5ECTION
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ORC.AIWATION-COMMAND
STRUCTURE
The organization and command structure of Joint Task Force Seven in most respects
followed standard, war-tested form. In some respects it was unique.
The overall command structure, staff organization, and subordinate commands were
representative of the best experience gained from joint war operations.
The inclusion of an essentially civilian unit within the command structure with a direct
channel to the Commander, presented a unique element in military organizations Further,
this essentially civilian unit included personnel of elements of the military establishment
such as the Naval Research Laboratory, which developed certain test instruments, and the
Army Ordnance Department which developed a remotely-controlled tm.k for collection of
ground radiological samples from the test site. Personnel of the Ordnance Department also
assisted in blast measurement tests. It was apparent that the necessary elements of adjudication had to be exercised by all concerned to make this arrangement function with the
required efficiency.
Command authority was vested in General Hull as Commander, Joint Task Force
Seven, for the conduct of the operation with complete responsibility, He was charged with
procurement of military personnel, was responsible for the security of the operation; and
for its logistical support. Further, the Commander, Joint Task Force Seven, was charged
with the construction of a proving ground at Enlwetok Atoll, and with the proof-testing of
atomic weapons; the tests to be directed by representatives of the Atomic Energy Commission.
The Atomic Energy Commission provided the necessary funds for this operation and
the scientific personnel and equipment to conduct the firing of the weapons and to make the
necessary observations. Not more than three bombs were to be detonated statically in
succession at approximately two-week intervals. Early discussion as to the number of detonations contemplated the possibility of firing of but two bombs. The decision to make
three &tonations resulted from a directive by President Truman.
Two Deputies were designated to assist the Commander, Joint Task Force Seven, Rear
Admiral Parsons, LTSN,and Major General Kepner, USAF, both of whom had served in a
similar capacity during Operation Crossroads. In addition to his assignment as Deputy,
General Kepner also was designated as Commander, Air Forces, with overall responsibility
for the operation of all aircraft.
From the date of its formal activation on 18 October 1947 until 8 March 1948, Joint
Task Force Seven maintained two Headquarters, Joint Task Force Main at Washington and
Joint Task Force Forward at Fort Shafter. However, on 15 February 1948, the two Headquarters were switched and Joint Task Force Main opened at Fort Shaf ter while the echelon
in Washington became Joint Task Force Rear.
On 8 March 1948 the Headquarters was organized into three echelons. Joint Task Force
Main opened aboard the USS Mount McKinley and remained there until the close of the
Operation. Joint Task Force Seven, Oahu Echelon, with Lt. Col. L. J. Lincoln in charge,
‘ OrganizationChart,Task Group7.1and JTF’Seven.
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