VOL. Il BOOK 4 CHAPTER I MAINTENANCE HISTORY SECTION 1. GENERAL Maintenance is defined in the Contract in the following manner: ''The Con- tractor shall furnish all labor, equipment, materials, and supplies to preserve properly and maintain all facilities and structures either existing or contemplated herein, at the site, including but not limited to buildings, utilities, roads and airstrips, docks, equipment, materials, and supplies, and technical struc- tures not expended during tests. '' The maintenance of the Marine, Power and Water Distillation Plant equip- ment was a function of the Service Operations Division. The maintenance of all other equipment, buildings, grounds and utilities was a function of the Construction-Maintenance Division. Continuous preventive maintenance programs were established. These required that maintenance crews make periodic inspections of all buildings, equipment and utilities to provide routine maintenance services. Greasing, lubrication and tire services were on a schedule basis. Maintenance crews checked buildings for leaks, paint condition, utility connections and similar items and rectified deficiencies when discovered. Operating periods for vehicle, power plant and marine craft engines and water distillation units were established at the end of which the units were taken out of operation for routine overhaul. Crews of trouble shooters were available in cases of breakdowns of equipment. Rapid corrosion and deterioration of substantially all materials, except that of the aluminum buildings, occurred in the tropical atmosphere and salt spray prevalent at the Atoll. The "battle" against corrosion was a continuing one and led to high maintenance costs. Frequent chipping and/or sandblasting and painting of metal surfaces was necessary. Equipment and spare parts in warehouses required special anti-corrosive measures. Insulators on the overhead electrical systems became coated with salt deposits requiring frequent washings and the disconnects were frequently reconditioned or replaced. At the POL facilities on Fred, corrosive action reached the stage where it was difficult to maintain the tanks in tight condition. New tanks will be required in the near future. It is essential that materials for use on the Atoll be selected so as to withstand the corrosive effects due to the salt water laden atmosphere. No unusual difficulties in maintenance work were experienced except that occasioned by the presence of "sea moss' in the water taken directly from 4-1