1290

(c) Installation of and supporting facilities for the 4 floating dry-
docks, item (a) above. It is proposed to install these docks at
established repair or shipbuilding yards which will require a
minimum use of critical materials and manpower, to provide
supporting facilities, including berthing piers, dredging, tempo-
rary shop buildings, tools, weight-handling equipment, power,
and other services.

(d) Submarine overhaul facilities for the simultaneous overhaul of
10 submarines in the west-coast area which is considered essential.
(e) Additional development of the United States Naval Drydocks,
Hunters Point, Calif., and United States Naval Drydocks, Termi-
nal Island, Calif. As these facilities are manned and experience
is obtained in the operation of them, it will, unquestionably be
necessary to round out such facilities to permit the establishments
to undertake their ultimate workloads. For example, it is now
apparent that provisions must be made for regunning battleships
and cruisers at Hunters Point; a plant breakwater is contem-
plated for Terminal Island; and at both establishments more
berthing will be required_---

(f) Replacement of mobile floating repair units by installation of
equivalent tools and equipment ashore. By providing these
tools and equipment ashore, mobile units costing substantially
more than the equivalent shore based facilities will be made
available to advanced bases or other locations where mobility
is essential__

(g) Additional repair facilities for continental amphibious craft activities. Because of the increase in amphibious training with the consequent increase in the number of amphibious craft requiring repairs, the facilities at amphibious training centers have become inadequate. __

(h) Authorization for additional appropriations to be made available for the following purposes: (1) To complete floating drydocks previously authorized which have exceeded original estimates of cost ($23,000,000), and (2) To furnish supporting facilities for drydocks previously authorized to the extent to which it has been necessary to divert funds originally requested for this purpose to other repair facility projects more urgently needed at the time ($30,000,000).

The act of February 19, 1943 (Public Law No. 1, 78th Cong., 1st sess.), was intended to cover the construction of a total of 48 drydocks at a total estimated cost of $133,000,000, plus necessary supporting facilities having a total estimated cost of $77,000,000. Increases in the cost of labor and materials, and important design changes (principally in the way of expanding the size of the docks) have increased the cost of the construction of the 48 drydocks to a total of approximately $165,000,000. Of this total increase of $32,000,000 over the original estimate, $9,000,000 has been charged against existing authorizations to the extent available, leaving a balance of $23,000,000 for which additional authorization must be obtained if the program is to be completed.

While the $133,000,000 authorized for the construction of the 48 drydocks was immediately allocated to such construction, the $77,000,000 set up to cover the cost of the supporting facilities was not simultaneously allocated for this purpose since the supporting facilities were not to be required until some later date. In the interim period other more urgently needed repair facility items arose for which the $77,000,000 authorization was the only one available. Use of the $77,000,000 fund to meet these items now makes it necessary to obtain additional authorization in the amount of $30,000,000 to cover the cost of the supporting facilities for which no existing authorization is now available.

Estimated cost

$8, 000, 000

10, 000, 000

10, 000, 000

1, 500, 000

1,500,000

53, 000, 000

1291

(1) Reserve for contingencies consisting of 10 percent for possible increased costs and 15 percent for unforeseen requirements. Experience has demonstrated the necessity for providing a reserve for use in meeting items that cannot be anticipated under the changing conditions of war. For example, it may be necessary to provide additional emergency or replacement docks, or specific facilities may become essential for specific localities to service deployments of vessels concentrated to meet new strategic situations. Although the cost estimates used are the best obtainable, it is by no means certain that they are adequate.--.

Total estimated cost of program..

Estimated cost

$26, 000, 000

130, 000, 000

The Navy Department recommends enactment of the proposed legislation.

The Navy Department has been advised by the Bureau of the Budget that there would be no objection to the submission of the proposed legislation to the Congress.

Sincerely yours,

1

[No. 176]

AUTHORIZING THE PRESIDENT TO PRESENT, IN THE NAME OF CONGRESS, A DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL TO LT. GEN. THOMAS HOLCOMB, UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS (H. R. 3760). MR, VINSON OF GEORGIA

Hon. CARL VINSON,

NAVY DEPARTMENT, Washington, February 2, 1944.

Chairman of the Committee on Naval Affairs,

House of Representatives.

MY DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: The bill (H. R. 3760) authorizing the President to present, in the name of Congress, a Distinguished Service Medal to Lt. Gen. Thomas Holcomb, United States Marine Corps, was referred by your committee to the Navy Department with request for report thereon.

The purpose of the bill is indicated by the title.

Recognition of the exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service rendered to the Government by Lt. Gen. Thomas Holcomb, United States Marine Corps, as Commandant of the Marine Corps, in the awarding of the Distinguished Service Medal by the Congress to the general would be most fitting.

Accordingly, the Navy Department recommends enactment of the bill H. R. 3760.

The Navy Department has been advised by the Bureau of the Budget that there would be no objection to the submission of this report.

Sincerely yours,

ARTEMUS L. GATES, Acting.

94266-44-No. 176

(1293)

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