Page:Operation Crossroads 1946.pdf/67

 :...frequently check radioactivity of various parts of their own ship or craft including underwater hull and all intakes, particularly condensers, boilers, and other pieces where there may be a concentration from contaminated water.

Definitions of the radex area and surface survey sector were changed so that no real difference between them existed (Reference B.0.1, p. E-X-3). Both names were retained, however, since operational personnel were familiar with them. The definitions of the Red and Blue Lines remained the same, but a few special salvage vessels with senior monitors aboard were allowed to operate independently between the Red and Blue Lines. The definitions of the anchorage areas remained unchanged, but a boating area was established where unrestricted movement of small boats was allowed. By implication, small boat traffic beyond that area was more strictly controlled (Reference C.9.206, p. VII-(C)-18).

As before ABLE, training was an important feature of the radsafe organization's activities. Newly arrived monitors were given instruction by experienced personnel. Daily communication drills were held by the Radiological Safety Control Unit using the PGM, LCPL, and drone boat circuits. On 16 July the Radiological Safety Control Unit held a drill on Mount McKinley to train new members of its expanded staff. On 19 July the entire radsafe organization participated in William Day, the joint task force rehearsal for BAKER. So that radsafe personnel would not be caught unaware by new hazards, they met on several occasions with scientists in charge of the BAKER test and were briefed on the expected results (Reference C.9.206, p. VII-(C)-17). The monitors met with the commanders of the LCPLs and PGMs between William and BAKER days. Two more communications drills were held and by 22 July all radsafe personnel and equipment were considered ready (Reference C.9.206, p. VII-(C)-18).

Radsafe operations immediately before and after the BAKER detonation are described in Chapter 4, "Test Operations." Chapter 5, "Post-BAKER Operations: Bikini, Kwajalein, and the United States." continues the discussion of radsafe operations as the contaminated target ships are moved to Kwajalein Atoll and, later, as some of them are returned to the United States for final examination and disposition.

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