Atomic Veteran Craig S. Cassel: A Night of Unintended Chaos

Finding Humor in a Night of Confusion on Lojwa Island

Rank: E-3

Branch: U.S. Army

MOS/Job: Security Guard

Service Location: Lojwa, Enewetak Atoll, Pacific

Amid the tranquility of Enewetak Atoll, Craig S. Cassel's role as a security guard on Lojwa often entailed calm night shifts—until one memorable late summer night in 1979.

While stationed in the CQ area, Craig received a request from a Huey helicopter pilot to activate the landing zone lights. Determined not to disturb his commander, Craig ventured into the control room, where a confusing array of unmarked switches greeted him.

With a mix of uncertainty and resolve, he made a fateful choice and flipped a switch, only to unleash the ear-splitting air raid and evacuation siren across the atoll.

The sudden wail of the siren shattered the stillness of the night, causing soldiers to bolt awake, spilling out of their hooches in bewildered disarray. The confusion was palpable as they tried to grasp what had happened, some rubbing their eyes and others muttering curses in Craig’s direction. It took a few tense moments before the correct switch was flipped, lighting the LZ pad as intended. By then, however, the damage was done—Lojwan’s were up and understandably less than thrilled.

As the CQ officer emerged, now fully awake and assessing the situation, he explained Craig’s unfortunate blunder. While some were too groggy to care, others erupted in laughter, waving off the incident with humor. The Huey pilot, having witnessed the entire ordeal, quipped over the radio, "The Japanese trying to retake Enewetok?"—a comment that, despite the chaos, brought a grin to many faces. The unplanned siren test became the talk of the week, transforming an otherwise monotonous shift into a night that no one would soon forget.

The episode, though a brief lapse in Craig’s otherwise diligent service, became a cherished anecdote among his peers, adding a touch of levity to the shared struggles and routines of life on Enewetak. It reminded everyone stationed there that even in the face of solemn duty and ever-present risk, moments of humor and camaraderie could prevail, turning a night of unintended chaos into a treasured story of brotherhood.

Today, Craig reflects on that night with a smile. It stands as a symbol of the bonds formed under unique circumstances—where a small mishap illuminated not just the landing zone, but the unbreakable spirit of soldiers serving on the "Islands of Invisible Danger."