USS DENVER Deck Log & War Diary, December 1943

DECK LOG BOOK & WAR DIARY

CONDENSED

USS DENVER
CL 58

December 1, 1943

TO

December 31, 1943

Wednesday, December 1, 1943

Position	0800	1200	2000
Lat.	Drydocked in Floating Drydock No. 21
Long.	Segond Channel, Espiritu Santo Island, New Hebrides Group.

00 - 04

The U.S.S. DENVER is part of CRUISER DIVISION TWELVE and is assigned to TASK FORCE THIRTY-NINE, in the THIRD FLEET. Commander TASK FORCE THIRTY-NINE is Rear Admiral A. S. MERRILL in the U.S.S. MONTPELIER. TASK FORCE THIRTY-NINE consists of CRUISER DIVISION TWELVE and DESTROYER SQUADRON TWENTY-THREE less U.S.S. AULICK. The DENVER is dry-docked in Floating Dry Dock 21 at Segond Channel, Espiritu Santos, New Hebredies Islands and is receiving services from the U.S.S. OCEANUS and the Ship Repair Unit based at Espiritu Santos in order to effect temporary repairs to battle damage received from a torpedo hit on the starboard side at number two engine room. This battle damage was received 13 November 1943 off Empress Augusta Bay from a torpedo fired by a low flying BETTY in accordance with Action Report previously submitted. Drydocked in Floating Drydock No. 21, Segond Channel, Espiritu Santo Island, New Hebrides Group. Ship is braced in drydock by twelve (12) wooden shores, (6 to starboard and 6 to port). Salt water is being received from drydock. Ship is darkened, except for necessary lights; in Condition of Readiness III (modified) and Material Condition "B" set. Boiler No. 1 in use for auxiliary purposes. Ships present: HONOLULU, PRINCE WILLIAM, HUDSON, FOOTE, GRISWOLD, CARLSON, BARON, PRUITT, MCCONNEL, HOVEY, LEVEY, SAMPSON, DIXIE, WRIGHT, OCEANUS, ADROIT, DRACO, CRATER, PETER BURNETT, THUNDER, GEORGE H. HIMES, J. H. KINKAID, JAMES LAWSON, STONY POINT, FORT SUMPTER, JAMESTOWN, MECHANICSVILLE, MERCURY, PAWNEE, CACHE, ATASCOSA, ESSO RICHMOND, YP-421, YP-419, SC-1046, SC-701, SC-722, SC-1269, YMS-266, YMS-281, YMS-95, YMS-97, YN-14, YOG-42, ARD-5, YFD-21, YP-229, PC-1129, YP-416, S-136, and STEELE.

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

04 - 08

DENVER dry-docked in Floating Dry Dock 21 at Segond Channel, Espiritu Santos, New Hebrides Islands effecting repairs to battle damage. Drydocked as before. 0647 LEPORQE (French Gun Boat), stood in and anchored in berth assigned. Ships present: DIXIE, PRINCE WILLIAM, HUDSON, FOOTE, GRISWOLD, CARLSON, BARON, PARKS, PRUITT, MCCONNEL, HOVEY, ADROIT, OCEANUS, WRIGHT, DRACO, CRATER, CACHE, ATASCOSA, PETER BURNETT, THUNDER, GEORGE H. HIMES, J. H. KINKAID, JOHN SWETT, F. H. HILIMAN FORT SUMPTER, PAWNEE, ESSORICHMOND, ATR-45, SC-701, SC-722, SC-1046, YMS-97, YMS-98, YMS-266, YN-14, SC-730, YP-420, YP513, YP516, YP518, YP421, YP424, APC103,YOG42, ARD5, YFD21.

J. G. Lightburn, Lt., USNR.

08 - 12

Drydocked as before. 0815 Mustered crew at quarters, absentees none. 0907 U.S.S. SEIDE underway and stood out of harbor. 0919 U.S.S. GAMBLE underway and stood out of harbor. 0922 U.S.S. WARRINGTON underway and stood out of harbor. 1024 U.S.S. HOLLY underway and stood out of harbor.

M. F. Yerger, Lt.(jg), USN.

12 - 16

Drydocked as before. 1245 Pursuant to the orders of the Commanding Officer, the following named men left the ship for temporary shore patrol: STETTER, M. C., CEM(AA), USN, in charge. TOMLIN, L.C., EM3c, HIGGINGS, L.W., FC2c, GILLEN, J.E., GM3c, GAFFNEY, J.J., MM2c, JENKINS, F.A., BM3c. 1400 Made daily inspection of magazines and smokeless powder samples. Conditions normal. Lt. D.C. CAMERON, A-V(S), USNR, reported aboard with camera party to photograph drydocking procedure for training film in accordance with BuPers orders Pers-3176-WRH-2 of 29 September 1943.

16 - 18

Docked as before. 1641 U.S.S. PHOENIX, stood in and moored alongside U.S.S. MONONGAHELA. 1658 U.S.S OSTERHAUS stood in and anchored in assigned berth. 1725 Shore patrol, STETTER, M.C., CEM(AA), USN, in charge, returned aboard from temporary shore duty and resumed their regular duties.

Henry Bress, Lt.(jg), USN.

18 - 20

Drydocked as before.

L. J. Tobin, Lt., USNR.

20 - 24

Drydocked as before. 2110 U.S.S. PHOENIX underway from alongside U.S.S. MONONGAHELA. 2145 U.S.S.PHOENIX anchored in berth assigned.

Thursday, December 2, 1943

Position	0800	1200	2000
Lat.	Drydocked in Floating Drydock No. 21,
Long.	Segond Channel, Espiritu Santo Island, New Hebrides Group.

00 - 04

H. M. Brinser, Lt., USN.

04 - 08

Drydocked as before. 0625 U.S.S. RIXIE underway and stood out of harbor. 0637 Received water barge alongside to port, outboard of drydock. 0658 Commenced taking water from water barge.

L. A. Bird, Lt.(jg), USN.

08 - 12

Docked as before. 0815 Mustered crew on station; no absentees. 1141 Broke fresh water connection to water barge, having received 10,000 gallons. 1146 Water barge clear of drydock. Note: Made daily inspection of magazines and smokeless powder samples. Condition normal.

Henry Bress, Lt.(jg), USN.

12 - 16

Drydocked as before. 1225 S.S. PRINCE CAMPBELL, stood in and anchored in berth assigned. 1300 Pursuant to orders of Commanding Officer, following men left ship to act as temporary shore patrol, in charge of ISAACS, H.K., CTC (PA), USN; HOWARD, M.H., GM2c; KIRKPATRICK, L.C., MM1c; ROBIN, J.W., EM3c, BOWEN, J.W., FC3c; and DEBEVIL, M.T., MM2c. 1400 U.S.S. CARLSON stood in and moored alongside YOG 42. 1405 U.S.S. ADVENT stood in and anchored in berth assigned. 1500 S.S. TALAMANACA stood in and anchored in berth assigned. 1500 Removed from ship to Military Cemetery, Espiritu Santo Island, fragments of bodies of following two (2) men: HORAK, William (n), 265 89 31, MM1c, USN; and Hiett, Alvin P., 287 17 19, CMM(AA), USN.

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

16 - 20

Drydocked as before. 1700 Shore patrol returned aboard and resumed their regular duties.

J. G. Lightburn, Lt., USNR.

20 - 24

Drydocked as before. 2140 Lit fires under Boiler No. 3.

M. F. Yerger, Lt.(jg), USN

Friday, December 3, 1943

Position	0800	1200	2000
Lat.	Drydocked in Floating Drydock No. 21,
Long.	Segond Channel, Espiritu Santo Island, New Hebrides Group.

00 - 04

DENVER dry-docked in Floating Dry Dock 21 at Segond Channel, Espiritu Santos, New Hebrides Islands, effecting repairs to battle damage. Drydocked in Floating Drydock YFD 21, Segond Channel, Espiritu Santo Island, New Hebrides Group. Ship is resting on keel blocks and is braced in the dock by wooden shores, six (6) on each side. Ship's list 0^o. The ship is receiving flushing water, water for fire mains and circulating water from two (2) pumps in dock under ship on starboard side. Boiler No. 1 in use for auxiliary purposes. The ship is darkened except for necessary lights in repairing damaged areas. Condition of Readiness III (modified) and Material Condition "B" are set. Ships present: U.S.S. DIXIE (SOPA), DENVER, PATTERSON, EATON, FOOTE, PARKS, SICARD, HOVEY, PRINCE WILLIAM, CACHE, WRIGHT, OCEANUS, MONONGAHELA, PAWNEE, CARLSON, TALAMANCA, OSTERHAUS, and WM. BARNETT, also various patrol, mine and landing craft and merchant marine ships.

J. P. Wiley, Lt., USNR.

04 - 08

Drydocked as before. 0745 U.S.S. PATTERSON stood out of drydock.

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

08 - 12

Drydocked as before. 0802 U.S.S. PATTERSON underway and stood out of harbor. 0845 U.S.S. PRINCE L. CAMPBELL, underway and stood out of harbor. 0903 U.S.S. PORT DEARBORN, underway and stood out of harbor. 1059 U.S.S. PATTERSON, stood in and moored alongside U.S.S. MONONGAHELA. 1100 U.S.S. HUDSON stood in and moored alongside U.S.S. DIXIE. 1107 U.S.S. PAWNEE stood out of harbor, with YOG 85 in tow. 1156 S.S. LINDBURG (Norway) stood in and anchored in berth assigned.

J. G. Lightburn, Lt., USNR.

12 - 16

Drydocked as before. 1300 The following named men left the ship to serve as shore patrol: OSTLUND, C.W., CMM(AA), USN, in charge; HART, E.H., EM3c, SPEULDA, H.A.,TC1c, OHLMAN, K.J., Cox., KOWIS, A., MM1c, LYERLY, R.J., BM2c. 1410 U.S.S. PATTERSON underway from alongside tanker and moored alongside U.S.S. DIXIE. 1520 U.S.S. PATTERSON underway from alongside U.S.S. DIXIE and stood out of harbor.

H. M. Brinser, Lt., USN.

16 - 20

Drydocked as before. 1700 The temporary shore patrol, of which OSTLUND, C.W., CMM(AA), USN, was in charge, returned aboard and resumed their regular duties. 1755 Completed taking fresh water, having received 60,000 gallons. 1800 Water barge underway from alongside, port side of dock. 1905 Lit fires under Boiler No. 4 for drying purposes.

L. A. Bird, Lt.(jg), USN.

20 - 24

Drydocked as before. 2140 Commenced blowing tubes on Boiler No. 1; completed at 2146. 2215 Lit fires under Boiler No. 2 for drying purposes. 2222 Lit fires under Boiler No. 3 for drying purposes.

Henry Bress, Lt.(jg), USN.

Saturday, December 4, 1943

Position	0800	1200	2000
Lat.	Drydocked in Floating Drydock No. 21,
Long.	Segond Channel, Espiritu Santo Island, New Hebrides Group.

00 - 04

DENVER dry-docked in Floating Dry Dock 21 at Segond Channel, Espiritu Santos, New Hebrides Islands, effecting repairs to battle damage. Drydocked in Floating Drydock No. 21, Segond Channel, Espiritu Santo Island, New Hebrides Group. Ship is braced in drydock by six (6) wooden shores to starboard and port. Boiler No. 1 in use for auxiliary purposes, receiving flushing water from the drydock. Ship is darkened, except for necessary lights in repairing battle damage. Material Condition "B" and Condition of Readiness III (modified) set. U.S.S. DIXIE is SOPA. Ships present: U.S.S. DIXIE, DENVER, EATON, FOOTE, PARKS, SICARD, HOVEY, ADVENT, CARLSON, OSTERHAUS, ADROIT, PRINCE WILLIAM, BALCH, MONONGAHELA, THUNDER, OCEANUS, HUDSON, PAWNEE, ATASCOSA, HOPKINS, and various other landing, mine, patrol craft and merchant marine ships.

E. E. Ball, Jr., Lt. USN.

04 - 08

Drydocked as before. 0644 U.S.S. OSTERHAUS underway and stood out of harbor.

H. M. Brinser, Lt., USN.

08 - 12

Drydocked as before. 0810 Mustered crew at quarters. Absentees: None. 0810 U.S.S. ANTHONY stood in and moored alongside U.S.S. MONONGAHELA. 0813 U.S.S. ADVENT, underway and stood out of harbor. 0901 U.S.S. TALAMANCA, underway and stood out of harbor. 1153 U.S.S. ATASCOSA, stood in and anchored in berth assigned. 1155 U.S.S. BALCH stood in and moored alongside U.S.S. MONONGAHELA. Note: Made daily inspection of magazines and smokeless powder samples. Conditions, normal.

L. A. Bird, Lt.(jg), USN.

12 - 16

Drydocked as before. 1207 U.S.S. FOMALHAULT stood in and anchored in berth assigned. 1245 The temporary shore patrol with MULLINS, J.B., CTC (PA), USN, in charge left the ship. 1246 U.S.S. HOPKINS stood in and moored alongside U.S.S. BALCH. 1308 U.S.S. KINCAID stood in and anchored in berth assigned. 1310 U.S.S. NOA stood in and anchored in berth assigned. 1416 U.S.S. WILLIAM KEITH stood in and anchored in berth assigned. 1422 U.S.S. HUDSON entered drydock ARD5.

J. P. Wiley, Lt., USNR.

16 - 20

Drydocked as before. 1624 U.S.S. ADVENT stood in and anchored in berth assigned. 1705 Shore patrol returned aboard to resume regular duties. 1758 Lit off Boiler No. 4 to bake out fire brick. 1912 Hauled fires under Boiler No. 4.

