1945 Condensed Ship's Log

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JAN 1945

This ship in screening station until 0420, when plane guard station for pre-dawn launching was taken.

Fueled from MANATEE. Commenced high speed run toward Formosa to reach striking range by dawn.

Conducted air strikes on Formosa. 0728 Assumed duties of linking vessel between this TG and TG 38.2.

Continued making strikes on Formosa. In early morning rejoined screen from linking station.

Delivered replacement TG pilots to SHIPLEY BAY and KWAJALEIN CVE-98. Fueled from MARIAS.

During the day conducted carrier strikes on Luzon, Philippine Islands.

Conducting additional strikes on Luzon, Philippine Islands.

Joined fueling group in early morning. Fueled from MANATEE. HALSEY POWELL left TG and joined TG 38.2. Upon completion of fueling commenced high speed run toward Formosa.

Conducted air strikes on Formosa during the day. In the afternoon went to GQ as enemy aircraft were reported approaching. YORKTOWN conducted interception and shot down one DINAH. After dark commenced run through Bashi Channel into the China Sea to conduct strikes on French Indo-China.

Assumed duties of linking vessel during the day, leaving screen for that purpose.

Fueled from AUCILLA. Relinquished linking duties and rejoined screen after fueling. FLINT CL-97, LAWS DD-558 and CASSIN YOUNG left this TG for temporary duty in TG 38.2. Weather squally, sea rough.

During the day conducted air strikes on Saigon, Camranh Bay and Cape St Jacques, French Indo-China, and on coastal shipping. FLINT, LAWS and CASSIN YOUNG rejoined TG. Weather rainy, sea rough.

Tankers fueled as many ships as could be handled in the heavy seas. Fueled from NECHES. The tankers took station inside the formation in order to continue fueling on the next day. Weather squally, sea very rough.

NOTE: From CASSIN YOUNG DD-793 LOG. Heavy seas and high winds now made fueling difficult. The CASSIN YOUNG went alongside the ESSEX for fuel at 1218, but after several unsuccessful attempts in the course in which three men were injured, cleared the ESSEX and proceeded to the standby station astern of the NECHES. At 1443 rescued from the water Hickey, GE MoMM2 of the GATLING, and at 1516 went alongside the NECHES for fuel. No mention of man overboard in GATLING log.

Resumed fueling at daybreak. In afternoon this ship topped off from NECHAS. Assumed linking duty in afternoon. Commenced northeasterly run for strikes on Hainan. Weather squally, sea rough.

1040, TICONDEROGA patrols shot down one enemy aircraft 35 miles west of formation. Conducted sweeps and strikes on Hainan and Formosa. This ship continued in linking duty. Weather squally, sea rough.

Conducted strikes and air searches throughout the day. This ship was relieved of linking duties at 2100 by the CASSIN YOUNG. Resumed screening station. Weather overcast, sea rough.

Tankers fueled as many ships as possible. Fueled from PAMANSET. Resumed linking duties. Tankers remained within the formation in order to expedite fueling in the morning. Weather squally, sea rough.

Fueling was not resumed because of extremely bad weather conditions. Continued linking duties. Weather stormy, sea very rough.

Resumed fueling operations at dawn. Upon being relieved of linking duties, fueled from NORTH CAROLINA. Tankers left formation, course set for position from which to conduct searches and strikes on Hong Kong and Hainan area. Weather clear, sea moderate.

Conducting air searches during the day. Toward evening made contact with enemy planes enroute from Formosa to Luzon. Some firing was observed from this and other TGs. Several planes were intercepted and shot down by air patrols. At 1937 entered Balantang Channel and at 2145 entered the Philippine Sea.

Conducted air strikes on Formosa. Assumed linking duties in early morning, but was relieved by the HEALY at 1125 to fuel from NORTH CAROLINA. While alongside NORTH CAROLINA at 1207, enemy aircraft attacked this formation, scoring two bomb hits on LANGLEY, without serious results, however. Another enemy plane crashed dived on TICONDEROGA, causing large fires in hanger deck. Ceased fueling went to GQ and formed cruising disposition 5 Victor. This group commenced emergency maneuvers to avoid enemy aircraft and to remain in the vicinity of TICONDEROGA. 1251 An enemy plane was shot down by ships north of formation. 1258 A second plane crashed dived on TICONDEROGA. Fires were soon under control, and rejoined the formation shortly thereafter. 1319, SAN JACINTO reported men in water close aboard. This ship proceeded to investigate and rescued LT Patrick Fleming and FL Tegeler, S1c, both in good condition. Also recovered the body of CB Culvahouse S2c, and that of a dead Japanese pilot. Removed all possible intelligence material before burial. Rejoined formation at 1345. Throughout the afternoon enemy aircraft were occasionally reported in the vicinity, but none closed this TG. At 2100 TG 30.3 was formed consisting to TICONDEROGA, BILOXI, FLINT, COGSWELL, HALSEY POWELL and MADDOX DD-620 for return to Ulithi.

During the day conducted air strikes on Okinawa Jima and adjacent islands, commencing high speed retirement after dark. Occasionally enemy aircraft were reported in vicinity but no attacks materialized. Held burial services for CB Culvahouse S2. Assumed linking duties in morning after topping off from WASHINGTON.

In early morning rendezvoused with fueling group. Transferred TICONDEROGA personnel to LANGLEY for return to Ulithi. Secured from linking duty and resumed station in screen. At 1234 fueled from CACHE. HANCOCK, NEW JERSEY and LANGLEY escorted by DesRon 52 departed for Ulithi.

0700, BatDiv 6, CruDiv 13, BILOXI and DesRon 55 left this formation to join TF 34 for exercise purposes while enroute to port.

In the morning held 5"/38 and machine gun battery exercises utilizing two tow planes.

Entered port at 0716, after screening entry of heavy ships. Fueled from SEPULGA in Berth 17 and proceeded to Southern Anchorage and anchored in Berth 328. At 1415, CK BRONSON moored alongside. At 1600 reported to Com5thFlt for duty.

At 1240, heaved in anchor to short stay preparation for shifting anchor to CK BRONSON prior to getting underway. During this operation, this ship's anchor dragged, the nest moving astern approximately 300 yards, fouling the nest of COTTEN and CAPERTON. With the assistance of the INGERSOLL and two yard tugs, both ships got clear with only minor damage. Upon getting clear, moored to HEALY in nest with DORTCH, MERTZ DD-691, NORMAN SCOTT DD-690 and DIXIE AD-14 in Berth 320.

0730 Underway and anchored in Berth 331.

FEB 1945

Got underway with other ships of DesDiv 99 at 0634. During the day calibrated fire control and search radars, fired offset practice at target towed by ZANE DD-377, fired 77 rounds of 5"/38 battery and machine guns at towed sleeve, and conducted various emergency drills and ship handling exercises. After dark conducted simulated torpedo attacks and illuminated with 5 star shells.

