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CHAPTER I
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ORGANIZATION AND MISSION
During March the actual operational phase of Castle commenced.
All efforts until this time were directed toward preparation for the
MATS mission in this test series.
On 1 March 1954 the first "shot" was detonated.
All aspects of the
Test Services Unit participation were successful.
The force of this first shot far exceeded expectations,
An immedi~_
.
ate effect on this unit was the unexpected radioactive fall out on
Rongerik, one of the weather islands,
This island was evacuated the
-_
day following the shot (2 March 1954).
-
The problems and details con= .
cerning this incident are contained in the WREP History, Attachment Fo ~
Emergency procedures were established for weather and communications
personnel to land at Rongerik for a short period immediately preceding
each test to start navigational aids and obtain weather data,
On 30
March a letter was sent to TG 7.4 requesting information concerning
the future status of this island=
The dual responsibilities of the SAR Element Commander as mentioned
in the January and February History were resolved during March.
On
10 March this situation was brought to the attention of General DuBose,
Commander, Air Rescue Service, by a message from General Estes<
A meeting was held at Kwajalcin on 17 March to discuss the SAR
responsibilities for Castle.
1.
2.
wait
Attending were General DuBose, Col Disana,
Hq TSUP Ltr Subj "Ops of Rongerik", dtd 30 Mar 54 (TAB #1)
Hq TG 7.4 Msg TGG 3-118, dtd 10 Mar 54 (TAB #2)
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