CHAPTER
ACTIVITIES BEFORE AND AFTER T&STS_ON ZERO ISLANDS
SHOT "X" _
A,
The critical period from X- to X-1 at X island was one of
some tension but was overcome without difficulty.
The scientific group
leaders wanted to retain as much as possible of their supplies and
equipment on the island until the last moment to guard against possible
needs, whereas TG 7.2 had the problem of evacuating the bulk of these
items by X-3 because of the manpower, boats and equipment shortage
that would exist at a later time; the matter was amicably and successfully worked out.
Each of the two groups required engineer manpower
and equipment assistance during the last two days prior to the shot to
make their final technical installations and tests.
TG 7.2 also provided messing and billeting facilities for AEC
personnel] until noon on X=] day, the same as had been done on PX-l.
CG 7.2 assigned a field grade officer, the AMBIRO (Aoman-Biijiri-
Rojoa Islands) Commander from the 432d EB & SR, to take command of the
island and discharge his responsibilities until -1 day.
This proved to
be a good move for the purpose of expediting the movements and use of
men, equipment and boats.
Many of the needs during the last two days were taken care of
through the adroit employment of DUKW's.
Some of their uses were as
a prime mover, mobile cranes, floating cranes, air compresser and as
a truck; four DUKW's tere on the Zero island to be tested until X-l.
No real difficulty was encountered in handling of the evacuation,
though as a result of the "X" experiences it was “ecided in the case
Section ViI-c