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
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