619th TCS Training Manual

SQUADRON Emblem 

Submitted by John W. Cook  aafww2@southwind.net

DESCRIPTION:

MOTTO:

SIGNIFICANCE:

APPROVED: By HQ USAF, 22 May 1957.

Information provided by USAF Pers Cen (AFPMPPE), 17 Feb 1964.

TACS IN THE SAIGON SUB-SECTOR

2-Introduction This chapter is devoted to the Tactical Air Control System in the Saigon Sub-sector. Our intent is to give pertinent information on the 619th Tactical Control Squadron and each of its operating Detachments to include mission, environment, facilities, on and off base, and helpful hints to the newcomer. Another purpose is to show the operational and administrative controls exercised by the various headquarters and to give insight into their function. Figure 1-2 and 2-1 will be helpful in understanding this organizational structure

2-2 Mission of the 619th Tactical Control Squadron

a. To provide air defense and offensive mission control, navigational and air rescue assistance, threat warning for friendly aircraft, and the means for Air Traffic Regulation and Identification within the Saigon Sub-Sector of the Mainland Southeast Asia Air Defense Region

b. To provide training and advisory assistance to the Republic of South Vietnam, as specified, in preparation for self-sufficiency operation, maintenance, and support of their aircraft control and warning system.

(1) Responsibilities:

(a) Command assigned units and provide functional control.

(b) Ensure assigned and attached personnel are provided logistic

and administrative -support.

(c) Operate the Control and Reporting Center and Posts as outlined

in Seventh Air Force Operation Plan 427-YR.

(d) Support, assist, and exercise operational control over the integrated Air Traffic Regulation Centers as outlined in PACAFM 55-18.

(e) Ensure that Aircraft Control and Warning advisory and training programs meet Military Assistance Programs goals and standards.

(f) Ensure that assigned personnel are briefed on their advisory Sensibilities and unit objectives.

(g) Comply with Evacuation, Security, and Disaster Preparedness

(h) To collect Operational Reporting Data and inform the 505th Tactical Control Group Commander as required.

(i) Advise the 505th Tactical Control Group Commander of restrictions affecting the operational capability or readiness of assigned units and provide recommendations on techniques, tactics, and equipment that would enhance the mission.

(j) Perform other functions and actions as directed by the 505th Group Commander and other competent authorities within the Tactical Air Control system.

2 Instructions:

(a) The 619th Commander is responsible for augmenting the Republic of Vietnam Air Force in operating and maintaining their Aircraft Control and Warning sites and maintaining the capability to unilaterally operate and maintain Saigon Sub-Sector of the Mainland Southeast Asia Air Defense Region.

(b) He is responsible for coordinating with the U.S. Navy to ensure integration of effort.

(c) He is responsible for providing personnel to mail and operate an Air Movement Information Section within the Saigon Air Traffic Control Center

(a) The 619th Tactical Control Squadron is one of three Tactical Control Squadrons located within the Mainland Southeast Asia Air Defense Region. Each are subordinate units of the 505th Tactical Control Group. The Group Commander provides the squadrons with facilities and personnel needed to carry out their mission and responsibilities.

(b) The USAF directors of the Tactical Air Control Center exercise operational control through the Control and Reporting Center (CRC) and Control and Reporting 'Posts (CRP) in controlling Tactical Air Operation

2-4 History of the 619th Tactical Control Squadron:

(a) The 619th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron was constituted on 2 July 1946 and was activated on 1 August 1946 at Laoag, Philippine Islands, as a unit of the 527th Aircraft Control and Warning Group. Soon thereafter the 619th was moved to the site of the parent group at Floridablanca Army Air Base, Luzon. After all personnel had been withdrawn in January 1947, the squadron was transferred on 30 March 1947 to Kadena Air Base, Okinawa. There it remained dormant until March 1948, when it was transferred from Kadena to Northwest Army Air Base Guam, Mariana Islands. The squadron was relieved from assignment to the 527th Group and assigned to the 46th Fighter Wing on 15 July 1948. Its mission was to provide early warning of attack, control fighter aircraft, and provide navigational assistance to friendly aircraft in the area of the Marianas.  Detachments of the 619th were located at Saigon, Iwo Jima, and Isely Air Force Base on Guam. The squadron was inactivated at Northwest Guam Air Force Base 1 April 1949.

