CHAPTER IV, SECTION 2 CRAFT AVAILABLE FROM 1 JANUARY TO 31 MAY 1958 ENIWETOK ATOLL BIKINI ATOLL PEAK NUMBERS JOHNSTON ISLAND DUKW 37 14 4 46 LCM 22 13 3 34 LCU 25 8 3 31 YTL 2 0 0 2 YTB 0 0 1 Water Taxi 3 0 0 29 12 1 CRAFT Barges Table No. 4-12. PEAK TOTAL 31 Available Marine Craft. to specific missions. The assignment of craft was coordinated through a Marine Dispatcher located at each camp site whose responsibility it was to ensure the optimum use of craft. A voice radio network with outlets to all Marine Dispatch offices and in each craft provided the means for the interchange of operating information. The requirements for the movement of heavy equipment to Johnston Island in LCU’s, dock space to augment the scientific barge out- fitting slip, there were times when the harbor facilities were overloaded. This hampered smooth and economic operations requiring such dock space. Also, the small personnel piers at both Elmer and Fred were inadequate for the large number of personnel craft of the many ships of the Task Force, in addition to Contractor-operated watertaxis. With respect to boat operations, HARD- loaded in LSD’s, combined with that of a Weather Station mission, called for the absence of TACK may be categorized as an Operation of was overcome by rapidly activating and manning nel were rescued, and the cable reels and boat eight LCU’s from the EPG during a part of the operational period. The shortage caused thereby five LCU’s that were available and destined for use as houseboats later in the operation. unusual occurrences. One LCM loaded with cable reels capsized while making passage across the wide entrance south of Nan; however, all person- The demand for tug services was exceptionally heavy. There was a definite need for frequent shifting of the scientific barges from barge slip to dock space or to buoys during the construction and outfitting of the stations, and the services of tugs were required for the movement of the large helicopter barges which formed part of the array of each Barge Zero Station. The frequency of ship arrivals in both inter- atoll and overseas service was greater than ever before and resulted in a proportionate increase in tug service demands. Tug services were also required in the frequent movement of the various marine craft used as the target array of the underwater events. A significant factor of this service was the definite need for higher powered tugs than were available. Action was initiated towards the close of the Operation to acquire two tugs of 600 horsepower, which will be necessary oa future Operations similar to HARDTACK. A problem area in HARDTACK was in- adequacy of dock space. Because of the heavy shipping schedule combined with the need for (Neg. No. W-V-71-11)} Figure No. 4-9. Deep Sea Diver Ready for Plunge. Page 415