10January. USS CURTISS (AV-4), after loading AEC cargo con= sisting of the bulk of the CASTLE test materials, sailed from Po.t Chicago, California, with CTG 7.3 embarked. The movement was con- ducted under radio silence, with ships darkened at night, and on a route away from normal ocean traffic. Escort was furnished by DESDIV 172 from San Francisco, which was relieved off Hawaii by DESDIV 12, consisting of USS EPPERSON (DDE-719), USS PHILIP (DDE498), USS NICHOLAS (DDE-449), and USS RENSHAW (DDE-499). The USS MISPELLION (AO-105) joined the formation enroute to Eniwetok. Air cover was provided during periods when the formation was within 500 miles of San Francisco, Hawaii, and Eniwetok. Arrival at Eniwetok was on 24 January and at that time CTG 7.3 transferred his flag and operational staff to Parry Island. 18January. USS ESTES departed San Diego with her arrival at Eniwetok scheduled for 3 February. 20January, USS LST 825 sailed from San Diego as relief for IST 551 which had to be detached for repairs. With the headquarters established on Parry Island and the majority of the support vessels in the PPG by February, Task Group 7.3 was prepared for the on-site operational period. Air Force Task Group The first major CASTLE problem to confront the Air Force Task Group occurred prior to the conciusion of Operation IVY and that was the question of what geographical site would be chosen as the base for the Air Force Task Greup. The Kwajalein location carried numerous disadvantages for the Air Force Task Group and for the Task 84