00 – 04 Watch

Steaming in company with Task Group 58.1, Rear Admiral J.J. CLARK, U.S.N., ComCarDiv 13, O.T.C. in U.S.S. HORNET. The task group consists of U.S.S. HORNET, FRANKLIN, CABOT, SANTA FE, MOBILE, BILOXI, DENVER, OAKLAND, and DesDiv’s 11, 91 (less CONNER), and 92 (less COWELL) in cruising formation 5R, U.S.S. HORNET as guide enroute Saipan from an air strike on the Yap, Ulithi group of Japanese held islands. Steaming in company with Task Group 58.1, Rear Admiral J. J. Clark, USN, OTC in U.S.S. HORNET. This Task Group consists of U.S.S. HORNET, FRANKLIN, CABOT, SANTA FE, MOBILE, BILOXI, DENVER, OAKLAND and Destroyer Divisions 11, 91 (minus CONNER), and 92 (minus COWELL); in Cruising Formation 5R; axis 155^o T (PGC); U.S.S. DENVER’S station 4225; U.S.S. HORNET guide. Ship is darkened, in Material Condition "B" and Readiness Condition III. Boilers No. 1 and 3 are in use. Steaming on course 295^o T (PGC) and zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 6, base course 315^o T (PGC). 0150 Ceased zig-zagging and resumed base course 315^o T (PGC). 0200 Changed course right to 045^o T (PGC) in execution of night orders. 0210 Resumed zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 6. 0336 Lit fires under boilers No. 2 and 4 to boost steam pressure.

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 164

L. J. Tobin, Lt., USNR.

04 – 08 Watch

Steaming as before, course 045^o T (PGC), at speed 16 knots, zig-zag plan No. 6. 0415 Changed course right to 130^o T (PGC) by Corpen movement. 0525 Went to General Quarters for Dawn Alert. Set Material Condition "A". 0600 Secured from General Quarters, set Readiness Condition III, Material Condition "B". 0601 Ceased zig-zagging, and steadied on course 110^o T (PGC). 0608 Changed course the right to 188^o T (PGC). 0628 Changed course to the left to 130^o T (PGC). 0635 Resumed zig-zag plan No. 6, base course 130^o T (PGC).

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 162

J. P. Wiley, Lt., USNR.
 
 

08 – 12 Watch

Steaming as before, base course 130^o T (PGC), speed 16 knots (160 RPM), zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 6. 0810 Mustered crew on stations. Absentees: none. 0955 Made daily inspection of magazines and smokeless powder samples. Conditions normal. 1059 Ceased zig-zag, changed course right to 190^o T (PGC). 1116 Changed course left to 130^o T (PGC). 1135 Changed course right to 190^o T (PGC). 1158 Changed course right to 240^o T (PGC).

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 162

W. M. Foster, Lt., USNR.

12 – 16 Watch

Steaming as before, on course 240^o T (PGC), speed 16 knots (160 RPM). 1214 Changed fleet course to 190^o T (PGC). 1222 Changed fleet course to 125^o T (PGC). 1231 Commenced zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 6. 1238 U.S.S. HORNET designated fleet guide. 1254 Ceased zig-zagging, changed fleet course to 185^o T (PGC). 1312 Changed fleet course to 175^o T (PGC). 1329 Changed fleet course to 130^o T (PGC). 1335 Sighted Saipan Island, bearing 126^o T, distance 36 miles. 1350 Changed fleet course to 115^o T (PGC). 1400 U.S.S. BELL and BROWN rejoined formation from previously assigned duty. 1432 Maneuvered on various courses and at various speeds to enter port. 1559 Assumed position 4225, in formation 5R, course and axis 270^o T (PGC), speed 10 knots (100 RPM).

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 146

G. C. Wilson, Lt., USNR.

16 – 18 Watch

Steaming as before, base course 270^o T (PGC), speed 10 knots (100 RPM). 1607 Changed speed to 16 knots (160 RPM). 1612 Lit fires under No. 2 boiler to boost steam. 1615 Commenced zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 6. 1645 Changed course left to 100^o T (PGC). 1724 Changed speed to 18 knots (180 RPM). 1725 Let fires die out under No. 2 boiler. 1735 Changed course left to 090^o T (PGC). 1750 1750 Changed speed to 10 knots (100 RPM). 1757 Changed course left to 340^o T (PGC). 1758 Changed speed to 15 knots (150 RPM).

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 154

L. J. Tobin, Lt., USNR.
 
 

18 – 20 Watch

Steaming as before, on course 340^o T (PGC), at speed 15 knots. At 1800 the carriers of this group put in to Saipan for the night. CruDiv 13 less BIRMINGHAM plus DENVER formed a column screened by the OAKLAND, BELL, BURNS, BRADFORD, and CRAVEN with Rear Admiral L. T. DU BOSE in SANTA FE as O.T.C. The task unit (58.1.7) steamed on various courses and speeds near Saipan during the night. 1800 Commenced forming column with CruDiv 13 less U.S.S. BIRMINGHAM. Standard distance 1,000 yards. DENVER third ship in column. Screen consisting of U.S.S. OAKLAND, BELL, BURNS, BRADFORD, and CRAVEN took station ahead. OTC of this Task Unit Rear Admiral L. T. DuBose, USN, in SANTA FE. 1821 Slowed to 10 knots. 1830 Changed course to the left to 290^o T (PGC) by column movement. Went to 16 knots. 1841 The section of which this ship is guide took station bearing 090^o T to the left of base course from formation guide, guide speed 10 knots during evolution. 1856 Went to General Quarters for Dusk Alert. Set Material Condition "A". 1857 Went to 15 knots. 1902 Commenced zig-zag plan No. 6, on base course 290^o T (PGC). 1930 Secured from General Quarters, set Material Condition "B" and Condition of Readiness III. 1945 Went to 16 knots.

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 157

J. P. Wiley, Lt., USNR.

20 – 24 Watch

Steaming as before, on base course 290^o T (PGC), speed 16 knots (160 RPM), zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 6. 2335 Ceased zig-zag, came to base course 290^o T (PGC). 2345 Increased speed to 21 knots (210 RPM), changed course right to 335^o T (PGC). 2350 Changed course right to 345^o T (PGC). 2351 Changed course right to 025^o T (PGC).

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 167

W. M. Foster, Lt., USNR.

Positions: 0800 16^o 17.1’ N

144^o 22.9’ E

1200 15^o 35.0’ N

145^o 00.0’ E

2000 15^o 25.0’ N

145^o 11.0’ E

Wednesday, 2 August, 1944

00 – 04 Watch

Steaming in company with Task Group 58.1.7. Steaming in company with Task Group 58.1.7, U.S.S. SANTA FE guide and OTC, U.S.S. MOBILE, BILOXI, DENVER, and destroyer screen U.S.S. OAKLAND, BELL, CRAVEN, BRADFORD and BURNS, on base course 025^o T (PGC), speed 16 knots (160 RPM). Ship is darkened, in Material Condition "B" and Condition of Readiness III is set and Radar Condition IV. Boilers No. 1 and 3 are in use for steaming purposes. 0001 Commenced zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 6. 0035 Ceased zig-zagging and resumed base course. 0045 Changed fleet course and axis to the right to 125^o T (PGC). 0100 Resumed zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 6.

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 167

G. C. Wilson, Lt., USNR.

04 – 08 Watch

Steaming as before, base course and fleet axis 125^o T (PGC), speed 16 knots (160 RPM), zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 6. 0405 Let fires die out under No. 2 boiler. 0410 Let fires die out under No. 4 boiler. 0515 Went to General Quarters for Dawn Alert. 0519 Condition "A" set. 0546 Changed course right to 155^o T (PGC). 0602 Changed course right to 245^o T (PGC). 0603 Commenced maneuvering at various courses and speeds to take station in column. 0606 Arrived on station. 0613 Secured from General Quarters, set Readiness Condition III. 0616 Material Condition "B" set. 0618 Changed course right to 180^o T (PGC). 0619 Stationed special sea and anchor details. 0620 Slowed to 10 knots (100 RPM). 0625 Changed course right to 000^o T (PGC). 0638 Changed course right to 110^o T (PGC). At 0646 entered Saipan harbor. DENVER anchored in Berth A-28. Detached from T.G. 58.1. 0646 Proceeding independently on various courses and at various speeds to anchorage at Saipan Island, Marianas Group. 0718 Anchored in Berth A-28, Saipan Harbor, Saipan Island, Marianas Group, in 20 fathoms of water with 75 fathoms of chain to starboard anchor, with the following bearings: right tangent Saipan Island 141.9^o T (PGC), light house 081.3^o T (PGC). Ship’s draft at anchor 23’3" forward, 24’9" aft. 0728 Placed anchor detail on 15 minutes notice. 0730 Ship placed on 15 minutes notice.

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 117

L. J. Tobin, Lt., USNR.
 
 

08 – 12 Watch

Anchored as before. 0815 Held quarters for muster. Absentees: none. 0825 U.S.S. CALIFORNIA and TENNESSEE with escorting destroyers underway and stood out. 0845 The Captain left the ship to call on ComCruDiv 12, Rear Admiral R.W. Hayler, USN, in U.S.S. MONTPELIER. 1115 The Captain returned to the ship. Made daily inspection of magazines and powder samples. Conditions normal. U.S.S. DENVER reported for duty to CTF 51 and was detached from TG 58.1

J. P. Wiley, Lt., USNR.

12 – 16 Watch

Anchored as before. 1300 Task Group 58.1 underway and stood out. 1535 Ship placed on 1 hours notice.

W. M. Foster, Lt., USNR.

16 – 18 Watch

Anchored as before. 1608 Secured steering engines. 1644 Completed tests of engine order telegraph, revolution telegraph and steering engines. Underway at 1710 under orders of C.T.F. 51 with T.U. 51.18.10 (Rear Admiral R. W. HAYLER, U.S.N., ComCruDiv 12, O.T.C. in U.S.S. MONTPELIER) composed of WHITE PLAINS, BRYANT, NEWCOMB, and BENNION to proceed to Eniwetok Atoll. Having made all preparations for getting underway, at 1710 underway from Berth A-28, Saipan Harbor, Saipan Island, Marianas Group, to proceed to Eniwetok Atoll, Marshall Islands Group, in company with U.S.S. MONTPELIER (OTC), U.S.S. BRYANT, BENNION, and NEWCOMB, Captain, Executive Officer and Navigator on the bridge. Ship’s draft forward 23’3", aft 24’ 9". 1720 Took station 1180 in formation, fleet course and fleet axis 015^o T (PGC), speed 20 knots (200 RPM). 1733 Secured special sea details set regular sea details. Secured standby steering engine. Secured standby steering engine. 1756 Change fleet course and axis 060^o T (PGC).

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 96

G. C. Wilson, Lt., USNR.
 
 

18 –20 Watch

Steaming as before, on course 060^o T (PGC), speed 20 knots (200 RPM). 1804 Changed fleet course to the right to 095^o T (PGC). 1817 Slowed to 15 knots (150 RPM). 1846 Commenced maneuvering to take station in formation "C", with guide in U.S.S. WHITE PLAINS, bearing 130^o T (PGC) distance 1732 yards. 1852 Went to General Quarters for Dusk Alert. 1857 Took proper station in the destroyer screen, on circle Four. 1907 Went to 17 knots. 1909 Commenced zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 6, base course 100^o T (PGC), axis 100^o T (PGC). 1930 Secured from General Quarters, set Condition of Readiness III and Material Condition "B".

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 170

L. J. Tobin, Lt., USNR.

20 – 24 Watch

Steaming as before, on course 100^o T (PGC), at speed 17 knots, zig-zag plan No. 6. 2356 U.S.S. MERTZ and CONYGHAM, detached to proceed on duty assigned.

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 170

J. P. Wiley, Lt., USNR.

Positions: Saipan, Berth A-28

2000 15^o 15.8’ N

146^o 14.5’ E

Thursday, 3 August, 1944

00 – 04 Watch

Steaming as before in company with T.U. 51.18.10. Steaming in company with Task Unit 51.18.10, Rear Admiral R. W. Hayler, USN, OTC in U.S.S. MONTPELIER. This unit consists of the following: U.S.S. MONTPELIER, WHITE PLAINS, DENVER, BRYANT, NEWCOMB, and BENNION; in Cruising Formation "C"; axis 100^o T (PGC); U.S.S. WHITE PLAINS is guide. Ship is darkened, Material Condition "B" and Readiness Condition III are set. Boilers No. 1 and 3 are in use. Base course 100^o T (PGC), speed 17 knots (170 RPM), zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 6.

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 171

W. M. Foster, Lt., USNR.

04 – 08 Watch

Steaming as before, on base course 100^o T (PGC), speed 17 knots (170 RPM), zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 6. 0515 Went to General Quarters for Dawn Alert. 0555 Secured from General Quarters, set Material Condition "B" and Condition of Readiness III. 0650 Changed fleet course and axis to 103^o T (PGC).

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 157

G. C. Wilson, Lt., USNR.

08 – 12 Watch

Steaming as before, on base course 100^o T (PGC), speed 17 knots (170 RPM), zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 6. 0800 Slowed to 16 knots (160 RPM). 0804 Sighted group of ships, hull down, bearing 045^o T (PGC). 0815 Mustered crew at quarters. Absentees: none. 0924 Ceased zig-zagging. 0925 Changed course to 090^o T (PGC), conforming with aircraft operations of U.S.S. WHITE PLAINS. 0935 U.S.S. WHITE PLAINS completed aircraft operations; resumed zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 6 on base course 103^o T (PGC). Made daily inspection of magazines and smokeless powder samples. Conditions normal.

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 157

L. J. Tobin, Lt., USNR.
 
 

12 – 16 Watch

Steaming as before, on base course 103^o T (PGC), speed 16 knots (160 RPM), zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 6. 1337 Ceased zig-zagging. Steadied up on course 083^o T (PGC). 1342 Changed course to 065^o T (PGC), to conform with flight operations of U.S.S. WHITE PLAINS. 1350 U.S.S. WHITE PLAINS completed flight operations. 1356 Resumed zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 6, base course 103^o T (PGC). 1400 Sighted ships, hull down, bearing 095^o T (PGC), distance 12.5 miles. 1415 Identified ships as U.S.S. DONALDSON and U.S.S. LAKE. 1510 Radar contact of two unidentified ships bearing 025oT, distance 17 miles.

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 159

J. P. Wiley, Lt., USNR.

16 – 18 Watch

Steaming as before, on base course 103^o T (PGC), speed 16 knots (160 RPM), zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 6. 1620 Held steering casualty drill. 1627 Secured from steering casualty drill.

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 159

W. M. Foster, Lt., USNR.

18 – 20 Watch

Steaming as before, on base course 103^o T (PGC), speed 16 knots (160 RPM), zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 6. 1820 Went to General Quarters for Dusk Alert. 1820 Darkened ship. 1824 Condition "A" set throughout the ship. 1906 Secured from General Quarters, set Readiness Condition III and Material Condition "B.

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 161

G. C. Wilson, Lt., USNR.

20 – 24 Watch

Steaming as before, on base course 103^o T (PGC), speed 16 knots (160 RPM), zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 6. 2019 Increased fleet speed to 16.5 knots (165 RPM).

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 166

L. J. Tobin, Lt., USNR.

Positions: 0800 14^o 43.6’ N

149^o 18.0’ E

1200 14^o 31.1’ N

150^o 15.0’ E

2000 14^o 06.3’ N

152^o 07.6’ E

Friday, 4 August, 1944

00 – 04 Watch

Steaming as before. Steaming in company with Task Unit 51.18.10, Rear Admiral R. W. Hayler, USN, is OTC in U.S.S. MONTPELIER. Task unit consists of the following ships: U.S.S. MONTPELIER, DENVER, WHITE PLAINS, BRYANT, BENNION, and NEWCOMB. In Cruising Formation "C" with U.S.S. WHITE PLAINS as guide. Base course 103^o T (PGC), speed 16.5 knots (165 RPM). Fleet axis 103^o T (PGC); zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 6. Ship is darkened, Condition of Readiness III and Material Condition "B" are set. Boilers No. 1 and 3 are in use, with No. 2 and 4 in standby condition.

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 165

J. P. Wiley, Lt., USNR.

04 – 08 Watch

Steaming as before, base course 103^o T (PGC), speed 16.5 knots (165 RPM), zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 6. 0445 Went to General Quarters for Dawn Alert. 0446 Ceased zig-zag, steadied on 073^o T (PGC). 0453 Resumed zig-zag, base course 103^o T (PGC), plan No. 6. 0950 Made daily inspection of magazines and smokeless powder samples. Conditions normal. 1010 Changed fleet speed to 17.3 knots.

