.-YlklATION
BY THE
TEST
DIRECTOR
Operation Simdstone was a unique operation in many ways. It was not only “joint”
with respect to the Services but “joint” in that two independent government agencies, the
National Military Establishment and the U. S. Atomic Energy Commission collaborated.
The requirement to test weapons was an AEC requirement. The National Military
Establishment made the conduct of tests possible.
Operation Sandstone was unique in demonstrating
scientific and military personnel.
a close, harmonious blending of
Operation Sandstone was unique in that a very complicated technical program was
carried out on schedule and with more than gratifying results.
Operation Sandstone is a milestone in the nation’s atomic weapon development program. Laboratory theories have now been proven. New design information is now available. This makes possible increased facility in designing weapons to meet military requirements. Furthermore the national stockpile potential has been greatly increased as a result
of these tests.
The purpose of Operation Sandstone should be kept clearly in mind in reviewing this
report. We did not test the military effectiveness of the weapons detonated; we were interested primarily in determining whether they would work and, if so, how efficiently. Some
tests of military effectiveness were made by Service groups but these tests were secondary
and were designed so as not to interfere with the primary purpose. The fact that these
Service tests were relatively few is due primarily to the shortness of time permitted for the
various Service agencies to prepare experimental programs and the urgency of the primary
purpose.
It is the stated intent of the Commission to conduct tests again as a normal activity in
the weapons development program. It is presumed that the Services will have an opportunity then again to carry out corollary experimental programs. Planning these proaams
well in advance will permit full advantage to be taken of the opportunities offered.
The success of Operation Sandstone indicates that Eniwetok was a good choice for a
Pacific proving ground. The technical installations left in preservation there will be of considerable value in subsequent tests.
AS representative of the Atomic Energy Commission it is gratifying to report complete success. This success is due both to the Los Alamos Laboratory and the personnel of
groups from outside agencies under contact to the Laboratory, and to the support rendered by the military personnel of Joint Task Force Seven and the supporting Services.
If the full benefits of Operation Sandstone are to be realized the planning and technical agencies of the Armed Services must study carefully the results obtained and must present a concrete statement of requirements for new and better weapons to the Atomic
Energy Commission.
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