Da Nang Air Base   | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Da Nang,South Central Coast in Vietnam | |||||||||
 Da Nang AB in the late 1960s | |||||||||
| Site information | |||||||||
| Type | Air Force Base | ||||||||
| Operator | Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) United States Army (U.S. Army) Vietnam People's Air Force (VPAF) Republic of Vietnam Air Force (RVNAF) Pacific Air Forces (USAF) | ||||||||
| Condition | Renovated | ||||||||
| Location | |||||||||
  Da Nang Air Base Shown within Vietnam | |||||||||
| Coordinates | 16°02′38″N108°11′58″E / 16.04389°N 108.19944°E /16.04389; 108.19944 | ||||||||
| Site history | |||||||||
| Built | 1930 (1930)s | ||||||||
| In use | 1930s- | ||||||||
| Battles/wars | World War II First Indochina War  Vietnam War | ||||||||
| Airfield information | |||||||||
| Identifiers | IATA: DAD,ICAO: VVDN | ||||||||
| Elevation | 33 feet (10 m)AMSL | ||||||||
| |||||||||
Da Nang Air Base (Vietnamese:Căn cứ không quân Đà Nẵng) (1930s–1975) (also known asDa Nang Airfield,Tourane Airfield orTourane Air Base) was aFrench Air Force and laterRepublic of Vietnam Air Force (RVNAF) facility located in the city ofDa Nang,Vietnam. During theVietnam War (1959–1975), it was a major base withUnited States Army,United States Air Force (USAF), andUnited States Marine Corps (USMC) units stationed there.Air Vietnam also used the facility from 1951 to 1975 for civilian domestic and international flights within Southeast Asia.
On 22 September 1940, theVichy Government signed an agreement with Japan allowing the Japanese to station troops inTonkin and use three airfields there.[1] On 14 July 1941, the Japanese sent the French an ultimatum demanding the use of bases inAnnam andCochinchina, the French acquiesced and by late July, the Japanese occupiedCam Ranh Bay,Bien Hoa Air Base and Tourane Airfield.[1]: 39–40
In late 1944, theFourteenth Air Force based in southern China began raiding Japanese bases throughout Indochina and on 12 January 1945, theUnited States Third Fleet launched attacks on Japanese coastal bases including Da Nang.[1]: 68–9
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Tourane Airfield was used by theFrench Air Force during theFrench Indochina War.
In December 1950, pursuant to theMutual Defense Assistance Act and Program, the US deliveredB-26 Invaders to the French and these were used to form theBombardment Group I/19 Gascogne based at Tourane.[2]: 7 [3]
In 1953, the USEighteenth Air ForceC-119s were deployed to Tourane to support French military operations. A number of these aircraft crewed by civilians later flew in support of French forces in theBattle of Dien Bien Phu.[4] In 1953/54 the French laid a NATO-standard 7,800-foot (2,400 m) asphalt runway at Tourane.[2]: 52
In January 1954, the USAF delivered a further 16 B-26s and 3 RB-26s to Tourane, and in February assigned USAF maintenance and supply personnel to Tourane on temporary duty to support B-26 operations.[2]: 17 On 19 March the USAF deployed the 1808th Airways and Air Communications Service Squadron to Indochina with 60 enlisted men and one civilian at Tourane.[5]: 117 On 6 April the USAF delivered 11 B-26s to Tourane for loan to the French.[5]: 130 The USAF delivered 18C-47s to Tourane on 9 April to replace aircraft losses.[2]: 24 Later in AprilVMA-324 delivered 25F4U/G Corsairs to the French Air Force at Tourane.[6]: 71
Following the French defeat at Dien Bien Phu and in anticipation of theIndochina peace treaty, on 23 May the USAF C-119 detachment atCat Bi Air Base moved to Tourane.[5]: 149
On 14 June 1954Viet Minh troops captured five USAF airmen of the315th Air Division stationed at Tourane while they were on an unauthorized beach outing. They were held at a small camp about 60 miles (97 km) south of Tourane that was ringed by mines and pits with bamboo stakes. The airmen remained in captivity until 31 August when they were released to the French as part of a prisoner exchange.[5]: 156
