On 1 May 1971, the 48th moved to Da Nang and on 10 October 1972, Lt. Lowell V. Thompson took command.  The 23rd Infantry Division (Americal) was deactivated in November of 1971.  The 196th LIB stayed on at Da Nang as a separate infantry brigade and the 48th IPSD continued to support it.  Lt. Steven A. Mayer succeeded Lt. Thompson as Commanding Officer on 26 December 1971. The 48th IPSD was deactivated on 30 March 1972.