About this Unit
Marine Air Traffic Control Unit 66 (MATCU-66) was a United States Marine Corps aviation command and control unit activated during the Vietnam War. Established in the 1960s, MATCU-66 was responsible for providing air traffic control and airspace management for Marine aviation assets in combat zones, notably supporting operations at various airfields in South Vietnam. The unit played a vital role in ensuring the safe and efficient movement of aircraft during critical combat missions and resupply operations. MATCU-66 was eventually deactivated as part of the post-war drawdown, but its contributions to Marine Corps aviation command and control remain significant in military history.
Historical Facts
• Origins and Designation: Marine Air Traffic Control Unit 66 (MATCU-66) was a specialized unit within the United States Marine Corps, focused on providing expeditionary air traffic control services.
• Vietnam War Service: MATCU-66 played a significant role during the Vietnam War, supporting Marine air operations by establishing and maintaining air traffic control (ATC) facilities in challenging combat zones.
• Chu Lai Operations: The unit was notably stationed at Chu Lai Air Base in Vietnam, where it was instrumental in managing the high volume of helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft operations critical to Marine missions.
• Expeditionary Expertise: MATCU-66 specialized in rapidly deploying its ATC assets, often operating under austere conditions, including temporary landing zones, forward operating bases, and improvised airstrips.
• Technological Innovations: The unit utilized advanced radar and communications equipment of the era, such as the AN/TPN-8 and AN/TPN-17 radar systems, adapting them for use in the field.
• Casualty Evacuations: MATCU-66’s precise control and coordination of airspace were vital for successful medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) missions, saving countless lives during combat operations.
• Supporting Large-Scale Operations: The unit supported major Marine Corps operations, including Operations Starlite and Harvest Moon, ensuring the safe movement of troops and supplies by air.
• Recognition and Commendations: Members of MATCU-66 received multiple commendations for their professionalism and bravery under fire, often operating while exposed to enemy attacks.
• Deactivation and Legacy: After the Vietnam War, MATCU-66 was eventually deactivated as part of a broader reorganization of Marine Corps aviation support units, but its legacy lives on in current Marine Air Traffic Control Detachments (MATCDs).
• Historical Documentation: Stories and records of MATCU-66’s service can be found in Marine Corps archives, Vietnam War histories, and veterans’ testimonials, highlighting the unit’s critical but often underappreciated contributions to Marine aviation success.
