MACV commander General William Westmoreland counted on the division to fill part of the gap in combat power and guard the approaches to Saigon from this direction.

By this time, Westmoreland was convinced that major tactical headquarters and support units needed a full-time home where the individual soldier could train, take care of his equipment, and get some rest and relaxation.

The division’s 65th Engineer Battalion under Lt. Col. Carroll D. Strider assembled precut lumber kits for tents and latrines, which accompanied each unit.

In early April, the 362nd Light Equipment Company arrived to work on the camp’s road net and drainage ditches.

On 3 January 1969 a Vietcong bomb exploded in a messhall at the camp killing 15 Americans mostly from the 554th Engineer Battalion and two Vietnamese kitchen staff.