Entered Ulithi at 0733 and fueled from ANTONA. Replenished ammo from MAZAMA. Proceeded to Southern Anchorage and moored to CK BRONSON in Berth 328.

0820 Underway after topping off CK BRONSON. Fueled from SEPUGLA in Northern Anchorage. Returned to Southern Anchorage and CK BRONSON in Berth 328. During mooring, BRONSON's anchor fouled this ship, causing damage to forward davit and bulwark. 1430 Underway, moored to DIXIE in Berth 320.

0720 Underway in TG 58.4 with YORKTOWN, RANDOLPH CV-15, LANGLEY, CABOT CVL-28, WASHINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA, SANTA FE, BILOXI, SAN DIEGO CL-53, DesRon 60 and DesDiv 99. DesRon 60 formed screen on carriers and DesDiv 99 formed screen on heavy ships. Two groups proceeding independently for gunnery practice. During the morning the heavy ships fired off-set practice at towed sled. 1325 Commenced firing AA practice at towed sleeves. Tow plane provided a variety of practice run exercises till 1450. At 1533, carriers and heavies rendezvoused. 1920 DesRon 47 less HEERMAN joined TG.

Throughout the day formed a scouting line consisting of pairs of DD's 8 miles apart. Conducted fighter direction and fade chart calibration exercises.

In early morning heavy units of TG 58.4 escorted by DesRon 47 left formation to conduct exercises in TG 58.9, rejoining before noon. In afternoon rendezvoused with fueling unit. Fueled from NORTH CAROLINA. MOALE DD-693 and HEERMAN DD-532 joined this formation. Tankers unable to complete fueling remained within screen during the night.

In the morning continued fueling, fueled from MANATEE. Tanker group cleared about noon.

Topped off from NORTH CAROLINA at 0700. With DesDiv 99, took stations on scouting line 30 miles ahead of TF 58 during high speed approach on Tokyo area. Arrived on station at 1243, this ship and CK BRONSON occupied extreme right hand scouting line.

At 0945 rejoined TG 58.4, taking normal screening station. During the evening BARTON DD-722 and INGRAHAM DD-694 collided and BARTON forced to leave formation because of damage to her bow.

BARTON and INGRAHAM ordered to proceed to port for repairs. In late afternoon commenced retirement from Tokyo Strike Area. DesDiv 99 formed scouting line 20 miles ahead of TF 58 in order to intercept and destroy enemy surface pickets.

0235 This ship made radar contact with a surface vessel. 0305 Opened fire on apparent ASW vessel firing 149 rounds from 5" battery. Observed several hits and fires on board target. 0425 Closed to automatic weapons range and illuminated with signal searchlight, observed target in a sinking condition. In the meantime CK BRONSON and DORTCH contacted another enemy craft, took it under fire and left it in a sinking condition. In afternoon fueled from WASHINGTON, left formation with other DesDiv 99 to screen INDIANAPOLIS, WASHINGTON, SANTA FE and BILOXI enroute to Iwo Jima in order to provide fire support to landings.

Made landfall on Iwo Jima in early morning and at sunrise units in company were released to proceed to fire support stations. DesDiv 99 reported to DesRon 63 to screening stations in transport area south of island. In late afternoon screened retirement of heavy fire support ships.

20-21

On screening stations off Iwo Jima during the day and part of night retirement group.

Screening off Iwo Jima, in support of amphibious landings. In late afternoon formed TG 58.12 composed of INDIANAPOLIS, SANTA FE, BILOXI, WASHINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA, CruDiv 17, DesDiv 99 and 106.

0600 Made contact with TF 58 and at 0605 units released to rejoin their individual Task Groups, this ship with DesDiv 99 escorting SANTA FE, BILOXI, WASHINGTON and NORTH CAROLINA to join TG 58.4. At 0800 rendezvoused with tanker group. Fueled from WASHINGTON.

Fueled from RANDOLPH CV-15. Set course for high speed run into Tokyo launching area.

Conducted strikes on Tokyo area throughout the day, but operations hampered by weather, which was overcast and misty and the sea being rough.

Commenced retirement from strike area at noon, the weather remaining overcast and strikes impossible. Sea rough but moderating during the day.

Rendezvoused with tankers in AM, fueled from CHICOPEE. TG 38.4 set course for Ulithi, Western Carolines. DesDiv 99 joined TG 58.3 at sunset and took screening station. Ships in company include ESSEX, BUNKER HILL CV-17, COWPENS CVL-25, NEW JERSEY, SOUTH DAKOTA, CruDiv 17, DesRon 62 and DesDiv 106.

Fueled all DD's in early morning, this ship topping off from BUNKER HILL, commenced high speed run to launching area off Okinawa Jima.

MAR 1945

0603 DesDiv 99 left to act as radar pickets and lifeguards during strike on Okinawa Jima. 0900 Arrived on station with Okinawa Jima visible to the northwest. Rejoined TG at 1839, commenced retirement from strike area at 1939.

During the day fueled from SOUTH DAKOTA.

Fueled from CHICKASKIA, at 1048 DesDiv 99 departed TF 58, set course for Iwo Jima.

1536 Made landfall on Iwo Jima. 1735 Took patrolling station in anti-submarine screen.

0452 Left screening station C35 and relieved STEMBEL DD-644 in Radar Picket Station #2, with reference point Hot Rocks, Suribachi Yama, distant 14.5 miles.

In early morning, left station to reprovision, then relieved COTTEN in Fire Support Sector #5, working with shore fire control party and air spotters. In evening and throughout the night illuminated target area as directed by shore observers. Fired 88 rounds of 5"/38 star shells.

At dawn left illumination station and proceeded to fire support sector #5. Was relieved by BRYANT DD-665 at 1030, proceeded to transport area to receive ammo from NEVADA BB-36, but heavy swells made it impossible and received ammo by lighter. Then fueled from CACHE and took radar picket station #4, with Mount Suribachi distant 16.4 miles.

At 0805 left station and proceeded to fire support sector #1, relieving HEALY at 0905. At 0950 commenced firing call fire as directed by shore observer and air spotter. Continued firing throughout the day and after dark commenced illuminating with star shells; call fire at specific targets was continued during the night because of unusual Japanese activity and rocket fire from areas 202 and 219.

At 0845 secured from fire support duty, expended 826 rounds of 5"/38 AA common and 44 star shells. Proceeded to transport area to pick up ammo, but again heavy swells made it impossible and received ammo by lighter. Proceeded to screening station Item 8.

Left station in early morning and proceeded to radar picket station #2. At 1005 left station and went to anti-submarine screening station #1. At 1200 proceeded to transport area to load ammo, then returned to radar picket station #2.

