At 1940 that day the fishing vessel had cleared the DangerArea and wes observed steaming north on a coursey of about 320%, 7 The air security patrols have reported mmerous radar contacts which subsequently could net be seen visually.’ The cause of these contacts vas assumed to be either veather or fonized clouds. On15 October, Task Unit 132.3.1 commenced a seni~intensifiod soarch plan, An overlap of tuo hours on the search patrol was enployed for this~purposé. On 28 October, the air search patrol was further intensified, ‘two planes being on patrol at one time. | oo On § October at 1200, the first Combat Air Patrol. of planes fiom the RENDOVA's fighters on Eniwetok Island strip was inaugurated. This ‘CUP is launched daily at sunrise and sunset, and throughout the day a fighter is always ready for immediate take off, and a sedond fighter is ready on 15 mimites notice. Cc. = TRANSPORTATION INTEReATOLL On arrival of the RENDOVA, with 5 helsdoptere on Doard, a Task Group syatem of intra-atoll air transportation was established, Two guard mail trips to JTF-132 Headquarters were made daily between RENDOVA and Parry Island with the afternoon trip including Teiteiripucchi Island to serve the USS CURTISS and other ships at the northern end of the lagoon, U.S, Mail also was delivered by helicopter lift, including delivery to ships at sea outside the lagoon on patrole — . . , The helicopter pilots received intensive Araining in both night and day operations during the period 3 to 7 October before undertaking this | _ BEST AVAILABLE COPY