E. le THE INTER-ISLAND AND INTRA-ATOLL AIRLIFT The final mission of the Air Task Group was inter-island and intra- atoll airlift. For the most part, the Bikini and Eniwetok intra-atoll airlifts were maintained by helicopters and L-13 liaison aircraft, which were used to carry scientists, construction workers and military personnel to and from the shot sites, work camps, military installations and measurement stations. The worn-out and outmoded L-13's used during the operation were salvaged and pushed into the lagoon at the end of CASTLE for reasons of economy, efficiency and safety. For transportation of men and materiel between Eniwetok, Bikini and Kwajalein Atolls, C-47's were used. Their job was completed the day be- ; fore each shot and commenced the day after each shot when the collection of scientific data from the last shot and preparation for the next shot started. The Bikini intra-atoll airlift was activated in late 1953 when an Air Force detachment put seven H-19 helicopters into service. Until late January when the population and work load increased considerably, the Air Force had an average of ten daily scheduled flights. These flights originated at Eninman Island and alternately "flew the chain® clockwise and counter-clockwise. and Namu. e Regular stops were at Enyu, Romurikku In late January, the Marine Helicopter Service assumed thia responsibility and the Air Force helicopters were gradually phased out prior to the first shot. The Marines scheduled twelve flights per day and handled 3,000 passengers a week during the movement peak in February. With the loss,from blast and radiation, of the land base at Eninman after the first shot, all helicopter flights became special missions and were AFWLIHIC GO