Operation Hardtack 1 Pacific Proving Grounds 1958 DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY -- NAVAL HISTORICAL CENTER

CONFIDENTIAL

From: Commanding Officer, USS MANSFIELD (DD-728)
To: Commander Task Group 7.3

Subj: Operational Phase Report for HARDTACK

Ref: (a) CTG 7.3 INSTRUCTION 03401.1A
(b) CO, USS MANSFIELD (DD-728) conf ltr 050 of 17 May 58 (WAHOO)

Encl: (1) Report of the Operational Phase, Operation HARDTACK
(2) Recommended Weather Balloon Launching Procedure

1. Reference (a) requires a report of the operational phase of HARDTACK; to include an abstract, comments, recommendations and a summary arising therefrom. Reference (b), a report on event WAHOO was submitted under separate cover.

2. Enclosure (1) is submitted herewith, reporting on items noted by reference (a) for the operational phase of HARDTACK. The following is an abstract of the operation for the period from 11 May to 10 June 1958.

a. USS MANSFIELD arrived at Eniwetok Proving Grounds on 11 May 1958 from Long Beach, via Pearl Harbor, taking 11 days in transit. From 11 May to 16 May MANSFIELD was engaged in the operational training exercise WAHOO (reference (b)). Two daytime practices were held on successive days and the exercise itself was held on 16 May. 17 May was devoted to stocking aerological supplies from USS PARKS (DD-884) in DESDIV 11 during the morning and practicing launching of Rawin Balloons, firing of parachute projectiles and HASP rockets for training and practice tracking purposes in the afternoon. MANSFIELD departed Eniwetok the same day for weather station BRAVO where Rawin soundings were taken satisfactorily until 22 May. MANSFIELD returned to Eniwetok on 22 May, replenished fuel and aerological supplies, and was assigned to SAR duties. During this period no SAR incident occurred and liberty was made available to all hands. Between 27 May and 4 June MANSFIELD again was assigned weather station BRAVO experienceng little difficulty in its assigned mission. From 5 t0 7 June MANSFIELD was assigned SAR duties at Eniwetok with the possibility of being assigned as the observing destroyer for exercise UMBRELLA; however, MANSFIELD was sent to Station DELTA PRIME ouside Bikini for further Rawin soundings on 8 June and remained there through 10 June, being autorized to anchor in Bikini at discretion on non-shot days.

3. From the standpoint of planning, it is evident that a great deal of thought and energy went into coordination the activities of Naval units participating Operation HARDTACK. As a result of experience gained and details that have arisen, the following comments and recommendations are submitted:

a. Comments.

(1) RAWIN. RAWIN data prior to arrival at EPG was non-existent. Very little was know as to what was expected, until USS PARKS personnel reported aboard to transfer their RAWIN material, and the Assistant Force Aerologist brought aboard the doctrine.

(a) Recommend that a weather balloon launching procedure be promulgated for study by DD's prior to their arrival at EPG. (Enclosure (1), para. 1 and 2 and enclosure (2)).

(2) LOKI Rockets. Personnel on board were not familiar with LOKI rockets, stowage or use prior to conferring with USS PARKS personnel.

(a) Recommend that LOKI information be promulgated for study by DD's prior to their arrival at EPG. (Enclosure (2), para. 1).

(3) Water Transportation. Boat pool facilities at Bikini were excellent. Boat facilities at Eniwetok were inadequate due primarily to distances involved and facilities available to do the job. Officers and men were required to use hours, and in some cases a good part of the day to do minor jobs that required transportation about the harbor. Transportation for liberty parties, due to the required transfer at ELMER Island, and the infrequency of scheduled trips made liberty an arduous detail. Consequently, liberty parties seldom were of a maximum number. Many man-hours of work among ship's company and high paid civilian help ashore were lost due to lack of more prompt and reliable boat transportation.

(a) Recommend in future operations of HARDTACK nature that more boats and boat personnel be made available. (Enclosure (1), para. 4.c. and 5.b.).

(4) Maintenance. In-port ship's maintenance periods were no available during the period of this report.

(a) Recommend a 3 day in-port upkeep and maintenance period for the purpose of working on equipment and ship's hull areas that cannot be accomplished during either expected or scheduled operating periods. (Enclosure 2, para. 5 concerning sonar gear, MK37 radar and machinery).

