Page 256 - NAVAL SCIENCE 3 TEXTBOOK

262 NAVAL SKILLS

small exposures repeated often over time can have the Same effects ment to determine the extent and location of contaminatioIl.
as large doses receivcd all at once. Decontamination is then donc in three phases. The first two, called
(flctiml nCcolltfllllillatioll, take place immediately, at sea. The)' reduce
conti.lInination so the ship can carr)' Ollt its mission without expos-
CBR Damage Control ing the crew to dangerous levels of radiation or other conti.llllillants.
The crew of a naval ship can do much to minimize the damage Phase olle is gross decontamination by s,lltwater ",ashdowll,
and casualties that might result from an attack with CRR weapons, done with firehoses by crew members wearing protective gcar. It
except where a ship is at or near the point of impact (ground zero) will eliminate 98 percent of the contamination if the stlrt~lCe was
of such weapons. Tests have shown that ships not receiving direct wct before the attack and ,,'ashdown begins while it is still wet. If the
effects of such attacks have a very good chance of survivell with rel- surface has dried, only half of the contamination will be removed.
atively few casualties and with weapons systems still operable. The second phase is detailed decontamination conducted by
Before an attack, ships normally would be at general qll<lrters repair-party personnel and others of the ship's crew topside. They
(GQ), so the ship should be prett), well "buttoned up." Water wash- use a steam lance or hose, scrub brushes with detergcnts, scrapers,
down systems that spray salt water through sprinkler heads are and flame torches to try to remove any remaining concentrations
turned on to wet all topside sur1:lCes so 1110st contaminants will tend of contamination (called hot spots), and wash it overboard.
to wash overboard. All nonvital openings of the ship are closed and The final phase of decontamination would normally be con-
Circle-"Villiam Yentilation fittings are shut to maintain as complete ducted at advi.ll1ced bases by repair ships and tenders llsing flame
a gas-tight envelope as possible. Protective gas masks arc distrib- burning, .lCid dips, and sandblasting.
uted to personnel who must breathe outside air. Topside personnel Decontamination of personnel is done with fire hoses or jury-
in exposed positions wear protective clothing as well as masks. rigged topside showers. All contaminated clothing ilnd protective
After the attack, trained personnel conduct surveys both top- gear is disctlrded. Personnel scrub thoroughly with soap and water
side and below deck throughout the ship using specialized equip- and dress out with uncontamil1tlted clothing.

Crew members wearing full CBR protective gear conduct a topside contamination survey during a CBR warfare training exercise. (John Beeman)