The 79 Squadron, Base Squadron and No. 5 Airfield Construction Squadron memorial is dedicated to troops who served during the Vietnam War at the Ubon Air Base, Thailand. The dedication plaque features the RAAF wedge-tailed eagle insignia as well as the Cobra insignia of the 79 Squadron RAAF.
The inscription reads:
79 Squadron, Base Squadron and No 5 Construction Squadron
RAAF Ubon, Thailand
To commemorate all who served with the RAAF contingent
at Ubon 1962-1968
Lest We Forget
Ubon 1962-1968
The units immortalised in this memorial were dispatched as part of Australia’s obligations to the South East Asia Treaty Organization. This treaty required Australia to defend Thailand from possible invasions by the North Vietnamese communist forces during the Vietnam War. As part of this response the No 79 Squadron was reformed in 1962 and deployed to Ubon, Thailand. Units were deployed to this base two months prior to the Australian troops sent to South Vietnam and spent the proceeding six years protecting Northeast Thailand. While no engagement occured during this period, the units of 79 Squadron, Base Squadron and No 5 Construction Squadron remained fully armed and prepared for invasion forces. With their constant readiness, these squadrons played a crucial role in deterring the spread of communism into Thailand as well as defending a highly valued military base.
