AVIAN 34 information
for 520 TC BN
539 TC CO
165 TC CO
20 TC CO
For date 701015
520 TC BN was a US Army unit
539 TC CO was a US Army unit
165 TC CO was a US Army unit
20 TC CO was a US Army unit
Primary service involved, US Army
South Vietnam
Location, Cu Chi
Description: The following is the sixth installment (an extract) from AVIAN 34 (a 38 page magazine publication with color photos), October 1970, Vol. II, Number 3. This installment contains information from page 8 which was presented as a section or chapter titled "520th Transportation Battalion 'Sustainers.'"
The 520th Transportation Battalion, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Robert E. Ainslie, provides direct, back-up direct, and general support maintenance for over 1,100 Army aircraft and associated armament and avionics systems within the northern and western half of Military Region 3. One direct support company of the battalion is located at Cu Chi, while the battalion headquarters and the remaining units and elements are located at Phu Loi.
The 539th Transportation Company (AGS), located at Phu Loi, has been operating in Vietnam since 23 March 1967. Commanded by Major Wilbur R. Mixter, the "Hexmates" provide general support and backup direct support for 1,100 aircraft.
Commanded by Major Edward D. Collins, the 165th Transportation Company has recently moved from Bien Hoa to Phu Loi. Serving customers in the Bien Hoa, Long Binh and Saigon areas, the "Sword Sharpeners" provide supply and maintenance support to more than 275 aircraft. This move to Phu Loi has centralized supply and maintenance operations resulting in quicker and more responsive customer support.
Providing direct support maintenance for units from Tay Ninh to Cu Chi, the 20th Transportation Company , commanded by Major Larry H. Woodard, is located at Cu Chi and supports over 270 aircraft.
The 605th Transportation Company (ADS), commanded by Major Raymond E. Collins, provides direct support and backup direct support to over 500 aircraft belonging to units stretching from Quan Loi to Bear Cat. Assigned to the battalion on 1 April 1967, the "Pacesetters" average more than 35,000 man hours per month on their supported units' aircraft.
The Aviation Electronics Company, Central (Provisional), commanded by Major Roger D. Shiley, is the only provisional Avionics Company in the Republic of Vietnam. AVEL Central, with platoons at Phu Loi and Cu Chi, completes an average of over 5,000 avionics work orders monthly.
In addition to its line units, the 520th Transportation Battalion is responsible for the operation of the Army Aviation Refresher Training School which provides updated training in armament, aircraft, and engine repair for all aviation units in the Republic of Vietnam.
The "Pipesmoke" Recovery Section, which has become synonymous with the term "aircraft recovery" in the Republic of Vietnam, is also a member of the 520th Team. The only consolidated recovery section in the United States Army, "Pipesmoke" has recovered more than 3,500 aircraft since it was established in April 1967.
Comments: LTC Ainslie, Robert E.; 520 TC BN CO; ;
MAJ Mixter, Wilbur R.; 539 TC CO CO; ;
MAJ Collins, Edward D.; 165 TC CO CO; ;
MAJ Woodward, Larry H.; 20 TC CO CO; ;
MAJ Collins, Raymond E.; 605 TC CO CO; ;
MAJ Shiley, Roger D.; AVEL CENTRAL CO CO; ;
The source for this information was Vol. II, No. 3 dated Oct 1970 copy contributed by Jerry Mellick
Additional information is available on CD-ROM.
Please send additions or corrections to: Gary Roush Email address: webmaster@vhpa.org
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Last updated
08/03/2002
Date posted on this site:
05/13/2023