beencatalin A ae on alle enelanartn, anneal «demas + . Evacuation ’ 6.3.1 The evacuation of the natives of Ujelang from the atoll to the LST 827 and their subsequent return to the island were accomplished without mishap. The evacuation took place on the afternoon of Oct. 27, 1952, and on the morning of Oct. 28, 1952; the reentry into the island occurred on the afternoon of Nov. 2, 1952. There was no radioactivity detected on the island by either the aerial survey or the ground monitoring of the area prior to the return of the natives. The ground survey whichfollowed the aerial sweep was made on the morning of November 2 and was conducted using an MX-5, a T1B, and a PDR-10A. The beta and gamma instruments were used in monitoring about the general living area, and the alpha detector was employed in checking the water supply (rain water collected in cisterns) and spot checking the ground about the island. In addition, lagoonund fresh-water samples and dirt samples were collected on November 2; these were examined by the laboratory aboard the USS Rendova, and no activity of any type was discovered. While aboard ship and during periods of possible fall-out, the ship was monitored every hour to prevent radioactive contamination. If the ship had been subjected to fall-out, the Com~ manding Officer was advised of protective procedures, such as maintenance of tightness of topside and ventilation openings, utilization of a washdown system, and operation of decontami- Tt net nation stations. Film badges and dosimeters were ready for issuance to those Liable. to ex- posure; however, no activity was experienced during the entire operation. Equipment of Merrill Eisenbud, New York Operations Office, Projects 5.$ and 5.4a, was placed about the island. These instruments were put into operation prior to departure from the area to the evacuation position designated by Commander, Hawaiian Sea Frontier (ComHawSeaFron) ad re-collected as previously advised by the project leaders on November 2. As far as could be ascertaired no fall-out activity was detected. The movementof the natives to and from the island was somewhat complicated because of the depth of the water in the channels of the atoll and about the island of Ujelang, the home of the natives. A total of 157 people, including two women well advanced in pregnancy (these women had been previously evacuated by air), children of all ages, and several very elderly pecple, comprised the population of the two kingdoms of the island. The movement of people was made in several shuttles via outrigger canoes from the beach to the ship’s boats in the lagoon and via the ship’s boats to the ship, which maintained station at sea approximately 4000 yd from the channel nearest the island. The people were loaded on and off the ship via the bow doors and ramp. Difficulties in movement were also experienced by the ground monitor; before the survey could be made it was necessary for him io swim from the ship’s boat in the deep water of the lagoon to the shore and to launch a native outrigger for return to the boat in order to pick up monitoring instruments. No rubber boat waz available. During their stay aboard the ship the natives seemed very happy and content oncetheir siege of seasickness had passed. The children played on the tank deck; berthing spaces were set aside on the portside in the living compartments normally used by troops; and awnings were rigged topside on the main deck for their use. The food, with rice as the main staple of their diet, was consumed in large quantities, and both the young and the old were delighted with the serving of ice cream. The use of the ship’s store waa extended to the people. They attended movies at night. Upon their departure from the ship the natives were given canvas for mending sails, clothes that were donated and collected by personnel abuard ship, large amounts of line, and other items to augment their possessions on shore. The operation was a success in every extent. The assistance of Jack Tobin, the Trust Representative, was invaluable in maintenance of relations with the people. The Commanding Officer of LST 827 was extremely solicitous of the welfare of the natives and carried out his mission of evacuation of the Ujelang Atoll in a very capable manner. 27