x. CQMWrT SUBJECT: — ~ Report on Soil and "ater Sampling Mission collected at approximately 1200 M, 6 March 1954. Instrument readings with the MX showed a mximum of 3 mr/hr, however this was not considered reliable, since a higher scale showed a lower reading. ce. AIWK ATOLL, The ship BESTWAYAILABLECORY... M, 6 Mareh 1954, and slowly moved to an anchorage off Ailuk Island, the most heavily populated. The lagom has not been swept, and numerous coral heads and pinnacls provided considerable hazard to ship movement, The landing party moved ashore by whaleboat without difficulty, and agnin obtained water samples from the most promi ent cistern and soil samples from random unshcltcred spots. Readings with the MxX- showed approximtcly 3 mrfnr (off the 2 mr scale). An AN/PDR-27E showed a high _ reading of 7 mr/nr, howevor, on a different scale a reading of 12 or 15 ar/nr was obtained, The MX-5 rcading is probably nearest correct. No significant variatior were detcctcd on bare fect or clothing of individuals. Samples and readings were taken at approximtely 1700 M, 6 March 1954. ad. MEJIT Island. This single coral island is also surrounded bya recf. as is JEMO, but landing was possiblo with a whaleboat, duc to an arca protocted f: the surf, The island was found to be heavily populated in view of its sizc,rthe total number of people being 327, according to the island magistrate, Soil and watcr samples were taken as in the previously described manner, at approximataly 1300 M, 7 March 1954. Readings with the MX~5 showed maximum of approximtcly 3 orfhr (off the 2 scale, but approximately 1.5 on the 20 scale); the maximum readi: vith a PDR 27 E was 10 m/nr. The truc figure was probably somewhere between the CWOe 2. CONCLUSIONS. Low lcvel (less than 10 mrf/hr) radiation moasuromert s witl Tficld instrumnts of the type used are highly unsatisfactory. Onc MX-5 and three ‘N/PDR 27 E instruments all showed widely variant readings on different scales, nd varied among cach other when cxposed to the same radiation. An AN/PDR T1-B proved completcly uselcss not holding to zero even after an hours warm-up, and also showing widely variant readings on different scales, 3. RECOLOENDATIONS. Landing parties in islands such as JEMO and MEJIT shoul oe provided with a rubbor 6—-man or 8=man pneumatic boat, to provide greater safct; to personnel and equipment. This will permit landing directly on live coral reefs aith less danger of the boat being stove in, Ships assigned to such missions should draw such equipment prior to departure, 4. The successful accomplishment of the mission ms greatly facilitated by the interest and enthusiasm of the Commanding Officer of thc USS RENSHAW, CDR L, K slford, USN, and his officers and mon, Their matcrial contributions were neccssar to the mission, however, the many valuable suggestions and assistance in solutions of problems proved invaluable. 3 Di connfe LANL a at /sf R. D. Crea D. CREA R. MAJ, USA + REST: My