This rather critical slowdown occurred in mid-afternoon completely block- 

 ing the only traffic artery between Lameshur Bay and Cruz Bay. The 

 problem was remedied when another Public Works tractor was borrowed, 

 transported via one of the landing craft, and hooked in tandem with the 

 stalled tractor. With hand flashlights lighting the way, the balky trail- 

 er was positioned at the surface support center late that night. The 

 additional vans and trailers were positioned the next day and their in- 

 stallation and integration with other support facilities and equipment 

 began. 



Figure 15. Habitat Moored at Ballasting Site Being Supported by Six 

 8.8 Ton Salvage Pontoons 



HABITAT BALLASTING 



Habitat ballasting operations began on March 16 on a rather disconcerting 

 note. The ballasting procedure specified in the planning documents called 

 for some tjrpe of lifting device to be installed on the service barge to 

 handle the individual 54-gallon steel drums containing the 160,000 lbs. of 

 steel punchings required for proper emplacement buoyancy. Such a device 

 could not be located in the Virgin Islands, and in order to maintain the 

 tight schedule, it was decided to hand load the ballast. The salvage 



11-21 



