About this Unit
The United States Support Activities Group, Thailand (USSAG/THAI), was established in 1972 during the Vietnam War to coordinate U.S. air operations based in Thailand. Headquartered at Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Force Base, USSAG oversaw the strategic bombing campaigns in North Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia following the withdrawal of U.S. forces from South Vietnam. The unit played a crucial role in Operation Linebacker and Operation Linebacker II, providing vital command and control for air operations. USSAG/THAI was disbanded in 1975 following the end of U.S. combat operations in Southeast Asia.
Historical Facts
•
Full Name and Meaning: USSAG stands for United States Support Activities Group, a unique military headquarters established in Thailand during the Vietnam War.
•
Secret Headquarters: USSAG was headquartered at Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Force Base, and its existence was initially classified, kept secret from the public and even from many in the US military.
•
Operational Period: USSAG was activated in May 1972 and operated until the end of US combat activities in Southeast Asia in August 1975.
•
Purpose: The unit was created to provide command and control for US air operations over Laos and Cambodia after the US withdrawal from South Vietnam as per the Paris Peace Accords.
•
Command Structure: USSAG was unique in that it was a joint-service headquarters, reporting directly to the Commander-in-Chief, Pacific (CINCPAC), bypassing the normal chain of command.
•
Air Campaigns: USSAG oversaw powerful air operations, including the "Operation Linebacker" and "Operation Linebacker II" bombing campaigns, as well as the secret bombing of Cambodia (Operation Freedom Deal).
•
Evacuation Operations: In 1975, USSAG directed the air support for Operation Eagle Pull (evacuation of Phnom Penh) and Operation Frequent Wind (evacuation of Saigon).
•
Key Leadership: The most notable commander of USSAG was General John W. Vogt, Jr., who played a key role in managing the US air war in Southeast Asia.
•
Thai Cooperation: The presence of USSAG and US forces in Thailand was vital, but politically sensitive; Thailand allowed US operations with the understanding that US forces would not openly participate in the Vietnam War from Thai bases.
•
Legacy: USSAG was disbanded in August 1975, marking the end of major US military involvement in Southeast Asia. Its unique structure and operations are still studied as examples of joint, covert, and multinational command in modern military history.
