aeeReT CHAPTER OPERATION CASTLE THE ; ASK GROUP Operation CASTLE, the fifth in the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) series of overseas nuclear weapons tests, was conceived in April of 1952. Originally the operational phase was scheduled for about 1 September 1953, but this date was later set back to January of 1954. The tests were conducted in the Marahall Islands, at Eniwetok and Bikini Atolls in the AEC Pacific Proving Ground. In May of 1953, the Joint Chiefs of Staff approved the revised CASTLE force requirements and directed the Chief of Staff, United States Air Force (USAF), to support Joint Task Force SEVEN (JTF SEVEN) by providing an Air Task Group (7.4) composed of units and detachments to conduct the Air Force's role, and allied fimctions, in the operation.ILLUSTRATION 1, opposite page, shows the organization of Joint Task Force sia. BEST AVAILABLE COPY The mission of this Air Task Group (ATG) was to: 1. Provide, operate and support the aircraft necessary to col- 2. Operate adequate aircraft operations and maintain facilities, 3. Provide intra-atoll and inter-island air transportation, lect and record data as specified by the scientific progran, 4. Provide weather reconnaissance, analysis and forecasting services, 5. Augment existing search and rescue activities, 6. Augment logistical and administrative communications 7. Provide and operate aircraft control facilities at Enivetok.” facilities, and SPCRET I