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were organized on 13 January to expedite the clearing and grading of
the island.
The company had just reason to be proud of its heavy
equipment operators and mechanics, very few of whom were initially
experienced at their work.
During the first four (4) days on Aoman, there existed only the
limited means of communications of drop and pick-up messages by the
ISCOM Light Aviation Section and those carried by small boat or
DUKW.
On 5 January 1948, the radio telephone system not yet established,
radio operators from 532d EB & SR Signal Section were dispatched to
Aoman Island to establish and maintain the inter-island communication
system that would improve a more effective control.
This radio net
proved of great value and was instrumental to maintiining overall: ~%
control of distribution of equipment and men, and simultaneous progress
on all islands.
The first church service on Aoman 16 January 1948, conducted by
Chaplain Win the evening.
Due to the scattered location of the
islands, normal Sunday Church services were held during the week, on
Aoman, usually scheduled on a Friday permitting the one chaplain to
visit at least one day at each camp.
Sunday was proclaimed the
. official holiday observed by most on the Atoll, however, troops on duty
in the conti nuous functions and the special jobs that could not be
interrupted were compensated with a day-~off during the week.
Swimming
and fishing were the most popular forms of recreation, the latter
performed with first class tackle and spears furnished by the Special
Service Officer.
SECTION VIb
76
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