On 19 July 1954 the USAF 6424th Air Depot Wing detachment that had supported French B–26 operations at Tourane completed its closeout and was inactivated.[5]: 165
On 6 September the last of the B-26s and C-119s on loan to the French departed from Tourane.[2]: 31
By the end of the Indochina War, the French had established a small Republic of Vietnam Air Force (RVNAF) consisting of 2 squadrons ofMorane-Saulnier MS.500 and one ofMorane-Saulnier MS.315.[2]: 36 In January 1955,MAAG Vietnam decided that the RVNAF would comprise one fighter, two liaison and two transport squadrons and that training would be undertaken by the French. Under the Mutual Defence Assistance Program, the US delivered 28F8Fs, 35 C-47s and 60L-19s to the RVNAF to equip the planned expansion.[2]: 49–50 On 19 September 1955 the French turned over Tourane Airfield to the RVNAF, at the time the base had a 7,850 feet (2,390 m) runway, with potential extension of at least 1,000 feet (300 m).[5]: 208–9 On 1 June 1957 all RVNAF training responsibility passed from the French to the United States.[2]: 50
In November 1955, the RVNAF 1st Liaison Squadron moved to Da Nang AB fromHuế.[2]: 272
In October 1961, the 2nd Helicopter Squadron was activated at Da Nang AB.[2]: 273
In December 1961 the 3rd Liaison Squadron was activated at Da Nang AB.[2]: 273
In mid-1962, the RVNAF 2nd Fighter Squadron equipped withT-28s became operational atNha Trang Air Base and began detaching 6 aircraft to Da Nang AB.[2]: 132
In January 1963, the 2nd Helicopter Squadron was redesignated the 213th Helicopter Squadron, the 1st Liaison Squadron was redesignated the 110th Liaison Squadron and the 3rd Liaison Squadron was redesignated the 114th Liaison Squadron.[2]: 273
In February 1964, the 516th Fighter Squadron equipped with 15A-1 Skyraiders moved to Da Nang AB from Nha Trang AB.[2]: 274 On 15 March 1964 the RVNAF established a Tactical Wing Headquarters at the base.[2]: 211 In May the 217th Helicopter Squadron was established at the base.[2]: 274
On 8 February 1965, RVNAF commanderNguyễn Cao Kỳ led VNAF A-1s from the base on aretaliatory raid against North Vietnamese targets.[7]
On 2 March 1965, 20 A-1s from the base participated in the first attacks ofOperation Rolling Thunder, striking theVietnam People's Navy base atQuảng Khê.[8] On 14 March the VNAF led by General Kỳ participated in attacks on barracks on Hòn Gió island.[8]: 85
In August 1965, 4 USAFB-57Bs operating from the base were nominally transferred to the RVNAF becoming their first jet aircraft.[7]: 88
In 1970, the RVNAF units at Da Nang AB were reorganized as the First Air Division with responsibility forMilitary Region I.[9] Also during that year the RVNAF began building family housing at the base for its personnel.[9]: 214
Da Nang Air Base was used as a primary entry point for American service members flying into Vietnam fighting in the Vietnam War. It was used by the United States Marine Corps (USMC) as well as the US Air force (USAF).[10]
From January 1962 until September the93rd Transportation Company (Light Helicopter) withPiasecki CH-21C Shawnee's was based here.[11]: 20 During February the company was joined by the339th Transportation Company (Direct Support). In September 1962, the CH-21's left and were replaced byHMM-362 with the611th Transportation Company (Aircraft Direct Support).[11]: 21
In 1965, as a result of an Army study on future mortuary support, the Commander in Chief, Pacific directed that the mortuary mission be transferred toUnited States Army Vietnam effective 1 July 1966. On 20 June 1967 a stand-by mortuary at the base was placed in operation.[12]
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In January 1962, the USAF5th Tactical Control Group was deployed to Da Nang AB to provide air support operations inI Corps.[2]: 106 By 2 MarchC-123s were stationed at the base underProject Mule Train.[2]: 108 On 20 May 1962 the 6222nd Air Base Squadron was formed at the base to support VNAF operations and the growing USAF presence throughFarm Gate operations.[2]: 101
