, -DECLASSIFIED

SECRET POC-20 30 APRlL 1975

MARINE CORPS COMMAND CENTER

rJIORNING OPERATIONAL Sm,1HARY

1. FREQUENT WIND

A. FREQUENT \HND OP.Ef{ATIONS WERE ORDERED TERfJIINATED AT 300054Z.

: 1. { THE LAST GSF PERSONNEL HERE LIFTED OUT OF USDAO COr1POUND AT 2916102 AND FROM THE AMERICAN EMBASSY AT 2923462.

2. fJIARINE CASUALTIES

A. TVIO f.1ARI1~E OFFICERS ARE MISSING AS A RESULT OF A CH-46 HELO CRASH INTO THE SEA WHILE MAKING A LANDING APPRO'ACH ON BOARD USS HANCOCK (CVA-19).

3. EVACUEE NUMBERS

A. TOTAL NUMBE"R BROUGHT' OUT BY HELOS IS APPROXIMATELY 7,150.

B. TOTAL EVACUEES ON BOARD USN/MSC SHIPPING IS APPROXIMATELY 22,000-25,000. usrlJc SECURITY DETACmmNTS \HLL DEBARK MSC SHIPPING -U·PON COMPLETION OF EVACUEE OFFLOAD.

4. 31ST r1AU

A. 31ST r~AU TO BE RECONSTITUTED AND Et,'lBARK ON PHIBRON FIVE SHIPS AS ARG ALPHA. RETAIN ARG ALPHA ON 96 HOUR POSTURE TO LOAD.

5. REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM

A. SUBSEQUENT TO THE DEPARTURE OF THE LAST AMERICAN, THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM SURRENDERED, THE l NVA ENTERED SAIGON, AND PRESIDENT MINH WAS TAKEN INTO CUSTODY.

WORKING PAPER NOT IN SYSTEM

DECLASSIFIED

SECRET

DTG ORIGINATOR

290937Z (S) COHIPAC

291156Z (S) USS ENTERPRISE

291450Z (S) FONECON

291447Z (S) CTU 77.0.0

291710 EDT :FONECONS NMCC

291922 EDT

291955 EDT

,300054Z (S) JCS

300447Z (S) CINCPAC

DECLASSIFIED

RESUME OF MESSAGE

SITREP As of 290910Z 2023 personnel have

been evacuated with approximately 1000 remaining. Evacuation of Embassy has commenced.

f£ill~P-3 A7E from VA-27 returning from strike

mission lost at sea.' Pilot uninjured.

CH-4,6 CRASH SAR A/c from USS HANCOCK ditched at

sea. 4 crew aboard - 2 ere,., still mis:5ing.

Q.5i8P-3 Search continues for two missing USMC

from CH-46. Cause of Crash unknown.

~~EP

170 GSF plus 30 others remaining ,at Embassy. CS being used.

45 remain. Three helo's inbound. TacAir on station.

:Last helo lifts off with Marines aboard. Final helo aboard carrier at

',292017 EDT.

TERl~INATION

Terminate all Frequent Wind Operations immediately. Withdraw all U. S. forces from territorial airspace and waters of RVN.

E.lliAL SITREP :Last GSF personnel lifted from AE

Compound at 292346Z and were recovered ,at 300033Z.

USMC CH-46 crashed at sea off USS HANCOCK and two crew members are missing. USMC AH-1J ditched (USS OKINAWA) with cre'W' recovered.

Total number evacuees by helo is approximately 7,150. Total number on board USN/MSC shipping is approximately

22,000-25,000. ._r-o...-,(---~--,. -'D"---' (

-, ~ _ '" f' > ki " .. :.

I, ;.' r.' t~, I" ;J""~ :~1' t.~ \ to' t:.1~~~~b1 il ~~;_~~:il t-~

PAGE 19

DECLASSIFIED

~ D~ ORIGINATOR

300601Z (8) CINCPACFLT

DECLASSIFIED

RESU~E OF MESSAGE

RECONSTITUTE 31ST MAU 31st MAU to be reconstituted and to

embark on PHIBRON Five ships as ARG ALPHA on 96 hour posture to load.

Page 2(")

DECLASSIFIED

DECLASSIFIED

POC-20 22 .A..PRIL 1975

J;LJ,lUNE CORPS COfiJl'1J-"\i\fD CEN'fER

MORNING OPERATIOj)lAL SUI'vlNARY

1.. 9TH !1..z>"q

A. AFLOAT IN OPERATING AREA VICINITY V1JNG TAU.

B. ON S IX-HOUR RESPONSE TIME TO INITIAT'E HELICOPTER OP'rION OF' OPERATION FREQUENT WIND.

C. BLT 3/9 (ARG CHARLIE)

1. USS DENVER (LPD-9) AND USS HOBILE (LKA-115) ARRIVED OFF VUNG TAU 220317Z APR75.

2. USS DULUTH (LPD-6) REPAIRED AND UNDEB \IfAY FROM SUBIC 211530Z APR75. ETA OFF VUNG TAU 231523Z ARP75.

3. USS ANCHORAGE UNDER HAY FROM NUMAZU 211300Z APR75, VIA BUCKNER BAY, ETA 230730Z ARP75. ETD 2315002 APR75. ETA OFF VUNG TAU 270110Z APR75.

2.. MARINE SHIPS~ SCTY DETS

A. NO CHA1\fGE.

3.. OTHER U ~ So !v'"lARINE UNITS

A. BLT 1/4: NO CdANGE~

C. 2D EN 9TH M1.>.....~: NO CHANGE.

D. BLT 1/3: IN THE PROCESS OF BEING AIR LIFTED FROM HAWAl.I 'l'0 OKINAWA. FIRST FLIGHT DEP}~RTED HAWAII AT 212310Z~ •

4. EVACU~ES TOTAL 201,804 (2241 U.S., 199,5G3 ALIEN) a."

ENCL: ( 1) HCCC MESSAGE SUivl.ivU\RY

SECRET

DECLASSIFIED

DECLASSIFIED

ORIGINATOR RESlJlviE OF MESSAGE

200820Z (C) COMSEVENTfl..FLT COMMAND AND CONTROL Request: chop CTG 79.1 to CTF 76 for

operations.

2107232 (S) COMSCFE JAPAN RVN REFUGE EVACUATION SITREP 23 List of available shipping for evacuation.

1909192 (C) BLT 2/4 SAILING REPORT Listing of units embarked on USS OKINAWA.

2011102 (C) CTG 79.1 MOVREP Change chop 79.9 to 79.1.

210100Z (U) USS TUSCALOOSA MOVREP ~rive<l Subic Bay 210100Z"

2112562 (S) JCS WASH DC CONCEPT FOR SUPPORT OF T'"dE EVACUATION OF RVN REFUGEES

211225Z (C)· AMEMB SAIGON EMERGENCY AND EVACUATION: ESTIHATED NU11BER OF POTENTIAL EVACUEES

2114152 (C) USSDULUTH

2120302 (S) MAC

220020Z (S) BUMED

220236Z (C) SECSTATE

Total: 202,924 (Amcit: 2,816).

MOVEHENT REPORT USS DULUTH ETD Subic 2115.30Z. ETA

MOD LOC vung Tau 231523Z.

MAC MISSION 2077iOl Air Novernent of BLT 1/3 from NGAS Kanehoe to Kadena, Okinawa.

MEDICAL SUPPORT TO RVN REFUGEES Personnel support to include two Marine Corps Medical collecting and clearing companies.

FREQUENT WIND Tasks DOD under coordination of Ambassador BROWN to prepare for withdrawal as a first contingency up to 50,000 evacuees.

2115002 (S) USS ANCHORAGE MOVEMENT Departed Nurnazu 211300Z en route to MODLOC vicinity Vung Tau, ETA 270110Z.

Page 7

DECLASSIFIED

220450Z (S) CL~K OPS CTR PI

200645Z (C) 1/4

DECLASSIFIED

RES1J11E OF H~SSAGE

AIRCREW DEBRIEFING Report of C-130E flying out of TSN being fired on by small arms and J>..AA, fire.

tvlOVREP Change location of command from USS Dubuque to MAU Camp.

r

Page 8

DECLASSIFIED

_ SEC.RET . -0-

1. FREQUENT ~IIND

DECLASSIFIED

MARINE CORPS COMMAND CENTER

MORNING OPERATIONAL SUMMARY

POC-20 29 APRIL 1975

A. FREQUENT WIND OPTION IV (HELO EVAC) ORDERED EXECUTED AND IS IN PROGRESS

1. L HOUR WAS 290300Z APR75.

2. INITIAL PENETRATION OF RVN AIRSPACE TOOK PLACE AT 290432Z APR75.

3. GSF INSERTED AT DAO COMPOUND AND AMERICAN EMBASSY.

4. ALL AMERICANS ORDERED EVACUATED FROM RVN BY PRESIDENT FORD.

5. OPERATION IS PROCEEDING SMOOTHLY.

, 2. MARINE CASUALTIES ,

A. 2 U.S. MARINES REPORTED KILLED IN A ROCKET ATTACK AT THE DAD COMPOUND, WHICH TOOK PLACE PRIOR TO THE EXECUTION OF FREQUENT WJND OPTION IV (HELO EVAG).

3. EVACUEE NUMBERS

A. TOTAL EVACUEES AS OF 280800Z APR75:

CLARK 6,925 GUAM 23,591

- WAKE 1,887 SUBIC 4,892

37,295 B. EVACUEES PROJECTED FOR 28APR75 WERE 6150 BY 41/C-130's

4. SAl GON

A •. BRIDGE ACROSS SAIGON RIVER AT NEWPORT REPORTED IN tHEMY HANDS.

5. PERIODIC UPDATES WILL BE PUBLISHED AS THE OPERATION DEVELOPS."

\VOHKING PI~PEij NOT IN SYSTE~1f

DECLASSIFIED

SECRET

\~ . :-,.:,,~,.:, .. '~ ~~<~;

Q'-::f"::)<-"~> :}

DECLASSIFIED

DTG ORIGINATOR REsm~E OF MESSAGE

280930Z APR75 (e) eOMIPAe THREAT ADVISORY USAF e-130 aircrew reports AAA fire along Route 15, at an altitude of 19,000 to 20,000 feet. Assessment of fire indicates possible 57rrun.

281100Z APR75 (S) 7AF:NKP SPOT REPORT

281256Z APR75 (e)

281220Z APR75 (C).

281411Z APR75 (e)

281433Z APR75 (s)

2814162 APR75 (C)

Four A-37s conducted bombing runs on TSN around dusk. Two other A-37s were driven off by AAA. Status of damage to AIF unknown.

