7.3 the navy, 7.4 tne Air vorce, and 7.5 the contractors (primarily from tie firm of Holmes and Narver) and Department of Defense people. Tue Joint Task Force concept vas one originated for the Able and saker tests at Bikini Atoll in 1446 and was continued thereafter. been proven It had the most effective and efficient way of combining technical Know-how, military and security interests and an equitable sharing of the knowledge resulting from suci tests. Upon the shoulders of tie Task Force Conmaander, and tine heads of the five sepments of the Force rested Cae responsibility for tne safety of all personnel and the successful execution of the tests. of Marcn 1, Sometime in the varly morning hours 1954, iaformation was received concerning the status of the Snips, personnel and security surrounding 5U,000 square wile zone wiici extended from LU° 15' to 12° 45' nortin latitude and from 160° 35' to 1lvu6° 16' east longitude. Also received was meteorological information concerning wind anu weatiter conditions.: and evaluated, After all data was received the decision was wade to go anead with the first test of tae “Castle series. ‘The code name for the sleeping giant bottled up in its steel and concrete wonb was "Bravo." At one minute, or even a few seconds before 06:45 kilo (local) time on waren 1, 1954, the tragic events which would follow "Bravo's" detonation could nave been prevented, but incredibly, the decision was wade to po ahead, despite an incomplete and somewhat alarming report concerning tne winds avove sulkini.* For "sfike’ shot on iEnewetok in 1952 available wind information showed winds heading to the west from sea * See appendix for ‘rike' and "Bravo' wind direction charts. 79 33h