Operation Greenhouse
1951
US Atomic Veterans
Charles L. Wisner
From: cwisner@tampabay.rr.com
Date: Mon, 23 Nov 1998
To: pdxavets@aracnet.com
Subject: information
I would like information and data relating to the Atomic Tests performed
during 1951-1953 in the South Pacific [OPERATION GREENHOUSE]
My US Navy Patrol Squadron was assigned to Kwajalein Island in the
Marshall Islands and my plane was exposed to the "fall out" during
patrol of the area.
A friend was telling me about a 2-3 page list of Atomic Tests and related
incidents of exposure. I want to confirm that I was exposed during the
above period.
Thanking you in advance,
Charles L. Wisner
USN 1948 - 1962
cwisner@tampabay.rr.com
One of several Captains Inspections during our "short stay on Kwajalein for " Operation Greenhouse" in 1951 | 
Photos from Chuck Wisner.
Click on the picture for a larger view. |
The Electric Shop crew | 
Click on the picture for a larger view. |
The Flight line at "our" end of the island. "Operation Greenhouse" April 24, 1951. I understand that three (3) planes received "exposure", not one (1) Plane # 4,6, 9 but I have no documentation. | 
Click on the picture for a larger view. |
Picture two of the Flight Line | 
Click on the picture for a larger view. |
Kwajalein Reception Center at landing field. Temporary home of Air Force, Army, Marine, and VP 931 for "Operation Greenhouse" February - September 1951. | 
Click on the picture for a larger view. |
Kwajalein Temporary home of Air Force, Army, Marine, and VP 931 for "Operation Greenhouse" February - September 1951. | 
Click on the picture for a larger view. |
Charles L. Wisner
USN 1948 - 1962
cwisner@tampabay.rr.com
In answer to your inquiry:
Charles L. Wisner AE2 USN
Squadron: VP931 Assigned to Kwajalien, Marshall Islands
I believe the Captain's name was Payson ???
Mission: Air Patrol of Target Area and related waters.
My aircraft (9 crewmembers) was given a patrol vector to fly as well as a
specially equiped Air Force B-29. It was suppose to fly through the outer edges of the
cloud. We were to keep the fishing boats, etc. from coming into the area.
I came across
two names of guys in my Division while there:
Benjamin Reese AECPO USN and
Glen Knutson AE1 USN
Somehow ??? our assigned coarses were reversed When the plane landed at
Kwajalien, all including the plane were washed down and placed in isolation.
Nothing was said or heard of since - until 1989.
I hope this helps!
Charles L. Wisner
USN 1948 - 1962
cwisner@tampabay.rr.com
cwisner@tampabay.rr.com
--Keith Whittle
November 28, 1998
Operation Greenhouse
