H.T. (Pete) Chambliss
Date: Sun, 6 Jul 2003
From: H T Chambliss htcham@sbcglobal.net
Subject: Operation Crossroads Atomic Veterans
To: pdxavets@aracnet.com
I would like to hear from anyone who was stationed on
Eniwetok Island during Operation Crossroads Atomic
Test in mid 1946. I was a CPO and was briefly in
charge of the water stills during the atomic test. My
mailing adress is 178 Centre St. Apt. 12, Mountain
View, CA 94041
H T (Pete) Chambliss
Date: Wed, 10 Nov 1999
From: H T Chambliss PeteChambliss
Subject: Atomic Veteran
To: Keith pdxavets@aracnet.com
Hello Keith.
I joined the Navy October 9, 1936, right out of high school.
I was facinated with flying from a small age and wanted to get in Naval
aviation. I was already a student pilot. At that time the navy had enlisted
pilots. I was first on the USS Wright AV-1, a sea plane tender. I left
the Wright for Pearl harbor and VP-18. From VP-18 I went to Aviation
Machinist Mate school and then to Airship Training School. Then to
Pensacola, where I was at the time of Pearl Harbor.
I spent most of WW2
training pilots and flying patrol. I was sent to Guam in May 1946 and then
to Eniwetok. Being an "airdale" I was put in charge of water stills. Had
never seen a water still. I was an ACMM, ( Aviation Chief Machinist Mate).
We evuacuated the Island, (Eniwetok) for both Able & Baker test. I left
Eniwetok on a water tanker in November. Went to Kwajalein & Bikini then
returned to the states.
Thanks for your prompt reply. Will look
forward to hearing from you again.
H.T. (Pete) Chambliss
E-Mail htcham@sbcglobal.net
[ Operation Crossroads ]