CHAPTER I, SECTION 1 Figure 1-13. All Aluminum Prefabricated Building (PI&S Type) of H-19 helicopters with occasional L-20 flights between Nan and Peter. During the operational phase TG 7.3 assumed primary responsibility for this service which was furnished through the operation of a Marine Corps helicopter squadron. During the week ending 29 April, 419 HRS flights carried 1,023 passengers and 80 L-20 planes carried 214 passengers. Airlift to support the weather stations and off-atoll scientific projects was furnished to all atolls by SA-16 and PBMflights with occasional trips by C-47 type craft to Tarawa where an airfield was located. On 27 March 1956, the Jobsite Supervisor of Procurement was delegated the authority of Transportation Control Agent to control the movementof cargo and personnel by both boat and airlift to these off-atoll sites. Air flight schedules were arranged for emergency needs, replacement personnel and for the resupply of subsistence items, MAINTENANCE. The problems of preservation and main- tenanceof facilities and structures were intensi- fied by the rapid corrosion and deterioration of substantially all ferrous metals due to the tropi- cal atmosphere and salt spray prevalent at both atolls. Frequent chipping or sandblasting and painting of metal surfaces were necessary exPage 1-28 cept on aluminum buildings which were comparatively maintenance-free. Preventive maintenance programs established during previous years were followed. Operating periods of equip- ment were recorded and overhaul was placed on a scheduled basis. Of particular significance in the REDWING Operation was the extent of work required on reefs where the salt water action impaired the life of the equipment used. Due to the distance of the Jobsite from the source of supply it was essential that an ade- quate number of spare parts be maintained. Climatic conditions necessitated special protective maintenance for spare parts in storage. TEST OPERATIONS AND ROLL-UP. The operational phase of REDWING was entered on 15 April 1956 when the Commander, Joint Task Force SEVEN, assumed operational control of all forces in the Forward Area. On 25 April 1956, a directive was issued to make preparations for the initial shot (LaCrosse) to be fired two days in advance of the scheduled target date of 1 May 1956. The stations and facilities were readied by this new target date but, because of technical considerations, this first detonation was delayed until 5 May 1956. as shown on Chart 1-4, a total of 17 events took place with the last detonation on 21 July 1956.