Tribute to Atomic Veteran Ronald Carey Williams

Tribute to Atomic Veteran Ronald Carey Williams, Custodian of the Lojwa Waters

Rank: E-3

Branch: Army

Unit: 309th Transportation Detachment

Location: Lojwa

As an E-3 in the U.S. Army’s 309th Transportation Detachment, Ronald Carey Williams was part of a critical operation at Lojwa, serving as an engineer and mechanic on the LARC-60, an amphibious vessel essential for transportation across the atoll’s challenging waters. His role placed him at the forefront of the recovery and logistical support efforts during a time when the remnants of nuclear testing still posed numerous dangers, both known and unknown.

Ronald’s work on the LARC-60 required precision, technical expertise, and an unwavering commitment to ensuring that equipment functioned smoothly in one of the most hazardous environments known to man. Whether maintaining engines, repairing essential components, or guiding his unit’s missions across the treacherous seas surrounding Lojwa, Ronald played an instrumental role in keeping the operation afloat—literally and figuratively.

The demands of the job were considerable, and while the details of his service may have faded with time, the impact of his contributions remains undeniable. He worked tirelessly to ensure that his vessel and crew could carry out their missions, moving men, materials, and supplies across the atoll's islands to enable the larger effort to restore and rehabilitate the area after years of nuclear testing.

Years later, Ronald Carey Williams would face a profound personal battle—a cancerous growth that ate into his windpipe, a likely consequence of his exposure to radiation during his time on Lojwa. His fight with cancer is a stark reminder of the invisible dangers that Atomic Veterans like Ronald were exposed to during their service, dangers that often manifested long after the mission had ended.

Despite the physical toll of his service, Ronald remains a testament to the quiet courage and resilience of those who worked behind the scenes, supporting the enormous logistical and recovery efforts at Enewetak Atoll. His story serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by the men who faced the invisible enemy of radiation in their work to restore these remote islands.

As we honor Ronald Carey Williams, we recognize not only his technical expertise and dedication but also the personal sacrifices he made long after leaving the shores of Lojwa. His service, like that of so many Atomic Veterans, deserves to be remembered for the unseen battles fought both during and after his time on the atoll.