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

20 - 24

Drydocked as before.

J. G. Lightburn, Lt., USNR.

Sunday, December 5, 1943

Position	0800	1200	2000
Lat.	Drydocked in Floating Drydock No. 21,
Long.	Segond Channel, Espiritu Santo Island, New Hebrides Group.

00 - 04

DENVER dry-docked in Floating Dry Dock 21 at Segond Channel, Espiritu Santos, New Hebrides Islands, effecting repairs to battle damage. Drydocked in Floating Drydock No. 21, Segond Channel, Espiritu Santo Island, New Hebrides Group. The ship is braced in the drydock by wooden shores, six (6) to port and six (6) to starboard. Ship is receiving flushing water from the dock. Boiler No. 2 in use for auxiliary purposes. Ship is darkened, except for necessary lights use in repair work. Condition of Readiness III (modified) and Material Condition "B" set. Ships present: U.S.S. DIXIE (SOPA), PRINCE WILLIAM, EATON, FOOTE, PARKS, ANTHONY, BALCH, SICARD, HOVEY, CARLSON, ADROIT, FOMALHAULT, ADVENT, HUDSON, PAWNEE, MONONGAHELA, WILLIAM KIETH, GLEN CURTIS, WILLIAM BURNETT, THUNDER, GEORGE H. HIMES, LE PHOGUE (French), LINDBURG (Norwegian), POELAU LAUT (Dutch), HENRY DURANT, THOMAS HOWELL, JAMES H. LAWSON, and various Naval yard and district craft. 0225 Lit fires under Boiler No. 3. 0330 Hauled fires under Boiler No. 3.

M. F. Yerger, Lt.(jg), USN.

04 - 08

Drydocked as before. 0510 U.S.S. PRINCE WILLIAM underway and stood out of harbor. 0514 U.S.S. BALCH underway and stood out of harbor. 0610 U.S.S. ANTHONY underway and stood out of harbor.

J. P. Wiley, Lt., USNR.

08 - 12

Drydocked as before. 0815 Mustered crew on stations. Absentees: none. 0920 U.S.S. LST 487 underway and stood out of harbor. 0927 U.S.S. HUDSON, underway from drydock and stood out of harbor. 0945 Made daily inspection of magazines and smokeless powder samples. Conditions normal. 0947 U.S.S. LST 487 stood in and anchored in berth assigned. 1016 S.S.S THOMAS HOWELL underway and stood out of harbor.

M. F. Healey, Jr., Lt., USNR.

12 - 16

Drydocked as before. 1230 Pursuant to the order of the Commanding Officer, the 20mm and 40mm range party, Lt.(jg) S. D. Cornish, USNR, in charge left the ship on temporary duty to attend the AATC, Ulilape Island, New Hebrides Group. 1240 Pursuant to the order of the Commanding Officer, the temporary shore patrol, Bourgeois, T. J., CmoMM,(AA), USN, in charge left the ship on duty. 1455 U.S.S. TRACY stood in and anchored in berth assigned.

E. E. Ball, Jr., Lt., USN.

16 - 20

Drydocked as before. 1700 Temporary shore patrol returned aboard and resumed their regular duties.

H. M. Brinser, Lt., USN.

20 - 24

Drydocked as before.

L. A. Bird, Lt.(jg), USN.

Monday, December 6, 1943

Position	0800	1200	2000
Lat.	Drydocked in Floating Drydock No. 21,
Long.	Segond Channel, Espiritu Santo Island, New Hebrides Group.

00 - 04

DENVER dry-docked in Floating Dry Dock 21 at Segond Channel, Espiritu Santos, New Hebrides Islands, effecting repairs to battle damage. Drydocked in Floating Drydock No. 21, Segond Channel, Espiritu Santo Island, New Hebrides Group. The ship is braced by six (6) wooden shores to starboard and six (6) to port. Ship is receiving flushing water from the drydock; power lines are connected for emergency use. Boiler No. 2 in use for auxiliary purposes. Ship is darkened, except for lights necessary for repair work. Modified Condition of Readiness III and Material Condition "B" is set. Ships present: U.S.S. DIXIE (SOPA), FOOTE, PARKS, SICARD, CARLSON, HOVEY, HOPKINS, ADROIT, NOA, WRIGHT, CACHE, MONONGAHELA, ATASCOSA, RIO GRANDE, FOMALHAULT, OCEANUS, TRACY, PAWNEE; S.S. WILLIAM BENNETT, WILLIAM KIETH, THUNDER, GEORGE H. HIMES, HENRY DURANT, J. H. KINCAID, JAMES H. LAWSON, POELAU LAUT (Dutch), and other district and yard craft.

Henry Bress, Lt.(jg), USN.

04 - 08

Drydocked as before.

08 - 12

Drydocked as before. 0815 Held quarters for muster. Absentees: None. 0815 U.S.S. TRACY and U.S.S. RIO GRANDE underway and stood out of harbor. 0950 U.S.S. GRISWOLD stood in and moored alongside U.S.S. MONONGAHELA. Made daily and weekly inspection of magazines, smokeless powder, bombs and pyrotechnics. Conditions normal.

H. M. Brinser, Lt., USN.

12 - 16

Drydocked as before. 1255 U.S.S. GRISWOLD underway and shifted berth. 1245 Pursuant to order of the Commanding Officer the temporary shore patrol, Asher, H. H., CTC(PA), USN, in charge left the ship. 1300 U.S.S. PARKS underway and shifted berth. 1402 U.S.S. SAMPSON stood in and anchored in berth assigned. 1425 U.S.S. MICHELSON, stood in and anchored in berth assigned. 1438 U.S.S. BARON stood in and anchored in berth assigned. 1530 U.S.S. BALCH stood in and anchored in assigned berth. 1530 U.S.S. PRINCE WILLIAM stood in and anchored in assigned berth. 1538 U.S.S. HOPKINS stood in and anchored in berth assigned.

M. F. Yerger, Lt.(jg), USN.

16 - 20

Drydocked as before. 1704 U.S.S. HOLLY stood in and anchored in berth assigned. 1700 Temporary shore patrol returned aboard and resumed their regular duties. 1812 U.S.S. GRISWOLD underway and stood out of harbor.

J. P. Wiley, Lt., USNR.

20 - 24

Drydocked as before.

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

Tuesday, December 7, 1943

Position	0800	1200	2000
Lat.	Drydocked in Floating Drydock No. 21,
Long.	Segond Channel, Espiritu Santo Island, New Hebrides Group.

00 - 04

DENVER dry-docked in Floating Dry Dock 21 at Segond Channel, Espiritu Santos, New Hebrides Islands, effecting repairs to battle damage. Drydocked in Floating Drydock No. 21, Segond Channel, Espiritu Santo Island, New Hebrides Group. The ship is braced by twelve (12) wooden shores, and receiving flushing water from the drydock; power lines are connected for emergency use. Boiler No. 2 in use for auxiliary purposes. Ship is darkened, except lights necessary for repair work. Modified Condition of Readiness III and Material Condition "B" set. Ships present: U.S.S. DIXIE (SOPA), DENVER, HUDSON, FOOTE, PARKS, CARLSON,SICARD, HOVEY, HOLLY, ADROIT, OCEANUS, TRACY, WRIGHT, CACHE, MONONGAHELA, ATASCOSA, RIO GRANDE, THUNDER, FOMALHAULT, PAWNEE, BOBOLINK, PRINCE WILLIAM, BALCH, SAMPSON; S.S. GEORGE H. HIMES, PETER BARNETT, POELAU LAUT (Dutch), J. H. KINCAID, JAMES H. LAWSON, JOSEPH LYLES, LE PHOGUE and other district and yard craft.

J. G. Lightburn, Lt., USNR.

04 - 08

Drydocked as before.

M. F. Yerger, Lt.(jg), USN.

08 - 12

Drydocked as before. 0800 U.S.S. BALCH underway and stood out of harbor. Made daily inspection of magazines and smokeless powder samples. Conditions normal. 1000 Dawson, M., SF2c, USN, of the Ship Repair Unit, Navy 140, injured himself while working in the drydock. One metal suture was taken and man returned to duty by Ship's Medical Officer.

J. P. Wiley, Lt., USNR.

12 - 16

Docked as before. 1245 Pursuant to the order of the Commanding Officer, the following named men, Hebrew, L. A., CEM(AA), USN, in charge, left the ship to report to the Permanent Patrol Duty Officer for temporary duty: Truer, P.A., MM2c; Back, DE, FC1c; DI Vanes, NJ, Cox.; GMC Kelley L.H., EM3c; Spangle, LA, GM2c. 1325 U.S.S. SICARD underway and moored alongside U.S.S. DIXIE. 1334 U.S.S. HOPKINS stood in and anchored in berth assigned. 1352 S.S. HENRY HOYT stood in and anchored in assigned berth. 1438 U.S.S. FOOTE underway and moored in U.S.S. ARD 5. S.S. ANTIGUA stood in and anchored in assigned berth. 1457 U.S.S. BALCH stood in and anchored in assigned berth.

Henry Bress, Lt.(jg), USN.

16 - 20

Drydocked as before. 1700 The temporary shore patrol, Herbert, L. A., CEM(AA), USN, in charge, returned aboard, temporary duty completed. 1720 U.S.S. PARKS underway and stood out of harbor.

E. E. Ball, Jr., Lt., USN.

20 - 24

Drydocked as before.

H. M. Brinser, Lt., USN.

Wednesday, December 8, 1943

Position	0800	1200	2000
Lat.	Drydocked in Floating Drydock No. 21,
Long.	Segond Channel, Espiritu Santo Island, New Hebrides Group.

00 - 04

DENVER dry-docked in Floating Dry Dock 21 at Segond Channel, Espiritu Santos, New Hebrides Islands, effecting repairs to battle damage. Drydocked in Floating Drydock No. 21, Segond Channel, Espiritu Santo Island, New Hebrides Group. The ship is braced by twelve (12) wooden shores, six (6) to port and six (6) to starboard. Receiving following services from the dock; salt water. Power lines are connected for emergency us. Boiler No. 2 in use for auxiliary purposes. The ship is darkened, except those lights necessary for repair work. Modified Condition of Readiness III and Material Condition "B" set. Ships present: U.S.S. DIXIE (SOPA), DENVER, HUDSON, FOOTE, BALCH, SAMPSON; CARLSON, SICARD, HOVEY, BARON, ADROIT, HOPKINS, OCEANUS, WRIGHT, PAWNEE, BOBOLINK, PRINCE WILLIAM, MONONGAHELA, ATASCOSA, THUNDER, FOMALHAULT; S.S. PETER BURNETTE, GEORGE H. HIMES, J. H. KINCAID, ANTIGUA, JOS. LYKES, JOHN SWETT, LE PHOGUE, POELAU LAUT, (Dutch) and various other district and yard craft.

L. A. Bird, Lt.(jg), USN.

04 - 08

Drydocked as before. 0424 Completed blowing tubes in Boiler No. 2.

08 - 12

Drydocked as before. 0848 U.S.S. GRISWOLD stood in and moored in assigned berth. 0856 S.S. F. E. HILLIMAN stood in and moored in assigned berth. 0907 U.S.S. stood in and anchored in assigned berth. 0915 U.S.S. BOBOBLINK underway to shift berth. 0918 S.S. HENRY L. HOYT underway and stood out of harbor. 0933 U.S.S. HOPKINS stood in and moored in assigned berth. 0950 U.S.S. SAMPSON underway and stood out of harbor. 0959 S.S. ANTIGUA underway to shift berth. 1005 U.S.S. FORMALHAUT underway and stood out of harbor. 1018 S.S. POELAU LAUT (Dutch) underway to shift berth. 1109 U.S.S. BALCH underway and shifted berth. 1110 Received water barge alongside port quarter. Made daily inspection of magazines and smokeless powder samples. Conditions normal.

Henry Bress, lt.(jg), USN.

12 -1 6

Drydocked as before. 1235 U.S.S. HOPKINS underway to shift berth. 1230 U.S.S. GRISWOLD underway to shift berth. 1247 U.S.S. CONWAY stood in and moored alongside U.S.S. MONONGAHELA. 1300 Pursuant to order of Commanding Officer, the following named men left the ship on temporary shore patrol: Cavalcante, M. E., CTC(AA), USN, in charge, DePaul, V., GM2c; Wilson, J.E., WT1c; Bloss, W. H., EM3c; Blackwell, C. G., GM2c; Fundley, T. F., MM2c. 1545 U.S.S. CONWAY underway and anchored in berth assigned.

J. G. Lightburn, Lt., USNR.

16 - 20

Drydocked as before. 1630 Completed taking fresh water from barge, having received 66,000 gallons on board. 1715 U.S.S. HOLLY stood in and anchored in assigned berth. 1730 The temporary shore patrol returned aboard.

M. F. Yerger, Lt.(jg), USN.

20 - 24

Drydocked as before. 2055 U.S.S. BARON stood in and anchored in assigned berth.

J. P. Wiley, Lt., USNR

Thursday, December 9, 1943

Position	0800	1200	2000
Lat.	Drydocked in Floating Drydock No. 21,
Long.	Segond Channel, Espiritu Santo Island, New Hebrides Group.

