= MARSHALL ISLANDS RESEARCH VESSEL ABOLISOdSY ost/Jot. NOILOATION Sf o@ AW/- Dr. dames L. Liverman, AGM for Biomedical & Envfronmental Research & Safety Programs, HQ SCC/ ON XO8 OweHOD Z 40? NEVADA OPERATIONS OFFICE P.O. BOX 14100 LAS VEGAS, NEVADA 89114 née 403 iv . we Yow -WY UNITED STATES ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION y30704 4O2119 Pursuant to your request of August 15, 1973, NV has explored the available alternatives for the provision of dedicated {nter-atoll transportation and on-site marine support in the Marshall Islands. At the outset it became clear that the most logical base from which to support such a vessel was the United States Army's Kwajalein Missile Range (KMR). At Kwajalein the Army currently maintains and operates for its own requirements four LCU's as well as a vartety of other vessels. In {nformal conversations with Army and support contractor personnel, it has been determined that the addition of one LCU to this fleet on a cost-reimbursement basis would probably not represent a significant interference with the KMR mission. To be compatible with the existing LCU {nventory, the vessel should be a 1466 class hull, which {s an Army-peculfar hull type. From the U. S. Army Troop Support Command, it has been determined, again informally, that such vessels, although not {n excess, exist in sufficient numbers such that, with appropriate justification, one could probably be made available. From all standpoints it would appear most desirable for the vessel to be assigned by the Army as an Increase in KMR's authorization for the express purpose of providing specified support to the Commission. Such a concept was offered for consideration and comment by the Commander, U. S. Army Safeguard Systems Command (KMR's parent Headquarters) and met with a negative response. In informal staff discussions, however, {it became apparent that the Command (1) viewed the NV proposal as a diversion of effort from the KMR mission, (2) felt that it lacked any justification for requesting augmenta- tion of its marine department resources, and (3) was concerned about reimbursement. It is suggested that all of these concerns might be dispelled by having the Department of Defense formally incorporate the required support in the mission of the Safeguard Systems Command and, in turn, of KMR. Such a mission assignment would, of course, {nclude provision for full reimbursement of all appropriate costs by the Comaission. BEST COPY AVAILABLE a