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Article: Misty FACs of the Vietnam War.(Forward Air Control)
- Article from:
- Air Power History
- Article date:
- December 22, 2003
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2003 Air Force Historical Foundation. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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One of the most successful tactical innovations of the Vietnam War was the introduction of the F-100 Super Sabre to perform the new mission of "Fast FAC" (Forward Air Control). Under the call sign of "Misty," F-100F pilots interdicted equipment and supplies flowing into South Vietnam. Their story is important because it provides key insights into how the Air Force flies, fights, and adapts during combat.
This article reviews the early years of the Vietnam War and how the need for Fast FACs evolved. Prior to the spring of 1967, the USAF tasked O-1 and O-2 FACs to conduct visual reconnaissance missions over the southern area of North Vietnam. In response, the North ...