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The Original Cadre

In July, 1966, Captain Robert M. Sullivan, along with 53 Air Policemen from Phan Rang Air Base, flew to Qui Nhon Airfield and then convoyed to the site of Phu Cat Air Base, accompanied by personnel from the 554CES out of Phan Rang and 555CES out of Cam Ranh Bay (Their mission was to set up the cantonement area for the 819CES advance party, who were due to arrive two to four weeks later). On the first day, we set up camp adjacent to a Buddhist graveyard, along with temporary perimeter fortification. The mission of this group was to provide security for Red Horse personnel and RMK-BRJ civilians who were constructing the air base at Phu Cat. These are early pictures of the camp and the primitive living conditions, while awaiting more permanent structures to move into. There is little mention of, or history of this original group and their contribution to the base. The group also included six Sentry Dog Handlers, whose kennels initially consisted of shipping cages under shade trees to house their dogs until the permanent kennels were built. The following is a partial list of those original occupants of Phu Cat Air Base. Any additional names that can be provided will be appreciated. Unfortunately, time causes the memory to lapse. My apologies to those whose names I have not included and my request for any names to add: Capt. Robert M. Sullivan; MSgt Bowden; MSgt Gainey; A2C Norman Peacock (K9); A2C Larry Gandy (K9); A2C Ken Karnis; A1C Bruce Pritchett; A1C Charles Hodgens; SSgt Blevins; Raymond Carpenter (K9); A2C Stephan J. McKee; A2C Thomas Boulter; A2C Raymond D. Dountz; Ralph Canady (K9); Bart McDade (819CES); Edwin Beckford (819CES); Tony Doyle (K9); George Sevier (K9); Jay Ingram (K9); Jim Miesko (K9); TSgt Thomas P. Thomas; A1C William Gorman, Jr; SSgt William Danforth; CMSgt Stripling; SSgt Irwin; Col. Ben Matlick; A1C Vincent Hamilton; SSgt Sheffield (K9); SSgt Burns (Friar Tuck); A2C Baker (K9); TSgt Jones; A2C Kubik; A3C Schmidt; TSgt Truax; A2C Pixler; A1C Friend; SSgt White; SSgt Newell Swartz; A1C Ratliff; A1C Ramsey; A1C Blanks; A2C Bingham; A3C Forrest; A2C Baszczewski (K9); A1C Bobby Hughey (K9); A1C Allen; A2C Shaw; A1C Rowell; SSgt Mahar; SSgt Power; A2C Hart; A2C Pettis; A2C Clani; A2C O'Brien; SSgt Alcorn; A1C Shaw; A2C Wedge; A1C Elmore; A1C Bullock; A2C Wright (K9); A2C Glenning (K9); A2C Adkisson (K9); A2C Stan Stanfill (555CES); A2C Bob Snider (555CES Electrician); Airman Troyniack (554CES Electrician); Captain Keiffer (555CES); Airman Tom Heal; Airman Lou Combs; Airman Purcell; Airman Tom Collins. If anyone has an original roster or the original orders from Phan Rang, I would greatly appreciate it in order to give credit to all personnel that were there.

Captain Sullivan and some of the originals; A1C William Gorman, Jr, at the first temporary Armory; the new Armory

Another view of the first Armory; A2C Dewitt Pettis on left; anyone remember the other guy's name?

A1C Charles Hodgens building the new Armory

A2C Alexander Kubik in center; Arizona flag was the only flag we had when we arrived at Phu Cat;Bruce Pritchett and first home at Phu Cat (The wash pan was the first shower - soap yourself down and have your buddy throw the pan of water on you)

Another view of our first day in camp; ammo for mortar in foreground

Our 81mm mortar in center of photo; Capt. Sullivan's tent in background

50 Caliber Machinegun and some 37th personnel in the field

37th Personnel; can anyone put names to this?

SSgt Blevins after a fight in Phu Cat

This RMK-BRJ truck hit a land mine along the runway being constructed. If the driver had been going 2mph faster it would have exploded under the cab. When asked if he was okay, he said, "my feet tingle a little"