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.
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