About this Unit
The 605th Aircraft Defense Squadron (ADS) was stationed at Phu Loi Airfield in South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. Activated in the late 1960s, its primary mission was to provide air defense and base security against enemy aircraft and ground attacks. The unit operated radar and anti-aircraft systems, coordinating closely with U.S. Army and Air Force elements in the region. The 605th ADS played a crucial role in safeguarding critical logistical hubs and air operations in the III Corps Tactical Zone until the drawdown of U.S. forces.
Historical Facts
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Unit Overview: The 605th Air Defense Squadron (ADS) was a United States Air Force unit stationed at Phu Loi Base, Vietnam, during the Vietnam War, primarily tasked with air defense and radar operations.
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Name Confusion: The unit is sometimes referred to as the 605th Tactical Control Squadron or 605th RADRON (Radar Squadron), reflecting its evolving roles in air control and radar surveillance.
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Phu Loi Base: Phu Loi was a strategically significant base located approximately 20 miles north of Saigon. The 605th played a crucial role in providing early warning and aircraft control for the region.
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Primary Mission: The squadron operated ground-controlled intercept (GCI) radars, tracking both friendly and hostile aircraft and guiding US and allied fighters during air defense missions.
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Tactical Air Control: The 605th ADS worked closely with Tactical Air Control Parties (TACP) and Forward Air Controllers (FACs), supporting close air support and strike missions.
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Night Operations: The unit was instrumental in night operations, using radar to direct intercepts against enemy aircraft and to coordinate nighttime air strikes on enemy positions.
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Enemy Attacks: Phu Loi and the 605th's radar sites were frequent targets for Viet Cong mortar and rocket attacks, making service at the base hazardous.
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Technological Prowess: The 605th utilized advanced radar systems for the era, including the AN/TPS-43 and other mobile radar units, which greatly enhanced airspace awareness.
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Support to Army Aviation: The 605th worked in coordination with Army helicopter units based at Phu Loi, improving airspace deconfliction and safety for both rotary and fixed-wing operations.
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Legacy and Camaraderie: Veterans of the 605th ADS maintain a strong legacy of service, with many sharing stories of camaraderie and the unique challenges of operating advanced air defense systems in the harsh environment of Vietnam.