0535 Proceeded to screening station Oboe 6. 1145 Proceeded to fire support sector #4. 1205 commenced firing at shore targets as directed by shore observers. After dark shifted to illumination firing and continued until 2311, when relieved by COTTEN. Expended 194 rounds of 5"/38 AA common and 71 star shells. Proceeded to station #2.

1120 Left station and fueled from CACHE, proceeded to transport area to take on ammo. At 1610 proceeded to station Oboe 7 and at 1735 proceeded to radar picket station #2.

In early morning left station and proceeded to transport area off Black Peach. At 0820 picked up shore fire control observers and proceeded to fire support sector #4. Relieved COTTEN on station at 0900 and at 0919 commenced firing 40MM and 5"/38 into target area #20 as directed. Continued firing throughout the day, retiring at night to fire star shells as requested by shore parties.

Firing, call fire, into target area #250 by day and illuminating area at night.

0655 CK BRONSON relieved this ship on station. Proceeded to transport area and fueled from CACHE, transferring shore observers to tanker. In all expended 228 rounds of 5"/38 AA common, 39 rounds 5"/38 WP and 158 rounds 5"/38 star shells. Proceeded to radar picket station #1 relieving HEALY.

16-18

Steaming as before in radar picket station #1.

0635 COTTEN relieved ship on station. Proceeded to transport area and fueled from COSSATOT. While going alongside tanker at 1006, suffered 6" hole in outside plating at junction of main deck, frame 12, port side, as bow was caught by wind. Both ships were rolling heavily in beam sea. Upon completion of fueling, provisioned by LANDER, and then returned to radar picket station #1.

At 1620 received word of downed B-29 to northward. Proceeded at 25 knots and made radio contact with rescue plane at scene of crash. At 2010 made visual contact with rescue plane and at 2042 went alongside two life rafts and picked up following personnel all in good condition: 1stLT WC Shipp. 2ndLts Dan LaFollette, NE Shaw, and WF Smith, Sgts E Fairweather, L Molnar, J Munson, WT Tufts and F Saunders. At 2102 set course and speed of 15 knots to return to Iwo Jima.

0300 Made landfall. 0651 Entered transport area. Transferred Army personnel to lighter and proceeded to radar picket station #2. In afternoon returned to transport area and fueled from COSSATOT, returning to station on completion.

In evening proceeded to fire support sector #6 and provided star shell illumination throughout the night as directed, expending 71 rounds of 5"/38 star shells.

At 0810 having been directed to leave fire support area, relieved McCALL DD-400 in station Oboe 7. In mid-afternoon proceeded to radar picket station #2.

Left station temporarily in morning to fuel from COSSATOT.

25-26

Steaming as before.

Left station in morning to fuel from COSSATOT and again in late afternoon to provide illumination from fire support sector #6. Illuminated target area #250 as directed, firing a total 27 rounds of 5"/38 star shells.

Returned to radar picket station #2 in morning.

At 1100 left radar picket station #2 and proceeded to vicinity of Point Tobiishi, Suribachi Yama, and joined TU 51.29.11 composed of ALDERAMIN, ZAURAK, CALENO and ALKAID. This ship along with CK BRONSON and DORTCH formed screen on the AK's. Set course for Guam at 11 knots.

APR 1945

1900 Entered Apra Harbor, Guam Island and moored to MEACMAN in nest with MANILENO in Berth 18. Fueled from MANILENO.

In morning shifted berths and moored to SS MICHAEL PURIN in Berth 5. At 1600, underway with CK BRONSON for Eniwetok.

In afternoon went to GQ for test firing of automatic weapons.

At 1855 sighted truck lights and search lights in Eniwetok Atoll, Marshall Islands, distance 17 miles. Set course for Pearl Harbor, T.H.

(East Longitude Date) At 2335 crossed the International Dateline.

(West Longitude Date) Changed date to conform to time zone in use, plus 12.

1035 Made landfall on Oahu, Hawaiian Islands. Established radio contact with tow plane for gunnery exercise during 1115-1416 GQ. Expended 128 rounds of Mk 18 5"/38 ammo. Entered Pearl Harbor channel at 1624. Moored to Buoys fore and aft in Berth D-2 at 1726. YO-30 moored alongside for fueling.

0010 Fueling completed and YO-30 cast off. At 0900 CK BRONSON moored alongside.

1243 This vessel in company with CK BRONSON got underway for San Francisco, CA. Conducted gunnery exercise during 1445-1628 GQ. Expended 91 rounds of 5"/38 ammo.

At 1030 observed five minutes of silence for Franklin D. Roosevelt, late President.

0723 Passed Farallon Islands, entered channel for San Francisco. 0904 Passed through the Golden Gate, first US port since 22 Dec 1943. After taking Mare Island consultants on board, proceeded to Mare Island Ammunition Depot, where the ship docked for the night. All ammo, except torpedoes, was unloaded. Shifted berths to the Mare Island Navy Yard, Vallejo, CA and commenced a major overhaul for approximately forty days. Other units of DesDiv 99 also undergoing ward overhaul.

MAY 1945

JUN 1945

0700 Underway to Berth 34, Naval Ammunition Depot, Mare Island, CA to load ammo.

0745 Underway to degaussing range off San Rafael Point, anchored off California Point for measurement of axial intensity of underwater sound beam. At 1415 proceed to San Francisco, CA and moored to Pier 54.

0840 Underway for calibration of magnetic compass. 1115 Lost vacuum on starboard engine due to jammed main condenser. Anchored in Berth 9 to attempt repairs. 1310 Proceeded to Berth 49, Hunter's Point, CA and moored to PENNSYLVANIA BB-38. Calibrated radars and shifted to Berth 51, Hunters Point, CA.

0816 Underway to Berth 16, Mare Island Navy Yard for repairs to starboard main condenser.

0735 Underway assisted by tugs, entered drydock #3, Mare Island Navy Yard. 1800 Repairs made, ship was floated clear of keel blocks, at 1905 tugs moved ship to Berth 16.

0556 Underway for full power run. 0755 Passed through submarine nets in San Francisco Bay. By 1008 making 380 RPM and maintained until 1215 at which time RPM's were increased to 405. The full power run completed at 1408. Average for four hours was 390.9 RPM. All guns were successfully test fired. Three depth charges dropped at 15 knots for structural tests, conditions satisfactory. Returned to Berth 16.

0827 Underway for San Diego, CA.

0748 Passed San Clemente Island. 1220 Entered San Diego Bay and moored to IZARD DD-589, at Buoys 8 and 8A. San Diego Shakedown Group came aboard and inspected ship and personnel. IZARD underway at 1530. At 1720 LOFBERG DD-759 moored alongside. At 1922 underway to Destroyer Repair Base San Diego for repairs to computer. Moored to IZARD at Pier 3.

1630 IZARD underway and this ship moored to the dock.

0616 Underway to conduct ASW exercises with GREENWICH BAY and submarine TAUTOG.

Conducting ASW exercises, COTTEN joined at 0945. Completed exercises at 1630 and took aboard West Coast Sound School personnel from GREENWICH BAY and PCE-903. 2115 Moored to LOFBERG in nest with F.T. BERRY DD-858 at Buoys 8 and 8A.

