were utilised aa ferry creft, carrying passengers and light cargo detweon Eniwetck and Hkini during tho several weeks the Bikini airstrip was closed or cperating on a restricted basis after BRAVO, WICHLAS was sent into the conteninationed atoll area east of Bikini en a apeaial survey mission. After the BPAYG effects had lessened, eurfoes security operations wore returned to a nearly normal basie, except for the oecasional exployment of a TOE to aasist in the searsh for Project 2.50 fallout collector buoys, As noted earlier, PO 1546 — epent consideratic tine at Ailingnae and Bongerik on KOON, UNION and YAUKEE performing duties not eonncoated with security. On all five WEOTAR sorties, EPPERSON was aesigned the duty of standing by near Usjeleng Ateil to evacuate the natives there if severe racticactive fallout was received, The effects of cver-euploynent of the DDte ‘faring the period following ABAYO wae felt througheat the renainéer of the Operation, ‘the time lost fria planned upkeep and maintenanss echedules wae never made up, and as cperations continued over a leager period than had been planned originelly the shipe degen to exffer enginsering derengenents ef a sericus nature. _ All were repaired, how ever, vithout outside aceictance, and little eperetiona: time less rem ted, Aircraft 7. Six FHU-Sy dey and night fighter slrorsft vere assigned to the task gereup for intercept duties, The aircraft vith operating aad support personnel were a part of Comporite Squadres Three and ten- AFWL/HD