DOCSLIB.ORG

Congressional Record United States Th of America PROCEEDINGS and DEBATES of the 108 CONGRESS, SECOND SESSION

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Congressional Record United States Th of America PROCEEDINGS and DEBATES of the 108 CONGRESS, SECOND SESSION E PL UR UM IB N U U S Congressional Record United States th of America PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE 108 CONGRESS, SECOND SESSION Vol. 150 WASHINGTON, WEDNESDAY, MAY 5, 2004 No. 61 House of Representatives The House met at 10 a.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE EDUCATION IN AMERICA Commander Maurice S. Kaprow, The SPEAKER. Will the gentle- (Mr. ROSS asked and was given per- Chaplain Corps, U.S. Naval Reserve, woman from Colorado (Mrs. MUSGRAVE) mission to address the House for 1 Norfolk, Virginia, offered the following come forward and lead the House in the minute and to revise and extend his re- prayer: Pledge of Allegiance. marks.) Eternal God, today as we gather in Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, as the proud this historic and august chamber, we Mrs. MUSGRAVE led the Pledge of Al- legiance as follows: son of public school educators and a fa- pause to thank You for the many bless- ther of two children attending public ings You have bestowed upon our Na- I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the school, I am concerned about the state United States of America, and to the Repub- tion, our constituents, and ourselves. of education in America. Thank You for making us the strong- lic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Education is one of America’s most est, most democratic and compas- fundamental building blocks. A solid sionate Nation in this wonderful, yet f education system is what drives our troubled world. Nation’s prosperity and paves the way As we meet here in the safety of this to a brighter future for our great coun- INVESTIGATION NEEDED OF OIL House of Representatives, let us re- try. Yet, our President, for the third FOR FOOD PROGRAM member the many members of our year in a row, wants to cut funding for Armed Forces, especially those serving (Mr. FOLEY asked and was given per- our public education system. Though far from home in the midst of danger, mission to address the House for 1 the President promised to support our at the tip of the spear, bringing the minute and to revise and extend his re- teachers, he tried to cut teacher qual- hope of democracy where tyranny once marks.) ity programs by $268 million in the 2004 ruled, and the specter of peace to those Mr. FOLEY. Mr. Speaker, 7 years ago budget. who for years cowered in terror and the United Nations established an Oil Our President has repeatedly slashed lived in tumult. for Food program intended for humani- funding for the Pell grants, which al- We pray for the safe return of those tarian relief. Oil was sold to finance lows thousands of deserving students deployed to the four corners of the the purchase of food, medicine and the opportunity to go to college. And Earth, sailors and Marines, soldiers, other relief necessities for the Iraqi his proposed budget for 2005 slashes airmen, and Coast Guardsmen. Guard people. funding for the No Child Left Behind their families and give them strength The General Accounting Office esti- program which the President has re- to endure until their service members mates that more than $10 billion was peatedly identified as one of his top return to their homes to welcoming stolen from the Oil For Food program. priorities by $8 billion. arms and the warm embrace of those Money that was to help the Iraqi peo- Our children deserve a real education they love. ple went to pay off politicians and ex- system that provides them with a Grant us all life and peace, courage ecutives, build a $20 million Olympic solid, quality education. and wisdom, as we act today and every- sport facility for Uday Hussein, and day in the best interests of the citizens f spent over $50 million for promotion of these United States, while being for the Husseins’ propaganda. They WIRELESS PHONES AND 911 CALLS ever mindful of those throughout the may have even financed weapons that world community. And let us, say, (Mr. SHIMKUS asked and was given are now being used against our troops. Amen. permission to address the House for 1 Oil for Food was the largest UN pro- minute and to revise and extend his re- f gram in the world at one time. The marks.) Iraqi people are owed an explanation Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, not long for the exploitation of their resources. ago, all 911 calls were local calls made THE JOURNAL And if the United Nations is to be on wireline phones. Today, it is esti- The SPEAKER. The Chair has exam- treated credibly, they must assist in mated that nearly 130 million wireless