00 - 04

DENVER dry-docked in Floating Dry Dock 21 at Segond Channel, Espiritu Santos, New Hebrides Islands, effecting repairs to battle damage. Drydocked in Floating Drydock No. 21, Segond Channel, Espiritu Santo Island, New Hebrides Group. The ship is braced in drydock by twelve (12) shores, six (6) to port, six (6) to starboard. Receiving salt water for fire and flushing system from drydock. Boiler No. 2 in use for auxiliary purposes. Ship is darkened, except for lights necessary for repair work. Condition of Readiness III (modified) and Material Condition "B" are set. Ships present: U.S.S. DIXIE (SOPA), HUDSON, BALCH, CARLSON, SICARD, HOVEY, BARON, HOPKINS, ADROIT, PRINCE WILLIAM, FOOTE, OCEANUS, WRIGHT, MONONGAHELA, ATASCOSA, PETER BURNETT, THUNDER, SWEET, PAWNEE, GRISWOLD, BOBOLINK, HOLLY; S.S. J. H. KINCAID, JAMES S. LAWSON, JOSEPH LYKES, F.E. HILIMAN, ANTIGUA, GEORGE HIMES, LE PHOGUE (French), POELAU LAUT, (Dutch), and various small base craft.

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

04 - 08

Drydocked as before. 0716 S.S. ESSO RICHMOND stood in and anchored in berth assigned. 0726 U.S.S. HOLLY underway and stood out of harbor. 0735 S.S. POELAU LAUT underway and stood out of harbor.

J. G. Lightburn, Lt., USNR.

08 -12

Drydocked as before. 0820 Held quarters for muster. Absentees none. 1015 Made daily inspection of magazines and smokeless powder samples. Conditions normal.

K. H. Brooks, Lt., USNR.

12 - 16

Drydocked as before. 1300 Pursuant to order of the Commanding Officer, the following named men left the ship for temporary shore patrol: Hansen, C. J., CWT, USN, in charge; Steele, T., MM1c; Pickett, W. C., GM2c; Fraser, C. f., Cox.; Kozlowski, A., EM3c; Enlow, E. J., GM2c.

L. A. Bird., Lt.(jg), USN.

16 - 20

Drydocked as before. 1650 Temporary shore patrol, Hansen, C. J., CWT, USN, in charge returned aboard to resume regular duties. 1720 U.S.S. PARKS stood in and anchored in assigned berth. 1827 U.S.S. MC CONNEL and U.S.S. CRATER stood and anchored in assigned berth.

E. E. Ball, Jr., Lt., USN.

20 - 24

Docked as before. 1045 Commenced blowing tubes, completed at 1051.

Henry Bress, Lt.(jg), USN.

Friday, December 10, 1943

Position	0800	1200	2000
Lat.	Drydocked in Floating Drydock No. 21,
Long.	Segond Channel, Espiritu Santo Island, New Hebrides Group.

00 - 04

DENVER dry-docked in Floating Dry Dock 21 at Segond Channel, Espiritu Santos, New Hebrides Islands, effecting repairs to battle damage. Drydocked in Floating Drydock No. 21, Segond Channel, Espiritu Santo Island, New Hebrides Group. The ship is braced by twelve (12) shores, six (6) to starboard, six (6) to port. Ship is receiving flushing water from dock with stand-by power lines rigged for emergency. Boiler No. 2 in use for auxiliary purposes. Ship is darkened, except for necessary lights. Material Condition "B" and Condition of Readiness III (modified). Ships present: U.S.S. DIXIE (SOPA), HUDSON, FOOTE, BALCH, GRISWOLD, CARLSON, HOVEY, BARON, HOPKINS, ADROIT, HOLLY, PRINCE WILLIAM, OCEANUS, WRIGHT, ATASCOSA, PETER BURNETT, THUNDER, BOBOLINK, ANTIGUA, SWEET, PARKS, PRUITT, CRATER, PAWNEE; S.S. J. H. KINCAID, JAMES LYKES, FORT SUMPTER, ESSO RICHMOND, MC CONNELL, LE PHOGUE (French), and various other supply, yard and district craft.

H. M. Brinser, Lt., USN.

04 - 08

Drydocked as before.

L. A. Bird, Lt.(jg), USN.

08 - 12

Drydocked as before. 0905 U.S.S. HOPKINS underway and stood out of harbor. 0915 Made daily inspection of magazines and smokeless powder samples. Conditions normal.

E. E. Ball, Jr. Lt., USN

12 - 16

Drydocked as before. 1245 Pursuant to the order of the Commanding Officer, following named men left ship for temporary shore patrol; Isaacs, H. K., CTC(PA), USN, in charge; Birk, A. I., BM2c; Vanderbrook, E. J., MM1c; Debevic, M. f., MM2c; Woods, W. W., GM3c; Snell, C. E., WT1c. 1450 U.S.S. PAWNEE underway and stood out of harbor.

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

16 - 20

Drydocked as before. 1605 U.S.S. BALCH underway and stood out of harbor. 1615 S.S. MC CONNELL underway to shift berth. 1633 U.S.S. HOLLY stood in and anchored in berth assigned. 1640 U.S.S. MONONGAHELA underway and stood out of harbor. 1646 U.S.S. PAWNEE stood in and anchored in berth assigned. 1730 Temporary shore patrol, Isaacs, H. K., CTC(PA), USN, in charge, returned aboard having completed temporary duty ashore.

J. G. Lightburn, Lt., USNR.

20 - 24

Drydocked as before.

M. F. Yerger, Lt.(jg), USN.

Saturday, December 11, 1943

Position	0800	1200	2000
Lat.	Drydocked in Floating Drydock No. 21,
Long.	Segond Channel, Espiritu Santo Island, New Hebrides Group.

00 - 04

DENVER dry-docked in Floating Dry Dock 21 at Segond Channel, Espiritu Santos, New Hebrides Islands, effecting repairs to battle damage. Drydocked in Floating Drydock No. 21 (YFD 21), Segond Channel, Espiritu Santo Island, New Hebrides Group. The ship is resting on keel blocks and is braced on each side by six (6) wooden shores. Water for flushing, fire mains, and condensers is being received from two pumps in the dock under the ship on starboard side. Ship is generating own power. Boiler No. 2 in use for auxiliary purposes. The ship is darkened, except for lights necessary in repairing battle damage. Condition of Readiness III (modified) and Material Condition "B" set. Ships present: U.S.S. DIXIE (acting SOPA), DENVER (SOPA), PRINCE WILLIAM, HUDSON, FOOTE, GRISWOLD, CARLSON, BARON, PARKS, MC CONNELL, HOVEY, PRUITT, OCEANUS, WRIGHT, CACHE, ATASCOSA, DRACOR, CRATER, ANTIGUA, PAWNEE, BOBOLINK, and various yard and patrol craft, also various merchant-man.

J. P. Wiley, Lt., USN.

04 - 08

Drydocked as before. 0431 Completed blowing tubes on Boiler No. 2. 0600 U.S.S. BOBOLINK and U.S.S. ANTIGUA underway and stood out of harbor. 0735 U.S.S. PAWNEE underway to shift berth. 0745 U.S.S. JAMESTOWN stood in and anchored in berth assigned. 0750 U.S.S. HOVEY stood in and moored alongside U.S.S. CACHE.

K. H. Brooks, Lt., USNR.

08 - 12

Drydocked as before. 0900 Made weekly inspection of all magazines, smokeless powder samples, bombs, pyrotechnics. Conditions normal. 1020 S.S. DAVY B. HENDERSON stood in and anchored in berth assigned. 1100 Mustered crew at quarters. Absentees none. 1100 U.S.S. HOVEY underway to shift berth. 1102 U.S.S. SAMPSON stood in and anchored in berth assigned. 1125 S.S. MECHANICSVILLE stood in and anchored in berth assigned. 1126 U.S.S. MERCURY stood in and moored in berth assigned. 1157 U.S.S. LEVY stood in and anchored in berth assigned.

J. G. Lightburn, Lt., USNR.

12 -16

Drydocked as before. 1245 Pursuant to order of the Commanding Officer, the following named men left the ship on temporary duty as shore patrol with Jameson, H. R., CMM(AA), USN, in charge; Williams, J. W., MM1c; Brown, O. D., GM1c; Tighe, T. M., BM 2c; Byrd, R., GM3c; DeChicco, B. H. EM3c. 1530 Lt.(jg) S. D. Cornish, returned to the ship in charge of the range party, having completed Temporary duty at AATC, Ulilapi Island, New Hebrides.

H. M. Brinser, Lt., USN.

16 - 20

Drydocked as before. 1645 U.S.S. HONOLULU stood in and moored alongside U.S.S. ATASCOSA. 1700 The temporary shore patrol, Jameson, H. R., CMM(AA) USN, in charge, returned aboard, having completed temporary duty ashore.

L. A. Bird, Lt.(jg), USN.

20 - 24

Drydocked as before. 2247 Completed blowing tubes in Boiler No. 2.

E. E. Ball, Jr., Lt., USN.

Sunday, December 12, 1943

Position	0800	1200	2000
Lat.	Drydocked in Floating Drydock No. 21,
Long.	Segond Channel, Espiritu Santo Island, New Hebrides Group.

00 - 04

DENVER dry-docked in Floating Dry Dock 21 at Segond Channel, Espiritu Santos, New Hebrides Islands, effecting repairs to battle damage. Drydocked in Floating Drydock No. 21 (YFD 21), Segond Channel, Espiritu Santo Island, New Hebrides Group. The ship is resting on keel blocks and is braced on each side by six (6) wooden shores. Receiving water for flushing, fire mains and condensors; have power lines rigged for emergency use. Ship is generating own power. Boiler No. 2 in use for auxiliary purposes. Two (2) trailer type fire pumps are rigged in the dock for additional fire protection. The ship is darkened, except for lights necessary in repairing battle damage. Condition of Readiness III (modified) and Material Condition "B" set. Ships present: U.S.S. DIXIE (SOPA), PRINCE WILLIAM, HUDSON, FOOTE, GRISWOLD, CARLSON, BARON, PARK, PRUITT, MC CONNELL, HOVEY, ADROIT, OCEANUS, WRIGHT, DRACO, CRATER, CACHE, JAMESTOWN, SAMPSON, MERCURY, LEVY, HONOLULU, PAWNEE, THUNDER, ATASCOSA, ARD 5; S.S. PETER BURNETT, GEORGE HIMES, J. H. KINCAID, JOHN SWETT, F. A. HILIMAN, FORT SUMPTER, ESSO RICHMOND, STONY POINT, MECHANICSVILLE and other yard and district craft. 0105 Lit fires under Boiler No. 1. 0230 Cut in Boiler No. 1 on the line; hauled fires under Boiler No. 2.

Henry Bress, lt.(jg), USN.

04 - 08

Drydocked as before. 0617 U.S.S. S-31 stood in and anchored in berth assigned. 0618 U.S.S. STEEL stood in and anchored in berth assigned. 0630 U.S.S. BARON underway and stood out of harbor. 0735 U.S.S. DARING stood in and anchored in assigned berth.

H. M. Brinser, Lt., USN.

08 - 12

Drydocked as before. 0800 U.S.S. BUNKER HILL stood in and moored in assigned berth. 0825 U.S.S. ALABAMA stood in and moored to buoy in berth assigned. 0836 U.S.S. HUDSON underway and stood out of harbor. 0850 Receiving fresh water barge alongside port side of dry dock. 0855 U.S.S. HONOLULU underway from alongside U.S.S. ATASCOSA, and moored in berth assigned. 0900 U.S.S. MONTEREY stood in and anchored in berth assigned. 0905 U.S.S. STERRETT, stood in and moored alongside U.S.S. ATASCOSA. 0912 U.S.S. WILSON stood in and moored alongside U.S.S. ATASCOSA. 0914 U.S.S. LANG stood in and moored alongside U.S.S. STERRETT. 0931 U.S.S. HOVEY underway and stood out of harbor. 0939 U.S.S. BOYD stood in and moored alongside U.S.S. LEVY. 0945 U.S.S. PRINCE WILLIAM underway and stood out of harbor. 0950 U.S.S. BROWN stood in and anchored in assigned berth. 0953 U.S.S. RIO GRANDE stood in and moored alongside S.S. ESSO RICHMOND. 0956 U.S.S. WARRENTON stood in and anchored in berth assigned. 1000 Held quarters for general muster, for the presentation of citations and commendations. 1025 U.S.S. SAMPSON underway and stood out of harbor. 1025 U.S.S. S-31 underway and stood out of harbor. 1105 U.S.S. HUDSON stood in and anchored in berth assigned. 1150 U.S.S. HUDSON underway and stood out of harbor. 1155 Secured from quarters.

L. A. Bird, Lt.(jg), USN.

12 -16

Drydocked as before. 1240 Completed receiving fresh water aboard, having received 46,000 gallons. Water lighter cast off from port quarter of drydock. 1300 The temporary shore patrol, with Bagwell, R.E., CFC(AA), USN, in charge left the ship. 1400 Held divine for officers and crew.

J. P. Wiley, Lt., USNR.

16 -20

Drydocked as before. 1650 U.S.S. DRACO underway to shift berth. 1730 Shore patrol returned aboard and resumed regular duties.

K. H. Brooks, lt., USNR.

20 - 24

Drydocked as before. 2045 Three (3) white flares reported of our starboard quarter, distance approximately 8 miles. Believed to be friendly planes practicing.

J. G. Lightburn, Lt., USNR.

Monday, December 13, 1943

Position	0800	1200	2000
Lat.	Drydocked in Floating Drydock No. 21,
Long.	Segond Channel, Espiritu Santo Island, New Hebrides Group.

