Phan Rang in Ninh Thuan Provence, was located 3 miles inland from the South China Sea and  35 miles south of Cam Rahn Bay in Corps Tactical Zone II. The area is a semi arid drought environment interrupted with occasional periods of heavy torrential rains.

        The area housed and equpited numerous U.S. and Allied military infantry, logistical, and air units, as well as civilian contractor units. Some of the units were the 366th Tactical Fighter Wing/389th Tactical Fighter Squadron and all support squadrons., 35th Tactical Fighter Wing/F-100 Tactical Fighter Squadrons, B-57 Bomber Squadrons, and all support squadrons,1st Mobile Communications Group, 1882nd Communications Squadron, 101st Airborne Division, 1st Brigade, Republic of Korea (ROK) Marines, 62nd Army Engineering Brigade, 48th Aviation Company , 38th Air Rescue Squadron, 554th Red Horse., The American Red Cross, RMK/BRJ Construction Contractors (Base Prime Contractor), Seattle Barge and Transportation Co. (Beach off-load operation).

        During World War II, the Japanese occupation forces operated from a 3.500 foot runway then located on the present base. Later, the French used this same airstrip to fight the Viet Minh during the First Indochina War.