ined the Journal of the last day’s pro- the investigation of where this money phones are in use, generating an aver- ceedings and announces to the House went to; $10 billion stolen from the age of 150,000 calls to 911 each day. his approval thereof. Iraqi people. The U.N. needs to come However, few people realize that most Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Jour- clean on this issue and share with the wireless 911 calls do not go to the near- nal stands approved. people where these dollars went. est public safety answering point, do b This symbol represents the time of day during the House proceedings, e.g., b 1407 is 2:07 p.m. Matter set in this typeface indicates words inserted or appended, rather than spoken, by a Member of the House on the floor. H2551 . VerDate May 04 2004 02:11 May 06, 2004 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A05MY7.000 H05PT1 H2552 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 5, 2004 not provide the caller’s call-back num- The fact that cargo theft is now According to the National Council on ber, nor do they provide the caller’s lo- being tied to the funding of terror Aging, a national voluntary network of cation. makes it critical that we address this organizations and individuals dedi- In some areas, wireless callers get an crime on the Federal level. I have in- cated to improving health and inde- automated voice instead of help when troduced a bill, the Cargo Theft Pre- pendence of our seniors, low income they dial 911. vention Act, which seeks to bring this Medicare beneficiaries should abso- The House passed legislation earlier crime out of the shadows and to finally lutely apply for a new Medicare ap- this year which I introduced with my hold criminals accountable. proved drug discount card and its $600 colleague, the gentlewoman from Cali- With stricter criminal penalties and annual transition assistance benefit. fornia (Ms. ESHOO), that attempts to better information sharing, this bill Despite the shrill protests of those solve these problems by enhancing the will finally give both lawmakers and who voted against it and want it to coordination of E–911 implementation law enforcement officials the tools fail, the power to save on prescription in each State, discouraging the raiding they need to combat this growing drugs is now in the hands of the sen- of E–911 funds, and giving local PSAPs crime. With support from the American iors, and Republicans will help. additional funding to help them finally Trucking Association and multiple law f achieve and enhance 911 capability. enforcement groups, I hope all of you It is my hope we can get this legisla- will join me in cosponsoring H.R. 3563, CINCO DE MAYO tion to the President before the end of The Cargo Theft Prevention Act. (Ms. LINDA T. SA´ NCHEZ of Cali- the year so local communities can f fornia asked and was given permission begin upgrading their 911 systems and UNANSWERED QUESTIONS to address the House for 1 minute and help first responders locate those in to revise and extend her remarks.) need as quickly as possible. (Mr. EMANUEL asked and was given Ms. LINDA T. SA´ NCHEZ of Cali- permission to address the House for 1 f fornia. Mr. Speaker, today we celebrate minute and to revise and extend his re- a day that represents the importance HONORING NATHAN BRUCKENTHAL marks.) of freedom, liberty and determination (Mr. ISRAEL asked and was given Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, Presi- for the people of Mexico and for Mexi- permission to address the House for 1 dent Kennedy once said, ‘‘An error does can Americans. minute and to revise and extend his re- not become a mistake until you refuse On May 5, 1862, untrained, out-num- marks.) to correct it. Without debate, without bered and out-gunned Mexican forces criticism no administration and no Mr. ISRAEL. Mr. Speaker, on April determined to protect their land, suc- country can succeed and no republic 24, Nathan Bruckenthal became the cessfully defended the town of Puebla first member of the Coast Guard to die can survive. Today, Members of this House and against the French. in battle since Vietnam. His bravery this Chamber have refused and said it Against overwhelming odds, they and sacrifice shines a light on the often is not time to have hearings in this managed to drive back the French overlooked sacrifices made by the Congress over what we have seen re- Army, achieving a total victory over Coast Guard in our Nation’s defense. cently in Iraq. The men and women soldiers that were deemed the best Nathan is survived by a proud father over there serving their country, our trained and equipped in the world. in Northport, New York, village police country, our friends, our neighbors, our For Mexico, this days represents a chief Rick Bruckenthal and his wife, constituents, are making us proud.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • The SRAO Story by Sue Behrens
