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More specifically, the Test Services Unit Commander was to provide
up to three airborne SA-16 aircraft for shot and rehearsal periods, one
SA-16 for back-up and for 24-hour airstrip alert during the entire test
series, and a search and rescue control section in the Air Operations
Center, starting 15 March 1958 and continuing throughout the test series.
During all rehearsal and shot periods, two search and rescue helicopters
were to be provided by Test Base Unit.
The SA-16 on airstrip alert at Eniwetok was to furnish assistance to
airoraft in distress in the proving ground vicinity during periods when
rehearsal and shot operations were not in progress.
However, on single
shot events, one SA-16, and on dual shot events, two SA-16 aircraft vere
to be stationed at strategic points in the array pattern, remaining air
borne until the recovery of all aircraft from their missions.
Detailed search and rescue plans were contained in a document of
standard operating procedures“) compiled by Task Group 7.4. The document had as its objective the rrovision of information and procedural in-
structions to those agencies participating in search and rescue operations
in the Eniwetok Air Control Area.
Based upon directions contained in the
Joint Task Force SEVEN Operation Order 1-58, this document served as an
area agreement for search and rescue operations in the Eniwetok Air Control Area.
The Task Group 7.4 Commander, thus, was designated as the
Task Force Search and Rescue Commander, having search and rescue
AFWL/ HQ