World

17 U.S. Navy Members Exposed to Radiation in Japan

TOKYO (The Blaze/AP) — The U.S. Seventh Fleet said Monday it had moved its ships and aircraft away from a quake-stricken Japanese nuclear power plant after discovering low-level radioactive contamination that led to 17 military personnel being treated for exposure.

The fleet said that the radiation was from a plume of smoke and steam released from the crippled Fukushima Dai-Ichi Nuclear Power Plant, where there have been two hydrogen explosions since Friday’s devastating earthquake and tsunami. The New York Times says some helicopter crews stationed aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan had received about a month’s worth or radiation after passing through a plume.

“They received very, very low levels of contamination,” Commander Jeff A. Davis told the Times in a telephone interview from Japan early Monday.

“It certainly is not cause for alarm,” he said. “It is something we have to watch very carefully and make sure we are able to monitor, and to mitigate against this environmental hazard.”

The USS Ronald Reagan was about 100 miles (160 kilometers) offshore when its instruments detected the radiation.

“As a precautionary measure, U.S.S. Ronald Reagan and other U.S. Seventh Fleet ships conducting disaster-response operations in the area have moved out of the downwind direction from the site to assess the situation and determine what appropriate mitigating actions are necessary,” Commander David told the Times.

Comments (58)

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  • Junter
    Posted on March 14, 2011 at 3:01pm

    “The USS Ronald Reagan was about 100 miles (160 kilometers) offshore when its instruments detected the radiation.”

    So anyone within 100 miles of the reactor may also develop symptoms of radiation poisoning? Scary.

    Report Post »  
  • TheRealElvis
    Posted on March 14, 2011 at 2:49pm

    I find it very interesting that the Navy found radioactivity 100 MILES offshore but has denied thousands of claims by Viet Nam vets on ships affected by agent orange. Our government is corrupt, made up of elitists, career politicians that has no idea of what’s going on in the world., It is Congress that keeps denying benefits waiting for them to die young and will not admit liability.

    Report Post »  
  • Obama Bin Lying
    Posted on March 14, 2011 at 1:15pm

    @Non-sequitur no I would be the hypocrite if I wasn’t one who served and spoke ill of them.

    (Unlike others here who I suspect never have served and talk out the opposite end of their anatomy about them….if you know what I mean)

    Report Post » Obama Bin Lying  
  • Billsocal
    Posted on March 14, 2011 at 1:04pm

    This is not the first time in the last 6 months that the USS Reagan has been around nuclear radiation.
    her task force escorted the Carnival Splendor back to the US. According to Russian Intel the cruise ship was hit with a EMP weapon fired from a Chinese sub off Catalina. Yes it was a real missile that was fired. This time the Ronnie Reagan is in harms way to help our friends in Japan. She‘s going up against mother nature and hopefully she’ll come out ahead. This is something to think about if enough of that radiation get up in the Jet Stream the West Coast could get hit the radiation. I knon the government talking heads are saying no to worry/ But and this is a big but. During WWII the Japanese launched balloons that carried bombs strapped to them. It took them little more that two days to go from Japan to the US. Some got as far as Chicago. There were six civilians killed in Oregon by one of these bombs, If those bomb could do that radiation which has no weight will have a easy time getting here. You can find the post about the Missile Launch on http://www.coupmkedia.org

    Report Post »  
  • Chilloften
    Posted on March 14, 2011 at 12:39pm

    Low levels my rear! Watch, just watch.

    Report Post »  
  • outpost13
    Posted on March 14, 2011 at 12:05pm

    Looking for all the Dumb Asses that say Nuclear Power is clean Please tell me how this is clean. The jet stream is going to bring this clean radioactive contamination to the USA.

    Report Post »  
  • ChiefGeorge
    Posted on March 14, 2011 at 11:35am

    They no doubt activated the ships fresh water wash down system as they went thru the cloud keeping any particles of radiated material from latching onto the metal and paint. Think of hundreds of sprinklers all turned on at the same time all over the deck and superstructure.

    Report Post » ChiefGeorge  
  • WHITE LOTUS2x
    Posted on March 14, 2011 at 11:27am

    After traveling 100 miles, it looks like the radiation level would have dropped more than that. But, I dont know anything about radiation other than , very dangerous.Ihope they are all OK.

    Report Post »  
  • Mahakala
    Posted on March 14, 2011 at 11:25am

    “Non-sequitur
    Posted on March 14, 2011 at 10:22am

    “Once again, the US Military putting aside their personal safety to assist others in need. Yet, some still call them Baby Killers and murderers”

    Those are just the good ones. I‘ll call the other ones Baby killers and murderers until they prove they’re good ones.

