Texas Tech University

Farm Gate

Operation
Title
Farm Gate
Start Date
10/11/1961
CTZ
RVN
TAO
South Vietnam
Objective
to assist the RVN in its struggle against an increasingly aggressive Communist foe; increasingly expanding its missions.
Description
This operation began when President Kennedy ordered the Air Force to assist the RVN. The 4400th Combat Crew Training Squadron was created to train indigenous air forces and participate in limited combat missions supporting ground forces. At first, the squadron only trained South Vietnamese airmen. Eventually the aircraft were used in other missions. They flew reconnaisance missions and provided logistical support for the U.S. Army Special Forces. After the 6th of December, FARM GATE was allowed to participate in combat missions if at least one Vietnamese national was on board for training purposes. During 1962, FARM GATE continued to support the expanding U.S. effort. They flew air strikes, but were limited only to missions that the Vietnamese could not undertake. In 1963 FARM GATE was expanded to meet the growing demand for air support. As the war continued to increase in intensity, many demands for combat sorties had to go unfilled. The planes suffered from structural failures and shortages of spare parts. Eventually the older B-26s and T-28s were replaced with A-1Es. Finally in 1965, the requirement for South Vietnamese to be carried on combat missions was dropped. Air Force markings replaced the South Vietnamese markings on the aircraft. FARM GATE flew 80 percent of the sorties in support of the ARVN. However, as U.S. involvement continued to escalate, FARM GATE lost importance. In 1967, FARM GATE disappeared long after the counter-insurgency nature of the war had changed to something more conventional.
Allied Units Involved
Unit
4400th Combat Crew Training Squadron
Branch
United States Air Force
Branch Abbrv.
USAF
Unit
Detachment 2A, 4400the Combat Crew Training Squadron
Branch
United States Air Force
Branch Abbrv.
USAF
Unit
1st Air Commando Squadron (Provisional, USAF)
Enemy Units Involved
Unit
VC/PAVN
Sources
Title
The Enyclopedia Of The Vietnam War: A Political, Social & Military History, edited by Spencer C. Tucker

Vietnam Center & Sam Johnson Vietnam Archive

© 2026  Texas Tech University© 2026  Vietnam Center and Sam Johnson Vietnam Archive May 4 2026