Operation Redwing
1956
US Atomic Veterans
Richard L Circosta
From: "Richard L Circosta" CIRC1@prodigy.net
To: pdxavets@aracnet.com
Subject: Operation Redwing
Date: Thu, 3 Dec 1998
I was on the USS Estes, AGC 12, Flagship for Admiral Joseph Wellings, I was on his staff, we all came out from Washington to San Diego and left San Diego by ship. Viewed all shots from the Estes, it was quite a show.Got to go ashore a few time for R&R, but spent most of time working on the ship. I was not ships company and had a few perks,so it was not too bad. Richard Circosta
I now live in Enfield, CT.
From: "Richard L Circosta" CIRC1@prodigy.net
To: "Keith" pdxavets@aracnet.com
Subject: Re: Atomic Veteran (Operation Redwing)
Date: Mon, 7 Dec 1998
Hi Keith, thanks for answering my Email, I am still taken back about finding
info on REDWING, I wish I could find a few on the people from the same
staff. I was 19 years and really wet behind the ears.
I remember the Cherokee shot the most, I am still amazed by it. Of course
we got underway the day before the shot to get in position. The next
morning in the dark, we all were topside ready to view the shot. We had to
put on our very dark glasses, turn our backs to the blast, and put our hands over
our eyes. At detonation, we saw the light but no sound, awhile latter the
sound wave hit. But it was the light that really stayed with me. I remember
seeing the bones in my hands, like an xray. Of course after a certain time we
were allowed to view the cloud rising. It was spectacular. I remember
getting news reports that they saw the light in Hawaii.
I was on the Admiral's staff and worked in the office, so the duty was great,
Did not stay for all of the shots, left in July or August ahead of staff,
with two or three guys to return to Washington to reopen our office in
advance of the staffs return. Flew out of Japtan or Eniwetok Island on a
R4D (C47) to Kwaj then on to Hickam, then on to Travis. From San Franciso we
flew on to Washington on United. Long flight. Out of 4 years in the Navy, I
was only on board ship during Operation Redwing, so you can see I wasn't
much of a sailor.
I am in good health so far, Although I had a 20 year old daughter who died
on a malingnant brain tumor. She was conceived after Redwing, I have no
idea if there is a connection, I have another daughter, also conceived after
Redwing, and she is fine so far.
I really don't have too many stories, had some good times ashore on Japtan,
the swimming was great. We would sleep in tents, eat at the Holmes and
Narver cafeteria, and swim. We would drift over coral and see all the
beautiful fish, that was a treat. There was a Jap ship in channel half sunk
in channel on coral. The jungle had memories of WWII, found gun shells, etc
right off the beach.
You mentioned some pictures, I would like them, let me know the cost. I am
leaving on vacation for a month, so if you do'nt hear from me for awhile,
you know why.
Richard L Circosta
CIRC1@prodigy.net
--Keith Whittle
December 11, 1998
Operation Redwing