VOL. Il
BOOK 4

CHAPTER
I
SECTIONS 3-4

The use of "old age" Badger type 150 gph stills added to the maintenance
work load considerably. Admiralty metal components, particularly the steara
domes, had deteriorated badly through dezincification and these required continual repair.
replacement.

Spare units were kept in good operating condition for use as

Continued vigilance for indications of leaks in the underground water systems

was essential. Leaks in these systems ordinarily did not show on the surface
due to the permeability of the coral formation of the Atoll. A study of the water
consumption during the hours of midnight to 0400 generally disclosed whether
a leak had developed.

Leaks were located by isolating various sections of the

system and testing hydrostatically.

In addition to leaks in the underground

piping, the west half of the concrete reservoir on Elmer developed leaks and

had to be emptied and repaired twice during this operation.

SECTION 4.

MARINE

With the acquisition of a floating dry dock in August 1951 and a Gilhoist
in August 1952, the maintenance of bottoms, propellers and shafting of marine
craft had been greatly facilitated. The all year round presence of the dry dock
permitted docking of the heavier craft in a routine and orderly manner rather

Figure 4-1,

Gilhoist in Operation

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