Operation Hardtack 1
1958
US Atomic Veterans
Robert J. Hall
Robert J. Hall sent email about his duty at Operation Hardtack.
My address is hallz@ispchannel.com but I have an alias that the "Snipe" set
up for me ATF98@NAFTS.com either one will reach me. Three more weeks and
I'll be visiting with my Arikara shipmates in Branson, MO, whom I haven't
seen for 42 years. I managed to find 25 of them via MSN white pages. Only
12 of us will be at the reunion, some can't make it for various reasons, and
6 are deceased.
From: "Bob Hall" ATF98@NAFTS.com
To: "Keith" pdxavets@aracnet.com
Subject: Arikara at Branson
Date: Fri, 3 Nov 2000
Hey Keith,
Here is a group shot from our Branson reunion
| 
Photo from Bob Hall.
Click on the picture for a larger view. |
As you look at the pic, standing on the deck from the left: Kenneth Gaines,
Dean Querry, Dale Neal, Rolan Conoley, Don Cooper, Bob Hall and Cordell
Hooper.
On the bench from left: Jack Zoulek, Jim Ballew and Vic Fletcher.
From: "Bob Hall" ATF98@NAFTS.com
To: pdxavets@aracnet.com
Subject: Atomic Vets
Date: Fri, 9 Jul 1999
I just read Tom Thomas's account of his experience at Eniwetok and found it to be quite accurate. I myself was there with him onboard the USS Arikara ATF-98. He however, forgot to mention the saltwater showers and washing your clothes in saltwater and saltwater soap. The clothes by the way were very scratchy!
I remember an occasion standing outside on the portside of the ship with infra-red goggles and witnessed a surface shot. I don't remember how far our ship was from the blast, but I can tell you that I remember thinking that the Navy had miscalculated our distance because for a second or two the heat from that blast was intense on my body. Then came the sound of the blast and last but not least our ship rocked from the swells. I remember there had been two Snipes standing evaporator watch (making fresh water from saltwater) and they came running up from the engine room holding their ears. The sound traveling through the water had hit the hull of the ship with a very loud twang. I know for myself, I was just about ready to panic and it was over.
Unlike Tom, I wore what I believe they called a Dosimeter around my neck all the time except for showers. I never did hear from the Navy as to what the reading was on mine.
When we were laying wire to moor targets, from early am to late pm we were at our special sea and anchor stations. Mine happened to be on the helm. I remember having my mess tray brought up to the bridge and I ate while still steering the ship.
Six months is a long time to serve in that situation and I know now that a lot of us were near depression or already there. Like Tom said, once in awhile they would run us over to Japtan for R&R - warm beer and green hot dogs!
I remember upon return to our home port and having lots of paydays saved up we hit the beach. We had to get our land legs back and 30 mph in cab felt like a 130 after bobbing around at sea for that length of time.
Anyway, I thought I would just interject this for you. I'm sure I could think of more but I think you've got the idea.
Robert J. Hall
Box 221
Aurora, Mn 55705
Email: ATF98@NAFTS.com
[ Operation Hardtack1 ]
