Operation Redwing
US Atomic Veterans
Jim Pruitt
Jim Pruitt sent email about his duty at Operation Redwing.
From:klipper1@msn.com
To: Web Editor
Subj: Operation Redwing
Date: Mar. 17, 2002
I joined the Navy in October 1955. At the age of 18. I had my basic training in Chicago (Great Lakes), company 532.
After boot I was sent to the USS McGinty 365. Home port Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. My rate at that time was BT, but later, after returning from the Atomic testing grounds, in the Atoll Islands I became a YN.
I do remember everyone had to be cleared for Top Secret and that we were not to say anything about the test. I wonder why now.
Before the blast we would muster out on deck with our backs to the blast. Then told when to turn around. It looked like you could reach out and touch the fire ball. Then they would have a count down for the after blast that would require you to lean into. Now we did this with no more than are dungares on. Not very smart.
It was interesting to that we made are fresh water from saltwater that was contaminated for drinking, showering, and cooking. It was ok, being ignorant of radiation, because they did'nt tell us anything about radiation and the effects. Nor did anyone ask if I wanted to go or be transfered.
Another thing was the black round things we wore around are necks to measure the amount of radiation we took on. I just wonder what happened to those reports.
Jim Pruitt
USS McGinty 365
1956-1959
Email: klipper1@msn.com
Keith Whittle
March 21, 2002
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