By this time, III MAF had established three bases at Da Nang, Chu Lai and Phu Bai. Fontana established the 1st MAW headquarters on 11 May, 1965 and was relieved by Brigadier General Keith B. He was relieved on 4 June 1965 in both capacities by Major General Lewis W. Collins commanded both III MAF and 3d Marine Division. III MAF consisted of the forward elements of the 3d Marine Division and the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW).

May-June 1965 - On 6 May, the 9th MEB was transformed into the III Marine Expeditionary Brigade, which became the III Marine Amphibious Force (III MAF) the next day. advisory phase in the Vietnam War was to be transformed into more direct U.S. Although the mission of the 9th MEB was limited to the defense of the airbase at Da Nang, it was indicative that the U.S. Significance: This was the first deployment of a battalion-sized U.S. The following day, the MEB assumed control of Marine Task Unit 79.3.5 at Da Nang, which became Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 16. The brigade consisted of two Marine battalions, one arriving by air and the other over the beach.

They were to provide helicopter support to the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) in its campaign against Communist Vietnamese forces, called Viet Cong (VC).Ĩ March 1965 - The 9th Marine Expeditionary Brigade (MEB), commanded by Brigadier General Frederick J. Military Assistance Command on 8 February 1962.

Significance: This was the first squadron-sized Marine unit, together with a small security force, to deploy to Vietnam as a result of the establishment of the U.S. Carey, arrived at Soc Trang, Republic of Vietnam. CHRONOLOGIES - VIETNAM WAR CHRONOLOGY OF KEY MARINE CORPS EVENTSĩ April 1962 - The leading elements of Marine Task Unit 79.3.5, a helicopter task unit codenamed Shufly and commanded by Colonel John F.

The vietnam war was first called