Mr. Hall,

The short answer to your question is as follows:

 

A short note is contained in the second quarter, 1969 Historical Report: "A review of manpower requirements was conducted this quarter before the consolidation of the CH-3Es in Thailand.  The review indicated a savings of approximately 39 spaces, of which a minimum of 14 were highly skilled helicopter aircrew members.  Approval of the consolidation was expected."

 

This is the first official mention of consolidation of CH-3 activities (i.e. 20th SOS and 21st SOS).  The official designation for both squadrons had been changed on 1Aug68 from "Helicopter Squadron" to "Special Operations Squadron"

 

The following are taken directly from my personal notes:

 

viii. Consolidation of Helicopter Resources in Thailand

      1.    On 10 July 1968, the Deputy Chief of staff/Plans hosted a 7th Air Force Helicopter conference at TSN.  (Ref. 7 AF msg 20/1247Z Sep 68)  The purpose of this meeting was to provide a forum for a general discussion of the helicopter force, its role and missions, and current and programmed force structure.  A discussion item was the possibility of consolidating all CH-3 helicopters in Thailand into a single squadron.  On 10 Sep 68, the 14 SOW and 56 SOW were queried as to their opinions on the proposal.

      2.    The responses to the proposal were at odds:

            a.    The 56 SOW concurred in the proposed consolidation of Thailand-based helicopters into the 21st squadron provided that the enlarged squadron was not wholly based at NKP.  (Ref 13 AF msg 27/1400Z Sep 68)

            b.    The 14 SOW voiced objection to the proposal, pointing out that although location of one of the wing’s units in Thailand offers some added management problems, none are different from those offered by numerous other flights of the 14 SOW dispersed in RVN.  The 20 SOS is unable to fulfill all CAS and SOG requirements due to the limited number of airframes available and suggested that excess 21 SOS assets be transferred to the 20 SOS.  (Ref 14 SOW msg 16/0215Z Sep 68)

            c.    13th AF concurred with the proposal pointing out that the commander of the 21 SOS would have all the CH-3 assets available to meet the varied mission requirements under a priority system.  The UH-1’s should remain assigned to the 20 SOS because of the peculiar maintenance they require. (Ref 13 AF msg 27/0400Z Oct 68)

            d.    The DC 7/13 AF recommended that the organizations and aircraft remain as assigned for the present and that three CH-3 aircraft from the 21 SOS be fragged by 7/13 AF for CAS and SOG support. (Ref 7/13 AF msg 09/1200Z Oct 68)

            e.    7th AF completed a study of Thailand Helicopter Organizations on 5 Mar 69 with the following recommendations: (Ref 7 AF DPLG Form 4 5 Mar 69)

                  i.    The interim UE of the 21 SOS should be changed to 15 CH-3 aircraft with unlimited growth to the 21 UE upon delivery of six CH-53 aircraft in FY 4/70.

                  ii.   The CH-3 assets of the 20 SOS should be assigned to the 21 SOS

                  iii.  7/13 AF should retain fragging authority of the 21 SOS. 

                  iv.   The four UH-1’s at Udorn should be returned to RVN

            f.    CINCPACAF recommends to the CS AF (Ref. CINCPACAFN msg 03/0336Z Jun 69):

                  i.    Increase CH-3E UE of the 21 SOS from 12 to 15 aircraft.

                  ii.   Delete CH-3E UE 10 aircraft from 20 SOS

                  iii.  Reflect 21 SOS UE 15 UE CH-3E’s and 6 CH-53’s during FY 4/70.

                  iv.   Consolidate and MSB CH-3E’s at NKP favored because of existing aircraft/engine maintenance capability and proximity to primary operating areas.  Six CH-3E’s should be located FOL status Udorn for CAS/SOG support.

                  v.    Review of manpower requirements subsequent to the consolidation of CH-3’s indicating savings of approximately 39 spaces of which a minimum of 14 are highly skilled helicopter aircrew members.

            g.    PACAF anticipates approval prior to 30 Jun 69.  Request 14 SOW take necessary action to move two of the Thai-based UH-1’s back into RVN by 30 Jun 69 with no additional manpower authorized for the 20 SOS.  The two remaining Thai-based UH-1’s will be temporarily retained at Udorn.  We propose to move the remaining UH-1’s to RVN subsequent to Sep 69.  (Ref. 7 AF msg 25/0231Z Jun 69)

            h.    As of 30 Jun 69, this squadron is awaiting the final word to merge with the 21 SOS.

 

 

In most of the above are direct quotes from the various Official 20th SOS Historical Reports.  I have been working to put everything into chronological order and to make the histories much more readable. 

 

My final note is as follows: Consolidation took place 5 Sep 1969 with all CH-3 aircraft being reassigned to the 21st SOS, NKP RTAFB, Thailand.

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The 20th SOS out of Nha Trang continued their operations in South Vietnam and Cambodia using the UH-1F/P and transitioning to the UH-1N.  They continued until the operations were closed down and the unit was stood down in March 1972.

 

The 20th SOS was stood back up in 1976 at Hurlburt.  In as much as the helicopter community is very small in the USAF it was inevitable that some of the SEA veterans were assigned to the “new” 20th.  That also included several airframes (both CH-3 and UH-1) as well as personnel.

 

The 20th has a rich history post-Vietnam and I have not finished reviewing it and have no summary available but would be very willing to assist with any specific requests that you might have.

 

Jim Henthorn 21st S.O.S. Nov. '67 - May '69

Assistant Historian, 20th SOS

 

Phone: 850.419.1790