were explained to the natives. The RadSafe Officer and his team made a survey with radiac instruments and upon completion of the initial readings the natives were told of the procedures to be followed for evacuation. They gathered their belongings and pro- ceeded to the ocean beach for movement to the RENSHAW. The women, children, and the aged were the first to be transported to the ship, The operation was complicated for the boats had to stand off from the beach about fifty yards and the natives had to be transported through the reef surf by life raft, transferred to the boats, and then taken to the RENSHAW. By noon, when the evacuation was about half completed, the wind had increased and the surf had become more hazardous, After serious consideration of postponement and of mak- ing a new attempt from the lagoon side, the decision was made to continue with as much speed as was possible under the existing conditions. The last raft load left the beach at 2245 local and all were transported to the ship without serious injury. tal number evacuated was 154. The to- On the way to Kwajalein the RENSHAW met the USS DAVID A MUNRO (DDE-422), provided by CINCPACFLT, on her way to assist in the Utirik evacuation, Since she was no longer needed, she feli in astern for the rsturn to Kwajalein, Aboard the RENSHAW, decontamination procedures were carried out and the natives were fed and bedded down for the night, early on the morning of 5 March, Arrival at Kwajalein was At Kwajaiein, the natives were placed under medical surveiilance and treatment. It soon became apparent that the Utirik natives had not received serious exposures 128