The Unit Commanders were surprised to learn of Eniwetok rehabilita~
tion yet to be performed, delaying their plans to proceed in toto to the
second and third Zero Islands; however, this change was taken in stride.
The 18th Engineer Construction Company, originally assigned the mission
of rehabilitating Eniwetok Island, had moved before completion of the
task to Engebi where they were already installed and had begun preliminary clearing and grading.
In view of this change, each Unit of the 532d
EB &SR would contribute a share of skilled men, labor and equipment to
be incorporated into a provisional unit for completion of the rehabilitation assignment on Eniwetok and also of rehabilitation of Parry Island
facilities.
This meant rapid reorganization without deviation from the
schedule of departure to their construction sites.
The debarkation plan was reviewed and adopted.
=|
All units would de-
bark on Eniwetok; however, the construction units would remain only long
enough to regroup, sort their equipment and supplies and prepare to reship
by smaller craft to their construction sites where construction camps
would be established.
It was planned to have each of the construction camps so organized
that they would be self sufficient:
maintain their own power and water
supply, prepare housing for civilian construction crews, and provide for
their own recreation, all over and above the assigned construction mission
which retained the first priority coupled with a rugged progress schedule
and deadlines.
All this amounted to a challenge to make the best of a
rough start which startled the newcomers but appeared like an old story
to the experienced veteran.
SECTIONYi-b_
8