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 copreDiooF LANL JE/