8,

NAVY AIRCRAFT REQUIREMENTS:

Commander Ellison then introduced

the subject of aircraft requirements to be fulfilled from Navy sources,
The following represents the type and number to be requested:

Now

Type

15

HRS.3

Discussion
To be used in support of the scientific and construction programs at Bikini Atoll. It was pointed out that
the HRS~3 is being requested as it is believed that

this is the only type suitable for this purpose which
is currently avaialble. Tt is believed that they will

be provided from Marine sources since the Navy has no
helicopter transport squadrons as such, It may be
necessary to rotate a number of these helicopters to
the Eniwetok area for a certain period of time during
preparation for the underwater shots, However, this
is an operational decision which will be made ata
later date,

16

P2V

To be used for security patrols of the danger area.
Constant security patrols will be required throughout
the operation, and concentrated searches of certain

specific areas will be made from 24-48 hours before
each shot, Col Wignall stated that he assumed that
these aircraft would be based at Kwajalein, to which
CDR Ellison replied that while there are still some

problems to be solved at Kwajalein, primarily that of
billeting, it appears as though there is no other
suitable place to base these aircraft,

8

UF

To be used for search and rescue, augmentation of the

off—atoll resupply capability, and for flight proficjency of Naval aviators, The geographic distribution
of these aircraft would be as follows: Four at Kwaja-

lein, two at Bikini, one at Eniwetok and one at Wake,
These planes would be under the overational control of

CTG 7,3 and would be rotated in accordance with the

cecision of the commander,
9,

hours,

The conference then adjourned for lunch and reconvened at 1340

16, TIMF_TAPLE: Following a few brief administrative announcements,
Colonel Massey brought up the subject as to a time table for deploying the
various ships and aircraft to the Eniwetok Proving Ground. Dr. Felt and
Mr. Joe Sanders (TG 7.5) were asked to present to the group ‘heir current
thinking as to when various type aircraft and ships would be required in
the forward area in order to support the scientific and construction
orocrams, The followirg is a brief resume of the ensuing discussions:

8
Vy,

AFWL/ HQ

Inels py -§

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