494

as

RADIOLOGICAL CLEANUP OF ENEWETAK ATOLL

indicated a need for additional crater investigations to develop a

comparison between airblast and crater-related kill/damage probabilities
against hard targets. Since the backbone of the empirical data base crater,

were those in the Pacific and included Mike, Koa, and Oak Craters a

Enewetak, it was important to determine the credibility and relevancy of
those craters as a data base. Following a period of technical review, it was

decided at DNA in October 1979 that additional crater investigations

would be undertaken. Despite the fact that demobilization of the Cleanup
force was already underway, the presence of substantial resources on the
atoll in support of the cleanup requirement provided an excellent
opportunity to conduct theadditional investigations at minimal cost.
The concept for the test required the deployment of an overwater/

overland seismic telemetry system to study crater formation, refraction,

seeoe

awe em ee ee

compaction, andprofiles. The technical investigation and the operation of
the telemetry system were contracted to Fairfield Industries, Inc. The test
direction, operational aspects, and support responsibilities were assigned
to Field Command. Dr. Byron Ristvet, of the Test Directorate, Field

Command, was assigned as the Technical Director and wasassisted by

Captain Robert Couch, USAF, Air Force Weapons Laboratory, Kirtland
AFB, the Deputy Technical Director.
With the demobilization effort in an accelerated state, the remoteness of
the EASI operational area; i.e., northern islands from Enjebi west and
south beyond Bokoluo to the Oak Crater, the safety and well-being of the
project personnel were paramount. Potential hazards to the EASI
operation were great. Isolation of the EASI team, austere support in the
northern islands, limited communications, hazards of operations at the
northern and western reefs, adverse weather and the possibility of
typhoons, harsh climate, environmental! and health hazards, and other
potential dangers emphasized the high-risk nature of the project and
mandated detailed planning and coordination with the JTG. Additionally,
the difference in risk between operations at the Mike and Koa Craters,
near Enjebi, and those at Oak Crater, remotely located on the western
reef, prompted an operational decision that initial operations would be
conducted at the Mike and Koa Craters and, after experience was gained
there, Field Command would decide whether or not any operations at Oak

Crater would be attempted.>2

After discussions with the project participants and the JTG, Field
Command recommended to DNA that a small base camp beestablished
on Enjebi to support the project. Basing on Enjebi would permit more
effective operations in terms of time available for the survey and minimize
wear and tear on boats, fuel consumption, and interference with final
cleanup, demobilization and rehabilitation tasks. The support
requirements included: dedicated boat support (LCM-8, two whalers) for

Select target paragraph3