    (Hint: Depending on your answer to this you might be a hypocrite so tread lightly)”

    And I’ll call you a piece of filth liberal dog doo that can rot in hell. That’s right… I said it.

    Report Post » Mahakala  
    • ChiefGeorge
      Posted on March 14, 2011 at 11:48am

      I totally agree but Japan has its own military, there is no real reason for us to get involved but only for show. We cannot keep going around the world like a Messiah to all nations. I promise this will not be done on our behalf when we need it most. In fact when we are on the ropes, really on the ropes I expect and invasion to secure our national treasures…..our untapped natural resources.

      Report Post » ChiefGeorge  
  • EqualJustice
    Posted on March 14, 2011 at 11:24am

    I wish they would not put these young people in such jeopardy. I don’t believe they are telling the truth about how bad it really is. These military personnel will be like the “9.11 responders” in 5 years, with medical problems of their own….

    Report Post » EqualJustice  
    • kryptonite
      Posted on March 14, 2011 at 5:26pm

      Exactly, but there will be no conclusive connection to Fukshitma, or they will be forgotten heroes by then. This makes my blood boil. I feel for the families of these brave young men and women. Governments have no conscience.

      Report Post »  
  • wash1776
    Posted on March 14, 2011 at 10:45am

    There is no way that we can believe what the government here or in Japan says about the exposure of these Navy personnel. Governments lie all of the time to protect themselves. Three Mile Island in the states is a good example. They kept minimizing the radiation from that and it was later proved that people were dying of cancer from it. I was so insensed when I heard what they were saying on tv then. I had studied on nuclear reactors before that happened and knew the government was lying. Reactors are pretty much the same today as back then. Not a lot of difference. The radiation being released in that country will eventually kill off many more people that are dying now. There will be cancer and other illnesses. I just hope that these Navy people truly got low doses. Also, the scanners at the airports are not safe either. The government has lied continually about the level one is exposed too. It is much higher than they say. As reluctant as I am to get a pat down, I do because radiation has a cumulative effect. Some people that fly a lot will end up with problems years from now.

    Report Post »  
    • Yat907
      Posted on March 16, 2011 at 3:00am

      Dude, a remedial high school physics class would do you good.

      Report Post »  
  • Dandylyon
    Posted on March 14, 2011 at 10:26am

    Ther are necular reactor’s blowing up one after the other,they keep expanding the evac zone’s,they talk about core rod’s being exposed,the people that built these plant’s say the Japanese are not telling the truth and yet all is well and there is no danger.We are being feed lie’s and missinfo.But then why should it be any different with this event …..or any other.

    Most won’t know tell it hits the west coast………………….then its to late.

    Report Post »  
  • sjohn70037
    Posted on March 14, 2011 at 10:24am

    You sure don’t see any stinking muslims pitching in to help Japan. Where’s the Red Crescent? What muslim nation’s military is participating? None.

    The facts speak for themselves: muslim’s suck.

    Report Post » sjohn70037  
  • timesup
    Posted on March 14, 2011 at 9:35am

    @MySacredHonor I am an American living in Japan and of course appreciate the U.S. lending a hand but they aren’t the only ones here. A team from New Zealand arrived the day of the tsunami. The Swiss, Germans and Chinese arrived a day after and started assisting in search and rescue operations. The French arrived yesterday, Brits arrived today and 163 Turkish rescue workers are on their way. It’s a concerted effort and there is no need to downplay the roles that people from other nations are filling.

    Report Post »  
    • Exrepublisheep
      Posted on March 14, 2011 at 9:59am

      Thanks for the clarity!

      Report Post » Exrepublisheep  
    • J.C. McGlynn
      Posted on March 14, 2011 at 11:37am

      It is good to hear of individual nations helping. One does need to ask “Where is the supposed United Nations Task Force, which is needed on this now?”

      Report Post » J.C. McGlynn  
  • hauschild
    Posted on March 14, 2011 at 9:10am

    Interested to find out the actual “level” of contamination, after the spin has worn off and the facts come out years down the road.

    Report Post »  
    • Juan Gault
      Posted on March 14, 2011 at 1:54pm

      Fukushima Nuclear Accident.doc (436KB) This might help

      Report Post »  
  • chasbronson
    Posted on March 14, 2011 at 9:02am

    “Duh,maybe we should stay upwind from this here nuclaer plant thats ready to blow duh,Cooper,duh,before more of us get radiated ,duh.
    There is valor then there is stupidity.Wise up commanders.

