Tribute to Atomic Veteran Ronald Raymond Bresell

Atomic Veteran Ronald Raymond Bresell

Rank: 2LT

Branch: Army

Role: Assistant Radiological Control Officer

MOS: Officer

Unit: J-2, Field Command, DNA (i.e., Radiological Controls)

Service Dates: 10/5/1979 – 11/12/1979

Stations: Enewetak

Ensuring Safety in the Aftermath: The Service of Ronald Raymond Bresell at Enewetak Atoll

In the intricate and hazardous operations that followed nuclear testing, the role of radiological safety was paramount. Among those who took on this critical responsibility was Second Lieutenant (2LT) Ronald Raymond Bresell of the United States Army. Assigned to the J-2, Field Command, Defense Nuclear Agency (DNA), Ronald served as an Assistant Radiological Control Officer during a pivotal period in the cleanup efforts at Enewetak Atoll. His deployment from October 5, 1979, to November 12, 1979, placed him at the forefront of efforts to make Runit Island, a key site within the atoll, safe and habitable once again.

Ronald's mission was clear but complex: to assess and ensure the efficiency of the radiological controls employed by the Air Force team conducting decontamination work on Runit Island. This task required not only a deep understanding of radiological principles but also a meticulous approach to evaluating the equipment and processes used in the field. The stakes were high, as the success of the decontamination efforts hinged on the accuracy and effectiveness of these measurements. Ronald’s role was crucial in identifying any potential inefficiencies and implementing necessary improvements, thereby safeguarding both the personnel involved and the broader environment.

The challenges Ronald faced were numerous. Decontamination work, especially in a post-nuclear testing environment, is fraught with complexities. It demands a rigorous approach to safety, precision in execution, and the ability to adapt to evolving circumstances. Ronald’s assessments were vital in ensuring that the equipment used by the Air Force team was functioning at its best, enabling the decontamination process to proceed as planned. His attention to detail and commitment to excellence were instrumental in enhancing the overall success of the mission.

Ronald’s contributions had a lasting impact on the cleanup efforts at Runit Island. By ensuring that the decontamination processes were carried out with the highest standards of safety and efficiency, he helped protect the lives of those working on the island and contributed to the broader goal of restoring the atoll’s environment. His work was not just about addressing immediate concerns but about laying the groundwork for the long-term safety and sustainability of the region. The success of the mission at Runit Island is, in part, a testament to Ronald’s dedication and expertise.

Today, Ronald Raymond Bresell’s service is remembered as a critical element in the broader effort to restore Enewetak Atoll. His role as an Assistant Radiological Control Officer was vital to ensuring the efficiency and safety of the decontamination efforts, and his contributions continue to be honored as part of the legacy of those who served in the cleanup operations. Ronald’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of every role in such complex missions, underscoring the fact that success in these efforts depends on the commitment and expertise of individuals like him.