00 - 04

DENVER dry-docked in Floating Dry Dock 21 at Segond Channel, Espiritu Santos, New Hebrides Islands, effecting repairs to battle damage. Drydocked in Floating Drydock No. 21, Segond Channel, Espiritu Santo Island, New Hebrides Group. The ship is braced in the dock by twelve (12) wooden shores, six (6) to starboard and six (6) to port. The ship is receiving flushing water from the drydock. The ship is darkened, except for necessary lights for repair work. Condition of Readiness III (modified) and Material Condition "B" set. Boiler No. 1 in use for auxiliary purposes. Ships present: U.S.S. BUNKER HILL, (SOPA), ALABAMA, MONTEREY, HONOLULU, DIXIE, HUDSON, FOOTE, GRISWOLD, CARLSON, BARON, PRUITT, MC CONNELL, LEVEY, BOYD, STERETT, WILSON, LANG, BROWN, WARRENTON, DASH, ADROIT, DRACO, CACHE, WRIGHT, OCEANUS, ATASCOSA, STEELE, PAWNEE, THUNDER, MERCURY, OCTANS, JAMESTOWN, and various merchant, Naval yard and district craft.

M. F. Yerger, Lt.(jg), USN.

04 - 08

Drydocked as before. 0730 U.S.S. TRACY stood in and anchored in assigned berth.

J. P. Wiley, Lt., USNR.

08 - 12

Drydocked as before. 0815 Held quarters for muster. Absentees none. 0820 U.S.S. ACREE stood in and anchored in berth assigned. 0828 Following ships stood in and anchored in berths assigned: U.S.S. LCI 69, LCI 67. 0851 U.S.S. ALCHIBA stood in and moored alongside U.S.S. ATASCOSA. 0910 Lit fires under Boiler No. 4. 1002 U.S.S. STEELE underway and stood out of harbor. 1100 Made daily inspection of magazines and smokeless powder samples. Conditions normal. 1159 U.S.S. DARING underway and stood out of harbor.

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

12 - 16

Docked as before. 1200 U.S.S. MC CONNELL underway and stood out of harbor. 1220 U.S.S. CHANDLER underway and stood out of harbor. 1225 U.S.S. CARLSON underway and stood out of harbor. 1230 Pursuant to the order of the Commanding Officer, the following named men, Rea, R. W., Gm1c, USN, in charge, left the ship to report to the Permanent Patrol Duty Officer, for temporary duty: Ouzts, W D., FC2c; Blackburn, W. R., GM3c; Fronczkowski, C. J., EM3c; Peterson, W. R., MM2c. 1245 U.S.S. LACKAWANNA stood in and anchored in assigned berth. 1310 U.S.S. SAUGATUCK stood in and anchored in assigned berth. 1320 U.S.S. SARANAC stood in and anchored in assigned berth. 1325 U.S.S. CARTER underway and stood out of harbor. 1335 U.S.S. STADTFIELD stood in and moored alongside U.S.S. LACKAWANNA. 1338 U.S.S. DIONNE stood in and anchored in assigned berth. 1342 U.S.S. OCTANS underway and stood out of harbor.

Henry Bress, Lt.(jg), USN.

16 - 20

Drydocked as before. 1650 Shore patrol, Rea, R. W., GM1c, USN, in charge, returned aboard having completed temporary duty. 1739 U.S.S. BOBOLINK towing U.S.S. BALSAM stood in and anchored in berth assigned.

H. M. Brinser, Lt., USN.

20 - 24

Drydocked as before.

L. A. Bird, Lt.(jg), USN.

Tuesday, December 14, 1943

Position	0800	1200	2000
Lat.	Drydocked in Floating Drydock No. 21,
Long.	Segond Channel, Espiritu Santo Island, New Hebrides Group.

00 - 04

E. E. Ball, Jr., Lt., USN.

04 - 08

Drydocked as before. 0609 U.S.S. STADFIELD underway and stood out of harbor. 0614 U.S.S. DIONNE underway and stood out of harbor. 0712 U.S.S. S 136 underway and stood out of harbor. 0730 U.S.S. WILSON underway and stood out of harbor. 0731 U.S.S. STERRET underway and stood out of harbor. 0739 U.S.S. STACK underway and stood out of harbor. 0753 U.S.S. ALABAMA underway and stood out of harbor.

Henry Bress, Lt.(jg), USN.

08 - 12

Drydocked as before. 0815 Mustered crew on stations. Absentees none. 0845 U.S.S. WARRINGTON underway and stood out of harbor. 0915 U.S.S. RIO GRANDE underway and stood out of harbor. 0920 U.S.S. HOLLY underway and stood out of harbor. Made daily inspection of magazines and smokeless powder samples; conditions normal.

H. M. Brinser, Lt., USN.

12 - 16

Drydocked as before. 1234 U.S.S. ACREE underway and stood out of harbor. 1245 Pursuant to order of Commanding Officer, following named men left ship for temporary shore patrol, under charge of Mullins, J.B., CTC(PA), USN: Harris, J. F., GM2c; Mc Calip, W. A., MM2c; Besle, H. G., MM2c; Allen, L. V., Gm3c; and Bourbeau, A. j., WT2c. 1309 U.S.S. ALCHIBA underway and stood out of harbor. 1328 U.S.S. TRACY underway and stood out of harbor. 1450 U.S.S. ST. LOUIS stood in and moored in berth assigned. 1454 Following ships stood in and moored as indicated: U.S.S. FARENHOLT alongside U.S.S. LACKAWANNA; U.S.S LANSDOWNE alongside U.S.S. CACHE; and U.S.S. LARDNER alongside U.S.S. LANSDOWNE.

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

16 - 20

Drydocked as before. 1648 U.S.S. LANG underway and stood out of harbor. 1730 The temporary shore patrol with Mullins, J. B., CTC(PA), USN, in charge returned aboard.

J. P. Wiley, Lt., USNR.

20 - 24

Drydocked as before. 2143 Commenced blowing tubes on Boiler No. 1, and completed same at 2156.

K. H. Brooks, Lt., USNR.

Wednesday, December 15, 1943

Position	0800	1200	2000
Lat.	Drydocked in Floating Drydock No. 21,
Long.	Segond Channel, Espiritu Santo Island, New Hebrides Group.

00 - 04

DENVER dry-docked in Floating Dry Dock 21 at Segond Channel, Espiritu Santos, New Hebrides Islands, effecting repairs to battle damage. Drydocked in Floating Drydock No. 21, Segond Channel, Espiritu Santo Island, New Hebrides Group. The ship is braced with six (6) shores and six (6) cribs, on both port and starboard sides. The ship is receiving flushing water from the drydock and emergency power cables are rigged and in a stand by condition. Boiler No. 1 in use for auxiliary purposes. The ship is darkened, except for necessary lights to expedite repair work and in Condition of Readiness III (modified) and Material Condition "B". Ships present: U.S.S. BUNKER HILL (SOPA), MONTEREY, HONOLULU, ST. LOUIS, DENVER, FOOTE, WILSON, BOYD, BROWN, COWELL, BRADFORD, PAWNEE, BOBOLINK, LARDNER, LANSDOWNE, FARENHOLT, ADROIT, DASH, LACKAWANNA, ATASCOSA, CACHE, SARANAC, SAUGATUCK, MERCURY, DRACO, GRISWOLD, LEVY, BALSAM, CHESTNUT, HOLLY, DIXIE, OCEANUS, JAMESTOWN, PETER BURNETT, STONY POINT, MECHANICSVILLE, ESSO RICHMOND, JOHN SWETT, THUNDER and various other yard and small craft.

J. G. Lightburn, Lt., USNR.

04 - 08

Drydocked as before.

M. F. Yerger, Lt.(jg), USN.

08 - 12

Drydocked as before. Made daily inspection of magazines. Conditions normal.

J. P. Wiley, Lt., USNR.

12 - 16

Drydocked as before. 1245 Temporary shore patrol, Wilson, J. B., CWT(AA), USN in charge left the ship.

E. E. Ball, Jr., Lt., USN.

16 - 20

Drydocked as before. 1800 The temporary shore patrol, Wilson, J. B. CWT(AA), USN in charge, returned aboard and resumed their regular duties.

Henry Bress, Lt.(jg), USN.

20 - 24

Drydocked as before.

H. M. Brinser, Lt., USN.

Thursday, December 16, 1943

Position	0800	1200	2000
Lat.	Drydocked in Floating Drydock No. 21,
Long.	Segond Channel, Espiritu Santo Island, New Hebrides Group.

00 - 04

DENVER dry-docked in Floating Dry Dock 21 at Segond Channel, Espiritu Santos, New Hebrides Islands, effecting repairs to battle damage. Drydocked in Floating Drydock No. 21, Segond Channel, Espiritu Santo Island, New Hebrides Group. The ship is braced with six (6) wooden shores on both port and starboard sides. The ship is receiving salt water from the drydock and emergency power cables are rigged and in a stand-by condition. Boiler No. 1 in use for auxiliary purposes. The ship is darkened, except for necessary lights to expedite repair work; Material Condition "B" and Condition of Readiness III (modified) set. Ships present: U.S.S. BUNKER HILL, MONTEREY, DENVER, HONOLULU, ST. LOUIS, FOOTE, FARENHOLT, LANSDOWNE, BOYD, LARDNER, BROWN, COWELL, BRADFORD, ADROIT, DASH, BALSAM, LACKAWANNA, ATASCOSA, CACHE, SARANAC, SAUGATUCK, MERCURY, DRACO, GRISWOLD, LEVY, PAWNEE, CHESTNUT, HOLLY, OCEANUS, DIXIE, PRUITT, JAMESTOWN; S.S. STONY POINT, THUNDER, PETER BURNETT, MECHANICSVILLE, and various other yard and small craft.

L. A. Bird, Lt.(jg), USN.

04 - 08

Drydocked as before. 0513 Completed blowing tubes in Boiler No. 1. 0705 U.S.S. BALCH stood in and anchored in assigned berth. 0711 U.S.S. MONONGAHELA stood in and anchored in assigned berth.

E. E. Ball, Jr., Lt., USN.

08 -12

Drydocked as before. 0843 Fresh water barge moored alongside, port side of drydock. 0903 Commenced receiving fresh water from barge. 0920 U.S.S. HOLLY underway and stood out of harbor. 1032 U.S.S. PICKNEY stood in and anchored in assigned berth. Note: Made daily inspection of magazines and smokeless powder samples. Conditions normal.

Henry Bress, Lt.(jg), USN.

12 -16

Drydocked as before. 1220 Completed receiving fresh water from barge having received 40,000 gallons. 1235 Cast off lines of water barge. 1245 Pursuant to order of the Commanding Officer, following named men left ship for temporary shore patrol duty: Cavalcante, M. E., CTC(AA), in charge; Wideman, C., GM2c; Killian, C. j., EM2c; Vallandingham, R. F., EM2c; Faulkner, O. D., GM2c; and Reault, A., MM2c. 1428 U.S.S. BEALE stood in and moored alongside U.S.S. CACHE. 1450 U.S.S. BUSH stood in and moored alongside U.S.S. DALY. 1459 U.S.S. AMEN stood in and moored alongside tanker.

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

16 - 20

Drydocked as before. 1730 The shore patrol returned aboard and assume regular duties. 1732 U.S.S. BUSH underway and stood out of harbor. 1735 U.S.S. DALY underway and stood out of harbor. 1735 U.S.S. BEALE underway and stood out of harbor. 1740 U.S.S. PRUITT underway and stood out of harbor. 1820 U.S.S. AMEN underway and stood out of harbor.

M. F. Yerger, Lt.(jg), USN.

20 - 24

Drydocked as before.

J. P. Wiley, Lt., USNR.

Thursday, December 16, 1943

Position	0800	1200	2000
Lat.	Drydocked in Floating Drydock No. 21,
Long.	Segond Channel, Espiritu Santo Island, New Hebrides Group.

00 - 04

DENVER dry-docked in Floating Dry Dock 21 at Segond Channel, Espiritu Santos, New Hebrides Islands, effecting repairs to battle damage. Drydocked in Floating Drydock No. 21, Segond Channel, Espiritu Santo Island, New Hebrides Group. The ship is braced with 12 wooden shores (6 to port and 6 to starboard). The ship is receiving salt water from the dock for flushing purposes and emergency power cables are rigged and in a stand-by condition. Boiler No. 1 in use for auxiliary purposes. The ship is darkened, except for necessary lights being used in repair work. Material Condition "B" and Condition of Readiness III (modified) is set. Ships present: U.S.S. BUNKER HILL (SOPA), MONTEREY, ST. LOUIS, HONOLULU, DENVER, FOOTE, FARENHOLT, LANSDOWNE, BOYD, LARDNER, BROWN, COWELL, BRADFORD, GRISWOLD, DIXIE, LERY, ADROIT, BALCH, S-31, WRIGHT, MERCURY, SEIDE, JAMESTOWN, OCEANUS, PINCKNEY, MONONGAHELA, LACKAWANNA, ATASCOSA, CACHE, SARANAC, SAUGATUCK, PAWNEE, BOBOLINK, CHESTNUT,BALSAM, S.S. STONY POINT, PETER BURNETT, MECHANICSVILLE, ESSO RICHMOND, THUNDER, GEORGE HIMES, WILLIAM D. HOWELLS also present various Naval yard and auxiliary craft.

E. F. Baldwin, Lt., USNR.

04 - 08

Drydocked as before. 0715 U.S.S. HOLLY underway and stood out of harbor.

