 The U.S. military worked to expand existing bases and build new ones; including Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base; and the U-Tapao Royal Thai Navy Airfield in October 1965.From 1966-1975, U-Tapao became the most important strategic air base for U.S. bombing and cover missions of the entire war.Martin was appointed on 30 October 1969 and left this post on 10 February 1973.