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10 March 1954 .

MEMORANDUM FOR RECORD
SUBJECT:

Frotection of Transient Shipping During Operation CASTILE

1. In order to provide protection for transient shipping in the
region immediately outside the Eniwetok/Bikini Danger Area during
Operation CASTIE
factors were established end a plan of
action placed in effect as follows:
ae

Planning factors:

(1) CASTLE clouds more than 24 bours old should not be
hasardous

(2) 24 hour travel of a CASTLE cloud should be approrimately 500 nautical miles.

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Plan:

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(2)

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(2)

The Comsander in Chief, Pacifie Fleet was requested
to wake advance diversions of shipping outside a
sector area from southwest clockwise through north
to east to 500 nantical miles from ground sero fros
H to H plus 24 hours.
P2V aircraft were planned to sweep the significant

forecast sector of cloud travel, using visual and
search radar methods of sightings coat to 800 nan-

tical miles on D-2 days, cat to 600 nautical alles

on Del day and, if necessary, in front of the cload
on D day. P2V aircraft crews were directed to ef-

fect diversion on all ships sighted in the sector
area on Del ami D day.

(3)

W-2 aircraft on reutine weather reconnaissance

missions were directed to report all sightings of
surface shipping encountered. Ald sightings were

to be relayed to the Radar center (CIC USS BAT=0zD)
in the TG 7.3 fleet.

(4)

P2V aircraft and destroyer security sweeps were di-

rected for the Eniwetek/Bikini Danger Area. Inform
mation fron these sweeps was channeled to the Radar
center (CIC USS BAIROKD).

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