effect, however, for the wave action now removed ali the sand, leaving the coral bottom substantially bare. H&N then had to place sand in the channel before beachings in addition to constantly repairing the pier which was detericrating. In spite of the extreme precautions taken, the LST 762 took three holes in her hull during various beaching operations. Other problems during the interim period which proved well within the capability of the Navy Task Group to sclve included certain procurement tasks, communications difficutties, ship modif- ications, and personnel requirements. without incident. Ail were met and disposed of By January, 1954, the Task Group 7.3 administra- tive staff was prepared to occupy its temporary headquarters on Parry Island and on 1, January the headquarters was officially activiated. During the month of January, 1954, mcst of the supporting task group ships arrived in the forward area. The LST 762 had been in the area for some time and was jcined in December, 1953, by USS LST 551. Other movements followed in quick succession: 2 January. USS BELLE GROVE (LSD-2) seiled from San Diego and arrived at Bikiri 19 January. There she offloaded 3 LCU's and 3 LCM's plus a part of the boat pool detachment. She then proceeded to Eniwetok to load the advance boat pool detachment and 15 LCM's; and returned to Bikini on 21 January to place the Task Group 7.3 Boat Pool in operation. 2 January. USS TAWAKONI (ATF~114) departed Pearl Harbor with YCV~9 (helicopter landing large) and YFN-937 (covered lighter for 82