COMIPAC SPOT REPORT # 2 DAO Saigon reports 3 A-37s attacked TSN AlP dropping (2) 500 lb. bombs each. No US Aje on ground. A-37s are believed to be from Phan Rang. Damage reported -(destroyed) • 1 - C47 3 - AC-47 2 - Cl19 3 - F5 R~ri\ays/taxiWayS and tower are operational.

6908 SCTY SQ ATTACK ON PRESIDENTIAL PALACE Unconfirmed reports of A/c attacking presidential palace, Saigon. Unidentified gunboats attacking on the river. Viet Cong have rejected ceasefire and plan to take the city by force.

CINCPAC MOVE1.\1ENT MSC SHIPS Directs the withdrawal of MSC ships stationed off of coast of SVN to a position out-of-sight land to preclude uncontrolled refugees from boarding.

COMIPAC SPOT REPORT # 3 . Sappers which blocked Long BinhlSaigon road at east end of Newport bridge have been neutralized. A-37s which attacked TSN believed to have come from Nha Trang or Danang.

USS BLUE OPREP-3 RIDGE RVN CH-47 landed on board Blue Ridge. A/c

was refueling in TSN when it came under air attack. Aircrew then flew A/c to sea to land on Us ship.

DECLASSIFIED

DTG ORIGINATOR

280310Z APR75 (S) CINCPAC

281412Z APR75 (S) CINCPAC

281731Z APR75 (S) CINCPAC

281809Z APR75 (S) CINCPAC

281100Z APR75 (S) USS ANCHORAGE

282135Z APR75 (S) COM IPAC

282148ZAPR75 (S) CINCPAC

DECLASSIFIED

REsm4E OF MESSAGE

FREQUENT ~VIND Resume 6 hour response posture.

RESPONSE TIME CHANGE FREQUENT WI~~ forces (less Okinawa

based GSF) are to assume one-hour alert posture first light 29 April.

Plan for maximum practicable C-130 evacuation lift to commence as soon as feasible and when ordered.

EA-6A/B SUPPORT Request 7AF plan for EA-6 airborne

coverage and monitoring of C-130 operation. Alc will not penetrate VN territorial waters (3NM).

EXECUTION .MESSAGE Execute C-130 evacuation lift (2814122

above refers).

MOVREP ETD Subic 281200Z. ETA Vung Tau 300945Z.

MARINE CASUALTIES Voice report from USN personnel in

Saigon reveals artillery attack hit TSN and DAO compound. One C-130 was hit and is burning on ramp. Two Marines are reported dead near DAO compound.

SITREP As of 281600Z, 954 American citizens

remained in VN.

Page 17

DECLASSIFIED

~~f.<"~:'-':" ',<".' :/;:""':;::"

. ~

DTG

282220Z APR75 (S)

282325Z APR75 (S)

290026Z APR75 (S)

290252Z APR75 (S),

290135Z APR75 (S)

290439Z APR75 (C)

290440Z'APR75 (5)

290557Z APR75 (S) (FONECON)

290727Z APR75 (S) (FONECON)

DECLASSIFIED

ORIGINATOR

CINCPAC

USSAF/7AF

cmUPAC

CINCPAC

USS DULUTH

COM IPAC

COM IPAC

NFP

NHCC

RESUME OF MESSAGE

FREQUENT WIND CINCPac has directed USSAG and DAO

to assess best emergency evacuation means. At moment C-130 lift looks best. Imperative that all Americans be evacuated ASAP.

DAD directed to evacuate totally.

FREQUENT WIND Launch all USAF support A/C for

L~hour of 290300Z (291100' Saigon, 282300 EDT).

SPOT REPORT TSN/DAO under rOCket/arty attacks.

A C-119 was hit by an SA-7 while taking off from TSN. Two NVA platoonE spotted one KM NW of TSN.

EXECUTION OF FREQUENT WIND This is an execute message.

Execute Frequent Wind, Option IV.

SVN HELICOPTER LANDING ON USS DULUTH A SVN helicopter with 45 RVN

personnel embarked seeking refuge.

TAN SON NHUT SIT REP OF 290430Z Tan Uyen has fallen. Two

enemy Bn at Hoc Mon. We cannot leave area. One returning man had to shoot his way in.

EVACUATION OF CAr.! THO 35 US Citizens at Cam Tho now

en route by boat from river to sea.

HELO LIFT First wave of helos lifted off

at 290445Z. ETA DAD Compound is 290530Z.

GSF TOUCHDOWN The GSF landed at 2907082 near

the DAO Compound at TSN. No enemy activity in the LZ.

Page 18.

DECLASSIFIED

- ;-.,. ;

. i

.. -

DECLASSIFIED

.SECRET POC-20 26 APRIL 1975

MARINE CORPS COMMAND CENTER

MORNING OPERATIONAL SUMMARY -1. THERE WAS NO OPERATIONAL SUMMARY PUBLISHED FOR SATURDAY,

26 A?RIL 1975.

DECLASSIFIED

WORKING PAPER NOT IN SYSTEM

SECRET

DECLASSIFIED

i SECRET POC-20 27 APRrL 1975

NARINE CORPS COMMAND CENTER

MOON OPERATIONAL SUMMARY

1. TACTICAL SITUATION

A. LONG THANH AND PHUOC LE HAVE FALLEN.

B. VUNG TAU ISOLATED AND UNDER ATTACK.

C 304 AND 325· NVA DIVISIONS IDENTIFIED BRINGING NVA DIVISIONS IN MR 3 TO 15.

D. ATH\CKS ON SA! GON H1MINENT.

2. RVN SITUATION

A. GENERAL DUONG VAN MINH ASSUMES POWER. POSSIBILITY EXISTS THAT THIS COIlLD INFLUENCE NVA TO HOLD UP ATTACKS.

3. 9TH I1AB

A. OFF VUNG TAU - TO 1 HOUR ALERT AT FIRST LIGHT 28APR75.

B. USS ANCHORAGE (LSD-36) ETA OFF VUNG TAU SLIPS TO 290500Z.

4. MSC MARSECDETS

A. MARSECDET TRANSFE~RED FROM 5S AMERICAN RACER TO SS AMERICAN CHALLENGER 26APR75.

B • n A R SEC 0 E T SEN BAR KED. 0 N 8 M S C S HIP S •

5. EVACUATION BY MSC SHIP

A. SS AMERICAN CHALLENGER TOOK ON 4,500 EVACUEES AT LONG HAI. EN ROUTE PHU QUOC.

6. AMPTS SAIGON

A. AMCITS SAIGON REDUCED TO 1,019.

7. OPERATION NEW LIFE

A. NAVY/MARINE CORPS TASKED BY JCS TO NOMINATE 2 CONUS REFUGEE CENTERS FOR UP TO 20,000 PERSONNEL EACH (FIRST) ARRIVALS 28 OR 29 APRIL))AND 1 WEST COAST ENTRY POINT.

PAGE 1 SECRET

DECLASSIFIED

DECLASSIFIED

<S:CRET POC-20 27 APRIL 1975

B. SEC ARMY IS DESIGNATED EXECUTIVE AGENT WITHIN 000 FOR EVAC COORDINATION AND WITH OTHtR FEDERAL AND LOCAL AGENCIES.

C. R.P. AMD GUAM SATURATED. EVACS NOW DIRECTLY TO WAKE I S L Ai'i D • A H HlB ASS '( R. P. R E QUE S T SOP E N I N G H A ~I A II TO EVACS, CITING SUB-HUMAN CONDITIONS IN EXISTANCE •

. PAGE 2 SECRET

DECLASSIFIED

DECLASSIFIED

POC-20 28 APRIL 1975

MARINE CORPS COMMAND CENTER

MORNING OPERATIONAL SUMMARY

A. OFF VUNG TAU - ONE HOUR ALERT"AT FIRST LIGHT.

B. USS ANCHORAGE (LSO-36) ETA SUSIe BAY 280600Z APR?S. WILL CLOSE VUNG TAU AREA 30APR75.

2. AMCITS SAIGON

A. AMCITS SAIGON REDUCED TO 954 AS OF 2716001 APR7S.

" ;

SECRET

DECLASSIFIED

:,.. ........ : . ,. . ... ~ , .....

ORIGINA'TOR.

2509352 (C) 1>..E SAIGON

2516022 (C) SECSTATE

251612Z (8) JCS

2608302 (C) AE SAIGON

261533Z (C) COM IPAC

;

270535Z (5) USSAG!7 AF

DECLASSIFIED

RESUME OF .lv1ESSl~.GE

EVACL'ATION STATISTICS As of 241600Z, 1,357 identified

American citizens ra~ained in RVN~

E AL"JDE FROM VIETN)~H Stop f lit;:rhts to Guam-Use other

locations short of Hav.Taii ..

C-130 AIRLIF'T SUPPORT FOR PACO~I Execu te - - USCING.!{ED to supply

one 16UE C-130 Sqcn TOY to PACAF for 90 days.

EVACUATION STAT~STICS As of 251600Z, 1095 American

ci tizens reHlained in RVN.

NVA ATTAC"{ DAO Saigon reports the NVA has

launched a tWo-Division size attack against Bear Cat in'an apparent effort to cut Route 15 between Bien Hoa and Vung Tau. Photic Le, ten miles north of Vung Tat;.,rwas reported under heavy attack by fire.

SPOT REPORT

232 Corps has-been ordered to position arty to fire on Tan Son Nhut and to open f~re when in position.

Page 13

DECLASSIFIED

, ;:::" ~"'1 "~"- t::' :""~':}: , '.

,:~, ... "' ~ .:.

,"' j .. r~ -. -.':::'\~

;'};.l';;

;;~~GO ... ORIGIN.7;.TOR

270838Z APR7S (S) CINCPAC

2703582 APR75 (8) CTF 73

2709002, 1I..PR75 (S) 7 Ai'

270915Z APR75 (C) ANn"! SAIGON

270930Z APR75 (S) USSAG!7AF

DECLASSIFIED

H"SS Ulm OF NESSAGE

VN BVACUATTQCJ OPFRATION SITREP PmCits renaining 1357.

S EVENTE FLT 1;OG NOTE 012/75 CTG 73~5 (HOBILE LOGISTICS SUPPORT GR01JP) shifting from Sasebo to USS KAWISIWI off coa,St of SVN.

USSAG SPOT REPOR.T Phuoc Lee (Ba Ria) destroyed by NV forces 1,vho are aavancingnorth on Rt :# 15 ~ Long Thanh occupied by NVA forces with AA.A.:. NVA tanks in Long Thanh4 If reports are accurate Vung Tau is isolated.

~&E STATI$'rICS A~Cits presently in RVN 1019. Impossible to determine potential non-/l.rnCit evacuees in RVN.