(b) The unit was redesignated the 619th Tactical Control Squadron on 1 August 1953 and it was activated at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, on 1 Nov 1953 as a unit of the 526th Tactical Control Group of the Twelfth Air Force. It was assigned the men and equipment of another squadron which was concurrently inactivated. During most of 1954 a large percentage of the squadron personnel were on temporary duty at Kaiserslautern, operating a tactical air control center which served as a display facility for the Twelfth Air Force commander.

(c) In late June 1954 the 619th moved from Spangdahlem to Toul/Rosiere-Air Base, France, where it served as a back-up control facility. The squadron also operated communications relay sites at Birkenfeld, Hohenstadt, and Leonberg in Germany, and at Toul/Rosiere Air Base, St. Mihiel, and Verdun in France. On 25 November 1955 it moved to Birkenfeld Aircraft Control and Warning Station, Germany, and remained there for more than three years.  Between 1954 and 1958 it participated in many exercises and maneuver; of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the United States Air Force. in Europe (USAFE), and the Twelfth Air Force. During this period its primary mission was to operate and maintain an alternate air control center capable o: operating eight hours a day in order to control air traffic and operate direction finding equipment.  In April 1958 the squadron as relieved from the mission of maintain-' the alternate air control center, and on 1 July it was reduced to token strength. On 18 January 1959 it was inactivated in Germany.  On 13 December 1963 the 619th was activated for the third time and assigned to Pacific Air Forces for organization on or about 8 April 1964 and further assignment to the 5th Tactical Control Group.

The 619th Tactical Control Squadron has been operational in the Republic of South Vietnam for a proximately seven years. In 1965 due to the ever increasing communist threat and the increased infiltration of the Viet Cong and the NVA into South Vietnam, it became apparent that the United States would have to take an enlarged role in the conflict to deter aggression by Communistic forces in South Vietnam and, for that matter, in all of Southeast Asia. Therefore, we are no longer purely advisors but active participants.

The 619th Tactical Control Squadron: 

Control and Reporting Center is located on Tan Son Nhut Air Base, Republic of South Vietnam. During those years and the years that -followed, it was operational with six detachments. The detachment operational locations were as follow:

i. The 619th Tactical Control Squadron experienced some bitter fighting during the days of the Tet offensive beginning 1 February 1968. For many weeks there were blistering attacks against the 619th and its detachments. This period also brought about extensive attacks against most of the free world forces of South Vietnam. The 619th and its detachments played a major role in the suppression of the Tet offensive and again in the suppression of the May offensive ,of that same year. Since these major attacks several other campaigns have been t in South Vietnam. In each case the 619th and its operational detachments Positively contributed to successful efforts in repelling the attacks.

j. For the gallant efforts of the units of the 505th Tactical Control Group, several awards have been acclaimed, the more recent being the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with the “V" device.

2-5 Headquarters, 619th Tactical Control Squadron:

a. Headquarters of the 619th Tactical Control Squadron is located at Tan Son Nhut Air Base, Republic of South Vietnam. The headquarters itself is a relatively small organization consisting of the commander and his staff.

b. The headquarters staff is composed of three primary sections: Operations, Maintenance, and Administration.

c. Operations is headed by a Major who is assisted by a Chief Master Sergeant. The Operations Officer has operational and administrative control of the CRC and detachments. An additional Chief Master Sergeant is assigned as NCOIC, CRC Operations. The Standardization Evaluation Training shop consists of a Major a Chief Warrant Officer and a Senior Master Sergeant with selected specialists from Weapons, Surveillance, ATRC, and Artillery.

2-6 Paris CRC:

a. The Paris CRC is located on Tan Son Nhut Air Base on the outskirts of the city of Saigon, the capitol of South Vietnam. USAF and VNAF work side by side to operate the principal radar of the 619th Tactical Control Squadron.

b. The PARIS Control and Reporting Center has the vital mission of supporting Tactical Air Operations and providing air defense for the Saigon Sub-Sec Tan Son Nhut Air Base is said to be the busiest air base in the world. It v follow then that PARIS control would be the busiest Control and Reporting Center in the world, handling in excess of 35,000 tracks per month, and providing control and advisories for all free world forces aircraft within this area.

c. In support of the tactical mission stated before, PARIS controllers must insure that, timely and accurate information is disseminated to aircrews, perform handoffs to the Forward Air Controllers, perform refueling hook-ups, and provide radar monitoring for MSQ missions.

d. In support of the defensive mission, hostile intent, must be declared Unknown and scramble action initiated and intercept control completed. PARIS is also responsible for flight monitoring and providing radar control for VIP'S, airborne Medical Evacuation flights, and coordinating their requests with hospital facilities. In 19'08, PARIS handled 2247 Medical Evacuation Flights and 768 Emergencies ranging from Battle Damage to loss of Navigational Aids.

