sete 7 Another important phase of this element's responsibilities was the handling of the sample return aircraft, For each nuclear detonation at least three (3) C-97 aircraft were in place at Eniwetok to return samples collected by the scientific projects to locations within the United States. Due to shot postponements, air- craft at times were detained at Eniwetok and an additional workload was imposed upon this element to keep the aircraft in flyable condition. These sample return aircraft were in excess of the normal MATS flights used for personnel and cargo airlift and occasionally there were as many as twelve (12) aircraft at one time being maintained by the Air Terminal Element. Limited working space, overcrowded parking ramps, additional aircraft maintenance caused by high humidity and salt spray and a small number of specialists available for trouble shooting contributed towards making the Air Terminal Element one of the busiest sections in the Task Group. | During the period starting 1 March and ending 18 August 1958, the element serviced 98 inbound and outbound flights while handling 13,181 passengers and 28,097,017 pounds of cargo. See Figure 20 fora summary of this element's activities. In order for operational units to perform their missions they must always be supported by auxiliary units. Operation HARDTACK was not dif- ferent in this respect and some of the success of the largest nuclear test series yet performed is owing to this support. The airlift supplied by the aircraft and elements discussed above placed men and materielin the proper place at the right time. The airlift elements were called on for 119 7 APWL/HO | 14