On 15 June 1962, 12 C-123s from the777th Troop Carrier Squadron deployed to the base forming the Tactical Air Force Transport Squadron Provisional-2 to supplement the existing Mule Train operations and those of the US Army's 18th Fixed Wing Aviation Company equipped withU-1 Otters.[2]: 110–1
In early 1962, the base runway was asphalt covered and 7,900-foot (2,400 m) long while the taxiways and parking areas were covered inPierced steel planking (PSP).[13]
In April 1963, the 777th Troop Carrier Squadron equipped with 16 C-123s was transferred to the base and later that year the base's existing Mule Train operations were redesignated as the311th Troop Carrier Squadron.[2]: 167–71
In early 1964, theU.S. NavyOfficer in Charge of Construction RVN (OICC) directed the American construction contractorRMK-BRJ to rebuild and extend the existing runway to 10,000 ft (3,000 m), with new asphalt paving. This was completed in July 1964.[13]: 66
On 5 August 1964, following theGulf of Tonkin incident, 6F-102s from the509th Fighter Squadron and 8F-100s from the615th Tactical Fighter Squadron (615th TFS) deployed to Da Nang AB fromClark Air Base in the Philippines.[2]: 229 The F-100s were proposed to be used for a strike against theVietnam People's Air Force (VPAF)Phúc Yên Air Base as part of the US response to the incident, however approval for the strike was denied.[2]: 230–2
Commencing in December 1964, Da Nang AB was used to supportOperation Barrel Roll, the covert air war in neighbouring Laos. On 14 DecemberF-105s from the80th Tactical Fighter Squadron based atKorat Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand staged through Da Nang for the initial strikes supported by the base's F-100s. Later that month F-105s from the44th Tactical Fighter Squadron deployed to the base for further strikes nearTchepone,[2]: 256–7 these aircraft would form Detachment 218th Tactical Fighter Wing.[2]: 256–7 Also in December the613th Tactical Fighter Squadron deployed to the base.[7]: Appendix 1
In February 1965, 12 F-100s from the3rd Tactical Fighter Wing deployed to the base to support the Operation Flaming Dart airstrikes.[2]: 274
On 2 March 1965, F-100s, F-105s and VNAF A-1s from the base participated in the first attacks of Operation Rolling Thunder, striking the naval base at Quảng Khê, losing 2 F-100s in the attack.[8]
By March 1965, with the base overcrowded by the arrival of new squadrons, a major expansion was approved. In August 1965, the OICC directed RMK-BRJ to construct a second 10,000-foot (3,000 m) parallel runway and paved taxiways and parking areas.[13]: 149–150 [7]: 26–8 The second runway opened in July 1966.[7]: 158
In March 1965, the35th Tactical Fighter Wing (35th TFW) deployed to the base.[7]: Appendix 1 In April the 615th Tactical Fighter Squadron deployed to the base.[7] The416th Tactical Fighter Squadron deployed to the base before moving to Bien Hoa AB in mid-May.[7]: Appendix 1 Also in April the476th Tactical Fighter Squadron (476th TFS) equipped withF-104Cs was deployed to the base.[7]: Appendix 1 In May the20th Tactical Air Support Squadron (20th TASS) equipped withO-1s deployed to the base.[7]: Appendix 1 In June the 615th TFS returned to the US.[7]: 55 In mid-June the8th Bombardment Squadron equipped with B-57Bs moved to the base from Bien Hoa, these would be rotated with other B-57s from the13th Bombardment Squadron until September 1966 when they would be moved toPhan Rang Air Base.[7]: Appendix 1
On the early morning of 1 July 1965, the PAVN and Vietcong launched a mortar and sapper attack on the base, destroying one F-102 and twoC-130s and damaging a further two F-102s and one C-130.[14] The PAVN/VC had killed a guard undetected and then used his unsecured telephone to divert US troops to the far side of the base.[15]
In July, the436th Tactical Fighter Squadron (436th TFS) replaced the 476th TFS.[7]: Appendix 1 In October the435th Tactical Fighter Squadron replaced the 436th TFS.[7]: Appendix 1 In November the390th Tactical Fighter Squadron (390th TFS) equipped withF-4s deployed to the base.[7]: Appendix 1
