Emilio Mike Fernandez sent email about his duty at Castle.
Date: Tue, 23 Nov 1999
From: Emilio Michael Fernandez micstarr@bellsouth.net
To: pdxavets@aracnet.com
Subject: USS SHEA DM30
I was onboard the USS Shea during the testing of the H-bomb in 1954.
We were there in late Feb..early Mar 1954, and our responsibility was to lay unarmed mines around the island. After the detonation, which was real scary. We had
to go back in the detonation zone and pickup the mines and return them
to a location in Hawaii (Pearl Harbor) we returned in the dark of night
and unloaded the mines.
I personally had no direct responsibility on
the mission so I was below deck until detonation, at which time we came
up on deck to see the night turn into a bright yellow sky..then a few
moments later we saw and felt the detonation. It was quite and
experience.
I have pictures of the USS Shea and a copy of an
Operation Castle certificate which I can send you a copy if you want or
need it.
E. Micheal (Mike) Fernandez
Email:micstarr@bellsouth.net
Keith Whittle
December 13, 1999.
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