Operation Ivy
US Atomic Veterans
Don Milligan
Don Milligan sent email about his duty at Operation Ivy.
From: Dcmilligan1@aol.com
Date: Fri, 7 Sep 2001
Subject: Re: Operation Ivy, November 1952
To: pdxavets@aracnet.com
Keith;
I served on board the USS Radford DDE 446 during
these events, I was then an ME 3 and did radiological monoriting on board
the Radford.
Prior to the tests, I did my radiological monitoring training at the fleet
training center near Pearl Harbor. I really didn't know what the training
was for until we were enroute to Enewetak Atoll aboard the USS Radford DDE
446.
I was to conduct radiological monitoring on board Radford using and
checking film badges, dosimeter pens, and Geiger Counters. I remember, no
camera's, and the mail was censored. While at Pearl Harbor, Radford had a salt water
wash down system installed at the Naval Shipyard. The crew had many drills
to fine tune and get up to speed on the system.
I recall that we went ashore on Enewetak, and Japtan Island for recreational
purposes. Mostly snorkeling, some softball and enjoying our favorite beverage (beer).
I remember going to the hobby shop on board The USS Curtis where I crafted my
one and only leather billfold.
We were in the vicinity for a low yield atomic test on Perry Island, and then
for the Hydrogen bomb test we moved approximately 45 miles away as I
understand. During these periods, lots of intense monitoring of the ship and
the crew. We eventually returned to our home base at Pearl Harbor.
The only momento that I have is a colorful certificate indicating that I was
a participant at Operation Ivy.
I am now retired and live in Monmouth Oregon.
Sincerely;
Don Milligan
HTCS, (Ret) USNR
Email: Dcmilligan1@aol.com
Keith Whittle
September 10, 2001
[ Operation Ivy ]