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 170

W. M. Foster, Lt., USNR.

08 – 12 Watch

Steaming as before, base course 103^o T (PGC), speed 16 knots (160 RPM). 0815 Mustered crew at quarters. Absentees: none. 0909 Changed fleet course and axis to 101^o T (PGC), speed 17 knots. 0950 Made daily inspection of magazines and smokeless powder samples. Conditions normal. 1010 Changed fleet speed to 17.3 knots.

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 170

G. C. Wilson, Lt., USNR.
 
 

12 – 16 Watch

Steaming as before, base course 101^o T (PGC), speed 17.3 knots (173 RPM), zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 6. 1305 Ceased zig-zagging, remained on course 101^o T (PGC), conforming with aircraft operations of U.S.S. WHITE PLAINS. 1315 Resumed zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 6. At 1457 commenced test firing five inch battery. 1457 commenced test firing the five inch battery to port. At 1520 completed test firing. Ammunition expended: 24 5"/38 AA Common projectiles and smokeless powder. 1520 Completed test firing.

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 174

G. K. Dress, Lt., USN.

16 – 18 Watch

Steaming as before, on course 101^o T (PGC), at speed 17.3 knots, zig-zag plan No. 6. 1736 Ceased zig-zagging. Changed course to the right to 105^o T (PGC), during aircraft recovery operations on U.S.S. WHITE PLAINS. 1740 Resumed zig-zag plan No. 6 on base course 101^o T (PGC). 1757 Went to General Quarters for Dusk Alert. Set Material Condition "A".

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 174

J. P. Wiley, Lt., USNR.

18 – 20 Watch

Steaming as before, on base course 101^o T (PGC), at speed 17.3 knots, zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 6. The ship is at General Quarters. 1830 Secured from General Quarters, set Material Condition "B" and Readiness Condition III. 1941 Lit off boilers No. 2 and 4 to boost steam.

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 174

W. M. Foster, Lt., USNR.
 
 

20 – 24 Watch

Steaming as before, base course 101^o T (PGC), speed 17.3 knots (173 RPM), zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 6. 2128 Ceased zig-zagging and resumed base course. 2131 Changed fleet course and axis to 105^o T (PGC). 2137 Commenced zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 10Z, base course 105^o T (PGC).

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 173

G. C. Wilson, Lt., USNR.

Positions: 0800 13^o 27.7’ N

155^o 04.5’ E

1200 13^o 19.4’ N

156^o 00.9’ E

2000 12^o 57.1’ N

158^o 06.0’ E

Saturday, 5 August, 1944

00 – 04 Watch

Steaming in company with Task Unit 51.18.10, Rear Admiral R. W. Hayler, USN, is OTC in U.S.S. MONTPELIER. Task unit consists of the following ships: U.S.S. MONTPELIER, DENVER, WHITE PLAINS, BRYANT, BENNION, and NEWCOMB. In Cruising Formation "C" with U.S.S. WHITE PLAINS as guide. Base course 105^o T (PGC), speed 17.3 knots (173 RPM), fleet axis 105^o T (PGC); zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 10z. Ship is darkened, Condition of Readiness III and Material Condition "B". Boilers No. 1 and 4 are in use, with No. 2 and 3 in standby condition. 0200 Ceased zig-zagging. Set all clocks ahead one (1) hour to –11 Zone Time. 0310 Resumed zig-zagging, on base course 105^o T (PGC)

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 173

L. J. Tobin, Lt., USNR.

04 – 08 Watch

Steaming as before, on course 105^o T (PGC), at speed 17.3 knots, zig-zag plan No. 10Z.

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 175

J. P. Wiley, Lt., USNR.

08 – 12 Watch

Steaming as before, base course 105^o T (PGC), speed 17.3 knots (173 RPM), zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 10Z. 0815 Mustered crew at quarters. Absentees: none. 0821 Changed base course to 107^o T (PGC). 0848 Shifted steering unit and cable to No. 1 starboard cable. 1004 Changed course left to 070^o T (PGC) ceased zig-zagging, maneuvering to keep clear of U.S.S. WHITE PLAINS during recovery operations. 1014 Made daily, weekly and fortnightly inspection and tests of magazines, powder, bombs, pyrotechnics and sprinklers. Conditions normal. 1015 Resumed zig-zagging on base course 107^o T (PGC).

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 174

W. M. Foster, Lt., USNR.
 
 

12 – 16 Watch

Steaming as before, base course 107^o T (PGC), speed 17.3 knots (173 RPM), zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 10Z. 1246 Ceased zig-zagging and resumed base course 107^o T (PGC). 1252 Changed fleet course and axis to 140^o T (PGC). 1305 Sighted land bearing 190^o T (PGC), Engebi Island. 1306 Resumed zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 10Z, base course 140^o T (PGC). 1324 Ceased zig-zagging and resumed base course 140^o T (PGC). Changed fleet course to 155^o T (PGC). 1338 Resumed zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 10Z. 1416 Ceased zig-zagging, resumed base course. 1422 Stationed special sea details. At 1505 entered Eniwetok harbor and proceeded to moor port side to the U.S.S. SILVER CLOUD to receive fuel. 1505 Standing in Eniwetok Channel on various courses and speeds conforming with channel, Eniwetok Atoll, Marshall Islands Group, Captain at the Conn, Executive Officer and Navigator on the bridge. 1508 Passed channel buoy No. 2 to starboard. 1510 Passed channel buoy No. 3 to port. 1558 Moored port side to U.S.S. SILVER CLOUD, with following lines in use: bow line, tow forward spring lines, 2 after spring lines and stern line. Ship’s draft forward 21’9", aft 24’9".

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 149

G. C. Wilson, Lt., USNR.

16 – 20 Watch

Moored as before. 1610 Doubled up all lines. 1615 Commenced taking on fuel oil. 1618 Let go port anchor and veered to 35 fathoms. 1628 Shifted steering units, from No. 1 starboard cable to No. 2 port cable. Completed fueling at 1743. 1743 Completed receiving fuel oil from the U.S.S. SILVER CLOUD, having received 175,103 gallons. Ship’s draft forward 23’1", aft 25’1". Underway from alongside at 1751. 1751 Underway from alongside U.S.S. SILVER CLOUD, maneuvering at various speeds on various courses conforming to channel and proceeding to anchorage berth No. 448, Eniwetok Atoll. 1835 Anchored in Berth No. 448, in 29 fathoms of water with 105 fathoms of chain to the port anchor, on the following bearings: Buoy No. 12 178.5^o T (PGC), Beacon "G" 127.5^o T (PGC) and Beacon "U" 091^o T (PGC). 1840 Secured steering engines. 1848 Secured boiler No. 1. At 1853 anchored in berth 448. Granted availability until 15 August by ComFifthFlt in his Secret Dispatch 050617.

L. J. Tobin, Lt., USNR.
 
 

20 – 24 Watch

Anchored as before.

W. M. Foster, Lt., USNR.

Positions: 0800 12^o 13.7’ N

161^o 00.5’ E

1200 12^o 04.8’ N

162^o 03.9’ E

2000 Eniwetok, Berth 448

Sunday, 6 August, 1944

00 – 04 Watch

Anchored in Berth 448, Eniwetok Atoll, Marshall Islands. Anchored in Berth No. 448, Eniwetok Atoll, Marshall Islands, in 29 fathoms of water with 105 Fathoms of chain to port anchor. Ships-present: U.S.S. PRAIRIE (SOPA), IDAHO, WASP, SANGAMON, WHITE PLAINS, BOSTON, CANBERRA, DENVER, MONTPELIER, EDWARD, CONNER, TREVER, BALLARD, COWELL, EVANS, LARNDER, LANDSDOWNE, STEVENS, H. L. EDWARDS, A.W. GRANT, NORMAN SCOTT, GOLDSBOROUGH, ROSS, RALPH TALBOT, HOWARD, RICHARD P. LEARY, STRINGHAM, and various other units of the Pacific Fleet, yard, auxiliary and patrol craft. Ship is darkened; Material Condition "B" and Readiness Condition III modified are set. No. 4 boiler in use for auxiliary purposes.

H. M. Brinser, Lt., USN.

04 – 08 Watch

Anchored as before. 0445 Cut in boiler No. 1 on main steam line. 0600 Stationed anchor and special details. Underway at 0626 to go alongside U.S.S. MONTPELIER. Having made all preparations for getting underway, at 0626 underway from Berth 448 , Eniwetok Atoll, Marshall Islands, to go alongside U.S.S. MONTPELIER. Maneuvering on various courses and at various speeds conforming to channel. Captain at the Conn. Ship’s draft forward 23’ 1", aft 25’ 1". 0646 Moored starboard side to U.S.S. MONTPELIER in Berth 447, Eniwetok Atoll, Marshall Islands with the following lines in use: bow line, two cross springs forward, tow crossed springs aft, stern line; all lines wire. At 0656 moored starboard side to U.S.S. MONTPELIER to transfer ammunition and the staff and supplies of ComCruDiv 12. 0700 Doubled up all lines. 0703 Secured main engines and steering engines. 0710 Secured special sea and anchor details. 0735 Let fires die out under No. 1 boiler and secured same.

L. J. Tobin, Lt., USNR.

08 – 12 Watch

Moored as before. 0800 Mustered crew on stations. Absentees: none. 0810 U.S.S. COWELL underway and shifted berth. 0840 Commenced taking on ammunition form U.S.S. MONTPELIER. 1135 Made daily inspection of magazines and smokeless powder samples. Conditions normal.

J. B. Heifner, Lt.(jg), USNR.

12 –16 Watch

Moored as before. Boilers No. 1 and 4 are lit off. 1203 Completed receiving five and six inch ammunition from U.S.S. MONTPELIER. 1253 U.S.S. IDAHO underway and stood out. At 1420 ammunition barge was received along port side and the following ammunition was transferred from this ship: 682 6"/47 A.P. projectiles; 37 6"/47 B.L. & T. projectiles; 4 325 lb. depth charges Mk17-2.

L. M. King, Jr., Lt.(jg), USNR.

16 –20 Watch

Moored as before. At 1630 pursuant to the orders of ComFifthFlt, Rear Admiral R. 2. HAYLER, U.S.N., ComCruDiv 12, transferred his flag from U.S.S. MONTPELIER to U.S.S. DENVER. 1630 Pursuant to the orders of the Commander Fifth Fleet, Rear Admiral R. W. Hayler, 8611, USN, Commander Cruiser Division Twelve, transferred his flag from U.S.S. MONTPELIER to U.S.S. DENVER, accompanied by his staff. 1747 Stationed all special sea and anchor details. Barge left ship at 1820. 1820 Completed unloading ammunition. Ammunition Barge cast off from port quarter. 1827 Slacked all lines. At 1830 underway from alongside MONTPELIER. 1834 Let go all lines. 1835 Having made all preparations for getting underway, at 1835 underway from alongside U.S.S. MONTPELIER to proceed to assigned berth. Maneuvering on various courses and at various speeds to Berth No. 448, Captain at the conn, Navigator and Executive Officer on the bridge. Anchored at 1848 in Berth 448, Eniwetok Atoll. Following ammunition was received this date from U.S.S. MONTPELIER: 1189 rounds 6"/47 smokeless powder cartridges;1141 6"/47 High Capacity projectiles; 1397 rounds 5"/38 Flashless powder cartridges; 893 5"/38 AA Common projectiles; 358 5"/38 Common projectiles; 24 5"/38 Star; 205 5"/38 W.P.; 36 5"/38 AA Special; 8320 40 mm cartridges; 3754 20mm cartridges; 912 Point Detonating fuzes Mk29. 1848 Anchored in assigned Berth No. 448, Eniwetok Atoll, Marshall Islands Group, in 26½ fathoms of water with 105 fathoms of chain to the port anchor, with the following anchorage bearings: Obs Buoy 180.5^o T, Obs Buoy 075.8^o T, Beacon "J" 088^o T, Obs Buoy 117^o T, Obs Buoy o70^o T. 1855 Secured main and steering engines. 1900 Secured special sea details. 1904 Secured No. 1 boiler, No. 4 boiler is in use for auxiliary purposes. Ship’s draft forward 24’, aft 25’ 1".

L. A. Bird, Lt., USN.

20 – 24 Watch

Anchored as before.

M. F. Healy, Jr., Lt., USNR.

Positions Berth 448, Eniwetok Atoll, Marshall Islands

Monday, 7 August, 1944

00 – 04 Watch

Anchored as before. Anchored in Berth No. 448, Eniwetok Atoll, Marshall Islands, in 26½ fathoms of water, with 105 fathoms of chain to the port anchor. The ship is darkened, except for necessary lights, in Material Condition "B" and in modified Condition of Readiness III. Boiler No. 4 in use for auxiliary purposes. Ships present: U.S.S. PRAIRIE (SOPA), IDAHO,PENNSYLVANIA, COLORADO, WASP, WHITE PLAINS, BOSTON, CANBERRA, MONTPELIER, DENVER, EDWARDS, CONNER, TREVER, BALLARD, COWELL, EVANS, LARNDER, LANDSDOWNE, STEVENS, H. L. EDWARDS, A.W. GRANT, NORMAN SCOTT, GOLDSBOROUGH, ROSS, RALPH TALBOT, HOWARD, RICHARD LEARY, STRINGHAM, WEAVER, DEEDE, HECTOR, CASCADE, MARKAB, AJAX, PIEDMONT, ARD 15, ARD 16, AFD 15, AFD 18, OAHU, and various oilers, auxiliaries, yard and district craft and merchantmen. 0000 Completed taking on provisions, having received from U.S.S. ARTIC 30 tons fresh provisions and 50 tons dry provisions.

C. L. Joslin, Jr., Ensign,. USN.

04 – 08 Watch

Anchored as before. 0630 U.S.S IDAHO underway and stood out of harbor.

J. P. Wiley, Lt., USNR.

08 – 12 Watch

Anchored as before. 0815 Mustered crew at quarters. Absentees: none. 1005 U.S.S. WILEMAN underway and stood out. 1010 Made daily inspection of magazines and smokeless powder samples. Conditions normal. 1155 The Commanding Officer, U.S.S. CANBERRA called on the Captain.

R. H. Peery, Lt., USNR.

12 – 16 Watch

Anchored as before. 1305 The Commanding Officer, U.S.S. CANBERRA left the ship. 1505 U.S.S. TERROR stood in and anchored in assigned berth.

L. J. Tobin, Lt., USNR.

16 – 20 Watch

Anchored as before. 1735 Commanding Officer, U.S.S. MONTPELIER came aboard. 1836 Commanding Officer, U.S.S. MONTPELIER left the ship.

W. M. Foster, Lt., USNR.

20 – 24 Watch

Anchored as before.

H. M. Brinser, Lt., USN.

Positions Berth 448, Eniwetok Atoll, Marshall Islands

Tuesday, 8 August, 1944

00 – 04 Watch

Anchored in Berth No. 448, Eniwetok Atoll, Marshall Islands, in 26½ fathoms of water, with 105 fathoms of chain to the port anchor. Ships present: U.S.S. PRAIRIE (SOPA), PENNSYLVANIA, WASP, NEHENTA BAY, CHENAGO, BRETON, WHITE PLAINS, BOSTON, CANBERRA, MONTPELIER, EDWARDS, TERROR, BALLARD, COWELL, EVANS, LARNDER, LANDSDOWNE, STEVENS, CONNER, TREVER, H. L. EDWARDS, A.W. GRANT, NORMAN SCOTT, GOLDSBOROUGH, ROSS, RALPH TALBOT, HECTOR, CASCADE, AJAX, PIEDMONT, and various other units of the Pacific Fleet, yard, auxiliary, and district patrol craft. Ship is darkened, in Material Condition "B" and modified Condition of Readiness III set. Boiler No. 4 in use for auxiliary purposes. 0010 Power secured on forward distribution board. 0116 Power cut back on forward distribution board.

W. T. Kuhlmey, Captain, USMC.

04 – 08 Watch

Anchored as before. 0630 U.S.S. HARRISON and MC KEE stood in and anchored in berths assigned. 0635 U.S.S. SILVER CLOUD stood in and anchored in berth assigned.

K. H. Brooks, Lt., USNR.

08 – 12 Watch

Anchored as before. 0630 U.S.S. HARRISON and MC KEE stood in and anchored in berth assigned. 0815 Mustered crew at quarters. Absentees: none. 0845 Jacked over all engines and secured at 0900. 0905 Hoisted out plane No. 7 for routine flight training. Pilot: Ensign P.R. Anderson, A-V(N), 315108, USNR; observer, Ivy, G.R.; ARM2c, 617 93 30, USNR. 0905 Hoisted out plane No. 8 for routine training. Pilot: Ensign D.G. Hartlaub, A-V(N), USNR, 346932; observer, Utter, E., S1c, 312 05 81, USN. 0930 Made daily inspection of magazines and smokeless powder samples. Conditions normal. 1100 Hoisted in both planes. 1145 U.S.S. KEOSANQUA came alongside port quarter.