    The SRAO Story By Sue Behrens 1986 Dissemination of this work is made possible by the American Red Cross Overseas Association April 2015 For Hannah, Virginia and Lucinda CONTENTS Foreword iii Acknowledgements vi Contributors vii Abbreviations viii Prologue Page One PART ONE KOREA: 1953 - 1954 Page 1 1955 - 1960 33 1961 - 1967 60 1968 - 1973 78 PART TWO EUROPE: 1954 - 1960 98 1961 - 1967 132 PART THREE VIETNAM: 1965 - 1968 155 1969 - 1972 197 Map of South Vietnam List of SRAO Supervisors List of Helpmate Chapters Behrens iii FOREWORD In May of 1981 a group of women gathered in Washington D.C. for a "Grand Reunion". They came together to do what people do at reunions - to renew old friendships, to reminisce, to laugh, to look at old photos of them­ selves when they were younger, to sing "inside" songs, to get dressed up for a reception and to have a banquet with a speaker. In this case, the speaker was General William Westmoreland, and before the banquet, in the afternoon, the group had gone to Arlington National Cemetery to place a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. They represented 1,600 women who had served (some in the 50's, some in the 60's and some in the 70's) in an American Red Cross program which provided recreation for U.S. servicemen on duty in Europe, Korea and Vietnam. It was named Supplemental Recreational Activities Overseas (SRAO). In Europe it was known as the Red Cross center program. In Korea and Vietnam it was Red Cross clubmobile service.
    [Show full text]
  • Phan Rang AB, RVN the History of Phan Rang AB and the Stories of Those Who Served There
    The History of Phan Rang AB and the stories of those who served there. “Keeping the memories alive” Newsletter 201 In this issue: Money Used At Phan Rang Air Base by Ray Bows NAPALM Dirty Word in Vietnam War Sergeant Butch Logs 5,000 Hours Without them, our Job Couldn’t be Done - Says Pilot of Munitions Men It Happened At Phan Rang - by Allan Campbell Gallantry Cross with Palm for the men of the 35th TFW and its subordinate units Oceana Man Gets Air Medal - Charles B. Haskins ‘Spookies’ Rout Reds Doug’s Comments This story actually has two facets: First, the facilities named at Phan Rang for airmen and officers who served their units and their nation with distinction during the war in Vietnam, and secondly about the little known tokens and chits that were used in slot-machines and at clubs because the monetary standard in Vietnam, as all Vietnam veterans know, were Military Payment Certificates (MPC). Needless to say MPC couldn't activate slot machines, thus slugs were needed. MACV regulations required that each club had to have their own different tokens, whether they were marked with location, unit, or club name, they could not be the same as another clubs. Phan Rang Air Base was set in a valley surrounded by scrub brush covered hills and thick jungle river channels. The climate was wet, hot and humid with an average rainfall of thirty-five inches “Happy Valley” Phan Rang AB, RVN The History of Phan Rang AB and the stories of those who served there.
    [Show full text]
  • “Happy Valley” Phan Rang AB, RVN ...Keeping the Memories Alive Phan Rang AB News No
    “Happy Valley” Phan Rang AB, RVN ...keeping the memories alive Phan Rang AB News No. 169 “Stories worth telling” In this issue: 366TH Units In Viet Nam Shift Crew Celebrates Christmas - Aboard U.S. Warship Building the ‘Concrete Sky’ Capt. Kraybill of Pittsfield Heads Medical Team Former Defiance man Joins Vanderbilt staff - Dr. Spengler MSgt. Gettle Writes From DaNang Base Orange Youth Hurt In Vietnam Stormy Gives Clues For Spotting The New Guy Serving Our County Meet the Newbies 2019 Phan Rang Reunion Update 366TH Units In Viet Nam Shift (Alamogordo (N.M.) Daily News, Friday, October 21, 1966) HOLLOMAN — Movement of F-4C Phantom and B-57 Canberra units and the opening a 10.000- foot concrete runway at the Phan Rang air base were announced last week by the Air Force in Viet Nam. Units shifted were Phantom- equipped 389th Tactical Fighter Squadron, formerly of Holloman, from Phan Rang to the Da Nang air base. The Canberra units transferred from Da Nang to Phan Rang. Concurrent with the transfer, the parent wing designations along with their attached squadrons at the two bases were switched. The 35th Tactical Fighter Wing is now at Phan Rang and the 366th Tactical Fighter Wing is now at Da Nang. Only the Phantom and Canberra aircrews and some support men were physically transferred. The movement and unit designations were part of Air Force’s “bed down” program for its organizations in Viet Nam. Page 1 The Phan Rang AB News No. 169 “Happy Valley” Phan Rang AB, RVN ...keeping the memories alive Phan Rang AB News No.
