Ships Diary 1945

1945

1 JAN 0503 >0635 - Launch & Land Patrols. 0639 >0946 -Launch & Land Deckload #1 for trng.

0924 >1146.- Torpedo Defense, Towed Sleeve gunnery firing w/ ships in line. 1217 >

1516 -Launch &Land Patrols.

2 Cont. NW to tankers. 0731>0933 fueled. 1231 -Cat & launch Patrols. 1543 - Land Ptls.

1753 - Start high speed approach to predawn launch about 100 mi SE of FORMOSA.

3 0545 - Launch fgtr sweep. Launch 5 strikes, 6 CAP, & 9A/C for search.

Air Ops- Cat 3, Launch 141, Land 144 (1 Wasp), Lost 1.

4 0700 - Launched 4 strikes, 4 CAP, 1 search (8), ( 1 Wasp). 1229 - Bogie closed to 7mi.

GQ. 1322- Radar clear. Air Ops - Launch 130, Land 128, Lost 1.

5 Enroute SE to Fuel NE of LUZON. 0824 >1025 Fueling from NECHES, 1 of 4 in line &

Cat Patrols. 1850 - Start hi-speed return to Launch ops VS LUZON.

6 0552 - Launched 55 in 3 CAP, 94 in 6 strikes, . 0759- Emergency Landed & 11 ENTERPRISE F6F(N)

0905 - Launched same. No bogies on Radar or sighted. Visibility poor and sea heavy. 1931 - DD HUNT damaged by seas, returned to ULITHI. Air Ops -

Cat 18, Launch 142, Landed 158, Lost 2. Orders to continue strikes.

7 0515 - Cat & Launch, 75 in 6 strikes, 60 in 3 CAP, & 6 for search. 1155>1235 fuel DD.

Air Ops - Cat 4, Launch 131, Land 133. Lost 2.

8 Enroute SE of FORMOSA to fuel. 0848>1109 Fueling from NECHES in line of 4 Aos Normal to TF

heading. 1242 - Launch Patrols. 1603 - Land same.

9 Enroute to Launch E of FOMOSA. 0405 - 2 DDs check sound contact. No Joy.

0532 - Begin Launch, 59 in 5 strikes, 36 in 3 CAP, & 21 in a search. 0845 -Nite CV & CVL group rejoin.

Low clouds squally, poor visibility. 1342 - Bogie 20mi. downed by CAP 21mi. Air Ops. Cat 10, Launch 109, Land 108, 1 to Big E. 2213 - Y'AMI Isl. BATAN group 35mi. Passing thru BASHI chnl to S.CHINA SEA

10 0004 - TG38.2 thru passage in column between .1 & .3. 0500 - Bogie 75mi. S. 0520 -

Bogie 16mi. 0611- VF(N) splash bogie (twin eng.) 140mi. 0649 - Lookouts see VFN shoot down bogie, 15mi. 0705 - VFN downs bogie 25mi. Launch & land Patrols –

1004>1313, 1259>1615, 1600>1827.

11 Enroute SW in S CHINA SEA to fuel. 0715 - Launch Patrol and Search. Land –1032 & 1314. 0851>1021

Fuel DD LIND. 1620 - Radar contact 3-5 bogies 22mi. CAP shot down 3 JAKES. 1810 – Nite group clear for ops.

8 Enroute SW to strike on FRENCH INDO-CHINA. 0400 - Coast 74 mi. 0715 - 2BB, 5 CL, and 10 DDs

detach to shell CAMRAHN BAY & SAIGON but returned, no action. 0733 - Cat & Launch 16 for CAP, 102 for 4 strikes, 27 for 4 Jacks. Air Ops. Cat 14, Launch 144, Land 154, & Lost 4.

9 Enroute NE to fuel.from fast oilers. Cat Patrols -1155, Landed 1600. Fueled 2DD.1217>1356 &

1439>1605. 1653 >1836 - fueled AVGas & Oil from NANTAHALA. 2308 - NANTAHALA w/ engine trouble dropped back with 2DDs.

10 Enroute to new fueling area. 0719 - start Air Ops - 9 for a Search, 27 for 4 CAPS. 1002 >1312 Fueled AvGas

and Fuel Oil from NANTAHALA again. 1825 - Clear of tankers.

Air Ops - Cat 19, Launch 17, Land 36.

11 Enroute to SE of HONG KONG to launch against HK & HAINAN. 0736 – Launch 50 for 3 Strikes, 16 in 2

sweeps, 61 in 6 CAPS, 1047 - TG CAP downs DINAH 24mi. 1358 - 3 bogies 60mi. Faded. 1707 Bogies 31mi. CAP downs 4 ZEKEs.2 Beattys escape. Air Ops-Cat 6, Launch 121, Land 125, Lost 1.

12 Enroute to strike FORMOSA in heavy overcast. 0735 - Launch 9 in a search , 70 in 6 CAP, 12 in Fgtr Sweep,

& 88 in 4 strikes. No bogie threats.

Air Ops- Cat 8, Launch 171, Land 174, Lost 4.