The 1972d Communications Squadron was designated and organized at Da Nang Airport on 20 August 1965, as part of the1964th Communications Group, Air Force Communications Service.[16]
On 1 January 1966, the 4503rd Tactical Fighter Squadron equipped with theF-5ASkoshi Tiger moved to the base for trial operations over North Vietnam and Laos.[7]: 89–90 The F-5s returned to Bien Hoa in early February and returned to Da Nang AB from 20 February to 10 March when they returned again to Bien Hoa and were redesignated as the 10th Fighter Squadron.[7]: 125
On 8 January 1966, the37th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron (37th ARRS) was activated at Da Nang AB operating 5HU-16s on loan from the31st ARRS and the33rd ARRS, the squadron was responsible for aircrew recovery over North Vietnam, Laos and the Gulf of Tonkin.[17][18] In May 1967, Detachment 138th ARRS operatingHH-3s at the base was reassigned to the 37th ARRS.[17]: 274
In February 1966, the480th Fighter Squadron deployed to the base.[7]: Appendix 1 In July Detachment 3,405th Fighter Wing equipped with F-102s deployed to the base.[7]: Appendix 1
In April/May 1966, following civil unrest in Da Nang, all USAF personnel were moved from off-base housing into barracks on the base.[7]: 175
In May 1966, the base supportedOperation Carolina Moon an unsuccessful attempt to destroy the Thanh Hóa Bridge with mines dropped from C-130s.[8]: 258–9
By September 1966, the 20th TASS had replaced most of its O-1s with theO-2A with many of these forward deployed to smaller bases close to theDMZ.[7]: 242
In October, the366th Tactical Fighter Wing deployed to the base from Phan Rang replacing the 35th TFW which moved down to Phan Rang.[7]: Appendix 1 By December 1966 7 F-4 squadrons were operating from the base.[7]: 160
In March 1967, elements of the9th Air Commando Squadron equipped with O-2Bs began operating from the base.[7]: 243
During theTet Offensive attacks in northern I Corps, many of the detached 20th TASS units returned from their forward bases to the security of Da Nang AB, resulting in longer transit and reduced on-station times for their forward air control missions.[9]: 30–1
On 20 September 1969 a USAF F-4 returning from a strike mission collided with anAir VietnamDouglas C-54D-10-DC Skymaster (registration XV-NUG) 3 km (1.6 nmi; 1.9 mi) northwest of the airport, taking off part of the C-54's wing, the C-54 crashed into a plowed field, killing 74 of the 75 people on board and two people working in the field.[19]
On 8 April 1970, the PAVN shelled and rocketed the base killing one Airman and one Marine and damaging barracks and communications facilities.[9]: 246
(AFCS G-73, 18 May 1965, amended by G-105, 4 August 1965);
By 1972, withVietnamization at an advanced stage, Da Nang AB was one of only four major USAF bases remaining in South Vietnam with the 366th TFW based there.[9]: 305 When theEaster Offensive began on 30 March 1972 the USAF moved quickly to build up its tactical fighter strength in Vietnam, on 3 April 9 F-4s were deployed to Da Nang AB as part of Operation Commando Fly, these aircraft were soon joined by an additional 9 F-4s and formed the35th Tactical Fighter Squadron (35th TFS).[9]: 338
On 9 April, aBoeing B-52 Stratofortress made an emergency landing at the base after a hit by anSA-2 missile over theVietnamese Demilitarised Zone. On 24 April another B-52 made an emergency landing at the base after an SA-2 knocked out three of its engines over North Vietnam.[20]
In late May, the 366th TFW began moving from Da Nang AB toTakhli Royal Thai Air Force Base, with the personnel of the 390th TFS returning to the US while their aircraft were transferred to other squadrons in Thailand.[9]: 345 The 35th TFS redeployed toUdorn Royal Thai Air Force Base.[9]: 345
On 13 March 1973 the 1972d Communications Squadron at the base was reassigned and moved toEglin Air Force Base, Florida.
