JUL 201977 COMMANDER IN CHIEF ATLANTIC AND COMMANDER IN CHIEF U. S. ATLANTIC FLEET 20 July 1977 Dear Bill, As usual, we are examining potential trouble before it occurs. I immediately thought of you as the expert in the field of our discussion - offshore drilling rigs. I have my staff planning the means to regain control of an offshore oil rig should some faction or group take control either for ransom or for political visibility. I would hope that this would never happen, but you know too well that if it should happerlifearly incisive action might very well be required. It is the planning for that early action that leads me to write you. It would help a great deal to have a better foundation in the technology as well as know who we can contact for detailed information about a particular rig. One question that comes to mind is "How do you cut off the flow of oil below the surface?". I also wonder what confidence we might have that there would be volunteers from within the oil or oil rig construction industry to aid in such re- covery efforts. If there were to be none, then we must start training military men in the technical field now. I would appreciate greatly meeting with you at your convenience in order to obtain your views and suggestions. With g respect, I. C. KIDD, JR. Admiral, U. S. Navy Mr. W. P. Clements SEDCO 1901 North Akard Street Dallas, TX 75201
