Aviation (continued) The Army Air Force also is on its toes. However, its tremendous expansion has necessarily diluted the skilled personnel to a greater ewtent than is yet the case in Naval aviation, and, in consequence, the Army is experiencing more difficulties in maintenance and upkeep. ADVANCE AIR BASES. Cocos. -- Except for being sighted twice daily bypatrol planes, no surveillance over, or use of Cocos was in effect when I arrived. As of today, a striking force of four submarines is basing for patrol intervals of two weeks on Cocos. Also, 8 tuna boats are now stationed on a North-South line just west of Cocos to serve as aircraft warning posts. About July 1st a squadron of motor torpedo boats with a tender will be stationed at Cocos. By July 1st the Army expects to have in operation a long range Radar installation on Cocos, and this will carry with it a radio set and personnel so that there will then be a small shore-based force on the Island. Navy aviators were unanimous in their opinions that seaplanes could not be based at Cocos except at irregular intervals. From my personal experience I concur in this opinion. Galapagos. -- By May 1st the Army will have a fully fortified and equipped Advance Air Base on Seymour Island with approximately 1500 troops, one squadron of "Flying Fortresses" and one squadron of pursuit planes. Small dispersion air fields on other islands are under consideration by the Army. The Navy bungled its job in setting up a Seaplane Base on North Seymour Island. However, I persuaded the Commandant to discard his original plan and to take steps to get the Navy base properly and promptly implemented. By July 1st there will be facilities to support the operations of two squadrons of PBY's at the Navy base. A converted destroyer now serves as tender. The Navy also plans to install a fuel oil depot, probably on Charles Island, so that cruisers, and destroyers on convoy or patrol duty can top-off their fuel tanks without returning to Balboa. -3- |