navigational aids was necessary. As early as November, 1952, the USS OAK HILL (LSD-7) and theUSS LST 1126 arrived at Bikini in conjunction with the initial build-up for CASTLE, The entrances into the lagoon were found to be dangerous and navigational aids were nonexistent. This was reported to Commander-in-Chief, Pacific Fleet (CINCPACFLT) by CTG 132.3 with a recommendation that the main entrances and channels into the lagoon be surveyed for the laying . of buoys. This information was passed onto the Commander, Fourteen- th Coast Guard District, with a request for action on the recommend- ation. In late January, 1953, a series of conferences between Navy Task Group staff personnel and Coast Guard representatives resulted in definite decisions. First, the buoyage system at Eniwetok would be maintained in good repair; second, the USCGC BASSWOOD (WAGL~388) would mark Eniirikku Pass at Bikini with obstruction buoys; and third, the BASSWOOD would conduct a survey of Bikini Atoll to determine the condition of any existing navigational aids. These tasks were accomplished during March, 1953. The system was later augmented, however, when in May, 1953, CTG 7.5 requested additional lighted buoys for aiding night-time small. boat operations. No Coast Guard funds were available and the matter was not resolved until August when substitute lighted range markers were installed on three Bikini islands—at considerablyless cost than would have been involved in placing lighted buoys. In September, the USCGC BUTTONWOOD (WAGL-306) pointed out the existence of numerous uncharted shoals in the Bikini Lagoon and as 76