3rd Tactical Fighter Wing
The 3d Tactical Fighter Wing was the host unit at Bien Hoa. It was transferred from England Air Force Base Louisiana on 8 November 1965 taking over the mission of the provisional 6251st TFW. Operating the F-100D/F Super Sabre, the fighter squadrons of the 3d TFW were:
- 416th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 8 November 1965-15 April 1967 (Blue colors)
- 531st Tactical Fighter Squadron, 7 December 1965-31 July 1970 (CP, Red Tail Stripe)
- 510th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 8 November 1965-15 November 1969 (CE, Purple Tail Stripe)
- 308th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 2 December 1965-14 November 1966 (Green Colors)
- 90th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 8 February 1966-31 October 1970 (CB, Blue Tail Stripe)
Upon arrival at Bien Hoa, the 3d TFW took over the assets of the 6251st TFW. The 429th TFS returned to Cannon AFB, New Mexico upon activation of the 3d TFW; the 416th TFS was reassigned to Phu Cat AB on 15 April 1967 to the 37th Tactical Fighter Wing.
The 307th TFS returned to Homestead, passing its aircraft and equipment to the 308th Tactical Fighter Squadron]], which operated F-100s (Green Tail Stripe) from 2 December 1965-14 November 1966 when it was moved PCS to the 31st TFW at Tuy Hoa AB.
The 90th Tactical Fighter Squadron was deployed from the 834th Air Division, England AFB, Louisiana on 8 February 1966 and became the sixth F-100 squadron. It remained until withdrawn on 31 October 1970.
Missions of the 3d TFW included close air support, counterinsurgency, forward air control, interdiction, and radar-controlled bombing. Supported numerous ground operations with strike missions against enemy fortifications, supply areas, lines of communication and personnel, in addition to suppressing fire in landing areas.
During this time, the 3d TFW also participated in combat evaluation of the Cessna A–37 aircraft for couner-insurgency operations and the F-5 Freedom Fighter as a light tactical fighter.
Read more about this topic: Bien Hoa Air Base, USAF Use During The Vietnam War
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