0630 Underway with CK BRONSON, and at 0830 rendezvoused with IZARD and LAMBERTSON DD-119, the latter having a surface target in tow. Conducted surface gunnery exercises, expended 118 rounds of 5"/38. During the evening conducted gunnery and illumination exercises.

In early morning conducted torpedo firing exercises. At 1343 a torpedo fired by this ship struck the IZARD amidships and the torpedo's practice head was knocked off, causing it to run erratically. Torpedo was recovered at 1409. At 1555 fired a torpedo and had a cold run and sank. it was discovered that the tripping latch in torpedo tube was tied back, thus causing torpedo to run cold. At 1705 entered San Diego Bay and moored to Buoy 46 at 1755.

0630 Underway. Rendezvoused with COTTEN and LAMBERTSON DD-119, latter with sled in tow at 0813. Conducted surface gunnery exercises until 1348. Tow plane made runs for AA machine gun practice during 1615-1733. Fleet Air Detachment planes made simulated strafing, torpedo and dive bombing runs on this ship 1733 and again at 2200.

Bad weather canceled morning AA schedule. 1328 Rendezvoused with two Aircraft Rescue Launches with TDD-1 drones. 1417 Completed automatic weapons exercises, shot down both drones. Conducted simulated shore bombardment at San Clemente Island. 1930 Rendezvoused with DORTCH and YMS-416 (with surface target), conducted night gunnery exercises until 2215, expended 30 rounds of 5"/38 ammo.

At 1000 rendezvoused with COTTEN in Pyramid Cove, Sam Clemete Island and throughout the day and night conducted shore bombardment exercises, expended 105 rounds of 5"/38 ammo and 25 star shells.

JUL 1945

Conducted shore bombardment exercises 0830-1144, expended 109 rounds of 5"/38 ammo. Set course for San Diego, CA and passed thru the submarine nets at 1440. Moored to DM WOLFE in Berth 7.

0748 Underway with inspection party, held battle problem, returned to port at 1030. Moored to DM WOLFE in Berth 7. Underway in afternoon to fuel at LaPlaya Fuel Dock, upon completion moored to Buoy 23.

1000 Underway with CK BRONSON enroute to Pearl Harbor, Oahu, T.H. Passed through the submarine nets at 1046 and cleared swept channel 1115. Enroute held various exercises in ship-handling and AA.

0630 Made landfall on the island of Oahu, T.H. Rendezvoused with Utility Wing aircraft, conducted gunnery exercises during 0645-0900 GQ, expended 177 rounds of 5"/38 ammo. 0915 Entered swept channel. 1135 Moored port side to CK BRONSON in Berth D-2, Middle Loch, Pearl Harbor, Oahu, T.H.

0625 Underway with torpedo students aboard and throughout the morning held local control torpedo exercises. Entered port at 1133 and moored to HOBBY DD-610 in Berth D-1.

Underway at 0715 with gunnery students aboard. Fired illumination exercises during the morning, expended 336 rounds of 5"/38 star shells. Returned to port 1415 moored to COTTEN in Berth X-22.

0645 Underway with gunnery students aboard, conducted 5"/38 gunnery exercises, expended 175 rounds. 1745 Moored to JOHN R PIERCE DD-753 in nest with HOPEWELL DD-681 in Berth D-1.

0656 Underway with students for local control tracking exercises. 1440 Moored to DORTCH Berth X-22.

0651 Underway with gunnery students for local control firing exercises, expending 242 rounds of 5"/38 AA common. At 1300 rendezvoused with aircraft and held shore bombardment exercises using an airborne radar beacon for target designation. Moored to ROSS DD-563 in Berth X-22 in nest with HEALY and DORTCH.

0600 Underway with DORTCH and HEALY. At 0854 commenced radar calibration firing at target towed by TREVER DD-399, until 1252. Held AA firing exercises with tow planes at 1415 and 2000, expending 158 rounds of 5"/38 ammo.

During the morning held air search radar fade chart calibration exercises. At 1200 rendezvoused with ROSS, throughout the afternoon and early evening fired shore bombardment practices under direction of shore fire control parties. As part of exercise used air-borne radar beacon for target designation. Most successful, maximum error on any opening salvo being no more than 150 yards and in most cases less than 100 yards.

Resumed shore bombardment exercises at dawn, completing at 1014. Expended 218 rounds of 5"/38 ammo and 18 star shells. During afternoon rendezvoused with aircraft and fired AA practice, expending 94 rounds of 5"/38 AA common. At dusk rendezvoused with BOYLE DD-600, ORDRONAUX DD-617 and CHAMPLIN DD-601 for night cruising exercises.

At dawn parted company with BOYLE, ORDRONAUX and CHAMPLIN proceeded to rendezvous with tow planes for AA firing, after which conducted drone firing, expending 56 rounds of 5"/38 ammo. Completed gunnery exercises and at 1542 entered Pearl Harbor. Moored to Berth X-22 in nest with SEDERSTINE, DORTCH and HEALY.

0710 Underway with SARATOGA CV-3 and HEALY. At 1030 held AA gunnery exercises, expending 9 rounds of 5"/38 ammo. Air ops held the throughout the next several days.

0900 Entered Pearl Harbor, moored to YARNALL DD-541 in Berth X-22 in nest with HEALY and DORTCH.

0700 Underway with gunnery students for gunnery and star shell illumination practice, expended 204 rounds of 5"/38 AA common and 136 star shells. 1530 Entered port, moored to DORTCH in Berth X-22, Middle Loch, Pearl Harbor, Oahu, T.H. in nest with HEALY.

AUG 1945

In nest with DORTCH, HEALY, FRANKS DD-554, and HALSEY POWELL. 0600 HALSEY POWELL underway. 1030 Held quarters for presentation of 14 Bronze Stars and 4 Navy and Marine Corps Medals to 18 officers and men of this vessel for their meritorious achievement during rescue of survivors from the USS PRINCETON (CVL-23) in October 1944. RADM WHP Blandy, COMDESPAC, made the awards.

0630 Underway with TU 12.5.6 consisting of NEW JERSEY, DesDiv 99 less COTTEN, and set course for Wake Island. Fired AA gunnery exercises at towed sleeves in morning and afternoon, expended 254 rounds of 5"/38 AA common. At 1400 BILOXI joined TU.

1400 Held GQ for aircraft tracking drill.

Fueled from NEW JERSEY, delivered mail to BILOXI and HEALY. 1835 HEALY left formation to take station ahead in preparation for tracking exercises.

0430 HEALY rejoined screen after completing simulated torpedo attack on formation. 0933 Crossed the International Date Line.

AA gunnery exercises were held during the forenoon.

Missing.