SPOT REPORT Vung Tau and Truong Xau under attack. lIxmor and inf attacks planned for today

,27Apr. DAD Saigon confirmsPhuoc Le (Ba BrA) has fallen, RVNA~forces with­araltin from Bien Hoa. RT #4 SW of Saigon has been interdicted by arty fire.

271343Z APR75 (S) NFP 'JPDA'r3 HO'y~ USS Anchorage (LSD-36) ETA to Vung Tau 3000402., Delay due to weather~

I 271312Z-APR75 (8) COiYlIPAC IPAC DATLY S\.Jfil,HA ... i:l..''l

Long Thanh has fallen. Bien Roa city under 24 hour curfew. Tank led ~vA forces

-, are str iking through Phuc Tuy province. Saigon receivea 6 122mrn rocket attacks at 0400 26Apr. 6 civilians killed, 242 wounded, 200 houses destroyed. No reliable political reports since attack.

DECLASSIFIED

DECLASSIFIED

DTG ORIGINATOR R;:;'SUHE OF MESSAGE

2714552 APR75 (S) CINCPAC F.R.EQLJEN'T' ~'Jnm (C) Br ing all Frequent "V'iind Forces, (less Okinawa based GSF) to one hOllr alert as of first light 28Apr75.

271615Z APR75 (U) M1EM SAIGON POLITICAL SITUATION

271645Z APR75 (S) NFP

271735ZAPR75 (8) NFP

National assembly has voted to transfer all powers of the president to General Duong Van Minh.

USS .ANCHORAGE New ETA for USS Anchorage to Vung Tau·,< is 290500Z ..

MSC UPDATE Marine det (54 men) was transferred from the American Racer to the American Challenger 26Apr. American Challenger presently en route Ph~ Quoe with 4500 refugees aboard who were picked up at Long HaL

'2'1l741Z APR75 (8) CINCPAC !,-lODIF1~A1'TON OF AIBJdIFT_OPERATIOtlQ. Request for ~lliC to terminate TSN

operations of C141 Alc effective 28 p.,pril. Request C141 operations shift to Clark/ Subic to support<dra~."down/onward movement evacuees from Philipines.

Request for CINCPACAF assurne total airlift evacuation TSN to Clark/Subic beginning 28 April using C130 A/C.

272115Z.APR75 (S) USS MO~EP Ai"\ICHORAGE USS Al'JCHORAGE en route Subic with ETA

280600Z. (NOTE: FONCON with FNFPac at 280100Z revealed that ship was going to Subic to pick up some Navy personnel prior to proceeding on to RVN waters. New movrep will be forthcoming)"

280745Z APR75 (C) N4E."1 SAIGON EVACUEES . Total numbers of P-.merican Citizens. to be evacuated 954.

DECLASSIFIED

DECLASSIFIED ,t'U\ __ - .t~(J

l,~: :; T;.L.F? 25 APP,IL J.975

•• ' ~ \'; ~·.I , : .. " .... "'. ~.

MAR.INE CORPS Coti L."'lAND

A. OFF V0i~G TII.U - 6 HOW{ Al..EP, T.

B. USS MJCHORAGE (LSD-36) ETA OFF VUNG TAU 270710Z APR75. \

c. 40 MAN SECURITY FORCE FROH BLT 1/9 Al{RIVED DAO SAIGON CONPOu"'ND VIA AIR Al'-iERICA HELO LIF1' ON 25APR75.

2. FREQUENT 1i\F~ID EVACUATION

JCS AUTHORIZES CINCPAC TO EXECUTE OPTION II, III AND/OR IV UPON REQUEST OF US NvlBASSAGOR, SAIGON.

3. MSC }1l'l..RSEc::DETS

- 4.

A. NARSECDETS ON 8 }!SC SHIPS IN HOLDING AREA OFF VUNG TAU:

USNS SG'I' HILLER 54 i'1ARINES USNS KIHBRO 54 MARINES USNS GH.EENVILLE VICTORY - 54 }1ARINES TC GREEN PORT 54 N .. ~INES

'TC GREEN FOREST 54 MAQINES . TC PIONEER CO?--E1.~'\mER 54 M~ZlliINES

TC ANERICAN RACER 54 }lARINES 'l'C PIO?-JEE..li. CONTENDER 54 MARINES

NSC SHIPPING SAIC-ON

ALL US-NSC SHIPPING DEPARTED SAIGON FOR INTERNATIONAL \vATERS AT 24,220 OZ.

5. OTHF.R U. s~ NARINE lJ'NITS

A. BLT 1/4: NO CHANGE

B. . ,BLT 3/4: NO CHANGE

C. BLT 1/3: NO CH.ANGE

D. 2D BN, 9TH }.:1_~.g: NO Cr1AL~GE

., .

. ~ . .

6~ ?OTENTI~L EVACUEE TOTrL -200,252 (1681 U.S.: 198,571 ALIEN)~

ENCL: (1) MCCC NESSJ\GE SUHHARY \

~ ;.':~'~?~~~::l· Vi'l P~R

r .~:'~" ~':'.; ~3':;I~T~;;]

DECLASSIFIED

SECRET

".:.

.\ \

241024Z (C)

24l626Z (S)

241804Z (5) : I ,. "

!

242130Z (u)

242204Z (S)

25034"i~Z (S)

250704Z . (S)

. 241645Z (S)

ORTGTNNrOR

AHE;.'vl SAIGON

JCS

Jes

USSAG/7AF

DECLASSIFIED

Es'rIMA'F8D NUr,1.8E?, OE' POTE~!TIA.L

EV6QJE25

Total 200,252 (u.S. 1,681/ALIEN 198,572)

,INTERNAL. SECURITY

Aug~ent. security guard at DAO compouna with 40 Marines from

'CINCPAC resources.

EXECUTION CONPL.AN FREQUENT WIND

Execute when requested by U.s. Ambassador Saigon

REPORTED GRO'U1\1D F'TRE - TON SON 1'lliUT

2 C-130 Ale received ground fire after takeoff.

__ , ... : .. _ ... __ .. ':_.' VIETNAM EVACUATTON OPERATICNALSITREP

. CINCPACFLT

N"FP

CTG 76.5

Overall assesment and location of assets.

SI'I'REP .l>.S OP 25Q400~.

USMC Sec Detnow embarked on eight Hse ships.

MSC SHIPPING

FONECON WITH NFP INDICATES ALL NSC SHIPPING DEPARTED SAIGON FOR INTER­NATIONAL WATERS AT 2422002 •

USMC SEC DE'T'

AS OF 242045Z EIGHT 54 MAN SEC DET WERE El'-lBARKED . ABOARD MSe SHIPPING.

Page #11

DECLASSIFIED

ORIG]:Nl>.'I'OR.

2509102 (S) NECC

\. ".

"

",

DECLASSIFIED

FONECmj

NMCC states that CINCPAC reported that the 40 man USNC security augmentation force arrived Saigon via Air Pmerica helos on 25APR75.

PAGE # 12

DECLASSIFIED

DECLASSIFIED

POC-20 24 APRIL 1975

MARINE CORPS COMMAND CENTER

MORNING OPERATIONAL SUMMARY.

1. 9TH rlAB ----A. OFF VUNG TAU - 6 HOUR ALERT. DULUTH CLOSED 231600Z

APR75.

B. USS ANCHORAGE (LSD-36) WITH 2 CH-46 ETA OFF VUNG TAU 270710Z APR75.

A. MARSECDETS ON 5 MSC SHIPS IN HOLDING AREA OFF VUNG TAU:

USNS SGT ~lILLER - 54 - 54 USNS KIf1BRO

USNS GREENVILLE TC GREEN PORT

VICTORY - 54 - 54

Te PIONEER CONTENDER - 53

3. NSC SHIPPING SAIGON

tlAR HI E S ~lAR I N E S tt,ARINES ~1ARINES r'~ARINES

A. JCS DIRECTS MSC SHIPS IN SAIGON TO SAIL FOR INTER­NATIONAL WATfRS ASAP AND NLT 250018Z APR75.

A~ OTHER U.S. MARINE UNITS

A. BlT 1[4: NO CHANGE.

B. Bl T 3/4: NO CHANGE.

C. 20 BN, 9TH t'1AR: NO CHANGE.

D • B L T 1 / 3 : A R R I V E 0 0 KIN AW A AND I SOP CON 9 T H 1'1 A RAN D ASSIGNtD TASK DESIGNATOR 79.2.3.4.

5. POTENTIAL EVACUEE TOTAL 200,894 (1887 U.S.; 199.007 ALIEN).

ENCL: (1) Meee MESSAGE SUMMARY

SECRET

DECLASSIFIED

E . ...

ORIGINATOR

230945Z (C) P.memErnb SAIGON

211057Z (S) USDAO SAIGON

231402Z (u) CINCPAC

230800Z (C) USS l\NCHORAGE

231230Z (C) CTE 79~3.5.13

2321282 (8) C;I:NCPAC

232030Z (S) USS PRCHORAGE

232136Z (S) CINCPAC

DECLASSIFIED

RESUl1E OF MESSAGE

E & E EVACUATION STATISTICS

Total 200,894 (U.S. 1,1887; Alien 199,007)

REQUEST FOR TNTEHNl~T. SECUHITY AUGMENTATION

Due to unmanageable internal security problems it is recuested that one rifle platoon from GSP be moved to DAO compound by .Air Arr.erica~helo for internal security augmentation.

REQUEST FOR INTERNAL SECURITY AUGNRNTATION ..

Request approval of 211057Z (S), USDAO SAIGON

MOVREP

Arr Buckner Bay 230700Z APR •.

MOVREP

Chg chop 79.6.

VIETNP1'1 EVACUATION OPERATION.t\.f:, SITR§P

Overall assesment and location of assets.

MOVREP

DEPARTED BUCKNER BAY 2318002 EN ROUTE VUNG TAU Holding area. ETA 2707102.

RV1'-T EVAUCATION PLAi"lNING

Lists reveal option for sealift of refugees from RVNo

Pace #9

DECLASSIFIED

!?( rfl ,'~~ .. :,~··t~;'·r

T :~-";1#.. i·li " 'J.

ORIGINATOR

2402592 (S) COMSC

230634Z (S) CTG 76~5

231218Z (S) JCS

DECLASSIFIED

RES UNE OF r'1ESSAGE

VIETN.I~lvl EVl~.CU1:'.TIO;:'j PLCJ:~NING

CO}1SC comments are var ious refugee evaCua~lon op~lons utilizing ~~C shipping. Option contained in CINCPAC 2321362.

