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52-529: Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base (Udorn RTAFB) is a Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) base, the home of 23rd Wing Air Command. It is in the city of Udon Thani in northeastern Thailand and is the main airport serving the city and province. The RTAF 231 Squadron "Hunter" is assigned to Udorn, equipped with the Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet -A. Udorn RTAFB was established in the 1950s. The civil war inside Laos and fears of it spreading into Thailand led

104-1018: A Bréguet biplane. The aviation section put on a demonstration in January 1914, gaining the support of the King and a permanent aviation group was established and an air base at Don Muang was assigned, as the Royal Aeronautical Service , under Army control. Siam entered World War I with the Allies in July 1917, and a Siamese Expeditionary Force of around 1,200 men was sent to France, arriving in June 1918. Among them were 370 pilots and groundcrew , including more than 100 officers who were sent to flight school first at Istres and Avord, and then at Istres , Le Crotoy , La Chapelle-la-Reine , Biscarosse and Piox. Eventually, The 95 pilots who qualified as military aviators flew

156-596: A headquarters section . The total strength is approximately 350 members, including Navy sailors. The aviation combat element ( ACE ) is a USMC composite squadron (reinforced) composed of a medium tiltrotor squadron augmented with detachments of heavy, light, and attack helicopters, one detachment of amphibious flight-deck- capable jets, and a Marine air control group detachment with tactical air command, air traffic control , direct air support , and anti-aircraft assets, as well as wing headquarters, wing communications, and wing support squadron personnel. Total strength

208-582: A 31-year-old Saudi-born Palestinian, believed to be one of Osama bin Laden 's top lieutenants. In December 2014 the United States Senate Select Committee on Intelligence (SSCI) published an executive summary of a secret 6,000-page report on CIA techniques. The report alleges that at least eight Thai senior officials knew of the secret site. The site was closed in December 2002. Thailand has denied

260-409: A ceasefire was arranged in January 1941. Later that year, on 7 December, Thailand was invaded by Japan. The RTAF took an active role in the resistance. Combat Wings 1 and 5 engaged significantly more advanced Japanese aircraft over Thailand's eastern border, but suffered heavy losses, including almost 30 percent of Wing 5, before a cease-fire took effect the following day. The Air Force is commanded by

312-485: A cohesive, flexible, and powerful force. The work-up period includes training in many combat and noncombat skills, to include: Exercises conducted during the work-up period can include: Deployment : Following the work-up period, the MEU deploys for six months in support of geographic combatant commanders . During this time, the MEU is a forward-deployed, self-sustaining force that combatant commanders can direct to accomplish

364-632: A few operational sorties in the closing weeks of the war but suffered no casualties, nor scored any kills. Their training did mean that Siam entered the post-World War I period with one of the best equipped and trained air forces in Asia. In the 1930s the Royal Aeronautical Service began to replace French aircraft with American designs, purchasing more than 95 aircraft, including the Boeing P-12 E, Curtiss Hawks , and Vought Corsairs . The air force

416-421: A flight. Chakrabongse sent three army officers to France, who began flight training at Vélizy-Villacoublay in July 1912. The officers became qualified aviators a year later. Soon after, Sra Pathum airfield was established along with a temporary hangar to house planes and also host flight training. In late 1913, the three new aviators returned home after arranging for the purchase of four Nieuport monoplanes and

468-492: A number of modern bases which were constructed between 1954 and 1968, have permanent buildings and ground support equipment. All but one were built and used by United States forces until their withdrawal from Thailand in 1976 when the RTAF took over the installations at Takhli and Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat) . In the late 1980s, these bases and Don Muang Air Base outside Bangkok , which the air force shares with civil aviation, remain

520-470: A special operations group at Udorn. No more than four C‐130s, and usually only two, were assigned to the restricted section of the base. Their mission was to create rainfall over North Vietnam, Laos, and South Vietnam to hamper enemy logistics and tactical initiative. Beginning in late 1970, Udorn was drawn down as part of the overall US withdrawal from the Vietnam War: In 1972, tactical fighter strength

572-524: A variety of special operations and conventional missions. The missions may include: West Coast MEUs fall under I Marine Expeditionary Force , and their main area of operations includes the western Pacific and Indian oceans (to include the Persian Gulf ). East Coast MEUs fall under II Marine Expeditionary Force and maintain presence in the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea . The 31st MEU

