Vang Pao
This larger air effort could be controlled through a new Air Operations Center dedicated to backing the Hmong. Newly trained forward air guides would help coordinate close air support. Because of this available airpower, Vang Pao planned to commit his guerrillas to a spoiling attack ranging out from forward bases at Nakhang and Houei Hinsa to sweep across Route 6. The Central Intelligence Agency section stationed in the American embassy believed that by disrupting the communists' expected usual dry season offensive, Vang Pao could gain the initiative in the struggle for northern Laos.