    [Show full text]
  • Seventh AF History
    SE'VENTH AI FORCE Principal Organizations • 3rd Tactical Fighter Wing 35th Tactical Fighter Wing 388th Tactical Fighter Wing �:.....� • 8th Tactical Fighter Wing 37th Tactical Fighter Wing 432nd Tactical Recon Wing 12th Tactical Fighter Wing 56th Special Operations Wing 460th Tactical Recoil Wing 14th Special Operations Wing 355th Tactical Fighter Wing 553rd Reconnaissance Wing 31st Tactical Fighter Wing 366th Tactical Fighter \Ving 633rd Special Operations Wing / 377 Combat Support Group 63211(1 Combat Support Group 834th Air Division &§£ 315th Special Operations Wing. 483rd Tactical Airlift Wing 2nd Aerial Port Group Other Units 1st Civil Engineering Group 3rd Air Rescue and Recovery Group 1st Weather Group 505th Tactical Control Group 1964th Communications Group .' CONTENTS Introduction 2 Why Vietnam? 3 Vietnam - HistoricaUy Independent 4 Vietnam - Unlimited Potential 12 Seventh Air Force 14 Total Air 16 ,The Allies 17 The Vietnamese Air Force 18 Air Force Advisory Group; Free World Forces 19 Forward Air Controllers 20 Strategic Air Command and the B-52s 22 Tactical Air 25 Airpower in Vietnam 29 Maintenance 34 Airlift - Lifeline to Survival 36 Air Rescuc 40 Communications 42 Munitions 43 . Security 45 Reconnaissance 46 Psychological Operations 48 Defoliation 50 Other Support 51 The Enemy - and His Tactics 56 Civic Action 58 Scenic Vietnam; A Photographic Portfolio 60 Epilo�� 64 Contrails spew from the wingtips of /) Seventh Air Force MISSION VIETNAM is an unofficial publication of the Seventh Air Force, for distribution to Seventh Air Force A -1 Skyra:ider as it pulls out of a bomb dive. personnel. Comments herein do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the U.
    [Show full text]
  • “Happy Valley” Phan Rang AB, Vietnam ...Keeping the Memories Alive Phan Rang AB News No
    “Happy Valley” Phan Rang AB, Vietnam ...keeping the memories alive Phan Rang AB News No. 62 “Stories worth telling” In this issue: Phan Rang Helping Clean-Up First Pizza at Phan Rang AB Phan Rang Memories by Larry Theurer: We Can Do It Blindfolded 834th Celebrating 2nd Year; Head of All Vietnam Airlift AC-119 Tails by Jim Mattison: Longest Mission Sabreman Wins ‘Gun’ Honor Got To Get A Message To You Protecting Phan Rang AB by Ken Swickard: Memories of Nam 1968 Two survivors rescued in AF crash killing 42 others Phan Rang Duo Pass Spare Time With Interesting Taxidermy Hobby Serving our Country 2015 Reunion Information Doug’s Musings Who’s Who at Phan Rang Archives of the Phan Rang News and the Phan Fare (Phan Rang AB Library) Phan Rang Helping Clean-Up (Seventh Air Force News, November 6, 1968) PHAN RANG —A four-phase program to beautify Phan Rang City has been initiated as a joint effort of city officials and U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, Royal Australian Air Force and Republic of Korea Army personnel of Phan Rang AB. "The first phase will be strictly cleanup," said 1st Lt. Bryan A. Wolter, Algoma, Wisc., base civic action officer. Primary emphasis will be given to the major routes going through the city." "Areas surrounding public buildings, school and civic areas are on the list. The residents are being asked to clean up their yards and surrounding areas and pile the refuse along the street," Lieutenant Wolter said. "We'll provide the trucks to haul it away.
