45 th TRANSPORTATION BATTALION HISTORY, 1 JAN - 30 JUNE 1963, (edited)
I S-1 (PERSONNEL AND ADMINISTRATION)
(U) GENERAL: During the period 1 January through 30 June 1963, the Unit personnel section carried on normal personnel activities, thirty-five officers and one hundred ninety one enlisted men were processed for return to CONUS and one hundred twenty-six officers and two hundred forty-two men were processed in for assignment to units of the battalion. The overall strength of the battalion, both officer and enlisted, remained about the same throughout the period.
(U) CHANGE OF STATUS: During the period of this report the status of the US Army Utility Tactical Transport Helicopter Company was changed from Temporary Change of Station from Okinawa to Permanent Change of Station to the Republic of Vietnam. Notice of the change was Received on 20 March and all actions to include transfer of personnel back to Okinawa were to be completed by 22 March. The personnel section successfully accomplished the required actions to include preparations of adjusted DEROS's, submission of AOR Rosters, publication of PCS orders on personnel returning to Okinawa and arranging for transportation.
(U) TRANSFER OF RECORDS: The Personnel Section processed and moved the records of the 81st and 8th Transportation Companies (Light helicopter) and the 18th Aviation Company (Fixed Wing Light Transport) and attached units to Pleiku, Republic of Vietnam. This move was made on 15 March in Preparation for the assumption of operational control of these units on 1 April by the 52d Aviation Battalion. This action included a complete records, finance and passport check, furnishing a thirty day supply of blank forms, coordination with the personnel section at Pleiku in the issuance of orders, payment and processing of personnel returning to CONUS and the processing of incoming personnel.
(U) NEW UNITS ASSIGNED: The 57th Medical Detachment (Helicopter) consisting of 9 officers and 22 enlisted men was attached on 31 January. Also, in January the 19th Quartermaster Detachment (Petroleum Quality Surveillance) consisting of one enlisted man and the 22d and 24th Quartermaster Detachment (Petroleum Bulk Storage and issue) each consisting of 8 EM were attached to the Battalion and further attached to the 18th Aviation Company, 8th Transportation Company and 81st Transportation Company in the order listed. The advanced detachment of an Air Mobile Company arrived on 23 March to coordinate Movement and processing actions. The detachment consisted of one captain and one sergeant.
(U) PLANS: During the period an addition to S-l functions was taken under consideration. It was contemplated that the Unit personnel Section would assume the responsibility for the preparation of all unit morning reports. This change would greatly reduce errors and facilitate the forwarding of Morning Reports to USARPAC.
(U) AWARDS AND DECORATIONS: During the reporting period approximately 913 recommendations for awards were processed though the S-1 section. These included 796 Air Medals or OLC's, 31 Bronze Stars, 70 Distinguished Flying Crosses, and 16 Army Commendations Medals. 496 approved awards were received and forwarded to units concerned for presentation. These included 398 Air Medals or Oak Leaf Clusters, thereto, 25 Bronze Stars, 31 Purple Hearts, 39 Distinguished Flying Crosses and 3 Army Commendation Medals.
(U) MORALE: Morale has been generally high despite the fact that some enlisted men must still be held beyond their normal rotation date due to the non-arrival of adequate replacements.
(U) PROBLEM AREAS: The major problem areas requiring early resolution and over which the battalion has no control are:
1, Trained replacements: Time, mission requirements and the austere personnel position of most units does not permit proper training of replacements who arrive with little or no practical experience. This is particularly true of aircraft mechanics, MOS 676 and 675. The slow arrival of mechanics and the fact that a large percentage of those arriving are MOS 670 have created a serious problem in aircraft maintenance.
2, Advance information on inbound personnel: The lack of adequate and accurate advance information on inbound personnel created various problems.
(a) Officers: Although the battalion received advance orders and copies of DA Form 66 for approximately, 95% of inbound officers, the actual date of arrival varied as much as one month from, the individual's availability date and advance information did not contain qualification in aircraft. This precluded prior planning of the officer's ultimate assignment and caused a considerable delay between arrival at battalion and arrival at a final unit of assignment.
(b) Enlisted men: Advance information on arrival of enlisted men was needed for planning purposes. Operational necessities often require the transfer of enlisted men from one unit to another which in turn causes new arrivals to be diverted from unit of assignment as indicated on orders. This in turn creates an additional work load on the personnel section. If accurate information on arrival dates was received advance planning could be accomplished and eliminate the need for diverting arrivals and reduce the Personnel Section's work load.
