Underway on 29 April , '' Benner '' first proceeded to Eniwetok Atoll in the Marshall Islands . There , she participated in " Operation Hardtack I " — a 35-detonation series of atmospheric nuclear tests designed to evaluate new types of weapons , the effects of high-altitude explosions , and the new Polaris missile warhead prototype . '' Benner '' s assignments during these tests included weather observations , search and rescue , and scientific equipment recovery . She also performed air operations center functions at Bikini Atoll . The destroyer then departed Eniwetok on 1 August and arrived in Yokosuka five days later
Operation Hardtack I
Operation Hardtack I
USS Benner (DD-807)