635th Security Police Squadron

• Origins at U-Tapao: The 635th Security Police Squadron (SPS) was activated at U-Tapao Royal Thai Naval Airfield in Thailand during the Vietnam War, providing base security for a key hub of B-52 and KC-135 operations. • VITAL ROLE IN VIETNAM WAR: The unit protected one of the largest Strategic Air Command bomber bases outside the United States, crucial for the "Arc Light" bombing missions over Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. • Combat Experience: Members of the 635th sometimes faced direct attacks and infiltration attempts, including rocket and sapper attacks, highlighting the real threat environment in Southeast Asia. • Operation Linebacker: The 635th SPS played a key defensive role during Operation Linebacker and Linebacker II, when B-52 missions from U-Tapao surged to their highest tempo. • K-9 Teams: The squadron was known for its highly trained military working dog teams, which were used for perimeter patrols and intrusion detection, often credited with thwarting enemy attempts. • Humanitarian Response: After the fall of Saigon in 1975, the 635th SPS assisted with Operation Babylift and New Life, providing security for the influx of refugees and orphans airlifted from Vietnam. • International Cooperation: The squadron worked closely with Royal Thai security forces, fostering relationships that improved base defense and cultural understanding. • Women in Service: The 635th SPS was among the first U.S. Air Force units in Southeast Asia to integrate women into its ranks, reflecting broader service changes of the 1970s. • Unit Awards: The squadron earned multiple Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards for its exemplary service and performance in a hostile environment. • Legacy and Inactivation: The 635th SPS was inactivated in the late 1970s as U.S. forces withdrew from Thailand, but its veterans continue to share stories and preserve its legacy through reunions and online groups.