XITI - needed, which would improve the samples collected and make introduction of newequipment easier, Under the dosage and sample size criteria then in effect, the Genter reported that ". . . pilots can participate in four or five shots per operation at a rate approximately two a year for an indefinite period." . Such a sampling unit required about nine F-8h-type aircraft especially modified, the Center believed, with additional aircraft in "flying storage™tomeet overseas sampling requirements, Colonel Hooks requested that a sampling test squadron. be authorized, having a strength of ohofficers and 121 airmen. Most of the personnel spaces could be supplied from authorizations for Operation IVY's Task Group 132.4. The F-8)G aircraft were atready assigned to the Center.’ Although the proposal for apermanent sampling squadron was an Air Force product, Colonel Karl H, Houghton; Colonel Fackler, and Dr, Plank put their heads together to get support from the Atomic Energy Commission.” On 9 February 1953, Chairman Gordon Dean of the Atomic Energy Commission wrote Robert LeBaron, head of the Military Liaison Committee, concerning the proposal, Because of the increased complexityof Sampling and the impor- tance of samples in testing, he ". . . strongly recommended that a permanent cloud sampling unit be established." Such a unit would make available at all times experienced cloud sampling personnel to be used on tests conduc- ted on short notice. It would reduce the hazard inherent in using inexperienced pilots, save the cost of modifying new aircraft for each operation, and relieve the impact of unscheduled demands for sampler pilots and aircraft during over-all Air Force planning, 265 AFWUH: It appeared that testing SWEH~-2-003h 16"