VOL, Il
BOOK 4

DATE

CHAPTER
I
SECTION 4-5

REASON

DEPTH
OF DIVE

(Feet)

TIME SUBMERGED

(Minutes)

(Cont. )
November
8

8
SECTION 5.
MENT

Recovery underwater gauge -

112

61

Recovery underwater gauge Gene

113

47

Sally (Two dives)

25

GENERAL TRANSPORTATION VEHICLES AND HEAVY EQUIP-

Maintenance of mobile equipment was a major problem at the Jobsite due
to the high relative humidity and salt content of the atmosphere. Corrosive
action and the accumulation of deposits on equipment not in use, caused rapid
"freezing" of moving parts.
During the construction of reef stations, it was necessary to operate equipment in shallow salt water over extended periods of time. The deleterious action
of these elements on the equipment was accelerated by prolonged exposure which
necessitated frequent maintenance work. Practically every 45 days caterpillars
required new rollers. Water seeped into gear chambers causing damage to
funnels, drives, seals, and bearings which had to be replaced frequently.
All vehicles, including those of TF 132 and TG 132.1 except those assigned
to Site Fred, were lubricated and serviced in accordance with a pre-established
schedule. Makeshift service stations were installed at Sites Gene and Yvonne.
No facilities for major repair were maintained on these sites and only first
echelon work,

such as minor trouble shooting and field lubrication, was under-

taken. Many pieces of equipment were thus kept in service until major repairs
were needed. All vehicles requiring major overhaul were sent to the heavy
equipment repair shop on Elmer.
The lack of an adequate supply of standard parts was a major deterrent to
efficient operation of the heavy equipment repair shop. Many parts required

machining after arrival at the Jobsite, and some parts which were received
were not suited to the climatic condition encountered.

In future operations, high priority should be attached to providing a dehum-

idified storage space for parts. Without this storage, equipment or parts which
have been stationary for six months generally must be surveyed; equipment
or parts not in use for two months usually require major maintenance or rehabilitation.
4-11]

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