L. M. King, Jr., Lt.(jg), USNR.

12 – 16 Watch

Anchored as before. 1230 U.S.S. KEOSANQUE underway from alongside port quarter and anchored in assigned berth. 1330 Pursuant to the order of SOPA half masted colors. 1330 Hoisted out plane No. 7; pilot Lt.(jg) E. G. Yesko, A-V(N), USNR, 251058; observer; Jones, H.S., S1c, 80027 85, USNR. 1235 Hoisted out plane No. 8. Pilot Ensign P.B. Anderson, A-V(N), 315108, USNR; observer; Jones, E.V., S2c, 609 09 11, USNR, for routine flight. 1400 Two-blocked colors. 1500 U.S.S. RELIEF underway and shifted berth. 1515 Hoisted aboard plane No. 7. 1520 Hoisted aboard plane No. 8. 1550 U.S.S. CHENANGO stood in and anchored in assigned berth.

L. A. Bird, Lt., USN.

16 – 20 Watch

Anchored as before. 1600 U.S.S. WATERMAN stood in and anchored in berth assigned. 1600 Ensign W. B. Osborne, D-V(G), 312577, USNR, was operated on for appendicitis. Condition: good. 1656 U.S.S. RALPH TALBOT stood in and anchored in berth assigned.

M. G. Healy, Jr., Lt., USNR.

20 – 24 Watch

Anchored as before.

C. L. Joslin, Jr., Ensign,. USN.

00 – 04 Watch

Anchored as before. Ordered to the Third Fleet by CinCPac’s Secret Dispatch 090628. Anchored in Berth No. 448, Eniwetok Atoll, Marshall Islands Group, in 26½ fathoms of water with 105 fathoms of chain to the port anchor. The ship is darkened, except for necessary light, Material Condition "B" and Condition of Readiness III modified set. Boiler No. 4 in use for auxiliary purposes. Ships present: U.S.S. PRAIRIE (SOPA), PENNSYLVANIA, WASP, KALININ BAY, CHENAGO, BRETON, WHITE PLAINS, BOSTON, CANBERRA, MONTPELIER, DENVER, EDWARDS, CONNER, TREVER, BALLARD, COWELL, EVANS, LARNDER, LANDSDOWNE, STEVENS, A. L. EDWARDS, A.W. GRANT, NORMAN SCOTT, GOLDSBOROUGH, ROSS, RALPH TALBOT, HECTOR, CASCADE, AJAX, PIEDMONT, and various other auxiliary and merchant vessels, and yard craft.

J. P. Wiley, Lt., USNR.

04 – 08 Watch

Anchored as before. 0625 U.S.S. MIDWAY and MISSISSINEWA underway and stood out. 0635. Secured power on mainmast for cleaning purposes.

J. B. Heifner, Lt.(jg), USNR.

08 – 12 Watch

Anchored as before. 0815 Mustered crew at quarters. Absentees: none. 0855 U.S.S. RALPH TALBOT underway and shifted berth. 0905 Hoisted out planes No. 7 and 8 for routine flights. Plane No.7: pilot Lt.(jg) E. G. Yesko, A-V(N), 346932; USNR; observer: Collins, G., S2c, 753 19 05, USNR. Plane No. 8: pilot; Ensign P.R. Anderson, A-V(N), 315108, USNR; observer: Tucker, A.D., ARM3c, 357 41 75, USNR. 1040 U.S.S. LEXINGTON stood in and anchored in assigned berth. U.S.S. BUNKER HILL stood in and anchored in berth assigned. 1040 U.S.S SAN JACINTO stood in and anchored in berth assigned. 1045 U.S.S. RENO, MAURY, MC CALL, GRIDLEY, HELM, stood in and anchored in berth assigned. 1100 YW 90 moored alongside port side to receive fresh water. 1100 U.S.S. OAKLAND, HORNET and BILOXI stood in and anchored in berths assigned. 1105 Hoisted plane No. 7 aboard. U.S.S. FRANKLIN stood in and anchored in berth assigned. 1107 Hoisted plane No. 8 aboard. 1130 U.S.S. MASSACHUSETTS and CABOT stood in and anchored in assigned berths. 1150 U.S.S. BROWN and BELL stood in and anchored in berths assigned. Made daily inspection of magazines and smokeless powder samples. Conditions normal.

L. J. Tobin, Lt., USNR.
 
 

12 – 16 Watch

Anchored as before. 1215 YW 90 cast off from alongside, having received10,000 gallons of fresh water. 1315 U.S.S. OAKLAND underway to shift berth. 1325 U.S.S. BILOXI underway to shift berth 1327 U.S.S. RENO underway and shifted to assigned berth. 1330 Hoisted out plane No. 7 for routine flight. Pilot Ensign D.G. Hartlaub, A-V(N), 346932, USNR; observer: Talley, J.W., S2c, 878 26 89, USNR. 1418 U.S.S. MONTPELIER underway and stood out of harbor. 1439 Hoisted out plane No. 8 for routine flight. Pilot: Ensign P.B. Anderson, A-V(N), 314108, USNR; observer: Jones, E.V., S2c, 609 09 11, USNR. 1442 U.S.S. BILOXI anchored in assigned berth.

W. M. Foster, Lt., USNR.

16 – 20 Watch

Anchored as before. 1650 Lit off No. 1 boiler. 1650 U.S.S. WESSON moored alongside U.S.S. MITCHELL. 1903 Cut in boiler No. 1 for auxiliary purposes. 1914 Hauled fires under boiler No. 4.

H. M. Brinser, Lt., USN.

20 – 24 Watch

Anchored as before. 2245 Ammunition lighter No. 281 alongside port quarter and made fast. Secured all lines and set a sentry watch on lighter.

W. T. Kuhlmey, Captain, USMC.

Positions Berth 448, Eniwetok Atoll, Marshall Islands

00 – 04 Watch

Anchored in Berth No. 448, Eniwetok Atoll, Marshall Islands Group, in 26½ fathoms of water with 105 fathoms of chain to the port anchor. The ship is darkened, in Material Condition "B" and modified Condition of Readiness III is set. Boiler No. 1 is in use for auxiliary purposes. An ammunition lighter is secured to port quarter and sentry watch set Ships present: U.S.S. PRAIRIE (SOPA), LEXINGTON, PRINCETON, WASP, CHENAGO, KALININ BAY, WHITE PLAINS, KITKUN BAY, GAMBLER BAY, NEHENTA BAY, SANTEE, BUNKER HILL, CABOT, SAN JACINTO, HOGGOTT BAY, FRANKLIN, CADASHEN BAY, HORNET, PENNSYLVANIA, MASSACHUSETTS, BOSTON, CANBERRA, BILOXI, OAKLAND, RENO, NEWCOMB, BRYANT, BENNION, HALE, ERBEN, WALKER, CAPERTON, H. L. EDWARDS, RALPH TALBOT, THATCHER, FARRAGUT, LANG, TREVER, BALLARD, D. W. TAYLOR, MC DERMUT, HECTOR, CASCADE, AJAX, PIEDMONT and various other escort, oilers, auxiliaries, merchant ships, yard and patrol craft.

K. H. Brooks, Lt., USNR.

04 – 08 Watch

Anchored as before. At 0550 commenced receiving following ammunition from lighter: 690 6"/47 H.C. projectiles Mk34. Ordered upon arrival SoPac area to further report to Commander Group 5 for duty with 3^rd PhibFor by ComThirdFlt in his Secret Dispatch 100052. 0550 Commenced receiving ammunition from lighter.

H. H. McCammond, Lt.(jg), USN.

08 – 12 Watch

Anchored as before. 0815 Mustered crew on stations. Absentees: none. 0850 Completed loading ammunition. 0900 Hoisted out plane No. 7. Pilot P. B. Anderson, A-V(N), 315108, USNR; observer: Ivy, G.R., ARM2c, 617 93 30, USNR. 0940 Yard tug came alongside port quarter and cast off with ammunition lighter. 1015 Plane No. 7 returned to ship.

L. A. Bird, Lt., USN.

12 – 16 Watch

Anchored as before. 1300 Plane No. 7 engaged in routine training flight Pilot Ensign P. B. Anderson, A-V(N), 315108, USNR; observer: Ducote, C.P., S1c, SV-V6, 645 95 80, USNR. Hoisted in plane No. 7.

M. F. Healy, Jr., Lt., USNR.

16 – 20 Watch

Anchored as before.

C. L. Joslin, Jr., Ensign, USN.
 
 

20 – 24 Watch

Anchored as before.

J. P. Wiley, Lt., USNR.

Positions Berth 448, Eniwetok Atoll, Marshall Islands

Friday, 11 August, 1944

00 – 04 Watch

Anchored as before in Berth 448, Eniwetok Atoll. Anchored in Berth No. 448, Eniwetok Atoll, Marshall Islands Group, in 26½ fathoms of water with 105 fathoms of chain to the port anchor. Material Condition "B" and Readiness Condition III modified are set throughout the ship which is partially darkened. No. 1 boiler is in use for auxiliary purposes. Ships present: U.S.S. PRAIRIE (SOPA), PRINCETON, WASP, KALININ BAY, WHITE PLAINS, GAMBLER BAY, KILKEEN BAY, CABOT, HORNET, FRANKLIN, LEXINGTON, SAN JACINTO, BUNKER HILL, HOGGATT BAY, NEHENTA BAY, PENNSYLVANIA, MASSACHUSETTS, BOSTON, CANBERRA, DENVER, OAKLAND, BILOXI, RENO, IZARD, CHARRETTE, CONNER, BELL, BURNS, BOYD, BRADFORD, BROWN, COWELL, MAURY, CRAVEN, GRIDLEY, HELM, MC CALL, MC CALLA, CADE, ELLET, NEWCOMB, BRYANT, BENNION, HALE, ERBEN, WALKER, LONG, CAPERTON, THATCHER, SANTEE, H. L. EDWARDS, MC DERMUT, JOHN ROGERS, HULL, HILL, TWIGGS, MC KEE, HARRISON, SIGSBY, SCHROEDER, FLUSSER, LAMSON, DRAYTON, SMITH, RUE, CASSIN, RINGOLD, TREVER, BALLARD, and various other units of the Pacific Fleet.

J. B. Heifner, Lt.(jg), USNR.

04 – 08 Watch

Anchored as before.

L. M. King, Jr., Lt.(jg), USNR.

08 – 12 Watch

Anchored as before. 08500 U.S.S. WABASH underway and shifted berth. 0815 Mustered crew at quarters. Absentees: none. 0827 U.S.S. BOSTON underway for practice of machine guns. 0915 Hoisted out plane No. 7, for routine flight. Pilot P.B. Anderson, A-V(N), 315108, USNR; observer: Jones, E.V., S2c, 609 09 11, USNR. 0945 Pursuant to the orders of the Commanding Officer the following named men, with Loiacan0, J.J., GM2c, USN, 274 52 49, in charge, were assigned shore patrol duty at Runit Island: Whitten, R.E., MM3c, USN, 383 13 02; Condon, R.G., GM3c, USN, 204 52 83; Clemons, R.S., GM3C, USNR, 607 88 08. 1000 Made daily inspection of magazines and smokeless powder samples. Conditions normal. 1015 U.S.S. ALABAMA and IOWA stood in and anchored in assigned berths. 1020 U.S.S. WASHINGTON and INDIANA stood in and anchored in assigned berths. 1045 The following cruisers stood in and anchored in assigned berths: U.S.S. SANTA FE, MOBILE, BIRMINGHAM, VINCENNES, HOUSTON and MIAMI. 1055 Hoisted plane No. 7 aboard.

W. M. Foster, Lt., USNR.
 
 

12 – 16 Watch

Anchored as before. 1220 U.S.S. BOSTON anchored in assigned berth. 1300 Hoisted out plane No.7. Pilot Ensign P.B. Anderson, A-V(N), 315108, USNR. 1525 U.S.S. ANCHORAGE delivered freight to port. 1525 Hoisted in plane No.7.

H. M. Brinser, Lt., USN.

16 – 20 Watch

Anchored as before. 1635 U.S.S. SANTA FE underway to shift berth. 1755 U.S.S. SEPULGA underway and moored alongside U.S.S. WASHINGTON.

W. T. Kuhlmey, Captain, USMC.

20 – 24 Watch

Anchored as before.

K. H. Brooks, Lt., USNR.

00 – 04 Watch

Anchored in Berth No. 448, Eniwetok Atoll, Marshall Islands Group, in 26½ fathoms of water with 105 fathoms of chain to the port anchor. The ship is darkened, Material Condition "B" and modified Readiness Condition III set throughout the ship. Boiler No. 1 is in use for auxiliary purposes. Ships present include various units of the Pacific Fleet.

H. H. McCammond, Lt.(jg), USN.

04 – 08 Watch

Anchored as before. 0606 U.S.S. TAPPAHANNOCK underway from alongside U.S.S. INDIANAN to anchor in assigned berth. 0635 U.S.S. ALDERBARAN underway to shift berth.

R. H. Peery, Lt., USNR.

08 – 12 Watch

Anchored as before. 0900 Held quarters for muster and personnel inspection by Commanding Officer. Absentees: none. 1015 U.S.S. RIDDLE stood in and anchored in berth assigned. 1100 U.S.S. WALLER stood in and anchored in berth assigned. 1130 Made weekly tests and inspections of magazines, smokeless powder, bombs, pyrotechnics, and sprinkling system. Conditions: normal. 1145 Made daily inspection of magazines and smokeless powder samples. Conditions: normal.

M. F. Healy, Jr., Lt., USNR.

12 – 16 Watch

Anchored as before. 1305 Plane No. 8 took off for Radar Calibration flight. Pilot: Ensign P. B. Anderson, A-V(N), 315108, USNR; observer: Lyons, T., ARM2c, 626 14 15, USNR. 1330 Lighted fires under boiler No. 3 for routine steam test. 1420 Lighted fires under boiler No. 4 for routine steam tests. 1500 Plane No. 8 returned to the ship and was hoisted aboard.

C. L. Joslin, Jr., Ensign, USN.

16 – 20 Watch

Anchored as before. 1712 U.S.S. LOUISVILLE, HONOLULU, CLEVELAND, TENNESSEE, CALIFORNIA and MINNEAPOLIS stood in and anchored in berths assigned. 1850 Having completed temporary duty as U.S. Naval Base, Majuro, Lt.(jg) E. G. Yesko, A-V(N), USNR, returned aboard to resume regular duties.

G. K. Dress, Lt., USN.

20 – 24 Watch

Anchored as before.

J. B. Heifner, Lt.(jg), USNR.

Sunday, 13 August, 1944

00 – 04 Watch

Received from ServRon 10 lighter (ATR 81) 221 rounds of 5"/38 smokeless cartridges. Anchored in Berth No. 448, Eniwetok Atoll, Marshall Islands Group, in 26½ fathoms of water with 105 fathoms of chain to the port anchor. The ship is darkened, in Material Condition "B" and modified Condition of Readiness III set throughout the ship. Boiler No. 1 is in use for auxiliary purposes. U.S.S. PRAIRIE is SOPA. Ships present include various units of the Pacific Fleet.

L. M. King, Jr., Lt.(jg), USNR.

04 – 08 Watch

Anchored as before. 0610 U.S.S. ALDEBARAN underway and moored alongside U.S.S. WASHINGTON.

L. A. Bird, Lt., USN.

08 – 12 Watch

Anchored as before. 0815 Held quarters for muster. Absentees: none. 0820 U.S.S. O’FLAHERTY stood in and anchored in assigned berth. 0930 U.S.S. ESSEX and LANGLEY stood in and anchored in assigned berths. 1155 U.S.S. MORRISON stood in and anchored in assigned berth. Made daily inspection of magazines and smokeless powder samples. Conditions: normal.

H. M. Brinser, Lt., USN.

12 – 16 Watch

Anchored as before. 1215 U.S.S. CALLAGHAN stood in and moored alongside U.S.S. ERBEN. 1245 Hoisted out one plane, Bureau Number 9916. Pilot: Lt.(jg) B. Allison, A-V(N), USNR; observer: Ensign F. Butler, USNR. This plane attached to U.S.S. CLEVELAND is being flown to that vessel. 1400 Hoisted out plane No. 7. Pilot: Lt.(jg) E. G. Yesko, A-V(N), 251058, USNR; observer: Commander W. L. Anderson, 60192, USN. Hoisted out plane No. 8. Pilot Ensign D. G. Hartlaub, A-V(N), 346932, USNR; observer: Ensign G. C. Robinson, D-V(G), 288742, USNR. 1530 Hoisted aboard both planes. 1535 Lighted fires under boiler No. 2.

