J-3/ UBJECT: Air Operations Center (AOC) on BIKINI Atoll d, It is expected that sampJing aircraft control can arain be effected with airborne assistance from dual—control B-57-B's, While this does not eliminate all flying safety hazards of B-57-D'sampling operations, it is not ccnsidered that their critical operating characteristics are sufficient to justify a BIKINI land based AOC, e. Evacuation of BIKINI will be required on at least 4 and perhaps 5 of the high yield BIKINI shots, Therefore afloat AOC. operations would frequently be necessary even if an AOC were constructed on BIKINI, 3. The foregoing considerations are applicable only to Operation HARDTACK, Air task group planning should continue to include the study of air control requirements for subsequent overseas atomic test operations. It may be anticipated that the task force will again convene a construction conference in the Eniwetok Proving Ground during Operation HARDTACK, as was done during Operation REDWING, This conference will jevelop facility requirements for the period FY 59-62, If the shipboard AOC is then deemed substandard, your proposal should be reintroduced by CTG 7.4. “~~ FOR THE CCMMANDER: Copy furnished: Commander, AFSWC PE"RY R, GRIFFITH Brigadier General, USAF Chief of Staff RG - BYAE CATION CaNce::2p7= BY AUAUT THHORITY OF Dou . ). coke f be SO . ayaa Se Ct r / ik Collection as _ t Fol o d Em e at ee T e Taste Group a Cl Peratros Hbvrdta cle 19757 — 198% OTE. This ts folder 2°F Comtainine, Pages 2S¥ hry Go. Zanefts Je gv 2