IV this was to polish the surfaces so that contaminated particles could not cling to the aircraft,” Dr. Alvin G. Graves, Test Director for Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory, wrote the Special "eapons Center to emphasize these points.” And, on the basis of this letter, the Center's staff took action to obtain F-8 sampler aircraft and pilots .° | The 925th Test Group (Atomic) underwent some adjustment for UPSHOT/KNOTHOLE. During testing in ‘evada, operations, maintenance, and personnel for sampling had been secured at the test site on a shot- to-shot basis, The new planwas to organize a provisional unit to furnish these personnel and functions at all times. The 925th established Operations Unit Number One (Test)Provisional on 23 February 1953 under Lieutenant Colonel James A, Watkins. The new organization would not only secure personnel and equipment for the support of the tests in Nevada. but also train personnel and execute modifications on the F-8) sampler aircraft, | When the unit was finally located at: Indian Springs Air Force Base, it had nine F~8 sampler aircraft, one B-50 sampler control aircraft, and two B-29 samplers.” | . The F-8)G aircraft for sampling moved to Kirtland Air Force Base while the pilots came from Strategic Air Command and from the 925th, Many were fighter pilots returning from Korea, Of the twenty who finally - — flew sampler missions during Operation UPSHOT/KNCTICLE, only two had had previous experience and could lend advice. These were Saptain Wilburn S. Rose and Captain Harvey S. Stockman who had been with the Test Aircraft Unit during Ivy.” 82 APWLZHC | SWEH-2-003), \0\