Operation Ivy
US Atomic Veterans
Vincent Deitchman
Vincent Deitchman sent email about his duty at Operation Ivy.
To: "Keith" pdxavets@aracnet.com
From: "Vincent Deitchman" vindeitch@earthlink.net
Cc: "Daniel L. D'Urso" brezzalino@home.com
Subject: Operation Ivy
Date: Mon, 19 Nov 2001
Dear Keith,
I was a pilot flying missions from Eniwetok. We lived on Kwaj flew to Eniwetok and flew patrols around the area looking for subs or other foreign craft. I was also the Maintenance Officer of Patrol Squadron 2 (VP2).
On one of the shots we were flying and had the windows covered with some
type of foil. We were supposed to be at a certain altitude and bearing
facing away from Eniwetok at time zero. We had an observer on board that
controlled what we did. After a time we turned around and could see the
cloud. I think we were like 50 miles away.
The day before the first shot we
had an airplane land at Eniwetok with an engine failure and the plane was
there facing the target site. The next day we received a message that we
could replace the engine after it was determined there was no radiation
risk. A maintenance crew was flown there and the engine replaced. In looking
back I think we did not take good care of our Maintenance crew. I have no
idea if the plane was checked or who did the determination that it was OK
to handle the plane.
I am sorry that I don't have more info to pass on.
From a squadron standpoint it was very successful as we flew more hours per
month than any P2V squadron up to that time. Dan D'Urso was the executive
officer of the squadron. XO is number 2 officer in the squadron. He is
copied on this message and can probably give a lot more info. Wish my
memory was better.
Vincent Deitchman
Email: vindeitch@earthlink.net
Keith Whittle
November 25, 2001
[ Operation Ivy ]