17 Enroute S for DD fueling. 0718 - Launch 9 for search, 20 for 2 CAP. 1001-Form on tankers. 1107 - DD

SPERRY xfrd 11 pilots. 1455>1555 - fuel DD AULT. Air Ops. Cat 0, Launch 29, Land 36, Lost 3, rcvd 9 replc & 1 from BIG E.

18 W of Luzon to finish fueling. Launch & Land patrols 1320>1647 &1619>1838.

19 Enroute S to finish fueling. Cat CAPs + 36 for weather flt in LUZON STRAITS Rcvd 3 F6F rplc. 1355

>1505 fuel from MANATEE until she lost steering. 1625>182 -Complete fueling from CALIENTE, TTL 209000 gal AvGas, 314000gal fuel oil. 1440- Radar detect fleet of landing craft 30mi.

20 Enroute NE to pass tip of LUZON in dark. Launch Patrols & 38 for Search. 0925 - Bogie 69mi. 0933 - Bogie

29mi.downed by CAP 37mi. 1726 -TG38.3 radar has 2 Bogies 23mi, then opened fire. 1740 - CAP down 1 bogie & 2nd 1833-20mi. 1913 - TG38.3 fires on bogie 6mi.it crossed astern 4mi & faded. 2010 –SABTANG Is. abeam 8.5mi. 2255-clear BALINTANG CHNL

21 Enroute NE to strike FORMOSA. 0251- bogie 45mi. was I.Dd as B-24 by Nite Ftrs. 0649-Air Ops start.

Cat 8, Launch 165, Land 174 (4 Ticonderoga), Lost 2 1 LEX on Hornet. Launch 94 in 4 strikes, 16 for 2 sweeps, 62 for CAPs. 0839 - Fgtrs down JILL, 16mi. 0859-CAP downs DINAH, 73mi. 1210 - TG38.3 under enemy attack. 1234- bogies at 52 &72mi. 1246- 38.1 CAP downs 5 ZEKEs

then 2 more & BETTY. 1328 -HANCOCK explosion & fire when TBM crashed. OK by 1530.

22 Enroute NE to strike NANSEI Is. 0617 - Air Ops start. Cat & Launch 148, Land 149. Launch 86 in 4 strikes,

11 in sweep, & 61 for CAPs. 0730>0845 Fuel DD. Fuel 2 more DDs,1 interrupted by bogie

threat 25mi.

23 Enroute SW to fuel. 1020>1310 Fueling. Transfer pilots to DD for replacements. 1240 -Air Ops -Cat 16,

Launch 17, 1 for YKTN, Land 37(5 rplcmnt, 1 for YKTN)

24 Enroute ULITHI w/TG38.2. 0613 - Air Ops. Launch & Land 26. Launch 24 for 2 CAP, & 2 TBM sleeve

tow. 1235>1326 -Test fire 24 - 5"38 Mk 70 fuses.

25 Enroute SE to ULITHI. Launch Patrols and Tow planes for firing 1016>1105.

26 0954 - Anchored Berth 10 ULITHI. Commence provisioning.

27-31 Capt ROBBINS relieves Capt LITCH & Adm. DAVIDSON, Adm BOGAN.

1945 (Ens Walt Walling reports aboard-see May '45)

FEB TF 58 Adm. MITSCHER (WASP) Shift to (BUNKER HILL) on 2/7

TF 58.2 - Adm DAVISON (LEX) LEX, HANCOCK , SAN JACINTO BB-2, CL-3, DD-9+9. A/G 20,

71F6F, 15TBM, 15SB2C

2 -9 Anchored ULITHI as before. AIR GROUP 9 relieves A/G 20.

10 0652 -Underway from Berth 10 w/ TG58.2. 0915>1136 gunnery trning, fired105 5", 3800 40mm, 8100

20mm. 1321>1500 - A/G fired rocket and strafed towed sled. Air Ops -Cat 7, launched 32. Patrols from ULITHI. 0230 - Heavy Object struck sick bay area stbd. #1 shaft vibrating.

11 Enroute to fuel NE of the MARIANAS. Air Ops.- Cat 17, Launch 97, land 114, Jettison 1, in training

throughout day.

12 Continued training and tracking drills. Checked vibration- 20 min.at 28 Kts. Air Ops.-Launched 3 deck

loads and patrols. Cat 40, Launch 106, Land 146.

13 Met w/ tankers. 1230 >1545 - Fuel from PLATTE, 218K fuel oil, 76K Avgas. Air Ops - Patrols, Cat 12,

Launch 8, Land 20.

14 Continue fuel ops. Air ops- Patrols, Cat 12, Land 13 w/ replacement.

15 Enroute NE to TOKYO. Top off 3 DDs, 0724 >0810, 0825 >0903, 0920 >1038,

20K, 13K & 13K gal fuel oil. Air Ops. Cat 17, Land 17 for Patrols.

