Project CHECO Southeast Asia Report. Attack on Cam Ranh, 25 August 1971
Abstract
In 1965, as the United States became more actively involved in the Indochina War, the need arose for the construction of jet-capable airfields and logistical bases. The Cam Ranh Peninsula provided an ideal site for one of these bases, due to its central location on the South Vietnamese coast and its natural deep-water harbor. After the selection of the peninsula, construction progressed rapidly; Cam Ranh Bay Air Base became operational on the first of November, 1965. The Tri-Service Ammunition Storage Area, completed in October of 1966, provided Cam Ranh port facilities with the largest munitions storage area in the theatre. After the Tet Offensive of 1968, the Communists placed increased emphasis on economy-of-force tactics to inflict heavy losses on Allied equipment and personnel. The combined sapper and standoff attack against Cam Ranh Bay Air Base on 25 August, 1971 was one of the most successful enemy assaults in the Vietnam War. This Project CHECO report points out the continued potential effectiveness of enemy sapper attacks against most major SEA bases, and outlines some failures at Cam Ranh to meet the increased threat with adequate security measures. Cam Ranh Bay was but one of many such bases in the theatre. However, this report examines in detail the major and highly successful attack at Cam Ranh, and thereby illuminates the ingenuity and determination of the enemy in exploiting vulnerabilities of base defense. The report may lend perspectives to other attacks and elements of base defense.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 15, 1971
- Accession Number
- ADA487183
Entities
People
- Thomas G. Abbey
Organizations
- Pacific Air Forces