraft Wing) completed efforts to relocate a portion of these units outside of South Vietnam. Initial relocation sites included Udorn, Ubon, and Utapao in Thailand. These bases were operating at maximum capacity with Air Force units, and the search also considered other locations. Fifteen miles northeast of the town of Khon Kaen, Thailand, was a 10,000-foot concrete runway built by the U.S. Air Force in 1967. Used as an emergency landing field and little else, it was situated centrally 340 miles west of Da Nang and 300 miles southeast of Hanoi. A special organization designated Task Force Delta (TF Delta) was formed at Iwakuni, Japan on 24 May 1972 and it remained in existence until way after the end of the American involvement in Vietnam. Nam Phong was a U.S. Special Forces camp for the training of Laotian irregulars, who occupied the existing buildings and had constructed six other structures and training facilities. The 50 or so U.S. Army “Green Berets” and other advisors present found their pastoral surroundings altered by the arrival of the Marines. Construction of the base was undertaken by U.S. Navy Mobile Construction Battalion 5, Marine Air Base Squadron 15, (MABS-15), and Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 15 (H&MS-15). General O’Donnell maintained liaison with the 7th Air Force, the Royal Thai Air Force, and Military Advisory Command Thailand (MACThai). A KC-130 tanker from Marine Aerial Refueler Squadron (VMGR) 152 arrived at Nam Phong on 24 May with 39 Marines, beginning the buildup of forces to over 3,200 men. The establishment of a U.S. Air Force aerial port detachment triggered the airlift of the advance party of 377 Marines, 94 U.S. Navy “Seabees”, 3 civilians, and 1,399 tons of material by MAC C-141’s and C-5 transports. (The combined movement of MAG-15, MCB-5, Logistics Support Group Delta (LSG-Delta) and supporting detachments to Nam Phong required 278 aircraft loads to move 6,259 tons of material and 2,064 passengers to make the field operational). The movement of MAG-15 aircraft began on 16 June when 11 F4B’s of VMFA-115 “Silver Eagles” launched from Da Nang, completed air strikes enroute and landed at Nam Phong. They began flying sorties from Nam Phong on 17 June. By 20 June, 6 F4J’s ofVMFA-232 “Red Devils” and Marine All-Weather Attack Squadron 533 also arrived at Nam Phong. The A6A’s, “Hawks” of VMA(AW)-533 provided MAG-15 with an all-weather and night capability of 12 aircraft. Additional aircraft came from VMGR-152, Detachment Delta’s four KC-130’s for aerial refueling and an H&MS-36 Detachment of four CH-46’s for search and rescue. On 8 July 1972, TFD aircraft intercepted two Communist MiG-19 “Farmers” over
North Vietnam, the task force’s first air-to-air encounter with the enemy in its
new area of operations. Task Force Delta air operations were of three distinct types: day fighter-cover, day ground-attack and night ground-attack. These missions in turn were associated with specific geographic areas and targets. Most numerous were daytime flights supporting MACV and the South Vietnamese in MR 1, MR 2 and Route Package 1 during the combat to regain Quang Tri Province. These tasks were conducted with F-4’s and A-6’s using bombs, rockets and cannon fire. Sorties normally consisted of two to three aircraft each. The interdiction of roads and trails in the Barrel Roll and Steel Tiger areas of Laos were the missions assigned to VMA(AW)-533 crews with their night armed reconnaissance abilities. General O’Donnell passed command of Task Force Delta to Brigadier General Robert
W. Taylor on 23 August. Three days later, VMFA-232 lost an aircraft to a MiG-21
‘Fishbed’ over Laos. Both crewmembers ejected – the intercept officer was
recovered and the pilot was missing in action. As Operations Homecoming and End Sweep were completed, some Marines were still
at war. Task Force Delta combat sorties continued in Cambodia, just when “…it
appeared that MAG-15 would not be involved in combat air operations” The March 1973 dry season saw the Khmer Rouge trying to take Phnom Penh, and closing all major highways into the Cambodian capital. The situation for the Lon Nol government was critical with the interdiction of the Mekong River, the Major supply artery from South Vietnam. The defense of the capital and the reopening of the river required direct American air support to the Cambodian Army. Marine Aircraft Group 15 continued operations until April, flying missions assigned by the 7th Air Force for daytime bombing and strafing controlled by airborne controllers. This involved the F-4’s of Marine Fighter Attack Squadrons VMFA-115 and VMFA-232, flying 12-20 sorties per day. “Moderate to heavy” anti-aircraft fire by the communist’s was received from 23-mm, 37-mm and SA-7 weapons in positions set up along major communication routes. Previously, the Khmer Rouge had used small arms and 12.7-mm machine guns. Beginning 11 May 1973, the Marine All-weather Attack Squadron VMA(AW)-533 conducted strikes using airborne moving target indicator and ground radar beacons to carry out armed road reconnaissance at a rate of five sorties per night. The distances flown to the targets required in-flight refueling by Marine Aerial Refueling Squadron 152 Detachment Delta before and after the target areas were hit. By June, the beginning of the annual monsoon, the ground crisis had passed with the help of MAG-15. By not authorizing continued funding, Congress brought to an end to this support that summer. By then, Task Force Delta had flown 10,215 combat sorties involving a total of 30,998 flight hours and 24,584 tons of ordnance. Three A-6’s and two F-4’s were lost in Combat over the skies of Southeast Asia during 1972 and 1973. Six men were lost and are missing in action. Major John T. “Jack” Dyer, Jr., a combat artist from headquarters Marine Corps,
assigned to Nam Phong that summer, recorded the scene in words and pictures in
1973: General Jannell was directed to carry out OpPlan 1-73 on August 27 1973 when the Joint Chiefs of Staff had approved the shut down of Nam Phong with a target date of 30 August. Task Force Delta’s command chronology recorded, “received execute order for retrograde. Today is designated as “R” day. After calls on the U.S. Embassy and MACThai, General Jannell supervised the final color detail at Royal Thai Air Force Base Nam Phong at 0800, 21 September 1973, as the “American Flag was lowered…signifying the departure of the final increment of the 2,100 U.S. Marines stationed at the facility in support of Cambodia air operations.” Present were the Thai Minister of Defense and the commanding General of the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. “Approximately 50 members of the press flew in from Bangkok to observe the final departure,” recalled Jannell, who met them, along with MAG-15’s Colonel Bjorkland. The story of the “Rose Garden” was closed with this last official act. On 2 November 1973, the task force was dissolved. Footnote: On 24 September 1973, the Marine Corps Historical Division noted that “we should accept this time and date as being the official end of the U.S. Marine Corps participation in the Southeast Asian War.” (HQMC[HD], Director of Marine Corps History memo dated 24Sept73)
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