Renewable Revolution

Thu Feb 27, 2014 at 10:08 AM PST.

Stunning New Report on USS Reagan Radiation


by
JusticeSeeker68
 
Harvey Wasserman, Common Dreams . . .


A stunning new report indicates the U.S. Navy knew that sailors from the nuclear-powered USS Ronald Reagan took major radiation hits from the Fukushima atomic power plant after its meltdowns and explosions nearly three years ago.  Many of the sailors are already suffering devastating health impacts, but are being stonewalled by Tepco and the Navy.

The $4.3 billion carrier is now docked in San Diego. Critics question whether it belongs there at all. Attempts to decontaminate U.S. ships irradiated during the Pacific nuclear bombs tests from 1946-1963 proved fruitless.



Stars and Stripes  . . .


When the March 11, 2011 disaster struck, the Reagan was on its way to Korea, according to Reagan sailors who participated in Operation Tomodachi. They turned around and immediately made their way for the Japanese mainland, passing through a sea of debris.
Sailors told Stars and Stripes that they believe they were as close as five miles off the coast of the stricken plant that spewed radiation into the air and sea.

Sailors who were onboard the Reagan have claimed that they were drinking contaminated desalinated seawater and bathing in it until the ship’s leadership came over the public address system and told them to stop because it was contaminated. They claim the ventilation system was also contaminated. Furthermore, some claim they were pressured into signing forms confirming they had been given iodine pills when none had been provided.

The ship's ventilation system might have been contaminated?  What other systems might have been contaminated?

The US Navy's "investigation" of the turret explosion on the USS Iowa doesn't give me much confidence that we'll be told the truth about conditions aboard the USS Reagan during its exposure to Fukushima radiation, or about what action has been taken to decontaminate the $4.3 billion dollar carrier. 

Wasserman . . .


In the midst of a snow storm, deck hands were enveloped in a warm cloud that came with a metallic taste. Sailors testify that the Reagan’s 5,500-member crew was told over the ship’s intercom to avoid drinking or bathing in desalinized water drawn from a radioactive sea. The huge carrier quickly ceased its humanitarian efforts and sailed 100 miles out to sea, where newly published internal Navy communications confirm it was still taking serious doses of radioactive fallout.
Still taking serious doses of radioactive fallout.
For how long?

Wasserman . . .


Tepco and the Navy contend the Reagan did not receive a high enough dose to warrant serious concern. But Japan, South Korea and Guam deemed the carrier too radioactive to enter their ports.
Tepco and the Navy are insisting that all is well.
Yeah.  Thanks for looking into this, keep up the good work!
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Originally posted to JusticeSeeker68 on Thu Feb 27, 2014 at 10:08 AM PST.

Also republished by Nuclear Free DK and Japan Nuclear Incident Liveblogs.

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2014/02/27/1280845/-Stunning-New-Report-on-USS-Reagan-Radiation