During the day NEW JERSEY and BILOXI bombarded Wake Island, NEW JERSEY Tahi Point and BILOXI Kuku Point. During the bombardment, GATLING and HEALY screened NEW JERSEY and CK BRONSON and DORTCH screened BILOXI. Some return fire was experienced from Japanese shore batteries, one salvo from a battery, apparently five or six inch, on Heel Point, landing about one hundred yards short of NEW JERSEY. Spotting planes reported AA fire light and inaccurate. 1415 Ceased bombardment BILOXI, DORTCH and HEALY rejoined and course for Eniwetok. At 1930 BILOXI detached from TU to proceed independently.

1315 Went to GQ for drone firing, expended 200 rounds of 5"/38 AA common. HEALY shot down the one drone on the last run. 1720 Entered Eniwetok Atoll, Marshall Islands. Fueled from YO-160 1732-2020 at Berth 373. Anchored in Berth 372 for the night.

0657 Underway. Moored to CK BRONSON, in nest with DORTCH, HEALY and S.S. WACO VICTORY in Berth 297. Loaded ammo and stores. 1352 Anchored at Berth 544. 1540 CK BRONSON moored alongside.

Formed TU 12.1.1 consisting of NEW JERSEY and DesDiv 99. 1030 CK BRONSON underway, 1038 Underway. Test fired 5"/38 ammo expending 25 rounds during 1445-1520 GQ.

1200 Entered Apra Harbor, Guam Island. 1236 Moored to Buoy 305 and joined in the nest by other ships of DesDiv 99. TU 12.1.1 dissolved.

The AYLWIN DD-355, DALE DD-353, and MacDONOUGH DD-351 entered the nest 1255 to 1340.

At 0900 it was officially announced that the Imperial Japanese Government had accepted the surrender terms of the Potsdam Conference. Celebration of the war's end was limited to shouting, blowing of whistles and sirens, and display of flag hoists. 1557 Underway, commenced patrolling off the channel entrance. 1735 Formed TU 12.1.2 and underway with GRIMES, MERIWEATHER, MELLETTE, LANIER, BRAXTON, WAUKESHA, and DesDiv 99 less HEALY and DORTCH. Set course for Lat 31d N., Long 143d E.

16-17

Steaming as before.

1750 Rendezvoused and joined TU 30.8.1.

0709 CK BRONSON, COTTEN and GATLING were detached from TU 30.8.1, fueled from MANATEE, joined TG 38.3 composed of units of British and US Pacific fleet. Healy and DORTCH proceeded to Iwo Jima for 3rd fleet mail and freight. For the first time in nearly six months this ship is operating with a carrier TG. During this time the Fleet has grown tremendously. The carrier groups have new ships, new cruising instructions and new communications procedures. The sea in every direction is alive with ships, and in spite of our 15 months of continuous operation with TFs 58 and 38 prior to our return to the States, we have a feeling of entering an entirely new world, almost a new Navy.

Fueled from MERRIMAC. All day 3rd Flt units engaged in replenishment operations.

0430 DesRon 60 plus BULLARD DD-660 left formation. Fueled from MANATEE. Received mail from PASADENA CL-65, completed mail delivery to other ships at 0807. Replenishment operations continued.

Replenishment operations continued. Held drills during GQ in the afternoon.

0720 Proceeded to DULUTH CL-87 where we took aboard 500 sacks of mail plus light freight for delivery to various ships. Completed mail delivery 1150 and returned to screening position. 1415 formed TG 35.1 consisting of SOUTH DAKOTA BB-57, COWPENS, CruDiv 17 less ASTORIA CA-34, CruDiv 10 plus ST PAUL CA-73, DesRon 50 less DORTCH plus CUSHING DD-376 and FRANK KNOX DD-742. This TG is to be a support force for the occupation of the Tokyo area after final surrender arrangements have been made.

Held AA gunnery exercises for automatic weapons in the morning. At 1450, picked up mail from DORTCH, thence proceeded to PASADENA for official mail, delivering to all units except INGERSOLL due to darkness.

Fueled from SOUTH DAKOTA in the morning and completed mail delivery. Resumed screening station at 1000.

Radio Washington pass to British Admiralty. Radio San Francisco pass to press associations plus Reuters. CincPacPAO press release number 215. Released as of 2200 GCT 25 August 1945 as follow:

Powerful forces of the US Pacific Fleet have been assembling in the waters off the coast of Japan for operations in connection with the forthcoming occupation of Japan. The Naval Forces scheduled to enter Japanese waters in the first stages of the Naval occupation of the Tokyo area of the enemy home islands are under the control of Admiral William F Halsey USN Commander US Third Fleet on his flagship Missouri. These forces and those in the immediate support groups include the following ships:

Battleships: IDAHO, MISSISSIPPI, NEW MEXICO, WEST VIRGINIA, COLORADO, MISSOURI, IOWA, SOUTH DAKOTA, WISCONSIN, ALABAMA, INDIANA, NORTH CAROLINA.

Aircraft Carriers: INTREPID, ANTIETAM, BENNINGTON, TICONDEROGA, YORKTOWN, SHANGRI LA, BON HOMME RICHARD, LEXINGTON, HANCOCK, MONTEREY, BATAAN, RANDOLPH, WASP, CABOT, COWPENS, INDEPENDENCE, BELLEAU WOODS.

Escort Aircraft Carriers: GILBERT ISLANDS, MAKIN ISLANDS, THETIS BAY, ROI, MUNDA HOLLANDIA.

Cruisers: QUINCY, CHICAGO, BOSTON, ST PAUL, VICKSBURG, DETROIT, PASADENA, SPRINGFIELD, WILKES BARRE, AMSTERDAM, ATLANTA, DAYTON, OKLAHOMA CITY, TOPEKA, DULUTH, OAKLAND, TUCSON, FLINT, SAN DIEGO, SAN JUAN.

Destroyers: TAYLOR, NICHOLAS, O'BANNON, BUCHANAN, LANSDOWNE, LARDNER, STEVENSON, GILLESPIE, KALK, STOCKTON, NICHOLSON, WILKES, WADSWORTH, TERRY, BRISTON, GATLING, HOPEWELL, ROSS, YARNELL, C K BRONSON, COTTEN, HEALY, HALSEY POWELL, DUNCAN, ROGERS, BARTON, WALKE, O'BRIEN, LOWERY, ALLEN W SUMNER, R K HUNTINGTON, MILES C FOX, HAWKINS, CHEVALIER, PERKINS, O'FRANKS, THORN, DORTCH, INGRAHAM, TWINING, STOCKHAM, WEDDERBURN, SOUTHERLAND, FRANK KNOX, CUSHING, COLAHAN, UHLMAN, BENHAM, JOHN RODGERS, HARRISON, McKEE, MURRAY, RINGGOLD, ENGLISH, C S SPERRY, AULT, WALDRON, J W WEEKS, WALLACE, LIND, ERBEN, WALKER, HALE, BLACK, BULLARD, CHAUNCER, BENNER, ROWE, SMALLEY, STODDARD, WATTS, WREN, De HAVEN, MANSFIELD, LYMAN, K SWENSON COLLET, MADDOS, BLUE, BRUSH, TAUSSIG, SAMUEL N MOORE, SIGSBEE, NORMAN SCOTT, WADLEIGH, HEERMANN, CAPERTON, COGSWELL, INGERSOLL and KNAPP.