16 641 -Launch 28, for TOKYO sweep, and Patrols. 0730- Launch 20 for #2 Sweep and Patrols. 0909 –

Launch 20 for Sweep #3 and Patrols. 1045 -Launch 16 for Sweep #4 and Patrols. 1145 - bogie 21mi. faded at 1204. 1224 - Launch 20 for Sweep #5 and patrols. Launch 44, deckload vs NAKAJAINA A/C plant 1529 - Launched 12 for patrols. 1707 - Group of bogies is returning group. No real threats on radar all day. Air Ops. -108 sorties over TOKYO, shooting down 25, 20 probables, 14 burned on ground, w/ 23 other probables. 16 tons bombs, 104 rockets. Lost 4.

17 Cont. TOKYO sweeps & strikes. 0607 - bogie is friendly. 0705 - Launch 18 sweep & patrols. 0916 -Cat 9

for #2 sweep. 1135 - Cat 4 for patrols. 1249 -launch 12, Patrols. 1348 -Cat 4 , Patrol +1HANCOCK. 1445 -Strikes cancelled. 1528 -Cat 7 for patrols. 1644 - 3 bogies,11mi. did not close. 1654 - Saw firing over horizon. Air Ops-22 sorties over TOKYO area & 47 over TG. Down 4 at tgt. 1 Prob. on grnd. Weather bad.

18 Enroute S to IWO JIMA. 1157>1636 fuel 2 DDs. 1900 - 2 bogies, 58 &

75mi. faded to E. 2215 - bogie 35mi faded. 2nd was friendly. Air Ops-

Cat 16 for patrols, + 1 RANDOLPH.

19 Enroute to NW of IWO JIMA for CAP and Strikes. 0257 -DD has SUB contact. No joy. 0440 - Radar on

KITA IWO JIMA, 56mi. 0613 – Launch 24 for strike &patrols. 0742 - Launch 16 for close support. 0857 - Cat & Launch 27 for 2nd Patrols. 1027 - Launch 18, 3rd patrols. 1227 – Launch 28, 4th patrols & 2nd CS strike. Launch 13 for 5th patrol. 1457- Launch 30, 6th patrol and 3rd CS strike. 1535- Site IWO 30mi. Air Ops- 101 sorties +40 CAP, 14 tons bombs, 85 rockets, Lost 1 F6, chute seen. 1852 - bogie 43mi. 1858 -5/6 bogies 25mi. 1907- TG58.3 firing on bogies 12mi. 1933 -bogies 24mi. & TG fires on low A/C 10mi. 1937 - VF(N) downs HELEN 32mi. 1943-TG fires on low bogies, MISSOURI downs 1.5mi. Raids 4 &5 at 20 & 18 mi. 2more are shot down. Screen clear 2041.

20 Enroute S for fueling. 0933>1348 -Fueling from NEOSHO. 1435>1624 -LEX FIRST REARMING AT SEA

FROM AE SHASTA -Rcd - 32-500# 104-250#,205-100#Bombs: 750 ea bomb fuses & 5"rockets. Air Ops.- Launch 24 for patrols

21 Wof IWO w/ TG 58.2. 0619- Launch 16, for strike & patrols. 0743 -Cat & Launch 12 for IWO CAP. 0857 –

Cat & Launch 24, 2nd strike & patrols. 1000 -F6Fs collide, 1 lands, 1 bails out. DD picks up OK. 1051-Launch 3rd patrols & Tgt Coord. Grp(4). 1329 -Launch 12, 4th Patrol. Air Ops –95 tgt sorties, 28 over TG. Exp 12 tons Bombs, 97 rockets. Lost F6 &TBM crew

22 0924 -Cat 19, strike. 0945 -Launch 40, strike. 1545>2110 -SULLIVANS fell out of screen fixing locked

shaft. Air Ops-59 tgt &40 TG sorties, 16 tons of bombs, & 24 napalm.

23 Enroute to fueling E of IWO. 0918 >1118 fuel from MERRIMACK 1528 - Cat 12, Patrols. Land 1809 -+

rplc. 1625 -Land 3 rplc.

24 Eroute TOKYO & top DDs. 0712 >1318 -Topped off 4 DDs. 1318- Lost F6 over bow when heavy seas came

over flt. Deck

25 Enroute SE of TOKYO, delayed by Hi wind & seas. 0727 -Launch 14 fgt sweep. 0731- Bogie was VF(N).

0816 -Launch 42, deckload TOKYO strike found poor visibility. Land 1228. 1114 -Launch 7, fgtr

sweep. 1713 –Bogies 15mi. were B-29s. No tgs reached in 21 sorties. Hit Hangar, A/C. Locomtv.

26 Enroute SE thru Nanpo Shoto Is. 0152 - TORI SHIMA 42mi. Weather &sea cancel Air Ops. 0945 -Bogie

40mi. Cat 8 F6F scramble. 1202 - DD sees Bogie, ID as PB4Y

27 Enroute to fuel SW of IWO w TG 58.2. 0015 -Bogie 37mi. TG 58.4 fired on bogie. 0152 -Bogie 48mi.

Cleared. 1421 -Completed fuelling from tanker. 1532 -Cat 15, Patrols. 1543 - F6F in water 1500 yds. DD rescued injured pilot.

