RIP Atomic Veteran in Memory of Victor J. Priest: A Hero of Enewetak Island

Honoring a Fallen Sailor and Hero of the Enewetak Cleanup Mission

Rank: Hull Technician

Branch: U.S. Navy

Service Location: Enewetak Atoll, Pacific

On the remote and challenging shores of Enewetak Atoll, where the stakes were as vast as the ocean surrounding it, heroes emerged, dedicated to a mission of reclamation and safety. Among these heroes was Hull Technician Victor J. Priest, a proud and skilled member of the United States Navy.

His life, marked by service and sacrifice, was tragically cut short while fulfilling a mission of immense importance—cleaning up the remnants of atomic testing that had scarred the island.

The 19th of August, 1977, became a day forever etched in the memory of those who served on Enewetak Atoll. Victor Priest, known to his comrades for his precision and dedication as a Hull Technician, was working diligently on the bow ramp of a landing craft. His hands, steady and capable, had been trained through years of service, and his commitment to the mission was evident in every task he undertook.

The goal of the cleanup project was clear: to restore the atoll, making it safe for future generations, a task that required courage, skill, and unwavering dedication.

On that fateful day, however, tragedy struck in an unimaginable way. An explosion ripped through the landing craft, creating a six-foot hole in the ramp. The void area inside the ramp, filled with preservatives, erupted in a deadly blast. In the midst of this catastrophe, Victor Priest, a valiant and selfless sailor, lost his life.

His sacrifice was the first fatality of the Enewetak cleanup project, a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those who took on this noble task.

The news of Victor’s passing sent shockwaves through the community on Enewetak. Memorial services were held at the base chapel, attended by over 200 military and civilian personnel, including Iroij Johannes Peter and many of the dri-Enewetak. Victor’s loss was deeply felt by all who knew him, his bravery and dedication forever remembered by those who stood alongside him on the atoll.

Victor J. Priest’s name is now forever etched in the history of Enewetak Atoll, a tribute to his heroism and unwavering commitment to duty. He was not only a skilled Hull Technician, but a courageous sailor who gave his life in the pursuit of a safer and better world for future generations. His legacy stands as a beacon of the selflessness and bravery that defined the cleanup mission.

As we remember Victor J. Priest, we honor his memory by recognizing the sacrifices made by all who served on Enewetak Atoll. Their dedication, bravery, and selflessness are a testament to the indomitable human spirit. In the heart of the Pacific, Victor’s legacy lives on as a symbol of the courage and commitment of those who answered the call of duty. His sacrifice will never be forgotten, and his memory will continue to inspire us all.