    [Show full text]
  • Vietnam Security Police Association, Inc. (USAF): , Da Nang Air Base History
    USAF HISTORY Telling it like it was! Air Base 6252nd Air Police Squadron 35th Air Police Squadron 366th Air Police Squadron jll) It t 366th Security Police Squadron History VierzJiettlamtnam 6498th Security Police Squadron APO for Da Nang Air Base was APO San Francisco, 96337 B-26C Serial 44-34109 of the French Air Force flew Over Indochina 1952. InThis 1953/54 aircraft thewas FrenchReturned laid to athe NATO-standard USAF Oct 1955 7,800-footand scrapped. asphalt runway at Toluene - later renamed Da Nang, however, there were no runway lights or maintenance buildings. The first aircraft stationed by the French Air Force at Toluene were loaned American B-26s "Invaders" of the Groupe de Bombardement 1/19 Gascogne. In 1954 after the Geneva Peace Accords, these B-26's were returned to the United States. On 1 July the newly- independent South Vietnamese Air Force inherited a token force of fifty-eight aircraft. These included a few squadrons of Cessna L-19 observation aircraft, C-47 transports and various utility aircraft. Toluene Airfiled was turned over to civilian use, with the South Vietnamese using facilities at Bien Hoa, Nha Trang and at Tan Son Nhut, near Saigon.In 1958 the South Vietnamese Air Force re-established a presence at Da Nang, stationing the 1st USAFLiaison Use Squadron of Da Nang with AirCessna Base: L-19s. Da NangThe South Air Base Vietnamese became Army) a joint also operating used Da airfield Nang as a ranger training facility. when U.S. Forces started to arrive in the early 1960s. As the fighting between the North and South Vietnamese increased, the number of SVNAF units at Da Nang also increased, as did those of the USAF, and U.S Marine air units which swelled the capacity of the base beyond its limits.
    [Show full text]
  • Phan Rang AB, Vietnam ...Keeping the Memories Alive Phan Rang News No
    News From many sources from “Happy Valley” Phan Rang AB, Vietnam ...keeping the memories alive Phan Rang News No. 9 “Stories worth telling” In this issue Base Procurement Sets Record 310th ACS Donates Rice One LTMKIA - First Mission Fatal Perimeter Towers of Phan Rang Batson Hall Menu for Thanksgiving 1968 General Bennie Luke Davis Mother Had Feeling Son Was In Battle Reconnaissance Jets Revamped for Viet Use First B-57 Jets Reach Japan Admit U.S. Air Bombers Train In Philippines Gen. Brown Takes 7AF Command Parting Shot (jpg) Base Procurement Sets Record (Phan Fare, December 13, 1967) No, this time it’s not 100 missions flown in support of ground operations in Vietnam, but something altogether different. The Base Procurement Office here has completed its 100th referral action to its many out-of- country Area Procurement Offices in direct support of the 35th TFW. When asked what exactly encompasses the activity, TSgt Dale E. Isaac, the Base Procurement Officer, replied “its buying and contracting of supplies and services for the personnel and equipment of the 35th TFW and attached units. This 100th referral mark was accomplished in only half of the current fiscal year, and we plan to almost double it in the future.” Sgt. Michael J. Knight, operations branch, stated that since July 1, they have received requests for the purchase of 422 items. 310th ACS Donates Rice (Phan Fare, December 13, 1967) Personnel of the 31oth Air Commando Squadron recently donated 1,500 pounds of rice to the people of Hoai Truong, a small village five miles southwest of Phan Rang Air Base.
