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CHAPTER XT
LIGHT AVIATION
Two L-4's were finally decided on as the liaison aircraft equipment to accompany the 532nd EB & SR on Operation Sandstone.
The air-
craft were crated and loaded aboard the USS Yancey on or about 8
December, 1947, accompanied by Lt SMe, Lisison Pilot
end T/5 QM, the aircraft mechanic.
The USS Yancey dropped anchor in Eniwetok lagoon on 24 December,
but due to the Christmas holiday, the unloading of the aircraft was
postponed until 26 December.
A warehouse on the northern side of
SvLctKeI1 Field on Eniwetok was assigned as a hangar.
Lt.
QM, OIC Liaison Section and pilot, and T/, QE,
aircraft mechanic arrived aboard the USS Pickaway with the main body
of troops of TG 7.2.
On 30 December, the first L-4 was test hopped and found to be in
excellent condition.
This was the result of proper precautions taken
in the preparation, crating and shipping.
The warehouse assigned to
the Air Section, then known as ISCOM Light Aviation, was completely
rehabilitated by the small force of two pilots and the two mechanics,
using borrowed equipment.
By removing one end of the warehouse, it
was possible to construct a hangar.
On 2 January, 1948, the second L-4
was test hopped and also found to be in excellent condition.
On 3 January, the ISCOM Light Aviation Section was in full swing
-and the beginning of the steady air transportation, interrupted only
42
Section VIb
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