Operation Hardtack.
US Atomic Veterans
Richard Peterson
From: RPeter7770@aol.com
Date: Wed, 27 Jan 1999
To: pdxavets@aracnet.com
Subject: Operation Hardtack,
Dear Keith,
I went on active duty with the Navy in Aug of 1957. My first duty station was
at NAB Coronado, CA. in the radio shack as I was a RMSN at the time. We were
part of CTG 7.3 Boat Pool and being assembled for transfer to the Marshall
Islands for Operation Hardtack. Of course no-one knew just what was going to
happen.
In the spring of 1958, we boarded the USS Boxer for transit to
Eniwetok. I remember the first night aboard, they discovered bed bugs in our
compartment and they had to fumigate the ship before we were allowed back into
the spaces. When we arrived at Eniwetok atoll, we were transferred by LCM's
to Parry Island which is the one just north of Eniwetok.
My duty station was
the radio shack and we worked closely with the Air Force and their
communication station which was in the same building as ours. There was also
a "Ham" station on the island and as I was a licensed ham, I stood duty there
as well. It was the only direct contact we had with the civilians back in the
states. We had a 1000 watt SSB station as I remember. Parry island was a
nice enough place and civilian contractors ran the mess hall, movie, bars, and
laundry. The food was terrific. We lived in 8 man tents which had cement
floors and lockers with constantly burning lights to dry the clothes. Showers
had no hot water, but were ok otherwise.
The beach had a shark net surrounding
the swimming area. On shot days, we were taken to the beach and given shot
glasses to wear as well as fresh pastries. I appreciated the fresh rolls!
Don't remember too much about the actual shots except they made one hell of a
noise and you could actually see the shock wave coming. We were not as
frightned after the 1st few when we learned that it would not be fatal for
us! One of our guys rode out a underwater shot by swimming to the diving
platform in the swimming area and he was washed up onto the beach. We never
saw him again as he was transferred out the next day.
I wore a film badge but
never learned the total dose I was exposed to. I don't think I suffered any
ill effects as I am now 60, and seem to be in good health. I did pick up a
skin fungus there from the water but that cleared up soon after returning to
the states. Someday, I'd like to go back to the island to visit, but don't
expect to get that chance.
Thanks
Richard Peterson,
Phoenix, AZ
RPeter7770@aol.com
Keith Whittle
January 28, 1999
Operation Hardtack