OFFIC
—Hee—eotty—
Reference:
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(b)
To determine landing
site for LST to land construction equipment and
materials and weather station equipment and surprlies,
“{goqugsion.
A survey was conducted on the lagoon side of Betio Island on 5 June
1955 using Reference (a) as an aid. Visual inspection of the coral reef was made
at low tide since it usually uncovers at this time. Soundings were taken by boat
at high tide at the extremity of the coral reef in order to ascertain contour of
bottom, These soundings were not exhaustive due to the shar; cut off of the reef
from approximately 5 feet to 18 feet. From this, it was readily discernible that —
beaching an LST was impractical. However, approximately 100 feet east of the
eastern slip (shown on chart), the cut off was more gradual but from the nature of the
coral formation it appears that there is no sandy bottom.
The beach, gradient at
this point is between 1/4 and 1/5 although not constant because of irregular contour.
Frior to a recent change, calling Directions Volume III, stated an LST ramp was
located at the end of the eastern slip on betio Island. A survey of the ramp could
not be conducted because cf tidal conditions. No local information was obtainable
as to the ramp's use or condition or location, An LST would be recuired to uss
extreme caution in utilising the ramp after locating and surveying area.
Deb-is must be cleared from this area prior to use,
Recommendations.
Use an LST with caution to off load initial heavy equipment there-
after utilizing lighterage to off load light materials from deck after retracting
from ramp and anchoring. Suggest equiping LST with 5 ton capacity crane for use on
main deck.
A crane, 5 ton capacity or over, will be required on the pier for off
loading lighter.
‘Suggest landing of LST be conducted at low tide,
OFFICIAL USE ONLY
ope
4
he
Bj
in
H. 0, Field Chart No. 34
Seiling Directions Volume III
be
rei
ae a PIES ORME
;
TARAWA (BETIO ISLAND)
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Reproduced from the holdings of the National ArchivesPacific Southwest Region