FOREWORD Aircraft sampling of atomic clouds became one of the great flying adventures of all time. Scientific analyses of cloud debris required retrieval of this material from every feasible continental and overseas test shot and represented in the fantastic activity were not only the 926th Test Squadron (Sampling) but also many flyers, scientists, and.support groups, both military and civilian, In this respect, the subdued style of this history obscures a multitude of. personalities and experiences which if included would have overdrawn resources at hand and delayed the publication of the sampling story indefinitely, It is intended, on the other hand, that this volume will serve both as a history and a guide, There is included certain instructions in graphic detail, general problems are examined carefully, such as scheduling, requisitioning material, and aircraft and personnel under conditions of radiation, so that newcomers might not be totally unfamiliar with sampling as it was done in the past. On 16 August 1961, the 926th Test Squadron (Sampling) transferred from the Air Force Special Weapons Center, to become a part of Air Weather Service, Military Air Transport Service, Along with the transfer went many years of experience and profitable relationships among the Senter and agencies of the Department of Defense, A part of that story is also brought up-to-date as a tribute to the people who participated in this invaluable service toward developing the muclear genie. LWy0ord shown, angen WARD ALAN MINGE Center Historian i AFWL/HO SWEH-2-003, \0