(c) New Units: Detailed advance information on arrival dates of new units, particularly large units, was needed to preclude a serious billeting problem.
(U) POTENTIAL PROBLEM AREAS: A problem area involving officers may arise. This problem would be due to the fact that the majority of inbound officers are assigned on DA orders to the 45th Transportation Battalion with a relatively few assigned directly to units of the battalion. This situation requires this battalion to screen all incoming officers and assign a "fair share" to the 52nd Aviation Battalion. This is not the ideal solution but is the only course of action deemed practical at this time. A recommendation is now being prepared for submission which, if approved, would require that Department of the Army amend a certain portion of existing orders to divert officers to the 52nd Avn Bn.
II INTELLIGENCE
(U) ORGANIZATION: During the reporting period there were two personnel assigned to the section for duty. The Assistant S-3 performed as S-2 as an additional duty. The Intelligence Sergeant was assigned 3 January 1963 filling a vacancy that existed for 8 months. Later during the period a full time S-2 was assigned to the battalion as a primary staff member with the additional duty as communications officer.
(U) MEMORANDUM: On 2 March 1963, a memorandum pertaining to physical security was published and distributed to all units, to be used by the commander as a guide line in establishing a physical security plan for his area of responsibility. A memorandum was published on 6 March 1963 outlining a uniform procedure to be used by units within the battalion for the proper handling, reciting for and storage of classified defense information. In May 1963 the responsibility of physical security of installations was assumed by the S-3 Section however no additional revisions were made on the previously published memorandum on physical security issued by the S-2 Section.
(U) COMBAT INTELLIGENCE: During the latter half of the reporting period, a combat intelligence function was set up in the battalion war room. 1: lOO,0O0 scale maps of RVN III and IV Corps were posted daily from ISUM's received from the respective corps. A major limitation of the combat intelligence section was the lack of rapid and secure communications with Corps Advisory Groups. This situation seriously limited the transmission of timely information to the S-2 Section for ultimate distribution to the operational units. Towards the end of the reporting period plans were made to integrate the S-2 Section as an aviation intelligence center with the III Corps Advisory Group. A detailed operations plan was written which was enthusiastically accepted by all of the subordinate units. A target date of 15 July 1963 had been set to have the plan in full operation. By integrating the S-2 Section with the Corps Advisory Group it was felt that many of the communications problems in our combat intelligence capability would be greatly expanded.
(U) PERSONNEL SECURITY: In the personnel security field, the problem of having security clearances validated by US Army, Ryukus Island, arose. The problem was administrative due to the large number of replacement personnel arriving during the month of December 1962 and no one to process the applications for validation. This problem was solved by the assignment of an Intelligence Sergeant and approximately 534 security clearances were validated during the reporting period. A close working arrangement with the personnel office has insured that personnel security actions are initiated during processing of incoming personnel thereby avoiding excessive backlog. There were relatively few requirements for the processing of initial clearances due to the fact that the majority of replacement personnel possessed security clearances prior to their arrival in the battalion. During the reporting period 29 CONFIDENTIAL and 8 SECRET security clearances were processed.
(U) DOCUMENTS: The number of SECRET documents received during the reporting period continued to be larger then normally received by a battalion. 383 SECRET documents were processed and 150 were destroyed. The S-2 Section initiated a program of review, upon request of documents originated by other sections, for proper classification of a document. Two four drawer safes were obtained and greatly facilitate quick checks on the presence of documents.
(U) INSPECTIONS: This section was inspected by the Inspector General, US Army Support Group, Vietnam during February and no deficiencies were noted. On 20 February, Lt Col Jacob G. Haven, Commanding Officer of the 209th Military Intelligence Battalion in Okinawa and Captain George E. Marine, G-2 Section, USARYIS, inspected the section and several minor discrepancies were noted, one being that the units were not briefing newly assigned personnel on applicable security directives, a suggested security briefing was extracted from a US Army Support Group, Vietnam directive, published and distributed to all units. During the month of June, an Intelligence Corps Team from Headquarters USARYIS inspected this headquarters and all subordinate units. Conversation with personnel of the team indicated that the security program within the 45th Transportation Battalion was considered highly satisfactory. Subordinate units of this headquarters regularly inspected on a monthly basis. No major discrepancies were noted and all units appeared to have excellent security programs.
III S-3 (PLANS AND OPERATIONS)
(U) CHANGES OF ASSIGNED UNITS:
The 57th Medical Detachment Helicopter Ambulance) was attached to this Battalion effective 31 January 1963. It became operational 25 March with newly arrived UH-1B helicopters and is commanded by Major Lloyd E. Spencer.
