was the off.lmdtig of SM1l Wts

which brought meterial and eC@p-

ment to this island. Thie wee necessitatedby the fact that numerous
large coral heads on the la~on aide and the reef on the ocean side
prevented beaching or doeking of larger v@ssels.
By 16 December 1947, the Zero tower footings were co-leted~
survey and layout work for the reminder of the structures*s

well

advanced and a cufficimt quantity of cemmt, lumber, reinforcm

steel,

and other items of constructionnmterial had been delivered to the
island to permit the maintainence of construction continuity. By this
date, also, three 3000-G’D distillationunit8 were put into OpOMtiOn
to protide water for cooking and drinking purposes. Ae the average
demand wao approximately4500 @D,

it was never necessary to operate

more than two of these units, with the remainder for etandby uee.
&

24 December, the reminder of the 18th ~gineers ●rrived from

~iwetok.

On Christnms Day dinner was served in the mass hall and was

proclaimed ● n overwhelming uuccess by ●ll the participants. On this
day en inspectionwould have revealed that the main generator bank of
fo~ 5CUIN diesel units was performing sat~sfactorily and providing an
ample eupply of current to the entire island; the drinking water was
sufficient, it taated good, and it was mdically acceptable; quarteraj
set up in existing bulldinge, were airy and clean with eufflcient apace
per individual for peracnal

comfort; ● motor repair ahop was in

operation; ● diepeneary, wmod

by a medical officer and enlisted aidman,

wea ready to render flret aid and allied treatment, other cases to be
evacuated to l!hiwetok. Other communal facilities provided during the

17
Section XVI

Select target paragraph3