Operation Greenhouse
US Atomic Veterans
Leland D. Searles
From: N54173@aol.com
Date: Tue, 2 Aug 2005
Subject: Operation Greenhouse:
To: pdxavets@aracnet.com
I was a member of a USN Aircrew that arrived on Eniwetok April 5, 1951 who
were there to await our transport of samples from drone aircraft to the States
following a nuclear test. The test was conducted some 12 miles distant from the
airfield on April 10, 1951. We departed following the detonation and stopped
only briefly at Hickam AFB to re-fuel.
During the days prior to the test we were able to enjoy some great swimming
and good mess with an Army group. On the morning of the test I and other crew
members were standing along the airstrip to both witness the test and later to
observe air operations. One of the small drones, an F80 as I recall, failed on
return landing and crashed offshore closeby. We saw the detonation and saw
the shock wave ( a single loud report ) on the waters surface as it came our way
Our crew wore dosimeters and like others never heard the results, however,
for several years after, I received periodic mail inquiries from the Navy
inquiring as to my general health.
Your accounting of Operation Greenhouse is the only mention of the test that
I have ever seen.
Leland D. Searles
USN 1948-52 -- Navy Squadron
VR-3 (Aircraft #M56495)
Moffett Field, California
N54173@aol.com
--Keith Whittle
August 7, 2005
Operation Greenhouse