811.24522/4–1047

Memorandum by Commodore J. E. Maker of the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Navy Department

confidential

Memorandum for: Chief, Division of North and West Coast Affairs, Department of State

Ref: (a) Dept of State Itr NWC dated 5 March 1947 to Navy Dept.30

1.
The following information concerning the former Naval Air Facility, Galápagos, is submitted in accordance with the request contained in ref (a):
(a)
Total cost to the Navy Department of installations and equipment.
The original cost of construction and equipment for the Naval Air Facility Galápagos, was $1,700,705. The total cost of the Naval installations now remaining on the site at Galápagos was $1,474,935 of [Page 681] which $500,000 represents the cost of existing water lines, fuel lines, electrical distribution system, sewer system, roads, etc.
(b)
Book value of remaining installations and equipment.
All remaining Navy buildings and installations were stripped of salvageable material when the Naval Air Facility was disestablished on 16 May 1946. However, it is estimated that to replace the numerous frame buildings remaining, would cost approximately $800,000. In addition, a small amount of Navy equipment, valued at $2,000 has been loaned to the United States Army and is now in use at Galápagos.
(c)
Estimated surplus value of installations and equipment now at Galápagos.
It is not possible for the Navy Department to determine the surplus sale value of installations and equipment now at Galápagos inasmuch as sales possibilities are not known to this Department. However, the salvage value to the Navy of buildings and equipment remaining at Galápagos is nil, because of the excessive cost of dismantling and shipping the buildings to a location where they could be utilized by the Navy.
2.
All figures given above are approximations.
J. E. Maher
  1. Not printed.