George Sottung (American, 1927 - 1999) "Operation Crossroads at Bikini Atoll - Navy Preparations" Signed lower left. Original Oil painting on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting is the original painting which appeared on the Republic of the Marshall Islands 32+8c Navy Preparations stamp issued July 1, 1996. After the destruction of Hiroshima and Nagasaki by the atom bomb in August 1945, U.S. military leaders were worried about the future implications of this new weapon. Hiroshima and Nagasaki had demonstrated what atomic bombs could do, but the U.S. Navy was concerned about the devastating effects such weapons might have on naval targets. Thus, the primary objective of Operation Crossroads -- commanded by Navy Vice Admiral William Henry Purnell Blandy -- was to analyze the effects of atomic explosions against naval vessels, as well as appraise strategic implications in regard to naval design and tactics. In the spring of 1946, the 53rd Naval Construction Battalion prepared Bikini for atomic testing and for the arrival of thousands of military personnel. Several 70-foot steel towers were erected and mounted with lead-lined remote-control cameras and blast pressure gauges. Dozens of huts, workshops and recreational facilities were installed on Bikini, as well as a water distillation system and an aerological station. Image Size: 12.5 x 16.5 in. Overall Size: 17.5 x 19.75 in. Unframed. (B15405)