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624-628: Is about 200 members, including Navy sailors. Recently, MEUs have been deployed within an expeditionary strike group (ESG) in the Mediterranean , the Western Pacific , and periodically, the Atlantic and Indian Oceans . An ESG is typically composed of three amphibious ships that embark the necessary troops and equipment and are escorted by a guided missile cruiser (CG) and guided missile destroyers (DDG) and submarine ( SSN ) support. Before

676-867: Is approximately 600 troops. The logistics combat element ( LCE ) (formerly combat service support element or CSSE ) is based on the MEU combat logistics battalion (CLB) (formerly MEU service support group or MSSG ). It contains all the logistics specialists and equipment necessary for the MEU to support and sustain itself for up to 15 days in an austere expeditionary environment. It includes service support (postal and disbursing), medical , dental , intermediate maintenance, intermediate supply (consumables and secondary reparable), transportation (distribution and landing support), explosive ordnance disposal , utilities production and distribution, bulk fuels, internal communications, and various other technical experts. It consists of approximately 300 members, including Navy sailors. The command element ( CE ), which includes

728-495: Is composed of Troop strength of a MEU is about 2,200 (normal and peacetime) to 4,400 (mobilization and wartime). A MEU is usually commanded by a colonel , and is deployed from amphibious assault ships . Currently, a MEU embarks personnel and equipment on the amphibious warfare ships of an expeditionary strike group (ESG), which also includes escort warships and submarines to protect them from air, surface, and submarine threats. For further protection and strong air support, an ESG

780-940: Is equipped with: Many types of equipment are, or will soon, undergo a transitory phase as they are replaced. Some examples include the Amphibious Combat Vehicle replacing the AAV-7, the F-35 Lightning II replacing the AV-8B Harrier, and the CH-53K King Stallion replacing the CH-53E . The ground combat element ( GCE ) is based on the battalion landing team ( BLT ), an infantry battalion reinforced with an artillery battery , amphibious assault vehicle platoon, combat engineer platoon, light armored reconnaissance company, reconnaissance platoon, and other units as

832-406: Is often deployed along with one or more carrier strike groups . The MEU is unique in that its air and ground combat elements are combined with a logistics combat element under one commander; other services do not unite the command of air and ground forces until much higher command levels. The MEU's ground combat element also combines artillery , light armor , and tanks at a much lower level than

884-667: Is the air force of the Kingdom of Thailand . Since its establishment in 1913 as one of the earliest air forces of Asia, the Royal Thai Air Force has engaged in numerous major and minor conflicts. During the Vietnam War era, the RTAF was supplied with USAF -aid equipment. Belgian pilot Charles Van Den Born performed a flying demonstration over Bangkok in January 1911, greatly impressing Prince Chakrabongse Bhuvanath , brother of King Vajiravudh , and he even accepted an invitation for

936-788: Is the main air force ground forces and special forces which providing light infantry for anti-hijacking capabilities, protecting air bases and high value assets, protecting international airport in insurgent areas. It also serves as the Royal Thai Air Force Special Operations Regiment (RTAF SOR) which consists of various units such as Combat Control Team (CCT), Pararescue Jumpers (PJs), Tactical Air Control Party (TACP). Royal Thai Air Force Security Force Command consist of 3 main regiments and multiple support units. Additionally, one separated air base protection battalions and one separated anti-aircraft battalions are station in each air bases. The Royal Thai Air Force maintains

988-1558: The 555th Tactical Fighter Squadron , also based at Naha AB (25 February 1966 – 25 July 1966), equipped with the F-4C Phantom II . On 18 September 1966, the 432nd Tactical Reconnaissance Wing (TRW) was activated and the 630th CSG was placed under the new wing and re-designated the 432nd CSG. It performed combat tactical reconnaissance and added tactical fighter operations in October 1967, initially using fighters to provide combat air patrol and cover for unarmed reconnaissance planes, but later to fly strike missions. Wing fighter units destroyed many enemy aircraft: 36 confirmed aerial victories between 17 December 1967 and 8 January 1973. It also used AC-47D Spooky gunships to provide air defense of friendly Laotian outposts from June 1969 – June 1970. It ceased combat in Vietnam in January, in Laos in February, and in Cambodia in August 1973. The wing remained in Southeast Asia to perform reconnaissance and routine training to retain combat proficiency, changing designations from reconnaissance to fighter in November 1974. The wing supported Operation Eagle Pull ,

