CHAPTER I, SECTION 1 until they could be returned to their native atoll. together with other Govern- Numerous conferences were held at Elmer during the two-week period following 10 April. The purpose of these conferences was to establish participating programs and their requirements. It was decided to accomplish all Johnston Island engineering at Eniwetok for several ducted radiological surveys. The data from these Users were located at Eniwetok and also that there was an insufficient engineering staff at Johnston to accomplish rapid changes and designs for the ABMA program. On 17 April Home The AEC, mental agencies, planned for the return of the Rongelap natives as soon as it was considered that the residual radioactivity level was acceptable from a health point of view. At regular intervals, the Commission’s representatives consurveys were carefully evaluated, and on 16 June 1956 Holmes & Narver was authorized to prepare the necessary plans for rebuilding the native village on Rongelap Atoll, it having been determined that the residual radioactivity level had reached acceptable standards. An extraordinarily important meeting was held 1 October 1956 in the office of the Comand- ing Officer, U.S. Naval Station, Kwajalein, at which time matters concerning planning, construction, air and ship support, and other per- tinent subjects were discussed and finalized. Exactly one month later, 15 construction requisitions were submitted to the Home Office for materials indicated in approved drawings. During November 1956 the tempo of logistic planning increased. It was determined that the Chief of Naval Operations would make available an LST through the Commander, MSTS. This vessel would be used to carry construction materials to Eniwetok Atoll from the United States, after which it would carry men and materials to Rongelap. It would remain at Rongelap to support the construction forces and provide quarters for the men working at that location. While construction was still in progress, plans for implementing the return of the natives were being firmed. After conferences with the Eniwetok Branch Chief of the AEC, the High Commissioner of the Trust Territories, H&N, and other officials, Rongelap natives departed for their home atoll aboard the LST 618 on 27 June 1957, arriving 29 June, with their personal belongings, their pigs, chickens, dogs, and five H&N-constructed coffins bearing the remains of those who had died during their absence from Rongelap Atoll. reasons; among these was the fact that the Office design and drafting personnel arrived at Eniwetok to expedite engineering changes and modifications. In the short span of two and one-half weeks all engineering work for the ABMA program was completed, and the Home Office engineering personnel returned to Los Angeles. Nine survey personnel departed Eniwetok for Johnston Island on 20 April to make base line and location surveys, and the necessary Supervision journeyed to the site to make a reconnaissance. Also present on this assignment were one ABMAand two Sandia representatives. On the some date the USS COMSTOCK departed Eniwetok Atoll with 74.2 long tons of construction materials and 3 LCU-type craft, making a cargo total of 748.9 long tons. After an inspection of the utilities at Johnston Island, it was disclosed that most were in a poor state of repair and that extensive maintenance would be required prior to housing the full complement of personnel for the two events scheduled at Johnston Island. The consolidated messing facilities cipated when it was found that Air Force Base Command facilities at Johnston Island were inadequate to feed an expected population of 1200. The Officers’ Mess, the NCO Club, the Beach Club, the Structural Fire Protection System, the power generating facilities, the Post Exchange, and related service operations were assumed by H&N onthefollowing listed dates: HEN Mail oe 27 April Mess Hall ooo 1 May ABMA PROGRAM. Barber Shop .......0...0....-:2: 1 May On 6 April 1958, when the Scientific Stations on Site How were practically completed, word was received regarding the anticipated relocation Sanitation 00.0.0... ee 2 May of the ABMA program to Johnston Island, approximately 1745 miles northeast of Bikini Atoll, which was to be used as thesite for the two missile events. A reconnaissance party flew to Johnston Island on 7 April to determine the suitability of this site, and on 10 April it was decided to relocate the ABMA program there. At that time, towers and other facilities were disassembled for transshipment. were taken over by H&N one week earlier than anti- Janitorial Services ..........00...0..... 5 May Post Operations .....00000.0000000000.. 6 May Camp Store... 8 May NCO Club oe8 May Power Plant ........000000 12 May Beach Club 20000000 13 May Snack Bar 000... eee 12 July Page 27