125 eee Sa Figure 2-178. CHAPTER Il, SECTION 4 re ah PERG Generator for Buildings 633, 634, and 635 - Fred OFF-ATOLL PROJECTS. On 21 May 1955, representatives of the Contractor accompanied personnel of Advance Headquarters JTF-SEVEN, AECandthe U.S. Air Force on a reconnaissance of certain islands in the Western Pacific Ocean area to determine the suitability of locations, to select specific sites, to develop information upon which estim- ates for the construction of weather stations could be made, and to conduct a study of the logistics support problems involved. A PBM plane was made available for this reconnaissance; the sites visited were Kusaie, Tarawa, Kapingamarangi, Rongerik and Taongi. After an aerial sweep of each proposed site to determine breaks in the reefs, (which would permit entry by supporting vessels) a landing was made. survey was then made to determinetheavailability of aggregate for concrete, the approximate number and height of trees that would have to be removed, the condition of the beaches for use by landing craft, the ground height above high tide, the slope of the ground and other relevant items as were necessary for planning purposes. A sketch and detailed report were prepared and forwarded to the Home Office, for use in making preliminary plans and estimates. The Taongi site was eliminated due to its inaccessibility to surface vessels. The plans that evolved as a result of this reconnaissance called for simple wooden-frame structures on concrete floors, using double aluminum roofs and plywood for siding; this type of structure was planned for an operational and supply building, and for the camp buildings and facilities needed for approximately 25 operating personnel. Five existing buildings on Rongerik were to be rehabilitated for this use. Construction of these projects was scheduled in two phases: in the first phase the various structures and service facilities were to be provided and in the second phase the weather station equipment would be installed. To provide the logistic support for this construction, CJTF-SEVEN arranged a schedule of supporting vessels so that the first phase at each site could be completed by 1 February 1956, and the second phase by 1 April 1956. The reconnaissance had established that the Kapingamarangi project could best be supported by the use of an LSD with an LCU outfitted as a houseboat; the other projects could be supported by an LST. Firm approval of the construction and confirmation of site acquisition were delayed until two days prior to the departure of the first scheduled vessel on the Kapingamarangi mission. The rigid time schedule of this vessel required a readiness which compelled the prefabrication of building assemb- lies, a water tower, and other preliminary work in advance of drawing and estimate approvals by CJTF-SEVEN. Page 2-199