◆ SpookStack

Te ae eae eo oe oe unit which handled the technical side of the small boats, approved funds for them, and arranged for personnel for them, but had nothing to do with their operations. 32. This maritime unit also had the responsibility for acquiring and fitting out the larger ships such as the "Barbara J", the "Blagar", the three LCUs and the ships used in the strike. This unit also had the responsibility for training underwater demolition teams » directing raiding operations, and overseeing the Vieques Base. 33. The. lack of equipment, the shortage of experienced personnel, the press of time and the problems of coordination are shown by the experience which the maritime unit had with the acquisition and outfitting of the ICIs and the LCUs. The press of time hardly allowed for advertising for specific types of craft or soliciting competitive bids. The two ICIs (the "Barbara J" and the "Blagar") were purchased from a private corporation in Miami for $70,000. About $253,000 was then spent in modifying, repairing and outfitting them. 34. This work, which extended over a period of several months, was directed by officers from Headquarters during short temporary duty tours in the Miami area. The day-to-day supervision of the work was under several Navy chief petty : officers (borrowed from the Agency's Office of Training) who had no contact with Miami Base, no authority to spend money or