imporzance of the congested parking situation.
During the night of 1 March, word was received from the weather
station at Rongerik that they suspected heavy radiological contemination
at their Site.

Captain Louis 5. Chrestensen was dispatched to Rongerik

Atoll to survey the situation.

Upon arrival there, he discovered thut

the radiation was indeed serious, anc in view of his inability to

establish reliable communication with Enisvetok, mace the decision to
evacuate ali personnel.

This was accomplished expeditiously and nis

action alleviated what cculd have been a most serious hazard to the
weather station porsonnel.

A detailed report of Capt. Chrestensen's

actiioic ig attached as Tab "2",

Jt is noteworthy thaw tne accuracy

of the first report received from Capt. Chrestensen was questioned sy =~
Padiolegical Safety personnel of the Task Force Headquarvers since =

tnere had been no previous experience with such fall out at cuch a
distance from shot point. (110 miles)
fhe test ccenducted on 1 March resulted in ratner extensive damuge to the effects B-36.

This included numerous fairings damaged Ly

blast and heat and severely buckled bomb hay doors,

The base shops,

cperated by the 4932nd Test Support Squadron and augmented vy perscnnel
frou the SAC Detachment, conducted the necessary repairs to place the
damaged doors back in opefating condition and to ropair the damagod.
Tairings.

The scope of some of this work was corsirerabiy ocyord vhat

is normally expected of a field maintenance snon.
given to the shops personnel for a fine job,

17

Uredit mrst be

.

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