Last One Out Kabul/Saigon: A Conversation with Military Leaders

Thousands desperate to escape, the horrific images of the United States’ departure from both Saigon and Kabul are forever etched in the memories of Americans who watch the events unfold on their television screens. A striking photo of a CH-46E Sea Knight flying over the roof of the U.S. Embassy in Kabul elicited immediate visual and emotional parallels with the Fall of Saigon, nearly fifty years before.

The Saigon evacuation was carried out through Operation Frequent Wind. Using U.S. helicopters, a massive airlift operation ferried American and South Vietnamese personnel to ships offshore, rescuing individuals from rooftops and various locations throughout Saigon as the North Vietnamese Army closed in. 

The evacuation in Kabul involved large-scale aerial operations from the Hamid Karzai International Airport. Thousands of people were evacuated through commercial and military flights, with the U.S. and allied forces coordinating efforts to manage air traffic and security.

About the Symposium

On October 15, Patriots Point will host a symposium on the US military’s departure from Saigon, Vietnam and Kabul, Afghanistan. Two distinguished commanders from the Charleston area will share their personal experiences in each conflict and provide contextual insight into each situation’s complexities and the policy failures contributing to their results.

This is a free event and does not require museum admission. Tickets must be reserved in advance through Eventbrite. All attendees ages 6+ will be required to have a ticket.

Details

Cost: Free 
Date: October 15, 2024 
Time: 6:00 - 7:00 pm 
Location: Smokey Stover Theater, USS Yorktown 
Tickets: Required; secure through Eventbrite