W. T. Kuhlmey, Captain, USMC.

16 – 20 Watch

Anchored as before. 1702 Hauled fires and secured No. 1 boiler. 1720 U.S.S. WICHITA stood in and anchored in assigned berth. 1805 ATR 81 came alongside port quarter with ammunition barge.

K. H. Brooks, Lt., USNR.
 
 

20 – 24 Watch

Anchored as before. 2130 Posted marine sentry on ammunition barge.

H. H. McCammond, Lt.(jg), USN.

Positions Berth 448, Eniwetok Atoll, Marshall Islands

Monday, 14 August, 1944

00 – 04 Watch

Anchored as before in Berth 448, Eniwetok Atoll. Anchored in Berth No. 448, Eniwetok Atoll, Marshall Islands Group, in 26½ fathoms of water with 105 fathoms of chain to the port anchor. The ship is darkened, with Condition "B" and modified Condition of Readiness III set throughout the ship. Boiler No. 2 is in use for auxiliary purposes. Ships present include U.S.S. PRAIRIE SOPA and various units of the Pacific Fleet.

R. H. Peery, Lt., USNR.

04 – 08 Watch

Anchored as before. 0730 U.S.S. BEAL stood in and anchored in berth assigned.

L. J. Tobin, Lt., USNR.

08 – 12 Watch

Anchored as before. 0815 Mustered crew at quarters. Absentees: none. 0816 U.S.S. WICHITA underway and shifted berth. 0903 Commence putting 3^o list to starboard in order to paint port waterline. 0915 Hoisted out both planes for routine training flight. Plane No. 7: Pilot Ensign D.G. Hartlaub, A-V(N), 346932, USNR; observer: Knaub, J.R., AOM2c, 651 25 06, USNR. Plane No. 8: Pilot Ensign P. B. Anderson, A-V(N), 315108, USNR; observer: Mendez, A., Jr., S2c, 357 37 75, USNR. 0938 U.S.S. BIRMINGHAM underway and shifted berth. 1000 Made daily inspection of magazines and smokeless powder samples. Condition: normal. 1110 YO 46 came alongside port quarter. 1111 Lighted fires under No. 1 boiler. 1125 Hoisted aboard both planes. 1158 Completed taking on aviation gas, having received 1,050 gallons from YO 64.

C. L. Joslin, Jr., Ensign, USN.

12 – 16 Watch

Anchored as before. 1208 Placed No. 1 boiler on the line for auxiliary purposes. 1213 Secured fires under No. 2 boiler. 1320 Hoisted out Planes No. 7 and 8 for routine flight. Pilot plane No. 7: Ensign D.G. Hartlaub, A-V(N), 346932, USNR; observer: Lt. Cdr. P. K. Wells, D-V(G), 61574, USNR. Pilot plane No. 8: Ensign P.B. Anderson, A-V(N), 315108, USNR; observer: Lt. Cdr. R. H. Goebel, E-V(G), 78489, USNR. 1330 U.S.S. ANTHONY underway to shift berth. 1340 U.S.S. MORRISON underway. 1450 Planes No. 7 and 8 returned from flight and were hoisted aboard. 1501 U.S.S. WHITMAN underway to shift berth. 1508 U.S.S. ALDEBARAN underway and alongside U.S.S. ALABAMA, to shift berth.

G. K. Dress, Lt.(jg), USNR.

16 – 20 Watch

Anchored as before.

J. B. Heifner, Lt.(jg), USNR.
 
 

20 – 24 Watch

Anchored as before.

L. M. King, Jr., Lt.(jg), USNR.

00 – 04 Watch

Transferred two OS2U planes to ABC Eniwetok and received aboard two SOC planes in their place for use in coming operations. Anchored as before in Berth 448, Eniwetok Atoll. Anchored in Berth No. 448, Eniwetok Atoll, Marshall Islands Group, in 26½ fathoms of water with 105 fathoms of chain to the port anchor. The ship is darkened, with Material Condition "B" and modified Condition of Readiness III set throughout the ship. Boiler No. 1 is in use for auxiliary purposes. Ammunition barge is secured alongside port quarter. Ships present include U.S.S. PRAIRIE SOPA and various units of the Pacific Fleet. 0040 U.S. Navy tug came alongside to port and cast off with ammunition barge.

L. A. Bird, Lt., USN.

04 – 08 Watch

Anchored as before. 0640 U.S.S. JOHN HENLY stood in and anchored in berth assigned. 0640 Following ships underway and stood out: U.S.S. COWELL, CASE, CAPPS.

M. F. Healy, Jr., Lt., USNR.

08 – 12 Watch

Anchored as before. 0815 Held quarters for muster. Absentees: none. 0910 Hoisted out both planes. Plane No. 7: pilot Ensign D.G. Hartlaub, A-V(N), 346932, USNR; observer: Ensign R.E. Hickle, 283433, USN. Plane No. 8: pilot Ensign P. B. Anderson, A-V(N), 315108, USNR; observer: Ensign D. R. Meinhart, E-V(G), 311619, USNR. 0919 U.S.S. OAKLAND underway and went alongside U.S.S. AJAX. 1045 Hoisted aboard one SOC No. 4. Pilot Lt.(jg) E.G. Yesko, A-V(N), 251058, USNR; observer: Peoples, ACMM of the WICHITA. This SOC is permanently assigned to the U.S.S. DENVER Aviation Unit, transferred from U.S.S. WICHITA. 1045 Hoisted aboard planes No.7 and 8.

W. T. Kuhlmey, Captain, USMC.

12 – 16 Watch

Anchored as before. 1200 Hoisted out one plane, SOC No. 4 for flight to Eniwetok. Pilot Lt.(jg) E. G. Yesko, A-V(N), 251058, USNR; observer: Ensign D. G. Hartlaub, A-V(N), 346932, USNR. 1445 SOC No. 4 returned and was hoisted aboard. 1500 Commenced pumping to correct list of ship. 1505 Hoisted out both OS2U planes. Pilot plane No.7: Lt.(jg) E.G. Yesko, A-V(N), 251058, USNR. Plane No. 8: Ensign D. G. Hartlaub, A-V(N), 346932, USNR. Planes permanently transferred to ABC Eniwetok under care CASU-34, Parry Island. 1535 Fired blind load shot from starboard catapult.

K. H. Brooks, Lt., USNR.
 
 

16 – 20 Watch

Anchored as before. 1610 Fired two no load shots from catapults. 1700 Completed pumping to correct list and ship is now on even keel. 1735 Hoisted in plane No. 1135 (SOC). Pilot: Lt.(jg) Yesko, A-V(N), 251058, USNR; observer: Ensign D. G. Hartlaub, A-V(N), 346932, USNR. This plane permanently assigned to U.S.S. DENVER Aviation Unit. 1757 ELMIRA VICTORY underway from alongside U.S.S. WASHINGTON and anchored in berth assigned. 1900 Lit fires under boiler No. 2.

H. H. McCammond, Lt.(jg), USN.

20 – 24 Watch

Anchored as before. 2000 Hauled fires under boiler No. 1.

R. H. Peery, Lt., USNR.

00 – 04 Watch

Anchored as before in Berth 448, Eniwetok Atoll. Anchored in Berth No. 448, Eniwetok Atoll, Marshall Islands Group, in 26.5 fathoms of water with 105 fathoms of chain to the port anchor. The ship is darkened, except for necessary topside lights; modified Condition of Readiness III and Material Condition "B" is set. Boiler No. 2 is in use for auxiliary purposes. U.S.S. PRAIRIE is SOPA. Ships present include and various units of the Pacific Fleet and various yard and district craft.

L. J. Tobin, Lt., USNR.

04 – 08 Watch

Anchored as before.

W. M. Foster, Lt., USNR.

08 – 12 Watch

Anchored as before. 0815 Mustered crew at quarters. No absentees. 1015 Hoisted out SOC No. 1121 for routine flight. Pilot: Ensign P. B. Anderson, A-V(N), 315108, USNR: Lt.(jg) E. G. Yesko, A-V(N), 251058, USNR. Made daily inspection of magazines and smokeless powder samples. Conditions normal. 1041 Lit fires under No. 4 boiler. 1159 U.S.S. LEARY and MONSSEN underway to shift berth. 1159 U.S.S. FULLAM underway.

G. K. Dress, Lt., USN.

12 – 16 Watch

Anchored as before. 1240 Hauled fires under boiler No. 4. 1457 Hoisted plane No. 1121 aboard. 1513 Hoisted out plane No. 1121 for routine flight training. Pilot: Ensign P. B. Anderson, A-V(N), 315108, USNR; observer: Lt.(jg) E. G. Yesko, A-V(N), 251058, USNR.

J. B. Heifner, Lt.(jg), USNR.

16 – 20 Watch

Anchored as before. 1745 Plane No. 1121 hoisted aboard.

L. M. King, Jr., Lt.(jg), USNR.

20 – 24 Watch

Anchored as before.

L. A. Bird, Lt., USN.

00 – 04 Watch

Anchored in Berth No. 448, Eniwetok Atoll, Marshall Islands Group, in 26½ fathoms of water, with 105 fathoms of chain to the port anchor. The ship is darkened, except for necessary lights, Material Condition "B" and modified Condition of Readiness III set throughout the ship. Boiler No. 2 is in use for auxiliary purposes. Ships present include U.S.S. PRAIRIE as SOPA and various units of the Pacific Fleet, auxiliaries, yard craft and merchant marine vessels.

M. F. Healy, Jr., Lt., USNR.

04 – 08 Watch

Anchored as before. 0720 U.S.S. GEMINI underway.

C. L. Joslin, Jr., Ensign, USN.

08 – 12 Watch

Anchored as before. 0815 Mustered crew at quarters. Absentees: none. 0816 U.S.S. CASE underway and stood out. 0835 U.S.S. AULICK underway and stood out. 0910 Hoisted out one plane No. 1136 for routine flight training. Pilot: Ensign P. R. Anderson, A-V(N), 315108, USNR; observer: Lt.(jg) E.G. Yesko, A-V(N) 281058, USNR. 1055 U.S.S. HELM underway and stood out. 1100 U.S.S. TINGEY underway and stood out. 1146 Hoisted aboard plane No. 1136. Made daily inspection of magazines and smokeless powder samples. Conditions normal.

K. H. Brooks, Lt., USNR.

12 – 16 Watch

Anchored as before. 1300 Hoisted out plane No. 1121 for routine flight training. Pilot: Ensign P. R. Anderson, A-V(N), 315108, USNR; observer: Lt.(jg) E.G. Yesko, A-V(N) 281058, USNR. 1310 U.S.S. MELVIN underway. 1328 U.S.S. MC NAIR underway and anchored in berth assigned. 1503 U.S.S. ALBERT W. GRANT underway and anchored in berth assigned. 1505 Hoisted aboard plane No. 1121. 1520 U.S.S. BENNETT underway and anchored in berth assigned. 1545 U.S.S. MITCHELL underway.

H. H. McCammond, Lt.(jg), USN.

16 – 20 Watch

Anchored as before.

R. H. Peery, Lt., USNR.

20 – 24 Watch

Anchored as before. 2025 Received a signal from shore station, indicating air attack is imminent. 2030 Received signal indicating all clear.

L. J. Tobin, Lt., USNR.

00 – 04 Watch

Anchored in Berth No. 448, Eniwetok Atoll, Marshall Islands Group, in 26½ fathoms of water with 105 fathoms of chain to the port anchor. Ships present include U.S.S. PRAIRIE (SOPA), and various units of the Pacific Fleet, yard, auxiliary, and patrol craft. The ship is darkened and in Material Condition "B" and modified Condition of Readiness III is set. Boiler No. 2 is in use for auxiliary purposes. 0100 Received fifteen tons of provisions alongside from U.S.S. ANTIGUA. 0320 Completed provisioning ship.

W. M. Foster, Lt., USNR.

04 – 08 Watch

Anchored as before. 0445 Lighted fires under boilers No. 1 and 3. 0530 Cut in boiler No. 4 in on main steam line. Underway from Berth 448, Eniwetok with T.U. 57.5.5 composed of U.S.S. KALININ BAY, CLEVELAND, HONOLULU, LEUTZE, NEWCOMB, BENNION, HAYWARD L. EDWARDS, RICHARD P. LEARY, ROBINSON, ROSS, ALBERT W. GRANT, and BRYANT; Rear Admiral W. L. AINSWORTH, U.S.N., ComCruDiv 9 in U.S.S. HONOLULU as O.T.C.; destination Port Purvis, Florida Islands, Solomon Islands. Having made all preparations for getting underway, at 0616 underway in accordance with directive of CTG 57.5.5. The Task Group consists of U.S.S. KALININ BAY, CLEVELAND, HONOLULU, LEUTZE, NEWCOMB, BENNION, HAYWOOD L. EDWARDS, RICHARD P. LEARY, ROBINSON, ROSS, ALBERT W. GRANT, and BRYANT. Rear Admiral W. L. Ainsworth, USN, in U.S.S. HONOLULU is OTC. Ships draft forward 23’ 2", aft 25" 6". Proceeding on various courses and speeds conforming to channel. Captain at the Conn, Executive Officer and Navigator on the bridge. 0721 Went to General Quarters for sortie. 0747 Took departure from swept channel, set course 180^o T (PGC), at speed 10 knots (100 RPM).

L. A. Bird, Lt., USN.
 
 

08 – 12 Watch

Steaming as before, on course 180^o T (PGC), speed 10 knots (100 RPM). 0805 Secured from General Quarters, set Material Condition "B" and Condition of Readiness III. 0815 Mustered crew at quarters. Absentee: One. 0830 Changed fleet speed to 15 knots (150 RPM). 0842 Changed fleet speed to 22 knots (223 RPM). 0915 Sounded A.A. call. Manned five inch and automatic weapons. 0932 Changed fleet speed to 15 knots (150 RPM). At 0937 fired 5" battery and automatic weapons at a towed sleeve. 0937 Commenced firing five inch battery to port and starboard. 0940 Changed course to the left to 150^o T (PGC). 0945 Made daily inspection of magazines and smokeless powder samples. Conditions normal. 0952 Changed course to the left to 180^o T (PGC). 1115 Set Condition of Readiness III in the five inch battery. 1130 Commenced firing automatic weapons to port and starboard. 1145 Set Condition of Readiness III in machine gun batter. 1135 Changed fleet course to 000^o T (PGC).

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 157

G. C. Wilson, Lt., USNR.

12 – 16 Watch

Steaming as before on course 000^o T (PGC), speed 15 knots (150 RPM). 1203 Changed course to 180^o T (PGC). 1210 Maneuvered on various courses and speeds conforming with rendezvous with target ship. 1322 Commenced forming Cruising Formation 9R; fleet axis 180^o T (PGC); U.S.S. DENVER assumed fleet guide. 1326 Changed course to 180^o T (PGC). 1329 Commenced exercising at main and secondary battery target practice. Went to General Quarters. At 1330 exercised main and 5" battery at target practice, using surface target. Ammunition expended: 48 rounds 6"/47 A.P. projectiles and smokeless powder; 95 rounds 5"/38 AA Common and smokeless powder; 155 rounds 40mm H.E. Tracer; 85 rounds 20mm H.E. Incendiary; 47 rounds 20mm H.E. Tracer. 1331 Commenced maneuvering to take station for gunnery firing. 1354 Commenced firing the main battery to starboard. 1357 Ceased firing. 1437 Commenced firing the five inch battery to port. 1439 Ceased firing. 1507 Commenced firing main battery to starboard. 1512 Ceased firing. 1517 Secured from General Quarters, set Condition of Readiness III and Material Condition "B". 1557 Steadied on course 210^o T (PGC) speed 15 knots (150 RPM).

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 189

L. J. Tobin, Lt., USNR.
 
 

16 – 18 Watch

Steaming as before, on course 210^o T (PGC), speed 15 knots, in Cruising Formation 9R, DENVER leading ship and guide. Screen consists of U.S.S H. L. EDWARDS, BENNION, A.W. GRANT and NEWCOMB. 1601 Changed course to the right to 230^o T (PGC). 1603 Changed axis to 230^o T (PGC). 1621 Changed course to the left to 180^o T (PGC). 1639 Changed course to the right to 230^o T (PGC). 1647 Changed course and axis to the left to 210^o T (PGC). 1650 Went to 17 knots. 1700 Commenced zig-zag plan No. 6.

