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79 Sqn RAAF Base Ubon
(1962-68)
79 Squadron Ubon Thailand
In 1962 Thailand, a member of the South East Asia Treaty Organisation
requested the SEATO nations for military assistance to help defend Thailand in
case of any attack from North Vietnam troop movements along its northern
borders.
As of 31 May 1962 to 1968 (to honour Australia's commitment to the SEATO) the
RAAF committed a contingent of 250 personnel, and provided a support squadron of
eight sabre aircraft to be sent to Ubon, Thailand to patrol the Thai/Laos border
area, assisting Thailand in defending against communist insurgents and
terrorists from neighbouring countries to the east.
Ubon, near the Laos border in eastern Thailand was, over six years, home to
some 2000 RAAF personnel living in very basic conditions and operating with just
bare necessities. No.79 Squadron (formed on 24 June 1962 from 77 Squadron
detachment) and RAAF Ubon personnel can be very proud of the excellent
serviceability rate maintained over the years and have finally been recognised
by the Australian Government with the recent award of the Australian Service
Medal and clasp "Ubon" 1945-1975.
In 1965 their role was broadened to assisting the USAF in the tactical air
war against Vietnam. The USAF used the air base at Ubon to launch air attacks on
North Vietnam 24 hours a day.
79 Squadron was affectionately known as TWA - Teeny-Weeny-Airline, by
the USAF who operated some 90-plus F-4 Phantom Fighters from Ubon on Vietnam
missions.
RAAF Contingent Ubon was withdrawn 31 August 1968.
Gunny Section sign brought back to Aust by Pete Dolan
and nailed up in
in No2 OCU, then stolen by 76Sqn and bolted to the rafters. ;-)
Painted by Ken Wilkinson
It brings a tear to the eye ;-)
Glen LLoyd on left
I can see Reg Meissner and Tony Karpys
Recognise any of these? Ron Brett!
Fourth from the left in the back row Doug Waters (Elec)
Bill Riley marshalling a Sabre From a trip to Udorn
Joint USAF and RAAF Plaque from the "Gentleman's Club"
(Peter Grant)
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