Operation Wigwam 1955: Testing Submarine Resilience Against Nuclear Blasts - The Untold Story!

In 1955, the U.S. Navy, anticipating a scenario where atomic depth charges would play a crucial role in warfare, initiated Operation Wigwam to assess the resilience of well-built submarines to nuclear blasts. This investigation was prompted by the inability of the submarine Skate to withstand the BAKER explosion during Operation Crossroads.

Conducted approximately 500 miles southwest of San Diego, at the coordinates "N 29 degrees, W 126 degrees," Operation Wigwam involved a deep underwater nuclear test aimed at studying weapons effects. On May 14, 1955, a 30-kiloton burst of power reverberated through the ocean, marking a significant moment in military experimentation.

A model submarine, strategically positioned beneath a floating barge, was subjected to the immense force of Operation Wigwam. However, after the detonation, the submarine experiment vanished, leaving behind a mysterious aftermath. Unfortunately, the retrieval of comprehensive test data proved challenging due to adverse weather conditions, including high winds and rough seas.

Despite these challenges, Operation Wigwam engaged approximately 6,500 personnel in its execution, reflecting the scale and complexity of this underwater nuclear test. This report, based on the commander's insights, provides a glimpse into the unique challenges and outcomes of Operation Wigwam, contributing valuable information to the understanding of military strategies and technological capabilities during that era.

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