CHAPTER III, SECTION 5 In order to maintain required deliveries, it was necessary in some cases to ask for priority assistance from the Defense Requirements Branch, Supply Division, AEC, Albuquerque. In a few instances, a directive was placed on the vendors and manufacturers. JOBSITE WAREHOUSING AND MATERIAL CONTROL Original planning for OPERATION CASTLE contemplated that all incoming materials, supplies, refrigerated cargo and bulk fuel would first be off-loaded at Elmer on Eniwetok Atoll and from there transshipped to Bikini Atoll as needed. With the expansion of the program from its original concept, the need for direct off-loading at Bikini Atoll for some cargo became apparent. This was accomplished with the arrival of the USNS Lt. Robert Craig in June 1953 with general cargo. Figure 3-9 shows the unloading of a fire crash truck from the USS Craig, anchored in the Bikini Lagoon to the deck of a “T” boat. Figure 3-10 likewise shows the method of off-loading in the Bikini Lagoon. In this latter figure, T. G. 7.1 equipment is being transferred from an LST to a “T” boat. The USS Arequippa off-loaded at Bikini in September 1953 with refrigerated cargo, and the USS Natchong in September 1953 with bulk fuel. Figure 3-11 shows method of shipping two Camco trailers in the midship hold of the USS Craig. Figure 3-12 shows the unloading of these trailers in the Eniwetok Lagoon. At Bikini Atoll, cargo vessels were offloaded by stevedore gangs organized from Holmes & Narver constructive personnel. The vessels anchored in the lagoon and the freight was ferried by landing craft from ship side to the beach. To lessen the time that refrigerated cargo would be out of refrigerated spaces during the unloading operations, DUWKs were placed in LCM boats and loaded with the refrigerated cargo. As soon as the LCM beached, the loaded DUWkKswere driven directly to the cold storage area. At Eniwetok Atoll, stevedoring on shipboard was performed by U.S. Army personnel provided by Task Group 7.2. Vessels anchored in the lagoon and landing craft were used to ferry the cargo to the cargo pier at Elmer. The ‘ Figure 3-9. Page 3-26 aS Unloading Fire Crash Truck from USS Craig