at Enyu to support special missions at Bikini Atoll during the batld-ay phase. On March 27, the Marine Squadron at Bikini lost a helicopter Owing t With the cause undetermined and with a history of similar trouble, all helicopters were grounded. Subsequently, limited numbers wer, made available but were used for freight only following the decision of decision was made to use the Air Force helicopters from Eniwetok until later-model replacements were made available. This was considered essential due to critical requirements at Bikini. On March 29, the Air Fore was flying necessary support. On April 25, HRS-3’s (H-19B’s) were available at Bikini as replacement aircraft for grounded aircraft and took over responsibility for Bikini airlift. Helicopter support at Eniwetok Atoll was curtailed effective March 27 with the movement of the AF H-19’s to Bikini to support airlift requirements there. The AF helicopters were returned to Eniwetok on April 26 after the arrival of the new Marine helicopters. The Eniwetok islands were supported by air as follows: Runit - L-20 and H-19 Rojoa complex - L-20’s primarily nt hy omenewe ner >aren bw -81 CTG 7.1 that personnel would not be airlifted by Marine helicopter until th engine deficiency was corrected or replacement aircraft were available. 4 Teiteiripucchi complex - L-20 and H-19 The Bikini islands were supported as follows: Romurikku complex and north islands of atoll - helicopter. _. — Eninman complex and south islands ~ helicopters and L-20. Procedures were established at both atolls for providing airlift for TG 7.1 personnel. For published scheduled flights, it was normal for individuals to request space by direct contact with the appropriate TCA dispatcher. For all special flights which regular scheditled service could not accomodate, requests were submitted to J-3 for approval and booking. The short airstrip at Runit necessitated using H-19's for airlift any time the wind velocity dropped to less than 10 mph or became a cross wind, BEST AVAILABLE Cop y ~ Ketprotns Dihttnitretel> engine failure. ry Following Zuni, the L-20’s were fo longer required. soaks he ee eee see ten wes etobete teenie be Mee poneiene The airlift aupport of Bikini Atoll was provided by HMR-363, Martas Helicopter Squadron with a complement of 15 HRS~1 (H-19A) aircrag, The squadron initially provided eight aircraft with the remainder arriving oy the USS Badoeng Strait. Additional support by one Air Force L~20 was y . able during early phases of the operation; this was increased to a total of two, immediately preceding (Zuni) to support the Tare compler.