Destroyer Escorts: BANGUST, JOSEPH E CONNOLLY, CROWLEY, DEEDE, WILLIAM C MILLER, DONALDSON, WATERMAN, MITCHELL, DIONE, LeROY WILSON, GRISWOLD, LYMAN, WEAVER, REYNOLDS, CANFIELD, WILMARTH, WAKE, GILBERT KYNE, LAMON, ELDON, CARLSON, McCLELLAND.

Auxiliaries and Amphibious Craft: ANKERS, TALUGA, ASTABULA, CACAPON, NANTAHALA, CHIPOLA, SABINE, PATUXENT, CALIENTE, HOUSATONIC, KENNEBAGO, CACHE, PAMANSET, KASKASKAI, TAPPAHANNOCK, ESCALANTE, NESHANIC, CIMMARRON, NEOSHO, KANKAKEE, MARIAS, PLATTE, NECHES, CHICKASKIA, SCHUYLKILL, TOMAHAWK, MERRIMACK, MASCOMA, LACKAWANNA, ESCABIA, CHICOPE, MANATEE, CANEY, ATRASCOSA, SEBEC and TAMALPAIS.

Fast Transports: BARR, SIMS, REEVES, PAVLIC, HA BAS, WANTUCK, GOSSELIN, W J PATTON and BEGOR.

Transports: GARRARD, MEREWETHER, LANER, MELLETTE, BRAXTON and GRIMES.

Cargo Ships: ALCYONE, CHUBAN and WAUKESHA.

Ammunition ships: LASSEN, SHASTA, MAUNA LOA, WRANGELL, VESUVIUS, MAZAM, FIRE DRAKE and AKTUAN.

Fast Mine Sweepers: HOPKINS, ELLYSON, HAMBLETON, GHERADI, JEFFERS, MACOMB and FITCH.

Seaplane Tenders: CUMBERLAND SOUND, HAMLIN, GARDINERS BAY, SUISAN and MACKINAC.

Minesweepers: 6; Hospital Ships: 3; Fleet Tugs: 4; Minelayers: 2.

Destroyer Tender: PIEDMONT; Submarine Tender: Proteus

LSV: 2; Submarine Rescue: 1; Repair ship: 1; Repair ship (landing craft): 1;

Stores ship: 1; Misc Aux: 1; LSDs: 3; LSTs:: 5; LSMs: 12; LCSs: 32, LCIs: 10.

Units of the British Pacific Fleet now operating with Admiral Halsey's forces. Battleships: HMS DUKE of YORK and HMS KING GEORGE V. Aircraft Carrier: HMS INDEFATIBLE. Cruisers: HMS NEWFOUNDLAND and HMS GAMBIA. Destroyers: HMS WAGNER, HMS WHELP, HMS WAKEFUL, HMS TROUBRIDGE, HMS TERMAGENT, HMS TENACIOUS, HMS TERPSICHORE and HMS TEASER.

Detailed to deliver official mail from PASADENA to the destroyers present. Cleared PASADENA 1326 and returned to screening station at 1530, having delivered mail to nine ships and traveled approximately 25 miles around the entire perimeter of the task group.

Units of the THIRD Fleet and of the British Pacific Fleet entered Sagami Wan, Honshu Island, the first step in the occupation of Japan. The fleet was led by Admiral Halsey"s flagship, the MISSOURI BB-63, accompanied by HMS DUKE OF YORK, flagship of Admiral Sir Bruce Fraser, RN, and both American and British destroyers. The flagship group was met by a Japanese destroyer from which interpreters and pilots were transferred to the MISSOURI for the entrance to Sagami Wan. The flagship group was followed by other combatant ships, including five veterans of Pearl Harbor. Various vessels of all types continued to steam into the bay during the day. We went to GQ at 0930 and stayed in Condition 1E until after sunset. All precautions were taken to insure against treacherous acts by the Japanese, but no untoward incidents were reported. When well inside the bay, COWPENS and DesDiv 99 were detached to form TG 35.1.6, which conducted flight operations to westward of the channel during the afternoon. Flight operations were completed at 1752, at which time COWPENS proceeded to the anchorage area and the DD's proceeded to various picket stations. GATLING was assigned picket station 8, which is a patrol line 10 miles long, bearing 218d T (pgc) from a point about a mile and a half south of the town of Oiso. At 1819 commenced patrolling station so as to pass through the northeastern end of the patrol line on each odd hour and through the other end on each even hour.

Patrolling as before. Went to GQ at 0445 and remained in condition 1E throughout the day, securing from GQ at 1915. During the morning we investigated small craft in the vicinity of Teruga Saki. The Japanese appeared to be harmless fisherman and were not disturbed, returning to the beach later of their own accord. Many Japanese were sighted along the beach during the day, many of them swimming in the surf and playing in the sand, apparently carefree and happy and indifferent to the foreign men-of-war lying at anchor and patrolling off shore. 0800 Fired automatic weapons at a floating mine, which sank without exploding. 0825 Sighted US Army Airborne troops landing at Atsugi airfield. 1700 Left picket station and fueled from NECHES. Upon completion of fueling proceeded to picket station #5, where we commenced patrolling station.

Patrolling as before. 0820 The Japanese submarine I-400 passed close aboard under the control of an American prize crew. Additional US Naval units arrived during the day, and the fleet flagship group proceeded up the channel to anchor in Tokyo Bay.

Patrolling as before.

General of the Army MacArthur arrived today, having flown from Manila in a transport plane named Bataan. Hundreds of transport planes have landed soldiers at Atsugi airfield near Tokyo in the last three days. Additional US and British Fleet units arrive daily and now that the mine fields have been charted and/or swept, there is a general movement of vessels from Sagami Wan into Tokyo Bay. The occupation is proceeding without incident, and the Japanese appear to be acting in good faith with full cooperation. 1015 Left picket station to rendezvous with the SEGUNDO and captured Japanese submarine I-401 at the entrance to the Tokyo Bay channel, from which we escorted them to the southern portion of area "ABLE" in Sagami Wan. At this point we were relieved by the O'BANNON DD-450, and proceeded to anchor for the night in Berth 122, about 1500 yards west of Eno Shima, Honshu Island, Japan. A modified Condition II-Mike watch set, with the soundmen, lookouts and torpedomen standing security watches.

SEP 1945

In the morning underway to fuel from the MASCOMA and returned to anchor in Berth 118.