USMC SEC DET SITREP

Provides breakdown on current USHC Sec Det embarkation on MSC shipping$

MOVE.tv'.ENT OF SHIPS FROM SAIGON WATERS

JCS directs that all ships sail from Saigon harbor/waters to international waters ASAP and NLT 36 hours. This computes to 242018 EDT.

PAGE #10

DECLASSIFIED

, '

DECLASSIFIED

I .'

SU:Jj: .Status of flClrine Corps Efc1bas;;y ;:;2:::sonnel in Vie·tnam

Ref: (a) £'OTIecon b2 t'i·7een Col E. E. SE:JUL'I'S, DepDir, OpnsDiv and Col F. R. KOS?HE,CO, MSG En of 24 Apr 75

1. By reference (a), Colonel KOETHE stated that the Chief of Staff's Office had requested that Ope:::atio~s be kept informed of the status of Marin~ Corps security ?ersonnel in South Viet..'1~-u. The consulate at Bien Boa has been closed a::d ~·larine personnel. had been reassigned to the Embassy in Saigon as of yesterday. The consulate at Can Tho was estimated to be closed within 48 hours and pe::-sonnel. reassigned to E:rrtbassy Saigon. Therefore, at present, or in the iTi'ci"'CIediate future there .will be 75 £·1arines ass igned to the Erioassy in Saigon. App!"oximately one-half will be used for e'mbassy security and appro:dmately one-half at 'l'a'0- Son Nhut Airpo!"t to assist ,,-lith evacuation.

2. It is reported t.t.1.a"t, the situation \Vas caLrn. f _ "both at the ~bassy and Ta~Son Nhut Airport.

3. De·tailed planning, inchiding evacuation ·assignluents· h2.;le be.en: completed by the Embassy Ha:cines ..and personp,l effects and nonessential equipment have been crated for sili'pment to the United States. Only essential equipment such as flc.l( jackets, helmets, blues, and utili ties are being.::1aintained .

.:1;, Colonel. KOETHE T,..las "requested to c3.l1 t11e r'!arine Corps i~O:':-22.c.,-d Ce'Z! ter vIi th any updating informa -::iOD I day or

C / ;;/%,,, ~)~ &- ? ~~"'-i-G..--

E. E. SHOULTS Colonel, US:,lC

DECLASSIFIED

DECLASSIFIED

POC-20 23 i';PRIL 1975

;:·ll~qINE CORPS COr-L.~'lD CEt-lTER

1. 9TH N~

A. AFLOA'"I' I~ OPER..i\TING AREA VICINITY OF VUNG TAU.

B~ ON SIX-HOUR RESPONSE TINE TO INITIATE HELICOPTER OPTION OF OPERATION FREQUENT \VIND.

C. ALL US NAVY SHIPS/CRl~T AND EMBJ.l.R.!.(ED HELOS AHE TO REMAIN CLEA..q OF RVN T"rlREE l1ILE LlJ."1IT.

D. BLT 3/9 (A..~G CHARLIE) CLOSING.

1 ~ USS ANCHORAGE (LSD-35) IS PRESENTLY AT BUC".t{NER BAY, OKINAHA. ETA OFF VUNG TAU 270110Z APR75.

2. USS DULUTH (LPD-6) EN ROUTE TO VICINITY VUNG TAU. ETA 231523Z.

2. MARINE SHIPS SCTY DETS

A. NO CHJ.RGE.

3 to OTHER U. S. M..;;..qINE UNITS

A. BLT 1/4: NO CHANGE.

B. BLT 3L4: NO CHANGE.

C. 'c2D' BN 9TH: MAR: NO CHJ...NGE.

D. BLT 1/3: EN ROUTE TO OKINAWA BY HAC AIR LIFT. ONE C-141 R&'-lAINS AT HCP...5 KAL'JEHOE BAY BECAUSE OF MECHJu~ICAL DIFFICifLTY. '

4. EVACUEES TOTAL 197,492 (1753 U.S.; 195,739 ALIEN).

,"

ENCL: (1) HCCC ME/SSAGE SUlVli"1ARY

pECRET

DECLASSIFIED

DECLASSIFIED

. " '~~.?:~~:: , .: .. ::--: .....

., .... '. ~ ..

. . ~: \:.J'~ ~ ,', ~;O • . '

, ... ,' . -- ',. .

OR IG P·iA'1'02. RESlrr-1E OF MESSAGE

221000Z (S) COM IPF.C Dl'DIPAC jJiREAT ,L\DVIS(';?::{ AA capaoility around Saigon.

2209422 (C) At'1Zf1B SAIGON P & E EVACUp.TION STATlSTl.CS

221115Z (C) CLP.l'"U( OPS CLAPJ( .l'I..?B

221025Z (c) '1/3

TOTlili 201,804 (}\rnci.t 2,241).

CNTR ALLEGED HOSTTLE ACTION AGAINST ACFT C-141 took 3 rounds auto \Vpns fire

after take off from Tan Son Nhut.

MOVREP 1/3 ETA Okinawa 221900Z.

222030Z (C) SECtJRE FONECON BLT 1/3 MOVEMENT . G-3 FHE'PAC reported that as of 2218302

99S'trcops, all rolling stock, 81r-m mortar, 106RR had deDarted HaT,vaii. No estimated time yet as to when remaining 51 troopsj cargo will arrive Okinawa.

222359Z (S) JCS

230'430Z '(s) USDAO SGN

. '

AMPHIBIOUS SHIPPING FOR EVACUATION OF RVN Directs all Navy ships/aircraft and e.rnbarked helos to remain clear of RVN three mile limit UFA. ,JCS 010216Z which authorized ships ana helos to approach within one mile is rescinded.

FREOUENT HIND Beach surveys will be conducted cor-~encing 240700H APR75. Three mile restriction is waived for this operation ..

DECLASSIFIED

DECLASSIFIED

SECRET POC-20 22 Jl.2RIL 1975

M...A.lUNE CORPS COrvlrv1AND CENTER

MORNING OPERNrIONAJ.J S Up.'lNl>J~Y

ID 9TH MAB

A. AFLOAT IN OPERATING AREA VICINITY VUNG TAU ~

B. ON SIX-HOUR RESPONSE TINE TO INITIATE HELICOPTER OPTION OF OPERATION FREQUENT WIND.

C. BLT 3/9 (ARG CHARLIE)

1. USS DENVER (LPD-9) AND USSNOBILE (LKA-115) ARRIVED OFF 'lUNG TAU 2203172 APR75.

2. USS DULUTH (LPD-6) REPAIHED AND UNDER t'iAY F'ROfi! SUBle 211530Z APR75. Er~PA OFTi' VUNG TAU 231523Z ARP75.

3. USS ANCHORAGE UNDER HAY FROf)] NUMAZU 211300Z APR75, VIA BUCKNER BAY, ETA 2307302 ARP75. Ecrn 2315002 APH75. ETA OFF VUNG TAU 270110Z APR75.

2& MARINE SHIPS: SCTY DETS

A. NO CHAJ.\lGE.

3. OTHER u~ s. MARINE UNITS

A. BLT 1/4: NO CHANGE.

B. BLT 3/4: NO CHANGE.

C. 2D BN 9TH MAR: NO CHAl\lGE.

D. BI,T 1/3; IN THE PROCESS OF BEING AIR LIFTED FROM HAWAII TO OKINAWA. FIRST FLIGHT DEPARTED HAWAII AT 212310Zo

4. EVAyUEES TOTAL 201,804 (~241 U.S., 199,563 ft.LIEN)

ENCL; (1 ) ECCC NES Si\.GE S Ul1i.'\1ARY

DECLASSIFIED

DECLASSIFIED

ORIGINATOR RESUME OF MESSAGE

200820Z (e) eOMSEVENTF..FLT eOHfy1AL\fD AND CONTROL Request chop CTG 79.1 to CTF 76 for

operations.

210723Z (s) COMSCFE JAP~\f RVN REFUGE EVACUATION SITREP 2l List of available shipping for evacuqtion.

190919Z (e) BLT 2/4 SAILING REPORT Listing of units embarked on USS OKINAVvA.

201110Z (C) CTG 79.1 MOVREP Change chop 79.9 to 79.1.

210100Z (U) USS TUSCALOOSA MOVREP Arrived Subic Bay 210100Z.

211256Z (S) JCS WASH DC CO~CEPT FOR SUPPORT OF THE EVACUATION OF RVN REFUGEES

211225Z (C) AMEMB SAIGON EMERGENCvAl.'ID EVACUATION: ESTD"iATED NUNBER OF POTENTIAL EVACUEES

211415Z (c) USS DULUTH

212030Z (5) MAC

220020Z (S) BUMED

220236Z (c) SECSTATE

Total: 202 1 924 (Amcit: 2,816).

MOVEMENT REPORT USS DULUTH ETD Subic 211530Z. ETA

MOD LOC Vung Tau 231523Z.

MAC MISSION 2077/01 Air Movement of BLT 1/3 fr.om MCAS Kanehoe to Kadena, Okinawa.

MEDICAL SUPPORT TO RVN REFUGEES Personnel support to include tvvo Marine Corps Medical collecting and clearing companies.

FREQUENT WIND Tasks DOD under coordination of Ambassador BR(1WN to prepare for withdrawal as a first. contingency up to 50 1 000 evacuees.

211500Z (S) USS ANCHORAGE MOVEMENT

. ,

Departed Numazu 211300Z en route to MODLOC vicinity Vung Tau, ETA 270110Z •

Page 7

DECLASSIFIED

220450Z (S) CLARK OPS CTR PI

200645Z (C) 1/4

DECLASSIFIED

RESTJIvtE OF HESSA.GE

AIRCREtv DEBRIEFING Report of C-130E flying out of TSN being fired on by small arms and AAA fire.

NOVREP Change location of command from USS Dubuque to MAU Camp.

Page 8

DECLASSIFIED

\ \

I

\ I

I

UNIT

9TH j\1AB (See Tab D-1 Tor details)

BLT 1/4

BLT 3/4

·BLT 2/91

DECLASSIFIED

MARINE CORPS COlV!rI!AND CENTER

III MAP Locations

LOCATION SHIPPING

Vung Tau area ARG A,B,C,

Subic Bay, R.P. None

Camp Hanson, Oki None

Camp Schwab, Oki None

POC-20 21 APRIL 1975

ACTIVITY

6 HOUR RESPONSE

Div Reserve

A/C~-"Bn (Saigon) 6 HOUR ALERT.

Div Reserve

--------------------------------------------------------------------

1ST MAR BRIGADE

BLT 1/3 Kaneohe Bay, HI None Ale Bn 24 HOUR ALERT

\)~\~ i-lp:,,+- ,;~~t '-\ ~rl': I (I-bw.',: 1;~) t;,ht) 11\0 h~ b~~ 0'-~ fl+.

