◆ SpookStack

studied, diagnosed, dissected, and determined long before D-Day. In the days immediately before the instigation of tactical air operations, another difference be~ tween JMTIDE and Headquarters concerned TIDE's request for parts and spares, including fly-away kits and inci- dental materials relative to the maintenance of B-26 aircraft. A sharply worded protest was directed by Headquarters to JMTIDE on 8 April 1961 questioning "the tremendous volume of items requested ... Most requirements you request previously shipped your activities." 109/ TIDE went back to Headquarters in very positive terms stating that: 1. Original mission TIDE distorted be- yond recognition. Instead of forward air base providing support maritime (i.e. unlimited storage diesel fuel and arm packs) TIDE now primarily engaged" support maritime operations. 2. Investigation reveals TIDE base logistics and PDO personnel unloading ships, loading and shifting cargo between ships, plus providing provisions and records keep- ing. In addition, approximately 250,000 pounds cargo shipped MANA, thence ~IDE, thence ships. Also, aircraft parts and equipment for MADD dropped on TIDE extremely short period of time. These actions con- ducted concurrent providing quarters and - 171 -