The 19th Quartermaster Detachment (Petroleum Quality Surveillance) was assigned 22 January 1963 in support of the 18th Aviation Company (FWLT) at Nha Trang.
The 22d Quartermaster Detachment (Petroleum Bulk Storage and Issue) was assigned 15 January in support of the 8th Transportation Company ( Lt Hel) at Qui Nhon.
The 24th Quartermaster Detachment (Petroleum Bulk Storage and Issue) was assigned 15 January in support of the 81st Transportation Company (Lt Hel) at Pleiku.
Each cargo helicopter company received 20 enlisted personnel and one officer which are assigned as gunners on temporary duty status to be rotated every ninety days. These personnel were assigned from USARPAC . The first 2 1/2 platoons arrived 24 March 1963, and the last 2 1/2 platoons arrived 26 March 1963.
With the arrival of the 52d Aviation Battalion the Aviation Units have been reassigned or attached effective 1 April 1963 as follows:
a. Units assigned to headquarters, 45th Transportation Battalion are:
(1) 33d Transportation Company (Lt Hel).
(2) 57th Transportation Company (Lt Hel).
(3) 93d Transportation Company (Lt Hel).
(4) Utility Tactical Transportation Company.
(5) 45th Trans Bn Flight Section UH-1B).
b. The 57th Medical Detachment (Hel Amb) is attached to the 52d Aviation Battalion.
General Order 109 dated 21 May 1963 assigned the 114th Aviation Company to the 45th Transportation Battalion. The company arrived 7 May 1963 and was stationed at Vinh Long, Vietnam.
General Order 236 inactivated the Transportation Company and activated the Aviation Companies (Air Mbl Lt). The changes in designation to units assigned to this Battalion were as follows:
a. 33d Transportation Company (Lt Hel) changed to 118th Aviation Company (Air Mbl Lt).
b. 57th Transportation Company (Lt Hel) changed to 120th Aviation Company (Air Mbl Lt).
c. 93d Transportation Company (Lt Hel) changed to 121st Aviation Company ( Air Mbl Lt).
General Order 251 dated 1 July 1963 detached the UTT Helicopter Company from this Battalion effective 20 June 1963
(U) AIRMOBILE OPERATIONS SOP:
During this quarter the Airmobile Operations SOP has been staffed, completed and distributed. The procedures set forth in this SOP are to be followed by subordinate commands in the planning and execution of Airmobile Operations. It is designed to facilitate the planning, coordination and control necessary for successful Airmobile Operations.
Company and Unit SOP's will be revised to conform with all provisions of this SOP.
(U) EVALUATION OF UH-1B HELICOPTER PERFORMANCE:
A test was conducted 22-25 March 1963 in the mountainous terrain in II ARVN Corps, Republic of Vietnam.
It was found that the data published in TM 15-1520-208-10, Operational Manual for the UH-1B Helicopter, is accurate. Without the XM-6 Machine Gun Kit, eleven ARVN troops can be carried safely in mountainous terrain.
(C) MISSION STATISTICS: (Period 1 January - 30 June 1963)
a. Total hours flown by all units, 22,433:35
b. Tactical sorties, 10 ,056
c. Logistical sorties, 11,833
d. Administrative and maintenance sorties, 3874
e. Aircraft hit, 141
f. wounded in action, 28
g. Killed in action, 12
IV S-4 (MAINTENANCE - SUPPLY)
I (U) GENERAL
A. New Units
1. The 57th Medical Detachment (Helicopter Ambulance) from Ft Mead Maryland was assigned to this battalion and physically located in the Tan Son Nhut area on 1 Feb. 63. Arrangements were made for their billeting, messing, and operational areas, Since the battalion was programming and furnishing considerable logistical support in the Tan Son Nhut area, the requirements and workload impact of the unit was slight . Due t o the increased aircraft density in this area, operational space at Tan Son Nhut was at a premium and may present a problem in the future as the Vietnamese Civilian and Military Airfield requirements expand.
2 Three new Quartermaster POL Detachments were processed into Vietnam and deployed to the field. Since the previous POL Detachments had been split, both equipment and personnel wise, equipment had to be broken down and redistributed so each unit would have a complete set.
