re, | BROOKHAVEN NATIONAL LABORATORY : ASSOCIATED UNIVERSITIES, INC. Upton, New Yorn 41973 AOL94O Medical Department (516) 345- oe [fe July 12, 1978 Assistant Manager for Environment and Safety COLLECTION Department of Energy BOX No. Nevada Operations Office Las Vegas, Nevada 7 REPOSITORY Mr. Roger Ray 89114 FOLDER 3577 MWe/WV ‘Det F nn _ wa" eAee 73/0-WEP, Dr Capark 10f/922 rhpu. 7s L175 FY 197k Dear Roger: Dr. Pratt and I have discussed the necessity of acquiring a DOE vessel in order to successfully carry out our medical program in the Marshall Islands. In the past, utilization of Trust Territory vessels has been totally unsatis-~ factory in carrying out our medical mission and, moreover, has jeopardized the safety of the medical teams. The recent acquisition of the LCU greatly improved the logistic support of the program, but proved too small, too slow, and unsanitary. Based on my 24 years with this program, the following reasons are presented urging acquisition by DOE of the YFU under consideration or another suitable vessel: 1. Operational Capability The unique nature of our medical examinations with expanded health care program in recent years makes it necessary that we have medical facilities established aboard the ship. Though some examinations can be done ashore, it is preferable and even necessary in some cases to do them aboard ship. The medical and radiological programs require that several large, specialized trailers be installed aboard and there is ample space on the YFU for this. A future consideration is the capability of utilizing the well deck space cf such a vessel to construct more flexible and efficient medical and living spaces. The beaching capability of the YFU is an advantage in getting the patients on and off the ship for examinations. Recruitment of medical specialists (who voluntarily contribute their time to participate in our surveys) is greatly enhanced by having reasonably com- fortable conditions on the ship for the extended periods of time involved. can be accomplished on the vessel under discussion. This