Able atomic bomb test, Bikini Atoll, 1 July 1946.
Baker atomic bomb test, Bikini Atoll, 25 July 1946.
Handwritten caption for photo of AV-17 in “Operation Crossroads” book.
Photo courtesy of the estate of Roland C. Smith
Book issued to crewmembers during Operation Crossroads atom bomb testing. Photo courtesy of the estate of Roland C. Smith
Souvenir “dollar” issued to crew present during atomic bomb testing. Photo courtesy of the estate of Roland C. Smith
(Reverse side) Souvenir “dollar” issued to crew present during atomic bomb testing. Photo courtesy of the estate of Roland C. Smith
Someone commented about the AV-17 being involved in the Able/Baker atomic tests performed at the Bikini Atoll. She was not a “target” but played an important role in collecting data from the various tests because, unlike most ships, her seaplane deck was made of wood, not steel. Five years after leaving the Cuke, I joined the civilian staff of the U.S.Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, DC. One of the aims of the tests was to collect data closer to the tests than humans could manage. Test equipment was secured to the wooden deck by bolts. Live data was collected and telemetered to scientists stationed at a safer distance from the explosions. Later, the ship and equipment was “washed down” to remove excess radiation.
Paul “J” Dunn, former ETM 1/c
© Stephen Clay McGehee 2011 – 2017
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My father, Stanley Mauntel, served on Cumberland Sound during WWII. I wanted to contact someone who may have known him. Barry Mauntel
My Father, Ed Holcom was on the AV17 during the testing. He told me stories of him raising and leaning into the blasts, doing an about face and leaning i to the vacuum wind. Then Soaping the entire ship washing it down, and doing it again! He died of cancer and the government would not accept his cancer was due to his service on the Cumberland Sound at Bikini.
I eat breakfast every Saturday with Thomas Taylor who served on the ship at Bikini. He is 90 now and is still golfing. Thank you for this site. I was able to learn more about my friend.
Very cool! If he related any stories about his time on the Cumberland Sound, I hope you’ll share them here. If he has any stories or photos that he would like to add, I’d love to include them on the web site. Thank you.
My dad, Lyle N Fries was on the USS Cumberland Sound. I have not seen his name of any of the pages I have have looked at. Today I found a copy of his Separation papers that verified this information. He passed away at age 46 in 1959. He had health issues. When I read about the Atom Bomb testing and the relationship to this ship, I do wonder if there were connections. At some point before I remember, he lost all of his teeth. I never knew with teeth. In the past I found several copies of the ships newspaper in his belongings. I kept them. Thank you for posting information to be shared.
Carole – thank you for writing and adding to the collection. Your dad is now listed here – http://cumberlandsound.org/wp-content/uploads/CumberlandSoundRoster.html
You can get to that link from the Officers and Crew menu item.
My grandfather, William “Bill” Williams (he passed shortly after I was born and I never had the chance to know him) served on the USS Cumberland Sound. I enjoy reading the information on this page. Thank you.
Thanks for stopping by, Amy!