Operation Wigwam, Redwing and Hardtack.
US Atomic Veterans
James Gregory
James Gregory sent email about his duty at Operation Wigwam, Redwing and Hardtack.
From: "James Gregory" hitekjim@wizard.com
To: "Keith" pdxavets@aracnet.com
Subject: Re: Atomic tests
Date: Mon, 5 Nov 2001
I was on the Navasota and Lansing (DER 388) for tests Wigwam, Redwing, and Hardtack. I was a Metalsmith second class on the Navasota and Lansing.
It's been a long time ago and some of the tests run together. I remember distinctly the atmosphere shot while on the Lansing. It was around midnight on a very dark night and after the shot you could sit out on deck and read a newspaper for perhaps 30 to 45 minutes! We were directly under the shot supposedly. It was the shot that was seen all the way to San Francisco.
One other shot on same ship was an underwater shot not too far away. A very
small shot naturally but the surge wave looked huge from the start but died
down to only about one foot by the time it reached the ship.
If I remember
correctly we shut the evaporators down for something like 3 or 4 hrs. Can
you imagine the contamination picked up when we started them back up and
took suction for the fresh water maker from the sea?
Anyway I'll try to get you more later. I don't believe I have any photos. Ex
wife took care of that.
Regards,
Jim Gregory
Email: hitekjim@wizard.com
Keith Whittle
November 9, 2001
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