Carroll H. Dunn
A ..
So as I know, none of them moved permanently into OCE. Nobody wanted to leave
Vicksburg and go to Washington. However, they were certainly available for
consultation and were very actively consulted by both the military and civil works
people.
Q ..
The nuclear weapons effects capabilities you mentioned earlier; this was simply to test
the effects?
A ..
As I remember it, it started out as an offshoot of the Bikini atomic tests. The purpose
was to see through use of models, scale studies of weapons effects could be made
based on the
obtained from the Bikini shots. It was a way of using known
data to gain additional information.
Q ..
And that caused a bit of a problem?
A ..
Well, the explosion tests were being done at the station, and there were many
complaints, some from station employees who had houses close by. It looked to me as
if the program was likely to expand, so this was the time to do something about putting
it on a better footing. We went looking for a better place that was more isolated and
came up with what was called the Big Black test site.
Q ..
What would you rate as the most important function of the Waterways Experiment
Station while you were there?
A ..
I suspect the model studies of various structures being planned, such as dams or other
navigation and flood control improvements. Overall, the most money was spent in that
area. We were also doing a lot of soils laboratory type work and served as the soils
laboratory for the Lower Mississippi Valley Division on more or less a retainer basis.
I couldn't name one specific function that was most important.
Q ..
You worked with the Air Force, too, then, did you not?
A ..
Primarily in. research on military paving.
Q ..
Would this have been the first time that you were involved with the Air Force?
A ..
No, the first time I'd been involved with the Air Force was in connection with
construction on Okinawa.
Q ..
Okinawa, yes. But these were all experiences building to your later CEBMCO [Corps
of Engineers Ballistic Missile Construction Office] assignment?
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