SUPPORT REQUIREMENTS FOR PROJECT TACANA

• Document Type: SPECIALCOLLECTION
• Collection: Animal Partners
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 06527548
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: September 6, 2019
• Document Release Date: September 12, 2019
• Publication Date: August 3, 1973

Therrix--T
Approved for Release: 2019/07/30 C06527548
6.2(d)
ORD 3593-73
3 August 1973
MEMORANDUM FOR: Project Review Board
SUBJECT: 'Support Requirements for Project TACANA
1. The specific target selection and operational scenario for
subject project is being constructed through the joint efforts of
LS/ORD, of the Air Systems Division, and
of the Defensive Systems Division. In general terms, the scenario
required that the target be located not more than two miles from the
open sea, and that commercial or private boats may pass within 12 miles
of the.coastline (preferably closer) without arousing undue suspicion.
Several of the potential targets possess these characteristics. More
detailed information concerning the general terrain, meteorological.
conditions, general sea states, types of boats, and routine traffic in
the vicinity, and other relevant data are being accumulated for the
most likely targets. -
2.. Regardless of the specific target(s) selected, field training
for the bird vehicles Will require a marine environment, boat launch,
overwater flight, and simulated targets placed at varied points having
ground characteristics similar to selected target areas. The training
program must also take place in an area reasonably secure from inquisitive
bystanders.
3. In response to a request for military support, the .JCS approved
DOD support in principle and assigned OP 009 coordination responsibility.
Cmdr. Krieger, OP 009M, visited and comparatively evaluated Point Loma,
San Clemente Island, Camp Pendleton, Point Mugu, and Port Hueneme as
potential training sites. Other sites meeting the physical requirements .
were investigated through the assistance of the DOD. Taking all factors
into consideration, San Clemente Island was selected as the most appropriate
operational training site.
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Approved for Release: 2019/07/30 C06527548
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Approved for Release: 2019/07/30 C06527548
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ORB 3593-73
4. Coordination of Agency-Navy activities on San Clemente Island
have been assigned to the Naval Underwater Center, San Diego. The
Underwater Center will provide necessary boats, fuel; seaman boat
handler, air transportation to and from San Clemente, barge services
for transport of vehicles if required, storage facilities, personnel
billitting, and other general support such as minor maintenance, tools,
expendable equipment, etc. Attachment I is an authorization for Navy
expenditure of an amount not exceeding $15,000 to provide the above
mentioned support.
5. One constraint specified by the Underwater Center prior to
agreeing to support subject project is that an Agency representative
with marine experience be physically on site during the training pro-
gram and serve as the interface between Naval and Agency contractor
personnel. In brief, they require that a person experiences in boat
handling, marine communications, maritime regulations, safety, etc.,
be responsible for the boat operations as opposed to a civilian "bird
.trainer." In addition, the Underwater Center wishes to avoid dealing
directly with an Agency contractor and prefers that the interface take
place with an Agency representative.. In view of the reasonableness of
this constraint, SOD was requested to provide an individual
�rPnhll'ellcharacteristics and have complied in the person of
Attachment II requests the transfer of funds in th�ount of
$2,500 to provide travel and per diem for the required Agency personnel
support.
6. It is requested that the PRB approve Attachment I and Attachment II
as described above to provide facility and personnel support for Project
TACANA.
Attachments: .2
Distribution:
15 - Project Review Board
1 - LS Chrono
1.- ORB Chrono
LS/ORD/DD/S&T av:3658
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LS/ORD/DD/S&T
Approved for Release: 2019/07/30 C06527548