0D
r
for the operation.
Back-up aircraft were quickly airborne in all cases
and the mission succesafully executed.
Although there was minor damage to the landing strip at Bikini and
considerable debris had to be removed, it was reopened to air traffic at
1700 M Time on Shot Day.
The fall-out on inhabited islands during and
after ROMEO was minor, and re-entry of Bikini Atoll was accomplished on
the evening of ROMEO Day, thereby allowing early sample recovery.
of the heavy fall-out went to the northwest as predicted.
Most
However, a
secondary fall-out was noted on the morning of D plus 2 days.
In preparation for ROMEQ, the Communications Element had to send
men to Rongerik on D minus 1 to service and turn on the homer, and to
.
NAN to inspect, service check and turn on the homer, Racon and VHF trans-
mitters.
A PEM or SA-16 rm into Rongerik on D minus 1 was set up for "
three Communications personnel, a Rawinsonde team and a radiological
safety monitor.
This trip was just as faithfully postponed each night,
as a direct result of the twenty-fouw and forty-eight hour shot delays.
One phenomenon observed on BRAVO Day was also evident on ROMEO Day:
the Kwajalein multiplex circuit went out immediately after the shot and
remained out for several hours.
In addition, two CW circuits to Kwaja-
lein were out for an hour after the shot.
Indications were that perhaps
some electromagnetic aspect of the detonation was interfering with long-
haul circuits.
Task Group 7.2 (Army) had the same trouble on their Hono-
lulu circuits.
Both were out for at least an hour.
The Command Ship was again successful in performing its mission dw
ing ROMEO.
Positive control of all aircraft was continuously maintained
throughout the mission.
nswHO
No radar, IFF or communication failures occirrad.
Ye