12 The First Deployment of Australian Ground Forces: RAAF:
Description
This article is from the Vietnam FAQ, by Brian Ross, John R. Tegtmeier, Edwin E. Moise, Frank Vaughan, John Tegtmeier with numerous contributions by others.
12 The First Deployment of Australian Ground Forces: RAAF:
Since August 1964, elements of No.35 Squadron (Transport)
consisting of fixed wing Caribous, had been stationed at Vung Tau in
order to assist in the movement and supply of 1 RAR. With the
establishment of 1ATF and 1 ALSG in June 1966, No.9 Squadron
(Helicopters) were deployed to provide logistic support, troop
movement and medevac facilities for the Task Force. Both of these
commitments were relatively insignificant except in so far as they
represent a desire to have Australians supporting Australians in Phuoc
Tuy. Both units served as essential support for 1 ATF but added little
to the ongoing American involvement.
Perhaps one of the most significant RAAF contributions to the
Vietnam war was the deployment of No.2 Squadron (Canberra Bombers) to
Phan Rang in April 1967. The Australian 5th Airfield Construction
Squadron had completed the provision of Australian facil ities by the
time the first eight of ten bombers arrived. The bombers were to under
go usual maintenance in Phan Rang but had additional facilities at
Butterworth, in Malaysia for major maintenance.(28) The entire
contingent consisted of approximately 300 men and came under the
command of USAF 35th Tactical Fighter Wing.(29)
At the height of Australia's military involvement in Vietnam,
RAAF personnel numbered around 800 people from three squadrons. The
Canberra Bomber squadron was the first summoned home in March 1971
followed by the remaining RAAF personnel in August.<br>
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