Unfortunately, helicopter operations in the Taongi aree would necessig tate routine flights over the open ocean. Such flights heve not been common prace tiee in the past. In onier to provide aaintenance facilities for helicopters, it would most likely be necessary to have a small carrier (CVE). ‘The facilities of the CURTISS and ESTES vere not adequate for meintenance. 6, Inter-atol) Transportation 6. Soe During the operstional phese the wininam requirement for intere atoll ses trensportation is ome APD oF equivalent. This ship is necessary to provide rotetion ef personnel and to carry perconel and official mail. Beeause of uncertainty in the physical condition of Seong? Lagoon and the sand islands fol« lowing the first shot, we my not count on air 1ift at all, even in emergencies. At leact in the pre-cperational rhage, 3 7.5 will require regular IST service batween Privetok end Tczongt (cee Ieclosure 2). te Ate fie minimum requirement for inter-atoll airlift during the preoperations! phasc ia cmergency seaplane services. It is desirable te meintain the capability ef emergency seeplene service throughout the operational period. We recomend very strongly that the cezplane service be “Limited” rather than “emer gency" in order to provide fest trensportetion for key personnel of 21], elements of the Task Force. For this purpose, we believe three SA-16 aircraft or equivae lent are necessary end that a suitable seadrom sheuld be built. In the event that the construction ef extensive facilities ashore wekes construction of an airstrip necessary, we recommend that regular airlift be provided for as loug as conditions permit. In this connection, ve recommend fure ther thet gic sltas be selected and shat echedules be arranged to cause the least «~ 8 « — f+) (ry