1040-578: The Commander of the Royal Thai Air Force (ผู้บัญชาการทหารอากาศไทย). The Royal Thai Air Force Headquarters is located in Don Muang Airbase, Bangkok , Thailand . The RTAF consists of headquarters and five groups: command, combat, support, education and training, and special services. The Royal Thai Air Force Combat Group is divided into 11 wings plus a training school, plus a few direct-reporting units. The following squadrons are currently active with

1092-575: The Philippines and HMM-261 helicopters flew into the base. On 19 May detachments of Marine Air Control Squadrons 1 and 4 and Marine Air Base Squadron 12 were also flown into the base. On 19 May the command group of the 3rd Marine expeditionary brigade and the Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines began flying in from Bangkok and then moved north to the town of Nong Khai . The Marines conducted field training exercises with

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1144-619: The 13th Air Force. On 18 July 1965, the 333rd Air Base Squadron was re-designated the 6232nd Combat Support Group (CSG). This unit also came under the command and control of 13th Air Force and the 6234th Tactical Fighter Wing, a provisional wing at Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base . In July 1965, the 6234th TFW was the only tactical wing in Thailand. The formation of the 6232d at Udorn was brought about because of expanding USAF programs, an increase in assigned personnel, and increased base support requirements. The majority of personnel at Udorn, prior to

1196-423: The 1st Mobile Communications Group, based at Clark Air Base , Philippines, in the summer of 1964. The first permanent USAF unit assigned at Udorn RTAFB was the 333d Air Base Squadron in October 1964. Prior to the formation of the squadron, support personnel were provided by temporary duty personnel from the 35th Tactical Group at Don Muang Royal Thai Air Force Base . The 333d ABS came under the command and control of

1248-473: The 3/9 Marines. By 6 July, fewer than 1000 Marines remained at Udorn. The International Agreement on the Neutrality of Laos was signed on 23 July 1962 and the remaining Marines began to withdraw with all combat units withdrawn from Udorn by 31 July. During the Vietnam War the base was a front-line USAF facility from 1964 through 1976. The first USAF unit assigned to Udorn was a communications detachment from

1300-560: The Air Force has envisioned and identified weaknesses in procurement software , which include limitations regarding copyright usage, maintenance, envisioning obstacles, and expanding usage to cover and cater to the needs of the Air Force. Consequently, there has been an initiation to ethically software development , independently, for the first time. This encompasses care from artificial intelligence systems, Big Data , Avionics software , strategic planning software , and support technology for

1352-454: The ESG, MEUs were typically deployed as part of an amphibious ready group (ARG). MEUs maintain their subordinate elements in fifteen month cycles: nine months stateside (with six set aside for training), and a six-month deployment aboard ship. These cycles ensure that at least two of the seven MEUs are deployed forward at any given time. Interim or buildup period : Upon completion of a deployment,

1404-529: The F-4 squadrons that participated in the 1972 campaigns returned to their home stations and the numbers of USAF personnel and aircraft at Udorn were reduced. By 1975, relations between Washington and Bangkok had deteriorated. The Royal Thai Government wanted the USAF out of Thailand by the end of the year. Palace Lightning was the plan under which the USAF would withdraw its aircraft and personnel from Thailand. The 423d TRW

1456-423: The MEU commander and his supporting staff , provides command and control over the other three elements. It includes specialized detachments for air naval gunfire liaison , reconnaissance , surveillance , specialized communications, radio reconnaissance ( SIGINT ), electronic warfare , Marine Corps Intelligence and counterintelligence , law enforcement , and public affairs missions. The overall strength

1508-462: The MEU remains "special operations capable" for approximately one month, prepared to respond to events around the world. They are not, however, considered a special operations unit by the Department of Defense. The MEU then releases its major subordinate elements (MSEs), retaining only its command element. This period provides the command element a chance to rotate select personnel and begin planning for

1560-607: The Royal Thai Air Force. First set up in 1913 in the same year as the Air Force, providing nursing services only, and over the years has gradually expanded. It operates Bhumibol Adulyadej Hospital and Royal Thai Air Force Hospital in Bangkok, as well as smaller hospitals at each wing. The directorate has made a teaching agreement with the Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University to train students at Bhumibol Adulyadej Hospital, accepting about 30 students per academic year. The Chief of