    Report Post »  
  • glasshalo2
    Posted on March 14, 2011 at 9:01am

    My cousin is on the USS Reagan. We’re all praying for him, his shipmates and fellow sailros. Prayers sent his way are much appreciated!

    Report Post »  
  • javasport
    Posted on March 14, 2011 at 8:57am

    Oh I thought this was an article about making our military members go through the full body scanners on the way to Japan

    Report Post »  
  • MySacredHonor
    Posted on March 14, 2011 at 8:49am

    If we dont do it… Who will?
    China??? i don’t think so
    Russia??? Get real…

    We are pretty much it these days.

    Report Post » MySacredHonor  
    • moriarty70
      Posted on March 14, 2011 at 9:30am

      You’re right, in Japan, the States is it. How dare those other countries not send forces in to help when the States has had that job as part of the surender in WWII.

      Report Post » moriarty70  
    • TakeBackUSA
      Posted on March 14, 2011 at 9:59am

      I agree…the U.S. is always there to help. In this case, we need to proceed cautiously. Japan is a very different culture. They know when they need help, and will gladly accept it when necessary. But, they want to run the show. We, and other countries…the usual ones, that is…UK, Canada and Europe, will or have offered aid. It’s just the way things work. China or Russia may have some role in the effort…I’m guessing not a lot. My sister-in-law has family over there, and we are still waiting for some real news on their condition.

      Report Post »  
  • CowboyExpat
    Posted on March 14, 2011 at 8:46am

    @KANSASPATRIOT….How true!

    Report Post » CowboyExpat  
    • Leadthemtothelight
      Posted on March 14, 2011 at 9:00am

      It would be helpfull if our intel was a bit better. I think the japanese government needs to be more honest with those coming to help about conditions near those plants. I can only hope and pray that every day willl start to get better there and that the Lord will watch over those who are suffering and guide them through.
      I thank our troops and volunteers who have gone to Japan to help and our troops serving around the world.
      It’s because of the sacrifices of our service men and women that we enjoy the freedoms we have here in the US. God bless.

      Report Post » Leadthemtothelight  
  • Annie Fields
    Posted on March 14, 2011 at 8:43am

    How can there be only 17? Were they on deck?

    Report Post » Annie Fields  
    • RLTW
      Posted on March 14, 2011 at 9:55am

      Sounds like these personnel were in a Seahawk (Helo) flight that flew through the steam cloud.

      Report Post »  
  • Mateytwo Barreett
    Posted on March 14, 2011 at 8:42am

    Boy! talk about a NONstory.

    Report Post » Mateytwo Barreett  
    • Thighmaster
      Posted on March 14, 2011 at 8:52am

      But wait a few weeks until Fox News gets the REAL story and the Gov has to respin their story…

      Report Post » Thighmaster  
  • kenr1963
    Posted on March 14, 2011 at 8:34am

    may GOD be with our heros doing what needs to be done no matter the risk!!

    Report Post »  
  • KansasPatriot
    Posted on March 14, 2011 at 8:33am

    We are the one Nation that always seems to run toward the fight rather then running away…

    Report Post » KansasPatriot  
  • G man
    Posted on March 14, 2011 at 8:28am

    US in harms way and always there to help. God bless them.

    Report Post » G man  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on March 14, 2011 at 8:29am

      Amen indeed.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • poverty.sucks
      Posted on March 14, 2011 at 8:50am

      “They received very, very low levels of contamination,” Commander Jeff A. Davis told the Times in a telephone interview from Japan early Monday.

      Isn’t that the same response by TSA and their full body scanners?

      Report Post » poverty.sucks  
    • kryptonite
      Posted on March 14, 2011 at 9:16am

      I knew this was going to happen. Maybe fellow conservatives will see the light, now that it has hit home. Low levels, my @$$. This is what usually happens with nuclear accidents. They go unreported or there is a cover up. Nuclear sucks.

      Report Post »  
    • Wiz001
      Posted on March 14, 2011 at 9:22am

      To notalemming…. thank you for that link it was interesting. Hope that the cloud dissipates before hitting our shores, but I think I will be safe and get some tablets anyway.
      God Bless our service men and women..

      Report Post »  
    • Obama Bin Lying
      Posted on March 14, 2011 at 9:26am

      Once again, the US Military putting aside their personal safety to assist others in need. Yet, some still call them Baby Killers and murderers

      God protect all of them

      Report Post » Obama Bin Lying  
    • In.Spite.of.Myself
      Posted on March 14, 2011 at 9:53am

      True. The question is, who decided the patrol area should be down wind of the Fukushima plant? Military always gets the guinea pig details.