(5) Logistics. An increase of 25% monetary allowance on provisions was provided; however, certain improvements in quality of food were not available.

(a) Recommend boneless beef by special cuts be authorized for forces afloat in order to better utilize the additional allowance. (Enclosure (1), para. 5.a).

(6) Communications. Difficulty was experienced in the transmission and receipt of high priority traffic.

(a) Recommend that use of alternate and simultaneous frequencies be employed. (enclosure (1), para. 7.).

(7) Security. Access badges were initially requested on a "need-to-know" basis. Later, all commissioned officers were issued access badges.

(a) recommend CTG 7.3 INSTRUCTION 05512.1A be revised to reflect the situation whereby all commissioned officers require an access badge, or that requirements for access to certain areas ashore be revised. (Enclosure (1), para. 8.).

4. Operation HARDTACK has been a training period for all hands, particularly event WAHOO, as noted by paragraph 2(4)(d) of reference (b). As reflected by comments and notes submitted herewith all hands gained a great deal of first hand experience and knowledge.

(signed)
W.J. MC NULTY

Copy to:
COMDESRON 9

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DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY -- NAVAL HISTORICAL CENTER

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REPORT OF OPERATIONAL PHASE, OPERATION HARDTACK

1. Planning. Planning information received prior to arrival in EPG was in general adequate. However, prior information concerning the procedures involved in taking RAWIN data would have assisted greatly in advance planning and organization of ship's functions. Advance information also on the procedures used in firing LOKI rockets would have assisted in training personnel prior to actual use. Stowage requirements for LOKI rockets were no known ahead of time causing some concern.

2. Training. Other than security indoctrination the training required for Operation HARDTACK consisted mainly of learning the procedure involved in taking and transmitting of RAWIN data, and rehearsals prior to the participation in Exercise WAHOO. The ship experienced very little difficulty in learning the correct procedures for procuring RAWIN data, utilizing well the one-half day period allowed for training purposes. Officer and enlisted instructors from PARKS (DD-884) were aboard during this time and were well versed and most cooperative instructors on the various phases involved. Exercise WAHOO is discussed in reference (a).

3. Movement to Forward Area. No problems were encountered during the movement from Long Beach to Eniwetok Proving Grounds.

4. Operations.

a. Navigation. No outstanding problems in navigation were encountered. However, the aero beacon on FRED Island at Eniwetok Atoll did not agree with navigational plot and eventually was disregarded. Also on NAN Island at Bikini Atoll, a "Middle Tower" not officially plotted on the chart gave excellent results when used in conjunction with the other navigational aids. Location of "middle" tower was provided by USS PARKS. It is recommended that the information concerning the location of this tower (Latitude 11° 31' 30.5", Longitude 165° 33' 56.4") be promulgated for future reference. All other information was adequate and no dragging of anchor was experienced.

b. Track Data. MANSFIELD participation in one exercise, WAHOO, which is covered in detail by reference (b) together with the required track chart, enclosure (1), thereto.

c. Surface Water Transportation. MANSFIELD was not involved in inter-atoll surface transportation. Boat pool facilities at Bikini Atoll proved to be excellent with services for supplies, transfer, liberty parties and pusher boats all readily available. Eniwetok boat schedules were inadequate and did not enable key personnel to carry out assigned missions away from the ship without great difficulty and loss of time. This subject as relates to recreation is discussed in paragraph 5.

d. Operational Area. No unauthorized craft were encountered in EPG danger area.

e. Search and Rescue. Although MANSFIELD was assigned SAR stations on several occasions, no SAR incident occurred.

f. Radiological Safety. No instance involving either the safety of the ship or the crew was noted.

5. Logistics. No period for ship's force maintenance and upkeep in port, as such, was assigned MANSFIELD; however, no equipment casualties prevented MANSFIELD from performing her assigned mission. An inspection of MANSFIELD's Sonar Dome by divers revealed the cause of a "spoking" effect on the sonar indicator to be coral growth on the outside of the Sonar Dome. this was removed and satisfactory operation of the sonar equipment followed. High in-port water injection temperature required the use of high speeds for auxiliary pumps making their operation more difficult. It is recommended that weather observation ships be scheduled for a 3 day minimum in-port upkeep and maintenance period. The continued use of the gyro, the MK37 Director and associated MK25 radar plus other equipment such as the Stable Element and various pieces of engineering equipment does not allow proper time for cleaning and maintenance.

a. Supply. replenishment procedures for provisions were satisfactory with only a normal amount of spoilage, which was expected.

