NKP - Nakhon Phanom The Secret War Air Base
10 videos • 1,065 views • by Military Tales These are the Stories of the Men who were stationed and stationed and served at NKP - The United States’ involvement in the Secret War in Southeast Asia was necessitated by the escalating war in Laos, the growing communist insurgency in Thailand and the need to protect South Vietnam from North Vietnam. The Air base at Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Airbase was valuable to the USA because of its proximity to the Mekong River and Laos, and it provided a strategic location for search and rescue operations, as well as being a key communications hub. Situation: North Vietnam moved troops into eastern Laos to support the Pathet Lao and protect their logistical support of the insurgency in South Vietnam. The spread of communist insurgency into Thailand and Laos became a growing concern, which led to Thailand's decision to allow the United States to use Thai territory for operations in support of the Lao Government and later in support of South Vietnam. Mission: To establish a strategic location for search and rescue operations, and to provide a communications hub to support U.S. Air Force objectives in Southeast Asia. Execution: The USAF forces at Nakhon Phanom were under the command of the United States Pacific Air Forces (PACAF). The first American military personnel arrived in 1962, and the U.S. Navy's Mobile Construction Battalion Three undertook the task of constructing runways and raising the first buildings at the new base. The 634th Combat Support Group was inactivated, and the 56th Air Commando Wing was formed on 8 April 1967. The 56th Combat Support Group took over the major support functions. The 56th Air Commando Wing designation was changed to 56th Special Operations Wing on 1 August 1968. Administration and Logistics: Under Thailand's "gentleman's agreement" with the United States, Royal Thai Air Force Bases used by the USAF were considered Royal Thai Air Force bases and were commanded by Thai officers. The 5th Tactical Control Group exercised command jurisdiction over the 507th until May 1965, when the 6235th Air Base Squadron was formed. Overall control of the USAF units was then turned over to the 35th Tactical Group at Don Muang Royal Thai Air Force Base. Command and Signal: NKP was the location of TACAN station "Channel 89" and was referenced by that identifier in voice communications during air missions. The USAF forces at Nakhon Phanom were under the overall command of the United States Pacific Air Forces (PACAF).