I was a radar operator for the Navy's Pacific Missile Range, stationed on
Johnson Island Mar to Nov 62. I maintained and operated the MPS-26 radar
system that tracked the Thor missile during its flight. A couple missles
blew up over Johnson, one rained missile parts all over the radar. I open
the door to the radar and there was the missile, less than 100 yds away,
lying on the flightline. Grateful the warhead was ejected and was in the
ocean. Good experience, wonder if any associates are experiencing any
health problems. The last, detonated 5000 ft overhead singed some of my
friend's hair and skin outside on the Island. I flew back to the states
shortly after the last Thor test.
Am writing a book and used these tests (esp. the last one) to compare the
"Big Bang" theory.
I really like your site, good work and keep it going.. I got a couple of
sites going and I will link them to you.
I don't know if you remember, that summer JFK told the Soviets to get their
missiles out of Cuba, or we will do it for them (or something similar).
Most of us on the Island had some uneasy emotions during that period, even
though Cuba was on the other side of the states, Russian ships were not far
away.
keep up the good work
cheers
Jerry Greelis
Email jgreelis@hotmail.com
To: "'Keith'" pdxavets@aracnet.com
Subject: RE: Atomic Veteran (Operation Dominic)
Date: Thu, 9 Mar 2000
The way I remembered it (second launch -- first unsuccessful detonation).
The bird cleared the launch pad and was airborne (I had the radar locked on
and was tracking it). It exploded overhead and we were rained upon with
missile parts. I was in the radar trailer, but we had 3 or 4 personnel
outside that took fast cover under the trailers. I remember a metal
building adjacent to the radar and hearing debris hitting that metal roof.
I quickly opened the trailer door and saw what was left of the missile lying
on the flight line. I told my associate that I was going over to take a
quick look. He said don't go over, it might blow up -- I said if it does it
won't make any difference if I am here or there. I did not go.
We were told (by our Commander, Range Safety Officer) that the warhead was
ejected early when the missile lost its course (I know that I had the radar
locked on) and they knew it was in trouble. Also, I was skin diving with a
crew out there, and we were told that they might want us to help find the
warhead if they had problems. I recall the 'pros' (probably Navy
Seals?????) found it quickly and we weren't used. I was only snorkeling
then, and I did not have my tanks until later.
We were not told of any Pu problems with the first missile problem. We were
also told the real problem was not the bird at all. They had attached three
instrumentation pods to the side of the missile that would follow behind the
warhead and perform measurements of the cloud, etc.. These pods (we were
informed) created a vacuum at one point (early) in the flight and sucked the
engine flame up the side of the missile. The flame burnt into the missile
(the skin is nothing) and probably into the fuel tanks (guessing). The fix
(we were told) was a simple asbestos wrap around the area believed to be in
danger.
Of course the next one did not make it much beyond the pad (falling back on
the complex) and we (at the other end of the Island) were not involved in
any way with it.
I don't know who ejected the warhead, maybe the Range Safety Officer had
that control, although I doubt it. He certainly controls the life of the
bird when it is flying, we had one of the best Range Safety Officers I ever
worked with out there. Warhead ejection also could have been automatic,
they certainly would want it not on the bird, if the bird was going down. I
feel pretty confident that their was no Pu spill on the first mishap,
otherwise I would be glowing in the dark.
I hope to touch base with some old buddies, hope more log in with you
cheers
Email jgreelis@hotmail.com
Keith Whittle
March 11, 2000
[ Operation Dominic 1 ]