0741 Underway to relieve CK BRONSON as Picket and Harbor Entrance Control Vessel.

GATLING left picket station at 0735 to join other ships in DesDiv 99 in anti-sub screen 55. The remaining in TF 35, CHICAGO CA-29, BOSTON CA-69, SPRINGFIELD CL-66, WILKES-BARRE CL-102, IDAHO and MISSISSIPPI BB-41 proceeded in column up the swept channel to Tokyo Bay to assigned anchorages. The burned and rusted superstructure of the Japanese battleship NAGATO was visible as we proceeded past Yokosuka Ko. GATLING anchored at 1215 in Berth C-4 Tokyo Bay.

Tokyo Bay at this time was crowded with all sizes and types of ships of the US and British Fleets from battleships and carriers down to little landing craft, a potent and visible reminder to the Japanese of the naval might which contributed so much to their defeat.

Since no liberty or recreation was yet permitted ashore, our inspection of the shore had to be conducted through long glass and binoculars. At first glance there seemed to be little evidence, except for the NAGATO, of the damage reported by the Army Air Force and Naval Air Reconnaissance. The factory districts of Yokohama and Kawasaki appeared to be little damaged. One warehouse on the Yokohama water front had a sign "Three cheers for US Navy and Army" painted on its top story. An enterprising signalman counted 363 smokestacks visible from our bridge one morning. Later when we got ashore and saw the crushed and burned-out areas behind the waterfront, we realized how illusory was the view from the Bay.

04-05

Anchored as before.

Because the "Charlie" anchorage was so far from the berth which LST-648, the Fleet Post Office, was anchored, it was necessary for one DD, to act as mail messenger for the ships of TU. We were assigned this duty on the 6th, and got underway at 0600 to proceed to LST-648 for mail. We took advantage of the occasion to load dry stores from LESUTH and fueled from PATUXENT, returning to the anchorage at 1612.

08-09

Anchored as before. Shifted to Berth F-102 in the morning.

On this day GATLING took its first step toward demobilization. Ten men who had the point total required for discharge by AlNav 196, were transferred to the AMSTERDAM CL-101 for transportation to the US. An additional 25 were transferred to the AMSTERDAM, for all men who had served 25 months overseas, or 18 months continuously outside the continental US, and who in addition were entitled to wear at least 4 combat stars or 2 combat stars and a combat decoration, were to be returned to the US.

As was inevitable in complying with these directives, the ship lost many of its leading petty officers, Of the total of 35 men transferred, 18 were 1st and 2nd class PO's and 5 CPO's, three of whom were in the engineering dept. Only the fact that the strenuous demands of war cruising had ceased kept the loss of these men from being a serious blow to our operating efficiency.

Even so the standard of performance took a significant drop, particularly in the radio gang. Three PO's were transferred to the AMSTERDAM, leaving 3 men in each watch section. Since both the Ship Fox and Third Fleet Fox schedules were being copied with a high volume of traffic on each, the third man had to perform all the incidental work, such as breaking all signs, writing up messages, and acting as messenger. As a consequence some important dispatches were missed, there was a delay in routing of all dispatches, and the radiomen suffered extreme fatigue as a result of having to copy four straight hours.

In general, however, the lower rated men assumed additional responsibility and performed extra duties with competence and with out complaint, and after the initial few days of adjustment, all departments operated with little loss of efficiency.

Got underway in the morning to deliver mail from and obtain mail for ships of TU 35.1.4,. While assigned this duty, proceeded to Iwo Jima to pick up mail and passengers for 3rdFlt units in the Tokyo area. We completed mail deliveries, fueled from PLATTE, and stood out of Tokyo Bay at 1700.

1045 Sighted and detonated by rifle fire a horned mine.

0825 sighted Iwo Jima and at 1002 anchored in Berth 180. At 1755 underway with 150 sacks of mail, 500 pounds of light freight and two passengers set course for Tokyo.

0715 Entered Tokyo Bay and proceeded to deliver mail, light freight and passengers. One passenger ENS WT Mitchell enroute LEXINGTON, missed ship by one day, LEXINGTON having departed from Tokyo 15 Sept, he stayed aboard TemDu. Fueled from NIOBRASA, and moored to ROSS DD-563 at Berth E-78.

This four day round trip to Iwo Jima was a far cry from our experience in the same waters in Feb when, as a part of TF 58, we had participated in the first full-fledged carrier air strike against Tokyo, and had gone to Iwo Jima to support the invasion and capture of that island.

Though we continued to stand Condition II watches, the end of the war permitted relaxation of the high degree of alertness and security that was demanded. At no time did we zigzag. Running lights burned from sunset to sunrise. Strangest experience to most men aboard, who were acquainted only with the strict blackout of war cruising, was the exhibition of movies topside. Furthermore, the smoking lamp remained lit until the movies were over. This was a comfortable cruise indeed!

Conversion to peacetime was evident in other ways. IAW AlNav 230 all departments had been working, and continued to do so, on their inventory of Title B equipment aboard, and the re-institution of a strict accounting system. therefore. Vigilance may have been relaxed, but diminished budgets and smaller material allowances lay ahead. Supervision of material expenditures will become more strict.

Received 14 replacements from AMSTERDAM in partial replacement of the men previously transferred. A typhoon, previously reported approaching the Japanese coast, began to make its effects felt at about 2200. By midnight the barometer read 29.59 inches of mercury and it was obvious a violent storm was close at hand.

Wind and sea were rapidly becoming more violent. Accordingly, a second boiler was lit off and put on the main steam line by 0100. Both boats and an LCVP assigned were dispatched to moor in safer waters. 0203 Commenced using engines and rudder to ease strain on ROSS's anchor chain. 0215 Despite all precautions, commenced dragging anchor and drifting down on the COTTEN and DORTCH anchored astern of us. During this time the FRANK KNOX DD-742, originally anchored on our starboard quarter, was yawing violently, and when we commenced dragging, was swinging clockwise towards us. We continued to drag until we were within 100 yards of COTTEN and DORTCH, by the time the FRANK KNOX was ahead of us with her stern about 100 yards away. In the meantime we sounded the General Alarm and gone to collision quarters.

It was obvious at this time that our only hope of avoiding collision with DORTCH and COTTEN was to cast off our lines to the ROSS and get underway, although by doing so we risked collision with FRANK KNOX ahead. This we proceeded to do, and kept clear of DORTCH and COTTEN. Fortunately FRANK KNOX continued to swing in a clockwise direction, thus helping to give us a clear channel, but she was so close to us that we were unable to gain enough steerage way to counteract the effect of the wind. We blown down on her and scraped her bow just before getting clear. Negligible damage to FRANK KNOX, but took off GATLING's port propeller guard and crumpled 10 feet of weld deck edge. No difficulty was experienced after clearing the FRANK KNOX, and at 0239 anchored 1,000 yards from Berth E-23. At 0309 secured from collision quarters.

