US Army Engineer Command, Vietnam

Last updated
US Army Engineer Command, Vietnam
USAECV.jpg
Active1966-1967
CountryUnited States
BranchUS Army
RoleEngineer
SizeCommand
Garrison/HQLong Binh, Vietnam
Commanders
Notable
commanders
MG Robert R. Ploger
MG Charles M. Duke

US Army Engineer Command, Vietnam (USAECV) was a unit of US Army Vietnam from 1966-1967.

Contents

The Command's first challenge was to execute General William Westmoreland's MOOSE program (Move Out of Saigon Expeditiously) - the commanding generals order for unit headquarters to get out of the capital. [1] This would require a great amount of construction projects. Major General Robert R. Ploger would become the USAECV commander. The second would be the continued construction of the pier at Cam Ranh Bay.

Rome Plow clears trees to create a landing zone. Rome Plow.jpg
Rome Plow clears trees to create a landing zone.

In 1967, USAECV's role changed from basic construction to combat support and upgrading lines of communication. The command took part in Operation Cedar Falls and Operation Junction City using "tank dozers" with Rome Plow blades to clear areas inside the Iron Triange creating landing zones and minesweeping.

In August 1967, Gen. Ploger concluded his time in Vietnam and was replaced by Major General Charles M. Duke. The next month discussions began with the commanders of Vietnam Field Force I and II about getting more engineer support in the field. It was decided to assign some of the brigades directly to the commands and U.S. Army Engineer Construction Agency, Vietnam would replace USAECV as the agency in charge of construction projects.

Subordinate Units (1968)

Commanders

USAECV [3]

Major General Robert R. Ploger

September 1965

Major General Charles M. Duke

August 1967

18th Engineer Brigade

Colonel C. Craig Cannon

September 1965

Brigadier General Robert R. Ploger

September 1965

Colonel Paul W. Ramee

December 1966

Brigadier General Charles M. Duke

April 1967

Brigadier General Andrew P. Rollins, Jr.

September 1967

20th Engineer Brigade

Brigadier General Curtis W. Chapman, Jr.

August 1967

References

  1. Ploger, Major General Robert. "VIETNAM STUDIES. U.S. ARMY ENGINEERS: CHAPTER IX Engineer Tactical Operations". US Army. Retrieved July 20, 2025.
  2. Ploger, Major General Robert. "CHART 5-ORGANIZATION, U.S. ARMY ENGINEER COMMAND, NOVEMBER 1967". US Army. Retrieved July 20, 2025.
  3. Ploger, Major General Robert. "VIETNAM STUDIES U.S. ARMY ENGINEERS 1965-1970 Appendix F". US Army. Retrieved July 20, 2025.