While the helicopter …show more content…
The Marine Corps also found extensive use for the helicopter. After establishing a forward operating base at Soc Trang in the Mekong Delta early in 1962, the Marine Corps helicopters were put to work almost immediately moving South Vietnamese soldiers into battle positions (Camp, 2013). As the war progressed, the Marine’s ability to use the helicopter expanded. Beginning the war with the ancient H-34 piston powered medium lift helicopter, the Marine Corps were eventually fielded newer CH-46 Sea Knight and CH-53 Sea Stallion helicopters with over twice the capacity (Camp, 2013). Able to launch and recover from ships in the South China Sea, the Marine Corps was able to deploy their aircraft wherever they were needed. This ability would become critical following the Paris Peace Accords since American combat forces were treaty bound not to set foot on land (Butler,