Muang Phalan TACAN Site

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Muang Phalan TACAN Site
Coordinates16°39′29″N 105°33′40″E / 16.658°N 105.561°E / 16.658; 105.561 (Muan Phalan TACAN Site)
TypeAir Force
Site information
Conditionabandoned
Site history
Built1967
In use1967
Battles/wars
Vietnam War
Garrison information
Occupants1st Mobile Communications Group

Muang Phalan TACAN Site (also known as Lima 61 Alternative or L-61A) was a U.S. Air Force facility built in the village of Muang Phalan, Laos, during the Vietnam War.

History[edit]

Muang Phalan TACAN Site was established by the U.S. Air Force in April 1967 as part of Operation Bright Light to create a network of TACAN sites to support air operations over southern Laos and Vietnam. The site operated as TACAN Channel 77.[1][2]

On 25 December 1967 the site was attacked by the People's Army of Vietnam who overran the facility killing the two "sheep-dipped" technicians from the 1st Mobile Communications Group.[1] A replacement TACAN site was installed at Mukdahan, Thailand.[2]

Current use[edit]

The site is abandoned and turned over to farmland and housing.

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b Kelley, Michael (2002). Where we were in Vietnam. Hellgate Press. p. 346. ISBN 978-1555716257.
  2. ^ a b "CHECO USAF Report Operations from Thailand 1 January 1967 to 1 July 1968" (PDF). Headquarters, Pacific Air Force. p. 54.