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 161

J. P. Wiley, Lt., USNR.

18 – 21 Watch

Steaming as before, on course 210^o T (PGC), at speed 17 knots (170 RPM), zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 6. 1845 Went to General Quarters for Dusk Alert. 1912 Ceased zig-zagging and resume base course 210^o T (PGC). 1915 Secured from General Quarters and set Material Condition "B" and Condition of Readiness III. 1945 Changed course to 030^o T (PGC). 1950 Went to 22 knots (223 RPM). 1955 Went to General Quarters for Night Battle problem. 1958 Changed course to 090^o T (PGC). 2028 Changed course to 060^o T (PGC). 2045 Changed course to 090^o T (PGC). 2053 Changed course to 120^o T (PGC).

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 173

L. A. Bird, Lt., USN.

21 – 24 Watch

Steaming as before, on course 120^o T (PGC), speed 22 knots (223 RPM). 2103 Slowed to 15 knots (150 RPM). Changed course to the left to 090^o T (PGC). 2104 Completed simulated firing exercise. 2105 Secured from General Quarters, set Material Condition "B" and Condition of Readiness III. 2109 Changed course right to 270^o T (PGC). 2116 Lit fires under No. 3 boiler to boost steam. 2122 Lit fires under No. 1 boiler to boost steam. 2125 Changed course and axis to 180^o T (PGC). 2237 Let fires die out under No. 1 boiler. 2246 Let fires die out under No. 3 boiler.

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 167

G. K. Dress, Lt., USN.

Positions: 0800 11^o 21.5’ N

162^o 28.5’ E

1200 10^o 27.5’ N

162^o 26.6’ E

2000 09^o 23.6’ N

161^o 58.7’ E

Saturday, 19 August, 1944

00 – 04 Watch

Steaming as before in company with T.U. 57.5.5. Steaming in company with Task Group 57.5.5, Rear Admiral Ainsworth, USN in U.S.S. HONOLULU is OTC. Rear Admiral Hayler, ComCruDiv 12 in U.S.S. DENVER. This Task Group consists of the following: U.S.S. HONOLULU, DENVER, CLEVELAND, KALININ BAY, NEWCOMB, BENNION, HAYWOOD L. EDWARDS, RICHARD P. LEARY, ALBERT W. GRANT, GRANT, and BRYANT. In Cruising Formation C9R. Ship is darkened, in Material Condition "B" and Readiness Condition III. Boilers No. 2 and 4 in use. On course180^o T (PGC), speed 15 knots (150 RPM).

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 148

L. J. Tobin, Lt., USNR.

04 – 08 Watch

Steaming as before, on course 180^o T (PGC), at speed 15 knots (150 RPM), zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 6. 0520 Went to General Quarters for Dawn Alert. Set Material Condition "A". 0532 Changed course to the left to 035^o T (PGC). U.S.S. KALININ BAY launched aircraft. 0537 Changed course to the right to 180^o T (PGC). 0534 Commenced zig-zag plan No. 6. 0600 Secured from General Quarters, set Material Condition "B" and Conditions of Readiness III.

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 148

J. P. Wiley, Lt., USNR.

08 – 12 Watch

Steaming as before, on course 180^o T (PGC), at speed 15 knots (150 RPM), zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 6. 0815 Mustered crew on stations. Absentees: One. 0938 Ceased zig-zagging during aircraft recovery operations, in U.S.S. KALININ BAY. 0945 Made daily inspection of magazines and smokeless powder samples. Conditions normal. 1004 Resumed zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 6. 1153 Ceased zig-zagging and resumed base course 180^o T (PGC).

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 149

L. A. Bird, Lt., USN.
 
 

12 – 16 Watch

Steaming as before, on course 180^o T (PGC), at 15 knots (150 RPM). 1224 Changed speed to 11 knots (110 RPM), and course to 150^o T (PGC) to recover aircraft. 1236 Changed speed to 16 knots (160 RPM). 1237 Changed course to 180^o T (PGC). 1239 Changed speed to 18 knots (180 RPM). 1241 Changed speed to 15 knots (150 RPM). 1244 Catapulted plane No. 8. Pilot Lt.(jg) Yesko, A-V(N), 251058, USNR; observer: Lyons, T., ARM2c, 626 14 15, USNR. 1251 Went to General Quarters. At 1312 fired main battery calibration run expending 36 rounds of 6"/47 A.P. projectiles and smokeless powder. 1312 Commenced firing main battery. 1317 Ceased firing. 1329 Changed course to 000^o T (PGC) and speed to 20 knots (200 RPM). 1343 Secured from General Quarters, set Readiness Condition III and Material Condition "B". 1353 Commenced maneuvering to recover aircraft. 1446 Hoisted in and secured to catapult plane No. 8. 1451 Changed speed to 10 knots (100 RPM). 1455 Commenced zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 6. 1559 Streamed paravanes.

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 139

H. M. Brinser, Lt., USN.

16 – 18 Watch

Steaming as before, on base course 180^o T (PGC), speed 10 knots (100 RPM), zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 6. 1603 Went to 15 knots (150 RPM). 1617 Slowed to 10 knots (100 RPM). 1624 Recovered paravanes. 1628 Went to 15 knots (150 RPM). 1635 Ceased zig-zagging, returned to base course 180^o T (PGC); went to 20 knots (200 RPM) and commenced maneuvering on various courses conforming with tactical exercise. 1654 Steadied on course 180^o T (PGC). 1712 Went to 22 knots (223 RPM) and left the present formation in company with U.S.S. CLEVELAND, GRANT, BRYANT, and RICHARD P. LEARY to take station ahead for tactical exercises; Rear Admiral Hayler, OTC of this force in U.S.S. DENVER.

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 186

L. J. Tobin, Lt., USNR.

18 – 20 Watch

Steaming as before, on base course 180^o T (PGC), speed 22 knots. 1900 Destroyers took station in Cruising Formation 9R. 1952 Slowed to 15 knots.

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 217

J. P. Wiley, Lt., USNR.
 
 

20 – 24 Watch

Conducted night battle practice from 2000 to 2200. Steaming as before, on course 180^o T (PGC), speed 15 knots (150 RPM). 2005 Lighted fires under No. 1 boiler to boost steam. Changed course right to 000^o T (PGC). 2012 Went to General Quarters for scheduled exercises. 2015 Lighted fires under No. 3 boiler. 2033 Changed course left to 285^o T (PGC). 2052 Changed course to 105^o T (PGC). 2057 Went to 22 knots (223 RPM). 2101 Changed course left to 270^o T (PGC). 2105 Changed course right to 290^o T (PGC). 2116 Changed course left to 070^o T (PGC). 2120 Changed course right to 085^o T (PGC). 2120 Hauled fires under No. 1 boiler. 2122 Changed course right to 250^o T (PGC). 2130 Secured from General Quarters and set Material Condition "B" and Condition of Readiness III. 2137 Hauled fires under boiler No. 3. Maneuvered on various courses and speeds to rejoin formation. 2225 On station in formation C9R, on base course 180^o T (PGC), at speed 15 knots (150 RPM). 2247 Slowed to 13 knots (130 RPM).

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 144

L. A. Bird, Lt., USN.

Positions: 0800 06^o 34.7’ N

162^o 06.5’ E

1200 05^o 41.3’ N

162^o 08.7’ E

2000 03^o 25.9’ N

162^o 06.1’ E

Sunday, 20 August, 1944

00 – 04 Watch

Steaming as before in company with T.U. 57.5.5. Steaming in company with U.S.S. HONOLULU, CLEVELAND, KALININ BAY, LEUTZE, NEWCOMB, BENNION, HAYWOOD L. EDWARDS, RICHARD P. LEARY, ROBINSON, ROSS, ALBERT W. GRANT, and BRYANT, Guide and OTC in U.S.S. HONOLULU. Cruising Formation C9R on base course180^o T (PGC), standard speed 15 knots (150 RPM), steaming at 13 knots (130 RPM). Ship is darkened, in Material Condition "B" and Readiness Condition III. Boilers No. 2 and 4 cut in on main steam line.

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 127

H. M. Brinser, Lt., USN.

04 – 08 Watch

Steaming as before, on base course 180^o T (PGC), speed 13 knots (130 RPM). 0528 Changed course to 040^o T (PGC) went to 17 knots (170 RPM), conforming with aircraft operations of U.S.S. KALININ BAY. 0534 Resumed base course 180^o T (PGC). 0542 Slowed to 15 knots (150 RPM). 0543 Commenced zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 6. 0724 Ceased zig-zagging, resumed base course 180^o T (PGC). 0727 Went to 17 knots (170 RPM). 0733 Commenced maneuvering on various courses conforming with aircraft operations of U.S.S. KALININ BAY. 0751 Returned to base course 180^o T (PGC) and speed 15 knots (150 RPM).

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 143

L. J. Tobin, Lt., USNR.

08 – 12 Watch

Steaming as before, on course 180^o T (PGC), speed 15 knots (150 RPM). 0803 Resumed zig-zag plan No. 6. Made daily inspection of magazines and smokeless powder samples. Conditions normal. 1124 Ceased zig-zag. Resumed base course. 1130 Changed course to the right to 210^o T (PGC), while U.S.S. KALININ BAY launched and recovered aircraft. Went to 17 knots. 1137 Changed course to the left to 180^o T (PGC). Slowed to 15 knots. 1140 Resumed zig-zag plan No. 6.

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 148

J. P. Wiley, Lt., USNR.
 
 

12 – 16 Watch

Steaming as before, on base course 180^o T (PGC), speed 15 knots (150 RPM), .zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 6. 1258 Ceased zig-zagging and resumed base course 180^o T (PGC). 1306 Changed fleet course right to 225^o T (PGC) went to 18 knots (180 RPM). U.S.S. KALININ BAY and RICHARD P. LEARY left the formation to take station for scheduled exercise. 1336 Maneuvering on various courses and speeds taking station for scheduled exercise. 1443 Commenced forming Cruising Formation 9V for simulated air attack. 1449 Changed course to 300^o T (PGC). 1451 Commenced making smoke. Maneuvering on various courses and speeds. 1505 Ceased making smoke. 1515 Entered rain squall. Visibility zero. 1518 Crossed Equator at 161^o 56’ E Longitude. 1528 Passed out of rain squall. 1529 Formed Cruising Formation 18 on base course 175^o T (PGC). 1540 Ceased present exercises. 1551 Went to 20 knots (200 RPM), commenced zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 6.

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 168

L. A. Bird, Lt., USN.

16 – 18 Watch

Steaming as before, on base course 175^o T (PGC), speed 20 knots (200 RPM), .zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 6. 1632 Ceased zig-zagging and resumed base course 175^o T (PGC).

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 203

H. M. Brinser, Lt., USN.

18 – 20 Watch

Steaming as before, on base course 175^o T (PGC), speed 20 knots (200 RPM). 1844 Changed fleet course and axis to 180^o T (PGC). 1953 Slowed to 15 knots (150 RPM).

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 199

L. J. Tobin, Lt., USNR.
 
 

20 – 24 Watch

Conducted night battle practice from 2000 to 2200. Steaming as before, on course 180^o T (PGC), at speed 15 knots. 2005 The Captain took the conn. 2005 Changed course to the right by column movement to 000^o T (PGC). 2010 Went to General Quarters for simulated night battle practice. Commenced maneuvering on various courses and various speeds during simulated engagement. 2113 Ceased exercise. Secured from General Quarters. Set Condition of Readiness III and Material Condition "B". Set course 090^o T (PGC), speed 15 knots. 2132 Changed course to the right to 180^o T (PGC), formed Cruising Formation 9R. Officer of the Deck took the conn. 2150 Slowed to 13 knots. Assumed radar guard duty. 2328 Cut in No. 3 boiler on the main steam line. 2335 Cut out boiler No. 4.

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 151

J. P. Wiley, Lt., USNR.

Positions: 0800 01^o 30.0’ N

162^o 01.5’ E

1200 00^o 36.2’ N

161^o 59.3’ E

2000 01^o 32.2’ S

161^o 53.7’ E

Monday, 21 August, 1944

00 – 04 Watch

Steaming as before in company with T.U. 57.5.5. Steaming in company with Task Group 57.5.5, Rear Admiral W. L. Ainsworth, USN in U.S.S. HONOLULU is OTC. Rear Admiral R. W. Hayler, USN, ComCruDiv 12 in U.S.S. DENVER. This Task Group consists of the following: U.S.S. HONOLULU, DENVER, CLEVELAND, KALININ BAY, NEWCOMB, BENNION, HAYWOOD L. EDWARDS, RICHARD P. LEARY, ALBERT W. GRANT and BRYANT, in Cruising Formation C9R, on base course 180^o T (PGC), at speed 13 knots (130 RPM). Fleet axis is 180^o T (PGC). Boilers No. 2 and 3 in use. The ship is darkened with Condition of Readiness III and Material Condition "B" set throughout the ship. This ship has the radar guard. 0350 Lighted fires under boiler No. 1 to boost steam.

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 128

L. A. Bird, Lt., USN.

04 – 08 Watch

Steaming as before, on course 180^o T (PGC), speed 13 knots (130 RPM). 0549 Changed course to the left to 105^o T (PGC) and speed to 17 knots (170 RPM). 0552 Changed course to the right to 180^o T (PGC) and speed to 14 knots (140 RPM). 0604 Commenced zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 6, on base course 180^o T (PGC).

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 134

H. M. Brinser, Lt., USN.

08 –12 Watch

Steaming as before, on course 180^o T (PGC), speed 14 knots (140 RPM), zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 6. 0815 Mustered crew at quarters. Absentees: One. 0855 Ceased zig-zagging, returned to base course 180^o T (PGC). 0900 Went to 17 knots (170 RPM) and commenced maneuvering on various courses conforming with flight operations of U.S.S. KALININ BAY. 0931 Resumed base course 180^o T (PGC). 1000 Made daily inspection of magazines and smokeless powder samples. Conditions normal. At 1002 exercised at simulated air attack. 1002 Exercised at simulated air attack; maneuvering on various courses and at various speeds in formation 9V. 1156 Ceased simulated air attack exercise, steadied on course 010^o T (PGC). 1158 Slowed to 15 knots (150 RPM).

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 181

L. J. Tobin, Lt., USNR.
 
 

12 – 16 Watch

Steaming as before, on course 010^o T (PGC), at speed 15 knots. 1200 Changed course to the right to 180^o T (PGC). 1206 Formed Cruising Formation 6S, axis180^o T, DENVER leading ship of right hand column. 1218 Commenced zig-zag plan No. 6. 1303 Ceased zig-zag. Steadied on base course. At 1305 test firing of 5"/38 battery expending 24 rounds of 5"/38 AA Common projectiles and smokeless powder. 1305 Commenced test firing of 5"/38 battery. 1329 Completed test firing. At 1400 commenced basic task force tactical exercises. Rear Admiral R. W. HAYLER, U.S.N. (ComCruDiv 12) in DENVER designated O.T.C. for exercises. 1400 Commenced basic task force tactical exercises. Read Admiral Hayler in Denver designated OTC for exercise. 1405 DENVER designated guide. 1530 Ceased tactical exercises. Set course 180^o T (PGC), speed 15 knots. 1547 U.S.S. KALININ BAY, R. P. LEARY and H.L. EDWARDS left the formation, to proceed on duty assigned. 1549 Went to 20 knots. 1558 Went to 22 knots.

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 137

J. P. Wiley, Lt., USNR.

16 – 18 Watch

Steaming as before, on base course 180^o T (PGC), speed 22 knots (223 RPM). 1610 Went to 23 knots (234 RPM). 1620 Slowed to 22 knots (223 RPM). 1635 U.S.S. CLEVELAND assumed radar guard for this Task Group.

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 224

L. A. Bird, Lt., USN.

18 – 20 Watch

Steaming as before, on base course 180^o T (PGC), at 22 knots (223 RPM). 1801 Changed speed to 20 knots (200 RPM). 1910 Changed speed to 15 knots (150 RPM).

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 200

H. M. Brinser, Lt., USN.
 
 

20 – 24 Watch

From 2000 to 2120 exercised at night battle practice. Steaming as before, on base course 180^o T (PGC), speed 15 knots (150 RPM). 2001 Went to General Quarters for simulated night surface action. 2007 Commenced maneuvering on various courses and at various speeds. 2120 Ceased present exercise; secured from General Quarters; set Material Condition "B" and Readiness Condition III throughout the ship. 2123 Steadied on course 180^o T (PGC), in Cruising Formation 6S, speed 15 knots (150 RPM). 2135 Slowed to 10 knots (100 RPM). 2230 Changed fleet speed to 15.5 knots (155 RPM). 2331 Cut boiler No. 4 in on the main steam line. 2338 Hauled fires under No. 3 boiler.

