Troop space (for enlisted personnel) was assigned by the J~1 repre-
sentative on the USNS Ainsworth. Task Group 7.1 was also responsible for
assigning cabin and troop space aboard the USNS Ainsworth for personnel
of TG 7.2, 7.3, and 7.4. Approximately 100 such spaces were required for
each evacuation. On all other ships, troop sprce assignment was accomplished by a member of the ship's complement.
*The number of personnel evacuated at Bikini varied with project participation but generally decreased from the peak of 488 reached at Cherokee
(see Table 3.4). Numbers evacuated to the USS Curtiss and USNS Ainsworth
were substantially lower than would have been required if it had been necessary to operate from aboard ship for prolonged periods. Except on the carrier, which was badly overcrowded, billeting facilities afloat were adequate.
3.10
PROPERTY EVACUATION
J-4 made pre-shot surveys to ensure that all excess equipment and
material had been evacuated from the shot {sland and those areas subject to
significant effects. J-4 assis’2d H&N in getting material to the beaches and
in relocating it when it was received on the base islands.
Vehicles, trailers, and other equipment which would no longer be required at Bikini after a particular shot were turned cver to J-4 prior to the
shot for further shipment to Eniwetok.
The shet phase evacuation of scientific trailers involved, besides the
users, J-3, J-4, J-6 and H&N. In general, the procedure was for J-3 to
determine when the scientific users could afford to release the trailers,
particularly those aboard houseboats, and also to determine the facilities
required during evacuation and re-entry, such as power for dehumidifiers
ana air conditioners, water for Photo Lab tanks, ete. The actual movement
cf the trailers was accomplished by H&N personnel under J-4 supervision,
and physical factlities were developed by J-6.
3.11
OPERATIONS AFLOAT, RECOVERY AND RE-ENTRY
3.11.1
Operations Afloat
*Since Enyu, the main Bikini base, was the only Bikini island not con-
ct Redwing fallout, and since its partial inundation from the effects
of,
as not crippling, operations afloat never lasted ionger than overnight.
course, such remarkably good luck cannot be counted on In future
operations, and the capability of prolonged operations from afloat when large
shots are fired at Bikini must be maintained.
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