CHAPTER 16.2 TRANSPORTATION SERVICES The varied Jobsite transportation requirements for personnel and freight were met by three branches: the Marine Department for water transportation, the Mechanical Department and Motor Pool for land transportation, and the U. S, Air Force for air transportation. Operating units for all forms of transportation were at all times under the control of a central departmental dispatcher who was assisted during the operational period by assistant dispatchers on the more im- portant islands such as Runit, Biijiri, and Engebi. Certain priority measures became necessary for each form of transportation, and priorities were assigned in accordance with importance of requirements. Equipment for water and air transportation appeared to be adequate for the most part during the entire period, but land vehicles for personnel and freight transportation were limited, and at times some delay was experienced, MARINE TRANSPORTATION The efficiency of operation of water transportation during early phases of the Project was largely attributable to the ingenuity of the personnel of Marine Operations. In August 1949, the available marine equipment consisted of six LCT's (later classified as LSU's), four LCM's, one whaleboat, one LCVP, and two DUKW's, Of the LOT's, one had been off-loaded in very bad condition. Its engine room had flooded, damaging the electric system beyond repair. This LCT was used as a towed barge. Later, another LCT took a bad gash in its bottom directly below the starboard engine while landing garrison supplies at the so-called "Navy Pier" on Eniwetok. Through quick action by its skipper, it was towed to the Parry ramp and successfully beached. With tractors, the stern was raised on the ramp and repairs effected in two days. The LCVP was found abondoned and was refitted for service. After two months, during which time the hull proved to be in bad shape, a storm sent it to the bottom of the lagoon at its mooring, in water too deep for it to be salvaged. Of the two DUKW's, one had been salvaged from the Eniwetok airstrip revetments, It was put to good use for some six months before it was considered unfit for further use and cannibalized. During the first half of 1950, two light YTL wood tugs, four wood barges, a second whaleboat, and two Seacraft water taxis were acquired. 16-2