During CASTLE, the fifth nuclear test series conducted in the Marshall
Islands, a serious fallout contamination incident from Shot BRAVO had affected
not only U.S. personnel but Marshall Island residents and Japanese fishermen
as well.
On 27 April, 8 days before the first REDWING detonation, a joint
DOD-AEC press release identified the safety precautions in effect for the
series.
It described the improved fallout prediction capability available and
the extensive monitoring that was to be done both at the Pacific Proving
Ground and beyond.
the Pacific.
It also described programs for surveying marine life in
Moreover, the release stated that the yields of the devices to
be tested were expected to be lower than the largest of those detonated as
part of Operation CASTLE (17: 21,22).
Press observers were invited to view part of the series.
Fifteen members
of the press, the first to observe oceanic tests since the CROSSROADS
detonations of 1946, accordingly witnessed LACROSSE and CHEROKEE.
Seventeen
invited civil defense officials also observed the shots (17: 22).
4.13.2
REDWING Test Operations.
Numerous technical experiments were carried out in conjunction with each
of the 17 detonations.
These experiments measured the yield and efficiency of
the devices and attempted to gauge the military effects of the explosions.
Approximately 11,350 DOD personnel took part in or supported these activities.
Also present at the tests were several thousand personnel from the AEC and its
contractors, a few from other Government agencies, and some foreign observers
as well (17: 2).
Most of the Navy and Marine Corps personnel were on ships operating
around Bikini providing supply, evacuation capability, and other support to
the tests there.
Most of the Army and Air Force personnel were on Enewetak.
All the services had personnel assigned to laboratory organizations whose
operations were conducted on both atolls as well as other locations in the
Pacific (17: 3).
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