An advance party of No. 5 Airfield Construction Squadron from RAAF Base Williamtown, New South Wales, moved to Onslow in August 1951 with heavy construction equipment, taking the train to Geraldton and then the road to Onslow. This was then transported to the Monte Bello Islands. A prefabricated hut was taken across by "Karangai", along with equipment for establishing a meteorological station. Other materiel was moved from Onslow to the islands in lots in an ALC-40 landing craft manned by the Australian Army and towed by "Karangai". This included two bulldozers, a grader, tip trucks, portable generators, water tanks and a mobile radio transceiver. The hut was erected, and the meteorological station henceforth manned by an RAAF officer and four assistants. Roads and landings were constructed, and camp sites established.