Iit B, “40 PERSONNEL As the operational phase of Operation HARDTACK began on 14 March 1958, the following officers occupied the indicated key positions in Task Group 7.43 Commander, Colonel William u. Kieffer. Deputy Conmander, Colonel Paul kK, signall. Director of Operations, Lieutenant Colonel iichard J, Hynes. Director of Materiel, Colonel Carl wW. hobbins, Jr. Director of Personnel & Administration, tieutenant Colonel Jack E. dormington. Staff Supply Officer, Major Steven J. McLain. Staff Transportation Officer, Major James L, Hill. Staff Maintenance Officer, Captain Fred A. Thayer. Staff Operations Officer, Major George L., Trimble. . Communications—Klectronics Officer, Major Bobbie 1. Johnston, Flight Safety Officer, Major LeRoy A. Young. Flight Surgeon, Lieubenant Colonel Carl L. Hansen, Jr. Task Group Rear Echelon Commander, Major James A, Ashcraft. Commander, Test Aircraft Unit, Colonel Alden G. Thompson, Commander, Test Base Unit, Lieutenant Colonel walter Rk, Hedrick, Jr. Commander, Test Services Unit, Colonel wiison H, Neal, These positions remained firm throughout the operational phase, with only one exception. In July Major Trimble returned to Kirtiand Air Force dase and assumed the position Rear Kchelon Commander, and Major Ashcraft arrived at bniwetok to replace Major Trimble as staff Operations Otficer. On 14 March 1958, 1,610 Task Group 7.4 personnel were in tne oroving ground, including one civilian, The aggregate strength of Task Gro.p 7.4 continued to increase until it reacned a peak of <,260 on 30 ipril. A gradua. decline eatended through nay and June; then, in duiy, «s the