sufficient craft of the various types necessary to discharge 

 its responsibilities in the event of national emergencyc It 

 is therefore not anticipated that the Transportation Corps 

 will require any great number of units of the tuna fleet in 

 the forseeable future. This, of course, is predicated upon 

 an unchanged mission on or subsequent to any future mobiliza- 

 tion date„ 



With regard to possible use of tuna fleet crews, it is 

 difficult to estimate the manpower requirements for manning 

 of Transportation Corps vessels in case of national emergency. 

 It can be said, however, that military personnel are being 

 trained to the maximum extent practicable with existing equip- 

 ment and facilities to discharge Transportation Corps respons- 

 ibilities overseas in the operation of its vessels. It is the 

 policy of the Transportation Corps, however, to use civilian 

 crews within the Continental United States for operation of 

 its vessels wherever practicable. This policy is expected to 

 continue in case of future national emergency, providing 

 civilian crews can be made available. In such emergency, the 

 skilled crews of the tuna fleet might well be utilized to 

 augment existing Transportation Corps civilian crews within 

 the Continental United States ani in the delivery to Oversea 

 Commands of such vessels as are capable of proceeding under 

 their own povier, 



I trust that this reply gives pu the desired information. 

 Your interest in calling the matter to my attention is 

 appreciated. 



Sincerely yours, 



/s/ F.AoHeileman 



FoAoHEILEMAN 

 Major General, USA 

 '"Chief of Transportation 



356 



