John send email about his duty at Wigwam
From: "J.Facella" asron21@massed.net
To: "Keith" pdxavets@aracnet.com
Subject: Wigwam
Date: Mon, 19 Apr 1999
Hi Keith:
Yes I was at Operation Wigwam. I was with VS-21 on board the USS Wright.
Thats how I got my screen name Air Anti-Submarine Squadron-21 = Asron21.
I was a plane captain on the aircraft, Grumman Guardians AF2S.
I would make sure the plane was ready for flight. I checked the flap
hydraulics for leaks and motor oil and gas.
My station for the blast was the sheetmetal shop on the hanger deck, but
after 4 or 5 drills I didn't think the day had finally come, so I stayed on
the filght deck and when GQ was sounded I jumped into the cockpit of one of
the planes and waited for the secure from GQ. Wrong that was the day. When
the device was detonated it sounded like a pistol going off in my ears. The
carrier after a few seconds began to shudder and shake. I didn't know what
was going on. I saw the water going up and hid as far down in the cockpit as
I could.
After it was over I heard some of the men say that the blast was a
lot larger than the scientists thought it would be. Anyway heliocopters were
sent out to pick up water samples and then were transferred to the specially
made wing tanks that were lead lined on the aircraft. The planes took off
for the mainland.
I want to sincerely thank you for sending me the video. I have been to many
doctors over the years since 1955 about the ringing in my ears they all tell
me the same thing, nothing can be done about it. I continue to lose my
hearing also. I guess I have to live with it.
Thanks again
John Facella
Email: asron21@massed.net
Keith Whittle
April 19, 1998
[ Operation Wigwam ]