Inspection on the U.S.S. ESTES - 1959 U.S.S. ESTES AGC 12 Joint Task Force 7 Naval Fleet Command “The Elegant Lady” had the most sophisticated equipment & dignified guests in the Pacific Proving Grounds. Howard reported aboard U.S.S. ESTES as Radioman Chief in Feb. 1951 when she was recommissioned for HER new duty. He had spent at least a 1.5 years preparing for that position at the Naval Training Center in Kingsport, TN working closely with the Joint Task Force preparations at Oak Ridge Laboratories (location of the Manhattan Project) and associated with Atomic Energy Commissions preparedness 
for the Pacific Proving Grounds Operations. This was the the most elite, sophisticated communications vessel in the Naval Fleet. It was the ship designated for the Scientists, Heads-of-State, Press, Film Crews and was Command & Communications Central for all branches of the MIlitary in the 
Joint Task Force (JTF) 
Pacific Proving Grounds theaters. “The Chief” would not only have had a 
Top Secret National Defense Clearance, he would additionally have the Atomic Energy Commission’s Queen Clearance. Howard’s records still have a restricted ‘Jacket’ along with his medical records. Due to the nature of his exposure, complications, surgeries and the experimental nature of his treatments and research, weaving through this maze is going to be an adventure. Howard’s Retirement from 30 years
of service, was the same year
the U.S.S. ESTES was de-commissioned for the final time in 1969. In total Howard had an 18 year relationship with this vessel from 1951-1969
AGC 12
Navy’s Amphibious Group Command Center • 
Pacific Proving Grounds
OPERATION: 
PASSAGE TO FREEDOM Chief Moore stayed close to “The Elegant Lady” via his Active Command Fleet Reserve status from 1959-1969 from
San Francisco’s Yerba Buena Island, Treasure Island Naval Base, where I spent much of my youth. There he could find communion with his subordinates & peers which he highly valued. Click below for additional information on “The Elegant Lady” on her official website. YEs, even the ship has it’s own fan base!
© 2008 Victoria Moore  |  All copyrights are reserved.
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