28 Enroute NANSEI SHOTOs w/TG 58.2 to top 2 DDs. Air Ops. Launch 24, patrols.

1 MAR 0713 -Launch 1st Strike. 0740 -OKINAWA, 55mi. 0826 -Launch 2nd strike + photo

1308 -Fired 911 rds 20mm at Mine. DD got it 1328. 1323 -Launch 3rd strike. Air Ops- 8 search, 116 tgt & 38 CAP sorties. 42 tons bombs, 68 rockets. 3 A/C burn 1probable on grnd, 6 dmgd. No opposition.

2 Enroute SE to top DDs. 0725 >1005 top 2 DDs. 1228 >1607 -50 rnds 5", 2300-40 &

8000-20mm. in gunnery exercises. Air Ops- Launch patrols +2 tow for gunnery.

3 Enroute to fueling W of MARIANAS. 0739 -Cat 2, 1 HANCOCK, 1 ULITHI. 0742> 0747 lost steering cntrl.

(Electric failure). 0805 >1126 Fueling, ESCALANTE. 1347>1531 Gunnery exercises. 1439 -Cat tow plane.

4 4Enroute ULITHI. 0625 -Cat 12, for replacing. 0925 -Cat 8 for patrols to land ULITHI. 0935 >1135 gunnery exercises-Exp 120-5", 3000-40, 11000-20mm. 1210 -Launch 61 to ships and beach. 1744 -Anchor berth 25, ULITHI.

5-6 Adm DAVISON detached.

LEX TO RETURN STATESIDE TO SEATTLE

7 0730 -Completed taking aboard 13 POW, 114 patients & 660 passengers for HAWAII. 0913 -Underway for

PEARL w/ COWPENS, BOSTON & 2 DEs. 1039 - Land 21 from CASU 51for patrols. Pilot from F6 recovered after water landing. Cat 4 for CAP A/C complement: 16 F6F, 2 F4U, 9 SB2C.

8 0630 -Emergency turn to miss MAN OVERBOARD from BOSTON. DD recovered.

Air Ops- Cat 24 for routine patrols.

9-10 Enroute P.H.HAWAII via ENIWETOK. Air Ops - Cat 24, patrols, each day.

11-12 0958 -Anchored berth E-5 ENIWETOK. DEs released, awaiting new escorts.

13 0719 - Underway for PEARL HARBOR w/ BOSTON & COWPENS. Cat 24, patrols.

14 0804 - Cat 7, Search for life raft w/survivors. ASP to search 20mi each side of track

MAR Surface search by ships w/ 5mi spread. Also search for a reef. Air Ops-Cat 34

15 Air Ops- Cat 26, patrols w/ 4 searching for sighted flare. 1 barrier crash.

16 Air Ops- Cat 25, patrols.

17 07-- Cat 9 to land at FORD island after patrol. 0855 - Cat 3, patrols. AM - Gunnery

vs towed sleeve by PH A/C. 1722 -to mooring Berth F-12 FORD ISLAND by pilot , Chf Boatswain Carter.

18-19 Rcvd 300000 gals fuel oil, unloaded AvGas. Rcvd 2 ofcrs, 138 patients, 9 prisoners

20 Transfer 23 men to P.H. 0806 - Underway for PUGET SOUND NAVY YARD, BREMERTON, WASH.

21-26 Enroute singly to BREMERTON, WASH

27 0729 -Entered STRAITS OF JUAN DE FUCA. 0900 - Captain's Award Ceremony.

1110 -Navy Yard inspection party aboard. 1508 -Anchored N of BLAKE Is.

1600 -Unload ammunition. 2215 -Disembark transported A/G 3 and 38 ofcrs & 621 enlisted men.

28-30 0800 -Ferry disembarks 53 ofcrs & 1236 enlisted on leave 'til Apr 18. 1254 - Under-

1945 way to Berth C, Sinclair Inlet BREMERTON, WASH. 1344 -Anchor Berth C. Transfer 159 patients to

Naval Hospital. Continue unloading ammo.

31 0702 -Underway for Pier 3, PUGET SOUND NAVY YARD. 0810 -Moored w/svcs.

APR Moored Pier 3. Apr 3 - Entered drydock #4 on keel blocks.

18 1st Leave party returns, 2nd Leave party leaves for authorized 22 days (Fullam)

(Lt.jg Rothrock reports as Arresting Gear Officer, replacing Lt. Tom Farley)

28 Flooded drydock to 20 ft. level.

MAY In drydock #4 flooded to 20 ft level. 6 May flooded drydock, Moored to PIER 6C

6-13 Conducted dock trials on 7th and 12. 12 May- 2nd Leave party returns.

14-17 Underway to conduct full power trials in PUGET SOUND. #2 Condensate pump overheated. 40mm gun

tests and degaussing at Port Jefferson.

18-19 Trials completed. Anchored SE BLAKE Is. replenishing.

22-24 0657 - Underway from anchorage to moor at ALAMEDA, CA., at 1209, 24 May

ENS WALLING arranges Rate for Rate exchange of 280+vets for Alameda men.

