Ching Chuan Kang Air Base - Taichung Air Base, Taiwan

Latitude:
Longitude: 120.621

U.S. Air Force activation at CCK 8 November 1965

U.S. Air Force closure 31 March 1979

Current Role: Active ROCAF base with joint civilian airport use

The United States Air Force established a major operational presence at Ching Chuan Kang Air Base on 8 November 1965, as part of its rapid expansion of logistics infrastructure supporting the Vietnam War. Taiwan's geographic position made it an ideal staging and support location outside the combat zone but within efficient reach of Southeast Asia. The base was developed into a key tactical airlift hub, with significant runway extensions and support facilities built to handle continuous cargo and personnel movements.

The primary tenant unit was the 374th Tactical Airlift Wing, which operated C-130 Hercules aircraft. From CCK, these aircraft conducted daily missions transporting troops, ammunition, and supplies into South Vietnam and other regional locations. The base became one of the busiest airlift centers in the western Pacific, supporting both combat operations and broader logistical networks across U.S. Pacific Air Forces.

Beyond airlift operations, CCK also functioned as a major support and staging base for rotational units and transient aircraft. It hosted maintenance, supply, and communications functions essential to sustaining high sortie rates during peak years of the war. The presence of thousands of U.S. personnel also led to the development of extensive on-base infrastructure, including housing, medical facilities, and morale and recreation services, making it a self-contained U.S. military community in Taiwan.

Following the end of major U.S. involvement in Vietnam, activity at CCK gradually declined through the 1970s. The decisive factor came with the normalization of relations between the United States and the People's Republic of China, which led to the termination of official U.S. military presence in Taiwan. The USAF formally withdrew from Ching Chuan Kang on 31 March 1979, transferring full control back to the Republic of China Air Force, which continues to operate the base today.