CHAPTER |, SECTION 1 | iinet ae. Figure 1-9. ‘eo. Unloading LST During Beachhead Phase - Nan jects required minor construction on the island of Kusaie and the atolls of Rongerik, Utirik, Ujelang, and Wotho. The problems encountered with this off-atoll construction were primarily logistical because of the distances of the sites from the base of operations and the difficulty of landing materials and equipment at construction sites. Reconnaissance of each site determined the craft most suitable for each mission. Thus it was established that the Kapingamarangi, Utir- ik, and Wotho projects could best be served by an LSD carrying LCUs-(one outfitted as a houseboat) and that all other sites could be served by an LST. However, extreme caution had to be exercised by the masters of the LST’s in beaching because of existing conditions. Schedules for the supporting vessels were first established for weather station projects. With the firming of scientific project requirements, Page 1-20 ae schedule rearrangements were effected so that work remaining on weather stations could be undertaken at the same time as that of scientific projects. Initially, certain diffi- culties were experienced due to the rigidity of the schedules established. These difficulties were satisfactorily resolved by coordinating the departure of each mission with the arrival of project operating personnel and User-furnished equipment at the Proving Ground. Mail and emergency needs for each mission were provided by sea and land planes; land planes were used only for Tarawa and Majuro missions, at which sites suitable landing fields were available. The completion of certain stations was required in advance of the first test and work had to be accomplished during the period in which construction of the major stations at the Proving Ground wasin full swing and, therefore, when a minimum of men and equipment could be spared.