commander was in position tEdivertit¢
Task Force Commander.
—
Aircraft whose positions were not as critical as the effects aircraft
were directed to a pre-planned H-Hour orbit by the Air Operations Center
Controller and timed around “his orbit in order that they might be at
the pre-determined H-Hour position at time of detonation.
These air~
craft were positioned by the Air Operations Center Controllers in much
the same manner as the Controllers monitored the effects aircraft with
the use of a pre-planned orbit and definite time check points.
Since
the effects of tn detonation on these aircraft was not considered
critical, they had no abort procedures; however, the positions had to
be accurately maintained in order for them to receive the desired test
recults.
This category of aircraft included Search and Rescue (SAR)
aircraft, sampler controller aircraft, photographic aircraft and in-~
strunent carriers.
During the last six (6) minutes prior to a detonation the Com-arder
of Task Group 7.4 kept a constant check on the accurate positioning of
all aircraft in the test array.
During this period he was in constant
touch by "hot line" with the Com-ander, Joint Task Force SEVEN ard the
firing party.
The Comiander, Task Group 7.4 kept the Comander, Jcint
Task Force SEVZN and the.firing party briefed on the safety of the air-
craftpositions.
If necessary, this "hot line" was also his method for
obtaining information about shot delaysor cancellations.
Methods of control in the Bikini Air Operations Center aboard the
USS BOXER were the same as those used in the Eniwetok Air Operations
Povbey
CC:
PLANL |.
4