From: "Jim Bloodworth" jbloodworth@rgv.rr.com
Date: Mon, 9 Nov 1998
To: pdxavets@aracnet.com (Web Editor)
Subject: Atomic Veteran (Operation Crossroad)
Keith,
I volunteered and enlisted in the US Navy and served in the South
Pacific. I also volunteered for the Bikini A-Bomb tests and was
assigned to the USS John Blish (AGS-10) and my rate was Yeoman 3c.
The ship was a geographical survey ship and several weeks prior to the
first test our unit was assigned to take tests of the Ocean floor,
obtain samples and other data in and around Bikini. A small A-Frame
hoist was erected on the fantail and a section of pipe with traps and
weighted was dropped and after hitting bottom, the traps closed, and a
sample of the floor and water was brought aboard.
Three or four scientists (probably some oceanographers) were aboard
during the day and were in charge of the testing and records. This was
very extensive in and around the lagoon. This was done before and after
the Able and Baker tests.
On the day of the Able test we were told we were 12 miles from Ground
Zero and we were required to look away from the direction of the blast.
On the Baker test I believe we were 15 miles away. After the first test,
we did not get closer than a few miles, because we could not see the
ships.
After the Baker test, we were all tested for radiation aboard ship as
well as the gear aboard ship. Our shoes and some clothing were destroyed
becaused of contamination. The Captains Gig (a boat about 18' long was
put adrift and sank using 50mm AA because it too, was contaminated.
After our work was completed after the Baker test, Our ship returned to
Pearl Harbor and reassigned to other duties.
As a matter of information, the USS John Blish was a very small
ocean-going vessel, only 135' in length, with wooden deck and hull. When
we came alongside large ships to take on supplies, our regular question
to men on the large ship was "how is that shore duty"
If anyone served on the Naval ship USS John Blish – AGS-10, please contact me.
Jim Bloodworth
E-Mail jbloodworth@rgv.rr.com
[ Operation Crossroads ]