November 05, 2014
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At least 19,905 sorties were run between 1961−1971 (1−34 daily, with a daily average of 10.7 sorties). These data disagree with USAF estimates18. The number of daily sorties mirrors the course of the Vietnam War itself: a slow build-up, maximum activity 1968−1969, then a slow but steady decline. The abrupt spraying drop-off at the end of January 1968 corresponds to the Tet Offensive wherein North Vietnamese forces carried out massive, coordinated attacks throughout RVN for nearly 2.5 months. Spray equipment was removed from Ranch Hand aircraft and crew and aircraft participated in airlift operations.