Operation Hardtack 1
1958
US Atomic Veterans
Bill Hight
Bill Hight sent email about his duty at Operation Hardtack.
From: billhight@home.com
Date: Sun, 21 Mar 1999
To: pdxavets@aracnet.com
Subject: Operation Hardtack
I served aboard the USS Chanticleer ASR-7, during the period of April - May,
1958 in Eniwetok. I was a DC-3(DV). We set instruments for the underwater
blast and also as a rescue vessel for the submarine that was submerged for the
blast. I can't remember the name of the sub, but I think it was the SS
Bonita.
If my memory is correct, they were down and we were 2000 yds behind
them. We set instruments encased in torpedo casings using compasses to set
them. I remember diving to a depth of 150 ft. Our Master Diver was Chief
Cornell and Chief Robert Sheets. We retrieved the instruments.
I remember
diving in one of the lagoons for giant ram head clams, before the blast. I
know that there was a blast at Bikini, we watched that one.
I was in charge
of installing the wash down system aboard the Chanticleer on the way from
Pearl to Eniwetok, which consisted of plastic pipe and a few nozzles, which
did a lot of good.
As a damage controlman it was my responsibility to man the
Geiger counters, we did not know exactly what we were doing, but they made a
nice buzz. I remember catching fish and buzzing them. More later. I did get
a nice tan.
Sincerely,
Bill Hight
March 29, 1999
Email: billhight@home.com
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