actual procedures involved in procurement were the responsibility of Commander, Task Group 7.4, and all action taken toward supply and maine tenance of Task Group 7.4 originated in that Task Groupe During the planning stages of this operation, the Maintenance Officer accompanied the Air Commander on two’ field tri $s to the operating area, and prepared comprehensive reports of these trips in which he pointed out the problems of supplying Air Force units in this erea. In addition to presenting a clear picture of the supply and maintenance facilities avail- able, many technical matters were brought to the attention of Task Group 7.4's planning staff that might have been overlooked and consequently have caused trouble later on during the operation. A quick survey of the reports sub= mitted by the Maintenance Officer would suggest that he presented a pessimistic view of the possibilities that might arise, but in numerous instanoes this proved to be a correct interpretation of the situation. Aire eraft from Task Group 7.4 were able to perform their mission successfully in the operation because the facilities and supplies necessary to maintain them were anticipated in sufficient time to make them available as needed. Airlift for aircraft supplies was held to a minimun so it could be used for the necessary movement of technical equipmente The problem of sufficieat . equipment and supplies to maintain the various types of aircraft used in the project was one that could not be solved by simply ordering a “pack up kit" for each plane. Table II “pack up's" were not entirely satisfactory, because the aircraft used in this project had been modified to such an extent that many of the itens in Table II were excess to the maintenance needs of Task Group 7.4. “Fly away kits" do supply most of the items of @ smaller nature that would be Section VIII | 28

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