Operation Redwing
US Atomic Veterans
Roy Rains
Roy Rains sent email about his duty at Operation Redwing.
From: JOHNTERRY@aol.com
Date: July 2003
Subject: Roy Rains
To: pdxavets@aracnet.com
Keith,
I have just learned that a shipmate of mine, Roy Rains, on the USS
Silverstein DE-534, and a participant in the Redwing series of tests in 1956, died of
cancer July 2002. I do not at this time have the exact date.
He had sent his experiences to you concerning the tests.
Sailors my age are getting fewer, and Atomic veterans even fewer.
John W. Smith
5400 Likini St. #401
Honolulu, HI 96818-1706
Ph.: 808-836-5685
From: "Roy Rains" roy_rains@hotmail.com
To: pdxavets@aracnet.com
Subject: Another Atomic Survivor Story
Date: Sat, 26 Jan 2002
Sir:
A Unique Job Aboard the U.S.S. Silverstein (DE 534) During Operation
Redwing.
By Roy C. Rains, STCS(SS), ret.
The first indication that something special was about to happen was when a
new plastic piping called "PVC" with holes drilled in it was installed on
the exterior of the ship. I had been disappointed with our new assignment,
because we were to be the vessel that the movie "Enemy Below" with Robert
Mitchum was to be filmed on. I was close to being picked as the bridge phone
talker and I was excited about appearing on the silver screen.
After reaching the test site, one day at quarters, our dept. CPO stated that
there were only enough smoked glasses for the chiefs and officers to watch
the blasts, but if anyone wanted to volunteer to work for the scientist
riders on board, he would be allowed to watch the blast. I immediately
volunteered.
It resulted in me performing the duties of the scientists while they were
below decks in air-tight and water-tight integrity with the rest of the
crew. I was topside for 12 hrs. immediately after the 7 above-surface blasts
that we directly participated in. My duties were to monitor the air
recording equipment, take water samples and take bathythermograph readings.
The ship would steam directly to the point of impact and then spend the next
12 hrs. circling out while I performed my duties. I had no protective
equipment. In fact, when we completed each mission, I would come down to the
pilot house, the corpsman would read my pocket dosimeter, the bridge watch
would return to the bridge, and I would go below decks, throw my dirty
uniform in my laundry bag, and take a shower.
I was 18 years old and apparently not too well informed. All I really knew
about the A-bomb during the war is that it destructed a town on each drop. I
was completely naive about radiation and we certainly weren't informed as a
crew.
At the age of 64, I have been diagnosed with Merkel Cell Carcinoma. It is a
very rare form of cancer and I have no family history of cancer on either
side. I have tumors under my armpits, on top of both clavicles, and cancer
in my lungs, abdomen and colon. I strongly suspect that Operation Redwing is
the cause.
I am retired military and we are the only ones who have our retirement pay
reduced by the amount of disability pay awarded. Hopefully, that will change
soon with legislation. I read recently that awards can be as high as $2,600.
Perhaps if I qualify, I will draw more than my present retirement pay.
I would appreciate it if someone could inform me as how to access the ship's
log. I would also like to hear from anyone who remembers my specific duties
during the tests.
I would like to express my sincere appreciation to John Smith for contacting
me 2 months ago and providing me with both reunion information and making me
aware of the Atomic Survivors Act.
Good Health to all of you.
Roy C. Rains
760-436-2278
888-887-1181
Email: roy_rains@hotmail.com
Keith Whittle
January 30, 2002
[ Operation Redwing ]