by Nukewatch staff

Eleven anti-nuclear activists were cited for trespass at the Navy's submarine transmitter Project ELF on August 9, the 53rd anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombing of Nagasaki, Japan. The Navy uses Project ELF to send extremely low frequency messages to submerged nuclear-powered and nuclear-armed submarines around the world.

The eleven arrested were among a group of 29 that had just completed a 52-mile walk, over four days, from Ashland, Wisconsin to the transmitter. The peace walk that began on August 6, dubbed the "Tromp Trident Trek," was a commemoration of the first atomic attacks and a condemnation of the continued use by the United States of nuclear-armed Trident submarines.

Those cited were ordered to appear in Ashland County Circuit Court September 15, and face a $181 fine or suspension of Wisconsin driving rights for up to five years.

Carrying the banner "HIROSHIMA NEVER AGAIN," the entire 52 miles, the walkers were greeted repeatedly with positive gestures from passing motorists and pedestrians. Supporters and volunteers brought water and snacks out to the walkers, and local residents accepted the group's flyer as the group passed through Marengo, Highbridge, Mellen, and Clam Lake, Wisconsin.

Thirteen-year-old Carrie Derwood from Washburn, Wisconsin, who walked the whole distance from Ashland, said of the demonstration, "I think people should learn from our mistakes. But the Government hasn't learned from its mistakes at Hiroshima and Nagasaki."

The demonstration against the Navy's Trident nuclear weapons system was the 35th in eight years organized by a coalition of peace and environmental groups from the area. Since November 1991, the demonstrations have seen 463 citations issued for trespass, and more than 35 individuals have served a total of 40 months in Ashland County Jail for conscientiously refusing to pay fines.

Regarding previous arrests at Project ELF, most people arrested last February 22 and on Mothers' Day did not contest the trespass citation and were fined $183 or loss of driver's license. Two men additionally charged with obstructing police on February 22 took different routes. Anthony Ouckema pleaded guilty and was fined $240, while Josh Trost pleaded not guilty and awaits a trial date.

For more information, contact Nukewatch, POB 649, Luck, WI 54853, (715)472-4185, fax (715)472-4184, email: nukewtch@win.bright.net