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 145

L. J. Tobin, Lt., USNR.

Positions: 0800 03^o 38.1’ S

161^o 48.0’ E

1200 04^o 18.2’ S

162^o 02.9’ E

2000 06^o 12.6’ S

162^o 03.4’ E

Tuesday, 22 August, 1944

00 – 04 Watch

Steaming as before in company with T.G. 57.5.5. Steaming in company with Task Group 57.5.5, Rear Admiral W. L. Ainsworth, OTC in U.S.S. HONOLULU. Task Group consists of U.S.S. HONOLULU, DENVER, CLEVELAND, KALININ BAY, NEWCOMB, BENNION, H. L. EDWARDS, R. P. LEARY, A. W. GRANT and BRYANT. In Cruising Formation C6S, guide in HONOLULU. DENVER leading ship in right hand column. Ship is darkened and in Material Condition "B", Condition of Readiness III. Boilers No. 2 and 4 are in use. Steaming on course 180^o T, at speed 15.5 knots. 0020 Made radar contact on surface target, bearing 280^o T distance 22 miles. 0032 Changed course and axis to the right to 245^o T (PGC) by column movement, simultaneous method.

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 151

J. P. Wiley, Lt., USNR.

04 – 08 Watch

Steaming as before, on course 245^o T (PGC), at speed 15.5 knots (155 RPM). 0602 Commenced zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 6. 0659 Ceased zig-zagging and resumed base course. Made radar contact on land, bearing 145^o T, distance 20 miles; bearing 165^o T, distance 50 miles; bearing 234^o T, distance 64 miles. 0705 Changed course to 180^o T (PGC). At 0715 sighted Malaita 160^o T, distance 19 miles. 0732 Commenced zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 6. At 0750 sighted Ndai Island bearing 140^o T, distance 12 miles. 0750 Sighed Ndai Island, bearing 140^o T, distance 12 miles.

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 156

L. A. Bird, Lt., USN.
 
 

08 – 12 Watch

Steaming as before, on base course 180^o T (PGC), zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 6, speed 15 knots (150 RPM). 0804 Ceased zig-zagging and returned to base course. 0805 Mustered crew on stations. Absentees: One. 0807 Changed fleet course and axis to the left to 150^o T (PGC) slowed to 12 knots (120 RPM). 0810 Changed fleet course and axis 180^o T (PGC), speed 20 knots (200 RPM). 0813 Changed fleet speed to 22 knots (223 RPM). 0818 Changed fleet course and axis to the left to 170^o T (PGC), fleet speed 24 knots (245 RPM). 0820 Manned the 5" battery for air defense exercises. 0824 Changed fleet course and axis to the left to 150^o T (PGC). 0825 Slowed to 20 knots (200 RPM). 0826 Changed fleet course and axis to 180^o T (PGC). 0827 Changed fleet speed to 15 knots (150 RPM). 0830 This ship assumed guide. 0831 Changed fleet speed to 12 knots (128 RPM). 0837 Changed fleet speed to 15 knots (150 RPM). 0838 Manned automatic weapons. 0843 Commenced scheduled air defense exercises. At 0858 fired automatic weapons at towed sleeve. 0858 Fired automatic weapons to starboard. 0901 Fired automatic weapons to port. 0915 Sighted Malaita Island, bearing 160^o T (PGC), distance about 19 miles. 0922 Fired automatic weapons to port. 0925 Fired automatic weapons to starboard. 0928 Fired automatic weapons to starboard. 0929 Sighted Ramos Island, bearing 250^o T (PGC), 18 miles. 0930 Ceased present exercises. 0936 Set Condition of Readiness III in the anti-aircraft battery. 1011 Changed fleet course and axis to 225^o T (PGC). 1015 Fleet speed changed to 22 knots (223 RPM). 1017 U.S.S. KALININ BAY, R.P. LEARY, A.W. GRANT and BRYANT left the formation for duty assigned. 1017 Sighted Santa Isabel Island, bearing 270^o T, about 31 miles. 1027 Secured SG radar. 1045 Sighted Vatilau Island, bearing 212^o T, distance 35 miles. 1100 Sighted two ships bearing 240^o T, hull down. 1159 Changed fleet course and axis to 215^o T (PGC). Made daily inspection of magazines and smokeless powder samples. Conditions normal.

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 187

H. M. Brinser, Lt., USN.
 
 

12 – 16 Watch

Steaming as before, on course 215^o T (PGC), speed 22 knots (223 RPM). At 1207 sighted Guadalcanal bearing 200^oT (PGC), distance 40 miles. 1207 Sighted Guadalcanal Island bearing 200^o T (PGC), distance 40 miles. 1209 Cruisers formed column with U.S.S. DENVER leading and guide. 1310 Changed fleet speed to 20 knots (200 RPM). 1315 Changed course to 090^o T (PGC). 1310 Slowed to 15 knots (150 RPM). 1331 Stationed special sea and anchor details. 1340 Commenced maneuvering on various courses and at various speeds approaching the entrance to the channel. At 1400 passed through the harbor nets of Port Purvis, Florida Island, Solomon Islands 1400 Passed through Port Purvis Harbor nets. At 1420 moored starboard side to U.S.S. RACCOON in Berth 23 and commenced fueling. 1420 Moored starboard side to U.S.S. RACCOON in Berth No. 23, Port Purvis, Florida Island, Solomon Group, with the following lines in use: bow line, stern line, two crossed springs forward and aft; with the following bearings: Beacon "H" 106^o T (PGC), Beacon "F" 175^o T (PGC), Beacon "M" 052^o T (PGC), Beacon "L" 064^o T (PGC). 1440 Secured all special sea and anchor details. Ships draft forward 22’ 6", aft 24’9". 1440 Commenced fueling.

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 143

L. J. Tobin, Lt., USNR.

16 – 20 Watch

Moored as before. 1603 U.S.S. R.P. LEARY stood in and anchored in assigned berth. 1616 Completed fueling from forward and after hose, having received 214,686 gallons fuel oil. Draft of ship forward 23’ 10", aft 25’ 3". At 1634 underway and proceeded to Berth 20, Port Purvis, anchoring at 1652. Having made all preparations for getting underway, at 1634 underway from alongside U.S.S. RACCOON. Proceeding on various courses and speeds to assigned berth No. 20, Port Purvis, Florida Island, Solomon Islands Group. Captain at the conn Executive Officer and Navigator on the bridge. 1652 Anchored in Berth No. 20, Port Purvis, Florida Island, Solomon Islands Group, in 22 fathoms of water, with 70 fathoms of chain to the starboard anchor, with the following bearings: Beacon "G" 311.7^o T (PGC), Beacon "M" 056^o T (PGC), Beacon "J" 075.5^o T (PGC), Beacon "D" 232.5^o T (PGC). 1711 Secured main and steering engines. Set Condition of Readiness III modified. 1718 Secured No. 4 boiler. Boiler No. 2 is in use for auxiliary purposes.

L. A. Bird, Lt., USN.
 
 

20 – 24 Watch

Anchored as before.

M. F. Healy, Jr., Lt., USNR.

Ammunition expended: 526 rounds 40mm H.E. Tracer, 252 rounds 20mm H.E. Incendiary, 127 rounds 20mm H.E. Tracer.

Positions: 0800 07^o 44.0’ S

160^o 26.7’ E

1200 08^o 45.2’ S

160^o 00.1’ E

2000 Port Purvis, Solomon

Islands, Berth 20

Wednesday, 23 August, 1944

00 – 04 Watch

Anchored as before in Berth 2-, Port Purvis, Florida Island. Anchored in Berth No. 20, Port Purvis, Florida Island, Solomon Islands Group, in 22 fathoms of water with 70 fathoms of chain to the starboard anchor. Beacons bear as follows: "G" 311.7^o T (PGC), "M" 056^o T (PGC), "J" 075.5^o T (PGC), "H" 126.5^o T (PGC), "D" 232.5^o T (PGC), "K" 047.7^o T (PGC) and "F" 174.3^o T (PGC). The ship is darkened, except for necessary lights, in Material Condition "B" and modified Condition of Readiness III. Boiler No. 2 is in use for auxiliary purposes. Ships present: U.S.S. HONOLULU (SOPA), DENVER, CLEVELAND, BAILEY, HARMON, BENNION, EDWARDS, R.P. LEARY, BRYANT, A.W. GRANT, NEWCOMB, D.S. BLACK, RABY, COOLBAUGH, JASON, DIXIE, PROMETHEUS, OCEANUS, ARD 14, CHIKASKIA, KANGAROO, RACCOON, SERPENS, VOLANS, ANTARES, DELPHINUS, also various yard, district and landing craft.

C. L. Joslin, Jr., Ensign, USN.

04 – 08 Watch

Anchored as before. 0620 U.S.S. HEERMAN underway and shifted berth. 0621 U.S.S. COOLBAUGH underway and stood out of harbor. 0640 U.S.S. R.P. LEARY underway to shift berth. 0650 U.S.S. BRYANT underway and shifted berth. 0651 U.S.S. MC CORD underway and shifted berth. 0651 U.S.S. HARMON underway and shifted berth. 0655 U.S.S. YP517 underway and stood out of harbor. 0725 U.S.S. PREBLE stood in and anchored in assigned berth. 0745 U.S.S. LST 41 underway and stood out of harbor. 0750 U.S.S. LST 131 stood in and anchored in assigned berth.

G. K. Dress, Lt., USN.

08 – 12 Watch

Anchored as before. 0813 U.S.S. EMERY stood in and anchored in assigned berth. 0815 Mustered crew at quarters. Absentee: One. 0825 Lit fires under No. 4 boiler. U.S.S. MARTIN stood in and anchored in assigned berth. U.S.S. DARBY stood in and moored alongside U.S.S. RACCOON. 0915 Hoisted out plane No. 7. Pilot Lt.(jg) E. G. Yesko, A-V(N), 251058, USNR; observer: Kilpartrick, C.I., ACMM, 268 44 23, USN. 0920 Hoisted out plane No. 8 for routine flight. Pilot Ensign D. G. Hartlaub, A-V(N), 346932, USNR; observer: Ensign P.R. Anderson, A-V(N), 315108, USNR. 0930 Hoisted aboard plane No. 7 which did not take off due to minor breakdown. 0950 Secured fires under No. 4 boiler. 1015 Hoisted out plane No. 7, minor repairs completed. Made daily inspection of magazines and smokeless powder samples. Conditions normal. 1100 Hoisted both planes aboard.

L. M. King, Jr., Lt.(jg), USNR
 
 

12 – 16 Watch

Anchored as before. 1205 Lighted fires under No. 4 boiler. 1300 Pursuant to orders of the Commanding Officer, the following named men left the ship for temporary shore patrol duty at recreation center: Sutton, B.W., CGM(AA) 316 48 63, USN, in charge, DePaul, V., GM2c, Kowis, A. M., MoMM1c, Allanson, J.L., M3c, Fidler, J.G., Cox. 1305 Hoisted out plane No. 7 for routine flight, Pilot: Ensign P. R. Anderson, A-V(N), 351108, USNR; observer: Ivy, T.R., ARM2c, 617 93 03, USNR. 1310 Hoisted out plane No. 8 for routine flight. Pilot Lt.(jg) E. G. Yesko, A-V(N), 251058, USNR; observer; observer: Tucker A.D., Jr., 357 41 75 ARM2c, USNR. 1345 Hauled fires under No. 4 boiler. 1510 Hoisted aboard plane No. 8. 1515 Hoisted aboard plane No. 7. 1530 U.S.S. HOGAN stood in and anchored in berth assigned.

L. A. Bird, Lt., USN.

16 – 20 Watch

Anchored as before. 1625 U.S.S. PAWNEE stood in and anchored in berth assigned. 1650 U.S.S. CLEMSON stood in and anchored in berth assigned. 1820 Pursuant to order of Commanding Officer, following named men returned, having completed temporary shore patrol duty: Sutton, B.W., CGM(AA) in charge, DePaul, V., GM2c, Kowis, A. M., MoMM1c, Allanson, J.L., M3c, Fidler, J.G., Cox.

M. F. Healy, Jr., Lt., USNR.

20 – 24 Watch

Anchored as before. 2030 Completed taking on stores, having received 76 tons of dry and 25 tons of fresh provisions. 2215 Received report of radar and sound contact 3 miles from harbor entrance. Darkened ship. 2320 Secured from darken ship. Ship is darkened except for necessary lights.

C. L. Joslin, Jr., Ensign, USN.

Received following ammunition from Navy Magazine #152: 84 6"/47 Cartridges (smokeless powder), 84 6"/47 A.P. projectiles; 120 5"/38 Cartridges (smokeless powder), 96 AA Common projectiles; 24 5"/38 AA Special projectiles; 560 40mm H.E. Tracer; 360 20mm H.E. Incendiary.

Positions: Berth 20, Port Purvis

Thursday, 24 August, 1944

00 – 04 Watch

Anchored in Berth 20, Port Purvis. Anchored in Berth No. 20, Port Purvis, Florida Island, Solomon Islands Group, in 22 fathoms of water with 70 fathoms of chain on deck to the starboard anchor. Ship is darkened, in modified Material Condition "B" and modified Condition of Readiness III. Boiler No. 4 is in steaming for auxiliary purposes. Ships present: U.S.S. HONOLULU SOPA (ComCruDiv 9), CLEVELAND, BAILEY, HEERMAN, EDWARDS, R.P. LEARY, BRYANT, NEWCOMB, EMERY, DOUGLAS, RABY, MARTIN, PREBLE, DARBY, JASON, DIXIE, PROMETHEUS, OCEANUS, CHIKASKIA and various cargo ships, landing craft, yard and district craft.

G. K. Dress, Lt., USN.

04 – 08 Watch

Anchored as before. 0605 U.S.S. MARTIN and EMERY underway and stood out of harbor.

J. B. Heifner, Lt.(jg), USNR.

08 – 12 Watch

Anchored as before. 0806 Hoisted out plane No. 7. Pilot Lt.(jg) E. G. Yesko, A-V(N(, 251058, USNR; observer: Lt. F.T. Howard, D-V(S), 117806, USNR. 0810 Hoisted out plane No. 8. Pilot: Ensign P.R. Anderson, A-V(N), 315108, USNR; observer: Ensign D.G. Hartlaub, A-V(N), 346932, USNR. 0815 Mustered crew at quarters. Absentee: One. 0823 U.S.S. LST 131 underway and stood out. 0830 U.S.S. STADTFELD stood in and moored to U.S.S. DIXIE. 0851 U.S.S. LST 661 underway and stood out. 1015 Secured steering engines to change lubrication oil.

H. H. McCammond, Lt.(jg), USN.
 
 

12 – 16 Watch

Anchored as before. 1200 Hoisted aboard plane No. 7. 1205 Hoisted aboard plane No. 8. 1205 U.S.S. STATDFELD underway and went alongside U.S.S. DEMPSEY. 1210 U.S.S. LST 129 underway and shifted berth. 1300 Pursuant to the order of the Commanding Officer, the following named men left the ship for shore patrol duty: Yorke, C.T., CMoMM, 642 81 54, USNR in charge; Neilson, C.R., WT1c; Allen, J.G., Cox.; LeBoeuf, L.A., GM3c; Young, A.J., Cox. 1310 U.S.S. HAZELWOOD underway and stood out. 1318 Hoisted out plane No.8. Pilot Ensign D. G. Hartlaub, A-V(N), 346932, USNR; observer: Ensign P.R. Anderson, A-V(N), 315108, USNR. 1323 Hoisted out plane No. 7. Pilot Lt.(jg) E. G. Yesko, A-V(N), 251058, USNR; observer: Kilpartrick, C.I., ACMM, 268 44 23, USN. 1340 U.S.S. YP519 moored alongside our port quarter to transfer stores. 1345 U.S.S. MENOMINEE stood out. 1422 U.S.S. STEVENSON stood in and went alongside YO 162. 1424 U.S.S. STOCKTON stood in and went alongside YO 162. 1445 Pursuant to the orders of the Commanding Officer, the following named officer and men left the ship for shore patrol duty at Lyons, Point: Ensign K.R. Rankin, D-V(G), USNR; Collura, J.M., MM2c; Colaruso, W.E., GM2c; Bloss, W.H., EM3c. 1450 U.S.S. COOLBAUGH stood in and anchored in berth assigned. 1508 U.S.S. COLUMBIA stood in and went alongside U.S.S. RACOON. 1518 U.S.S. MISSISSIPPI stood in and anchored in berth assigned. 1519 U.S.S. MARYLAND stood in and anchored in berth assigned. 1535 U.S.S. MONTBOMERY, SOUTHARD, stood in.

