7s, Fhe Weather Central Element gathered its weather data from many sources, In addition to the weather reporting stations operated by the Task Group 7.4 Weather Reporting Element, and the WB-50 equipped Weather Reconnaissance Element, the Weather Central gathered data from weather units afloat on Task Group 7.3 ships, weather observations from Task Group 7.3 Security Patrol aircraft, U. S. Weather Bureau observing stations at MAJURO, PONAPE, WAKE, and TRUK, Naval Station at Kwajalein, “and routine intercept of the Pacific Ocean area weather broadcast network. The officers assigned to the Weather Central reported to the Joint Task Force SEVEN Meteorological Center, Pearl Harbor, T. H. on 20 January 1958 for six (6) weeks training in trop{cal weather analysis. The airmen assigned reported on 24 February for two (2) weeksof training. The Element then moved to the forward area arriving between 6-13 March, The Weather Central became operational 15 March 1958. During the entire operation, briefings were held for the Commander, Joint Task Force SEVEN and his staff prior to each test event. Standard times for forecasts were H-Hour minus 18 hours, minus 12 hours, and minus six (6) hours, At times, when conditions were marginal or very critical special triefings and forecasts were made as required. The following statistics indicate the high degree of validity maintained in making these forecastse Month Forecasts Hits Busts April 39 37 2 June 65 62 3 May July 73 65 LO 39 8 1 The missicn of the Weather Reporting and Forecasting Element was to provide surface and balloon sounding meteorological observations as 70 as. ~D remus To accomplish this, cé required by the Weather Central on Parry Island,