CHAPTER 1 OVERVIEW INTRODUCTION Purpose CASTLE was a test series in which six nuclear fusion devices were detonated at the Atomic Energy Commission's (PPG) (AEC) Pacific Proving Ground at Enewetak and Bikini atolls in the spring of 1954. Table 1 lists the detonations. ( Table 1. CASTLE detonations, 1954. Date Assigned Name Location . 1 March BRAVO Bikini; sandspit off Nam Island 27 March ROMEO Bikini; barge in BRAVO crater 7 April KOON Bikini; surface of Eneman Island 110 KT 26 April UNION Bikini; barge in lagoon off Iroij Island 6.9 MT 5 May YANKEE Bikini; barge in UNION crater 13.5 MT 14 May NECTAR Enewetak; barge in MIKED crater 1.69 MT Magnitude . 15 MT? 11 MT Notes: One kiloton equals the approximate energy release of the explosion of one thousand tons of TNT; one megaton equals the approximate energy release of the explosion of one million tons of TNT. b10.4 MT, IVY series detonation in 1952. This report documents the participation of Department of Defense (DOD) personnel who were active in this test series. Its purpose is to bring together the available information about this atmospheric nuclear test series pertinent to the exposure of DOD personnel, both uniformed and ciThe report attempts to explain the reasons that DOD 25 tw vilian employees.