(1) Repair parts requested form NSC, Pearl by message were received in the shortest possible time.

(2) Ship's Store realized a significant increase in sales, particularly in the luxury items line such as watches and jewelry. The lack of storeroom space prevented stocking of many items which would have been desirable for ship's company morale.

(3) It is suggested that destroyer type ships be allowed to order boneless beef by specific cuts so as to better utilize the additional 25% monetary allowance. The normal allowance supplies normal food. If something extra can't be purchased, the additional 25% can't lend to increased morale.

b. Liberty. Recreation facilities at Bikini were considered excellent, due primarily to the efficient boat transportation available that operated on an hourly basis and the location of the recreation area. Recreation facilities at Eniwetok were considered good once the liberty party arrived; however, boat transportation for liberty parties was inadequate due to the infrequent trips, long runs, the need of transferring from boat to boat and the resulting crowded conditions on board the LCU and LCM liberty boats. Several MANSFIELD liberty parties were cancelled due to the ship's return to port after 1300. Liberty parties had to depart for the recreation area during the noon hour and could not return aboard ship until either 1600 or 1800. Prolonged liberty for those who desired to return (or should have returned) resulted in some minor disciplinary problems that could have been avoided. Hourly liberty boat transportation is recommended.

6. Administration and personnel.

a. Personnel stabilization:
(1) Personnel losses occurring because of personnel stabilization - 0
(2) Losses due to emergency leave - 0
(3) Losses du to hospitalization (psychiatric observation) - 1
(4) Mandatory transfers - 0
(5) Security risks - 4

b. The personnel situation was satisfactory except for the lack of qualified watch supervisors for standing efficient communication watches (1 RM2 and 1 RM3 aboard), lack of stewards (one was "borrowed" from Commander Destroyer Squadron NINE's Staff Allowance) and lack of non-rated with the limited on board count of enlisted personnel, the non-rated men on the deck force had little hope of striking unless a current striker was dropped from his gang. The deck force has operated at minimum numbers.

c. Discipline was no problem in the EPG Area.
(1) Courts-Martial cases, originating at EPG - 0
(2) Non-Judicial Punishment cases - 1
(3) confinement cases - 0

Communications.

a. The volume of shipboard traffic handled was not in excess and at no time was the volume of traffic the cause of a problem of processing and control of message traffic. However, several shipboard personnel procedural errors were noted, mainly due to the lack of rated and qualified radiomen. This situation prohibited MANSFIELD radio watches from carrying out assigned duties at expected proficiency. Nor difficulties arose concerning security of communications. It was noted, however, some encrypted D-day designation messages were closely followed by plain language messages of identical text.

b. The HARDTACK frequency plan appears to have been effective.

c. Communications difficulties were experienced with channel 4 when MANSFIELD was on weather station. Between 2200M and 2400M daily mainly messages were received garbled. It is recommended that the COMM CENTER PERRY, guard on HOTEL ROMEO FOXTROT circuit for limited periods, of the Eniwetok ship, to enable the ship to secure one teletype at intervals for needed maintenance.

d. The procedure of interrogating MANSFIELD on a CW circuit as to the reception of messages on Task Group RATT was found to be very effective in reducing time delays of many messages.

e. No special communications equipment was installed for OPeration HARDTACK with the exception of the portable boat pool transceiver which aided greatly in coordinating with the boat schedule and providing logistic services.

f. Equipment casualties to one teletype and one TBL transmitter were encountered. These casualties did not materially affect the ability of the ship to carry out its assigned communications mission and have been repaired.

