The entire complex III MAF logistic effort was built on the speed and accuracy of automated data process­ing. A computer arrived in Vietnam with the first logistic support elements. By early 1970, III MAF had consolidated control of the three data processing pla­toons (DPPs) now attached to FLC and a separate data processing section (DPS) with the 1st MAW under an Automated Services Center (ASC). The ASC used 500 separate computer programs to carry out over 300 record-keeping tasks. Computers produced financial reports, kept warehouse locator files and supply in­ventories up to date, did much of the requisitioning of supplies, and maintained unit pay records.4

The division and wing had their own logistic capa­bilities and responsibilities. Since the 1st Marine Di­vision had given up its organic 1st Service Battalion to FLC and maintained no separate supply stock or account of its own, each of the division's battalions drew supplies and services from FLC, either directly or through a logistic support unit. Elements of a sin­gle battalion could draw from different elements of FLC. During March 1970, for example, the forward command post and Company L of the 3d Battalion, 5th Marines, located on Hill 65, received daily resup-ply directly from FLC by truck. Company I of the bat­talion, on Hill 37, was resupplied by truck from Hill 65. Company K, split between Hills 52 and 25, de­pended on helicopter lifts from the An Hoa LSU for its resupply. Company M, at An Hoa, drew directly from the LSU there.5

Helicopter resupply of the division depended heav­ily on the activities of the 1st Shore Party Battalion.* This battalion, organic to the division, deployed a company with each infantry regiment. Shore party helicopter support teams (HSTs) at each LSU assem­bled and prepared supplies for helicopter pickup. Landing zone control teams with the rifle companies located and marked LZs, briefed the crews of incom­ing helicopters, and supervised unloading. Liaison teams at battalion CPs received control teams; battal­ion commanders or S-4s consolidated the requests and assigned delivery priorities.6

When 1st Shore Party Battalion was redeployed dur­ing Keystone BlueJay in March 1970, Company C of the battalion remained in Vietnam, fulfilling the vital HST role until final redeployment on 30 April 1971. The nucleus of an HST team usually included two or more MOS 1381 shore party men and one or more communicators. The actual composition de­pended on such factors as the size of the supported unit, the permanency of the LZ, and the helicopter activity anticipated. Major James G. Dixon, who com­manded Company C from August to November 1970, recalled the performance of his HST Marines:

Corporals and sergeants and even lance corporals did yeo­man work as "mini" air controllers at their respective LZs. They directed the movement of the helicopters; marshaled and positioned cargo; rigged assorted supplies and equipment; manifested and directed passengers; and effected the hookup of external slingloads. All [these responsibilities com­bined to make the LZs hubs of activity and lifelines of the supported unit at remote fire support bases such as Ryder, Hilt 510, and Dagger.**7

The 1st Marine Aircraft Wing drew upon both Navy and Marine sources for logistic support. The wing received nonaviation Marine Corps supplies and am­munition through Force Logistic Command; for replacement aircraft, spare aviation pans, most vehi­cles, and aircraft maintenance support, however, it re­lied on a complex of Navy agencies. Commander Naval Air Force, Pacific Fleet (ComNavAirPac), a subordinate of CinCPacFit, was ultimately responsi­ble for aviation logistic support of the 1st MAW, as well as of fleet carrier aircraft groups.*** The wing re­quisitioned its Navy material from the Navy Supply Depots (NSDs) at Yokosuka, Japan, and Subic Bay, Republic of the Philippines.**** Until September 1970, NSD Yokosuka, and after that date, NSD Subic, con­tracted for and oversaw major repair and rebuilding

* Shore party battalions were established originally to control movement of men and equipment across the beach. As helicopters became part of Marine amphibious operations, the battalions ex­panded their missions and training to include support of heliborne assaults.

** Assuming another role previously handled by the battalion, Company C also provided forklift support to division units.

*** Commander, Naval Air Farce, Pacific Fleet, was a "type com­mander" under CinCPacFli, responsible for Pacific Fleet aircraft, carrier aircraft, and other assigned aviation units and facilities, in­cluding those of the Marines. Responsibilities of a type command, which FMFPac also was, included primarily logistic readiness and training. ComNavAirPac, ComdHist, 1970, OAB, NHD.

**** In May 1970, Pacific Fleet decided to shift all aviation logis­tic support for units in the Western Pacific from NSD Yokosuka to NSD Subic. This changeover began on 1 September 1970 and was completed by mid-January 1971. All requisitions for aviation supplies after 1 September 1970 went through Subic. Commander, Service Force. U.S. Pacific Fleet, Operations of Service Farce, US. Pacific Fleet, FY 71, pp. 4-7; U.S. Naval Supply Depot, Subic Bay, P.P., ComdHisc, 1 Jan-31Dec70, pts. I and II; U.S. Naval Supply Depot, Yokosuka, ComdHist 1970 and ComdHist 1971; all in OAB. NHD.