ODEaLy/mw
feo,
shade OOF
Pe2
(2) Tns dslang 2nd surroundin: .cter twsrs aitn fisn, turtles
and gua Olris.
c.
Rencorie Atoll:
~
.
(4) Tha smip ada not attecpt ssssc-s unto tna atoll oacauss of
the poor navigational aids available. It 18 s3irevaa trat 3a smalo. drurt
Vesss, SMOuu stuerisnce very siltic dissicuity in wesing paSSaqu.
(<¢) Smass, Boazanc is rourn, owt 16% Sanrureus. Extrara cars
saciid ow exercised when approaching Soc« Island as msny cores Reads ar.
pP3s3nt ang tha water is very shaliow.
qd.
Alingince ADOLL:
(2) Only stati, dost antry .as maas. A snalio. drart vessel should
haves very little difficulty making entry. Navigational cuts were very poor,
(2) Small boating was rough but not dangerous.
e.
WQirdik atoll:
.
(1) The four beacons shown on HO chart 6023 have been replaced
by two black buoys.
It is understood that tha Trust Territory AKL makes reg-
ular entry into Utirik Atoll through Utirik Passage.
around Utirik Island are missing.
The beacons on and
(2) Small boating is not difficult, but a sharp watch should be
maintained for coral heads.
4.
Recommendations and Summary:
a. Survey of these atolls froma DDE type vessel is somawnat inefficient
in that Rongelap is the only atoll, of the five visited, that can be entered
and navigated safely, thus limiting the mmber of islands that can be coversd
in a given time. Boat handling operations outside the atolls were difficult
due to Reavy swells. ‘Yith the forces available, it is beliaved that tna is2
of a DOB is the most practicable solution for similar missions. For operatiocs
subsacusmt to "CASTLi", it is recommended that a smaller class snip of snalic.
draft be used. This would permit entry into most lagoons shortsning doat runs,
in soms cases twanty miles.