” REPOSITORY PoeJ,PASO 402128 Doe/WV COLLECTION Jans "étod #3" BOX No. Bron mer, BA FOLDER O/ Fe uw Mo OR3 2/4/27 fe, bec: AMO VF (R) AMO Mgr's R/F Brig. Gen. Bates Burnell Boy, 15 iny Coumender U. $. Army Safeguard Systeas Command P.O. Box 1500 Huntsville, Alabama near Bates: 36607 —_ BEST COPY AVAILABLE MARSHALL ISLANDS RESEARCH VESSEL The Atenic Enersy Conmissfon has a continuing responstbility for several selentific efforts In the Harshell Islands. Included are the program for biomedical surveillance of several grouns of Marshallese, the operation of the Enfwetok Karine Slological Laboratory, radtological surveys of Eniwetok and Bikint, and other support to the rehabilitation efforts at those atclis. for some years, the Commission has been fortunate tn having available the very fine cooperation and support of the Kwajalein Misstle Range fn pursuit of its Marshall Islands efforts. With few exceptions, however, our prograss have been cependent upon the Trust Territory field trip vessels for tnter-atoll transportation and thus have been subject to the frustrations and excessive costs resulting from random and unrelfable scheduling. To enhance the effectiveness of our scientific efforts and provide them a better level of support, I have been directed to undertake praliminary planning for the acquisition, outfitting, maintenance, and operation of a vessel to be dedicated to AEC progrem needs. Gur current consideration contamplatas an LCU-type vessel with modular fitting-out for each of its several tasks by means of a fantly of sent-traflers in a variety of laboratory configurations. Kembers of my staff have had inforval exploratory discussfons with the Commander and staff of KN& and with appropriate representation of the support contractor, Global Associates. These discussfons have produced a number of helpful suggestions and a tantative {ndication that some feasible arranganent can be developed for the berthing and ma{ntanance and assistance with the operation of a Kwajaleinbased LCU. However, I assure you that to date no cormitoents have been asked or given. AMO AMEL AMA AMPB DEP MGR Ray/1s Cummings Menke Cooper Williams 9/17/73 JOS | 4iG ban! | MANAGER Gates