An Olympic-sized pool built by the French Terre Rouge Rubber Corporation has been re-opened for use by members of the 3rd Brigade.

"It's unbelievable, just like a mirage," said Private First Class Joe Smotherman. "It sure beats wading through rice paddies."

A ribbon-cutting ceremony, featuring Major General E. B. Roberts, commanding general of the 1st Air Cav, officially re-opened the Garry Owen pool.

For infantrymen getting their first swim in months, the pool is an oasis in the desert of war. Passes were issued to all the companies based in Quan Loi for their personnel to use the pool.

"The French indicated that it is the most beautifully constructed pool in the Republic of Vietnam," said Colonel John P. Barker, former 3rd Brigade commander.

1st Air Cavalrymen from the 27th Maintenance Battalion, assisted by the 11th Armored Cav's heavy equipment maintenance battalion worked for a month in their spare time repairing and rebuilding the drainage and filter systems to make the pool operational.