3. A new Battalion headquarters was processed into Vietnam and deployed to the field. The 45th provided the following assistance:
a. Equipment and Supply requirements were determined prior to the units arrival and requisitions submitted to obtain these items.
b. As the items were received they were trans-shipped to the new headquarters area.
c. Standing operating procedures for S-4 operations, and copies of all pertinent regulations, circulars, directives, forms, etc. were furnished the S-4, of the new battalion,
d. As the vehicles were off located from the ship, they were processed, fueled, and prepared for trans-shipment to the final destination.
e. Rubber stamps and locally procurable office equipment were obtained and shipped to the new area.
f. Complete briefings were given the S-4 and the Supply Sergeant on the units of their command, local policies, procedures, channels, operational requirements, etc.
g. In preparation for the arrival and deployment to the field of an Air Mobile Company, these actions were taken:
(1) Determination was made of equipment, other than TO&E, that was required. Requisitions were submitted for these items.
(2) Coordination was effected with the engineers to assure adequate operational, maintenance, ramp and living areas.
(3) Coordination was effected with the engineers and quartermaster on the requirements and installation timetable for major items of equipment such as: (a) Water tanks and purification system, (b) Main generators for the compound, (c) Refrigerators and freezers, (d) Kitchen ranges and serving equipment, (e) Tents, (f ) Rations
h. During April 1963 the 114th Air Mobile was assigned to this battalion and to be located at Vinh Long on the 18th of April. Tentage and essential housekeeping equipment were set up and put into operation. This required prior coordination with the various technical service sections and the G-3 section of USASC,V. The first element of the 114th arrived by air on the 7th of May 1963. All personnel were air transported to Vinh Long without an extended stop over at Tan Son Nhut due to the lack of transient facilities.
45th Trans Bn S-4 was notified on 30 April 1963 that the ETA of the USNS Marine Fiddler carrying the TO&E equipment for the 114th Air Mobile Company would be 14-18 May 1963. Due to the inconsistency of water transportation the ETA was changed approximately five times. The vessel finally arrived on 21 May 1963, at 1800 hrs at the port.
(1) Pre Planning Stage:
(a) Coordination: The plan prepared by the 45th Bn S-4 Section included coordination effected with and entailed the following:
1. Port Operations USASC.V: Tha S-4 Section worked closely with Capt Shaefer, Port Operations Officer, from date first notification was given until all equipment had cleared the port. The Port Operations Officer furnished information as to:
a. ETA & subsequent changes
b. Customs processing procedures
c. It was determined that extra transportation was need as follows:
5-5 ton S&P's for 15 conexes
6-2 1/2 ton trucks for 40 boxes of cargo
2-5 ton tractor for 2-simi-trl shop vans
(b) Movement Plan: Work began on the movement plan when first word was given of the ETA of the Marine Fiddler. This was on 30 April 1963. The composition of the convoy was governed by the number of vehicles that could be moved across the ferry at Hung Thuan Cat. An experience factor of 216 ft of towed equipment per hour was used. Experience from actual crossing revealed that 216 ft of towed equipment per l/2 hour is a realistic planning factor.
(c) Processing and Movement from Port to Staging Area: Actual processing again at 1020 hours 22 May 1963. Last vehicle was moved to the staging area at 1400 hrs 24 May 1963.
(d) Operations at Staging Area: Vehicles were refueled and oiled and final 2d echelon checks were made. At 1930 hrs prior to the day of the move, convoy personnel were given their vehicle assignments and briefed on the move by the convoy commander in the 45th/57th EM Mess Hall.
(e) Convoy Movement:
1. Personnel arrived at staging area 0600 hrs 25 May. It had rained the night before and there was difficulty in moving vehicles. However, vehicles moved out as planned. To preclude this difficulty the second convoy was formed in the 45th/57th compound where firmer ground was available. First convoy moved out from Cholon at 0735 hrs. Convoy Commander stayed far enough ahead of convoy in order to block traffic on far side of bridges enroute to My Tho to insure expeditious crossing of vehicles. Convoy commander went ahead to meet security at IP and lead it up road about two miles on RT. 4 to wait for convoy. This precluded congestion at traffic circle and vulnerability to attack. Enroute two ARVN vehicles, carrying conexes, broke down. These vehicles were towed to destination and accompanied convoy. Air cover was late due to inclement weather. Otherwise the operation went smoothly. Convoy closed at Vinh Long at 1315 hrs 25 May 1963. At ferry, convoy commander visually inspected ferry capacity. It was determined that the low bed, purposely left in the second convoy serial, could not maneuver the bridge due to its length of 64 ft.