R. H. Peery, Lt., USNR.

16 – 20 Watch

Anchored as before. 1632 U.S.S. LEUTZE stood in and anchored in berth assigned. 1635 Hoisted aboard planes No. 7 and 8. 1640 U.S.S. GILLESPIE stood in and anchored in assigned berth. 1650 U.S.S. WELLES stood in and anchored in assigned berth. 1825 The following named men reported aboard, having completed temporary duty as beach patrol: Yorke, C.T., CMoMM, 642 81 54, USNR, in charge; Neilson, C.R., WT1c; Allen, J.G., Cox.; LeBoeuf, L.A., GM3c; Young, A.J., Cox. 1950 The following named men, with Ensign K. R. Rankin, D-V(G), USNR, in charge, returned aboard having completed temporary duty as beach guard: Colaruso, W.E., GM2c; Bloss, W.H., EM3c, Collura, J.M., MM2c.

L. J. Tobin, Lt., USNR.

20 – 24 Watch

Anchored as before. 2100 The following listed officer and men left the ship on temporary duty as shore patrol: Ens. P.O. Thompson, D-V(G), USNR; Abbott, S.R., GM2c; Antonucci, A.J., GM3c; Undercofler, R.B., MM2c. 2315 The following named officer and men returned aboard having completed temporary duty: Ens. P.O. Thompson, D-V(G), USNR; Abbott, S.R., GM2c; Antonucci, A.J., GM3c; Undercofler, R.B., MM2c.

H. M. Brinser, Lt., USN.

00 – 04 Watch

Anchored in Berth No. 20, Port Purvis, Florida Island, Solomon Group, in 22 fathoms of water with 70 fathoms of chain to the starboard anchor. Ship is darkened, Material Condition "B" and modified Condition of Readiness III set. Boiler No. 4 in use for auxiliary purposes. Ships present: U.S.S. HONOLULU SOPA, MARYLAND, MISSISSIPPI, CLEVELAND, COLUMBIA, BAILEY, HEERMAN, BENNION, EDWARDS, R.P. LEARY, BRYANT, A.W. GRANT, NEWCOMB, BUCHANAN, STEVENSON, STOCKTON, GOMERY, COOLBAUGH, JASON, DIXIE, PROMETHEUS, OCEANUS, VOLANS, ANTARES, DELPHINUS, various other yard, district, patrol and amphibious craft.

W. T. Kuhlmey, Captain, USMC.

04 – 08 Watch

Anchored as before. 0625 U.S.S. GEORGE underway and stood out. 0640 U.S.S. TUMULT and LCT 639 stood in and anchored in berths assigned. 0705 U.S.S. HAMMANN underway and stood out. 0750 Hoisted out plane No. 8. Pilot Lt.(jg) E. G. Yesko, A-V(N), 251058, USNR; passenger: Lt. Cdr. L.W. Keenan, MCV-S, 206992, USNR, for trip to Guadalcanal.

K. H. Brooks, Lt., USNR.

08 – 12 Watch

Anchored as before. 0810 U.S.S. REMEY stood in and anchored in assigned berth. 0815 U.S.S. WADLEIGH stood in and anchored in assigned berth. 0815 Mustered crew at quarters. Absentee: One. 0900 Hoisted aboard plane No. 8. Hoisted out plane No. 7. Pilot: Ensign P.R. Anderson, A-V(N), 315108, USNR; observer: Mendeaz, A., Jr., S2c, 357 37 71, USNR. 1105 U.S.S. WALTERS underway and stood out of harbor. 1145 Hoisted out plane No. 8. Pilot Lt.(jg) E. G. Yesko, A-V(N), 251058, USNR.

L. A. Bird, Lt., USN.
 
 

12 – 16 Watch

Anchored as before. 1220 Pursuant to the order of Commanding Officer, following men left the ship for temporary duty as shore patrol: Lt.(jg) L.M. King, Jr., D-V(G), USNR, (in charge); Cochrane, R.E., CWT (PA); Hulse, C.J., Cox.; Davies, C.E., GM3c; Brazil, W.A., PhM2c. Pursuant to the order of the Commanding Officer, the following men left the ship for temporary duty as shore patrol: Kimsey, L.R., CFC(AA), USNR in charge; Allen, L.V., GM2c; Uidle, E.W., MM3c; Koskinen, O.A., Cox.; Spililopoulos, L.C., MM3c. 1230 U.S.S. MC NAIR stood in and anchored in berth assigned. 1235 U.S.S. WADLEIGH underway to shift berth. 1235 Plane No. 8 returned to ship. 1255 Plane No.8 made routine flight. Pilot Lt.(jg) E. G. Yesko, A-V(N), 251058, USNR; passenger: Ensign J.R. Hatcher, 291843, USN. 1330 U.S.S. MC DERMUT stood in and anchored in berth assigned. 1330 U.S.S. THORN underway and stood out. 1400 Plane No. 8 was hoisted aboard. Transferred 85 rounds 5"/38 White Phosphorous projectiles from ship. 1435 Commenced transferring ammunition, having removed from ship 85 rounds 5"/38 caliber white phosphorus projectiles. 1533 U.S.S. CLAXTON stood in and anchored in berth assigned. 1533 Received APC 47 alongside port quarter. 1545 Cast off lines of APC, having received four smoke generators. 1545 U.S.S. YOUNG stood in and anchored in berth assigned. 1545 Made daily inspection of magazines and smokeless powder samples. Conditions normal.

M. F. Healy, Jr., Lt., USNR.

16 –20 Watch Anchored as before. 1630 Plane No. 7 returned to the ship and was hoisted aboard. 1835 Pursuant to the order of the Commanding Officer, the following named men returned aboard from temporary duty as shore patrol: Kimsey, L.R., CFC(AA), USNR; Allen, L.V., GM2c; Uidl, E.W., MM2c; Koskinen, O.H., Cox.; Spililopoulos, L.C., MM3c. 1910 Pursuant to the order of the Commanding Officer, the following named men returned aboard from temporary duty as shore patrol: Lt.(jg) L.M. King, D-V(G), USNR; Cochrane, R.E., CWT(PA); Hulse, C.J., Cox.; Davies, C.E., GM3c; Brazil, W.A., PhM2c.

C. L. Joslin, Jr., Ensign, USN.

20 – 24 Watch

Anchored as before.

G. K. Dress, Lt., USN.

Positions: Berth 20, Port Purvis

Saturday, 26 August, 1944

00 – 04 Watch

Anchored in Berth No. 20, Port Purvis, Florida Island, Solomon Island Group, in 22 fathoms of water with 70 fathoms of chain to the starboard anchor. Ship is darkened, in modified Condition of Readiness III, with Material Condition "B" set throughout. Boiler No. 4 in use for auxiliary purposes. Ships present: U.S.S. HONOLULU (SOPA), MARYLAND, MISSISSIPPI, DENVER, CLEVELAND, COLUMBIA, WADLEIGH, SPERRY, WELLES, HEERMAN, BENNION, STEVENSON, STOCKTON, EDWARDS, R.P. LEARY, BRYANT, A.W. GRANT, NEWCOMB, BUCHANAN, MELVIN, HOBBY, GILLESPIE, LEUTZES, REMEY, THORN, DIXIE, JASON, PROMETHEUS, OCEANUS and various landing craft, yard, district, cargo and oiler vessels.

J. B. Heifner, Lt.(jg), USNR.

04 – 08 Watch

Anchored as before. 0637 U.S.S. CUMMINGS, CONY, CLAXTON underway and stood out of harbor. 0646 U.S.S. WADLEIGH, REMEY, MC NAIR, MC DERMUT, SIGORNEY, stood out of harbor. 0730 U.S.S. STEVENSON, STOCKTON, HOBBY, BRYANT, BUCHANAN, MELVIN, GILLESPIE underway and stood out of harbor. 0735 U.S.S. HOEL, ROSS, ROBINSON stood in and anchored in assigned berths. 0745 U.S.S. HAMILTON stood in and anchored in assigned berth.

L. M. King, Jr., Lt.(jg), USNR

08 – 12 Watch

Anchored as before. 0815 Mustered crew at quarters. Absentee: One. 0816 U.S.S. MC GOWAN stood in and anchored in berth assigned. 0830 U.S.S. HARMON stood in and anchored in berth assigned. 0840 Pursuant to the order of the Commanding Officer, Mack, J.C., BM1c, 213 38 68, USNR, left the ship for temporary duty as shore patrol. 0915 Hoisted out plane No. 8. Pilot: Ensign P. R. Anderson, A-V(N), 315108, USNR; observer: J. B. Heifner, Lt.(jg), D-VS, 223334, USNR. 1006 Hoisted aboard plane No. 8. 1018 Lit fires under No. 2 boiler. Received following ammunition from Navy Magazine #152: 150 service catapult charge; 8 no-load catapult charges. Turned in 400 A.P. projectiles to Navy Magazine #152. 1028 Commenced handling ammunition from lighter alongside. 1030 Made weekly inspection of smokeless powder samples, bombs, pyrotechnics, magazine and hangar sprinkling systems. Conditions normal. 1150 Lifted safety valves on No. 2 boiler by hand.

R. H. Peery, Lt., USNR.
 
 

12 – 16 Watch

Anchored as before. 1315 Hoisted out plane No. 8. Pilot: Ensign P. R. Anderson, A-V(N), 315108, USNR. 1327 Let fires die out under boiler No. 2. 1330 The following named men left the ship for temporary shore patrol duty, with Electrician H. A. Slusser, USN, in charge: Herbert, C.W., CRT(AA); Burbine, A.J., EM3c; Fama, L.J., Cox.; Kenniker, C.I., EM1c; O’Donnell, W.T., Cox.

L. J. Tobin, Lt., USNR.

16 – 20 Watch

Anchored as before. 1605 U.S.S. RACCOON underway and stood out. 1615 U.S.S. MC CORD, THORN, HOEL, HEERMAN underway and stood out. 1615 Mack, J.C., BM1c, 213 38 68, USNR, returned aboard, having completed temporary duty as shore patrol. 1622 U.S.S. TRATHEN underway and stood out. 1650 Hoisted in and secured to catapult plane No. 8. 1830 The following listed officer and men returned aboard, having completed temporary duty as shore patrol: Electrician H. A. Slusser, USN; Herbert, C.W., CRT(AA); Burbine, A.J., EM3c; Fama, L.J., Cox.; Kenniker, C.I., EM1c; O’Donnell, W.T., Cox.

H. M. Brinser, Lt., USN.

20 – 24 Watch

Anchored as before.

W. T. Kuhlmey, Captain, USMC.

Positions: Berth 20, Port Purvis

Sunday, 27 August, 1944

00 – 04 Watch

Anchored as before in Berth 20, Port Purvis. Anchored in Berth No. 20, Port Purvis, Florida Island, Solomon Islands Group, in 22 fathoms of water with 70 fathoms of chain to the starboard anchor. Ship is darkened, modified Condition of Readiness III and Material Condition "B" set throughout. Boiler No. 4 is in use for auxiliary purposes. Ships present: U.S.S. HONOLULU (SOPA), MARYLAND, MISSISSIPPI, CLEVELAND, COLUMBIA, ROSS, ROBINSON, HARMON, MC GOWAN, SPERRY, WELLES, BENNION, EDWARDS, R.P. LEARY, A.W. GRANT, NEWCOMB, AULICK, LEUTZE, YOUNG, DIXIE, JASON, PROMETHEUS and various yard, district, cargo and landing craft.

K. H. Brooks, Lt., USNR.

04 – 08 Watch

Anchored as before. 0710 U.S.S. CHANDLER underway and stood out of harbor. 0711 U.S.S. SOUTHARD underway and stood out of harbor. 0716 U.S.S. PREBLE underway and stood out of harbor. 0720 U.S.S. HUMPHREYS underway and stood out of harbor. 0734 U.S.S. HOVEY underway and stood out of harbor.

H. H. McCammond, Lt.(jg), USN.

08 – 12 Watch

Anchored as before. 0815 Held quarters for muster. Absentee: One. 0820 S.S. GERVAIS stood in and anchored in berth assigned. 0900 Pursuant to orders of Commanding Officer, following left ship for temporary shore patrol duty: Ensign F.E. White, E-V(G), USNR (in charge); Rea, R.W., CGM(AA); Fillion, K., EM3c; Sleva, G.F., EM2c; and Via, A.L., Cox. 1112 U.S.S. BAILEY underway and stood out of harbor. 1130 Shore patrol returned to the ship.

M. F. Healy, Jr., Lt., USNR.

12 – 16 Watch

Anchored as before. 1315 Pursuant to orders of the Commanding Officer, the following named men left the ship on temporary duty as shore patrol: Jack, H.W., CEM(AA), USN, 356 27 71; Via, A.L., Cox; Marshall, T., MoMM2c; Hayes, I.E., Cox; Newell, R.W., MM2c; 1400 U.S.S. KANGAROO stood in.

C. L. Joslin, Jr., Ensign, USN.

16 – 20 Watch

Anchored as before. 1820 U.S.S. THORN stood in and anchored in assigned berth. 1825 U.S.S. HEERMAN stood in and anchored in assigned berth. 1840 The following men returned aboard from temporary duty shore patrol: Jack, H.W., CEM(AA), USN, 356 27 71; Via, A.L., Cox; Hayes, I.E., Cox; Newell, R.W., MM2c; Marshall, T., MoMM2c. 1905 U.S.S. TRATHEN stood in and anchored in assigned berth.

G. K. Dress, Lt., USN.

20 – 24 Watch

Anchored as before.

J. B. Heifner, Lt.(jg), USNR.

00 – 04 Watch

Anchored in Berth No. 20, Port Purvis, Florida Island, Solomon Islands Group, in 22 fathoms of water with 70 fathoms of chain to the starboard anchor. The ship is darkened, material Condition "B" and modified Condition of Readiness III set. Boiler No. 4 is in use for auxiliary purposes. Ships present include U.S.S. HONOLULU (SOPA) and various units of the Pacific Fleet, yard, and district craft, cargo ships, oilers and landing craft.

L. M. King, Jr., Lt.(jg), USNR

04 – 08 Watch

Anchored as before. 0641 U.S.S. NOA underway and stood out of harbor. 0715 U.S.S. SERPENS stood in and anchored in assigned berth.

L. A. Bird, Lt., USN.

08 – 12 Watch

Anchored as before. 0805 S.S. GERVAIS underway and stood out of harbor. 0815 Mustered crew at quarters. Absentee: One. 0850 Pursuant to the orders of the Commanding Officer, the following named men left the ship on temporary duty as shore patrol: Machinist T.J. Bourgeois, USN, in charge; Bobroweicki, C., MM2c. 0950 Made daily inspection of magazines and smokeless powder samples. Conditions normal. 1025 Hoisted out planes No. 7 and 8. Pilots: Ensign P. R. Anderson, A-V(N), 315108, USNR and D. G. Hartlaub, A-V(N), 346932, USNR. Passengers: Lt. G. C. Wilson, D-V(G), 97211, USNR and Lt. E. G. Montag, ChC-VS, 241624, USNR. 1105 Fired two no-load shots in catapults. 1117 U.S.S. KANGAROO underway and stood out of harbor.

L. J. Tobin, Lt., USNR.

12 – 16 Watch

Anchored as before. 1230 Pursuant to order of the Commanding Officer, the following named men left the ship on temporary duty as shore patrol: Greenman, L., First Sgt., USMCR; Novy, E.F., MM2c; Ryan, R.F., MM2c; Neri, E.J., MM2c. 1240 Hoisted in and secured plant No. 7. 1245 Hoisted in and secured plane No. 8. 1545 U.S.S. TRATHEN underway and stood out of harbor.

H. M. Brinser, Lt., USN.

16 – 20 Watch

Anchored as before. 1601 U.S.S. MC CORD underway and stood out of harbor. 1601 U.S.S. THORN stood in and anchored in berth assigned. 1602 U.S.S. HOEL underway and stood out of harbor. 1608 U.S.S. HEERMAN underway and stood out of harbor. 1609 U.S.S. THORN stood in and anchored in berth assigned. 1655 U.S.S. NOA stood in and anchored in assigned berth. 1715 Shore patrol returned aboard from temporary duty. 1721 U.S.S. OSMUS moored to U.S.S. NOA.

W. T. Kuhlmey, Captain, USMC.

20 – 24 Watch

Anchored as before.

