CHAPTER V, SECTION 1 outfalls, recovering anchors, inspecting the ground tackle of moorings, and repairing sub- marine cables. Due to the runway and parking apron deterioration resulting from intense use during Operation CASTLE, an improvement program for the Fred Airfield was authorized in July 1954. The early approval of this work, which involved the asphalt paving of approximately 300,000 square yards of airfield apron and the seal coating of 114,000 square yards of runway, Figure 5-1. Typical Shot-Island Vehicle Repair Shop were replaced, and the boats were sandblasted and painted. The machinery of all deactivated craft was mothballed and not replaced in the boats until required for service. When additional craft were acquired, they were inspected, overhauled if necessary, and modified to meet Job- site requirements. Of the nine LCUs acquired, five were outfitted for use as houseboats. Throughout REDWING, periodic inspec- tions of the hull and mechanical parts of marine permitted its accomplishment during a period of minimum air traffic. This work has been previously discussed in this report under Permanent Base Construction. The other airstrips in the Proving Ground were rehabilitated under the authority of construction work orders. Maintenance consisted of sweeping the runway on occasion and repainting the markers as requested by the Air Force. Maintenance of the deep water pier primarily involved repairing damage to the cat- walks caused by ships while docking. Due to the continuous need for this dock during the Operation, certain repairs involving the replacement of the dolphin and fender piling and repairs to the catwalk were postponed until the completion of REDWING. The earth-filled piers on Elmer and Fred were used extensively and required continuing repairs because of erosion from wave and current action. craft were made. The conditions under which landing craft had to operate were hazardous with respect to propellers, shafting, underwater bearings, and bottoms. Operating crews were required to keep a constant check and inform the dispatchers in case of required maintenance. A record of operating hours was maintained and the general overhaul of an engine was undertaken after approximately 3,500 running hours. Spare engines in good operating condition were kept available as replacements for units that required general overhauling. The scaling, scraping, and painting of hulls was a continuous operation. The drydock (AFDL-5) was returned to Pearl Harbor for bottom cleaning and general overhaul in November 1954 and was returned to Jobsite in April 1955. During its absence from Jobsite, the scientific barge outfitting slip was used to perform work above the waterline on such craft as barges and LCUs. All diving operations were performed by volunteers who could definitely prove previous training and experience. Divers were required to pass physical examinations and were re-exam- ined quarterly. A total of 225 shallow water and 12 deep dives was required. These operations were necessary for repairing or installing submarine POL lines, inspecting water intakes and Page 5-2 Figure 5-2. Diver Emerging