2. The 114th could not obtain facilities to lift conexes from ARVN transportation. The 5 ton wrecker which would have met the requirement was purposely left for the second convoy in order that vehicles that might have broken down could have secured in strategic hamlets along the route and picked up by the wrecker in the second convoy. The importance of getting vehicles to destination undamaged or un-pilfered out weighed the inconvenience caused in not being able to unload ARVN vehicles right away.
3. The second convoy went off without one hitch. Convoy closed at 1215 hrs, 28 May 1963. Clearance was not obtained for 27 May as originally planned.
B. POL
1. On 4 January 1963, a conference on POL procedures was held at US Military Assistance Command, Vietnam (MACV) with logistical and administrative agencies concerned. A system to relieve the lack of POL coordination was presented and agreed to by all present. This system was subsequently to be presented to the operational agencies being represented. The proposed system was discussed and again agreed to by all present. The MAAG Logistics Division representative subsequently withdrew his agreement until a waiver could be obtained for certain accounting requirements. On 14 February a representative of MACV J-4 was appointed to evaluate the present POL system. On 4 March a conference was held at US Army Support Command, Vietnam (USASC,V) on the proposed POL system. All interested administrative and operational agencies were represented. Again everyone agreed to the system as originally proposed. The procedures and responsibilities agreed to have been circulated to the interested parties, but signed concurrence have not been received at the end of this quarter. For all practical purposes, the system is now in operation and should reduce the requirements of the S-4 Section physically handling POL in the future.
2. During this last quarter the following POL shipments were made:
( a) Routine Shipments:
JP4 Jet Fuel 6 Shipments 17,800 Gallons
115/145 AV Gas 18 Shipments 270,470 Gallons
MO Gas 11 Shipments 29,383 Gallons
Diesel 12 Shipments 18,776 Gallons
Oil, 1100 6 Shipments 15,106 Gallons
Solvent 4 Shipments 7,398 Gallons
Lube Oil OE30 2 Shipments 385 Gallons
TOTAL 59 Shipments 359,318 Gallons
(b) Emergency Shipments:
JP-4 6 Shipments 11,474 Gallons
115/145 AV Gas 5 Shipments 28,399 Gallons
MO Gas 1 Shipment 106 Gallons
Total 12 Shipments 39,979 Gallons
3. On 17 June a back up pumping system for refueling of aircraft on major combat missions was put into effect. This system included 1 JP-4 hand pump w/filter segregator and 2 AVGAS hand pumps. Personnel of the S-4 Section accompany and operate this equipment on each mission. They, also, monitor refueling operations in the interest of expediting refueling between lifts.
4. Inspection of tankers hand recited to Corps Advisors showed a great lack of 1st and 2d echelon maintenance.
C. CONTRACT:
1. Throughout this period the S-4 monitored and acted as the contracting Officer's Representative for the following contracts:
a. Packing and Crating.
b. Theatre Construction: A theatre was constructed in the 45th Trans Bn, 57th Co Compound. The new theatre seats approximately 124 people, has a cinemascope type screen and provides for uninterrupted film projection. Approximate dollar value: $2,013.00. A contract for bamboo siding for 57th theatre was completed on 13 June 1963.
c. Laundry Contract: This covers the civilian laundering of sheets, pillow cases, mess uniforms, dispensary towels and linen, etc. for 45th/57th Compound. Approximate dollar value: $2,600.00.
d. External rewiring: 45th/57th compound rewiring began on 3 June 1963. The new external system will have the capacity to carry 173 KW of power. However the present internal wiring of buildings will not be able to carry such a load. Also, the present power source will only generate 60 KW. The USASC,V Engineer has been made aware of these incompatibilities.
e. Construction of the UH-1 section hanger and hardstand began on 17 June 1963.
f. Contract for the flooring of the 45th Dispensary and for construction of the 57th garbage shed, and the 57th wash rack was let on 28 June 1963.
2. Miscellaneous construction and repair at 45th/57th compound also included:
a. Installation of hot water system. Approximate dollar value: $783.34.
b. Water line installation: Approximate dollar value: $2,008.00.
c. Renovate buildings and roadway. Approximate dollar value: $4,968.04
d. Cover floors and install water line. Approximate dollar value: $2,013.73.
