Tom Wells sent email about his duty at Operation Dominic.
From: TommyO@mis.net
To: "Keith Whittle" pdxavets@aracnet.com
Subject: Operation Dominic
Date: Sun, 6 May 2001
Keith, I was in the V-2 Division on the USS Princeton LPH-5 while it was deployed at Johnston Island in the Pacific. We were a part of Joint Task Force Eight during Operation Dominic in 1962. |
Photo from Tom Wells.
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I don't remember the exact dates we were there. The Princeton was manned by both Marine and Navy personnel. V-2 division was entirely made up of Marines with a navy officer, Lt. Starbuck. Our NCOIC was Top Spalding. All in our division had a "helicopter" MOS.
When we arrived at Johnston Island, we learned that we were to evacuate the island of all personnel, except those in the launch bunker, prior to each attempted launch of the Thor rockets. I don't remember the exact count of explosions we observed. I believe that all were night blasts. The military had furnished only half enough of the dark glasses needed to actually observe the fireball, therefore we alternated. I recall that even with the glasses on, the light was so brilliant that it actually hurt yours eyes. Even when they were closed. When we buried our eyes in the bend of our arm and had our eyes closed, you could see through your arm to the bone. It was like looking at an xray.
We were issued two different types of small dosimeters. I heard of no readings ever being above the safe limit. Everyone joked about the dosimeters. The appeared to be small plastic matchboxes. There were always the questions going about concerning the "safety," questions about fallout, etc. The answers were always the same, "No danger." We were told that the fallout would dissipate in the high altitude winds. I really believe that most of the bad calls and decisions made back then were made due to simple ignorance. They were dealing with something that they knew no more about than we did.
I remember how concerned we were the first few times while waiting for the shock wave to hit. We anticipated very rough seas and who knew what else. When it arrived, it was like a medium earthquake. Everything on the ship shook and rattled. I remember the order having been given to close all overhead rollup doors on the hangar deck. The shockwave caused them to shake like they were being torn loose. I stand to be corrected, but I believe that all external decks and catwalks were secured during this time.
When the personnel from the island were brought onboard, it was a little unorganized. Most of them milled around on the hangar deck, not knowing what to do. There seemed to be a lot of seasickness. Most had never been on a ship.
There were a couple of days when we were offered the opportunity to go on the island for beer and the beach. I never took this opportunity, but rather chose to go fishing. They took some of the launches and those who wanted to fish and went inside the reef. We spent the day fishing. We caught several small sharks and other fish. That was the only time we were off the ship.
I have always thought fondly of the experience at Johnston Island. I never (until recent years) realized the dangers that lay ahead. In March, 1999, the problems started. I was diagnosed with Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma. This was done at the VA Medical Center in Lexington, KY. Let me state up front that I think the VAMC in Lexington is one of the finest facilities in the country. It is connected with the UK Medical Center. The care I have received there has been second to none. About eleven months into this ordeal, while visiting my primary care doctor about a blood pressure problem, I mentioned to her about my experience at Johnston Island. Prior to this, I had no thought regarding the possible cause of my cancer. On her own, she requested an "Ionizing Radiation exam" for me and told me about it. It took almost another year before this exam was done, but finally it was. No one had ever mentioned "filing a claim". I knew nothing about this. At the exam, the lady mentioned that I should do so and in December, 2000, I did. I really don't know the status of my claim at this time, other than I have received two letters telling me that it is still being processed. The lady who did the exam, told me that I had a valid claim and that she was sure it would be approved. The social worker at the VAMC told me that I should not start calling about the claim since this has a tendency to slow things down. She said it can take up to a year to find out if it was approved.
I had asked and looked for information concerning others who had been at Johnston Island and had been unable to locate anything substantial. On Monday, 4/30/2001, while checking my email, I decided to try again. I went to Yahoo and typed in Johnston Island. A page appeared with a picture of an island which I immediately recognized. It showed pictures of a marina, golf course, theater, ball field, etc. That was not exactly how I remembered the island. From this page, I was lead to your page, Keith. From that point to this, I have been online and at your site every minute I can. I have been in contact with Claude Burpee and he has sent me an application to NAAV.
Thanks for all your assistance and keep up the good work. I want to get actively involved in this matter. If there is anything I can do, please don't hesitate to let me know.
Tom Wells
Morehead, KY
Email: TommyO@mis.net
Keith Whittle
May 9, 2001
[ Operation Dominic ]
