It's 1959 and about a year in the Navy. Lt Frederick's aircrew is selected to be trained to load and drop nuclear bombs. Physiological testing of all crew members is the first requirement before dummy load and drop training can begin. All crew members must have a security clearance. The crew electrician is a crucial member of the team and is supposed to be a petty officer. Lt Frederick refuses to let them replace non-rated me. The arming and release circuits have to work and their reliability is the job of the electrician. It's my first clue that people consider me an electrician that can do the job. An entry is made in your service record of your security clearance, physiological testing, and nuclear weapons training. Seems kind of crazy to be 19 and one of two certified nuclear release technicians in the squadron! This is likely the start of my somewhat unusual career.
We practice loading fake nuclear bombs into the bomb bay. The fake bombs are the exact same size and weight as the real ones. Simulated reality is very important. You have to load them a lot to get fast and confident at it. They are mounted on a lift similar to the one on the bomb below. The lift is jacked up manually until the bomb latch points are close to the bomb release shackle inside the bomb bay. The we all get under the bomb, the bomb lift is pulled away, and we all grunt and lift in unison until it latches in place. Heavy!
They also make a BIG SPLASH when you drop one!
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