am. - 2 CHAPTER I OPERATION CASTLE AND THE AIR TASK GROUP Operation CASTLE, the fifth in the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) series of overseas nuclear weapons tests, was conceived in April of 1952. Originally the operational phase was scheduled for about 1 September 1953, but this date was later set back to January of 1954. The tests were conducted in the Marshall Islands, at Fniwetok and Bikini Atolls in the AEC Pacific Proving Ground. In May of 1953, the Joint Chiefs of Staff approved the revised é CASTLE force requirements and directed the Chief of Staff, United States Air Force (USAF), to support Joint Task Force SEVEN (JIF SEVEN) by providing an Air Task Group (7.4) composed of wits and detachments to conduct the Air Force's role, and allied functions, in the operation.+ ILLUSTRATION 1, opposite page, shows the organization of Joint Task Force SEVEN. The mission of this Air Task Group (ATG) was to: | 1. Provide, operate and support the aircraft necessary to collect and record data as specified by the scientific progran, 2. Operate adequate aircraft operations and maintain facilities, 3. Provide intra-atoll and inter-island air transportation, 4. Provide weather reconnaissance, analysis and forecasting services, 5. Augment existing search and rescue activities, 6. Augment logistical and administrative communications facilities, and 7. Arm Provide and operate aircraft control facilities at Eniwetok.* niin