8. Security. The ship's security indoctrination program appeared to be effective. All officers and 2 enlisted personnel were issued security badges. This was a sufficient amount of personnel to complete assigned tasks. It is recommended that CTG 7.3 INSTRUCTION 05512.1A be revised to include all commissioned officers, as all officers aboard MANSFIELD at one time or another had the need for an access badge. Although from a security stand-point certain officers have no need for an access badge, they are often unable to perform supervisory duties due to routine need to trespass in restricted areas ashore. From a practical stand-point every commissioned officer has need for an access badge, if only to perform daily routine responsibilities.

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SHIPS OF JOINT TASK FORCE (JTF) 7.3 - Operation Hardtack 1
TITLE: OPERATION HARDTACK ENIWETOK PROVING GROUND MARCH-AUGUST 1958

USS BOXER (CVS-21) FEB 58-AUG 58 FLAGSHIP
USS COMSTOCK (LSD-19) DEC 57-APR 58
USS TORTUGA (LSD-26) FEB 58-APR 58
USS BELLE GROVE (LSD-2) APR 58-AUG 58
USS MONTICELLO (LSD-35) APR 58-AUG 58
T-LST 618 SEP 47-DEC 58
T-LST 664 SEP 57-OCT 58
USS RENVILLE (APA-227) APR 58-MAY 58
USS MAGOFFIN (APA-1990 MAY 58-JUN 58
USS NAVARRO (APA-215) JUL 58-AUG 58
USS FLOYD B. PARKS (DD-884) MAR 58-MAY 58
USS JOHN R. CRAIG (DD-885) MAR 58-MAY 58
USS ORLECK (DD-886) MAR 58-MAY 58
USS PERKINS (DDR-877) MAR 58-MAY 58
USS MANSFIELD (DD-728) MAY 58-AUG 58
USS COLLETT (DD-730) MAY 58-AUG 58
USS DEHAVEN (DD-727) MAY 58-AUG 58
USS BENNER (DDR-807) MAY 58-AUG 58
USS EPPERSON (DDE-719) AUG 58-AUG 58
USS CHANTICLEER (ASR-7) APR 58-MAY 58
USS GRASP (ARS-24) MAR 58-JUN 58
USS BOLSTER (ARS-38) MAR 58-JUN 58
USS MOCTOBI (ATF-105) FEB 58-JUN 58
USS ARIKARA (ATF-98) MAR 58-AUG 58
USS TAKELMA (ATF-113) MAR 58-AUG 58
USS MUNSEE (ATF-107) MAR 58-JUN 58
USS CHOWANOC (ATF-100) MAR 58-JUN 58
USS CREE (ATF-84) APR 58-AUG 58
USS HOOPER ISLAND (ARG-17) APR 58-JUN 58
USS CACAPON (AO-52) MAR 58-AUG 58
USS LANSING (DER-388) MAY 58-JUN 58
JUL 58-AUG 58
USS JOYCE (DER-317) MAY 58-JUN 58
USS SILVERSTEIN (DE-534) SEP 58-SEP 58 3 Weeks period.
USS REHOBOTH (AGS-50) APR 58-JUN 58
USS LAWRENCE CTY (LST-887) MAY 58-JUN 58
USS AINSWORTH (T-AP-181) APR 58-JUL 58
USS BONITA (SSK-3) APR 58-JUN 58
USS KARIN (AF-33) MAR 58-AUG 58 Operated bwtween Pearl
USS MERAPI (AF-38) MAR 58-AUG 58 Harbor and EPG.
USS COGSWELL (DD-651) JUL 58-AUG 58
USS SAFEGUARD (ARS-25) JUL 58-AUG 58
USS HITCHITI (ATF-103) JUL 58-AUG 58 Mission Basis.
USS TILLAMAMOOK (ATF-102) JUL 58-AUG 58

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Nuclear Weapons Test Film Descriptions

0800023 - Operation Hardtack, Military Effects Studies, Part 1 - Basic Effects, Structures and Material (Operation Hardtack I) - 1958 - 26:00 - Black&White

Operation Hardtack I consisted of 35 nuclear tests conducted at the Pacific Proving Ground between April 28 and August 18, 1958. These tests included balloon, surface, barge, underwater, and rocket-borne high-altitude tests. The first test, YUCCA, was a nuclear device attached to a helium balloon launched from the USS Boxer near Enewetak Atoll.

