16 COLLAPSE OF TEXAS TOWER NO. 4i 



Senator Symington". These same firms that originally built it and 

 designed it ? 



Mr. Charts. That is correct. 



Senator Symington. And then more trouble developed. When did 

 the next trouble become evident ? 



Mr. Charyk. The next significant event was Hurricane Donna,, 

 which was on the 12th of September 1960. As a result of the hur- 

 ricane, it was apparent that significant repair work would have to be 

 accomplished. The maintenance platform had been completely de- 

 stroyed, and extensive damage was observed in the above- Avater brac- 

 ing.' 



Senator Symington. Now, whom did you consult, if anybody, at 

 that time ? 



Mr. Charyk:. We went back to the same architect-engineering and 

 construction people that we had dealt with earlier. 



Senator Symington. So that at no time has the Air Force worked 

 with anybody except the people who originally designed it and built 

 it in accordance with your request to the Navy ; is that correct ? 



Mr. Charyk. That is correct. 



Senator Symington. Did they certify to you that it was all right 

 in 1960 ? 



Mr. Charyk. Yes, in August of 1960. 



Senator Symington. Did you get it in writing ? 



]\Ir. Charyk. We have a confirmatory message to that effect. 



Senator Syminton. What do you mean by a confirmatory message ? 



Mr. Charyk. A letter which was sent to Otis Air Force Base, dated 

 November 16, 1960, confirming the integrity of the structural design 

 as of August 10, 1960, in accordance with the original design criteria. 



Sentaor Symington. What was the date ? 



Mr. Charyk. The confirming message was dated November 16, 

 1960. 



Senator Symington. And who signed it? 



Mr. Charyk. It was signed b}^ Mr. Kuss, of Moran, Proctor, Mue- 

 ser & Rutledge. 



Senator Symington. And where do they come from ? 



Mr. Charyk. He was an engineer for the architect-engineering firm. 



Senator Symington. Where is that firm located ? 



Mr. Charyk. It is located in New York City. 



Senator Syimington. Was that the original firm, the architect firm 

 that the Navy had on the job ? 



Mr. Charyk. That was the original firm. In summary, the mes- 

 sage states that the design analyses result in the conclusion that Texas 

 tower No. 4 structure, after completion of installation of the new 

 braces, was safe to resist simultaneously 125-mile-an-hour winds, 35- 

 foot liigh breaking waves, or a 60-foot high nonbreaking wave. 



Senator Symington. Well, now, was everything done that they said 

 should be done ? 



Mr. Charyk. Yes, sir. 



Senator Symington. And in spite of that, it fell into the water ? 



Senator Saltonstall. What was that question, please? 



Senator Stennis. Repeat that question. 



Senator Symington. Was everything done that they said should be 

 done? 