"''0 Mf\~ ~;rc.rM·

'.

TAB B

DECLASSIFIED

-r

DECLASSIFIED

SECRE'r

TALKING PAPER

For use by the Commandant of the Harir!c Corp:;,

Subj: Responsiveness of Harine Corps Forces to meet Southeast Asia Contingency Requirements

1. Marine forces supporting SEA co~tingency plan requirements h~ve demonstrated responsiveness, readiness l flexibility, and versatility in dea.ling simultaneously with evacuation plans for Carrbodia and Vietnam. In short f Harine Corps, forces v1i th appropriate amphibious shipping and strategic mobility support are ready and able to accomplish a broad spectrum of assigned missions.

2. The following points support the above conclusion:

~ Marine Corps ability to rapidly embark and deploy

From the initially afloat 31st l'flAU which ,,'las supporting EAGLE PULL contingencies,. Marine forces afloat were expanded to bvo !I~Gs. Sub­sequently, a MAB was readily activated and positioned to support FREQUENT WIND (RVN evac­uation) contingencies~

9'ch ¥.LZiB is embarked on 13 amphibious ships and provides a 6,000 Marine forc~ with 80 helicop­ters to support contingency plan requirements. The helicopters, v_'hich will be protected in the landing zone~ by Marines as required, can evac­uate up to 10,000 persons from Saigon in 12 hours depending on the tactical situation. The majority of this force sailed from SUbic Bay on 18 April, arrived off Vietnam on 20 April and n-laintains a six hour respor1se time to begin evacuation operations. Additionally, should surface evacuation plans be implemented, err~arked Narines can land by surface at Vung Tau to pro­vide ground security or deploy to Saigon on ships or helicopte::rs. l.lert forces on Okinawa can deploy by fixed wing aircraft as well .

. ' Marine Corps flexibility, versatility, and responsive­ness was demonstrated in the following ways:

On 22 March JCS directed that a Marine Corps ell-53 squadron at Kaneohe Bay be embarked on the CVA USS HAUCOCK and deploy to "iESTPl'.C. 'i'l~ thin 48 hours the squadron comrnenceCl loading 16 CH-53 helicopters. USS HANCOCK with CH-53s sailed from Hawaii on 26 March and participated in EAGLE PULL operations on 12 April.

DECLASSIFIED

DECLASSIFIED

SECRET PL32-REH-jkb :-", 2i Apr 1975

Subj ~ Respons i ·:::::::::::~s of Marine Corps Forces to meet Southeast Asia Contingency Requirements

The use of USS HA.NCOCK as a helicopter platform resulted from non-availability of an LPH and was a landmark occurrence and further demonstrated the versatility of the Navy-Marine Corps team.

On 31 March an Amphibious Evacuation Ry~ Support Group was activated to control evacuation opera­tions from Vietnam o , Marine security detachments were ra~idly formed and placed on MSC'ships (50 Marines per ship) to render humanitarian assis­tance to Vietnamese refugees and to provide ship security. 1st Battalion, 4th Marines wa~ initially tasked to perform this mission and carried out their duties from 4 to 11 April with professionalism. Especially noteworthy "Jas the display of sympathy for the Vietnamese by the Marines assigned this arduous duty. Due to the rapidly changing situ­ation and the strong possibility of the requirement for t~e battalion to be utilized as'part of a ground security force, 1/4 was relieved of evacuation control and assistance duties and irmnediately recon­stituted as a BLT and remains at Subic Bay. On 17 April, III MAF units on Okinawa organiz.ed security detachments from combat service and service support elements to replace the 1/4 detachments. Those uni ts were flown from Okinawa t.O ships off Vietnam" on '18-19 April via Subic Bay where they now perform evacuation_control and security duties as required.

On 4 April 1st Battalion, 9th Marines located on Okinawa was given a warning order for movement to "Subic Bay. The move was completed wi thin 2 4 hours. ~he battalion embarked in amphibious ships at Subic as part of 33rd HAU on 6 April and on 9 April the battlaion sailed for Vietnam to support evacu­ation operations.

BLT 3/9 was moved from Japan to Okinawa by Marine Corps KC130s at a time (early April) when amphib­ious ships were fully committed to EAGLE PULL/ FREQUENT \HND contingencies. "

On 20 April, CINCPbCFLT, anticipati.ng the reguiremen'L for additional Marine forces to support RVN evacuation plans (FREQUENT NIND), ordered a Hawaii based BLT be placed on 24 hour alert. On 21 April JCS ordered the

2 :":··:r:',':"~'lT SECRE~·

DECLASSIFIED

DECLASSIFIED

SECRET 'PL32-REH-jkb 21 ~pr 1975

SUbj: Responsiveness of Marine Corps Forces to meet Southeast Asia Contingency RequiremE.:-'::'s

BLT to deploy to Okinawa via M..i\C aircraft. Within 30 hours BLT 1/3 had loaded and departed Hawaii fcr Okina\'la.

Other Harine battalions 'on Okinawa maintain a responsive deployability posture as directed. The current response time is six hours.

3. Wide range of mission assignments:

- Marine Corps forces executed EAGLE PULL \,li thout any significant problems.

- 9th HAB is deployed and ready to execute FREQUENT HIND. Marine security detachments protect MSC ships and pro­vide humanitarian assistance to Vietnamese evacuees.

l'-1arine forces afloat and forward deployed have provided and continue to provide advice to USSAG/ 7AF and the Arobassadors of both Cambodia and South Vietnam. .

Our l1arine security guards at ·the embassys and consulates have continued to provide for the safety and security of the staff at these places.

III MAE' pl.imning groups-and' ground secur:[ty force command and control elements have deployed to Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam and conducted planning and coordination necessary to ensure ~successful plan execution o

4. Marine Corps command and control and force structure flexibility accornmodated the task organizing and expansion of forces afloat and provides an integrated air-ground team ready to accomplish assigned contingency missions.

5. Lo\<] key visibility

- The utilization of forh'ard deployed' forces and WES'l'PAC bases has resulted in no political repercussions. Intra­theater I.loves, i.e., Okinawa, Japan, B.nd t.he Philippines have received scant attention in the media.

3

DECLASSIFIED

SECRE'r

DECLASSIFIED

POI NT P /I'p ER

Subj: RVN Situation Update

: 1) '.:' -,' , ;

PL32 ··REB:- kj k Apr 1975

I, ;'., ,_. "'; .'~ .. : .~

. ~ \... .~.'.#

1. The JCS . are on call to meet and review the RVN situation. Status of forces will be reviewed by the J-3 as well as contingency planning for RVN evacuation (FREQUENT WIND) •

. ..

2. The status of forces to support.nVN evacuation operations is at TAB A...... . ".' .: .... ' .. ::~ ..... :. : .. :' .. """'_ .. _ ........ _ .............. ..

3. The status of evacuation planning is as follows:

- USSAG/7AF identifies evacuation as controlled by Amer­ican E.mbassy, Saigon as evacuation Option I. This option is currently ongoing.

CI

. - USSAG/7AF OPLANs have been submittedt·o CINCP.AC and· forwarded to the les for Option II (military airlift evacuation­

. TAB C). Option III (sealift.evacu~tion-TAB D), and. Option IV (helicppter evacuation-TAB E)~ -. .

., 'CINCPAC COll'LAN S060V - FREQUEI:-..11' HIND was received on 19 April and provides CINCPAC's c~ncept of operation for evacuation operations-TAB F.

·'4. 'Close hold information from J-3 AO indicates that offensive to seize Saig-on is imminent and intelligence indicates attacks ,Hll corrunence 241800 April Washington time.

5. On 23 April, USPAb Saigon, requested that one rifle platoon be moved to DAO compound to provide internal security augmentation. JCS denied the-request on 23 April, }J0wever, on 24 April the JCS . approved moving a 40 f'.larine security augmen~ation force to the DAO compound by CINCPACAF assets. .

DECLASSIFIED

DECLASSIFIED

~,' .~ .. :~~:; ..• "', ~ t' • 'J .. ; . '<' , .. ""'1 .~, . ~"~t j ~ • :If / ;:1'

~ ~~" •• ) ~.~;~ ...... ~ '..:~'~ •. } • ~. : • . J' ",~j . ..:3 .~~._

r1AfUiIE CORPS COt'lt'1/\riD (EifrER OPER,~Tlm1.4l,sW'1i'1ARY , '

'. FJ1CPAC TASK ORGMlIZr~TlQi.l

1 MI7'fI.!(' 'conrr:' sr:-\/C~·I""U 'F1 ':'C"T ...tIl 11 11 J J I r\'~!_ L. '~I In -.LL

" 22 APRIL 1975 ,9TH f''lAB . .

eTC 79.1 i- Ta's k (lY'gan; zation ustK USN

OFF ENL OFF EN L

*HQ, 9TH nAB 9 4.0 0 0 BGEN R.E. ·CP,REY oJ:HQ, RLT-4 9 40 0 0 COLA.H. GR]\Y

BLT 2/4 58 1186 2 39 LTCOL G.P. SL<,\DE BLT 1/9 62 1277 5 59 LTCOL R. L. BOND 13LT 3/9 53 1113 3 40 LTCOl R.E. LOEHE

HQ, P ROV;'IAG- 39 5 20 0 a COL F.G. j,lClEi,lOil j{;>iH·· if 62 52 229 '1 3 LTCOL S .'K. BOLTON H1<IH- 463 114 423 4 1 LTCOL H • j·'l. FIX Ht'!i'l- 165 24 71 0 0 LTCOlJ.P. KIlZER

,*HIc1L-367 14 ,·,36 0 0 L TeOl J. R. GE:HRY BLSG 14 ,:':.24 2 16 COL H. G. EDEBOHLS ',1S C HARSECDETS ( 1 0 ) 20 680 0 2-D

*TOTAL 434 5439 17 '178

-2. Aircraft CH-S3 CH-46 AH-iJ UH -1 E --HllH-'l62 J8 3 4 2 Hi'lH-463 16 16 4 2 iU·II'!- 1 6 5 0 '8 0 2 . Ht~l- 367 2 5 0 a

TOTAL 36 17 -8 "6

3. : Arms and 'Eguioment ..