29 1407 -Underway for PEARL HARBOR, T.H. RETURNING TO COMBAT

JUN

4 1322 -Moored Berth F-13 FORD ISLAND, T.H. Disembarking passengers, unload-

1945 ing Army & Navy aircraft. Loading ammunition and supplies.

6-11 0724 -Underway to operate locally with 2 DD. Carrier A/G 94 reported aboard w/

Lt jg Thomas FRIDAY, LSO. Air Ops and gunnery drills.

12 1310 -Moored port side, Berth F-9, FORD ISLAND T.H. Refuel and reprovision.

13 1311 -Underway as CTG 12.4 w/ HANCOCK & COWPENS, and 4 DDs to attack WAKE ISLAND. Firing at drones and towed sleeves. Fueled DDs as necessary. and conducting routine flight patrols and

simulated air attacks by A/G 94.

20 0451 - Began launching strikes against Jap installations on WAKE. No bogies were seen but 2 A/C were lost to AA fire. Resumed Course to LEYTE GULF, P.I.

24 Conducting routine patrols and gunnery. Fueled from AO NECHES.

26 1202 - Anchored berth 67 SAN PEDRO BAY, LEYTE GULF. Replenishing.

28 Adm. SPRAGUE, CTG 38 and staff aboard for 1 day, shifting to BENNINGTON

1 JUL Anchored berth 67 SAN PEDRO BAY. A/G 94 -33 F6F, 33 F4U, 15 TBM, 13 SB2C

1945 TG 38 Adm McCAIN- SHANGRILA TG 28,1 Adm SPRAGUE -BENNINGTON

TG 38.1.1 BENNINGTON, HANCOCK, LEXINGTON, BELLEAU WOOD, SAN JACINTO

38.1.3 - 3 BB, 38.1.4 - 6 CL, 38.1.5 - 20 DD.

0601 -Underway to theVOLCANO Is. to strike JAPAN. Flew routine patrols. gunnery exercises.

2 1 practice firing and fuel 4 DDs. Routine air patrols. Lost F6F and pilot on approach.

3 Launch 2 practice strikes with heavy CAPs to engage returning A/C in mock attacks.

4 Top 2 DDs. AM -Launch 8, CAP. Noon -Launch 2 sleeve tow tgts & drone for firing drill, the drone providing more realistic variable track rates.

5 Top 3 DDs Launch 2 Strikes for fgtr direction problems and attacks on ship.

6 Fuel 2 DDs Launch 3 -12 plane CAP & 4 -sweeps & strikes. Trial firing formation.

7 Same as 6. DD sank mine

8 0620 >1055 Rcvd 134000 gals AvGas, 992000 fuel oil. In Drone firing drills DD had sub contact, & search

plane saw shadow. Depth chgd, not confirmed. PM - CAP plane crashed catwalk an 50 mount. Jettisoned. Pilot OK.

9 Enroute to Launch strikes vs TOKYO & S HONSHU. Top 3 DDs. Launch 12, CAP. Dodged 2 of 4 mines

sunk by DDs.

10 Launch strikes vs TOKYO from 120mi. off coast & heavy CAPs over group & pickets. Strikes were

successful and opposition lite. At GQ all day, feeding near battle stations. Many alerts on friendlies. A single bogie was shot down over another Task group

I loved the vegetable beef soup and the brownies, served just under the flt deck.

11 Enroute to strike N HONSHU & HOKKAIDO. Launch routine patrols. 1 mine seen.

1610 -Our CAP sighted surfaced JAP SUB. DDs made contact and pursued.

12 Enroute fueling & HOKKAIDO. 0450 >0730 Fuel from CACAPON. Gunnery practice.

1130 -Land CAP. PM- Launch CAP. Begin Hi speed run to Launch pt.

13 0400 -Launch, 70mi. out, held for weather. 1309 -Secured from GQ and topped 2 DDs

14 Launch 3 strikes at dawn. Bad tgt weather held more. Heavy CAPs but few alerts. 1 Bogie downed by other

TG. Top 2 DDs. 3 CL join shore bombardment group.

15 Launched 5 strikes vs airfields and tgts & heavy CAPS. Top 1 DD. 2 of several

JUL alerts were bogies, shot dn by CAP at 50 mi. CLs returned to TG.

16 Enroute fueling. 0609 >0910 - fuel by CACAPON. Land CAP & replcmnts. BRITISH

1945 TF 37 joined as 4th TG enroute to strike HONSHU

17 At 120mi. Launch only 2 predawn strikes, tgt weathered in. Heavy CAP all day. Sub chasing DDs return.

Lost sub. Enroute TOKYO to strike Jap BB NAGATO

18 0400 -110mi. to tgt. Launch 3 strikes and heavy CAPs into low ceiling & rain. 3^rdstrike hit and NAGATO

was believed tosettle in smoke. Lost 2 A/C diving on tgt.

19 Enroute replenishing area. Routine patrols all day w/ 22000th LANDING in PM. CAP shot down balloon

w/mine, which sank. (Bomb aimed at US West Coast?)

20 0600 >0800 Fueled from the SEBEC, drone firing to 1040. Launch routine patrols.

