3 



PLANS AND PLANNERS 



Joint Task Force One began its ten-month 

 lease on life on January 11, 1946. It had no time for 

 leisurely growth. Administrators had to be appointed 

 immediately. Tentative plans had to be formulated at 

 once and approved within a few days. 



The growing infant had full backing. The Secre- 

 taries of War and Navy immediately issued orders to 

 give the Operation full support. Officers, enlisted men, 

 scientists, and technicians, were made available as re- 

 quired. Laboratory facilities were granted freely. 

 Quarters were offered, as well as supply lines, funds, 

 and equipment. Nearly every Service bureau, branch, 

 and division shared in the effort. Thanks to highest 

 priorities, the Task Force grew rapidly and smoothly. 



Meanwhile, Admiral Blandy was conjuring a name. 

 ''Crossroads" seemed good, but it was a word already 

 in use in certain code work. The code people were con- 

 sulted, and agreed to surrender the name. So, on Jan- 

 uary 12, 1946, the Operation was christened "Opera- 

 tion Crossroads." 



Admiral Blandy drafted the Task Force organiza- 

 tion, and quickly assembled a central staff. He chose 



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