81 I'IORT lO6RR 4. 2 r~ORT LVTP-7 LVTC-7 t·1- 118 105 HC' .. BLT'2/4 --8-- 8 -O~- ',11 -1- -5- --6-'

BtT 1/9 8 8 5 -. 11 1 0 6 BLT 3/9 8 8 0 13 2 5 6

TOTAL 24 24 5 35 "4 10 18

STIMAT~D'STRENGTH

DECLASSIFIED

4. SHIPPHIG

cm-n'l;\llD

ARG ALF;~ -----

, ARG BRAVO I i

i I I ' I-

\ ARG CHJ\RLI E

\ I-! '

. ,

DECLASSIFIED

'F["IFP/\C TASK ORGj~J'lIZATIOn

LANDIi'lG FORCE SEVUHH FLEET

9TH [;lAB,

PRINCIPP,L UNITS SHIP

CG 9_TH j-jAB) BLUE RIDGE(LCC-19) CO RLT-4, A/l/9

CO,H&S,F,H/2/4 o K I i'J A t'i P. ( L P Ii - 3 ) HilH- 462 E/2/4 Pf~RIA(LST-1183)

THOMASTON(LSD-23) G/2/4, H/3/12 VANCOUVER(LPD-2)

CO,H&S)B,Cjl/9 HM-lCOCK(CVli-19) Hi-1H- 46 3 H I·a'i - 1 6 5 , PUBUQUE(LPD·.8) HARSECDETS D/2/12 DURHAH(LKA-114) 0/1/9 FREDERICK(LST-1184)

CO,H&S~L, I ( -.) /3/9) Hi1C:" 367

DENVER( LPD-9)

I ( •. ) , K > I,' / 3/ 9 , DULUTH(LPD-6} F /2/12

HOBILE(LKA-115) ANCHORAGE(LSD~36)

.0 ~

DECLASSIFIED

"

IlELOS 53 t1S"--t\!-i UH ci --[ ~o -- ?

18 0 4 2

0 0 0 0 0 0 -0 0 0 3 0 0

16 16 4 - 2

0 7 0 0

0 0 0 a 0 0 0 0

2 0 0 0

0 2 0 a 0 0 '0 0 0 3 0 0

DECLASSIFIED

"

. {

5 D • !±LJ.:.~,\F FORCES AVAILAELE

UiliI'I' LOCArrIO~·! SHIPPING ACTIVIrry

9TH HAB Vung Tau area 6 HOUR RESPOHSE ,

:. . ------------------------------------------------------~-------.------

BL~~ 1/11 Subic Bay, n.p.

Camp H.:mson, O!ci

None

None

Diy Reserve

A/C. ·Bn( Saigon) 6 HOUR Jl.LEIU'.

------------------~---------.----------------------------------------

Canp Schwab, Oki None Diy Reserve

-------------------------------~---------------------------------

1ST MAR BRIG .!\!)E

Camp Schwab, Oki None Diy Reserve

' ..

..':

DECLASSIFIED

DECLASSIFIED

POINT PAPER

PL32-REH-ar 18 April 1975

. ',Bubj: USSAG/7AF OPLAH 5060--V-75 (FREQUENT ~HND-OPTION II­Military Airlift Evacuation)

1. Purpose. To summarize subject OPLAN.

2. Key 'Points

- Provides plan for military fixed wing evacuation of US noncombatants and designated aliens from Tan Son Nhut airfield .

. - Assumptions

Either RTG or ROP will be temporary safehavens.

Tan Son Nhut airfield will be secure during duration of ~vacuation effort.

-- Approximately 10,000 persons \vil1 be evacuated.

ElJlployroent

_____ , .. __ .-:- .CINCPACFLT

---Provides afloat ~Jffi with additional USMC forces for . reserve/reinforcement as required.

one battalion.

---Two CVAs provide TACAIR support as required.

--~. _.----- ---- -------.:~::--Provl.des one ARG wi"th LPH I a ·1200 M.arine GSF, and one CVA to support option.

-- Minimum of 20 1305 and 15 1415 can evacuate 10,000 per­sons plus the 440 Marine GSF in g-hours and 10 minutes after first plane touches down at Tan Son Nhut. Aircraft will be landed primarily froni Kadena, Clark, and Utapaoi evacuees transported dire·ctly to Bangkok and utapao. -

- Deployn:ent

Phases

--- Phase I (Chief, Diplomatic Mission, RVN issues strong warni~1 to US residents and may order evacuation.) GSF may be ordered to maintain increased deployability posture.

DECLASSIFIED

.\ \

DECLASSIFIED

PL32-REH-ar 18 April 1975

Subj: USSAG/7AF OPLAN 5060-V-75 (FREQUENT WIND-OPTION 11-Military Air~l£tEvacuation)

..... _-- Phase II (situation requires evacuation.) GSF may be directed to maintain maximum deployability posture.

--- Phases III and IV (Deteriorating situation re­sults in embassy closing 'and evacuation continuing.)

--- Military Control Condit~on (Non-military fixed wing evacuation cannot be accomplished;'USSAG/7AF assumes control. )

GSF Deployment configuration

Deploy foot mobile without vehicles

Carry three days combat rations

Deploy with normal arms and equipment; no vehicles; ,3 days combat rations; basic load of ammo.

- Command Relationships

USSAG/7AF exercises opeON over assigned forces

--- USMC forces come under USSAG/7AF OPCON upon arrival at assernbly/s'taging points or upon debarkation from ARG shipping.

2

DECLASSIFIED

SECRET

Subj:

DECLASSIFIED

USSAG/7AF OPLAN S060V-3-7S I (FREQUENT WIND-OPTION 111-Sealift Evacuation)

1. PURPOSE. To summarize subject OPLAN.

·2. KEY POINTS

Provides sealift evacuation plan ft'om RVN·for up to 6,000 evacuees.

Points out this opti6n is considered und~sriable because:

Concentration of evacuees on MSC shipping moving through inland waterways does not appear prudent.

Moving of evacuees across Saigon to Newport may be very difficult.

If the Plan is executed, one BLI will secure Nevlport (in Saigon) with remainder of a MAB available to reinforce if required.

TAB D

DECLASSIFIED

I

. J I

\ ,.

I I i·

I

DECLASSIFIED

. )

SECRET

Subj: USSAG/7AF OPLAN .5060V-2-75 (TALON VISE) (U)

10 Purpose:. To summarize USSAG/7AF OPLAN 5060V-2-7S (Option IV I Helicopter Evacuation) •.

2. Key Po int s •

- Provides for helicopter evacu~tion of us noncombatants and , designated aliens from Saigon and vicinity. May include fixed

wing and sealift to· further evacua·te· from staging area in Vung Tau. .

- Assumptions:

-- In-theater forces have been deployed to forward operating locations.

El~GT..E PULL operations are complete.

Tan Son Nhut Airfield is denied to ~ixed-wing aircraft, and LZ's vicinity Sai.gon must be used.

RVNJ...F and/or other hostile groups may interfere 'with evacuation in vicinity- Saigop.

No mainbody NVA or major VC confrontation is imninent.

Operations will be concluded before crmvd/small armed group control capability of GSF is exceeded •

Friendly governments \<1ill provide safe havens for evacuees.

- Force composition:

One Marine amphibious brigade (MAE). Two II RG's One CVA configured for helicopter operations.

Two Midway class CVA's (one may be configured for eme:rgency operations of USAF helicopters).

. :J

USAF helicopter and TACAIR ass~ts (from Thailand).

Time to commence effective operati ons from condition of normal readir.ess (L-hour is launch time of first evacuation ~ aircraft) :

48 hours (L-24) - task force on station.

SECRET DECLASSIFIED

DECLASSIFIED

\ .'

SECRET

-- 72 hours (L-hour)- S.i\R. on alert, ABCCC on station, TACAIR on station/a.Lert.

-- L+20 min - first helicopter to LZ.

- COMUSSAG/7AF initiates, conducts and controls·operation.s upon request of AJvlAI\ill and on directi.on of CINCPAC q

- Logist1.c and ·.administrative support provided by tasked organizations; no constraints envisioned.

2

DECLASSIFIED

(:f""' " ~'>;;"

tiL: .i~j SECRET

DECLASSIFIED

SECRET

Subj: CINCPAC COl'lrpLAN SOGOV - FRE«UENT I·/IND (C) (CINCPAC 192345ZApr7S)

1. PL~POSE. To summarize CINCPAC CONPL\N S060V.

2. KEY POINTS

Provides CINCPAC concept of o~erations for evacuation operatio~s from RVN.

Conceptualizes evacuatiori operations occurring under one of three scenarios:

Scenario A: Simultaneous execution of 6ptions kI(airlift) and III (sealift). Requires two USMC BLTs to provide security.

Scenario B: Simultaneous execution of Options III (sealift ) and IV (helicopter)., Requires deployment of two USMC -BLTs to provide security,

Scenario C: SLlult_aneous execution of Options II (airlift) and IV (helicopter), Requires' deployment of three USMC BLTs to provide security.

In event execution of scenarios A, B,. or C not possible evacuation would be accomplished by option IV (helicopter) alone.

- - CINCPACFLT is tasked to provide a MAB afloat to support evacuatio~ operations and three additional BLTs as required (with BLT 1/3 on Okina'va, four BLTs are available (thr.ee on Okina¥la, one on Subic Bay) ,

If requirement for Vung Tan is identified prior to execution, it will be secured by Marine Forces prior to D-day.

TAB F DECLASSIFIED

1 .

2.

3.

DECLASSIFIED

MARINE CORPS COMMAND CENTER OPERATIONAL SUMMARY

'_ FMEPAC TASK IORGANIZATlm~

LANDING FORCE' SEVENTH'-FLEET

21 APRI L 1975 9TH MAB

CTG 79.1 Task Organization USMC USN

OFF ENl OFF ENL

--HQ, 9TH MAS 9 40 0 0 BGEN R.E. CAREY *HQ~ RlT-4 9 40 0 0 COL A.M. G~Y

BLT.2/4 58 1186 2 39 LTCOL G.P. SLADE BLT 1/9 62 1277 5 59 LTCOL R.L. BOND BLT 3/9 53 1113 3 40 LTCOL R. E. LOEHE

HQ, PROYMAG-39 5 20 0 0 COL F.G. MCLENON HMH-462 52 229 1 3 LTCOL S.K. BOLTON HMH-463 114 423 4 1 LTCOL H.M. FIX HMM-165 24 11 0 0 LTCOL J.P. KITZER

*HML-367 14 36 0 0 LTCOL J.R. GENTRY BLSG 14 324 2 16 COL H.G. EDEBOHLS MSC MARSECDETS (10) 20 680 0 20

*TOTAL 434 5439 17 178

Aircraft CM-53 CH-46 AH-1J UJi-1E

HMH-462 18 3 4 2 HMH-463 16 16 4 2 HMM-165 0 8 0 2 HML-367 2 5 0 0

TOTAL ~ "3'Z "8 ~

Arms and Eguil:!ment

81 MORT 106RR 4.2: _MORT lVTP-7 lVTC-7 M-48 105 HOW BLT 2/4 8 8 0 11 , --s- 6 BLT 1/9 8 8 5 11 1 0 6 BLT 3/9 8 8 0 13 2 5 6

TOTAL 24 24 '5 35 4" TO 18

* ESTIMATED'STRENGTH ..