    [Show full text]
  • Project CHECO Southeast Asia Report. Local Base Defense in RVN
    Dq*mMW AW E.O. 12U to Air vsDdueftWonO 7104266ar AppmwW for PubNc Relem.sl70 26 DO NOT DESTRLY PROECT W L@MAma W.V.P"Am) u WIL 13E RE PORT= LOCABA E DIIRECLMSSFIN *-- .....'04266 6 DolauftlAW E.O. 1298 by the Akllloe Offie and Appoved for P NeiOReleas. ..- himC~~''',ontemporory m,t ,,,ll I It ~of I' r"Ilc'l5 E pxaration s * 111111REPORT LOCAL BASE DEFENSE INRVN IAN 69 -JON 71 *14 SEPTEMBER 1971 i 5. HQ PACAF Directorate of Operations Analysis CHECO/CORONA HARVEST DIVISION SPECIAL HANDLING REQUIRED Prepared by: NOT RELEASABLE TO 3 FOREIGN NATIONALS Mr. Johm W. Dennison The information contained in Mr. Melvin F. Porter this document will not be disclosed to foreign nationals or their representatives. Project CHECO 7th AF, DOAC * K717.0413-61 1971 DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE *.HEADQUARTERS PACIFIC AIR FORCES HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE, HAWAII 98853 REPLY O 19 OCT 1981 ATTN OF: DOE SUSACT Downgrading of Project CHECO Report, "7AF Local Base Defense Operations, July 1965-December 1968 (U)" TO: See distribution list 1. (U) A review has been made by appropriate personnel, this head quarters, to downgrade Project CHECO Report, 1 July 1969, "7AF Local Base Defense Operations, July 1965-December 1968 (U)," HQ PACAF/DOTEC, Secret-NOFORN. 2. (C) As a result of this review, it has been determined that this document can be downgraded to Confidential-NOFORN with a review-for-declassification date of 1 October 1987. Pages 55 and 56 contain comments which would be offensive to Thai military officials if disclosed; therefore, they must remain classified at the Confidential-NOFORN level.
    [Show full text]
  • Phan Rang AB News 98
    “Happy Valley” Phan Rang AB, Vietnam ...keeping the memories alive Phan Rang AB News No. 98 “Stories worth telling” In this issue: Capt. R. S. Pahl Cited For Vietnam Bombing Airmen, Soldiers Finish 7th AF Combat Course National Guard Unit Welcomed in Vietnam Communists bomb Airport, take Phan Rang The Face of Viet-Nam - The Land & the People (Part 3) Joe Kaupa “Protect & Serve”: “Vietnam”, part 2 Challenge Coin Ordering Information Phan Rang AB Staff Members 2016 Reunion Information Capt. R. S. Pahl Cited For Vietnam Bombing (The Post-Standard, February 7, 1972) GRIFFISS AFB - Gallantry and achievement may seem to have been relegated to the distant past, but a 29-year-old Rome Air Development Center pilot has proved that they are still current. Capt. Robert S. Pahl of the Center's Flight Test Division was recently decorated with one of the nation's highest honors: the Silver Star for gallantry in Vietnam. In addition, the B-57 Reconnaissance pilot added two oak leaf clusters to the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement in battle on two other occasions. The Rossville, Ga., native, while stationed at Phan Rang Air Base, Vietnam, with the 35th Tactical Fighter Wing, carried out three highly successful missions against enemy forces. On Feb. 5, 1971, Capt. Pahl flew his F-100 fighter-bomber to a location where friendly forces were pinned down by intense ground fire. Heavy antiaircraft fire, poor visibility and darkness notwithstanding, Pahl delivered devastation with unerring accuracy against the hostile forces. He destroyed their effectiveness, thereby enabling the allies to regroup and prepare for an offensive thrust the following month.
