JQ
Carl Lyon's Files
'J-3 Handbook, 1959," J-3-W-95, 14 August 1959"
This lengthy document was written by Task Group 7-1 just before the Group was
‘ommally deactivated during the moritorium at the end of August 1959.
It seems to.
ray that, after deactivation of the Task Group, the LASL J-3 Group will be what will
remein of the 7.1 organization and this document is being written as a guide and
mackground from prior experience for facilitating rapid expansion of J-3 to a Task
‘roup 7-1 should the need arise in the future.
The document contains much background of how the Task Force and Task Groups were
anned and operated during previous test operations through HARDTAEK; how the nuclear
esting operations were ectually carried out, with &n emphasis on the fact that the
ask Force supported the sclentific weapons testing and data gathering; information
a the overseas test sites (Eniwetok, Bikini, Jopnstong, and, Christmas) and NTS;
aformation on how the various types of shots (air drop, bal!oon, missile, etc.)
2Ye carried out ; make-up and manning of the staff organizations of Task Group
-L; and the number of the specific details of preparing for, activating the
xilities and resources, and executing an actual test operation as well as the
wbsequent roll-up.
A copy of this informational document hopefully can be obtained on‘loan and
‘Led in our safe.
Note that this 1959 document, under "Test Site Information," states:
"Since
e EPG is part of the trust territories and may be subject to extrainternational
‘Litical pressures that could prevent its use in the future, Christmas Island,
e British test area, has also been briefly described in this chapter as a possible
st site."
As for open sea operations (such as ARGUS), “for surface open sca shots,
d AEC feasibility study in January 1959 recommended an area 300 miles south of
lo, Hawaii."
As for Christmas Island, it is noted that much detail is contained