D-l-l

SIlCIlE~'"

DECLASSIFIED

DECLASSIFIED

Sl~·(~lll~rl' MARINE CORPS COMMAND CENTER OPERATIONAL SUMMARY

FMFPAC TASK ORGANIZATION

lANDING FORCE SEVENTH FLEET

21 APRIL 1975 9TH MAB

4. SHIPPING

PRINCIPAL UNITS SHIP

COMMAND CG 9TH MAB~ BLUE RIDGE(LCC-19)

HELOS 53 46 AH 01 ---0

UH 2'

5.

ARG ALFA 1100

ARG B.RAVO 130()

ARG CHARLIE

fI4;;~ ~5D

Locatitsn

CO RLT-4, A/l/9

CO,H&S,F.H12/4 HMH-462 E/2/4

G/2/4. H/3/12

CO,H&S.B,Cl1/9 HMH-463 HMM-165. MARSECDETS

OKINAWA(LPH-3)

PEORIA(l.,ST-1183) THOMASTON(LSD-28) VANCOUVER(LPD-2)

HANCOCK(CVA-19)

OUBUQUE(LPD-8}

D/2/12 DURHAM(LKA-114) 0/1/9 FREDERI~K(&ST-1184)

CO.H&S.L ... :. OENVER(LPO-9) I(-)/3/9.HMr~367 I(-).K.M/3/9. OULUTH(LPD-6) F/21l2

MOBILE(LKA-115} ANCHORAGE(LSO-36)

VICINITY VUNG TAU EXCEPT: - DENVER/MOBILE ETC 2203J7Z APR75

--DULUTH- SUBIC BAY. BOILER PROBLEM~ ETC UNKNOWN

18 0 4

a a 0 000 030

16 16 4

070

000 000

2 a 0

D Z. 0

a o~ -0 030

- ANCHORAGE- NUMAZU LOADING, ETC VUNG TAU 261700Z APR75

6. Remarks.'

a.

b.

c.

COL'.W.W. TAYLOR, GSF DEPUTY COMMANDER COMMAND AND CONTROL GROUP IN SAIGON. ~ .~ I4I~OO -C: AfIr

OK 6 HOaR RESPONSE-TIME. . "'-,--:-:-:1

PLUS FIVE-MARl NE ", ..

2: MAR5ECDETS 011 HAaD, SHIPS. (USNS SQT KIMBRO - 54 MARINES,. USNS GREENVIllE VIC~ORY - 20 HARINt~) OF' VUNG TAU. B MARSECDETS ON USS DUBUQUE OFF VUN,G TAU, 4 OF WH~CH HAVE BEEN ALERTED TO BOARD SHIPS-(PIONEER COMMANDER, PIONEER CONTENDER,. GREISN WAVE. AND TRANS COLORADO) IN INTERNATIONAL WATERS OFF VUNG TAU AFTER EVACS LOAD SAIGON.

D-1-2 COL :rot-+~u (-+ 1.) 0.+ ~Kp

DECLASSIFIED

2

o a a 2

o

a o o o

a o

- . .,. &.'

DECLASSIFIED

SECRET

Tl\LIUNG PAPER

PL32-REH-jkb 2l Apr 1975

For use by the COI1ll!landant of the !-1arine Corps

SUbj: Eesponsiveness of Marine Corps Forces to meet Southeast Asia Contingency Requirements

1. Marine forces supporting contingency plans in SEA have demonstrated responsiVeness, readiness, flexibility, and versatility in dealing simultaneously with evacuation plans for both Cambodia and Vietnam. In short, Marine Corps forces with appropriate strategic lift support are ready and able to accomplish a broad spectrum of assigned missions.

2. The following points support the above conclusion:

- Marine Corps ability to rapidly embark and deploy

From the initially afloat 31st tJ1..,.~U ",'hich was supporting EAGLE PULL contingencies, Marine forces aflQat ',vere expanded to two IYLiJ..Us. Sub­sequently, a ~~~ was readily activated and positioned to support FPEQUENT ~HND (RVN evo.c­uation) contingencies.

9th J'Il2\B is embarked on 13 amphibious ships and provides a 6,000 Marine force with 80 helicop­ters to support contingency plan requirements. The helicopters, which ~,vi 11 be protected in the landing zones by Marines as re~uired, can evac­uate up to 10,000 persons from Saigon in 12 hours depending on the tactical situation. The majority of this force sailed from Subic Bay on 18 April, arrived off Vietnam on 20 April and maintains a six hour response time to begin evacuation operations. Additionally, should surface evacuation plans be implemented, eITbarked Harines can land by surface at Vung Tau to pro­vide ground security or deploy to Saigon" on ships or helicopters. Alert forces on O·kina,v-a can deploy by fixed wing aircraft as well.

- M~rine Corps flexibility, versatility, and responsive­ness was demonstrated in the following \vays:

On i2 March JCS directed that a Marine Corps CH-53 squadron at Kaneohe Bay be embarked on the eVA USS HANCOCK and deploy to WESTPAC. The squadron \vi th 16 CH-53 'helicopters vTas embarked on 24-25 !>larch

C!c;r,ifiM By _ {' /?J ~ (" (.'::.'j) ~?i.L_ I I

EC}TI:IH}LE ()r E.O.l ~;)G2. . .:1: .. :~·~t:·:.!,:,,.t;r:_l.L:~"'· I

l I

DECLASSIFIED

DECLASSIFIED

SECRET PL32-REH-jkb 21 Apr 1975

Subj: Responsiveness of !/larine corps Forces to meet Southeast Asia Contingency Requirements

and pc.rticipated in EASLE peLL operations on 12 April. The use of USS HANCOCK as a helicopter platform resulted from non-ava.ilability of an LPH and vTaS a landmark occurrence and further demon­strated the versatility of the Navy-Marine Corps team.

BLT 1/9 on 5 1-\pri1 moved from Okina\lla to Subic Bay by USAF C141s and embarked on amphibious ship­ping within four days.

BLT 3/9 was moved from Japan to Okina'.va by Harine Corps KC130::; at a time (early April) '.'Then amphib­ious ships were fully cOITmitted to EAGLE PULL/ FREQUENT ~'JIND contingencies.

BLT 1/3 is presently moving from Hawaii to Okinawa for FREQUENT ~HND (RVN evacuation) augmentation by USAF C141s.

Other Marine battalions on Okinawa have maintained a deployability posture as low as six hours to deploy to Carrbodia/Vietnam.

3. Wide range of mission assignments:

~larine Corps forces executed EAGLE PULL without any sig­nificant problems.

- 9th Ml\B is deployed and ready to execute FREQUENT WIND.

- Marine forces organized under an Amphibious Evacuation RVN Support Group and eIPbarked on !lIse ships (50 Marines per ship) rendered humanitarian assistance to Vietnamese refugees evacuated by MSC ships and provided ship secur­ity as well. These forces precluded ship hijacking that was experienced by a .HSC ship not having M2.rine detach­ments embarked. utilization of Marines in this role is another first in the annals of Marine Corps history.

- Afloat and forward deployed forces provided/provide a capability for expertise for USSAG/7AF and the Chiefs, Diplomatic Nissions, involved. III ~1.n.F planning groups and ground security force cOITlrnand and control elemen·ts have deployed to Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam and

2

DECLASSIFIED

DECLASSIFIED

. ::;::I:~Tl::<:l

.: -,~~:a ~~

SECRET PL32-REH-jkb 21 Apr 1975

Subj: Responsiveness of Narine Corps Forces to meet Southeast Asia Contingency Requirements

conducted planning and coordination necessary to ensure successful plan execution.

4. ~J1arine Corps cornmand and control and force structure flexibility accorrurtoc1ated the task organizing and expansion of of forces afloat and provides an integrated air-ground team ready to accomplish assigned contingency missions.

5. Low key visibility

- The utilization of fOD/lard deployed forces and ~vESTPAC bases has resulted in no political repercussions. Intra­thea ter moves Ii. e . I OkinaltTa 1 cTapan 1 and the Phi lippines have 1:eceived scant attention in the media.

1i~~ ~~~ 1:: ~ i~"'"~r ~/;'::= .,::P':J Jl. ~."",~ J

3 SECRET

DECLASSIFIED

DECLASSIFIED

SECRET SECR£~r ~PL32:-RE~:-kjK-' )

22 Apr 1975 .

POINT PAPER

Subj: RVN Situation Update

Item 11 __ , S]~'!CDEF/JCS meeting, Tuesday, 22 Apr 1975

1. The JCS will meet with the SECDEF and review the RVN situation. Status of forces will be reviewed by the J-3 as well asconfingency planning for RVN evacuation (FREQUENT WIND).

2. The status of forces to support RVN evacuation operations is at TAB A. Status of BLT 1/3 move is at TAB B.

3. The status of evacuation planning is as follows:

- USSAG/7AF identifies evacuation as controlled by Amer­ican Embassy, Saigon as evacuation Option I. This option is currently ongoing.

- USSAG/7AF OPLANs have been submitted to CINCPAC and forwarded to the JCS for Option It (military airli~t evacuation­TABCT~7 Option III (sealift evaucation-TAB/DT~)and Option IV (helicopter evacuat ion-TAB/E):',

- CINCPAC CONPLAN 5060V -. FI.fEQUENT WIND was received on 19 April and provides CINCPAC's concept of operation for evacuation ,operaitions-TAB, F.:

DECLASSIFIED

i I \

I \

. I

DECLASSIFIED

, I

". Ff~EPAC TI~Sl( Q RGA~II Z,\ T1 011

LAi\lDTit,I(:;J '::ODrC C:C\jq'jTP F'r-!="T I vi j I I\~L ,-,I.. _. ,,1 LL_ -------22 APR! L '1975

9TH nAB

CTG 79. 1 1- Task o '.L.' r~n 1 za \.1 on USt1C USN

OFF Eill OFF Et·! L 1

*HQ, 9TH f"lAB 9 40 0 0 BGEt! R. E. CAREY *HQ, RL T -~r 9 40 0 0 COL A.n. GR1N

BlT 2/4 58 1186 . 2 39 LTCOl G.P. S U\DE BLT 1/9 62 1277 5 59 LTeOL R.L. BOND BlT 3/9 53 1113 3 40 LTCOl R.E. LOEHE

HQ, P IWV;'1AG- 39 5 20 a a COL F.G. i'lCLENON H;>IH-462 52 229 1 3 LTCO l S. K. BOLTON Ht'lH - 463 114 423 4 1 LTCOl H • r!l. FIX H 111t1-16 5 24 71 a a L TCOL ,'). p. KITZER