J. G. Lightburn, Lt., USNR.

08 - 12

Drydocked as before. 0800 Made daily inspection of magazines and smokeless powder samples: conditions normal. 0855 U.S.S. GRISWOLD stood in and anchored in berth assigned. 0928 U.S.S. SEIDE stood in and moored alongside U.S.S. BALCH. 1007 U.S.S. PINCKNEY underway and shifted berth. 1105 U.S.S. ATASCOSA underway from alongside U.S.S. OCEANUS and anchored in assigned berth. 1108 U.S.S. JAMESTOWN underway to shift berth. 1120 U.S.S. GRISWOLD underway to shift berth.

M. F. Yerger, Lt.(jg), USN.

12 - 16

Drydocked as before. 1240 U.S.S. GRISWOLD underway and stood out of harbor. 1250 U.S.S. SIEDE underway and stood out of harbor. 1303 U.S.S. TOKEN stood in and anchored in assigned berth. 1328 U.S.S. ZEAL stood in and anchored in assigned berth. 1418 U.S.S. SIGOURNEY stood in and moored alongside U.S.S. BELL.

Henry Bress, Lt.(jg), USN.

16 - 18

Drydocked as before. 1704 U.S.S. BALCH stood in and anchored in assigned berth. 1705 U.S.S. PINCKNEY underway and stood out of harbor.

E. E. Ball, Jr., Lt., USN.

18 - 20

Drydocked as before.

L. A. Bird, Lt.(jg), USN.

20 - 24

Drydocked as before.

L. J. Tobin, Lt., USNR.

Saturday, December 18, 1943

Position	0800	1200	2000
Lat.	Drydocked in Floating Drydock No. 21,
Long.	Segond Channel, Espiritu Santo Island, New Hebrides Group.

00 - 04

DENVER dry-docked in Floating Dry Dock 21 at Segond Channel, Espiritu Santos, New Hebrides Islands, effecting repairs to battle damage. Drydocked in Floating Drydock No. 21, Segond Channel, Espiritu Santo Island, New Hebrides Group. The ship is braced with 12 wooden shores, 6 to starboard and 6 to port. The ship is receiving flushing water from drydock and emergency power cables in a stand-by condition. Boiler No. 1 in use for auxiliary purposes. The ship is darkened, except for necessary lights and in Condition of Readiness III (modified) and Material Condition "B" set. Ships present: U.S.S. BUNKER HILL (SOPA), MONTEREY, ST. LOUIS, HONOLULU, FOOTE, FARENHOLT, LANSDOWNE, BOYD, LARDNER, BROWN, COWELL, BRADFORD, BELL, BALCH, LEVY,DASH, HOLLY, SIGOURNEY, S-31, BALSAM, ADROIT, PRUITT, WRIGHT, MERCURY, PETER BURNETT, WILLIAM HOWELL, DIXIE, OCEANUS, PAWNEE, MONONGAHELA, LACKAWANNA, ATASCOSA, CACHE, SARANAC, SAUGATUCK, BOBOLINK, CHESTNUT, THUNDER, MECHANICSVILLE, JAMESTOWN, and various other supply, yard and district craft.

H. M. Brinser, Lt., USN.

04 - 08

Drydocked as before. 0429 Commenced blowing tubes; completed at 0431. 0533 U.S.S. LEVY underway and stood out of harbor. 0611 U.S.S. MONONGAHELA underway and stood out of harbor. 0650 U.S.S. JAMESTOWN underway and stood out harbor. 0715 U.S.S. HOLLY underway and stood out of harbor.

Henry Bress, Lt.(jg), USN.

08 -12

Drydocked as before. 0800 Mustered crew on stations. Absentees none. 0900 Made weekly inspection of magazines, smokeless powder samples, magazine sprinklers, hangar space sprinklers, bombs and pyrotechnics. Conditions normal.

E. E. Ball, Jr., Lt., USN.

12 - 16

Drydocked as before. 1230 Pursuant to the order of the Commanding Officer, the following named men left the ship for temporary beach guard duty: Carter, Sylvanus Benjamin, 291 27 90, CWT(AA), USN, in charge, Birk, A. I., 328 62 91, BM2c, USN. 1330 S.S. JOHN HOWARD PAYNE stood in and anchored in assigned berth. 0300 Pursuant to the order of the Commanding Officer, Lt. Cdr. Stanley E. Cartmell, D-V(G), USNR, and lt. Joseph G. Lightburn, D-V(G), USNR, left for temporary duties as Beach Guard Officers. 1525 U.S.S. CONWAY stood in and proceeded toward berth alongside tanker.

E. B. Baldwin, Lt., USNR.

16 - 20

Drydocked as before. 1600 U.S.S. HOLLY stood in and moored in berth assigned. 1800 Pursuant to the order of Commander Task Force Thirty-Eight, Despatch 16200, Enstall, Charles, Jr., 337 23 97, BM1c, USN, left the ship for temporary duty as beach guard. 1830 Beach guard consisting of Carter, Sylvanus Benjamin, 291 27 90, CWT(AA), USN, and Birk, A. I., 328 62 91, BM2c, USN, returned aboard and resumed regular duties.

M. F. Yerger, Lt.(jg), USN.

20 - 24

Drydocked as before. 2115 Lieutenant Commander Stanley E. Cartmell, D-V(G), USNR and Lieutenant Joseph G. Lightburn, D-V(G), USNR, returned aboard to resume regular duties, having completed duty as Beach Guard Officers.

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

Sunday, December 19, 1943

Position	0800	1200	2000
Lat.	Drydocked in Floating Dry-	Moored to Pier No. 3, Segond Channel, Espiritu
Long.	dock No. 21, Segond Chan-	Santo Island, New Hebrides Group.
	nel, Espiritu Santo Island,
	New Hebrides Group.

00 - 04

Drydocked in Floating Drydock No. 21, Segond Channel, Espiritu Santo Island, New Hebrides Group. The ship is braced on either side by six (6) wooden shores. The ship is receiving circulating water and water for fire mains and flushing water from two pumps in the drydock under the ship on the starboard side. Emergency power cables are connected to the dock but are not in use. Boiler No. 1 in use for auxiliary purposes. The ship is darkened, except for necessary lights. Condition of Readiness III (modified) and Material Condition "B" set. Ships present: U.S.S. BUNKER HILL (SOPA), MONTEREY, ST. LOUIS, HONOLULU, FOOTE, FARENHOLT, LANSDOWNE, BOYD, LARDNER, BROWN, COWELL, BRADFORD, BELL, SIGOURNEY, PRUITT, LACKAWANNA, ATASCOSA, SARANAC, SAUGATUCK, WRIGHT, DIXIE, OCEANUS, MERCURY, S-31, and various mine craft, patrol craft, landing craft and merchant man. 0005 Enstall, Charles, Jr., 337 23 97, BM1c, USN, returned aboard having completed temporary duty as beach guard.

J. P. Wiley, Lt., USNR.

04 - 08

Drydocked as before. 0530 U.S.S. ADROIT underway and stood out of harbor. 0600 Pursuant to the order of the Commanding Officer, the following named men left the ship for temporary duty as beach guard: Asher, Herman H., CTC(PA), 290 97 41, USN; Cleveland, James Ralph, MM2c, 382 55 93, USN. At 0615 Commenced flooding drydock preparatory to undocking. 0615 Commenced flooding drydock. Captain and Executive Officer on the open bridge. 0639 U.S.S. BUCHANAN stood in and anchored in berth assigned. 0721 U.S.S. FOOTE underway from drydock in tow. 0730 Commenced generating ships own power having shifted from auxiliary power from dock. 0750 Drydock has ceased pumping at 11 feet, while ships force check all fittings and patches.

J. G. Lightburn, Lt., USNR.

08 - 12

Drydocked as before. 0800 Made daily inspection of magazines and smokeless powder samples: Conditions normal. Drydock continued pumping and at 0815 ship became water borne, with 1½^o list to port; draft forward 22', aft 21' 3". 0837 Ship on even keel; draft forward 22', aft 22'. Having made all preparations, at DENVER AT 0838 left drydock. 0838 commenced leaving drydock. 0842 Cut in Boiler No. 2. 0906 Underway from drydock, YFD 21, for Pier No. 3, Captain at the Conn, Executive Officer and Navigator on the bridge. With aid of yard tugs at starboard bow and beam and port bow, proceeded on various courses and speeds. 0930 Tested No. 3 main engine: Test satisfactory. 0949 Moored port side to Pier No. 3, Segond Channel, Espiritu Santo Island, New Hebrides Group, with following wires in use: Bow wire, forward and after bow springs, forward and after quarter springs and stern wire. 1016 Secured main and steering engines. 1052 U.S.S. BOYD underway and entered drydock ARD 5. 1145 Received stores lighter alongside, starboard quarter.

M. F. Yerger, Lt.(jg), USN.

12 - 16

Moored as before. 1304 U.S.S. BALSAM underway and stood out of harbor. 1421 U.S.S. Y.O. 20 moored alongside. 1435 Commenced fueling ship: draft forward 21' 4", aft 22' 9". 1530 U.S.S. CONWAY underway and stood out of harbor. 1532 U.S.S. BACHE stood out of harbor. 1543 U.S.S. BALSAM stood in and moored in assigned berth. 1545 U.S.S. BALCH underway and stood out of harbor. 1545 Completed taking on fuel. 1555 Y.0. 20 cast off.

H. M. Brinser, Lt., USN.

16 - 20

Moored as before. 1601 S.S. J.W. VAN DYKE stood in and anchored in assigned berth. 1602 S.S. ZEAL stood in and anchored in assigned berth. 1700 Commenced receiving fresh water from dock. 1730 The Following named men, Asher, Herman, H., 290 97 41, CTC(PA), USN, in charge, returned aboard from temporary beach guard duty: Cleveland, James Ralph, 382 55 93, MM2c, USN. 1800 S.S. JAMES MC GUIRE and S.S. WESTERN SUN stood in and anchored in assigned berths. 1835 Fuel oil barge moored alongside to starboard. 1900 Commenced receiving fuel. 1915 Completed receiving fresh water.

Henry Bress, Lt.(jg), USN.

20 - 24

Moored as before. 2105 Completed taking on fuel oil, having received on board 145,000 gallons of oil at 90^o F. 2112 U.S.S. YO 20 cast off from alongside starboard side.

E. E. Ball, Jr., Lt., USN.

Monday, December 20, 1943

Position	0800	1200	2000
Lat.	Moored to Pier No. 3,	15^o 32' 5" S	15^o 58' S
Long.	Espiritu Santo Island,	167^o 13' 8" E	169^o 13' 6" E
	New Hebrides Group.

00 - 04

Temporarily assigned to TASK FORCE 34, Admiral HALSEY, as TASK UNIT 34.5.1, Captain R. P. BRISCOE, U.S.N., O.T.C. TASK UNIT consists of U.S.S. DENVER and U.S.S. BOYDE. Moored to Pier No. 3, port side to, in Segond Channel, Espiritu Santo Island, New Hebrides Group in ten (10) fathoms of water with the following lines in use: Two (2) crossed spring lines forward and aft; bow and stern line. Boiler No. 1 in use for auxiliary purposes. The ship is darkened and in Condition of Readiness III (modified); Material Condition "B" set. Ships present: U.S.S. BUNKER HILL (SOPA), MONTEREY, ST. LOUIS, HONOLULU, FOOTE, FARENHOLT, LANSDOWNE, BOYD, LARDNER, BROWN, COWELL, BRADFORD, BELL, SIGOURNEY, S-31, ADROIT, DASH, PAWNEE, PRUITT, LACKAWANNA, DIXIE, ATASCOSA, SARANAC, SAUGATUCK, WRIGHT, OCEANUS, MERCURY, BUCHANAN, HOLLY, CHESTNUT, NATHANIEL CROSBY, PETER BURNETT, MECHANICSVILLE, THUNDER, CAPE IGVAK, MUSA, BROWNSON and other yard and district craft and merchant-man. 0015 U.S.S. YO 20 moored alongside to starboard. 0028 Commenced receiving fuel aboard from oiler; draft forward 24' 3", aft 22' 10". 0215 Completed fueling ship, having received on board 9,120 barrels of fuel oil at 60^o F; draft forward 24' 6", aft 24' 9". 0230 YO 20 underway from alongside.

L. J. Tobin, Lt., USNR.

04 - 08

Moored as before. 0633U.S.S. PATUKSON stood in and anchored in berth assigned. 0640 U.S.S. HAMILTON stood in and anchored in berth assigned. 0653 U.S.S. TRYON stood in and anchored in berth assigned. 0659 U.S.S. BROWN underway and stood out of harbor. 0705 U.S.S. S-31 underway and stood out of harbor. 0706 U.S.S. COWELL underway and stood out of harbor. 0715 U.S.S. BELL underway and stood out of harbor. 0715 U.S.S. BRADFORD underway and stood out of harbor.

