Long Cheng Air Base
Xaisômboun
Long Cheng Air Base, located in the Longchaeng district of Xaisomboun Province, Laos, was a pivotal military installation during the Laotian Civil War. Established in 1962 by the CIA as a headquarters for Major General Vang Pao, it rapidly grew into one of the largest US foreign military bases. Known as Lima Site 98 or Lima Site 20A, the base was strategically hidden in a valley at 3,100 feet elevation, surrounded by limestone mountains and karst outcrops that provided natural protection. At its peak in the late 1960s, Long Tieng housed approximately 40,000 inhabitants, making it the second largest city in Laos, despite its absence from official maps. The base was a hub for Hmong forces allied with the US, featuring a mix of military and civilian life, including markets, food stalls, and repair shops. Long Tieng endured significant attacks by North Vietnamese forces in late 1971 and early 1972 but remained a critical stronghold. The base was evacuated in May 1975 amid advancing communist forces, with thousands of Hmong and CIA personnel airlifted to safety. Today, Long Cheng Air Base stands as a symbol of the secretive and complex history of the CIA's involvement in Southeast Asia and the resilience of the Hmong people.
ヒント: Visitors should be aware that Long Cheng Air Base is a remote historical site with limited infrastructure. The best time to visit is during the dry season for easier access. Prior arrangements and guided tours are recommended due to the site's sensitive history and location. There are no regular visitor facilities, so plan accordingly. Purchasing tickets or permits in advance may be required through local agencies or tour operators specializing in historical war sites.
興味深い事実
- •At its peak, Long Tieng was the second largest city in Laos, yet it never appeared on maps during the war.
- •The base was nicknamed "the most secret place on Earth" due to its clandestine nature and strategic importance.
- •CIA officer Jerry Daniels named the CIA headquarters at Long Tieng "Sky" after Montana's nickname, "Big Sky Country".
- •Long Tieng was protected on three sides by limestone mountains and karst outcrops, providing natural defense.
- •The evacuation in 1975 airlifted between 1,000 and 3,000 Hmong and CIA personnel to Thailand amid chaotic conditions.
歴史
Long Cheng Air Base was established in 1962 by the CIA as a secret military base for Major General Vang Pao during the Laotian Civil War.
By 1964, a runway was completed, and by 1966 it became one of the largest US military installations abroad.
The base was heavily contested during the war, notably enduring a major assault by North Vietnamese forces in late 1971 and early 1972.
Despite intense fighting and high casualties, the base remained under Hmong and allied control.
In 1975, as communist forces advanced, the base was evacuated in a chaotic airlift operation, marking the end of its strategic role.