      Report Post » In.Spite.of.Myself  
    • Non-sequitur
      Posted on March 14, 2011 at 10:22am

      “Once again, the US Military putting aside their personal safety to assist others in need. Yet, some still call them Baby Killers and murderers”

      Those are just the good ones. I‘ll call the other ones Baby killers and murderers until they prove they’re good ones.

      (Hint: Depending on your answer to this you might be a hypocrite so tread lightly)

      Report Post »  
    • My-Hero-is-Allen West
      Posted on March 14, 2011 at 10:22am

      My son leave for the Navy May 5th. This concerns me. Hope his mom does not see this!

      Report Post » My Hero-Allen West-click my name  
    • Gold Coin & Economic News
      Posted on March 14, 2011 at 12:35pm

      100 miles off shore and they get this much radiation. No, there’s no threat from this reactor accident.

      Report Post » Gold Coin & Economic News  
    • GhostOfJefferson
      Posted on March 14, 2011 at 1:52pm

      @Gold Coin & Economic News

      “100 miles off shore and they get this much radiation. No, there’s no threat from this reactor accident.”

      My gut reaction is to worry about this. My head wonders however, just how sensitive are the radiation detection instruments on that aircraft carrier, and what precisely constitutes “very, very little”. This may be nothing at all except prudent caution, or, it may be something we should be jumping up and down about in a panic. Without any relevant facts to go by, I really can’t put together a good response to this article.

      Report Post » GhostOfJefferson  
    • AzDebi
      Posted on March 14, 2011 at 4:22pm

      http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=fukushima-core&page=2

      Posted by: LikeMinds 05:46 AM 3/13/11

      I’m a veteran of the U.S. Navy Nuclear Power Program. I’m a qualified Reactor Operator and Reactor Technician and served 4 years in that capacity on the nuclear powered U.S.S Enterprise. I also worked at Lawrence Berkeley and Sandia National Laboratories. I have many friends and acquaintances still working in the nuclear power industry.

      I read the article suggested by Mr. Adams as to the worst possible outcome from an accident of a light water nuclear reactor. The article was written by nuclear industry representatives. It is more like a best case scenario than a worst case scenario. Nuclear power plants can be operated safely, but the fact is they are risky. The backup and containment systems are hardly as robust and foolproof as the article makes them out to be.

      The article cites the Three Mile Island accident as proof there is little chance of a Chernobyl-like disaster from a meltdown in a light water reactor. Rubbish! TMI is NOT a good analog for what is happening in Fukushima. TMI never suffered a loss of power, or a complete failure of all of their cooling systems. They never had an overpressure situation. They never lost the ability to maintain coolant flow to the core. They made a series of boneheaded operator errors that uncovered the core for a relatively short time resulting in partial melting of some of the fuel assemblies in the core.

      We are talking orders of magnitude difference in severity of accident. For instance there was never a thought of injecting cooling pond water + boric acid into TMI. At Fukushima, they have already resorted to the absolute last ditch, desperation effort to prevent a total core meltdown and containment breach — injection of seawater + boric acid. This is unprecedented and has never happened in any light water reactor, military or otherwise — ever!(Exception: there was serious nuclear accident aboard a Russian nuclear sub, that resulted in the crew abandoning ship and the sub sinking.)

      The Mark I containment at Fukushima is nowhere near as robust as the containment at TMI. In fact, basically it’s just a thick steel tank. Most credible nuclear engineers believe it would almost certainly fail if subjected to a complete core meltdown. If it breaches then we are looking at something way more like Chernobyl than TMI.

      Finally the article cited only “30 provable deaths” from radiation at Chernobyl. I wish it were so. Most credible estimates put the immediate death toll at around 1000 and the long term toll from cancers and other radiation induced illness at 100s of thousands!

      http://www.mediastorm.com/publication/chernobyl-legacy

      @RodAdams – If you just cited an article that said there were only 30 provable deaths due to Chernobyl then you deserve no respect whatsoever.

      Look at the deformed children that come out of it! My friends used to take children from the Chernobyl childrens project who were horribly deformed because of it. If you are saying that has nothing to do with radiation then you are an idiot and scum in my eyes as you are putting your agenda high

      I’m sure you will write me off as a fear mongering imbecile anyway, but someone who wont accept that there is any risk with nuclear power worries me lot more than people who acknowledge it is dangerous but think it is worth the risk.

      Report Post » AzDebi  
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