© G. W. Johnson comnpenA Page Ten COPAA-317 8. The maintenance and repair allotment seems to bear out statements that have been made concerning the reliability as far as engines, piping, boilers, and auxiliaries are concerned. The CV's were built during wartime on a very fast schedule. It has been stated that the original euxiliaries, boilers, and piping are not uniform and in some cases substandard. 9. As seen from the operational plan previously described, a great deal of importance must be attached to the small boat capability and the cranes which are available to lift them from the water. The larger launches and cranes aboard the Curtiss represent costs which will ensue with a choice of a CVU. The fact that two cranes are being added to the "Cape Esperance" now is a demonstration of continual need. 10. The armament and fire control system on the Curtiss is adequate, we believe, for this particular applieation. The 40 mn quad mounts, at present, are not connected into the MK 37 gun director but this is a matter of switchboard connections. The 5" 38 guns have been removed but are still held at Hunter’s Point as part of the ship. If the same mounts were added to a CVU flight dexk we estimate the installation cost alone to be no less than $350,000. Some general comments which can be made include the fact that the Atomic Energy Commission has a ‘large investment in the Curtiss, and essentially all of this investment can be saved if the Curtiss is used. | The changes that were made aboard her were in support of scientific groups ané the facilities as now installed are most useful in support of this program. Both the firing racks and communications have already been installed several times on the Curtiss and can be reinstalled easily. CLLSIONS A. The Curtiss is justified on the basis of operating cost alone, as compared to a CW. B. The inclusion of outside ports on a CY is not possible and would result in a real morale problen. C. The facilities as installed on the Curtiss meet all the serviee operations needs. D. Very few major modifications are needed on the Curtiss for the scientific needs.