OPERATI
Operational procedures consisted primarily of flying routine weather
reconnaissance missions in support of the Project.
Training was con-
tinued resulting in upgrading two pilots to 13240.
A Navigational study
program was initiated, directed toward completion of the study guide for
the Senior Observers Exams.
Flying Safety was re-emphasised thru two
meetings for all aircrew personnel.
To date the Element's accident record
is spotless.
The nonth's activities were highlighted by the detonation of two
nuclear devices; "Bravo" shot at 0645 hours on 1 March, and "Romeo" shot
at 0630 hours on 27 March.
WRECEP participated in these missions in ec»
cordance with TG 7.4 Operations Order 2-54, Annex M.
All briefings and preparations for WRNECEP flight crews were completed
on the day preceding the shot.
Prinary and stand-by flight crews were
briefed; aircraft loaded and pre-flighted; and the pre-take-off positioning
plan executed.”
"Wilson #1" mission for the "Bravo" shot, performed a heavy elemert
Sanpling mission.
This required thc penctration of the radio~active
cloud shortly after H Hour.
The "Wilson #2" nission for the Bravo shot performed the combined
duties of radiological safety monitoring and cloud tracking in areas and
at altitudes designated by JIF 7 Radiological Safety Officer.
This
mission utilized a race track pattern, at 10,000, situated 50 miles fron
ground zero and positioned in such a manner so as to facilitate early
detection of any radioeactive cloud, or fall-out, approaching Eniwetok
or Ujelang Atolls.
5.
AFWL/HO
This would then pernit gufficient tine for evacuation
See Appendix A for mission flinsics.
——
(23
La
‘