Dale Brown sent email about his duty at Operation Castle.
From: Dbrowneng2@aol.com
Date: Thu, 25 Mar 2004
Subject: Atomic Veterans
To: pdxavets@aracnet.com
I was present at the March 1 Bravo test as an
Engineman 2nd class aboard the USS Estes. Sometime after the test I was transfered to an island where I was told that I was to become a crew member to assist in returning to the States one of the ships that had been remotely run through the the fallout area. We lived upon the island and would daily proceed to a building where we
would remove our uniform of the day and don a set of coveralls, booties and
cap. I don't recall using radiation badges.
We would then man a small boat out to
what appeared to be an old Liberty ship. On the deck of this ship were various
pieces of equipment ie. trucks, jeeps, airplanes etc. We proceeded to wash
down everything as best we could---this ship was hot. As the only engineman my
primary respondsibility was the two 6/71 diesel-generator units. We
apparently succeeded to someones satisfaction in readying the ship for return. I am
now sure that this person was not going to be a crew member. This ship was hot
and our daily monitor was a Gieger counter which we used before each meal.
On the upside , we were all presented with a very large jug into which we were
told to save our urine as it would be gathered up when reaching Pearl. It is
humorous to recall the passing of the jug to assist those needing help in filling
theirs.
We did return finally return to San Francisco where upon the Harbor
Master held us off until the ship was safe to dock. I am confident that all
involved in these tests were given the same "fear of God orders" as to the need
for secrecy. As a result of this I never communicated or recorded names,
numbers, dates etc.
I have requested copies of my medical and service records
hoping that such info will be made available. In particular some evidence of the
conversation I overheard between two Doctors while discussing how many
Roentgens of radiation I was to be assessed. I am sure we all have our stories. I
would like to hear from any other test ship sailors as I did not bring it home
alone.
Dale Brown
Danville, IL.
Email: Dbrowneng2@AOL.COM
Keith Whittle
March 30, 2004
[ Operation Castle ]