[Note1: In 1949-1950 my father assisted General Chennault in trying to establish US ownership of China National Aircraft Corporation (CNAC) aircraft impounded in Hong Kong by the British Courts]
[Note 2: My father worked with people in the Middle East that later I knew as "Air America" employees in Laos]
[Note 3: My father's pilot in the Middle East later flew for CASI in Laos.]
[Note 4: I watched C-46D c/n 22265 (N1386N) crash on take-off at Savannakhet, Laos on 25 Nov 1968 and was a first responder to the crash scene. Since it was the USAID courier flight I probably flew on it at some time.]

Based upon CJCS 091 Laos, dated 10 March 1961, DoD was directed to make available four C-130s to reinforce CAT. These aircraft were delivered on 20 March 1961 in Okinawa according to JCS papers.
 

The H-19s were transferred from USAF storage at Clark AB, RP to Air America. The USMC helicopters (HUS-1) were transferred to the US Army(adminstratively) and then to Air America. Thus the Navy Bureau numbers plus USA/USAF serials in remarks. [Note: list is by c/n]. In response to CJCS 091 Laos dated 10 March 1961, the DoD was directed to provide 16 additional helicopters to CAT for airlift and pickup. The early HUS-1 aircraft represented this contingent that arrived in Thailand in April? 1961. The crews were to be "sheepdipped" DoD personnel that ostensibly were employed by CAT. Maintenance was to be furnished by a USMC maintenance base and 300 personnel. Although initially 16 volunteer helicopter pilots were to come from the Marines, this was later modified so that the Army were to suppy 10 pilots and 10 crew chiefs, the Navy 10 pilots and 20 crew chiefs, and the Marines 14 pilots and 20 crew chiefs. [A122]
 

It appears these aircraft were "commandeered" from the Coast Guard, "sold" on the civilian market, and "purchased" by Air America. This may have been an attempt to beef up the Air America rescue capabilities in Laos as these were rescue equipped helicopters. The existing helicopters were found to be unsuitable for the growing rescue mission brought about by the increased US military air activity over Laos in 1964 and their own company losses.