e. Today's controller must be equipped to perform a multitude of control tasks while assigned to PARIS control. The purpose of this publication is to provide the newly assigned controller a detailed insight of the operational environment in the Saigon Sub-Sector of South Vietnam.

f. Upon arrival at the Saigon International Airport Tan Son Nhut Air Base, personnel will be given an initial briefing and clear customs and exchange their money for Military Payment Certificates (MPC). Next, personnel are transported to the 377th CBPO or to the Billeting office, dependent upon the time of arrival in-country. Incoming personnel who have assignments to other than the 619th Tactical Control Squadron or Detachment three (3), 619th Tactical Control Squadron are encouraged to call the 619th orderly room upon arrival (Phone 2708 or 2649), during the hours of 0730 thru 1800 daily. Upon completion of in-processing, (Normally accomplished the day after arrival), all personnel should call the above numbers for transportation and a sponsor to clear into the unit.

g. Billets are provided on the base for all personnel regardless of rank. Living conditions on Tan Son Nhut are very crowded. All enlisted personnel, except Seniors and Chiefs are double bunked in open air two (2) story structures with screen sides and open bays, or hootches. Company grade officers have very small rooms in two (2) story open louvered, structured barracks.

h. Tan Son Nhut -has all the facilities normally found on a base in the states of the same approximate size. Due to the population on base and other services in the local area, often these facilities are crowded and service provided is inadequate. The base hosts a huge chapel, Base Exchange, several Barber Shops, two (2) consolidated mail rooms with free letter service, two (2) fully air conditioned theaters, a Bank of America Branch three (3) consolidated dining facilities, Base Locator Service, a twenty four (24) hour cafeteria with food delivery service, Library, Tape Center, Officer, NCO and Airmen Open Messes, Staging hospital and complete Dental Clinic, Clothing sales store, swimming pool, GYM-Gymnasium, Tennis Courts, handball courts, and adjacent to the base is the famous Saigon country club which hosts an eighteen (18) hole golf course.

i. The climate in South Vietnam is characterized by a wet season with to heavy rainfall, and a dry season with light rainfall. The wet period occurs from May through October, while the dry period extends from December through March in all areas except the east coast where the wet season September through December and the dry season from February through July. Vietnam has a typical tropical climate with its long wet and dry seasons, but characterized by constant heat. For most Americans this requires acclimation, mentally and emotionally, to the lack of change of seasons, and physically to the heat.

2-7 Detachment 3, Paddy CRP:

a. Detachment 3, 619th Tactical Control Squadron, (Call Sign Paddy), is a USAF/VNAF site located on Binh Thuy Air Base approximately seventy (70) miles southwest of Saigon. The radar site itself is located on the southwest corner, of the perimeter of the base approximately one and one-half (1 1/2) miles from the main base cantonment area. The largest Vietnamese city is the city of Can Tho (200,000 Population), which is approximately three (3) miles to the east of the base. The entire terrain is at sea level and is penetrated with many rivers, canals, streams, and marshes.

b. The radar site consists of an operations building, communications and Electronics Maintenance Building, orderly room, power production plant, and a search and height Tower. The VNAF and USAF personnel work in close coordination The operations staff consists of an Operations Officer, Operations NCOIC, Training/Standardization Evaluation Officer and NCO and an operations clerk. The operations staff sets the policy and coordinates with associated and adjacent units, monitors the Academic and :Proficiency Training and provides overall supervision to the three (3) operation crews. An element of the CRP is the Air Traffic Regulation Center. The chief controller is responsive to the Senior Director on duty.

c. Each crew is comprised of a Senior Director, three controllers and a Crew Chief and is organized with a Control and Surveillance Section. The Air Traffic Regulation Center crew is under the supervision of the watch supervisor. He is responsible to the ATRC Chief Controller. He is responsible to the Senior: Director on duty. The normal crew work schedule is two (2) day shifts (07001800 Hours) , two (2) night shifts (1800-0700) and two (2) days of break. Approximately twenty (20) men per crew is normal manning (excluding ATRC crew personnel).

