Ocean scientists have completed a two-week underwater survey of an area known as "Ordnance Reef" off the Wai'anae Coast where World War II-era munitions were dumped.

The Department of Defense sponsored the survey and anticipates receiving a report of the findings in the fall.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, with assistance from the Hawai'i Department of Land and Natural Resources and the University of Hawai'i, conducted the survey.

An Army Corps of Engineers survey in 2002 at Ordnance Reef identified more than 2,000 military munitions in an area a little more than a mile in length and about a half-mile wide and at depths ranging from 15 feet to 240 feet, with the majority observed deeper than 60 feet.

The survey objectives were to obtain data that would allow the Defense Department to determine the types and quantities of munitions present, the location and relative condition of munitions, and assess any potential explosive hazards.

Additionally, the survey will determine the boundary of the disposal area, compare the ecology of the survey area with a control area, and sample sediments, the water column and fish tissue.

KIOWA UNIT MOVES TO ALASKA

The 6th Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment at Wheeler Army Air Field "cased" its unit colors earlier this month before the remainder of the unit moved to Fort Wainwright, Alaska.

Nine OH-58D Kiowa Warrior helicopters from Hawai'i arrived in Alaska on May 7 with a small group of soldiers. All are assigned to Task Force 49, U.S. Army Alaska's new aviation brigade.

About 150 soldiers were moved initially, with the balance of the unit's authorized 380 soldiers expected to arrive from other locations across the Army.

The unit will receive 21 additional Kiowas by October 2007.

C-17S RETURN FROM AID MISSION

Two C-17 cargo carriers recently returned to Hickam Air Force Base after a 10-day mission to transport Australian troops and equipment.

The team of 25 airmen from Hickam and three airmen from Andersen Air Force Base in Guam moved more than 1.1 million pounds of cargo in eight days to support Australia's peacekeeping operations in East Timor.

Transported were 333 passengers, 48 pallets and 74 vehicles.

The Hickam C-17s are flown and maintained by active-duty and Hawai'i Air National Guard members.

Staff Sgt. Joleen Manuia, a 204th Airlift Squadron loadmaster with the Air Guard, said the Engines Running Onload/Offload, or ERO mission, added to her experience level.

"Before we're mission qualified, we have to go on two local flights around Hawai'i, and we have to go on two overseas flights, and this is my first," she said.