    [Show full text]
  • “Happy Valley” Phan Rang AB, RVN ...Keeping the Memories Alive Phan Rang AB News No
    “Happy Valley” Phan Rang AB, RVN ...keeping the memories alive Phan Rang AB News No. 165 “Stories worth telling” In this issue: History of the Combat Security Police in Vietnam - Operation Safeside Phan Rang Guard reflects on the Loneliness of War The “Bummers” Saga Continues - Beach Trip - Brown’s Story Pilot Tells of Bailout Security Police - Black and White Divide Serving Our Country A Vietnam Veteran is the Sum of All of His Stories History of the Combat Security Police In Vietnam Operation Safeside Operation Safeside in a nutshell: The principles of Operation safeside was started during the early days of the Vietnam War. Before Safeside, Army units defended airbases from Page 1 The Phan Rang AB News No. 165 “Happy Valley” Phan Rang AB, RVN ...keeping the memories alive Phan Rang AB News No. 165 “Stories worth telling” outside the perimeters, while security police defended the areas “inside the wire.” However, the army units often had to respond to other actions, and enemy forces were than free to move close enough to launch attacks on the bases. Safeside changed that, replacing the army units on perimeter defense with specially-trained security forces. MEDIA REPORTS ON OPERATION SAFESIDE Special AF Unit In Training to Defend Bases (Pacific Stars & Stripes, Friday, December 16, 1966) S&S Washington Bureau WASHINGTON—The Air Force has formed a new type of special air police unit trained in advanced ground combat and guerrilla warfare to expand and strengthen its air base defenses. It is assumed the unit will head for Vietnam early in 1967, although the Air Force would not confirm this.
    [Show full text]
  • Phan Rang AB News 31
    News From many sources from “Happy Valley” Phan Rang AB, Vietnam ...keeping the memories alive Phan Rang News No. 31 In this issue 315th Air Commando Wing Gets A New Commander Base Receives Huge Gold Trophy for Best Mission Support in 7th AF 35th CES Building Snazzy ‘LOX’ Plant Servicemen News The PHANFARE Masthead Evolution Tales of Phan Rang (part 6) Phan Rang AB Gets ARC Unit An Ageless Queen Reigns Over the Delta The 2014 “Happy Valley” Phan Rang AB Reunion 315th Air Commando Wing Gets A New Commander (PHANFARE, August 13, 1967) Colonel Bill M Richardson, 46, from Russellville, Ky., has become commander of the 315th Air Commando Wing, where C-123 Provider transports bring supplies to Army Special Forces camps all over South Vietnam. A B-26 bomber pilot in World War II, the colonel has eight months in Vietnam. His comment on taking over the wings: “It’s a very fine outfit...I have some good people to work with.” The colonel’s appointment as commander comes as a time of major changes for the Provided unit, wich has four airlift squadrons and a squadron which specializes in defoliation operations to deny the cover of forest and other hiding places to the enemy. Recently the wing moved its headquarters and the majority of its personnel and aircraft to Phan Rang Air Base in a move designed to consolidated its major maintenance operations at a single base. The wing’s ‘B’ model Providers are currently being replaced by improved ‘K’ models from the United States. The new models, according, to Col.
    [Show full text]
  • Phan Rang AB News 19
    News From many sources from “Happy Valley” Phan Rang AB, Vietnam ...keeping the memories alive Phan Rang News No. 19 In this issue The Arrival of the 366th TFW At Phan Rang AB - A Pictorial The 2014 Phan Rang AB “Happy Valley” Reunion Doug’s Notes Incredible high-resolution photos of the arrival of the 366th at Phan Rang AB. The 366th Tactical Fighter Wing was the first permanent USAF organization to be stationed at Phan Rang Air Base, arriving on 20 March 1966 from Holloman Air Force Base New Mexico. The wing was composed of a mixture of F-100 Super Sabre and F-4C Phantom II squadrons, deployed from several Tactical Air Command wings. 1 News From many sources from “Happy Valley” Phan Rang AB, Vietnam ...keeping the memories alive Phan Rang News No. 19 Phan Rang Air Base was quickly expanded in 1965 to accommodate both United States and South Vietnamese Air Force fighter and helicopter units. The modernized airfield consisted of two 10,000-foot runways 04L/22R concrete and 04R/22L AM-2 planking with parallel taxiways and covered and open aircraft revetments along with several ramps and parking aprons on both sides of the runways. They were constructed with asphalt and AM-2 pierced steel aprons. In addition, a large support base was constructed with a large control tower, fire rescue units, maintenance facilities, supply warehouses, munitions storage, barracks and a wide variety of support buildings including service clubs and recreation facilities. The APO for Phan Rang Air Base was APO San Francisco, 96321.
    [Show full text]