From: JCEkstadt@earthlink.net
Date: Mon, 5 Mar 2001
To: pdxavets@aracnet.com
Subject: USS Curtiss
If you have any questions about the USS Curtiss reunions please contact me at
the following address.
John C. Ekstadt
17390 Greenview Circle
Lakeville, MN 55044-9559
Phone 952/ 891-5954
Email: JCEkstadt@earthlink.net
From: JCEkstadt@earthlink.net
Date: Thu, 4 Mar 1999
To: pdxavets@aracnet.com
Subject: Atomic tests
Hi Keith!
I was a MM3 aboard the USS Curtiss during operation Ivy in 1952 and
Castle in 1954.
I remember after one of the tests in 54, which turned out to be the
first hydrogen explosion, we were too close to the blast and started to
get alot of fall out. So with the washdown system going we headed out
at flank speed trying to outrun it.
I was in the forward engine room
standing throttle watch at the time. With all hatches secured and no
fresh air able to get to the engine room it got so hot that we could
only be down there 10 minutes at a time. We had 3 duty section watches,
this meant that each watch would be down there for 10 minutes, then up
the ladder to the mess decks for 20. We kept this up for the rest of
the day.
I don't know how hot the engine room got, but a thermometer
that hung behind the throttle board broke. I never thought it would be
possible either, but on one of my 20 minute rests I took my shoe off and
poured sweat out of it lke it was water.
I was married and my wife was in San Diego at the time. She sent me
newspaper clippngs to keep me informed as to what was going on out
where we were!
Keith Whittle
March 4, 1999
[ Operation Ivy ]
[ Operation Castle ]
