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 Clearly, operations at Kwajalein were intense during the early months of the target fleet's presence. The order from CNO to remove additional ammunition prevented the dissolution of the Ammunition Disposal Unit and forced work to continue, apparently with the same personnel (Reference C.0.26). From 1 September 1946 to 31 December 1946, 5,734 badges were issued to personnel of this unit. The period of heaviest issue was September and October: thereafter, very few badges were issued (Reference C.13.4).

The deck logs of Conserver and Current indicate that these ships were extremely busy during this period in mooring, diving, towing, and housekeeping operations on the target fleet at Kwajalein. Between 31 August and 30 November 1946, 14,532 personnel decontaminations (similar to those described in Chapter 2) were carried out aboard the change ship APL-27, an average of 158 each day (Reference C.13.7).

In October the preliminary examination and securing of target ships at Kwajalein was completed. On 1 October, CNO directed that upon dissolving JTF 1, these ships and their caretaking unit be turned over to CINCPAC.

TARGET SHIP ACTIVITIES AFTER JOINT TASK FORCE 1 DISSOLUTION

In accordance with directives of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), steps were carried out rapidly to complete the work of the task force and to turn over operational control of all units to appropriate commands. As of 24 October no ships or units remained under the operational control of the CJTF 1, and only staff activities were left. The task force was formally dissolved on 1 November 1946 (Reference C.9.206, pp. V-(D)-5 and V-(D)-6).

In all, 63 target ships (12 were remanned after CROSSROADS) passed through Kwajalein. Of these, 41 remained at Kwajalein until sunk. These ships were radiologically contaminated and could not be disposed of until cleared by CNO and Radiological Section BuShips.

On 31 January 1947 Chief BuMed issued additional safety regulations for work on the target ships. The potential internal radiation hazard was emphasized. The exposure of persons boarding ships was to be kept to a minimum, and their exposure was to be appropriately interrupted to reduce the chance of injurious effects. All persons who were to board target ships and who might encounter radiation were to have a preduty physical examination. All personnel connected with work on target ships were to have monthly physical examinations with special attention to their hands. Each individual was to have a weekly urinalysis, including a gross beta count.

Various measures were to be taken to protect the men while at work. A change house was to be provided where the men would dress in hard hats, coveralls fastened at the neck, canvas or rubber gloves, canvas booties over their boots or work shoes, appropriate breathing apparatus, and goggles. Each man was to have a film badge pinned on the left breast of his coveralls. The tolerance limit was 0.1 R per 8-hour day. A work party could not board target vessels without the permission of the radsafe unit and each party had to be accompanied by a monitor. While aboard a target vessel, the men were not to

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