Operation Sandstone was the second test series to be held in the Marshall Islands, but it differed from the first series (Crossroads, 1946) in that it was primarily an Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) scientific test series with the armed forces serving in a supporting role. Its purpose was to "proof-test improved design" atomic weapons, whereas the purpose of Crossroads was to test nuclear weapons effects on ships.
The weapons were tested at Eniwetok by a joint military and civilian organization designated Joint Task Force 7 (JTF 7). This was a military organization in form, but contained military, civil service, and contractor personnel of the Department of Defense (DOE) and the AEC. The commander of this force was the appointed representative fo the AEC and reported to both the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Commander in Chief, Pacific.
Peak DOD numerical strength at Sandstone was approximately as follows:
Uniform military 9,890
DOD civilians 350
DOD contractors 126
Total 10,366
Three weapons were detonated during Sandstone:
X-Ray on April 15 from a 200 ft tower on Enjebi Island 37 kt.
Yoke on 1 May from a 200 ft tower on Aomon Island 49kt
Zebra on 15 May on a 200 ft tower on Runit Island 18kt.
From Operation Sandstone Fact Sheet DNA.
United States Atomic Veterans
Frank Potts was an Aerographer's Mate aboard the USS Mt McKinley.
Richard R. Johnson served as a Navy Electronic Technician on Eniwetok.
Robert Kiester served as QM3 aboard the USS Mt. McKinley.
Edward Monahan was on the 2nd USS Helena CA75.
Robert Oakes was with the Personnel Unit 2nd Engineer Special Brigade.
Harrison Scott was a Marine Guard aboard theUSS Curtiss.
Lyle Watson was the Personnel Clerk in the 532nd Engineer Boat and
Shore Regiment.
December, 2004--Dean Booster a Signalman 3 onboard the USS Mount McKinley has passed away. |
Harold Criger was an SN onboard the USS Curtiss ( AV - 4 ).
Jack B. Green was an RM1 setting up the Radio Station on Japtan Island.
John R. Cadwalader was a Seaman aboard the USS Mt. McKinley.
Joe King was attached to HHC, 532nd Engineer Boat and Shore Regiment, 2nd Engineer Special Brigade.
Stuart Bigler was an Aerographers Mate aboard the USS Bairoko CVE-115.
Carl Johnson was a MM3 on the USS Curtiss (AV-4).
Bill Fielder was a SA on the USS Marsh DE-699.
Gene Joines was a maintenance S/Sgt with the 514th Weather Recon Squadron.
Hank Ware served aboard the USS Comstock (LSD-19) as a BM3 during Operation Sandstone.
