From: SNUFFSMIFF@aol.com
Date: Fri, 14 Apr 2000
Subject: Atomic Veteran (Operation Crossroads)
To: pdxavets@aracnet.com
I was on the Saratoga during the Able blast, and we had a few fires on the flight deck, but nothing serious. Old Sara was too big for any one bomb to sink.. so..The Baker test was detonated a few yards away, and I talked my bunk mates into just taking our overnite bags along to the P.A.
We were transferred to.. well as you know by one picture, the old Sara looked like it was standing on end, and 7 hours later it slid under Bikini Lagoon!! Needless to say, I had tears in my eyes, but not for my ship!! I'd left all my personal possessions plus my full seabag aboard.. Now my gear sleeps with the fishes, and it cost me plenty to get ready for first inspection when I transferred to the Fall River.
No wonder my grandkids say, "Gramps not getting older, he's getting odder."
I got into the Radar department and ended up 2nd Class when my final enlistment was up!!
Thanks again.
See Ya,
Snuffy Smith
Email: SNUFFSMIFF@aol.com
[ Operation Crossroads ]