' *Hi'1L-367 14 36 0 0 LTCOL J. R. GEnTRY BLS G ··14 "'? tJ. .L . 2 16 COL H.G. EDE130HLS '''lSC f.1ARSECDETS ( 1 0) 20 680 a 20

*TOTAL 434 5439 'IT 178

.'2. Aircraft CH-53 CH-46 AH-1J UH-1E

H;1H-462 18 3 4 2 Hi'lH-463 Y6 16 4 2 H.frH'I-165 0 '8 0 2 Hf-1L- 367 2 5 0 0

TOTAL 35 "TZ 8 "6

3. ,Arms and'EglJipment'

81 HORT lO6RR 4.2:~ORT LVTP-7 LVTC-7 1-1-48 105 :~C' -5- ~-----BlT'2/4 8 8 o· • 11 1 b

BLT 1/9 B 8 5 . ' 11 1 0 6 BLT 3/9 8 8 0 13 2 5 6

TOTAL n 24 5 35 "4 TO 18

* EST!I~rlT~r; O'STREtlGTH ,

DECLASSIFIED

DECLASSIFIED

~., . ..... """

(~. . .... j .:rr~r) ~;l{ ;V. "'l!) . ;~. ~ ·1.,1 ~,lJ,,~j .. l L:.. . '

rp,ll'FD OP' FRi\TTr~!nIL S'U'\1[,11RY v _ _ 1\ _ I 'II \ ... VI "I . I,,, .1

22 (\PRIL 1975

If. SH IPP I ilG

P R H~ C I P 1\ L LUTTS SHIP HELOS 5 3 ~·1)-AT-r WI /I

COl·lt-1Mj D CG 9.TH j"if18, BLUE RIDGE(LCC-19) '0 -r -0' ? ---- CO RLT-~, I,ll /9

M~G /\l.FA CO,HEtS,F,H!2/4 o l( I f!!\ ;.) fl. ( L P H - 3 ) '18 0 4 2

( HilH-462 E/2/4 P20 R I A ( L S T - 1 1 8 3 ) 0 0 0 0

THO i;l A S TOil ( LSD -. 2 3 ) 0 0 0 0 ·G/2/4, H/3/12 V All CO U V E R (L P D- 2) 0 3 0 0

ARG BRAVO CO) H &5 ) n ) C /l 19 H A [-I CO C K ( C V A·· 1 9 ) 16 16 4 'J '-

Hi·IH - 46 3 Hi'1I'1-165, ·0 U S U QUE ( L P D - 8) . 0 7 0 0 l·jARSECDETS D/2/12 DLJRHAH(LK!,-114) 0 0 0 0 0/'1/9. FREDERICK(LST-1184) 0 0 0 0

ARG CHARLIE CO,H&S,L, I ( ;. ) /3/9 , H j·:iL:" 3 6 7

DEi'lVER(LPD-9) 2 0 0 a 1(-) ,K,f·l/3/9, DULUTH(LPD-.6) 0 2 0 0 F/2/12

t'IO B I L E ( L K,I\ - 1 1 5 ) 0 0 .·0 0 ANCHORAGE(LSD-36)

;0 0 3 0 0

, \ I

DECLASSIFIED

/

(

DECLASSIFIED

. ,

UN I 'I' SHIPpnIC; ACTIVI(~Y

9TH H:\B Vung 'I'au a:eea. 6 HOUR HSS?Ol'!SE

------------------------------------------------------._------------Subic Bay', B.P. None

None

Div Reserve

A/C. ·Bn (Saizon) 6 HOUR AlEET.

------------------~-------------------------------------------------

BLT 2i9 1 None Div Rese:cve

1ST nJl.R BRIGADE

Kaneohe Bay} HI None See Tab B

DECLASSIFIED

«

DECLASSIFIED

SECRET

MOVEMENT OF BLT 1/3

- Following information received via phonecon with FMFPAC Duty Officer, :1015, 22 Apr 19~5-.-

- PERSONNEL Total 1049

Marine

Officer 42 Enlisted 940

982

Navy

5 62 67

- In response to CMCS tasking, CINCPAC directed PACAF and PACFLT to deploy BLT 1/3 to Okinawa at 210256~April.

The first aircraft departed Hickham 21 hours later.

At 220900z (30 hrs from execute order) all personnel aircraft were enroute to Okinawa.

As of 22l230z, 6 of Is C-14is-r~quired-to lift 1/3'8-­equipment, ammo, etc., had departed Kaneohe.

Indications are that the lift will continue to proceed on schedule and should-be completed by 230500z April 1975.

DECLASSIFIED

DECLASSIFIED

POINT PAPER

PL32-REH-ar 18 April 1975

-.Subj: USSAG/7AF OPLAU 5060-V-75 (FREQUENT WIND-OPTION 11-Military Airlift Evacuation)

1. Purpose. To summarize subject OPLAN.

'. 2. ~ey Points

-- Provides plan for military fixed wing evacuation of US noncombatants and designated aliens from Tan Son Nhut airfield.

Assumptions

Either RTG or Rap \'lill be temporary safehavens.

Tan Son Nhut airfield will be secure during duration of evacuation effort.

-- Approximately 10,000 persons will be evacuated.

El'Jlployment

C1NCPACFLT

--- Provides two USMC rifle companies (GSF) as a ground security force for evacuation operations (minimum forces required will be utilized).

---- Two company GSF (not to exceed 440) could be flo\,ln directly from Okinawa, deploy from ARG shipping, or stage through Thailand.

--- Provides one ARG with LPH, a 1200 Marine GSF, and one CVA to support option.

-- Minimum of 20 1305 and 15 l41s can e~acuate 10,000 per­sons plus the 440 Marine GSF in g-hours and 10 minutes after first plane touches down at Tan Son Nhut. Aircraft will be landed primarily from Kadena, Clark, and utapao; evacuees transported directly to Bangkok and utapao • .

- Deployment

Phases

--- Phase i (Chief, Diplomatic Mission, RVN issues strong warning to US residents and may order evacuation.) GSF may be ordered to maintain increased deployability posture.

DECLASSIFIED

DECLASSIFIED -~ .. ..

PL32-REH-ar 18 April 1975

Subj: USSAG/7AF OPLAN 5060-V-75 (FREQUENT WIND-OPTION 11-Military Air:~£t Evacuation)

~,---- Phase II (situation requires eVc3,cuation.) GSF may be directed to maintain maximum deployability posture.

--- Phases III and IV (Deteriorating situation re­sults in embassy closing and evacuation continuing.)

--- Military Control Condit'ion (Non-milit.ary fixed wing evacuation cannot be accomplished; USSAG/7AF assumes control. )

GSF Deployment configuration

Deploy foot mobile without vehicles

Carry three days combat rations

Deploy with organic weapons; basic load of ammunition for weapons no larger than 90~QRRs

- Command Relationships

USSAG/7AF exercises OPCON over assigned forces

--- USMC forces come under USSAG/7Jl.F OPCON upon arrival ~t assembly/staging pOints or upon debarkation from ARG shipping.

2

DECLASSIFIED

DECLASSIFIED

SECRET SEC REI Subj: USSAG/7AF OPLAN S060V-3-7S"'(FREQUENT WIND-OPTION III­

Sealift Evac~ation)

1. PURPOSE. To summarize subject OPLAN.

2. KEY POINTS

- Provides sealift evacuation plan from RVN for up to 6,000 evacuees.

Points out this option is considered undesriable because:

Concentration of evacuees on MSC shipping moving through inland waterways does not appear prudent.

Moving of evacuees across Saigon to Newport may be very difficult.

If the Plan is executed, one BLT will secure Newport (in Saigon) with remainder of a MAB available to reinforce if required.

TAB D

DECLASSIFIED

I . I

DECLASSIFIED

SEGRET SECRET

Subj: USSAG/7AF OPLAN .5060V-2-75 (TALON VISE) (U)

1. Purpose. To summarize USSAG/7AF OPLAN 5060V-2-75 (Option IV, Helicopter Evacuation).

2. Key Points.

- Provides for helicopter evacuation of US noncombatants and designated a~iens from Saigon and vicinity. May include fixed wing and sealift to- further evacuate from staging area in Vung Tau.

- Assumptions:

-- In-theater forces have been deployed to forward operating locations.

EAGLE PULL operations are complete.

Tan Son Nhut Airfield is denied to fixed-wing aircraft, and LZ's vicinity Saigon must be used.

RVNAF and/or other hostile groups may interfere with evacuation in vicinity Saigop.

No mainbody NVA or major VC confrontation is imminent.

Oper.ations will be concluded before crm'ld/small armed group control capability of GSF is exceeded.

Friendly governments will provide safe havens for evacuees.

- Force composition:

One Marine amphibious brigade (MAB). Two AR.G-'s One CVA configured for helicopter operations.

Two Midway class eVA1s (one may be configured for emergency operations of USAF helicopters).

. ,"\ ;,. • USAF helicopter and TACAIR assets (from Thailand).

- Time to commence effective operations from condition of normal readiness (L-hour is launch time of first evacuation " aircraft) :

48 hours (L-24) - task force on station.

SECRET

DECLASSIFIED

DECLASSIFIED

-\ SECRET

SECRET

-- 72 hours (L-hour) - SAR on alert, ABCCC on station, TACAIR on station/a~ert.

-- L+20 min - first helicopter to LZ.

- COMUSSAG/7AFinitiates, conducts and controls operations upon request of ~·ffi and on direction of CINCPAC.

- Logistic and·~dministrative support provided by tasked organizations; no constraints envisioned.

SECRET 2

DECLASSIFIED

DECLASSIFIED

SECRET SECRET

Subj: CINCPAC CONPLAN 5060V - :~UENT WIND (C) (CINCPAC 19234SZApr7S)

1. PURPOSE. To summarize CINCPAC CONPLAN 5060V.

2. KEY POINTS

- Provides CINCPAC concept of operations for evacuation operations from RVN.

Conceptualizes evacuati~n operations occurring under one of three scenarios:

Scenario A: Simultaneous execution of Options II (airlift) and III (sealift). Requires two USMC BLTs to provide security.

Scenario B: Simultaneous execution of Options III (sealift) and IV (helicopter). Requires deployment of two USMC BLTs to provide security.

Scenario C: Simultaneous execution of Options II (airlift) and IV-1belicopter ). Requires deployment of three USMC BLTs to provide security.

CINCPACFLT is tasked to provide a MAB afloat to support evacuation operations and three additional BLTs as Fe-qtfire-d~--(with BLT 1/3 on Okinawa, four BLTs ar~ available (three on Okinawa, one on Subic Bay).

TAB F

DECLASSIFIED