Operation Hardtack 1
1958
US Atomic Veterans
Charles Farr
Charles Farr sent email about his duty at Operation Hardtack.
From: "Charles Farr" c.f.farr@worldnet.att.net
To: pdxavets@aracnet.com
Subject: Operation Hardtack
Date: Tue, 29 Jun 1999
Keith
It has been 41 years since I was part of Hardtack. I find it a little difficult to remember a lot of details. I really never thought about Hardtack until a couple of months ago when an old shipmate tracked me down to let me know about a future reunion. But, I'll be happy to tell what I can.
In 1958 I was stationed at the Naval Air Special Weapons Facility, Kirkland Air Force Base, Albuquerque, New Mexico. My rate at the time was AM1. Our job at the facility was to fly and drop different shapes for nuclear weapons. We received orders to send four aircraft, 2 Douglas A4's and 2 North American FJ's to Eniwetok for Operation Hardtack. I was given the job as " Airframes Division Supervisor ". The aircraft where flown to Alameda Naval Air Station and loaded aboard a cargo ship. Myself and several others accompanied the aircraft to Eniwetok. We also had representatives from Douglas and North American Aircraft as part of our team.
Our aircraft had to be positioned in the right place, the right altitude and the right time for each test. I recall we painted the underside of flight control surfaces to determine damage to various paint colors. I cannot recall the number of flights we made. I do remember sitting on the beach and watching the tests, feeling the heat, hearing the sound and feeling the wind. That, you cannot forget. We also had a great softball team, beat everybody on the island.
Charles F. Farr AMHC
USN Retired
Email: c.f.farr@worldnet.att.net
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