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In early September 1962,HMM-163 codenamedOperation Shufly, one of the firstUnited States Marine Corps (USMC) helicopter units to serve in Vietnam, was redeployed with its support units fromMarine Aircraft Group 16 (MABS-16) fromSóc Trăng Airfield to Da Nang Airfield, completing the redeployment by 20 September.[6]: 73–4 HMM-162 was tasked with supporting ARVN operations in I Corps,[6]: 79 and conducted their first combat operation deploying units from the ARVN2nd Division on 18 September 1962.[6]: 82
The ARVN, RVNAF, USAF and USMC established a jointAir Support Operations Center at Da Nang AB to coordinate air support within I Corps.[6]: 80–2 This was later supplemented by an Aviation Headquarters Operations Centre to oversee Army and USMC aviation.[6]: 117
On 11 January 1963,HMM-162 replaced HMM-163 at Da Nang AB and in April a reconnaissance platoon from the3rd Marine Division was deployed to provide base security.[6]: 111–2 Later in April the US Army's 68th Aviation Company equipped with armedUH-1Bs began operations from the base.[6]: 115 On 8 June 1963HMM-261 replaced HMM-162.[6]: 116 On 2 OctoberHMM-361 replaced HMM-261.[6]: 120
On 1 February 1964,HMM-364 replaced HMM-361 at Da Nang AB, together with its combat support missions HMM-364 was tasked with training VNAF personnel in helicopter operations as it was intended that they would be the last USMC helicopter unit deployed to Vietnam and would depart by 30 June.[6]: 146–7 Following harassment attacks on the Marine compound, on 24 March a platoon from1st Battalion 9th Marines was deployed to Da Nang AB to increase base security.[6]: 147 By late May it had become clear that the 30 June departure date was unrealistic and so in late June HMM-364 turned over their helicopters to the new VNAF 217th Squadron, HMM-162 returned to Da Nang.[6]: 155–6 On 21 September the USMC evacuated Da Nang AB asTyphoon Tilda approached, the Marines returned to their damaged base on 23 September.[6]: 159–60 On 29 September 1/9 Marines was replaced by a platoon from Company E2nd Battalion 9th Marines.[6]: 160–1 In early October HMM-162 was replaced byHMM-365.[6]: 161 On 26 November E/2/9 Marines was replaced by the reinforced Company L3rd Battalion 9th Marines.[6]: 164
On 7 February 1965, following theAttack on Camp Holloway, US PresidentLyndon B. Johnson ordered retaliatory airstrikes against North Vietnam and the deployment ofHAWK missiles to South Vietnam to defend against any attacks by the VPAF. The USMC1st Light Antiaircraft Missile Battalion based onOkinawa was ordered to deploy to Da Nang. Arriving by C-130 on 8 February, two of 1st LAAM's HAWK batteries were fully operational by February 18.[14]: 4–6
On 8 March 1965, in coordination with the amphibious landing of the9th Marine Regiment atRed Beach north of Da Nang,[21] the1st Battalion 3rd Marines landed at Da Nang AB fromNaha Air Base, this marked the first deployment of US combat troops to South Vietnam.[14]: 14 On 9 March HMM-365 was replaced by HMM-162.[14]: 15 The9th Marine Expeditionary Brigade (9th MEB) were tasked with defending Da Nang AB, while overall responsibility for defending the Da Nang area remained with the ARVN, SHUFLY was absorbed into Marine Aircraft Group 16 (MAG-16), part of 9th MEB.[14]: 16
On 10 April, F-4Bs fromVMFA-531 landed at Da Nang AB, this would be the first USMC fighter-bomber squadron deployed to Vietnam.[14]: 25 On 16 AprilMarine Air Support Squadron 2 (MASS-2) was deployed to Da Nang AB to provide tactical air control for Marine aviation units and the following dayVMCJ-1 equipped withEF-10Bs deployed to the base. The USMC fixed wing units were designatedMarine Aircraft Group 11 (MAG-11).[14]: 27
In early May 1965, the 9th MEB was redesignated as the3rd Marine Amphibious Force (III MAF) and a1st Marine Aircraft Wing (1st MAW) advanced headquarters was established at Da Nang AB. III MAF and 1st MAW controlled all USMC units in Vietnam which now comprised the enclaves at Da Nang,Chu Lai Base Area andPhu Bai Combat Base.[14]: 36
In mid-July,VMFA-513 relieved VMFA-531 andVMFA-542 was also deployed to Da Nang AB. On 7 August given the overcrowding at the base, the helicopters of MAG-16 moved to the newMarble Mountain Air Facility, on the Tiensha Peninsula across the Da Nang River from Da Nang AB.[14]: 149
On 15 October,VMFA-115 replaced VMFA-513, on 1 DecemberVMFA-323 replaced VMFA-542 and on 19 DecemberVMF(AW)-312 deployed to the base.[14]: 150 A detachment of fourKC-130 tankers fromVMGR-152 was also stationed at Da Nang AB to support USMC squadrons.[14]: 157
