Operation Castle and Wigwam.
US Atomic Veterans
Eugene C. Pratt
Gene Pratt sent the following email about his duty aboard the USS Curtiss.
Date: Thu, 24 Sep 1998
To: pdxavets@mail.aracnet.com
From: genepratt@mwci.net (Eugene C. Pratt)
Subject: USS Curtiss
Keith:
After completing Boot Camp at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot
[MCRD]-San Diego,(August 1953) I applied for, and was selected to attend
Sea School also at MCRD. While at Sea School [Sept. 1953], several of my
classmates and I were intereviewed by Marine Cpt. James Brannaman, as a
possible candidates for the Marine Detachment-USS Curtiss. I was to find
out later, that Cpt. Brannaman, was interviewing Marines stationed at MCRD,
and other west coast Marine facilities to select Marines for the
Detachment. All Marines serving aboard the detachment were "hand picked".
Although I do not know the criteria for selection, I can say that a thread
of continuity connected all Marines who comprised the Marine Detachment for
Operations Castle, Wigwam, and Surfboard.[1954-56] That being, similar
education levels,outstanding Marine service, similar physical
characteristics,e.g. height, weight, military bearing etc. Able to undergo
and pass background checks, by both Navy Intelligence and FBI. As a result
of these background checks many Marines in the Detachment were authorized
for "Queen" clearances, which allowed them to handle Top Secret materials
and guard certain materials and compartments aboard ship which were "Highly
Classified" and "Off limits" to the general ship population. Virtually, all
of the training received by Curtiss Marines was focused on very high levels
of security.
Once the Detachment boarded the Curtiss, they were immediately
involved in Security activities which included the handling and
transporting of "documents" and eventually "pyrotechnics", which were
actually the "guts" of the devices to be detonated. Marines were on duty
24 hrs. a day, when you were off duty you still had to attend classes
related to Marine training activities.
Once we arrived at the Marshall Islands, I was assigned as the
Marine Orderly for the ship's Executive Officer, I also served as the Marine
Orderly for the ship's Captain, and the Fleet Admiral [Richard Bruton] Task
Force 7.3. Therefore, I was able to know in advance about all "shots", and
the results of those shots as far as destruction, radiation levels etc. I
recall that some shots were far more extensive than planned and this was
not of much concern to the upper echelons. There was also concern that
safety procedures were followed related to radiaton levels. and the ship's
washdown system was activated quickly after the "shots" to ensure a safe
washdown. Personnel were not allowed on the weatherdecks until it was
considered "safe" by those responsible for safety. Just what those safe
levels were...I cannot recall.
I believe most of the devices were detonated above ground or sea
level. The shock waves after a shot were awesome; as was the light from the
detonation(s). Most shots were at daybreak, as I understand, to ensure
that photographs would capture appropriate details. I recall seeing some of
the official photographs, and they were fantastic. After seeing the shots
first hand and then the photographs, I thought, "I have just seen more man
made destructive energy released in one split second than most people will
ever see in their lifetime." I hope none of my children ever have to
witness this sort of thing.
Sgt. Gene Pratt, USMC
Marine Detachment-USS Curtiss
[1954-56] Ops. Castle, Surfboard, Wigwam
Email: genepratt@mwci.net
Keith Whittle
September 25, 1998
[ Operation Castle | Operation Wigwam ]
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