Operation Redwing
US Atomic Veterans
Billy Wayne Hammonds
Billy Wayne Hammonds sent email about his duty at Operation Redwing.
From: "sham" sham@cox-internet.com
To: pdxavets@aracnet.com
Subject: Operation Redwing
Date: Sat, 20 Sep 2003
Billy Wayne Hammonds, SN, USS Navasota, 40106. Assigned duty, 2nd division deckforce/supply division, assigned duties as Shipserviceman working in ship's laundry. I was on the Navasota during Operation Redwing.
I am 67 years old now and am in good health as far as I know. I suffer no ill effect's from the test conducted during Operation Redwing as of this date, nor do I know any crew members who do. I consider Operation Redwing, a rewarding experience and a value to our nation.
With that said, let me make the following points. Liberty was non-existant. After we were on duty station a few days, we were allowed to go over to the island in landing boats for R&R. There were about 6 old palm trees left from WWII and some old rusty landing boats, left from the same era. No shade, and the days were very hot. The beer was hot and no ice for mix drinks. The beach was small, but the water was beautiful. So clear you could see bottom anywhere. We were allowed to swim. There's lot's of sharks in this area of the sea. They put motor launches between swimmers and open sea with M-1's to keep sharks away. After about 3 hours of no shade, hot beer, and mix drinks, we were loaded into landing boats and carried back to the ships. During this return trip, you were subject to get into a fight, or be vomitted on by a drunk shipmate. One trip to R&R was enough for me.
Night fishing was great. This area is one of the richest fishing grounds in the world. Only trouble, you couldn't eat any of them because of contamination. Ships movies were worse than today's TV shows. We would trade with other ships, but seem's like we would get the same one's over and over. We had some shipmates, who put on country music shows. They were really very good.
Back to the tests, as I remember them, we were outside at quarters for all tests but one. They were always very early in the morning. We were told to turn away from the blast site and cover our eyes with our hands. You could see the light with your eyes closed and covered. The largest test was conducted with crews inside and under cover. Some minutes after the blast, our damage control crews were put in rain suits and rubber boots and told to check the ship for radiation contamination. It checked out very high on the outside decks. Dc crews were ordered to wash down the entire ship with water and take readings again and hot spots were rewashed. Then routine duties went on as usual.
When tests were over, we sailed to Japan. I can't tell you how good it was to go ashore and have some female company. I was sad to read of the demise of the AO-106. She was a great ship. She served her country and crew well. I wish all who served on her, the very best.
I now live in Jacksonville, Texas. I am retired along with my wife. We have 3 fine children and 4 grandchildren. A grandson is in the Air Force in Korea.
Billy Wayne Hammonds
Email: sham@cox-internet.com
Keith Whittle
September 20, 2003
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