[Carl Schwamberger]

According to Alexander 'Utmost Savagery' Betio Island was no longer used as a permanent base in the last weeks before the US attack. The bombers that few attack and reconissance missions from Betio were using it as a fuel and service stop. Alexander does not indicate how many ground crew still based on Betio, or if they were all withdrawn and the aircraft crew were performing all the refuel & service tasks. He does make it clear the last reconissance aircraft departed the morning before the assault and none were on the island when the USn arrived in sight.