Lions and Sabres and Phantoms, Oh My!!!!!!

In 1962, as a response to a threat to Thailand from across the Laotian border, four member Nations of SEATO, the U.S., Britain, New Zealand and Australia sent armed air units to create a holding force in Thailand.  These units were intended to withstand any initial attack until full scale reinforcements could be sent.

Australia ’s contribution would be No. 79 Fighter Squadron equipped with big engined CA-27 Avon Sabre jets to be based at RTAF Base Ubon . . then a small airfield near the Laotian border.

The airfield at Ubon had not much in the way of facilities, except for a runway and a control tower. Some Thai Air Force T-28s operated from there and the U.S. had set up a Lion radar unit. Our tents, ground support equipment and squadron supplies were flown in from Australia by C-130 Hercules, and we established our operating base.

The Australia 's version of the Sabre flew in on 1 June 1962 . Four days later the Sabres were operational . . and they would remain so for the next six years.

The Squadron’s primary role was the air defense of the area, but because of political restraints were unable to contribute to the shooting war in the North.  To achieve this role, during daylight hours, two Sabres armed with 30mm HE ammunition and AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles would be scrambled within a two minute alert time.

As the war in Vietnam intensified, a large build up of the base was undertaken by the USAF. And eventually it became a major F-4 operating facility, and home of the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing > the 'Wolfpack'.  By this time, the RAAF had a more permanent camp with accommodation and recreation facilities on one side of the runway, and    a maintenance hangar and aircraft keyways on the other. The USAF called our RAAF camp and our maintenance area ' Kangaroo Valley '.

To maintain a constant state of readiness our two alert aircraft were usually scrambled at least twice per day, then guided by ground radar   to intercept the Phantoms returning home from combat. These intercepts had been organised by Wing Commander Colonel Robin Olds due to his concern that many of his new pilots from the States had little or no air to air combat experience.  The F4 had no gun. So air combat training had been denigrated in favour of missile tactics. With the cooperation of the RAAF commander [after the returning aircraft had been air-refueled ] Col. Olds planned and organised an effort to give his returning pilots some ' air combat experience.' Now, F-4's returning from combat missions, were bounced regularly by the Australian Sabres.

Colonel Olds' flight leaders were notified of the 'attacks' by the Sabres, but the returning element leaders, wingmen, and the back- seaters were not advised.

Because of the high performance of the larger-engined, modified Australian Sabre, and  it's very low profile, it was an ideal substitute for a simulated MiG attack. The RAAF pilots, who were frustrated by political direction that they could not cross the borders of Thailand , had a great time 'hassling' with the returning F4's. And many memorable ' dog fights' took place over the Laotian border.

Quite a few ' newie F4 pilots got a big fright when they thought they were being bounced by MiGs. Later, on the ground, until the situation was explained . . some very terse exchanges occurred between members of the 8th and the Australian fighter pilots

Some of the USAF squadron commanders with Korean experience remembering several shoot downs across the Yalu near Antung airfield recalled the landing MiGs' vulnerability. In particular, ' Hoot' Gibson, Commander of the 433rd TFS ' Satan's Angels ', was insistent that all his combat crews were to be intercepted by the Australian Sabres, at every opportunity. Although uncomfortable for the returning tired operational F4 aircrews, he said that this training, as invaluable in assisting to ensure their survival around ' Down Town ' Saigon .

Later, in a " Bell Ringing" ceremony in the USAF Officers' Club, the USAF Wing Commander praised Australia 's 79th pilots, stating that       " many of the aircrews in the 8th TFW who were present owed their  lives to the lessons learned while hassling with the 79th RAAF pilots." The 79th Squadron Commander and the RAAF Base Commander were  then awarded Lifetime Honorary Memberships in the 8th Tactical  Fighter Wing as a token of its appreciation.

This more than made up for the few black eyes and fat lips incurred earlier in the programme. And the esprit and camaraderie of the USAF and RAAF remained at the very high level - where it has always been -  and WHERE IT STILL IS - TO THIS DAY !

Jim Flemming 

Former-Commander RAAF                                                                    Ubon , Thailand