Unfortunately, helicopter operations in the Taongi aree would necessig
tate routine flights over the open ocean.
Such flights heve not been common prace
tiee in the past.
In onier to provide aaintenance facilities for helicopters, it would
most likely be necessary to have a small carrier (CVE).
‘The facilities of the
CURTISS and ESTES vere not adequate for meintenance.
6,
Inter-atol) Transportation
6.
Soe
During the operstional phese the wininam requirement for intere
atoll ses trensportation is ome APD oF equivalent.
This ship is necessary to
provide rotetion ef personnel and to carry perconel and official mail.
Beeause of
uncertainty in the physical condition of Seong? Lagoon and the sand islands fol«
lowing the first shot, we my not count on air 1ift at all, even in emergencies.
At leact in the pre-cperational rhage, 3 7.5 will require regular
IST service batween Privetok end Tczongt (cee Ieclosure 2).
te Ate
fie minimum requirement for inter-atoll airlift during the preoperations! phasc ia cmergency seaplane services.
It is desirable te meintain the
capability ef emergency seeplene service throughout the operational period. We
recomend very strongly that the cezplane service be “Limited” rather than “emer
gency" in order to provide fest trensportetion for key personnel of 21], elements
of the Task Force. For this purpose, we believe three SA-16 aircraft or equivae
lent are necessary end that a suitable seadrom sheuld be built.
In the event that the construction ef extensive facilities ashore
wekes construction of an airstrip necessary, we recommend that regular airlift be
provided for as loug as conditions permit.
In this connection, ve recommend fure
ther thet gic sltas be selected and shat echedules be arranged to cause the least
«~ 8 «
—
f+)
(ry