From: Hal006@aol.com
Date: Mon, 27 Dec 1999
Subject: USS FALLON APA 81
To: pdxavets@aracnet.com
I was a crew member of the USS Fallon APA 81. It was one of the target ships for Able and Baker. During the tests, I was on the USS Bexar. After test Baker I was temporarily assigned to a sea going tug. While on the tug I was placed in a work crew that was sent to salvage the Fallon which had been beached after it had been damaged in the test.
I cannot remember how many days we were on the Fallon, sometimes for not more than 30 minutes at a time as the tolerance meters said our time was up and we would go back to the tug, throw overboard all clothing, take several showers before the geiger counters would stop singing too loudly. We towed the Fallon off the beach and I was returned back to the Bexar. I was told by the Navy that there was no record of me being on the tug and that I was never exposed to a significant amount of radiation. That is BS.
As far as I know, my health is pretty good.
Just wanted to touch base with you all and do anything I can to help.
Thanks
Hal Williford
E-Mail Hal006@aol.com
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