.
y
RADIOLOGICAL CLEANUP OF ENEWETAK ATOLL
sampling sites for DOE. These studies proved useful in planning th,
cleanup and rehabilitation of Enewetak. The most valuable by-products of
PACE and EXPOEfor the cleanup project were geological data for the
selection of quarry sites and design of crater containment for radiologic
contamination, and soil chemistry analyses applicable to contaminatedsoi
surveys. 73
A NEW DIRECTOR'S NEW MISSION: SEPTEMBER 1973
In September 1973, LTG Dunn completed his 3-year assignmentas
Director, DNA and was replaced by Lieutenant General Warren DP.
Johnson, USAF, who had been at the Agencysince July 1973 as Deputy
Director for Operations and Administration. The new Director was
confronted by a new mission. The Air Force proposed that DNA assume
responsibility for operation and maintenance of the austere base camp at
Enewetak Atoll.?4.75 LTG Johnson did not concur and presented DNA’s
case to the ASD(ISA). The Agency had transferred the last ofits
installations to the Military Services in July 1971, based on a Secretary of
Defensepolicy decision that DNA would not operateinstallations.’ The
Air Force was proposing that an exception be madein this case, and DNA
did not have the resources to managea base. In July 1973, the Air Force
had transferred managementof Johnston Atoll to DNA, and now,before
DNA had time to assimilate that new mission, the Air Force was
proposing to transfer another installation. Nevertheless, ASD(ISA)
decided to transfer Enewetak Atoll to DNA,’? and the change of
responsibility occurred on | January 1974. In accepting the mission, DNA
and the Air Force agreed to the transfer of three Air Force manpower
positions to help manage the new missionin the Pacific. 78
FY 1975 MILITARY CONSTRUCTION PROGRAM:1973 - 1974
Formal guidance on funding responsibility was received from OMB on
18 October 1973, in a memorandum which confirmed the decisions made
during the previous year (see ‘‘Assignment of Responsibilities,’’ above).
It recognized the incomplete state of planning for cleanup and
rehabilitation but advised the agencies to request sufficient funds to
initiate some cleanupeffort in FY 1975 to show continuing Administration
commitmentto the cleanup and rehabilitation of the atoll. The FY 1975
President’s Budget was to reflect the following agency responsibilities:
DOD for maintaining ongoing facilities and operations in Enewetak and
for cleanup operations; DOI for rehabilitation; and AEC for radiological
monitoring and survey. 79