21 0349 >0950 Rearmed from the VESUVIUS, gunnery drills and Routine patrols.

22-23 Topped off DDs, firing exercises enroute to strikes on S HONSHO & SHIKOKU.

24 Launched 6 strikes vs airfields & naval base at KURE, & heavy CAPS. Lost 5 A/C. 3 Bogies were shot down

by CAP near other TGs. Retired East for the night.

25 Launch 5 strikes at same tgs including the base at KOBE, & heavy CAP. Some tgts were weathered in.

Fueled the KNAPP in PM. Bogie shot down by CAP.

26 Formed on replenish group. Rcvd 600000 gals from tanker. 1357 >1756 Rcvd 191 tons of ammo from AE

LASSEN. Launch 3 tow A/C but did not practice fire

27 Did practice firing but launched no patrols. Dodged 1 mine. Headed W to Launch.

28 Launched the most successful strikes (6) sinking all the ships in the KURE harbor. Flew heavy CAPs. Lost

5. No bogies. Retired to East.

29 Enroute to strike NAGOYA. Flew 1 CAP in AM & topped 3 DDs. 3 BBs left for bombardment mission.

30 Launch 6 excellent strikes on airfields & tgts in NAGOYA area. The BBs returned. Lost 4 A/C. 2 bogies

shot down by other TGs. Retired S for fueling.

31 Enroute to fuel. Launch CAPs 8 DDs in bombardment group return. 1444 >1817 -

1945 rearming from LASSEN.

AUG Steaming 600mi. S of TOKYO w/TG 38.1.

1 10521 >0917 -fueling 675000 gals gas & oil from PATUXENT.. 1134 -Landed replacements. Headed S to

clear the track of a typhoon

2 Enroute clearing TYPHOON. Held 2 firing practices at towed sleeves. Enroute to fueling

3 30525 >0711 took 2726 bbls fuel oil from TALUGA. Launch routine patrols and

held fighter direction drills in PM. Enroute N to strike HONSHU.

4-6 Weather negated strikes on HONSHU. Enroute NE thru NANPO SHOTO Is to strike HONSHU &

HOKKAIDO. Launched patrols and held drill flights with gunnery training.

7 0750 >1030 -rcvd fuel from CIMMARON after topping 2DDs. Launched tows for morning firing practice

and conducted firing practice in PM. Enroute to Launch.

8 We retired to E when heavy fog cancelled ops. Bogie downed by Nite fgtrs. At GQ all day. Crew fed at battle stations.

9 From 130 mi. we launched 5 strikesand heavy CAPs over TG & pickets. Lost 3, w/ 2 badly shot up. After

dark, 2 of last strike landed in water. DDs saved the crews.

10 Launched 6 strikes vs N HONSHU & heavy CAPs, all successful and no losses.

11 Enroute E, topped 2 DDs & fueled from AO PLATTE, & turned W for Launch.

12 Enroute W, launched CAPs and topped 2 DDs.

13 Launch 6 strikes vs TOKYO w/excellent results, no losses, & heavy CAPS. A Lg. No. of Bogies in vicinity

were shot down by CAPs or other TGs. Enroute E.

14 1020 >1211 -Fueling from CHIPOLA. AM-Firing practice. PM-Land replacements.

15 0420 -Launch strikes on TOKYO. 0801 -Ceased when Al Nav194 proclaims war w/JAPAN brought to

conclusion. (So I'm in the catwalk fwd. when a chf jumps up on the F6F on the catapult and releases it's 250# bomb into a dolley put under it two feet below by another laughing chf. ) Heavy CAP was busy shooting down all the MANY KAMAKAZI attempts. As Adm HALSEY put it

"IN A FRIENDLY SORT OF WAY"

AUG

1945

IT'S OVER

16-17 2 days fueling DDs and gunnery exercises while cruising off HONSHU

18 0548 >0745 -Fueled from AO KENEBAGO. 1200 -LEX is temporary flag for Adm SHERMAN. PM -

Conducted firing practice.

19 Flew routine patrols. 1120 -Marine detachment transferred to DD BLUE to join LANDING FORCE ON TOKYO.

20 1525 -Adm SHERMAN transferred flag toWASP via DD SWENSON.

21 1445 >1635 -Rcvd 69 tons ammo from AE FIREDRAKE. Launch routine patrols.

22 0638 >0756 -Fueling from AO CHIPOLA. TF held "exercise TINTYPE" photos of TF 38 maneuvers. Flew

routine patrols.

23-26 Flew routine patrols & POW missions off E coast HONSHU. Dropped food, magazines, clothes contributed

by crew. POW exhuberance repaid the crew.

27 0910 >1135 -fueled from CHICOPEE, 391,000 gal fuel oil, 63000 gal AvGas.

28 1022 >1428 -Rcvd 67 tons stores from AKA VIRGO. Enroute W to launch patrols covering ships entering

TOKYO BAY.

29-30 Continued heavy patrols over TOKYO BAY for protection & a show of Force.

31 0936 -Adm SHERMAN lands & hoists flag on LEX. 1207 >1508 -rcvd 43 tons dry provisions. 16++ >1822

-Fueling from CHIKSKIA, remaining S of TOKYO.

