Gerald Streeter sent email about his duty at Operation Dominic.
From: GeraldStreeter@aol.com
Date: Thu, 25 Oct 2001
Subject: Dominic I
To: pdxavets@aracnet.com
I served aboard the USS
Princeton from 1961-63 as ships company.. I was a L/Cpl, USMC and was
assigned as a photographer, OS Division. During Operation Dominic, we were
attached to the Pacific Fleet Mobile Photo Unit which was brought aboard. As
photographers, we were on the flight deck for all the detonations, recording
in black/white, color, 16 mm movie, and whatever we could lay our hands on.
At the time everything was listed as Top Secret, consequently no photos were
saved. My closest friend, Gene Felcher, and other L/Cpl in the photolab
assisted in disseminating and collecting the "film badges" before and after
each detonation.
I recall one that was either and early or late detonation
and exploded near the surface. The heat was really intense and burned the
backs of our necks as we faced away. Later, when Gene retrieved the badges,
he noted that there was a distinct color change to the badge. He mentioned
this to several people and also when he turned them in. He was told that
this was "not important". Today, Gene has some major medical problems that
I feel are directly linked to Dominic.
All told, I believe we were at
Johnston Island for approximately 6 mos for about 35 detonations. They were
pretty to look at, but at what price. I was involved in some of the early
test questions back in the 70's and remember the government statements that
the detonations at Johnston Is were all submegaton, with the exception of
one.
Later, I went on to become a Radiological Officer for the local
Emergency Government and during one of my training sessions came across the
book entitled " The Effects of Nuclear Weapons", reprinted by FEMA, 1977 in
which it addressed various tests, including Dominic I, II. It was contrary
to the test comments involved earlier.
I enjoyed reading comments by some of
the others involved and they brought back many memories-both good and bad. I
hope to contact some in hopes of re-kindling friendships.
Gerald Streeter
GeraldStreeter@aol.com
Keith Whittle
November 1, 2001
[ Operation Dominic ]