On 25 January 1966, the Vietcong attacked Da Nang AB with 120mm mortars killing one Marine.[22]
In late 1966,VMF (AW)-242 equipped withA-6As was deployed to Da Nang AB.[22]: 264–5
On 27 February 1967, the PAVN launched a rocket attack hitting the base with more than 50 140mm rockets in one minute, a further rocket attack took place on 15 March.[23]: 77 On 14 July the PAVN launched another rocket attack firing over 50 122mm rockets destroying 10 aircraft, barracks and a bomb dump, damaging a further 40 aircraft and killing 8 Americans and wounding 176.[23]: 108–9
On the morning of 3 January 1968, the Vietcong launched more than 50 122mm rockets at the base destroying a Marine F-4B and two USAF aircraft and damaging 17 others.[24]
At the beginning of 1968, USMC units at Da Nang AB included VMCJ-1,VMF (AW)-235, VMF (AW)-242 andVMFA-122.[24]: 459 During the Tet Offensive together with other attacks on US and ARVN facilities in the Da Nang area, on the night of 29 January the Vietcong fired rockets at the base and then at 02:30 on 30 January they launched a sapper and mortar attack on the south of the base killing 4 Marines.[24]: 145–6 At 03:30 a renewed rocket attack on the base began with 55 122mm rockets hitting within 20 minutes killing 3 Marines and wounding 11 and destroying 5 aircraft and damaging a further 14.[24]: 147–8
In January 1969, USMC units at Da Nang AB included VMCJ-1, VMF (AW)-242,VMFA-334 and VMFA-542.[25] On 23 February 1969 as part of theTet 1969 attacks, a PAVN rocket attack destroyed a 450,000 gallon fuel tank beside the base and damaged an A-6.[25]: 97 On 7 October as part ofOperation Keystone Cardinal, a farewell ceremony took place at the base to mark the departure of the3rd Marine Division from South Vietnam.[25]: 166–7
At the beginning of 1970, USMC units at Da Nang AB included VMCJ-1,VMF (AW)-225, VMF (AW)-242 and VMFA-542.[26] In late January 1970 as part of Operation Keystone Bluejay VMFA-542 departed Vietnam andVMO-2 moved to the base from Marble Mountain Air Facility.[26]: 271 In July–August as part of Operation Keystone Robin Alpha, VMCJ-1 and VMF (AW)-242 departed Vietnam while the withdrawal ofMarine Aircraft Group 13 fromChu Lai Air Base saw the relocation of VMFA-115 andVMA-311 to Da Nang AB as part of MAG-11.[26]: 271 During 1970 Marine engineers constructed 170 "Wonderarch" concrete and steel aircraft protection shelters at Da Nang AB and Marble Mountain Air Facility.[26]: 326–7
Beginning in January 1971, as part of Operation Keystone Robin Charlie the 1st MAW headquarters and VMFA-115 departed Da Nang AB forMCAS Iwakuni while VMO-2 returned to the US, leaving MAG-11 with two squadrons, VMF (AW)-225 and VMA-311 and other assorted assets, by 22 June 1971 all USMC aviation units had left South Vietnam.[26]: 273
On 31 January 1971, 8 PAVN rockets hit the base igniting a 50,000 gallon fuel tank and damaging two KC-130s. On 21 February another rocket attack destroyed a C-130.[26]: 213
On 6 April 1972, USMC squadrons returned to Da Nang AB to confront the PAVN Easter Offensive, with VMFA-115 and VMFA-232 redeploying to the base under the command ofMarine Aircraft Group 15 (MAG-15).[27]: 153–5 On 12 April the base was hit by 122mm rockets killing 14 Vietnamese civilians.[28] On 14 AprilVMFA-212 arrived at the base followed the next day by H&MS-15.[27]: 157 On 24 April the base was hit by PAVN 122mm rockets, prompting a call for Marines to provide base security, and on 25 May the 3rd Battalion 9th Marines was deployed to the base.[27]: 158–9 From 16 June, MAG-15 began moving toRoyal Thai Air Base Nam Phong, while USMC operations at Da Nang AB were reduced to rearming and refueling.[27]: 164–70 On 18 August 1972 the PAVN fired 43 rockets at the base, hitting the base and adjacent housing and killing 27 South Vietnamese civilians and one U.S. airman, wounding 24 civilians and 21 U.S. airmen and destroying two aircraft with ten damaged.[29] On 26 January 1973, the date before theParis Peace Accords were to come into effect, two MAG-15 F-4s were damaged by PAVN rocket fire as they rearmed at Danang AB.[27]: 216