d. Newly assigned personnel arrive at Binh Thuy Air Base by C-123 aircraft,, from Tan Son Nhut. Coordination for their travel is arranged by the Staff Operations NCOIC at the 619th Tactical Control Squadron who will coordinate to have your sponsor meet you at Binh Thuy. Upon arrival you will be provided quarters and your processing will be supervised. Billets are available on base for all USAF personnel. Officers are assigned to rooms with two (2) or three (3) men assigned to each room. Officers and NCO's share centralized latrine facilities. Field Grade Officers and Senior NCO’s may be fortunate enough to be assigned air conditioned trailers. Airmen E-1 thru E-5 live in single story tropical barracks, open bay. Areas are sectioned off with plywood partitions which provide for comfort and privacy.

e. On base facilities include a small base exchange, free movies, e. On base facilities include a small base exchange, free movies, NCO

f. Depending upon the threat, Americans may visit Can Tho during authors which are subject to change almost hourly.

g. There are many tailor shops in town as well as shops that sell the typical Vietnamese handicrafts and imports dolls, lacquer ware, and Vietnamese jewelry. Most are expensive and much better bargains can be made while on R&R ,t the many R&R centers throughout Asia.

h. There are several bars and restaurants in Can Tho which are frequented the Americans. It must be emphasized that there is no Vietnamese Bar or Restaurant that has the official seal of approval by base officials. There is a USO in Can Tho where short orders may be enjoyed.

i. A minor but bothersome problem is the hot humid climate. With the best personal cleanliness and a lot of personal care fungus will still crop up occasionally. Most likely it will be fairly simple type called athletes foot. It will probably disappear with a little extra care and a can of Talcum or powder. If not, the medics are standing by with more sophisticated remedies to you.

j. Drinking water in town is likely to prove a strong laxative at least, t could be a killer. Some of the most dangerous food and water carrying infections live in ice. Pouring a glass of potable water into a container and adding local ice may prove as dangerous as drinking from the Mekong.

2-8 Detachment 9, Pyramid CRP

a. Detachment 9, 619th Tactical Control Squadron (Call Sign Pyramid) is a USAF/VNAF site located on Camp Coryell (U.S. Army, Home of the 155th Helicopter Assault Company) adjacent to the city of Ban Me Thuot, in the west central highlands of South Vietnam. Ban Me Thuot is the largest city in the Darlac Province. It’s population is estimated at approximately 30,000.

b. The radar site consists of an operations building, communications and electronics building, supply shelter, communications building, radar tower, radio ,towers, power production plant, motor pool, orderly room, air conditioned club Officers, NCO's and Airmen, and an air conditioned dining facility. There also several air conditioned billets for all ranks. The VNAF also have their orderly room and enlisted barracks on the site. The USAF and VNAF work close coordination in all areas. The operations staff consists of an Operations Officer, Operations NCOIC, Training Standardization Evaluation Officer and an operations clerk. The operations staff sets the policy and coordinates associated and adjacent units, monitors the academic and proficiency training vides overall supervision to the three (3) operating crews. An element CRP is the Air Traffic Regulation.-Center. The Chief Controller is responsible to the CRP operations Officer and responsible to the Senior Director on duty.

c. Personnel who are newly assigned- to Detachment 9 normally arrive at Cam Rhan Bay and are processed at the CBPO on that Base. Normally two (2) days and is necessary to process and travel to Ban Me Thuot. Transportation will be by air and arrangements can be made at the passenger terminal. Most aircraft servicing the Ban Me Thuot area will land at East Field. Personnel at the passenger terminal at East Field will assist you in telephoning a request for further transportation to Detachment 9. East Field is approximately five (5) miles to the southeast of Detachment 9. Upon your arrival you will be assigned quarters and the detachment First Sergeant will supervise the remainder of your processing.

d. Camp facilities include a small Base Exchange where all essential items are normally available. The MACV Annex also hosts a small Post Exchange. Each sells soft drinks by the case, beer by the case and hard liquor. Free movies are nightly events. The detachment hosts its own club and-mail service is four (4) to seven (7) days. Banking facilities should be arranged at Cam Rhan Bay. Bank accounts on the Base are encouraged and personnel are encouraged to have their checks sent to that account. Camp Coryell also hosts a chapel and field dispensary, (Dental work most be taken care of at Cam Rhan Bay Dental Clinic). Laundry facilities are available through domestic hire of maid service.

e. The city of Ban Me Thuot is built up to the perimeter of Camp Coryell. Distance of travel from the radar site within Camp Coryell is approximately one (1) miles to center of city. The population of the city of Ban Me Thuot is predominately Vietnamese while the rural area is predominately Montagnard. Depending upon the threat, Americans may visit the city daring authorized hours which are subject to change almost hourly

f. There are several small tailor shops in town as well as small shops which sell the typical Vietnamese and Montagnard handicrafts. Most are expensive and much better bargains can be made while on R&R at the R&R centers throughout Asia.

g. There are several small bars and restaurants in the town; none have the official approval of military officials. It is recommended that you neither eat nor drink in any of these establishments.

h. The climate in this area is unlike that of the delta regions of South Vietnam. While the summer days may be hot and dusty, the evenings are cool. During the rainy seasons a field jacket will be very comfortable and rain gear will also add to your comfort.