Hardtack I consisted of three portions; the first was the development of nuclear weapons. This was a continuation of the type of testing conducted at Enewetak and Bikini during the early and mid-1950s. In these tests, the weapons development laboratories, Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory and the University of California Radiation Laboratory, detonated their experimental devices, while the Department of Defense (DoD) provided support and conducted experiments that did not interfere with Atomic Energy Commission activities.

The second portion, sponsored by DoD, consisted of the underwater tests WAHOO and UMBRELLA. WAHOO was detonated in the open ocean and UMBRELLA in the lagoon at Enewetak. The purpose of these tests was to improve the understanding of the effects of underwater explosions on Navy ships and material. These were continuations of earlier underwater testing that included BAKER in Crossroads at Bikini in 1946 and WIGWAM off the U.S. West Coast in 1955.

The DoD also sponsored the third portion, addressing the military problems of air-borne nuclear weapon defense. Three high-altitude tests featured rocket-borne TEAK and ORANGE at Johnston Island and balloon-hoisted YUCCA between Enewetak and Bikini.

Two major aspects of Hardtack I’s experimental program were the development of the weapons themselves and the measurement of the explosive and radiation effects. Also, since the development of a nuclear armed fleet ballistic missile was on a fast track, a portion of Hardtack I was devoted to testing the warhead for the Polaris missile.

The tests comprising the 1958 Operation Hardtack I were as follows:

YUCCA, April 28, Pacific (between Enewetak and Bikini), balloon, weapons effects, 1.7 kilotons (kt)
CACTUS, May 5, Enewetak, surface, weapons related, 18 kt
FIR, May 11, near Bikini, barge, weapons related, 1.36 megatons (Mt)
BUTTERNUT, May 11, near Enewetak, barge, weapons related, 81 kt
KOA, May 12, Enewetak, surface, weapons related, l.37 Mt
WAHOO, May 16, near Enewetak, underwater, weapons effects, 9 kt
HOLLY, May 20, near Enewetak, barge, weapons related, 5.9 kt
NUTMEG, May 21, near Bikini, barge, weapons related, 25.1 kt
YELLOWWOOD, May 26, near Enewetak, barge, weapons related, 330 kt
MAGNOLIA, May 26, near Enewetak, barge, weapons related, 57 kt
TOBACCO, May 30, near Enewetak, barge, weapons related, 11.6 kt
SYCAMORE, May 31, near Bikini, barge, weapons related, 92 kt
ROSE, June 2, near Enewetak, barge, weapons related, 15 kt
UMBRELLA, June 8, near Enewetak, underwater, weapons effects, 8 kt
MAPLE, June 10, near Bikini, barge, weapons related, 213 kt
ASPEN, June 14, near Bikini, barge, weapons related, 319 kt
WALNUT, June 14, near Enewetak, barge, weapons related, 1.45 Mt
LINDEN, June 18, near Enewetak, barge, weapons related, 11 kt
REDWOOD, June 27, near Bikini, barge, weapons related, 412 kt
ELDER, June 27, near Enewetak, barge, weapons related, 880 kt
OAK, June 28, near Enewetak, barge, weapons related, 8.9 Mt
HICKORY, June 29, near Bikini, barge, weapons related, 14 kt
SEQUOIA, July 1, near Enewetak, barge, weapons related, 5.2 kt
CEDAR, July 2, near Bikini, barge, weapons related, 220 kt
DOGWOOD, July 5, near Enewetak, barge, weapons related, 397 kt
POPLAR, July 12, near Bikini, barge, weapons related, 9.3 Mt
SCAEVOLA, July 14, near Enewetak, barge, safety experiment, zero yield
PISONIA, July 17, near Enewetak, barge, weapons related, 255 kt
JUNIPER, July 22, near Bikini, barge, weapons related, 65 kt
OLIVE, July 22, near Enewetak, barge, weapons related, 202 kt
PINE, July 26, near Enewetak, barge, weapons related, 2 Mt
TEAK, August 1, off Johnston Island area, rocket, weapons effects, 3.8 Mt
QUINCE, August 6, Enewetak, surface, weapons related, zero yield
ORANGE, August 12, off Johnston Island area, rocket, weapons effects, 3.8 Mt
FIG, August 18, Enewetak, surface, weapons related, 20 tons

Historical Nuclear Weapons Test Films

 

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