Bush Orders Armed Forces toHelp in Cleanup in Alaska

President Bush today put the government in virtual control of cleaning up Alaska’s massive oil spill, ordering military forces and equipment to take part in an operation that he said would be “massive, prolonged and frustrating.”

Transportation Secretary Samuel K. Skinner, tapped to mobilize and coordinate federal efforts, said Bush wants to restore the area to its pristine condition.

“The resources of the United States government have been put at my disposal to make sure that happens, and I plan to use them,” Skinner said.

Announcing his decision at a hurriedly called news conference, Bush branded the 10-million gallon oil spill in Alaska a “tragic environmental disaster” and said it had produced “deadly results for wildlife and hardship for local citizens.”

No Troop Estimate

There was no immediate estimate about how many troops might become involved in the operation.

Bush rejected suggestions that the government should have stepped in sooner and that valuable time had been lost since the Good Friday spill two weeks ago.

“A lot has been done,” Bush said.

Asked whether he was satisfied with the cleanup efforts thus far, Bush said, “I’m not satisfied with anything about it. . . . I feel very, very strongly about the damage to our environment there, so I’m not totally satisfied.”

He said the first priority had been to empty the oil tanker that ran aground and to stop the flow of oil.

Bush said, “Our ultimate goal must be the complete restoration of the ecology and the economy of Prince William Sound, including all of its fish, marine mammals, birds and other wildlife.”

Wants Economic Aid

His remarks did not satisfy the mayor of Valdez, who wants economic aid for fishermen losing their livelihood to the spill.

“I kind of think the President has told the fishermen if they want economic relief they should join the Army,” said Mayor John Devens after watching Bush on television. “He showed a lack of sensitivity as to what has happened economically.

“All I heard was that we are going to send troops in to clean up the beaches.”

Bush noted that Exxon had acknowledged responsibility and liability for the spill. He said Exxon “should remain responsible for both damages and for employing civilian personnel necessary to control further damage.”

“However, Exxon’s efforts, standing alone, are not enough.”