Robins and Backseaters

Major Yang Bee, center, flew as Robin 01, from 1969-1973. He was the lead backseater in charge of the other Robins.

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Robins and Backseaters

Lieutenant Steve Wilson, Raven 27, and Maj Yang Bee, Robin 01, often flew together. Robins were not assigned to a specific Raven, but were assigned by mission.

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Robins and Backseaters

Flying with the Ravens at Long Tieng were Hmong “backseaters” using the call sign Robin. Selected by local commanders with the approval of Laotian Major General Vang Pao, these men played a crucial role in the air war over Laos.

Mostly veteran guerilla soldiers, they translated radio calls between friendly troops on the ground and the Ravens. Once airborne, the Robins established radio contact with local units for a situation report. If units requested air support, the Robin relayed the information to the Raven in the front seat who coordinated with US forces.

The Hmong used the Robin call sign from 1969 to 1973. Before and after these years, the US Air Force simply referred to them as backseaters. In all, twenty-eight Hmong served as backseaters and Robins, with six dying in the line of duty.

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