Blast from the Past: Operation Redwing's Test - First-Ever Airdrop of a Thermonuclear Weapon

From May 4 to July 21, 1956, Operation Redwing unfolded as a pivotal 17-test nuclear weapons series at the Pacific Proving Ground. The Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) orchestrated these tests to evaluate high-yield thermonuclear devices, a task unfeasible at the Nevada Test Site.

Over 10,000 military personnel and civilian employees from the AEC and the Department of Defense actively participated in these nuclear trials. Notably, the USS Mt. McKinley hosted 15 American press, radio, and television reporters who observed the LACROSSE and CHEROKEE tests. Remarkably, these journalists marked the first uncleared U.S. civilians in a decade to witness an American nuclear test in the Pacific.

During Operation Redwing, the AEC made significant strides in miniaturizing warheads. This progress allowed for the deployment of warheads equivalent to the 90-ton MIKE device from a bomber. The series also contributed to advancing the AEC's designs for nuclear weapons aimed at minimizing fallout. Moreover, it furnished critical insights for the development of nuclear warheads tailored for missiles.

The comprehensive nature of Operation Redwing extended to exposing complete weapons systems to blast effects. A notable milestone was the successful use of a fallout computer for the first time during these tests. Among the series highlights was the CHEROKEE test, representing the inaugural airdrop of a thermonuclear weapon by the U.S. military.