H. M. Brinser, Lt., USN.

08 - 12

Moored as before. 0850 Lozaro, D., MM2c, 611 55 55, USNR, was received aboard from temporary duty. 0907 U.S.S. CHANDELIER stood in and anchored in berth assigned. 1005 Held quarters for muster, presentation of awards and commendations. 1000 Made daily inspection of all magazines and smokeless powder samples. Conditions normal. 1045 Lit fires under Boiler No. 2. 1105 U.S.S. BOYD underway and stood out of harbor. 1120 Cut Boiler No. 2 in on main steam line. 1130 Having made all preparations for getting underway, at 1132 got underway in accordance with the directives of Commander South Pacific Force to proceed via Selwyn Strait thence north of FIJI, South of Latitude 15-10 South to longitude 171-00 West and thence to Tutuila for fuel, with further orders to proceed after fueling via 05 North, 161 West to Pearl Harbor, T.H., for fuel, voyage repairs and further routing via Commander Hawaiian Sea Frontier to United States for permanent Battle Damage Repairs. .1132 underway from Pier No. 3, Espiritu Santo Island, New Hebrides Group, in accordance with Directive Commander Third Fleet. In company with U.S.S. BOYD. Captain at the Conn, Executive Officer and Navigator on the bridge. Ships draft forward 24' 5", aft 23' 10". Boilers No. 1 & 2 in use. Proceeding on various courses and at various speeds conforming with channel. 1135 Mustered crew at quarters for getting underway. Absentees none.

J. G. Lightburn, Lt., USNR.

12 - 16

Steaming as before, proceeding on various courses and speeds, conforming to Segond Channel. 1210 Passed Bagacio Island, abeam to starboard and Tutuba Island abeam to port. 1217 Steadied on course 116^o T (PGC), making 15 knots, by pit log, using 180 RPM, engines 3 & 4. 1254 Commenced zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 6, base course 116^o T (PGC). 1308 Sounded fire quarters and general alarm, fire reported in after engine room. 1308 fire reported in after engine room. 1314 Fire in after engine room extinguished. Cause of fire; small piece of canvas against main steam line, ignited small amount of oil on overhead of engine room. Damage none. 1314 fire extinguished. Damage none. Due to smoldering canvas in contact with main steam line. 1315 Secured from fire quarters. 1345 Went to General Quarter for drill. 1431 Conducted 5" sleeve firing, passing runs. 1431 conducted antiaircraft firing practice - Ammunition expended:

388 rounds 20 MM cartridges, Ball, SPDN 3019,

388 rounds 20 MM cartridges, Incendiary SPDN 3936,

388 rounds 20 MM cartridges, Tracer N.F. 1473,

315 rounds 40 MM cartridges, A.A. Proj., SPDN 3635 Lt #132,

40 rounds 5"/38 cartridges, SPDN 3113, and

40 rounds 5"/38 projectiles, 35-33, AA Common.

1525 During firing of automatic weapons on port run, 40 mm mount No. 42, gun No. 3 suffered a primer blow back. Gun No. 3 was put out of commission and four (4) of gun crew injured. The following named men received powder burns and minor injuries: Swope, H.J., GM3; Sutton, B.W., GM1c; Teagle, F.L., GM3c; Cretella, S., S1c. First aid administered in the sick bay.

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 89

E. E. Ball, Jr., Lt., USN.

16 - 18

Steaming as before, on course 116^o T (PGC), at speed 15 knots (180 RPM on port engines). 1614 Changed course and axis, by column movement, in succession, to the left, to course 084^o T (PGC). 1617 Commenced zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 6. 1625 With South Point, Mortelli Bay, Pentecost Isle, New Hebrides Group, bearing 352^o T, distance 3 miles, took departure from Selwyn Strait and set course 084^o T (PGC).

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 91

J. P. Wiley, Lt., USNR.

18 - 20

Steaming as before, on course 084^o T (PGC), speed 15 knots (180 RPM) zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 6. 1815 Went to General Quarters for "Dusk Alert". 1905 Ceased zig-zagging and returned to base course 084^o T (PGC). 1907 Secured from General Quarters, set Condition of Readiness III and Material Condition "B". Note: Ammunition expenditure see War Dairy.

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 91

L. J. Tobin, Lt., USNR.

20 - 24

Steaming as before, on course 084^o T (PGC), at speed 15.6 knots (180 RPM).

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 91

J. G. Lightburn, Lt., USNR.

Wednesday, December 22-21, 1943

Position	0800	1200	2000
Lat.	15^o 10' 5" S	15^o 11' 2" S	15^o 10' 4" S
Long.	179^o 35' 4" E	179^o 11' 5" W	176^o 38' 5" W

00 - 04

Proceeding to Samoa in accordance with the directives of Commander South Pacific Fleet. Steaming as before with U.S.S. BOYD on base course 090^o T (PGC), at 20.5 knots (234 RPM). OTC, Captain Robert P. Briscoe in U.S.S. DENVER. Ship is darkened, in Material Condition "B" and Condition of Readiness III set. Boilers No. 1 & 2 in use, with No. 3 in standby condition. 0124 Commenced zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 6.

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 117

J. G. Lightburn, Lt., USNR.

04 - 08

Steaming as before, zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 6, base course 090^o T (PGC), speed 20.5 knots (234 RPM). 0420 Went to General Quarters for "Dawn Alert". 0526 Secured from General Quarters, set Condition of Readiness III and Material Condition "B".

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 118

E. E. Ball, Jr., Lt., USN

08 - 12

Steaming as before, on base course 090^o T (PGC), at speed of 20 knots (234 RPM), zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 6. 0800 Mustered crew at quarters. No absentees. 0830 - 0838 Sighted Thokombia Island, Fiji Group, bearing 152^o T (PGC), distance 40 miles. 0928 Crossed International Date Line, and changed date to 21 December 1943, zone description plus 12. Changed zone description to +12. 2225 SG Radar contact of Niuafou (Good Hope Island) Island, bearing 154^o T, distant 28 miles.

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 117

J. P. Wiley, Lt., USNR.

12 - 16

Steaming as before, on base course 090^o T (PGC), at speed of 20.2 knots (234 RPM), zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 6.

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 117

L. J. Tobin, Lt., USNR.

16 - 18

Steaming as before, on base course 090^o T (PGC), at speed of 20.2 knots (234 RPM), zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 6.

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 117.5

18 - 20

Steaming as before, on base course 090^o T (PGC), zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 6, speed 20.1 knots (234 RPM). 1810 Went to General Quarters for "Dusk Alert". 1859 Secured from General Quarters, set Condition of Readiness III and Material Condition "B". 1900 Ceased zig-zagging, resumed base course 090^o T (PGC). Observed Saint Elmo's Fires on antenna's and rigging.

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 117

E. E. Ball, Jr., Lt., USN.

20 - 24

Steaming as before, on course 090^o T (PGC), at speed of 20.1 knots (234 RPM). 2225 SG Radar contact of Niuafou (Good Hope Island) Island, bearing 154^o T (PGC), distance 28 miles.

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 117

J. P. Wiley, Lt., USNR.

Wednesday, December 22, 1943

Position	0800	1200	2000
Lat.	14^o 58' 04" S	14^o 42' 0" S	Moored in Pago Pago Harbor.
Long.	173^o 03' 0" W	171^o 45' 2" W	Tutuila Island, Samoa Island.

00 - 04

Proceeding to Samoa in accordance with the directives of Commander South Pacific Fleet. Steaming as before with U.S.S. BOYD, on course 090^o T (PGC), speed 20.2 knots (234 RPM). OTC, Captain R. P. Briscoe, in U.S.S. DENVER. Ship is darkened, in Material Condition "B" and Condition of Readiness III. Boilers No. 1 & 2 in use, No. 3 is standby. 0130 Commenced zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 6. 0138 Ceased zig-zagging because of poor visibility. Returned to base course 090^o T (PGC). 0200 Set ship's clocks ahead one (1) hour to +11 Zone time.

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 117

L. J. Tobin, Lt., USNR.

04 -08

Steaming as before, on base course 090^o T (PGC), at 20 knots (234 RPM). 0428 Commenced zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 6, base course 090^o T (PGC). 0455 Went to General Quarters for "Dawn Alert". 0525 Ceased zig-zagging, changed course and axis, by column movement, to the left by simultaneous method, (in succession) to 078^o T (PGC). 0606 Secured from General Quarters, set Condition of Readiness III and Material Condition "B". Commenced zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 10"Z", base course 078^o T (PGC).

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 117

J. G. Lightburn, Lt., USNR.

08 - 12

Steaming as before, zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 10"Z", base course 078^o T (PGC), speed 20 knots (234 RPM). 0820 Mustered crew on stations. Absentees none. 0830 Ceased zig-zagging, remained on base course 078^o T (PGC). 0835 Sighted two (2) friendly merchant ships, bearing 114^o T (PGC), distance 6 miles. Sighted one (1) friendly merchant ship, bearing 352^o T (PGC), distance 10 miles. 0843 Resumed zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 10"Z", base course 078^o T (PGC). 0930 Made daily inspection of magazines and smokeless powder samples. Conditions normal. 0935 Sighted friendly merchant ship, bearing 350^o T (PGC), distance 12,000 yards. 1112 Sighted Upulu Island and Samoa Island bearing 036^o T distance 45 miles.

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 117

E. E. Ball, Jr., Lt., USN.

12 - 16

Steaming as before, on course 078^o T (PGC), at speed 20.4 knots, (234 RPM on port engine), zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 10"Z". 1240 Sighted Tutuila Island, Samoa Islands, bearing 067.8^o T (PGC), distance 50 miles. 1258 Changed course to the left by column movement to 076^o T (PGC). 1513 Ceased zig-zagging and resumed base course. 1513 Ships left to 028^o T (PGC). 1515 Proceeding independently on various courses and at various speeds, conforming to channel, entering Pago Pago Harbor, Tutuila Island, Samoa Islands Group. 1548 Pilot Lt. E. M. Ashley, USN, came aboard. 1555 Pilot took the Conn. Captain, Executive Officer and Navigator on the bridge.

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 116

J. P. Wiley, Lt., USNR.

16 - 18

Steaming as before, on various courses and at various speeds, conforming to channel, entering Pago Pago Harbor, Tutuila Island. 1606 Passed through anti-torpedo nets. 1614 Received U.S.S. YT alongside starboard bow. 1625 Received U.S.S. YT T3 alongside starboard quarter. 1640 Anchored in Pago Pago Harbor, Tutuila Island, Samoa Island Group, in 21 fathoms of water, with 45 fathoms of chain to the starboard anchor, in preparation to mooring alongside S.S. C-2. 1646 Moored to S.S. TYPHOON, with the following lines in use: Bow 6" manila line, doubled and crossed wire springs on 1 5/8" mooring wire, bow line, quarter wire spring and wire stern line. 1646 Moored in Pago Pago Harbor, Tutuila Island, Samoa Island Group, to S.S. TYPHOON. 1658 U.S.S. YT and YT T3 cast off. 1710 Secured main and steaming engines. 1710 Lt. E. M. Ashley, (pilot) left the ship. 1717 Hauled fires under Boiler No. 1. 1758 Commenced receiving fuel.

L. J. Tobin, Lt., USNR.

18 - 20

Moored as before. 1802 U.S.S. REGULUS underway and stood out of harbor.

J. G. Lightburn, Lt., USNR.

20 - 24

Moored as before. 2012 From the Commandant, U.S. Naval Station, Tutuila Samoa, received aboard, under Marine Guard, the following named Japanese Prisoners of War for transportation to Pearl Harbor:

Matui Tutaro, Ships Cook 1c, Age 36

Syoji Tadasi, Seaman 3c, Age 18

Furukawa Masauki, Aviation Mechanic 1c, Age 27.

Tokujo Mituru, Seaman 3c, Age 23

Nakawo Yosimi, Seaman 3c, Age 18

Nisioka Jankitsi, Civilian Carpenter, Age 21.

All prisoners were examined by the Senior Medical Officer and were confined.

2045 Completed receiving 3,272 barrels of fuel oil on board at 90^o F. Ships draft forward 23' 11", aft 24'.

E. E. Ball, Jr., Lt., USN.

Thursday, December 23, 1943

Position	0800	1200	2000
Lat.	14^o 14' 0" S	13^o 02' 2" S	10^o 38' 1" S
Long.	170^o 28' 8" W	169^o 54' 5" W	168^o 45' 6" W

00 - 04

Moored port side to, bow to stern, to the S.S. TYPHOON, which is alongside Naval Station Dock, Pago Pago Harbor, Tutuila Island, Samoa Islands Group, in 21 fathoms of water. Ship is secured with 45 fathoms of chain to the starboard anchor and the following lines: 1 5/8" wire and 6" manila bow lines to a dolphin on the dock; and crossed wire springs at the bow, aft quarter wire spring and wire stern line, all to the S.S. TYPHOON. All wires are doubled except the aft bow spring. Boiler No. 2 in use for auxiliary purposes. Condition of Readiness III (modified) and Material Condition "B" are set. The ship is darkened. Captain R. P. Briscoe of the U.S.S. DENVER is SOPA. Ships present: U.S.S. BOYD, REGULUS, LST's 119, 123, and 168 and various patrol and mine craft and merchant men.

J. P. Wiley, Lt., USNR.

04 - 08

Moored as before. 0415 Lit fires under Boiler No. 1. 0450 Lifted safety valves by hand on Boiler No. 1. 0520 Tested steering engines. Test satisfactory. 0530 Tested main engines. Test satisfactory. 0545 Lit off Boiler No. 3. 0545 Lt. E. M. Ashley (pilot) came aboard. 0546 U.S.S. BOYD underway and stood out of harbor. 0555 U.S.S. YT T3 and YT were received along starboard quarter. Having Made all preparations for getting underway, at 0606 underway from alongside S.S. TYPHOON for Pearl Harbor, T. H., in accordance with the directives of Commander South Pacific Force. Proceeding in company with U.S.S. BOYD. Captain R. P. Briscoe, OTC in U.S.S. DENVER. Captain, Executive Officer and Navigator on the bridge. Pilot at Conn. Ship's draft forward 23', aft 24'. Boilers No. 1 & 2 in use. Proceeding on various courses and at various speeds conforming with channel. 0623 U.S.S. YT T3 and YT cast off. 0630 Passed through anti-torpedo nets. 0640 Captain relieved pilot at Conn. 0641 Lt. E. M. Ashley (pilot) left the ship. 0657 Set base course 090^o T(PGC) speed 21 knots (240 RPM). 0700 Commenced zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 10"Z". 0720 Changed base course to 026^o T(PGC). 0730 Commenced zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 10"Z".