1945

SEP - 21 -

1 Steaming 90mi. S of HONSHU w/TG 38.3, CTG-Adm BOGAN. A/G 94 aboard. Launched patrols over

TOKYO BAY covering peace negotiations.

2 Maintain patrols as show of force. Launch TBM w/Adm. SHERMAN to go to MISSOURI treaty signing.

Landed Adm in afternoon.

3-4 S of HONSHU. Flew routine patrols & furled DDs.

5 0528 -Detached from 38.3 to be FIRST ESSEX CV to ENTER TOKYO BAY. 1449 -Anchored in berth F-

63.

6 0905 -Adm SHERMAN's flag transferred to NEW MEXICO. 0915 - Marine detachment returns from

YOKOSUKA landings. They brought souveniers, & told of no opposition or caualties. 1531 - Underway to join TG 38.2

7 0744 -Joined TG 38.2.(/BENNINGTON flag).

8 Flew POW missions over E coast of HONSHU. One had sign Thank you LEX.

9 0604 >0744 -Fueled from LACKAWANA. 0928 >1233 -Rcd 35 tons dry and 15 Tons fresh provisions.

Enroute SW to reenter TOKYO BAY.

10 1037 -Anchored berth F-63

11-14 Held first liberty since 1July, organized rec and liberty parties in YOKOSUKA, & YOKOHAMA areas.

Crew at sea 76 days. Xferred 76 men to Demobilization centers, 32 to further assignments, & 32 to TICONDEROGA for US shore duty. Ship reduced in experienced men and senior rates. Rcvd 43 new men for duty.

15-18 Patrol E of HONSHU . Training-fghtr direction & radar trkg drills. Fuelling DDs

19 0845 >1042 rcvd 309000 gals AvGas, 10000 gals fuel oil from PLATTE.

20-23 E of HONSHU training. Air & surface tgt trking exercises & gunnery firing. On 20th TG chgd to 58.2, a part

of 5th fleet. 21st - 0411- HANCOCK left for TOKYO, as we proceeded to SAIPAN to exchange Air Groups.

24 0541 -Anchored berth M-19 SAIPAN outer anchorage. Exec relieved. AIR GROUP 92 replaces A/G 94 who

was aboard for last attacks on JAPAN. 1500 -Underway for ENIEWETOK ATOLL

25-26 Enroute to ENIEWETOK carrying out flight operations.

27 Off ENIEWETOK -Gunnery and flight operations. Group fired on drone in high and low level attacks. 1418 -Anchored berth 47 ENIEWETOK ATOLL.

28-30 Anchored ENIWETOK ATOLL First extensive crew liberty since Phillipines, on

1945 RUNIT Is, w/ great facilities. Planned to transfer eligible personnel.

OCT

1-6 Anchored ENIWETOK. CTG 58.2 Adm SPRAGUE & A/G 92 aboard. Transferred 249 men 18 ofcrs to

Demobilization cntrs-Rcvd only 95. Loss bad for Yoemen. Necessary to keep key personnel. Held LSO in addition to others.

7 0702 -Underway for TOKYO BAY, after gunnery drills in AM w/ BENNINGTON & BELLEAU WOOD, 3

CL & DD screens.

8-12 Enroute TOKYO. Conducted air ops and training. TYPHOON conditions delayed arrival on the 12th.

13 0646 -sighted approaches to BAY. 1230 -Moored to buoy #6 YOKOSUKA w/ 4 tugs assisting.

14-23 Moored as before. Gnl cleaning & repairing ship. Had liberty to YOKOSUKA & TOKYO. 1 officer & 16

men to demobilization centers. No replacements. 2015 -On 14th, the ship went adrift when a Japanese shackle on bouy broke. The alert anchor detail dropped the stbd anchor almost immediately holding drift to 200 yds. In the AM 4 tugs aided in remooring to the buoy. 0920 –On the 21st Hi winds strained bouy again, tore 3 of our boats loose & delayed departure.

24 0855 -Underway from bouy 6 aided by 4 tugs w/TG 58.2, TGC Adm. SPRAGUE LEX flag, with 7 DDs. PM

-Flight Ops and drills.

26-27 Conducted intensive training, target practice, emergency & fghtr direction and attack drills. Launched 148

on 26th and 81 on the 27th

28 0712 -Entered TOKYO BAY and anchored berth F71because of hi winds. 1358 - Underway and moored to

buoy 15 assisted by 4 tugs We were very successful in swinging the ship Using "PROJECT PINWHEEL", where two rows of 6 planes were lashed facing inboard both forward and aft on the flt deck. Alternate banks of planes were turned up to give a turning torque to the ship. This method swung the ship at 15 degrees per minute max. - 22 -

1-2 Moored as before in YOKOSUKA KO preparing for annual inspection & granting max liberty possible. Hi

winds on the 30th necessitated special details at night.