1612-642: The Royal Thai Army and civic action with Thai civilians while Naval Mobile Construction Battalion Ten which arrived in late May established a base camp and repaired public buildings. In late June HMM-162 replaced HMM-261. On 29 June 1962 with the situation in Laos stabilizing and international negotiations underway, the Kennedy Administration ordered all US combat forces to begin withdrawing from Thailand. On 1 July, VMA-322 departed Udorn for Cubi Point while HMM-162 flew to Bangkok and transports flew out

Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base - Misplaced Pages Continue

1664-609: The Thai government to allow the United States to use covertly five Thai bases beginning in 1961 for the air defense of Thailand and to fly reconnaissance flights over Laos . Udorn was one of those bases. Under Thailand's "gentleman's agreement" with the US, RTAF bases used by the US Air Force (USAF) were considered RTAF bases and were commanded by Thai officers. Thai air police controlled access to

1716-540: The United States faced in various locations. Operations were focused in Laos as part of the "secret war" the United States carried out against the Pathet Lao forces operating in the country. Udorn RTAFB also served as the site of "Headquarters 333", the Thai organization in charge of their forces in Laos. Air America continued operations from Udorn into Laos until 3 June 1974. In 1961 the 300-man Marine Air Base Squadron Sixteen

1768-469: The addition of newly assigned MSEs and “work-up” training. When the MSEs are received, the MEU begins six months of intense pre-deployment training. Work-up period : Training during the six-month work-up period is often referred to as "crawl, walk, run". Marines and sailors progress through curriculum and exercises that teach individual, small unit, and unit tactics while integrating the separate MEU elements into

1820-543: The arrival of three C-46s delivering food and emergency aid into Indochina . By the end of September, CAT had flown more than 200 missions to 25 reception areas, delivering 1,000 tons of emergency food. Conducted smoothly and efficiently, this airdrop relief operation marked the beginning of CAT's and, later, Air America's support of US assistance programs in Laos. Air America's roles supportive of covert and overt situations related to hostilities in Southeast Asia and elsewhere worldwide provided buffers and solutions to problems

1872-498: The bases, along with USAF Security Police, who assisted them in base defense using sentry dogs, observation towers, and machine gun emplacements. The USAF forces at Udorn were under the command of the United States Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) Thirteenth Air Force . Udorn was the site of TACAN station Channel 31 and was referenced by that identifier in voice communications during air missions The APO for Udorn

1924-509: The evacuation of US personnel from Phnom Penh, Cambodia on 12 April 1975, and Operation Frequent Wind , the evacuation of US and South Vietnamese personnel from Saigon on 29 April 1975. From 13 to 15 May 1975, the wing played a major role in locating the SS Mayaguez and in the military operations associated with the recovery of that US commercial vessel and its crew from the Cambodians. The wing

1976-678: The existence of the site while the US government has neither confirmed or denied its existence. Earlier reports alleged that a Voice of America relay station in the Ban Dung District of Udon Thani Province was the CIA black site . Another report pointed to Ramasun Station as a possible black site. [REDACTED]  This article incorporates public domain material from the Air Force Historical Research Agency Royal Thai Air Force The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) ( Thai : กองทัพอากาศไทย ; RTGS :  Kong Thap Akat Thai )

2028-461: The formation of the group, were Temporary duty assignment (TDY). Shortly before the group was activated, a gradual input of permanent party personnel was made to replace those on TDY. 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 13th Air Force commander. The 6232nd CSG

2080-484: The future, leading to the ISO 29110 software development standard . This initiative has also propelled the consideration to establish a comprehensive software-focused unit within the Air Force. The RTAF Security Force Command (Thai: หน่วยบัญชาการอากาศโยธิน) is a Division size unit in the Royal Thai Air Force. It has been in existence since 1937. They are based near Don Mueang International Airport. The RTAF Security Force Command

2132-462: The mission and circumstances require. The total strength is approximately 1,100 members, including Navy sailors. The Maritime Special Purpose Force is a subgroup of the MEU, formed for low-profile missions. The MSPF force consists of four elements: an assault platoon (a direct action platoon augmented from Force Recon ), a security platoon (a selected infantry platoon from the battalion landing team), reconnaissance and surveillance assets , and

Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base - Misplaced Pages Continue

2184-658: The primary operational installations. Maintenance of base facilities abandoned by the United States (Ubon, Udorn) proved costly and exceeded Thai needs; they were turned over to the Department of Civil Aviation for civil use. Nonetheless, all runways were still available for training and emergency use. By 2004 the Royal Thai Air Force had its main base at Don Muang airport, adjacent to Don Mueang International Airport . The RTAF also had large air fields and facilities at Nakon Ratchasima Ubon Ratchathani , and Takhli . RTAF budgets are shown below by fiscal year (FY): The Siam Cup BJJ ( Brazilian jiu-jitsu ) International tournament