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 88

L. J. Tobin, Lt., USNR.

08 - 12

Steaming as before, on base course 026^o T (PGC), at speed of 21 knots (240 RPM), zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 10"Z". 0830 Held quarters for muster, absentees none. 0855 Passed wooden raft, approximately fifteen feet square abeam to port, distant 300 yards, no sign of life apparent. 1000 Made daily inspection of magazines and smokeless powder samples, conditions normal.

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 120

E. F. Baldwin, Lt., USNR.

12 - 16

Steaming as before, on base course 026^o T (PGC), at speed of 21 knots, (240 RPM), zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 10"Z".

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 120

E. Gross, Lt., USNR

16 - 18

Steaming as before, on course 026^o T (PGC), at speed of 21 knots (240 RPM

On port engine), zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 10"Z".

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 120

J. P. Wiley, Lt., USNR.

18 - 20

Steaming as before, on course 026^o T (PGC), at speed of 21 knots (240 RPM on port engines), zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 10"Z". 1835 Went to General Quarters for "Dusk Alert". 1915 Ceased zig-zagging and resumed base course 026^o T (PGC). 1924 Secured from General Quarters, set Condition of Readiness III, Material Condition "B".

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 119

H. M. Brinser, Lt., USN.

20 - 24

Steaming as before, on base course 026^o T (PGC), speed of 21 knots (240 RPM).

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 118

F. R. Hoeppner, Lt., USNR.

Friday, December 24, 1943

Position	0800	1200	2000
Lat.	06^o 57' 2" S	05^o 47' 9" S	03^o 25' 03" S
Long.	166^o 48' 0" W	166^o 12' 0" W	165^o 09' 08" W

00 - 04

Proceeding to Pearl Harbor, T.H., in accordance with the directives of Commander South Pacific Force. Steaming in company with U.S.S. BOYD at 4000 yards ahead, on course 026^o T (PGC), at 21 knots (240 RPM). Boilers No. 1 & 2 in use. Ship is darkened, Condition of Readiness III and Material Condition "B" set. OTC in U.S.S. DENVER.

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 120

E. Gross, Lt., USNR.

04 - 08

Steaming as before, on course 026^o T (PGC), at speed of 21 knots (240 RPM) on port engines. 0430 Commenced zig-zagging in accordance with zig-zag plan No. 10"Z". 0521 Went to General Quarters for "Dawn Alert". 0553 Secured from General Quarters and set Condition of Readiness III and Material Condition "B".

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 120

J. P. Wiley, Lt., USNR.

08 - 12

Steaming as before, on course 026^o T (PGC), at speed 21 knots (240 RPM on port engines), zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 10"Z". 0942 Completed daily inspection of magazines and smokeless powder samples. Conditions normal.

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 120

H. M. Brinser, Lt., USN.

12 - 16

Steaming as before, on base course 026^o T (PGC), speed 21 knots (240 RPM), zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 10"Z".

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 119.9

F. R. Hoeppner, Lt., USNR.

16 - 18

Steaming as before, on base course 026^o T (PGC), in accordance with zig-zag plan No. 10"Z", speed 21 knots (240 RPM).

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 119

A. E. Gross, Lt., USNR.

18 - 20

Steaming as before, on course 026^o T (PGC), at speed 21 knots (240 RPM on port engines), zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 10"Z". 1812 Went to General Quarters for "Dusk Alert". 1857 Secured from General Quarters, set Condition of Readiness III and Material Condition "B". 1900 Ceased zig-zagging and resumed base course 026^o T (PGC). 1930 Chanted course to the right, by column movement, in succession to 028^o T (PGC).

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 120.7

20 - 24

Steaming as before, on base course 028^o T (PGC), at speed 21 knots (240 RPM on port engines.

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 120

H. M. Brinser, Lt., USN.

ADDITIONAL REMARKS BY THE COMMANDING OFFICER.

Kimsey, L. R., CTC(AA), V-6 USNR, 359 94 86: Diagnosis: wound, punctured, right side. While he was removing his knife from the scabbard about 1535 in main plot, the ship rolled and he fell against the bulkhead, causing his knife to puncture his right side to the depth of about two inches. The wound penetrated the body wall at the upper part of the abdominal cavity in the area of the liver. He is being admitted to the sick list.

R. P. Briscoe, Captain, U.S. Navy, Commanding Officer.

Saturday, December 25, 1943

Position	0800	1200	2000
Lat.	0^o 08' 8" N	01^o 12' 8" N	03^o 08' 8" N
Long.	163^o 20' 5" W	162^o 45' 8" W	163^o 20' 5" W

00 - 04

Proceeding to Pearl Harbor, T.H., in accordance with the directives of Commander South Pacific Force. Steaming in company with U.S.S. BOYD as TU 34.5.1, guide and OTC in DENVER. BOYD ahead 4000 yards. Steering course 028^o T (PGC); speed 21 knots (240 RPM) on port engines. Ship is darkened in Condition of Readiness III and Material Condition "B" set. The SC and SG radars are in use for search. Boilers No. 1 & 2 in use; No. 3 in standby.

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 120.4

F. R. Hoeppner, Lt., USNR.

04 - 08

Steaming as before, on course 028^o T (PGC), at speed 21 knots (240 RPM). 0410 Received message from U.S.S. BOYD of her losing power and steering control. Slowed to 20 knots (200 RPM). 0415 Slowed to 15 knots (152 PRM). 0430 U.S.S. BOYD reported regaining steering control. 0458 Went to 20 knots (200 RPM). 0503 Went to 21 knots (240 RPM). 0510 Commenced zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 10"Z". 0732 Crossed the Equator at 00-00 Latitude, 163^o 23' W longitude. Ship is now in the Northern Latitude.

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 115

E. Gross, Lt., USNR.

08 - 12

Steaming as before, on course 028^o T (PGC), at speed 21 knots (240 RPM on port engines), zig-zagging in accordance with zig-zag plan No. 10"Z". Made daily inspection of magazines and smokeless powder samples. Conditions normal. 1000 Held Christmas Church Services for officers and crew.

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 119.7

J. P. Wiley, Lt. USNR.

12 - 16

Steaming as before, on course 028^o T (PGC), at speed 21 knots (240 RPM on port engines), zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 10"Z".

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 119.8

H. M. Brinser, Lt., USN.

16 - 18

Steaming as before, on course 028^o T (PGC), at speed 21 knots (240 RPM on port engines), zig-zagging in accordance with zig-zag plan No. 10"Z".

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 119.8

F. R. Hoeppner, Lt., USNR.

18 - 20

Steaming as before, on course 028^o T (PGC), at speed 21 knots (240 RPM), zig-zagging in accordance with zig-zag plan No. 10"Z". 1830 Ceased zig-zagging and returned to base course 028^o T (PGC).

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 120.9

A. E. Gross, Lt., USNR.

20 - 24

Steaming as before, on course 028^o T (PGC), at speed 21 knots (240 RPM on port engines). 2250 Changed course, by column movement, in succession to the left to 010^o T (PGC).

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 120

J. P. Wiley, Lt., USNR.

Sunday, December 26, 1943

Position	0800	1200	2000
Lat.	07^o 15' 3" N	08^o 28' 0" N	10^o 50' 0" N
Long.	160^o 47' 8" W	160^o 36' 5" W	160^o 08' 0" W

00 - 04

Proceeding to Pearl Harbor, T.H., in accordance with the directives of Commander South Pacific Force. Steaming in company with U.S.S. BOYD; OTC Captain R. P. Briscoe, in U.S.S. DENVER. In column formation with U.S.S. DENVER as guide. Ship is darkened, in Condition of Readiness III and Material Condition "B". Boilers No. 1 & 2 in use; No. 3 is standby. U.S.S. BOYD 4000 yards ahead on course 010^o T (PGC), speed 21 knots (240 RPM on port engines). 0319 Lit fires under Boiler No. 3.

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 119.8

H. M. Brinser, Lt., USN.

04 - 08

Steaming as before, on base course 010^o T (PGC), speed 21 knots (240 RPM on port engines). 0512 Commenced zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 10"Z". 0617 Changed course to 012^o T (PGC).

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 119.7

F. R. Hoeppner, Lt. USNR.

08 - 12

Steaming as before, on course 012^o T (PGC), at speed 21 knots (240 RPM on port engines), zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 10"Z".

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 119.6

A. E. Gross, Lt., USNR.

12 - 16

Steaming as before, on course 012^o T (PGC), at speed 21 knots (240 RPM on port engines), zig-zagging in with zig-zag plan No. 10"Z".

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 120

J. P. Wiley, Lt., USNR.

16 - 18

Steaming as before, on course 015^o T (PGC), at speed 21 knots (240 RPM on port engines), zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 10"Z". 1730 Went to General Quarters for "Dusk Alert". 1746 Unidentified contact by radar bearing 348^o T, distance 33,200 yards, passing clear astern. Made daily inspection of magazines and smokeless powder samples. Conditions normal.

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 120

H. M. Brinser, Lt., USN

18 - 20

Steaming as before, on course 015^o T (PGC); speed 21 knots (240 RPM on port engines). Zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 10"Z". 1800 Ceased zig-zagging and resumed base course. 1814 Secured from General Quarters and set Condition of Readiness III and Material Condition "B".

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 120.5

F. R. Hoeppner, Lt., USNR.

20 - 24

Steaming as before, on course 015^o T (PGC), at speed 21 knots (240 RPM on port engines).

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 120

A. E. Gross, Lt., USNR.

Monday, December 27, 1943

Position	0800		1200		2000
Lat.	14^o 24' 3" N	15^o 42' 0" N		18^o 02' 0" N
Long.	159^o 24' 0" W	159^o 01' 0" W		158^o 31' 8" W

00 - 04

Proceeding to Pearl Harbor, T.H., in accordance with the directives of Commander South Pacific Force. Steaming in company with U.S.S. BOYD, OTC Captain R. P. Briscoe, in U.S.S. DENVER. In column astern of the U.S.S. BOYD. U.S.S. DENVER the guide. Ship is darkened, in Material Condition "B" and Condition of Readiness III. Boilers No. 1 & 2 in use; No. 3 is standby. On course 015^o T (PGC), at speed 21 knots (240 RPM on port engines). 0300 Clocks set to Zone +10½ Time.

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 118.8

J. P. Wiley, Lt., USNR.

04 - 08

Steaming as before, on course 015^o T (PGC), at speed 21 knots (240 RPM on port engines). 0545 Commenced zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 10"Z". 0600 Went to General Quarters for "Dawn Alert". 0632 Secured from General Quarters, set Condition of Readiness III and Material Condition "B". 0640 Ceased zig-zagging, resumed base course 015^o T (PGC). 0646 Commenced zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 17.

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 117.3

H. M. Brinser, Lt., USN.

08 - 12

Steaming as before, on course 015^o T (PGC); speed 20 knots (240 RPM on port engines), zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 17. 0935 Made daily inspection of magazines and smokeless powder samples. Conditions normal.

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 119.5

F. R. Hoeppner, Lt., USNR.

12 - 16

Steaming as before, on course 015^o T (PGC); speed 20 knots (240 RPM on port engines), zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 17. 1219 Slowed to speed 18 knots (205 RPM). 1227 Increased revolutions to 215 to make 18 knots. 1320 Increased revolutions to 220 to make 18 knots.

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 110

A. E. Gross, Lt., USNR.

16 - 18

Steaming as before, on course 015^o T (PGC); speed 18 knots (220 RPM on port engines), zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 17.

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 109

J. P. Wiley, Lt., USNR.

18 - 20

Steaming as before, on course 015^o T (PGC); speed 18 knots (220 RPM on port engines), zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 17. 1820 Ceased zig-zagging, resumed base course 015^o T (PGC). 1845 Changed base course to 013^o T (PGC).

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 110

H. M. Brinser, Lt., USN.

20 - 24

Steaming as before, on course 013^o T (PGC); speed 19 knots (220 RPM on port engines).

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 110.8

F. R. Hoeppner, Lt., USNR.

Tuesday, December 28, 1943

Position	0800	1200	2000
Lat.	21^o 14' N	Moored to pier in Berth H-4, Pearl Harbor,
Long.	157^o 50' 2" W	Oahu Island, Hawaiian Islands.

00 - 04

Proceeding to Pearl Harbor, T.H., in accordance with the directives of Commander South Pacific Force. Steaming in company with U.S.S. BOYD, OTC, Captain R. P. Briscoe, in U.S.S. DENVER. In column formation 4000 yards astern of the U.S.S. BOYD. U.S.S. DENVER is the guide. Ship is darkened, in Material Condition "B" and Readiness Condition III. Boilers No. 1 & 2 in use, No. 3 is standby. On course 013^o T (PGC), at speed 18 knots (220 RPM on port engines). 0325 CIC reported target on course 007^o T, distance 28,000 yards. 0335 U.S.S. BOYD reported target bearing 006^o T, distance 22,000 yards.