At 0808, again started to drag anchor this time drifting in the direction of the PASADENA. Barometer down to 29.29 and still falling, and wind was force 8, with swells approximately 15 feet high. The wind reported to have reached 40 knots by 0400 with gusts up to 65 knots. Again underway and proceeded to a new berth about 2 miles west of Berth F-107 and rode out the storm. By 1800 calm returned and a movie was shown topside.

The sudden onslaught and equally sudden departure of this storm illustrated the difficulties encountered by meteorologists in forecasting the movements of typhoons.

Got underway early in the morning and anchored in Berth E-78 at 0637. Another 11 men eligible for discharge were transferred. One CPO and 5 first class POs. Now have only 6 CPOs on board.

Underway in the morning and proceeded into Yokosuka Ko, moored in Berth 10, nested with CK BRONSON. Commenced repairs of storm damage with tender assistance.

Underway in the morning, fueled from PLATTE, proceeded to Berth E-77, moored to DORTCH.

Another violent storm swept the Tokyo area during the night, with winds up to 60 knots. Went to collision quarters at 0200, when INGERSOLL and KNAPP dragged anchor and bore down on our nest. Fortunately, they passed clear, missing our bow by about fifty feet. Under the pressure of wind and sea our mooring lines started to part, and we were forced to get underway at 0714. We proceeded to the vicinity of Berth F-112, where we anchored and rode out the rest of the storm without further incident. Slight damage was inflicted on the gig, which we were compelled to tow astern while underway; no other damage was suffered except #1 and #6 lines parted while we were alongside the DORTCH.

Got underway in the morning and proceeded into Yokosuka Ko where we moored to a buoy in Berth Yoke-8, Yokosuka Ko, Honshu Island and commenced routine overhaul with tender assistance. COTTEN and CAPERTON later nested with us.

OCT 1945

In the morning, ComDesRon 50 and staff conducted a surprise military inspection of ship.

Underway in morning and anchored in Berth E-76. Wind and sea were building up, and remembering our experience of the month before, got underway again before the situation became dangerous and moved to the vicinity of berth F-112 where we anchored and rode out the storm.

Underway in afternoon and returned to anchor Berth E-76.

Underway in the morning moored to MATAR, loaded stores, anchored in Berth E-68.

Underway in AM and anchored in Berth F-104 to ride out another storm.

Underway in the AM to fuel from KANKAKEE, obtained mail, underway with TU 53.7.2 with QUINCY CA-71, DORTCH and RUNNELS APD-85 to demilitarize the islands of the Nanpo Shoto.

Arrived off Miyaki Shima 0645 and lay to off the island while an inspection party from the QUINCY toured the island and inspected its military installations. At sunset set course to cruise to the southeast Miyaki Shima during the night. The QUINCY inspection party stayed ashore during the night without incident.

Arrived off Miyaki Shima at sunrise. 0700 While other vessels resumed operations at Miyaki Shima, GATLING was detached to conduct reconnaissance of Onohara Shima and Geni Rocks. Neither group of islands showed evidence of military installations or human habitation, rejoined TU at 1430. 1803 Completed operations off Miyaki Shima and underway.

0558 Arrived off Mikura Shima. In the morning sent inspection party ashore under command of XO. This party was compelled to take a long and difficult climb over primitive trails to investigate a reported radar station, and because they were not able to return to the boat landing before dark, they stayed ashore all night.

Mikura had no beaches whatever, the land sloping down almost vertically to rocky shores. The single place on the island at which boats could land was at the base of the cliff below the village of Soto Mura, where the Japanese had built a concrete ramp into the water. From this ramp they launched their crude boats over wooden rollers. Even in a calm sea it would have been dangerous to keep a small boat alongside the ramp without incurring damage. With swells running and in the darkness it would have been impossible. During the night the TU cruised of Mikura Shima.

Returned to Mikura Shima at sunrise, and lay to off the Soto Mura landing. 1300 The beach party returned to the ship, reporting that although buildings had been constructed and a site prepared, no radar equipment had actually been installed. A working party from the RUNNELS received some military equipment, including rifles, mortars, grenades and ammo from the Japanese. 1535 Set course to cruise during the night.

0900 Arrived off Hachijo Shima and commenced patrolling off shore. RUNNELS and QUINCY anchored and sent a landing party ashore. DORTCH patrolled between Hachijo Shima and Ko Shima. In the afternoon, reconnoitered around Borawazawa Hakuchi. Caves along the coast in this area provided good refuge for suicide boats. Some boats and torpedoes were observed in a gully leading inland from the shore. Upon our return we and the DORTCH proceeded inshore and anchored.

Because of the severity of an approaching storm, it made it dangerous to remain at anchor, underway in the evening to cruise off Hachijo Shima during the night.

During the month 20 men transferred to US for separation, 20 non-rated received aboard.

NOV 1945 No data in GATLING Archives.

DEC 1945 No data in GATLING Archives.

Following info from Captain F Lee Edwards Jr USN (RET) and Frederick L Edwards III paper.

02 NOV 1945 Returned to Tokyo Bay.

03 NOV 1945 1145 Anchored Hachijo Shima, Nanpo Shoto, Island.

05 NOV 1945 Shifted berth and received two Japanese interpreters, both LTJG for duty.

06 NOV 1945 GATLING assumed duty as CTU 53.7.2 and relieved QUINCY as OTC as that ship departed leaving GATLING, DORTCH and RUNNELS. Officers and men from GATLING were assigned to supervise destruction of military equipment and installations on the islands, An explosion on one occasion killed one U.S. sailor and several Japanese military and civilians.

14 NOV 1945 Underway due to high winds up to force 7 and 8.

16 NOV 1945 Anchored off Hachijo Jima.

18 NOV 1945 1357 Underway for Tokyo Bay.

19 NOV 1945 0920 Arrived Yokosuka.

26 NOV 1945 0845 CDR Frank L. FULLAWAY, relieved CDR V.J.MEOLA as CO of USS GATLING.

28 NOV 1945 0726 Underway from Tokyo Bay for training exercises with NEW JERSEY, PASADENA, INGERSOLL, CAPERTON and DORTCH.

30 NOV 1945 Returned to Yokosuka.

05 DEC 1945 Underway for Eniwetok with DESRON 50.

09 DEC 1945 Entered Eniwetok Atoll, Marshall Islands.

10 DEC 1945 Departed Eniwetok. At 1700 LTJG CAMERON (MC) USNR, and LTJG STORER (MC) performed an appendectomy on WERTENBERGER, S1c in wardroom. Operation successful.

15 DEC 1945 Moored Merry Loch, Pearl Harbor.

16 DEC 1945 0848 Underway for United States.

21 DEC 1945 Moored Baker Street Pier, San Diego, California.

Page Last Updated: 11/19/2007