◆ SpookStack

Question: Did you have enough pilots to fly over the beach with two aircraft at all times? Answer: Yes. There was a 4,000 foot strip in the beachhead area and we had crews qualified to operate from this strip. Question: If the invasion had been successful enough [for the aircraft] to keep the artillery off, you would have been successful? Answer: Yes. Question: What was your understanding on the use of contract pilots? Answer: We didn't have blanket authority to use them, but we did have the authority to hire and train them and put them on a standby status. Later the use of contract pilots, in the beachhead area only, was approved by Washington. Question: Who handled your messages in Washington? Answer: Colonel Geomosen (pseudonym) and Colonel Beerli. Question: Were you surprised at the effectiveness of the T-33s? Answer: I've flown T-33s--they're a good airplane. We weren't surprised at their capabilities once they were airborne. Question: How would you summarize your feelings with regard to the operation and the lessons to be learned? Answer: Policy decisions above the Agency deni.ed us the right to go ahead as scheduled and planned. Question: Was there some confusion as to the time the Navy air CAP was to be provided? 112