Between the years of 1946 and 1958 the United States performed 67 atomic bomb tests in the Marshall Islands—including the famously named Bikini Atoll and other nearby islands and atolls. It has been reported that as much as half of the world’s moving picture and still film supply was shipped to the area during this time, thus thoroughly document the “atmospheric tests”. While these peacetime bomb experiements yielded horrific results on imported lab animals, island natives, and the environment, the images are nonetheless jaw-dropping. Here are twelve of the most spectacular photos from the U.S. hydrogen and atomic bomb drops in the Marshall Islands. Here: Operation Greenhouse, “George”, May 9, 1951
Courtesy U.S. Department of Defense
Operation Crossroads, “Baker”, July 25, 1946
Naval History and Heritage Command
Operation Ivy, “Mike”, November 1, 1952
Courtesy of National Nuclear Security Administration
Operation Crossroads, “Able” July 1, 1946
Courtesy Naval History and Heritage Command
Operation Crossroads, “Baker”, July 25, 1946
Courtesy of National Nuclear Security Administration
Operation Crossroads, “Baker”, July 25, 1946
Courtesy U.S. Army Photographic Signal Corps
Operation Ivy, “King”, November 16, 1952
Courtesy of National Nuclear Security Administration
Operation Crossroads, “Baker”, July 25, 1946
Courtesy U.S. Department of Defense
Operation Greenhouse, “George”, May 8, 1951
Courtesy United States Department of Energy/National Nuclear Security Administration
Operation Castle, “Romeo”, March 26, 1954
Courtesy United States Department of Energy/National Nuclear Security Administration
Operation Redwing, “Seminole”, June 6, 1956
Courtesy National Nuclear Security Administration
Operation Redwing, “Seminole”, June 6, 1956
Courtesy National Nuclear Security Administration
