As is evident from this list, Task Group 7.3 was presented
with a diverse mission.

Such problems as the security of the danger

area; intra-and inter-atoll transportation; communications; ship
and small craft modification; aids to navigation and buoy systems;

and transportation of the special devices were all of paramount
concern to the Navy Task Group.

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The first Navy operational effort on behalf of CASTLE had
come shortly after the firm decision to utilize Bikini in addition
to Eniwetok for the CASTLE tests,

Naval support was provided at

this time (September, 1952) by diverting the USS LST 1126 froma
portion of her planned IVY mission to inter-atoll cargo lifts to
B

i; by scheduling two Eniwetok-Bikini round trips by the LSD;

and by scheduling weekly PEM flights between Eniwetok and Bikini.
At the completion of Operation IVY in November, 1952, disposi-

tion of the naval forces, personnel, and materials employed for IVY

was made, as has been indicated, with further CASTLE use in mind.
By the time the Navy Task Group staff was reestablished in Washing~
ton after IVY, the CASTLE postponement from Fall, 1953, to Spring,
1954, became known and a change of tempo occurred in Task Group

7.3 planning.
One of the principal efforts of the Task Group during this
early period following IVY was in connection with the overhaul of

navigational aids at Bikini Atoll.

The move to Bikini meant a

build-up of certain facilities at the atoll for it had not been

in use since CROSSROADS,

The inactivityat Bikini meant that there

had been no maintenance of the buoyage system and rehabilitation of

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