09-21-1994 12:15
on March 1, 1954.
5162825311
BNL-MED. DEPT.
P.O11
Following detonation, unexpected changes in the wind structure.
deposited radicactive materials on inhabited atolls and on ship of J
#7 which was conducting the tests,
Radiation surveys of the areas r
radiation levels; therefore evacution was ordered, amd was carried o
possible with the facilities available.
Althouth the estimated acc
to human beings were believed to be below dangerous levels that woulfl
produce lasting
injury or mortality the Copmander of the Task Force requested aasisthnce of the
Department of Defense and the United States Atomic Energy Commiasio
was requested which vould be organized to provide the best possible
pos@d persons and to make a medical study of the exposures.
A medical tean
Fare of the ax
The regbonsibility for
organization of the medical team vas shared between the A.med Forceq
Special Weapons
Project D. O. D. and the Division of Blology and Medicine, United Stktes Atomic Energy
Commission,
Since speed was essential ami sinee the United States Navy Medical De~
partment had experienced personnel available at the Naval Medical Ndsearch Institute
and the United States Naval Radiological Defense Laboratory, the Sumgeon General of
the Department of the Navy was requested to provide assistance,
He
and directed the organization of a team from the tvo above mentioned
had the privilege to be the director of this toam,
fpromptly complied
xXboratories.
I
Within a periodjof three days equip-
ment was assembled and packed and the toam was airlifted to the Mar
arriving on the 8th day after the explosion,
The interim care and
qtudy of the ox-
posed individuals hnd been ably taken care of by the limited medica] facilities of the
United Szateo Naval Station, Kwajalein.
I am pleased to call attenfion to the fact
of the very high degree of coopération betveen all government agencies concerned am
to the mumerous individuals who selflessly gave of their time and efforts. The num
ber i9 large and due credit and acknowlaigments are given in the official report of
the incidence published by the United States Sovernment Printing Office and listed
in reference (1).
NATURE OF THE EVENT AND DESCRIPTION CF TNE EXPOSED GROUPS
The radioactive material fell on the inhabited atolls of RongeBap, the heaviest
iO