Atomic Project

Atomic testing was well documented so that the maximum science can be gleaned from the tests. Photographs were taken from the ground, from the air, from inside the target area with remote cameras, even from underwater. The recovery of the B17 bombsight was important, but equally important was the recovery of the film canisters. The Secret bombsight recovery operation was a good cover from the Top Secret film canister recovery operation.

The team brings the film canisters back to the underground base. The film will be developed and processed for any information about the atomic test it may contain. Fortunately, the lake crash site was clean fresh water so that the film was not damaged.

This is a massive facility, with long corridors, many rooms and high technology computers. Scientists go about their work, knowing that their efforts help to keep the nation free from Communist aggression.

Security had to be tight, operational security was hammered home in many ways. Atomic secrets were the most important secrets in the nation. Several scientists in the Manhattan Project had already been exposed as spies and traitors. Communist agents could be lurking anywhere. Information about all facets of the project was on a need to know basis.

The sailors involved in the project did what sailors always did after a big operation, chipped old paint and applied red lead.