2-9 Detachment 11, Portcall CRP

a. Detachment 11, 619th Tactical Control Squadron (Call a USAF radar site located approximately two (2) miles off the on the Island of Hon Tre, Republic of Vietnam. This detachment unlike all their others, is not located upon a host military installation and is therefore self-sufficient. It is dependent upon inter-service support agreements with neighboring bases/installations. Except for a US Army signal unit and a training detachment of the 5th Special Forces (Green Beret), it is the only military installation on the island. Surface transportation is provided by the US Army by means of LGU coastal vessel operating from the mainland of Nha Trang. Several trips daily are made from the mainland to the island between 0700 and 1800 hours.

b. Detachment 11 is a split level site. The radar operations is located .on a mountain top (approximately 1500 feet high), two miles from the lower area. Roads are maintained by support agreement and water must be by site personnel. The site uses approximately 12,000 gallons of water daily and a capability of transporting 15,000 gallons exists; thus water conservation is essential to their welfare. The top site consists of an operations building, radio shelter, radar building, power production plant, search -and height radar towers and an Army communications team. The lower site provides all living, dining and recreational facilities. These facilities include a small dispensary, orderly room and dining hall (food for the .noon meal is transported to the top site daily). The site hosts a outstanding Base Exchange where radios, watches, cameras, television sets, tape recorders, small refrigerators along with all essential items and snacks. There are free movies nightly and an Officers Club and NCO/airmen Open Mess which feature occasional floor -shows from the mainland. Billets for officers are individual rooms in single story structures with open louvered screen sides. Senior NCOs enjoy individual cube rooms in billets of the same structure as the officers billets. Airmen live in this type structure with two men to a cubicle. Maid service is available for all ranks. Dry cleaning service is available at Nha Trang. The operations staff consists of an Operations Officer, Operations NCOIC, Standardization Evaluation/Training Officer and NCOIC and Operations Clerk. The operations staff determines policies and coordinates with associated and adjacent units, monitors the academic and proficiency training and provides over-all supervision to the three operations crews. An element of the CFCP is the Air Traffic Regulation Center. The Chief Controller of the ATRC is responsible to Operations Officers and responsive to the Senior Director on duty.

c. Each crew is comprised of a Senior Director, two Weapons Controllers and a crew chief to supervise the control and surveillance sections. The ATRC crew is under the supervision of the Watch Supervisor who is in turn responsible to the Chief Controller. The normal crew work schedule is two day shifts (0700-1700), two night shifts (1700-0700) and two day breaks. Approximately nineteen per crew (excluding ATRC personnel) is the normal manning complement.

d. Newly assigned personnel will arrive in country at Cam Rhan Bay.

They will be processed through the CBPO at Cam Rhan Bay. Normally two (2) days is necessary to complete processing and travel to Detachment 11. Personnel reporting to Detachment 11 should call the Detachment 11 orderly room upon completion Of processing at the Cam Rhan Bay CBPO.  CBPO personnel will assist you in calling and arranging for further transportation to the radar site. All newly assigned personnel are encouraged to utilize banking facilities at Cam Rhan Bay and have their checks mailed to the bank.

e. Nha Trang is a huge Vietnamese resort area. The city is built on the ocean front and boasts of several miles of beautiful sandy beach. It has many shops, bars and restaurants, and hotels. All are very expensive. All personnel are cautioned to frequent only authorized establishments. Do not eat or drink in unauthorized establishments. This area has a high Hepatitis rate.

f. The climate at Hon Tre enjoys warm days during the dry season and evenings are always cool with a gentle breeze., During the rainy season field jackets will prove to be comfortable. Rain gear will also add to your comfort during rainy seasons.

NOTE: I’ve omitted several sections describing “Tips on South Vietnam and a list of cloud types. Sorry! If you really want to see it let me know.

Webmaster

6-6. Aircraft Types: The following list of Aircraft types are controlled by the units of the 619th Tactical Control Squadron.

Webmaster: I've created a separate page containing the call signs.  click on the icon to go to the new page.