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 110

A. E. Gross, Lt., USNR.

04 - 08

Steaming as before, on course 013^o T (PGC), at speed 18 knots (220 RPM. 0425 Sighted unidentified ship on port beam, distance 2,000 yards, approximately parallel course. 0500 Made radar land fall on Oahu Island, and sighted lights on beach bearing 345^o T (PGC), distance 40 miles. 0515 Commenced zig-zagging according plan No. 10"Z". 0530 Slowed to 15 knots (180 RPM). 0544 Changed course to the left, by column movement, in succession to 000^o T (PGC). 0638 Steaming on various courses while awaiting permission to enter Pearl Harbor. 0659 Proceeding independently on various courses at various speeds, conforming to channel, entering Pearl Harbor, Oahu Island, Hawaiian Islands Group, permission having been granted to enter harbor. Captain, Executive Officer and Navigator on the bridge. 07830 Captain took the Conn. 0745 Pilot, Chief Boatswain Carter, came aboard. 0747 Pilot took the Conn. 0751 Passed buoy No.1 abeam to port, entering inland waters.

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 81.6

J. P. Wiley, Lt., USNR.

08 - 12

Steaming as before, on various courses and speeds conforming to channel, entering Pearl Harbor; Captain, Executive Officer and Navigator on the bridge; pilot at the Conn. 0800 Passed buoys No. 6 & 7 to port and starboard. 0826 Set all clocks ahead to Zone +9½ hours. 0951 Moored starboard side to pier in Berth H-4 with service wires, in Pearl Harbor, Oahu Island, Hawaiian Islands. 1025 U.S.S. CORAL SEAS stood in and anchored in berth assigned. 1030 Commenced receiving fuel, draft forward 21' 6", aft 24' 0". 1109 U.S.S. MINNEAPOLIS underway and stood out of harbor. Made daily inspection of magazines, smokeless powder samples, bombs, pyrotechnics, magazines and hangar sprinklers. Conditions normal.

H. M. Brinser, Lt., USN.

12 - 16

Moored as before. 1225 Completed taking on 6038 barrels of fuel oil at 90^o F. Ships draft forward 24' 4", aft 23' 10". 1320 Under Marine Guard, Lt. F. B. Huggins, USNR in charge, the below named six (6) Japanese Prisoners of War, were transferred from this ship this date:

Matui Tutaro, Ships Cook 1c, Age 36

Syoji Tadasi, Seaman 3c, Age 18

Furnkawa Masayuki, Aviation Mechanic, 1c, Age 27.

Tokujo Mituru, Seaman 3c, Age 23

Nakawo Yosimi, Seaman 3c, Age 18

Nisioka Jankitsi, Civilian Carpenter, Age 21.

1425 Lit fires under Boiler No. 2. 1449 Hauled fires under Boiler No. 1.

E. E. Ball, Jr., Lt., USN.

16 - 20

Moored as before.

L. J. Tobin, Lt., USNR.

20 - 24

Moored as before.

H. M. Brinser, Lt., USN.

Wednesday, December 29, 1943

Position	0800	1200	2000
Lat.	Moored to pier, Berth H-4	21^o 21.4 N	22^o 51 N
Long.	Pearl Harbor, Oahu Island,	159^o 01' 0" W	158^o 31' 8" W
	Hawaiian Islands Group.

00 - 04

Moored to pier in Berth H-4, Pearl Harbor, Oahu Island, Hawaiian Island Group, starboard side to, with wire bow and stern lines, double crossed wire springs forward and aft. Boiler No. 2 is in use for auxiliary purposes. The ship is darkened, in Readiness Condition III (modified), Material Condition "B" set. Ships present: U.S.S. ENTERPRISE, ESSEX, BELLEAU WOOD, COW PENS, LANGLEY, NASSAU, CORAL SEA, PENNSYLVANIA, NEW MEXICO, MISSISSIPPI, IDAHO, NEW ORLEANS, PORTLAND, MINNEAPOLIS, SAN FRANCISCO, WICHITA, BALTIMORE, BOSTON, OAKLAND, SANTA FE, CASE, DUNLAP, CHEW, MONAHAN, CUMMINGS, FANNING, PATTERSON, MC CALL, MUSTIN, FLETCHER, LA VALLETTE, TAYLOR, STEVENS, QUICK, BAILEY, SCHROEDER, SIGSBEE, ISHERWOOD, HAZELWOOD, KIMBERLEY, HEERMAN, HOEL, MC CORD, MILLER, HAGGARD, HAILEY, IZARD, COCHLAN, COGSWELL, INGERSOLL, KNAPP, COLAHAN, CHAUNCEY, LEWIS HANCOCK, FRANKS, HICKOX, SULLIVAN, FRAZIER, BOYD; OTHER Naval fleet, district and yard craft. 0230 Commenced blowing tubes on Boiler No. 2; completed at 0234. 0330 Lit fires under Boiler No. 1. 0350 Hauled fires under Boiler No. 2.

Henry Bress, Lt.(jg), USN.

04 - 08

Moored as before.

E. E. Ball, Jr., Lt., USN.

08 - 12

Moored as before. 0812 U.S.S. CASE underway and stood out of harbor. 0822 U.S.S. ESSEX underway and stood out of harbor. 0840 U.S.S. CUMMINGS underway and stood out of harbor. 0842 Tested main and steering engines. Test satisfactory. 0854 Commenced singling up all lines. 0855 Received pilot Lt. Cdr. Tawes, USNR aboard. 0856 Received tug, U.S.S. YT 246, alongside port quarter. 0903 Received tug, U.S.S. YT 146, alongside port bow. 0906 Mustered crew at quarters for getting underway. No absentees. 0907 Underway from Berth H-4, Pearl Harbor, Oahu Island, Hawaiian Island Group, in accordance with directive of Commander Third Fleet, under routing instructions of Commander Hawaiian Sea Frontier, to proceed to the United States, in company with U.S.S. BOYD. Having made all preparations for getting underway, at 0907 underway from Berth H-4 Pearl Harbor, Oahu Island, Hawaiian Island Group, in accordance with directive of Commander Third Fleet, to proceed to United States, in company with U.S.S. BOYD. Pilot at the Conn, Captain, Executive Officer and Navigator on the bridge. Ships draft forward 24' 4", aft 23' 10". Boilers No. 1 & 2 on the line; No. 3 in standby. Proceeding on various courses and at various speeds conforming to channel. 0934 U.S.S. YT 246 cast off. 0939 U.S.S. YT 146 cast off. 0956 Captain assumed Conn. 0958 Pilot, Lt. Cdr. Tawes, left the ship. 1000 Steadied on course 161^o T (PGC); speed 10 knots (100 RPM on port engines). 1002 Changed course to 153^o T (PGC). 1006 Went to 15 knots (150 RPM). 1009 Went to 20 knots (200 RPM) making 240 RPM to make speed good. 1016 Changed course to 130^o T (PGC). 1025 Commenced zig-zagging by signal on plan No. 17, base course 125^o T (PGC), in column with U.S.S. BOYD 4000 yards ahead. 1028 Officer of the Deck assumed Conn. 1038 On signal changed base course to 090^o T (PGC). 1105 Made daily inspection of magazines and smokeless powder samples. Conditions normal. 1112 On signal changed base course to 038^o T (PGC). 11127 Took departure with Makapu Point Light abeam to port, bearing 308^o T (PGC), distance 7.1 miles. 1130 Passed U.S.S. SABINE abeam to port.

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 65.4

F. R. Hoeppner, Lt., USNR.

12 - 16

Steaming as before, on course 038^o T (PGC), at speed 20 knots (240 RPM), zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 17. 1235 Changed course to 057^o T (PGC). 1256 Sighted merchantman bearing 046^o T (PGC), distance 21 miles. 1400 Set all clocks ahead one half (½) hour to +9 time zone.

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 121

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

16 - 18

Steaming as before, on base course 057^o T (PGC), at speed 20 knots (240 RPM), zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 17.

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 120

Henry Bress, Lt.(jg), USN

18 - 20

Steaming as before, on base course 057^o T (PGC), at speed 20 knots (240 RPM), zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 17. 1825 Went to General quarters for "Dusk Alert". 1904 Secured from General Quarters, set Condition of Readiness III and Material Condition "B". 1915 Ceased zig-zagging and resumed base course 057^o T (PGC).

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 121

M. F. Yerger, Lt.(jg), USN.

20 - 24

Steaming as before, on course 057^o T (PGC), at speed 20.8 knots (240 RPM).

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 120

S. E. Cartmell, Lt.Cdr., USNR.

December 30, 1943

Position	0800	1200	2000
Lat.	14^o 24' 3" N	15^o 42' 0" N	18^o 02' 0" N
Long.	159^o 24' 0" W	159^o 01' 0" W	158^o 31' 8" W

00 - 04

Steaming in company with U.S.S. BOYD. Captain R. P. Briscoe, in U.S.S. DENVER is OTC. U.S.S. BOYD is 4,000 yards ahead. Ship is darkened, in Condition of Readiness III and Material Condition "B". Boilers No. 1 & 2 in use. Course 057^o T (PGC), at 20 knots (240 RPM).

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 119.9

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

04 - 08

Steaming as before, on course 057^o T (PGC), at speed 20 knots (240 RPM). 0418 Commenced blowing tubes on Boilers No. 1 & 2; completed at 0423. 0626 Slowed to 17.4 knots (180 RPM). 0629 Slowed to 14.5 knots (170 RPM). 0634 Went to 15.3 knots (180 RPM). 0637 Went to 16.5 knots (200 RPM). 0638 Went to 20 knots (240 RPM). 0705 Commenced zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 17. 0748 Ceased zig-zagging and remained on base course 052^o T (PGC). 0751 Changed course to 061^o T (PGC). 0759 Shifted steering units to No. 1 unit, port cable.

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 118.9

Henry Bress, Lt.(jg), USN.

08 - 12

Proceeding to United States in accordance with directives of Commander Third Fleet, under routing instructions of commander Hawaiian Sea Frontier. Steaming as before, on course 061^o T (PGC), at speed 20 knots (240 RPM). 0800 Resumed zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 17. Made daily inspection of magazines and smokeless powder samples; conditions normal.

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 119

M. F. Yerger, Lt.(jg), USN.

12 - 16

Steaming as before, on course 061^o T (PGC), at speed 20.5 knots (240 RPM), zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 17.

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 120.2

S. E. Cartmell, Lt.Cdr., USNR.

16 - 18

Steaming as before, on course 061^o T (PGC), at speed 20.5 knots (240 RPM), zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 17.

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 119

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

18 - 20

Steaming as before, on course 061^o T (PGC), at speed 20 knots (240 RPM), zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 17. 1815 Went to General Quarters for "Dusk Alert". 1849 Secured from General Quarters, set Condition of Readiness III and Material Condition "B". 1900 Ceased zig-zagging and resumed base course 061^o T (PGC). 1933 U.S.S. BOYD reported "apple gadget" bearing 004^o T (PGC), distance 12 miles.

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 120

Henry Bress, Lt.(jg), USN>

20 -24

Steaming as before, on course 061^o T (PGC), at speed 20 knots (240 RPM).

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 120

M. F. Yerger, Lt.(jg), USN.

Friday, December 31, 1943

Position	0800	1200	2000
Lat.	29^o 10' N	29^o 46.5' N	31^o 00' N
Long.	143^o 41' W	142^o 10.9' W	139^o 36.9' W

00 - 04

Proceeding to United States in accordance with directives of Commander Third Fleet, under routing instructions of commander Hawaiian Sea Frontier. Steaming in company with U.S.S. BOYD. Captain R. P. Briscoe in U.S.S. DENVER is OTC, with U.S.S. BOYD is 4,000 yards ahead. Ship is darkened, in Material Condition "B" and Readiness Condition III. Boilers No. 1 & 2 in use. Course 061^o T (PGC), at 21 knots (240 RPM). 0220 Plane contact by radar bearing 070^o T (PGC), distance 7 miles showing IFF.

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 120.3

S. E. Cartmell, Lt.Cdr., USNR.

04 - 08

Steaming as before, on course 061^o T (PGC), at speed 21 knots (240 RPM). 0651 Commenced zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 17. 0734 Changed course to 063^o T (PGC).

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 120.2

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

08 - 12

Steaming as before, on course 063^o T (PGC), at speed 21 knots (240 RPM), zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 17. 0809 Mustered crew at quarters, no absentees. Note: Made daily inspection of magazines and smokeless powder samples. Conditions normal.

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 119.8

Henry Bress, Lt.(jg), USN.

12 - 16

Steaming as before, on course 063^o T (PGC), at speed 21 knots (240 RPM), zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 17. 1400 Set all clocks ahead one (1) hour to Zone +8 time.

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 120.2

M. F. Yerger, Lt.(jg), USN.

16 - 18

Steaming as before, on course 063^o T (PGC), at speed 21 knots (240 RPM), zig-zagging in accordance with plan No. 17. 1645 Went to 23 knots (260 RPM). 1716 Ceased zig-zagging, resumed base course 063^o T (PGC). 1722 Shifted steering units to No. 2 unit port cable.

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 121.5

S. E. Cartmell, Lt.Cdr., USNR.

18 - 20

Steaming as before, on course 063^o T (PGC), at speed 23 knots (260 RPM). 2018 Commenced blowing tubes on Boilers No. 1, 2 & 3; completed at 2037. 2305 Entered fog, visibility 2500 yards.

Av. Steam 600

Av. RPM 130.7

Henry Bress, Lt.(jg), USN.

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USS DENVER CL 58

USS DENVER
CL 58