Using a combination radar/computer/communications system ( `` Q '' system ) at operating Being_in_operation location in Southeast Asia , a typical bombing Attack mission ( e.g. , during Operation Arc Light with a `` cell '' of 3 Boeing B-52 Stratofortresses ) had an air command Control post turn over control Control of the mission to the radar station , and the station provided Supply bomb Attack run corrections and designated Choosing when to release bombs .

For B-52 missions the site personnel verbally transmitted guidance commands Control to the aircraft crew by radio ( lead aircraft for multi-ship formations ) to adjust Using the flight path toward an eventual release point for the actual bomb Attack ( s ) .

Most of these shots Use_firearm were conducted Action with free-fall bombs Attack dropped Motion_directional from B-52 bomber aircraft .

From April to June 1966 , the U.S. launched Motion 400 B-52 Stratofortress anti-infiltration sorties against the trail system .

These strikes Attack were supplemented Supply by 1,718 B-52 `` Arc Light '' strikes Attack .

While B-52 bombers accounted Statement for a majority of the strikes Attack , the most effective aircraft were fixed wing gunships , including the AC-47 , the AC-119 , and the AC-130 .

The B-52 stalled Hindering , fell Motion_directional to the ground and exploded , killing Killing Holland and the three other field-grade officers on board the aircraft .

The tunnels were later used Using as a staging area for the attack Attack on Saigon during the 1968 Tet offensive Attack before they were largely destroyed Destroying by heavy bombing Attack from American B-52 bombers in 1970 , ending Process_end their utility .

Newly inaugurated President Richard Nixon authorized Preventing_or_letting for the first time use Using of long range B-52 heavy bombers to carpet Motion bomb Attack Cambodia .

These missions were supplemented Supply by 1,718 B-52 Stratofortress sorties under Operation Arc Light .

However , in a 2012 book LTC Earl McGill , a retired SAC B-52 pilot , claims Statement that the aircrew , after an inflight refueling session that provided inadequate fuel , refused Agree_or_refuse_to_act the offer of an additional , unscheduled inflight refueling Supply , bypassed Self_motion possible emergency landing fields and ran out of Expend_resource fuel .

Most of the bombing was carried out Attack by U.S. Air Force ( USAF ) B-52 bombers .