Archived material Access restricted Article
Rantburg

Today's Front Page   View All of Thu 04/16/2009 View Wed 04/15/2009 View Tue 04/14/2009 View Mon 04/13/2009 View Sun 04/12/2009 View Sat 04/11/2009 View Fri 04/10/2009
1
2009-04-16 -Short Attention Span Theater-
CIA documents shine light on secretive Air America
Archived material is restricted to Rantburg regulars and members. If you need access email fred.pruitt=at=gmail.com with your nick to be added to the members list. There is no charge to join Rantburg as a member.
Posted by tu3031 2009-04-16 10:42|| || Front Page|| [1 views ]  Top

#1 "It was designed not to cost the CIA anything, so it had to be a profit-making operation," said Leary, who has studied Air America's history. "On the other hand, it wasn't supposed to make enough money to be competition for other American airlines. So, running it was a balancing act."

Former AA President, Hugh Grundy.

Little wonder they're being outed by Barry's administration. They were highly successful, PROFITABLE and cost the taxpayers NOTHING!



Posted by Besoeker 2009-04-16 12:15||   2009-04-16 12:15|| Front Page Top

#2 Wait, that iconic helicopter in the photograph was Air America?
Posted by Mitch H.">Mitch H.  2009-04-16 15:34|| http://blogfonte.blogspot.com/]">[http://blogfonte.blogspot.com/]  2009-04-16 15:34|| Front Page Top

#3 Yes, it is...

Operation FREQUENT WIND was the evacuation of Saigon as the PAVN advanced towards the city in April 1975. Air America responded to the call and initiated the largest aerial evacuation in history. The unsung heroes of the airlift were the Air America Bell UH-1 crews, who put in sterling work ferrying evacuees from around the city to either the US embassy or the Defense Attaché's Office compound. They were transporting people out to sea to awaiting aircraft carriers, refuelling on the carriers, and returning to a disintegrating Saigon.

In the period from 6 April 1975 to 30 April 1975, a total of 51,888 people were flown out of Saigon. Of these, 45,125 (87%) were flown out by Air America. On 29 and 30 April alone, 7,014 were flown out, with 5,595 (80%) evacuated by Air America. Several helicopters were lost during the evacuation due to enemy fire.
Posted by tu3031 2009-04-16 15:57||   2009-04-16 15:57|| Front Page Top

#4 Background on the picture...

Helicopter Evacuating Crowd from Rooftop

A CIA employee (probably O.B. Harnage) helps Vietnamese evacuees onto an Air America helicopter from the top of 22 Gia Long Street, a half mile from the U.S. Embassy.
Photographer: Hubert Van Es
Date Photographed: April 29, 1975
Location Information: Saigon, South Vietnam
Posted by tu3031 2009-04-16 16:04||   2009-04-16 16:04|| Front Page Top

23:26 crazyhorse
23:12 Steven
22:42 Frank G
22:38 Frank G
22:30 Frank G
22:15 tipover
22:03 Barbara Skolaut
21:59 Mullah Richard
21:52 Besoeker
21:30 Menhadden Sloper5400
21:29 Menhadden Sloper5400
21:27 Eric Jablow
21:25 Steve White
21:23 Eric Jablow
21:19 Zorba Craising6734
21:18 Eric Jablow
21:12 Mike N.
21:05 Redneck Jim
21:04 Menhadden Sloper5400
20:59 Redneck Jim
20:55 Redneck Jim
20:47 Glenmore
20:31 Skunky Angeack7024
20:22 Rambler in Virginia









Paypal:
Google
Search WWW Search rantburg.com