From: "james burton" GEMINI16@prodigy.net
To: pdxavets@aracnet.com
Subject: Assn. of Atomic Veterans
Date: Sun, 1 Aug 1999
Just recently purchased my computer. Last week we had in our local newspaper a small article on the atomic tests at Bikini Island in the Marshall Islands. Since I was there for both the Able
and Baker tests it caught my attention. I was curious to know if I could retrieve any info on my computer. Needless to say I was quite surprised at the info available on the web.
I served aboard the destroyer Allen M. Sumner DD692. We were on station at Bikini for approximately three weeks prior to the detonation of the Able Test. Our crew was given almost endless liberty for approximately two weeks prior to the first test. After the first test the Sumner was one of the first ships allowed into what was called the safe areas. We retrieved water samples approximately 3 hours after the detonation and was immediately on our way to Pearl Harbor with the samples. We stayed in Pearl for about 3 days before returning to Bikini. Without saying, we didn't have any more liberty on Bikini. However our captain took the ship to another small island about a half days run where we enjoyed swimming and sunning and drinking beer.
After the Baker test we again retrieved water samples which we returned to Pearl Harbor. We never returned to the Marshall Islands. After this trip I can truthfully say the tests at Bikini were the most memorable of my naval career. I have rambled on long enough and I do appreciate the opportunity to have maybe given a little info that you haven't had before.
Yours Truly
James Burton
#50 Winter Haven Lane,
Brownsville Texas, 78526
E-Mail GEMINI16@PRODIGY.NET
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