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History of Air America - Udorn Thailand

Air America was a covert airline operated by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) during the Cold War, with a major base at Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base in Thailand from the early 1960s through 1974. Serving as a vital logistical backbone for U.S. operations in Southeast Asia, Air America supported covert missions throughout Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia, including supply drops, personnel transport, and search and rescue operations. The Udorn base became the hub for clandestine activities, enabling rapid response and sustained support for anti-communist forces, particularly during the Laotian Civil War (known as the "Secret War"). Air America's presence at Udorn was officially terminated in 1974 as the U.S. withdrew from Southeast Asia, but its pivotal role in unconventional warfare and intelligence operations left a lasting legacy in military aviation history.

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ABOUT Air America - Udorn Thailand

  • Air America’s Secret Role: Air America was a covert airline operated by the CIA, heavily involved in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War, with Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base serving as a major operational hub.
  • Udorn as the Main Base: Udorn in northeastern Thailand was the headquarters for Air America from 1964 to 1974, providing support for clandestine missions into Laos and North Vietnam.
  • Support for "The Secret War": Air America played a central role in the “Secret War” in Laos, providing logistics, transport, and supply drops to Hmong guerrillas fighting the Pathet Lao and North Vietnamese.
  • Rescue Missions: The airline was famed for daring rescue operations, extracting downed American pilots, intelligence operatives, and friendly forces from hostile territories.
  • Extensive Fleet: At its peak, Air America operated over 80 aircraft at Udorn, including C-46s, C-47s, C-123s, and helicopters like the UH-34 and Bell 204/205.
  • Humanitarian Efforts: Beyond covert operations, Air America also evacuated refugees, delivered food, and assisted with medical evacuations during regional crises.
  • Disguised as a Civilian Airline: Aircraft and personnel wore civilian markings and attire to maintain plausible deniability, even as they conducted paramilitary operations.
  • Notorious for Opium Allegations: Air America has been the subject of controversy and conspiracy theories regarding alleged involvement in opium and heroin transport—claims which are still debated by historians.
  • Inspiration for Popular Culture: The exploits of Air America inspired books, documentaries, and the 1990 Hollywood film “Air America” starring Mel Gibson and Robert Downey Jr.
  • End of an Era: Air America ceased operations in 1974 after the US withdrawal from Southeast Asia, and its assets were liquidated; many of its pilots went on to commercial airlines or continued covert work.

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