As a result of a requirement to fly weather recorraissence rissicrs
in the Johnston Island area in support of Operaticn NEWSREEL, it was
decided that the Weather Reconnaissance Element (Provisional)
periodic
maintenance capability would move. to Hickam AFB, TH.
Plans, which were formulated in June 1958, provided that weather
reconnaissance missicns would be launched
at Hickam AFB -»nd vice-versa.
from Eriwetck ard terminated
Missions were so sche"uled *hat er air-~
craft due for a periodic inspection would land at Hickam i°B and go
into the periodic maintenance facility for necessary inspecticn and
reintenance,.
The home bese of the Weather Reconnaissance Element (Provisional)
was Hickam AFB where permanent type facilities, i.e. hargars, work
space, etc, were available.
Two (2) officers, 139 airmen ard equinment
were roved from Eniwetok to Fickam AFB during July 1958 to establish
the periodic maintenance fecility.
Periodic irspection of the first
We-50 aircraft commenced on 16 July 1°58.
Secticn D - Special Purpose Vehicle and Aircraft Cround Suprert
Equipment Mairterence
The tctal units of Special Purpese Vehicles and Aireraft Greene
Sunport Zcuipment maintained was three hurdred and ferty-two (242).
These units were maintained in © common peol tc facilitate operational
cortrel and maintenance.
t
Salt water ecrrosion was urvoidahle ard required the v:penditure
of considerable maintenance men heurs te rinirize the effects.
Scrze
equipment feilure is attributable to corresion.
Another ccrtiruirg problem was the lead tire required to precure
replacerert parts and spares from local purchase sources.
Many local
purchase items were obtainable froma single scurce and in sore czses
ae
181
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