On 11 March 1975, faced with the PAVN invasion and the collapse of the South Vietnamese positions in the Central Highlands, PresidentNguyen Van Thieu decided on a new strategy of "light at the top, heavy on the bottom" which essentially involved only defending III Corps and IV Corps, with the ARVN withdrawing from I Corps and II Corps as necessary in the face of PAVN pressure.[30] Thieu met with Lieutenant GeneralNgô Quang Trưởng in Saigon on 13 March and Trưởng understood that he was authorised to concentrate his forces around Da Nang.[30]: 176 On 19 March Trưởng presented Thieu with alternative plans for the simultaneous withdrawal by road from Huế,Chu Lai andQui Nhơn to Da Nang or if the road was cut by the PAVN for withdrawal of forces into enclaves at Huế, Chu Lai and Qui Nhơn and then their evacuation by sea. Thieu agreed that Trưởng should attempt to hold Huế despite misgivings as to the ARVN's ability to hold the city and the navy's ability to supply them.[30]: 286 Trưởng returned to Da Nang to reorganise his forces for the defense of Huế but was immediately confronted with a PAVN frontal assault againstQuảng Trị Province and the ARVN soon retreated towards Huế.[30]: 287 On 21 March the PAVN launched attacks south of Huế aimed at isolating the city and preventing the reinforcement or withdrawal or ARVN forces into the city and establishment of defensive lines.[30]: 291–2 On 22 March Thieu ordered the withdrawal of all ARVN forces between Huế and Da Nang to fall back into an enclave at Da Nang.[30]: 297
By 26 March, Huế and all of Quảng Trị,Thừa Thiên,Quảng Nam andQuảng Ngãi Provinces had been captured by the PAVN and Da Nang was isolated.[30]: 323 Trưởng organised his remaining forces, which numbered approximately 75,000 troops, into inner and outer defensive lines around the city, while the PAVN prepared to attack the city from four directions before its defenses could be properly established. Trưởng's defense plans were hampered by the presence of 1–1,500,000 refugees and ARVN stragglers who had crowded the city.[30]: 325 Throughout 26 March, evacuation flights byAir America, Air Vietnam, the RVNAF andWorld Airways from Da Nang AB took place but could not keep up with the vast tide of refugees.[31] On 27 March, the situation at Da Nang AB was becoming increasingly chaotic as panicked refugees surged to board a World Airways flight and began mobbing the other flights, with groups of refugees gathering on the taxiways and runways.[31] By the evening of 27 March all evacuation flights out of the base were stopped, but propeller aircraft continued to evacuate refugees from Marble Mountain Air Facility.[31]: 77–8 That night, General Lanh, Deputy Commander of the RVNAF, flew into the base and instructed General Khanh of RVNAF 1st Air Division to evacuate all flyable aircraft. 130 aircraft would be evacuated while some 180, including 33A-37s, were abandoned.[32]
The PAVN attack began on the morning of 28 March with an artillery barrage on the city. Probing attacks quickly penetrated the ARVN defenses, and the fragile ARVN discipline collapsed as soldiers began to desert their positions and seek refuge for themselves and their families. On the night of 28 March, Trưởng received intelligence that an all-out PAVN assault against the city would commence the next morning; he decided to abandon Da Nang, and ordered his forces to move to beaches for evacuation by sea.[30]: 327–8
On the morning of 29 March, two World AirwaysBoeing 727s flew from Saigon to Da Nang to attempt to pick up more refugees. When the first 727 landed at Da Nang AB it was mobbed as 270 people pushed into the plane; all but 3 were ARVN. As the aircraft attempted to take off, it was hit by a grenade which jammed the flaps. The main runway was blocked by trucks, and the pilot was forced to take off from a taxiway. A number of ARVN soldiers hung onto the undercarriage and in the wheel wells, preventing the retraction of the landing gear; four of them survived the flight back to Saigon.[31]: 81–2
The PAVN entered the outskirts of Da Nang by mid-morning on 29 March, and were in complete control of the city by the afternoon.[30]: 328 At Da Nang AB the PAVN captured 10,000 tons of air munitions worth $18 million, various ground radar equipment and 176 aircraft, including an F-5E, 5 F-5As, 24 A-37s and 80 UH-ls.[33]
On 7 April the first VPAF transport aircraft began landing at Da Nang AB to support PAVN operations further south.[30]: 366 In mid-April the VPAF formed the Quyet Thang ("Determined to Win") Squadron at Da Nang AB and began preliminary training of pilots on captured RVNAF A-37s. The squadron would carry out thebombing of Tan Son Nhut Air Base on 28 April.[34]
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