in time.

This problem, of course, interrupted the smooth accom-

plishment of the many other last-minute operational requirements,

Bad luck in an area beyond the control of planners caused additional logistical problems.

Eariy in February, a considerable

backlog of airlift developed at Travis AFB.

Messages to determine

the cause of the pile-up revealed that inclement weather had impaired scheduled movements out of Travis.

Fog and high head winds,

described as the worst in years, had resulted in the stacking up

of Gircraft, maintenance, material, and passengers.

The Task Force

backlog on 11 February had reached 75,909 pounds of cargo and sixtythree passengers,

Though movement returned to normalcy within a

few days, certain critical items were unavoidably delayed in reach-

in the forward area.
With the influx of large numbers of personnel into the PPG, the
peak period housing and messing plan was activated.

Housing space

on Eninman Island at Bikini and on Parry at Eniwetok was furnished
to the task groups by Task Group 7.5 while space on Eniwetok Is-

land was furnished by Task Group 7.2.

Under Task Force Headquar-

ters guidance, allocation of spaces was made according to forecasts and pianning.

Though crowded at times, there was adequate

housing at all camps and conditions never became critical inasmuch
as large numbers of construction personnel were being returned to

rear areas as they became surplus to the contractor needs.

Severe

crowding did cecur just after the |S#@7/"detonation when all Bikini personnel either had to go afloat or return to Parry.

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