VO-67
| Observation Squadron 67 | |
|---|---|
|
US Navy OP-2E Neptune of VO-67, a variant of a naval patrol bomber and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) aircraft specifically developed for the Muscle Shoals mission. | |
| Active | February 1967- July 1968 |
| Country | United States |
| Branch | United States Navy |
| Type | Observation? (Remains classified) |
| Role | Military intelligence |
| Garrison/HQ | Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand |
| Nickname | "Ghost Squadron" "Gandy Dancers" |
| Engagements | Vietnam War |
Observation Squadron 67 (VO-67) was a secret United States Navy military intelligence aircraft squadron based in Thailand during the Vietnam War. Created in February 1967, the unit was deactivated in July 1968. During its period of activity, the squadron mainly flew missions over the Ho Chi Minh trail in Vietnam and Laos implanting electronic sensory devices to detect North Vietnamese Army and supply movements along the trail.
The squadron flew OP-2E Neptune aircraft. Three unit aircraft were lost on combat missions with a total of 20 men killed. The unit received the Navy Unit Commendation and in May 2008 VO-67 was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for its highly classified missions and for intense aerial support of the Marine fire base at Khe Sanh, South Vietnam during the 1968 Tet offensive. The Arleigh Burke class destroyer, USS Milius (DDG-69) is named for Commander Paul L. Milius who received the Navy Cross for saving his seven man crew while serving with VO-67. Commander Milius was lost in combat over the Ho Chi Minh Trail in 1968.
The squadron was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation ribbon and Navy Unit Commendation ribbon. Enlisted air crews were also awarded Marine silver Combat Air Crew wings for support of Khe Sanh fire base during 1968 Tet Offensive.
References
- Vaughn, Chris (May 12, 2008). "U.S. To Honor Members Of Squadron In 'Secret War': The Presidential Unit Citation will be awarded Wednesday to members of Observation Squadron 67". Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Ocnus.Net. Retrieved 2008-05-16.
- Unit members talked with KXTV in Sacramento, CA and WFMY News 2 in Greensboro, NC about their experiences. Watch the story here.
External links
- "VO-67 Association home page". Organizational home. Retrieved 17 July 2008.