The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) served in the Republic of South Vietnam from 1964, flying Caribou transport aircraft, Iroquois helicopters and Canberra bombers while also supporting airfield construction, medical evacuation, airfield defence and allied operations. They deployed to support South Vietnamese and United States (US) forces in their fight against communist forces from the north.
Although Australia’s involvement in the war began with Army advisers in 1962, the RAAF's direct role in South Vietnam began in 1964.
The RAAF’s air transport, helicopters and medical evacuation helped Australian and allied forces operate across difficult terrain and respond quickly during combat.
RAAF Caribou aircraft flew transport operations around South Vietnam, carrying people, supplies and equipment. No 9 Squadron later flew Iroquois helicopters, moving troops, delivering supplies and evacuating wounded soldiers. No 2 Squadron flew Canberra bombers from Phan Rang, while other RAAF personnel worked in airfield construction, support roles, aeromedical evacuation, airfield defence and with US forces.
Some RAAF aircraft were based at Vung Tau Base. Caribou transport aircraft of RAAF Transport Flight Vietnam, later No 35 Squadron, operated from Vung Tau, and No 9 Squadron’s Iroquois helicopters were also based there from 1966. Other RAAF aircraft operated from different locations, including No 2 Squadron’s Canberra bombers at Phan Rang. Hercules transport aircraft flew into Vietnam, often through Vung Tau, from bases outside South Vietnam.
In Ubon, Thailand, No 79 Squadron and RAAF base became part of an integrated US Air Force defence system from 1965.
The RAAF's involvement in the war officially ended in 1973.
RAAF Hercules aircraft and personnel returned in 1975 as South Vietnam collapsed. They helped evacuate Australian citizens, refugees and other civilians. They also took part in Operation Babylift, evacuating Vietnamese infants and children to safety during the final days before the Fall of Saigon.
