Eniwetok Clean-up
1977-1980
U.S. Atomic Veterans
Patrick O'Reilly
Patrick O'Reilly sent email about his duty at Eniwetok.
From: "O'Reilly, PatrickX J" patrickx.j.oreilly@intel.com
To: "'Keith'" pdxavets@aracnet.com
Subject: RE: Wetok Clean-Up
Date: Sat, 27 Nov 1999
Keith, thanks for the reply I will be sending you some info as I have to break
out the pictures from that era and relive some times and operations that we
did.
I was in the Eniwetok clean up project in late 70's. At the time I was there I was attached to Harbor Clearance Unit Two out of Norfolk VA. Little Creek Base pier 59 w., later recomissioned as Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit Two. Our mission was two clean up debris and
ordinance on and along the beaches.
In 1977, Christmas, there were lots of plans to have big parties on the
Rock but all were cancelled do to a Typhoon that was heading our way. We were
all evacuated to Guam for three days of R&R. Upon arrival we were told to
stay away from the women but you try telling that to any serviceman who
hadn't seen a woman for three months or so and see where it gets you. We did
find the base liquor locker and had plenty of money so we purchased our
favorite beverages and started to commence operation, how long can we stand
up in public. The base Commander had to open up the clubs for the next three
days to keep us off the streets and all had a grand time. I certainly won't
forget it because when they evacuated us from Wetok it was 26 December, and on Guam it
was 25 December and as time would have it, we stayed until the 28th of December. My 21st
birthday was 27 December on Guam and upon arrival back on the rock it was the
27th all over again with a tremendous hangover from drinking Mai Tais! Never
again, (YEAH RIGHT). I think it was all a put on to get us a little holiday,
but we didn't care it was a great time by all.
Patrick O'Reilly
patrickx.j.oreilly@intel.com
Keith Whittle
November 27, 1999
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