K. H. Brooks, Lt., USNR.

00 – 04 Watch

Anchored in Berth No. 20, Port Purvis, Florida Island, in Solomon Islands Group, in 22 fathoms of water with 70 fathoms of chain to the starboard anchor. Ship is darkened, in Material Condition "B", and modified Condition of Readiness III set. Boiler No. 4 is in use for auxiliary purposes. Ships present include U.S.S. HONOLULU (SOPA), MARYLAND, MISSISSIPPI, DENVER, CLEVELAND, COLUMBIA, ROSE, ROBINSON, MC GOWAN, BENNION, EDWARDS, NEWCOMB, R.P. LEARY, BRYANT, FORREST, ABBOT, THORN, TRATHEN, A.W. GRANT, LEUTZE, DIXIE, JASON, PROMETHEUS, and various landing, yard, and other small craft.

H. H. McCammond, Lt.(jg), USN.

04 – 08 Watch

Anchored as before. 0500 The following ships underway and stood out: U.S.S. ROBINSON, GRANT, LEUTZE, LEARY, HONOLULU, MISSISSIPPI and MARYLAND. 0750 U.S.S. HAGGARD stood in and moored alongside YO 162.

R. H. Peery, Lt., USNR.

08 – 12 Watch

Anchored as before. 0800 U.S.S. JOHNSTON stood in and moored alongside tanker. U.S.S. HAILEY stood in and anchored in assigned berth. 0805 U.S.S. HALFORD stood in and moored alongside fuel dock. 0815 Mustered crew at quarters. Absentee: One. 0822 U.S.S. HUDSON stood in and anchored in assigned berth. 0831 U.S.S. HUDSON underway and stood out. 0900 Commenced testing steering and anchor engines; secured at 0914. 0905 Hoisted out both planes for routine flight. Plane No. 7: pilot Ensign P. R. Anderson, A-V(N), 315108, USNR; observer: Lt.(jg) E. G. Yesko, A-V(N), 251058, USNR. Plane No. 8: pilot D. G. Hartlaub, A-V(N), 346932, USNR observer: Rogers, A.B., AM2c, 382 44 83, USN. 1005 U.S.S. JOHNSTON underway and shifted berth. 1015 Made daily inspection of magazines and smokeless powder samples. Conditions normal. 1020 U.S.S. HUDSON stood in and anchored in assigned berth.

C. L. Joslin, Jr., Ensign, USN.
 
 

12 – 16 Watch

Anchored as before. 1200 Lit fires under No. 4 boiler. 1203 U.S.S. OSMUS underway and stood out. 1203 Hoisted aboard plane No. 8. 1210 Hoisted aboard plane No. 7. 1230 U.S.S. HAILEY, JOHNSTON underway and stood out. 1305 U.S.S. BULLOCK stood in and anchored in assigned berth. 1305 U.S.S. WELLES underway and stood out. 1340 U.S.S. FULLAM stood in and anchored in assigned berth. 1306 U.S.S. SANDS underway and stood out. 1402 U.S.S. ROBINSON stood in and anchored in assigned berth. 1413 U.S.S. MISSISSIPPI stood in and anchored in assigned berth. 1425 U.S.S. IDAHO stood in and anchored in berth assigned. 1426 U.S.S. HALFER stood in and anchored in berth assigned. 1428 U.S.S. HUDON underway and stood out of harbor. 1430 U.S.S. LEARY stood in and anchored in assigned berth. 1430 Set Condition of Readiness III, and Material Condition "B". 1444 U.S.S. BRYANT stood in and anchored in assigned berth. 1450 U.S.S. MARYLAND stood in and anchored in assigned berth. Underway at 1500 from Berth 20, Port Purvis in company with Task Group 32.12, Rear Admiral R. W. HAYLER, U.S.N. (ComCruDiv 12) O.T.C. in U.S.S. DENVER. Task Group 32.12 consists of U.S.S. DENVER, COLUMBIA, CLEVELAND, MINNEAPOLIS, FULLAM, GUEST, HALFORD, HUDSON. 1500 Having made all preparations for getting underway, at 1500 underway from Berth No. 20, Port Purvis, Florida Island, Solomon Islands. Proceeding in company with Task Group 32.12, Read Admiral R. W. Hayler, OTC in U.S.S. DENVER. Task Group consists of U.S.S. DENVER, COLUMBIA, CLEVELAND, MINNEAPOLIS, FULLAM, GUEST, HALFORD, HUDSON. Captain at the Conn, Executive Officer and Navigator on the bridge. Ships draft forward 24’ 2", aft 25’ 3". Boilers No. 2 and 4 in use. Proceeding at various courses and at various speeds, conforming with channel. Maneuvered on various courses and speeds to a point southeast of Guadalcanal in preparation for a rehearsal landing on Cape Esperance by Task Group 32.2. 1508 U.S.S. PENNSYLVANIA stood in and anchored in assigned berth. Passed U.S.S. PENNSYLVANIA close to starboard. 1520 Passed through outer nets Port Purvis. 1530 Set course 240^oT(PGC), speed 15 knots. 1547 Changed course and axis to the right to 300^oT(PGC). Formed column with order DENVER, COLUMBIA, MINNEAPOLIS, CLEVELAND. Destroyers in screen ahead.

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 107

J. P. Wiley, Lt., USNR.
 
 

16 – 18 Watch

Steaming as before, on course 300^oT(PGC), speed 15 knots (150 RPM). 1636 Changed course left to 280^oT(PGC). 1637 Went to 17 knots (170 RPM). 1654 Slowed to 15 knots (150 RPM). 1656 Changed course right to 300^oT(PGC). 1657 Changed course left to 275^oT(PGC). 1725 Changed course left to 240^oT(PGC) and commenced forming Cruising Formation 6S. 1740 Steaming in Cruising Formation 6S, guide in U.S.S. DENVER.

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 154

L. A. Bird, Lt., USN.

18 – 20 Watch

Steaming as before, on course 240^oT(PGC), at speed 15 knots (150 RPM). 1818 Went to General Quarters for Dusk Alert. 1832 Commenced zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 6. 1845 Secured from General Quarters and set Condition of Readiness III and Material Condition "B". 1850 Lighted fires under boilers No. 1 and 3. 1914 Sighted Russel Islands, bearing 322^oT, distance about 10 miles. 1919 Let fires die out under boiler No. 3. 1953 Let fires die out under boiler No. 1.

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 148

H. M. Brinser, Lt., USN.

20 – 24 Watch

Steaming as before, on base course 240^oT(PGC), speed 15 knots (150 RPM), zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 6. 2222 Ceased zig-zagging, resumed base course 240^oT(PGC). At 2230 the Task Group divided into two units as previously directed with DENVER as flag of T.U. 32.12.2 consisting of U.S.S. DENVER, COLUMBIA, FULLAM, and HUDSON. 2230 U.S.S. MINNEAPOLIS, CLEVELAND, GUEST and HALFORD left formation and proceeded as previously directed. 2301 Changed course to 060^oT(PGC). 2310 Resumed zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 6, base course 060^oT(PGC).

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 149

L. J. Tobin, Lt., USNR.

Positions: 0800)

=--- Berth 20, Port Purvis

1200)

2000 09^o 21.4’ S

159^o 14.1’ E

Wednesday, 30 August, 1944

00 – 04 Watch

Steaming as before in company with T.U. 32.12.2. Steaming in company with Task Unit 32.12.2, Rear Admiral R.W. Hayler, USN, OTC in DENVER. Task Unit consists of DENVER, COLUMIA, FULLAM and HUDSON, cruisers in column with DENVER guide, destroyers screening ahead. Ship is darkened, Material Condition "B" and Readiness Condition III are set. Boilers No. 2 and 4 in use. Steaming on course 060^oT(PGC), at speed 15 knots, zig-zag plan No. 6. 0226 Ceased zig-zag. Resumed base course 060^oT(PGC). 0300 Sighted Guadalcanal, bearing 090^oT, distance 15 miles. 0315 Slowed to 11 knots. 0340 Sighted Savo Island, bearing 073^oT, distance 20 miles.

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 141

J. P. Wiley, Lt., USNR.

04 – 08 Watch

Steaming as before, on course 060^oT(PGC), at speed 11 knots (110 RPM). 0409 Changed course right to 090^oT(PGC). 0426 Secured fires under boiler No. 1. 0500 Went to General Quarters for Dawn Alert. Commenced maneuvering independently taking station for Shore Bombardment rehearsal and exercising at Shore Bombardment rehearsal. 0606 Catapulted plane No. 8 to port. Pilot: Ensign D.G. Hartlaub, A-V(N), 346932, USNR; observer: Lyons, T., ARM2c, 626 14 15, USNR. 0613 Catapulted plane No. 7 to port. Pilot: Lt. E.G. Yesko, A-V(N), 251058, USNR; observer: Ivy, T.R., ARM2c, 617 93 30. USNR. 0616 Secured from General Quarters and set Condition of Readiness II throughout the ship. At 0742 commenced scheduled rehearsal of shore bombardment of Cape Esperance, Guadalcanal. 0742 Went to General Quarters for simulated bombardment rehearsal of Guadalcanal Island.

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 49

L. A. Bird, Lt., USN.

08 – 12 Watch

Steaming as before, maneuvering independently exercising at shore bombardment rehearsal. 0930 Secured from General Quarters and set Condition of Readiness II. 1005 Hoisted in and secured to catapults planes No. 7 and 8. 1150 Secured from Condition II and set Condition III and Material Condition "B".

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 5

H. M. Brinser, Lt., USN.
 
 

12 – 16 Watch

Steaming as before, all engines stopped, exercising at shore bombardment exercise. 1404 Regained firing position after maneuvering on various courses and speeds while lying off firing point. Completed exercise at 1445 and returned to Port Purivs, anchoring in Berth 27 at 1645. 1445 Came to course 080^oT(PGC), went to 20 knots, proceeding to anchorage at Port Purvis, Florida Island, Solomon Islands Group. 1508 Changed course right to 085^oT(PGC). 1555 Went to 55 knots. 1556 Changed course left to 065^oT(PGC). 1558 Changed course left to 060^oT(PGC).

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 37

L. J. Tobin, Lt., USNR.

16 – 20 Watch

Steaming as before, course 060^oT(PGC), speed 25 knots. 1600 Stationed all special sea and anchor details. 1601 Changed course left to 055^oT(PGC), slowed to 20 knots. 1603 Changed course right to 060^oT(PGC). 1605 Changed course to the right to 068^oT(PGC), slowed to 15 knots. 1611 Changed course to the right to 072^oT(PGC). 1613 Slowed to 10 knots. 1620 Slowed to 5 knots. 1621 Passed lighted channel buoy to starboard, maneuvering to port, beacon "B" to starboard and passed through harbor nets. 1645 Anchored in Berth No. 27, Port Purvis, Florida Island, Solomon Islands Group, in 20 fathoms of water with 60 fathoms of chain to the starboard anchor, with the following anchorage bearings: "F" 190^oT, "H" 177^oT, "K" 051^oT, "I" 024.6^oT, and "J" 096.5^oT. Ships draft forward 24’ 0", aft 25’ 2". 1654 Secured main and steering engines. Secured special sea and anchor detail. 1745 U.S.S. EMERY stood in and anchored in berth assigned. 1834 The following named officers and men reported aboard for shore Fire Control Conference: Major A.S. Hirsch, USA; Captain L.S. Hamilton, USA; Captain H.E. Pound, USA; Lt. B.H. Guill, USNR; Ensign E.I. Bliss, USNR; Waggoner, E.M., S1c, USNR; and Ricketts, W., S2c, USNR. 1910 The following ships stood in and anchored in berths assigned: U.S.S. WELLES, HEERMAN, BUCHANAN, HAZARD, JOHNSON, and HAILEY.

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 103

K. H. Brooks, Lt., USNR.

20 – 24 Watch

Anchored as before.

H. H. McCammond, Lt.(jg), USN.

Positions: 0800 09^o 15.5’ S

159^o 44.5’ E

1200 09^o 15.5’ S

159^o 44.3’ E

2000 Port Purvis, Solomon Islands.

Thursday, 31 August, 1944

00 – 04 Watch

Anchored as before. Anchored in Berth No. 27, Port Purvis, Florida Island, Solomon Islands Group, in 20 fathoms of water with 60 fathoms of chain to the starboard anchor. The ship is darkened and in modified Condition of Readiness III and Material Condition "B". Boiler No. 2 is use for auxiliary purposes. Ships present include U.S.S. LOUISVILLE (SOPA) and various units of the Pacific Fleet, yard and district craft, cargo ships and landing craft.

R. H. Peery, Lt., USNR.

04 – 08 Watch

Anchored as before. 0630 U.S.S. JOHNSTON underway and stood out. 0638 U.S.S. HAGGARD underway and stood out. 0640 U.S.S. WELLES underway and stood out. 0705 U.S.S. PORTLAND stood in and anchored in assigned berth. 0710 U.S.S. TRATHEN stood in and anchored in assigned berth.

L. J. Tobin, Lt., USNR.

08 – 12 Watch

Anchored as before. 0825 U.S.S. JOHNSTON stood in and anchored. 0837 U.S.S. HAGGARD stood in and anchored. 0849 U.S.S. SOUTHARD stood out of harbor. 0848 U.S.S. DEMPSEY stood in and anchored.

J. B. Heifner, Lt.(jg), USNR.
 
 

12 – 16 Watch

Anchored as before. 1200 Lit fires under No. 4. 1235 U.S.S. HALFORD underway and stood out of harbor. 1315 Lit fires under No. 1 boiler. 1321 Lit fires under No. 3 boiler. 1345 No. 4 boiler cut in on main steam line. 1345 U.S.S. HAGGARD underway. 1348 U.S.S. JOHNSTON underway. 1406 U.S.S. MC CORD underway. 1412 U.S.S. FULLAM underway. 1415 Set Readiness Condition III in preparation for getting underway. 1430 Stationed anchor and special sea details. 1456 U.S.S. CLEVELAND underway. Underway at 1457 in company with T.G. 32.12, Rear Admiral R. W. HAYLER, O.T.C. in U.S.S. DENVER. Group consists of DENVER, CLEVELAND, COLUMBIA, MINNEAPOLIS, HUDSON, HALFORD, GUEST, FULLAM. Having made all preparations for getting underway, at 1457 underway, proceeding in company with U.S.S. CLEVELAND, COLUMBIA, MINNEAPOLIS, HUDSON, HALFORD, GUEST, FULLAM, Rear Admiral R. W. Hayler, OTC in U.S.S. DENVER. Maneuvering on various courses and speeds conforming to channel, Captain conning, Executive Officer and Navigator on the bridge. Ships draft forward 23’ 10", aft 25’ 2". 1500 U.S.S. COLUMBIA underway. 1505 U.S.S. MINNEAPOLIS underway. 1524 Passed lighted entrance buoy to starboard, took departure from swept channel on course 240^oT(PGC). Proceeded to area southwest of Guadalcanal in preparation for approach to rehearsal shoe bombardment exercise. 1527 Secured special sea and anchor details, set regular watch. 1527 Changed course right to 255^oT(PGC). 1531 Changed course right to 260^oT(PGC). 1540 Increased speed to 15 knots (150 RPM). 1540 Changed course left to 250^oT(PGC). 1554 Changed fleet course and axis to 270^oT(PGC).

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 106

G. C. Wilson, Lt., USNR.

16 – 18 Watch

Steaming as before, on course 270^oT(PGC), speed 15 knots (150 RPM). 1603 Changed fleet course and axis right to 300^oT(PGC). 1619 Executed ships right to 330^oT(PGC). 1623 Executed ships left to 300^oT(PGC). 1713 Increased formation distance to 1000 yards. 1718 Formed Cruising Formation 6S; changed course and axis left to 240^oT(PGC).

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 150

L. J. Tobin, Lt., USNR.

18 – 20 Watch

Steaming as before, on course 240^oT(PGC), at speed 15 knots. 1841 Commenced zig-zag plan No. 6.

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 150

J. P. Wiley, Lt., USNR.
 
 

20 – 24 Watch

Steaming as before, on course 240^oT(PGC), at speed 15 knots (150 RPM), zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 6. 2220 Ceased zig-zagging and resumed base course 240^oT(PGC). At 2230 T.U. 32.12.2, consisting of DENVER, COLUMBIA, HUDSON, and FULLAM, proceeded independently, O.T.C., Rear Admiral R.W. HAYLER in DENVER. 2230 Unit No. 1, consisting of U.S.S. MINNEAPOLIS, CLEVELAND, GUEST and HALFORD left formation to proceed on duty assigned. 2258 Changed fleet course and axis to 060^oT(PGC). 2310 Commenced zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 6.

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 150

L. A. Bird, Lt., USN.

Positions: 0800)

=--- Port Purvis, Solomon Islands.

1200)