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The delays on individual shots, accompanied os they were
ty frequent sorties followed by postponement, multiplied the tasks
of many task group units.
A consideroble number of them had to com
mence schaduled operations on minus two day or early on minus onc to
permit oxapletion before shot tins, notably the <TFs supporting scientific projects, ani the patrol sjusdron at Esajalein,
All ships bad
to prepare esrly an minus ome day for sortie from the lagoon,
Four~
teen actual sorties were carried out in getting off the six CASTLE
shots} preparations were carried out to a considerable extent on
several other cocasions, {Yo seotthe situstion the task group was —
saintained in a atate of constant readiness, cod preparatory oper
etions originally echeduled for sinus two day were modified eo that
they sould be comaenced on ainus one.
The constantly changing situation
so,uired extras flexibility ef the task group.
cated.
Logistics were compli-
Supply ships end tankers carrying task force cargoes had te
pat in st Kwajalein to await a break in the schedule to pernit thes
te proceed to mivetok without getting involved in shot operations,
Unleading st Bikini had to be carried out hurriedly; complicated fuel
ing plans were necessary to keep ships supplied and ample stocks oa
hend.
Froper apkesp became impossible.
The task croup successfully
accomplished its CASTLE aisslon only by virtue of long hours of haw
labor, and the determination, reflected throughout all units, that no
CASTLE shot would be delayed on account of the Mary.
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