On 29 November 1971, the 196th became a separate temporary entity to safeguard this same area of operations. In April 1972, the 196th moved to Da Nang to assist in port security duties, and finally left Vietnam on 29 June 1972 as the last combat brigade to leave in Vietnam. The 196th served in Vietnam from 15 July 1966 through 29 June 1972.