National Association of Atomic Veterans Portland Area Atomic Veterans Operation Crossroads Atom-Blasted Ships Expected To Return to U.S. West Coast From The Tribune-Sun San Diego, Calif. Friday, June 21, 1946 Aboard U.S.S. Appalachian en route to Bikini Some, and perhaps a goodly number, of the ships that will take the blast of the atomic bomb at Bikini on ar after July 1 are expected to sail back to Pearl Harbor under their own power-or perhaps even to the west coast of the United States. This was emphasized today in an order issued by Vice Adm. W.H.P. Blandy commander of the joint task force, which warned all personnel against souvenir hunting aboard vessels surviving the blast. The admiral's warning touches a sore point with scientists back in the states, who have been opposing the Bikini tests, particularly the first test in which the bonb will be exploded high in the air above the target fleet. They have feared that so little damage might be done that the American public would lose its faith in atomic bomb efficiency. Blandy said there seems to be an impression in the minds of personnel that all target ships were sent to Bikini to be destroyed. That impression, he declared in today's order to all hands, must be corrected. Survivors will possibly be used for further tests, he explained; he did not specify what kind. His order pointed out that removal of any equipment from target ships by souvenir hrnters might cause inconvenience, discomfort or even danger to personnel. Severe disciplinary action was promised. Operation Crossroads [ Home Page || What's New || Email || Family Mail Call || Notes and Hints ] [ Atomic Veterans, Atomic Test Series and Dates ] [ T-Shirts || Videos ] Information about the National Association of Atomic Veterans [ The NAAV Story || NAAV Medical Data Base Information ] Atomic Veterans History Project © 1997-2000 For use of the material found on this web site, please send us an email with your request.