that atoll.
d.
Preparation for LACROSSE progressed so successfully that the scheduled
date of detonation was advanced to 28 April.
However, as a result of unfavorable
weather conditions it was not detonated untit 06254 on 5 May,
shot at Eniwetok.
This was a ground
The performance of the device was so satisfactory that the
back-up shot, PAWNEE, which was scheduled on a contingent basis, was dropped
from the schedule,
e.
The CHEROKEE event was the first U, 5. drop of a thermonuclear weapon,
Delivery was made from a B-52 and proved conclusively that this type aircraft
is entirely suitable for the free-fall delivery of WEEweapons,
Due solely
to an error by the bombardier, however, the target was missed by about 19,000
feet.
All preparations for the shot were completed on 7 May, but because of
unfavorable weather conditions at Bikini it was delayed until 0551 on 21 May,
On 20 May a Japanese fishing vessel was detected by the task force patrol
planes in the northeast part of the danger area.
After being directed to
proceed in a northerly direction, the vessel cleared the danger area at 0130
on 21 May.
Due to insignificant radiological contamination of the Bikini
islands, early reentry and recovery of scientific data proceeded with dispatch.
f.
ZUNI was detonated on the ground at Bikini at 0556 on 28 May, and two
hours later YUMA was detonated on a tower at Eniwetok.
This was the first time
that two shots had ever been fired on one day in the PPG.
No difficulty with
contamination was expected or experienced in connection with YUMA because of
its low yield,
The absence of significant contamination and predicted high
water waves at ENYU Island, the base camp at Bikini, permitted early reentry
and recovery operations.
Off atoll sites at Kwajalein, Wetho and Rongerik
were alerted to the possibility that ZUNI might produce high water waves;
however, none occurred at those locations,
By the afternoon of shot day,
normal work was resumed at both atolls in preparation for subsequent detonations.
g.
CorenCE
ERIE was detonated on a tower at Eniwetok at 06154 on 31 May,
The
cloud trajectory forecast indicated that the Kwajalein-Guam air route would
become contaminated at altitudes 30,000 feet and below.
Consequently CUTF-~7
recommended to CINCPACFIT that this air route be closed for a 12 hour period
4