2236-483: The way for follow-up forces. This self-sustainment allows more flexibility in disposition and operations of forces, and allows the MEU to initiate operations sooner and let support catch up later, without having to wait for external logistical support to begin a mission. Deployments on U.S. Navy amphibious assault ships allows MEUs to seabase around the globe, ready for deployment at short notice. A typical MEU has approximately 2,200 members, including navy sailors. It

2288-593: Was APO San Francisco 96237. Udorn RTAFB was the Asian headquarters for Air America ( 17°23′11″N 102°47′17″E  /  17.3863°N 102.788°E  / 17.3863; 102.788 ), a US passenger and cargo airline covertly owned and operated by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) which provided essential resources for the war in Laos and elsewhere. Its predecessor, Civil Air Transport (CAT), started operations from Udorn on 11 September 1955 with

2340-548: Was augmented at Udorn by deployed Tactical Air Command continental US-based squadrons in response to the North Vietnamese Easter Offensive . During Operation Linebacker , between May and October 1972, the 432nd TRW had seven F-4 squadrons assigned or attached, making it the largest wing in the USAF. Units deployed to Udorn were: With the signing of the Paris Peace Accords on 27 January 1973, most of

2392-631: Was common in the Army until the development of the brigade combat team early in the War on Terror , with a similar concept, the combat command , being utilized in World War II . This air-ground task force concept is designed to thoroughly exploit the combat power inherent in air and ground assets by closely integrating them into a single force. The MEU brings all the supplies and logistical support it needs to sustain itself for quick mission accomplishment or to prepare

2444-629: Was deployed to Udorn to maintain helicopters supporting Royal Lao Army forces in Laos. Following the defeat of Royal Lao Army in the Battle of Luang Namtha in early May 1962 by People's Army of Vietnam and Pathet Lao forces, it appeared that a communist invasion of northern Thailand was imminent and on 15 May the Kennedy Administration ordered US combat forces into Thailand to deter any attack. On 18 May VMA-332 equipped with 20 A-4 Skyhawks deployed to Udorn from Naval Air Station Cubi Point in

2496-772: Was formally separated into its own branch, the Royal Siamese Air Force , in April 1937 and five operational wings were established. In 1939, when Siam became Thailand, the service was renamed the Royal Thai Air Force . At the end of 1940, the RTAF once again saw combat, this time in the Franco-Thai War , a border conflict against French Indochina . The RTAF operated in the Mekong Delta , attacking ground forces and gunboats and defending against French bombing raids, until

2548-678: Was held at the Show DC stadium in Bangkok from 2017 in cooperation with the Arete BJJ dōjō , hosted by the Royal Thai Air Force. Each year, the tournament brings together more than 400 fighters from more than 50 countries to compete. The Siam Cup BJJ 2021 was scheduled to take place on May 8, but due to restrictions imposed for COVID-19 during the coronavirus pandemic , the Thai government temporarily postponed all sporting events. Notes Bibliography Battalion Landing Team A MEU normally

2600-410: Was inactivated on 23 December 1975 and the last USAF personnel departed Udorn in January 1976. Udorn RTAFB was turned over to Thai authorities. It is now operated by the Royal Thai Air Force with aircraft from the 2nd Air Division being based there. The BBC has reported that the base was the location of a CIA black site , known to insiders as "Detention Site Green", used to interrogate Abu Zubaydah ,

2652-413: Was re-designated the 630th Combat Support Group on 8 April 1966, with a reporting responsibility to the Deputy Commander, 7th Air Force /13th Air Force (7/13AF), headquartered at Udorn. Squadrons known to have been deployed to Udorn were the 45th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron , based at Naha AB, Okinawa with the 39th Air Division (1 November 1965 – 15 August 1966), equipped with RF-101 Voodoos and

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2704-499: Was relieved of all operational commitments on 30 November and inactivated at Udorn RTAFB on 23 December 1975. The 432nd TRW was the most diversified unit of its size in the USAF. Squadrons of the 432nd TRW were: These three squadrons accounted for more than 80% of all reconnaissance activity over North Vietnam . In addition to reconnaissance the 432d also had a tactical fighter squadron component as follows: By 1967 or earlier, USAF weather modification flights were originating from

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