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REPORT OF COMMANDER TASK GROUP 7.7
1.
In compliance with instructions, the following report of
the operations of Task Group 7.7 (Island Command, Kwajalein) is
submitted:
(a)
Plans and Organization.
The initiation of Sandstone occurred at a very difficult time
.
for the Kwajalein Island Command.
....
During the two years since the
end of hostilities, all buildings on the island.fyhich are exclusively
temporary wartime structures), and all equipment had deteriorated
badly, deterioration being accelerated by the viciously corrosive
atmospheric conditions of this locality.
The Crossroads Operation had
added to the jumble of temporary installations, and much accumulated
equipment of the war and of Crossroads remained, mostly in an unusable
condition.
Shortage of manpower had prevented any proper roll-up or even
inventory after Crossroads.
Lack of a firm decision as to the future
Status of the island had delayed any corrective measures until September,
1947.
At that time, a complete rehabilitation program for the island
was initiated, and personnel, funds and material allocated for the
purpose.
This program was just getting underway in October, when the
first tentative information concerning Sandstone was received.
The
situation was further aggravated by the unfortunate death of Commodore
Guus, USN, the Island Commander, on 23 October.
Against this background, plans were developed progressively as
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