AOL 49 a Department of Energy Nevada Operations Offic PO. Box 14100 Las Vegas, NV 89114 ane 41 1978 Aiki, DA bes Mr. Adrian P. Winkel High Commissioner Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands Saipan, Mariana Islands 4, “fil, L,7¢ 96950 BEST COPY AVAILABLE ¢. Dear Mr. Winkel: Thank you for your letter of August 23, 1978, regarding the availability of the M/V Robert de Brum. We certainly appreciate your offer and have given it most careful con-. sideration. On balance, however, I must conclude that that vessel simply would not be suitable for our mission requirements. Size and crew cost would be excessive to our needs and budget; of even more significance is our need for a landing craft-type_ configuration in order to put heavy equipment ashore and, where possible, to beach and have "walk aboard'' access for medical program participants and others. We are still hoping to acquire a vessel for our exclusive use and currently have in mind a YFU (a Ski-Lak class vessel resembling an LCU, but more seaworthy). We hope to have such a vessel in service in the Marshalls by early next year. Again my thanks for your interest and assistance, Sincerely, by= Roger ay» Assistant for Pacific Operations ce: W. J. Stanley, Dir., PASO wicy Ref. Ltr. dtd 8-23