D. ADDITIONAL BILLETING:
. 1- Information received during the 3d Quarter of FY 63 indicated that a substantial increase in strength could be expected in the near future. On this basis a detailed survey of existing and required billeting facilities was conducted. The scope of this survey included the units which are now assigned to the 52d Aviation Battalion, The results, in the form of a classified letter, were furnished USASC,V Engineer on 11 March. This has resulted in awarding of contracts for construction of four buildings within the 45th/57th compound, six buildings at Bien Hoa, and seven buildings at Qui Nhon, Requirements for buildings in other areas are currently being processed by the USASG,V Engineers, Construction of the 4 - 7x14 meter billets in the 45th/57th Cantonment area began the 13 April 1963. Last billet was accepted 31 May 1963.
2. Following the addition of the new billets, there still existed a requirement for additional housing. Letters were sent forward to CG, USASG,V requesting additional billeting for 45th/57th compound and the 33d Compound at Bien Hoa. Also, a letter was sent to the Commanding General requesting the personnel of the 2d Air Division, housed in the billets of the 93d Trans Co at Soc Trang, be relocated in facilities and the 2d Air Division agreed to erect.
3. Also, included in the letter pertaining to the, 33d Trans Co was a request for assistance in expediting the construction of a potable water well and running water latrines.
(U) SUPPLY:
A. PROBLEM AREAS:
a. In April 1962 a requisition was submitted for 17 each 50 GPM pumps. These pumps were to be used for refueling aircraft in the field. An estimated delivery date was received on 13 February 1963. When the estimated delivery date had passed without receipt of the pumps a message was sent requesting information as to the status of the pumps. On 5 March a reply was received that the requisitions had been canceled and if the requirement still existed to re-requisition. Action was taken in an attempt to have the pumps obtained on a priority basis, the lack of the pumps was causing refueling of some aircraft in the field by hand pump. This was time consuming and hampered aircraft operations.
b. The distance and time element required to transmit information and requirements between the field units and the US Army Support Group, Vietnam, and Okinawa, was too extensive to provide timely support.
c. Construction and Service type logistical support is still extremely limited. Once requirement exists, it must be processed through channels until it is approved. Then it is sent to the Purchasing and Contracting Office for advertising, bidding, negotiations and the signing of a contract. This is extremely time consuming and frequently detrimental to morale when the items involved are for messing or billeting.
AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE
(U) 1. Heavy losses were incurred on 2 January at AP BAC, which is west of Tan Hiep and southwest of Saigon. Five aircraft sustained heavy damage and were repaired in the field. Two of the five were recovered by other aircraft and the other three flown out under their own power.
(U) 2. Aircraft availability was not good during the early portion of this period. Factors affecting availability were battle damages requiring extensive repair, rotation to CONUS of large numbers of trained mechanics, in several helicopter companies a continuing parts shortage for many items on the CH-21 helicopter, preparation of UH-1A aircraft for return to CONUS, acceptance of UH-B's in the UTT, 57th Medical Detachment and 45th UH-1 Section, low experience level of replacement mechanics, and flying hour commitments far in excess of maintenance capabilities.
(U) 3. Six CH-21 aircraft were destroyed during January, February and March. The 33d Transportation Company lost one CH-21 in a local accident in April. No aircraft destroyed in May, but several suffered heavy damage in June.
(U) 4. On 11 June a severe windstorm struck Tan Son Nhut airfield, Saigon, severely damaging almost all of the 57th Transportation Company's CH-21's and O-lD's, as well as O-1D assigned to HHD, 45th Trans Bn, Seven replacement CH-21's were subsequently issued to the 57th.
(U) 5. A team of pilots and maintenance personnel from Boeing-Vertol arrived in March 1963 to assist in improving performance characteristics of the CH-21 helicopter. During the six week stay of the team, all helicopter companies of this Battalion were visited and the most deficient helicopter companies flown and inspected. In most cases repairs or modifications were made on the spot and improvements noted. In most cases a lifting capability improvement of the least 650 lbs was realized after repair of the helicopter. Results obtained were mainly in increased manifold pressure which increased lifting capability of the aircraft concerned. Some thirty one aircraft were flown and inspected and results of the teams visit were satisfactory. Training was given to selected mechanics and aviators working in maintenance and as instructor pilots. This team departed Vietnam in April 1963. A report entitled "Results of H-21 Performance improvement Program in the Republic of Vietnam" is inclosed with supporting documents.
(U) 6. Overall aircraft availability and flying time improved with the arrival of UH-1B aircraft as replacements. The 114th Air Mobile Company became operational in May and increased the Battalion operational capabilities with its relatively new aircraft and trained personnel. The UH-1B equipped company could double the flying hours capability of the CH-21 equipped Transportation Company (Lt Hel).