1945 NOV

1-4 Moored as before to buoy # 15 w/ flag, Adm. SPRAGUE & A/G 92

5-9 Underway using PROJECT PINWHEEL & 4 tugs.in TG 58.2 w/ INTREPID, 2CL& DDs. Carried out daily

Air Ops., fighter direction drills, and simulated attacks, emergency drills and gunnery exercises. 2 F4Us collided crossing over the bow in the attacks, neither were recovered. (I was forward between A/C when I heard the BANG. I didn't see but heard them pass over from stbd to water impact to port. We found some pieces of battery on the deck.) A mine sighted close aboard on the 8th was sunk by a DD.

9 0905 -Anchored temporarily in berth A-84 due to bad weather. 1409 - Moved to moore at bouy 15 using our

PINWHEEL & 4 tugs.

10-24 (MISSING FROM LOG SET)

24-27 Operating E of HONSHU. ( DETAILS ALSO MISSING)

27 1230 -Entered TOKYO BAY. Due to hi winds, Anchored outside YOKOSUKA KO.

28 1311 -Shifted to moore at buoy #15 through the remainder of our stay.

29 Fueled from the CALIENTE, 323000 gals fuel oil, 27000 gals AvGas.

DEC

1-2 Load for return to SAN FRANCISCO. Hangar deck was loaded with cots to sleep returning Army personnel.

Also a BAKA BOMB (Glider type).

3 Underway for SAN FRANCISCO? Via HAWAII ?

END OF WAR DIARY ENTRIES FOR CV-16

DECK LOGS from JULY 1, 1945 to

APRL 30, 1946 Missing ( STILL MISSING - MARCH 2000)

(Missing Data to be obtained when available(Deck Logs misplaced at National Archives)

DATA FROM A CREWMAN'S DIARY via T. REESE Mar 2000

DEC

15 Tied up at Alameda Air Station, San Francisco. Leave started at 1600 but transportation is a mess.

1946

JAN

(Ship apparently moved to SanPedro. LONG BEACH, Los Angeles, CA

13 Arrived in Los Angeles (from leave?) from Cleveland about 0700.

FEB

16 Underway for San Diego. Tied up about 1500. (Rated weekend liberty).

19 Underway for Air Operations with A/G 5 aboard.

23 Tied up at NORTH ISLAND, San Diego about 1130. 1200 - Left ship, hitch-hiked to Long Beach.

24 Left Long Beach about 1900 assuming liberty ended at 2400. 2130 - Reported aboard to find liberty extended

to 0800.

26 Underway for another week's operation with A/G 5.

MAR.

2 0930 - Tied up at NORTH ISLAND, San Diego

3 ( Lt. Rothrock, Mr. Arresting Gear detached - How did we STOP the F8F )

4 0730 - Underway for a few days with only a few air craft aboard.including an F8F equipped with.

photographic equipment. One of our main reasons for going out was to get rid of some aerial depth charges that the base in San Diego won't accept

7 Tied up at NORTH ISLAND, San Diego, scheduled to be in port until the 15th.

19 0900 - Underway for PEARL HARBOR.

25 1200 - Tied up FORD ISLAND, Pearl Harbor, HW - 23 -

APR

5 Underway for Air Operations and gunnery exercises.

12 Tied up at same berth at Ford Island this afternoon.

22 Still sitting along side the dock. Don't believe there are enough experienced men to get thing underway.

Spent about 20 days. ( Spent one nice weekend at Camp Andrews).

MAY

14 0700 - Underway for the States. I believe we'll pull into San Diego about the 20th.

We have a good many passengers and a load of planes, but the trip shouldn't be bad except for water hours.

20 0700 - Arrived SAN DIEGO , CA after an uneventful trip. Should get underway for BREMERTON, WA. on Friday

From LEX DECK LOGS ( Note overlap for MAY )

1 MAY Moored Stbd side, Pier 5 FORD ISLAND, T.H.

13 Loaded 43 F6F, 15 TBM, 11F4U, 1 R5G, 1 J2F, TTL 71 A/C: 100 Men, 73 Ofcrs, 413 Ofcrs &

Marines, 586 Navy, + A/G 5 +20 passengers.

14 0704 -Cast off for San Diego

19 127A/C-1 SRC-1, 1 J2F, 9 PBY-6A, 52 F6F, 28 SB2C, 20 TBM, 14 F4U

20 0739- N. Baker St. Pier, SAN DIEGO -Offload passengers

0921- Moved to NAS North Island

1032- Off load Aircraft

24 0748- Underway to Baker St.

25 1155- Underway to SAN FRANCISCO

27 0524- Moored Alameda - Offload passengers

0700- Underway to SEATTLE

29 PORT TOWNSEND, Wash. Berth 45, offload passengers, unload ammo

1 JUN 0723- Underway for SEATTLE

1049- Berth 3, Pier 91 Seattle

15 Fullam detached

21 0855- Towed to Everett, Was

27 JUL Friday detached

7 AUG Towed to Bremerton Naval Shipyard

29 1946 Moved to Drydock #4 on Keel Blocks

Data extracted by R. Fullam 10-12/99

765 Taliaferro Rd.

Annapolis, Md. 21403

410-280-5154

E-mail - RFULLAM@AOL.COM