Frank Fortin sent email about his duty at Operation Castle.
Date: Mon, 18 Apr 2005
From: Mike Fortin
To: "pdxavets@aracnet.com"
Subject: Frank Fortin
Dear Sirs,
My father, Frank Fortin, passed away this morning due to complications
from his esophageal cancer. His courage and spirtual strength were
superhuman during his last days on earth, even as his body was failing.
He was more concerned about his family and friends than his own comfort.
Heroes aren't found too often in the world, but my father Frank showed
heroism beyond belief during this time. I have been proud of him all of
my life, but never more so than right now. He will be greatly missed by
many who love him, but he has inspired us all.
Thank you,
Mike Fortin
Date: Sat, 12 Mar 2005
From: Frank Fortin frankivx@sbcglobal.net
Subject: Operation Castle
To: pdxavets@aracnet.com
Hi,
My name is Frank Fortin. I took part in Operation Castle in 1954 while in the Navy aboard the USS Sioux. In fact the ship I was on was the closest ship to the detonation of the explosions. My duties were that of a Radio Operator. Our ship had the scientists aboard and they wanted to take test of the water as soon as it was possible to get back to the area of detonation.
To this day I can remember the call signs of a lot of the ships on duty over there. The thing I remember the most is the amount of times they would call off the detonation of the bombs. The detonations were canceled many times based upon a good prediction of the direction of the winds. When the bomb was finally detonated, it was the most unbelievable sight that I ever did see and gave me nightmares for years to come. The endless fire coming out of the ocean and reaching up to the heavens without end was incomprehensible.
In the last five years, I have developed skin melanoma and Esophagus cancer. I was wondering if this has occurred to other members of the people that took part in the operation.
Thanks,
Frank Fortin
Reno, NV
Email: frankivx@sbcglobal.net
Keith Whittle
March 13, 2005
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