Richard L. Tharp
Richard Tharp sent this email about his duty during Operation Dominic.
From: Rltlaw70@aol.com
Date: Wed, 6 Oct 1999
Subject: Operation Dominic
To: pdxavets@aracnet.com
I was aboard the USS JOHN S. MCCAIN (DL-3) during the entire
time of Operation Dominic, having served aboard McCain from May, 1960
to June, 1963.
McCain operated around the Johnston Island vicinity during the
Atomic Tests. I'm not sure what role we were to play, but we were there
nonetheless. I didn't see any of the explosions since we were kept below
decks with threats of everything short of immediate execution if we poked
our heads out.
However, I do remember something vividly during this time. I was an ET-2
with training in the repair of TACANS (Tactical Air Navigation Systems). The
USS FORSTER (DER-334) was on post to help guide aircraft to the drop
zones with its TACAN. Pursuant to a request of help for repair of its TACAN,
I, (during the period from 14 to 16 October, 19620 was highlined to Forster.
After detecting the problem (syncro-servo), and having a spare part flew
in from Hawaii, I discovered that we lacked the proper equipment to calibrate
the TACAN.
While sitting in the antenna shell, I had the Captain turn the ship on
various courses, and attempted to manually adjust approximate settings. After
requested jet
fighters were sent in, I talked with the pilots and requested their bearing
readings
from our TACAN, then after comparing this with the bearings we had of them on
our radar, I readjusted the settings and locked them in. All in all, it was
quite a
heady feeling for a 20 year old kid!
Later I was highlined to an Oiler, which in turn highlined me to McCain.
Much
to my pleasure, I was presented with a Letter of Commendation from G. R.
Nagler,
Commanding Officer of Forester, which reads, in part, as follows:
".....In a relative short time the TACAN was restored to full
operation, and this command was able to completely carry
out its mission. Without your assistance, an important
navigational aid would have remained out of commission
during the remainder of "Operation DOMINIC."
"It is with great pleasure that I commend you for
a job "Well Done."
Richard L. Tharp
1508 Stevenson Street
Vinton, Louisiana 70668
Rltlaw70@aol.com
Email Rltlaw70@aol.com
Keith Whittle
October 15, 1999
[ Operation Dominic 1 ]