In preparation for each shot, TG 7.1 conducted several dry runs of the m- . timing and firing systems, includingat least one full power dry run before each ghot. These runs were normally conducted twice a day until satisfac- tory, and then once a day until the shot or weather postponement. During prolonged states of readiness on a —1 basis, they were held every other day, or more often as necessary. Operations for which timing was important, such as recovery operations and key operations affecting the D-1 day schedule, were rehearsed as often as necessary to determine the actual time re- quired and to decrease it as practical. A fairly complete Task Force rehearsal for Cherokee was conducted at Bikini beginning 0500 April 23 and ending at 1200 April 24. H-hour was as scheduled for Cherokee. Neither the TG 7.1 command ship, the USS Curtiss, nor the USNS Ainsworth was available for this rehearsal. A very small token number of TG 7.1 personnel completed evacuation and re-entry. Nearly all of the vessels present proceeded to their shot-time positions at sea. Effects and other planes participated on a large scale. A voice count-down was provided, messages were sent to offatoll stations for time studies, and the communication rehearsal was as complete as possible in order to test t by uined 30r communications and detect frequency conflicts. The rehearsal was satisfactory. A number of other communication rehearsals were conducted during April at both Eniwetok and Bikini. Several of them were for the purpose of positioning aircraft as well as for testing communications and for determining interference caused by electronic equipment. Task Group 7.4 conducted a number of bombing rehearsals in which TG 7.1 participated to a limited extent. 3.5 3.5.1 MOVEMENT TO THE FORWARD AREA AND ASSEMBLY OF SUBORDINATE UNITS Personnel Information regarding the expected number of personnel to be present in the FA during Operation Redwing was obtained from the monthly status reports submitted prior to forward movement by the various units of the Task Group. These population figures were subdivided by location into the following general categories: sites at Bikini Atoll; sites at Eniwetok Atoll; and shipboard space. Detailed compilations were prepared showing the es- timated weekly population at any location in the PPG. These population es- timates were useful in determining such things a8 camp locations, camp size, MATS transportation required, and over-all camp support required of - 81 -.