USARSUPTHAI ASSOCIATION

549^th Engineer Detachment (Control & Advisory)

Camp Raum Chit Chai, Sakon Nakhon

& Camp Friendship, Korat,

Thailand

66 – 69

 

 

 

 

Unidentified members at the 549^th KB2 Team House in Roi Et, Thailand 1966

 

Newspaper clippings

“The Blue Goose”

1968

1969

 

 

 

Comments:

 

The Blue Goose Operation

This Operation was a far reaching work throughout Thailand. It was The 549^th Engineer Detachment UT, but it extended beyond Thailand into both Laos and Cambodia. It worked with local Thai governments in building houses, schools, local government building, communication centers, etc.

The 549^th was a top secret unit with equipment that was undercover with the blue vehicles, how could they be missed. They wore civs (civilian clothes) most of the time.

The 549^th (Eng Det) was called back to Camp Friendship to take charge of vertical construction, The 54^th Engineer Company CS {Construction Support} was moved to Northeast Thailand in support of The 809^th Engineer BN. Even while at Camp Friendship, The 549^th kept teams in the field, but with their new responsibility, the 549^th would use their new troops beyond Camp Friendship.

I was a Plumber, who was transferred to the 549^th (Eng Det) from the 54^th (Eng Co).

Before the transfer, many of the troops who transferred to the 549^th (Eng Det) helped move The 54^th (Eng Co) to Northeast Thailand.

While in The 549^th (Eng Det), I did extensive work at Commo sites because of security. That is one of the reasons: I understood what was happening in Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia.

I can't even tell the whole story of the 549^th (Eng Det) without spending days to write down everything that I remember.

I hope that just a small amount of information about the 549^th (Eng Det) will broaden the understanding of just how involved USARSUPTHAI and the 44th Engineer Group were in S.E.A. What I saw with the 549^th (Eng Det) is one of the reasons we were so involved with the Thai People. We used our skills to build communities.
This shouldn't come as a surprise, but increase your understanding about why and how most troops in Thailand were chosen before they reached Thailand.

There were very few problems with the Troops and the Thai Government and Thai People. We trained Thai Troops and Police, worked with Thai People everywhere from house girls to the most important work done. We are the Men and Women, who Helped Thailand to become what it is Today.

 

We changed Thailand.

Mark 68-70

 

Mark
The Blue Goose had an office next to USARSUPTHAI Headquarters. I was part of the 558 SCHMGS, which supplied then with powder blue equipment. Whenever I mention the blue goose every thinks I am crazy.

I was also attached with the 46^th, assigned to 9^th Log.

Thomas Ross

 

Howdy Tom

The Blue Goose Operation was a very real Engineer Unit with top secret operations.
When they transferred the troops from what had been the 528^th Engineer Detachment, I didn't understand how important the 549^th Engineer Detachment was, their troops were unique.

I didn't know that the 549^th (Eng Det) had two HHQs, until you said there was one next to USARSUPTHAI, but I do
remember Blue Goose Vehicles there.

The other HHQ was next to 44^th Engineer Group HHD. That was where our Hooches were located on Camp Friendship and out Motor Pool was across from the Dispensary. We were on two corners of the major streets of Camp Friendship.

That Motor Pool had been the 528^th (Eng Co).  The Motor Pool was used by the 54^th (Eng Co) for the Equipment that was used by the troops and kept being transferred to new units, until we all had DEROSd.

Anyone, who thinks the Blue Goose didn't exist, has no idea as to the kind of operation and how close they worked with the Thai Government.

We work on top secret places all over Thailand. We work from Northeast Thailand, long Burma, and
Northwest Thailand.

There are Commo (Communications) Troops that can say they heard the Blue Goose over the Communication System.

Mark 68-70

Looking for any info:

KIA - SP7 Rufus Holt (Rusty), He was with the 549^th Engineer Detachment, Construction Foreman, killed in a construction accident on January 31, 1968 at Camp Raum Chit Chai, Sakhon Nakhon Thailand. Trying to get info to help out his daughter. - Submitted by O.D. on 15 August 2008 - 10:34pm.

 (From O.D.’s website)

Thailand 1966-1972 Military Build Up Phase III

Nov 5, '08 8:40 PM for everyone

ARRIVAL OF MILITARY UNITS IN THAILAND1966-1972

 

Beginning with the deployment of American Military Troops in South Vietnam, Thailand became even more important than just overseeing the war in Laos. It now became a logistical, supply and communications hub for the war in Vietnam. From Thailand’s 6 RTAFB’s American Air Force planes took off and bomb North and South Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia in support of the war effort in Southeast Asia. In fact, more sorties were flown from Thai bases against North Vietnam than the combined Air Force Bases located in South Vietnam and the Naval Aircraft Carriers located off the coast of Vietnam on Yankee Station.

 

This is a work in progress and all information concerning the 549th Engineer Detachment and "Operation Blue Goose" is greatly needed and appreciated. If you have info, pictures or comments send them to me jjwilsonjr@yahoo.com and I'll get them posted on this site. - Joe Wilson - Webmaster