126 The first phases of the Kapingamarangi and Kusaie projects were completed and that of Tarawa was nearing completion when the off-atoll scientific requirements were made known. Criteria and priorities in the construction of these projects were not firmly established until 26 January 1956 when a conference was held in the Contractor’s Home Office between representatives of the AEC, JTF-SEVEN and other interested parties, at which time all offatoll work was covered. The off-atoll scientific projects were to be located on Ujelang, Wotho, Uterik, Rongerik and Kusaie. A rescheduling of supporting vessels was then effected so that the scientific projects could be undertaken along with the work remaining on weather station projects. The major problems with off-atoll con- struction were those connected with logistics. Planning of each mission had to be detailed with respect to men, materials, and equipment since resupply for each construction mission was Figure 2-182. CHAPTER Il, SECTION 4 limited to that which could be carried on a PBM-type plane. One of the PBM’s was lost in landing at Kusaie. A large seaplane landing area was thereafter wire dragged to 9 feet and marked with appropriate buoys. The beaching of the LST at Tarawa was delayed from 11 December to 16 December because of existing unfavorable conditions. When the vessel finally beached, it was approximately 500 feet from the shore with three to six feet of water at the bow ramp. Vehicles could be taken over the bow ramp only during a three hour period. A DUKW was used to transfer packaged cargo from the LST to the beach. Other cargo was landed through the use of a barge and tug which were furnished free of charge by the Tarawa local government. This latter cargo had to be landed at the pier located on this island which was about one mile from the construction site. Each weather station was provided with an operation-supply, mess hall, day room, two barrack-buildings each 48’x 20’, and a pump house 16’x 16’. The buildings were wooden- Aerial View of Tarawa Page 2-201