USAF Participation in Operation Dominic (1965)

Published on 2023-08-23 | Archived on 2023-11-24

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United States Air Force (USAF) Participation in Operation Dominic by Lookout Mountain Laboratory USAF

Air Force produced documentary on role of USAF in Operation Dominic nuclear tests in the Pacific.

Dominic I tests were conducted in three general locations: Johnston Island, airdrop and high-altitude detonations; Christmas Island, staging area for 24 airdrop tests; and the open ocean, launch of a Polaris missile from a submarine and subsequent detonation of a device in a reentry vehicle, and the detonation of a device carried by an antisubmarine rocket (ASROC).

Approximately 28,000 military and civilian personnel participated in the test series. More than 200,000 tons of supplies, construction materials, and diagnostic equipment were shipped or airlifted to the test areas.

Most of the devices were detonated in the air after being dropped from a B-52 bomber. Five high-altitude bursts, designated as Operation Fishbowl tests, were lofted by rockets. Their purpose was to study the effects of nuclear detonations as defensive weapons against incoming ballistic missiles.

National Archives. Declassified in 2014.
- ARC# 64083
- USAF 342 SFP 1173

The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.

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