At 1940 that day the fishing vessel had cleared the DangerArea and wes
observed steaming north on a coursey of about 320%,
7
The air security patrols have reported mmerous radar contacts which
subsequently could net be seen visually.’ The cause of these contacts vas
assumed to be either veather or fonized clouds. On15 October, Task Unit
132.3.1 commenced a seni~intensifiod soarch plan,
An overlap of tuo hours
on the search patrol was enployed for this~purposé. On 28 October, the
air search patrol was further intensified, ‘two planes being on patrol at
one time.
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oo
On § October at 1200, the first Combat Air Patrol. of planes fiom
the RENDOVA's fighters on Eniwetok Island strip was inaugurated. This ‘CUP
is launched daily at sunrise and sunset, and throughout the day a fighter
is always ready for immediate take off, and a sedond fighter is ready on
15 mimites notice.
Cc.
=
TRANSPORTATION
INTEReATOLL
On arrival of the RENDOVA, with 5 helsdoptere on Doard, a Task Group
syatem of intra-atoll air transportation was established,
Two guard mail
trips to JTF-132 Headquarters were made daily between RENDOVA and Parry
Island with the afternoon trip including Teiteiripucchi Island to serve the
USS CURTISS and other ships at the northern end of the lagoon, U.S, Mail
also was delivered by helicopter lift, including delivery to ships at sea
outside the lagoon on patrole —
.
.
,
The helicopter pilots received intensive Araining in both night and
day operations during the period 3 to 7 October before undertaking this
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