CA-24 U.S.S. PENSACOLA
War Diary and Action Reports November 1942,

CONFIDENTIAL                            Date Sunday, November 1, 1942.
                       WAR DIARY


TASK ORGANIZATION                   COMPOSITION

  TASK FORCE 61      Rear Admiral Kinkaid - TF16 & TF17.

  TASK GROUP 61.9    Rear Admiral Tisdale - PENSACOLA, MUSTIN, 
                     ANDERSON, PRESTON, CUSHING.
  TASK UNIT - - -

OPERATION PLAN (ORDER) - Comsopac 302322    CTF65 OpPlan C-1
Enclosure--              CTF62 300455       CTF65 301421

CHANGES-

POSTIONS(LCT)          0800           1200            2000
        Lat.--      19°- 57.1’S      18°- 51.8’S      16°- 25’S
        Long.-     162°- 49.2’E     162°- 14.5’E     162°- 20’E

COURSE AND SPEED MADE GOOD FROM 1200 Oct. 31 to 1200 Nov.1  : 310°
                                                             325mi.

BRIEF OF DAY’S OPERATIONS

0000    In company with TG61.9 (CTG61.9 aboard). 

CONFIDENTIAL                             Date Monday November 2, 1942.
                       WAR DIARY


TASK ORGANIZATION                   COMPOSITION

  TASK FORCE 61      Same as November 1, 1942.

  TASK GROUP 61.9    "

  TASK UNIT - - -

OPERATION PLAN (ORDER) - CTF65 OpPlan C-1, CTF62 300455, CTF65 301421.
Enclosure--              
CHANGES- Comsopac 020835, 021220

POSTIONS(LCT)          0800           1200            2000
        Lat.--      12°- 44’S      11°- 34.6’S      10°- 29.8’S
        Long.-     162°- 38’E     162°- 48’E       162°- 37.5’E

COURSE AND SPEED MADE GOOD FROM 1200 Nov. 1 to 1200 Nov.2  : 005°
                                                             295mi.

BRIEF OF DAY’S OPERATIONS

0000    In company with TG61.9 (CTG61.9 in PENSACOLA) proceeding to 
        rendezvous with TG64.2, 64.4, TU62.6.1 & TU62.2.2.

1430    Sighted one B-17E type aircraft.

1537    Sighted Task Groups 64.2, 64.4, and Task Units 62.2.1, & 
        62.2.2

1635    CTG61.9 assumed command of TG65.9; PENSACOLA, MUSTEN, 
        ANDERSON, CUSHING, PRESTON, McKEAN and MANLEY forming 
        protective and A/S screen on NEVILLE, HEYWOOD and FOMALHUAT.

1645    Received mail from MANLEY.

1817    TG65.9 took position generally astern TG65.8 (Remainder of 
        TF65).

1900    All transports ordered to retire toward Espiritu Santo on 
        basis of reports of enemy surface units (3CLs and 13 DDs)
        heading for Indispensable Strait.  Combatant ships ordered
        to cover retirement.

1956    Set modified condition of readiness 1 for night.

2218    PENSACOLA formed column on SAN FRANCISCO (CTF65) and HELENA. 
        DD screen composed of CUSHING, ANDERSON, STERRETT, McCALLA, 
        GWIN and WALKE.  Proceeding to rendezvous with ATLANTA 
        (R.Adm Scott) group at Lat. 10°-10’S, Long. 160°-30’E, and
        and to intercept reported enemy forces.  AP’s retiring with 4
        DD escort.

CONFIDENTIAL                                    Date November 3, 1942.

                       WAR DIARY



TASK ORGANIZATION                   COMPOSITION

  TASK FORCE 65      Rear Admiral Callaghan - San Francisco, Helena,
                     Atlanta, Hunter Liggett, President Hayes, DDs
                     459, 445, 483, 487, 497, 407, 433, 488, 416, 484,
                     and Task Group 65.9

  TASK GROUP 65.9    Rear Admiral Tisdale - Pensacola, Mustin, 
                     Anderson, Cushing, Preston, Manely, McKean, 
                     Neville, Heywood, Formalhuat.
  TASK UNIT - - -

OPERATION PLAN (ORDER) - CTF65 OpPlan C-1
   Enclosure--              

CHANGES-  Comsopac 021232, 021319, CTF65 021540.

POSTIONS(LCT)          0800           1200            2000
        Lat.--      11°- 12.5’S      11°- 09’S        10°- 2.3’S
        Long.-     161°- 13.5’E     162°- 24’E       161°- 58.6’E

COURSE AND SPEED MADE GOOD FROM 1200 Nov. 2 to 1200 Nov.3  : 310°
                                                             32mi.

BRIEF OF DAY’S OPERATIONS

0000    In company with San Francisco, Helena, DDs 407, 411, 416, 433, 
        476, and 488 heading for rendezvous south of Guadalcanal 
        Island with Atlanta Group.

0030    Orders received from Comsopac to carry out CTF65 OpPlan C-1
        one day later than originally planned.

0300    Interception of reported enemy forces abandoned in view of 
        their retirement.  Proceeding to rendezvous with transport 
        group.

0403    Set Condition of Readiness I.  San Francisco reported radar 
        surface contact.  McCalla directed to investigate, sighted 
        submarine on surface, depth charged.  Reported quite positive 
        submarine destroyed.

0910    Sighted Atlanta and 4 DDs.

1410    Sighted Transport group.

1715    Formed Task Group 65.9 as of November 2, 1942 taking position
        astern Task Group 65.8 about 6 miles.
    
CONFIDENTIAL                                    Date November 4, 1942.

                       WAR DIARY



TASK ORGANIZATION                   COMPOSITION

  TASK FORCE 65      Same as November 3, 1942.

  TASK GROUP 65.9    

  TASK UNIT - - -

OPERATION PLAN (ORDER) - CTF65 OpPlan C-1
Enclosure--              

CHANGES-

POSTIONS(LCT)          0800           1200            2000 
        Lat.--       9°- 25.8’S       9°- 26.2’S       9°- 24.3’S
        Long.-     160°- 33.9’E     160°- 30.8’E     160°- 37.2’

COURSE AND SPEED MADE GOOD FROM 1200 Nov. 3 to 1200 Nov.4  : 289°
                                                             115mi.

BRIEF OF DAY’S OPERATIONS

0000    In company with TF65 (TG 65.9 about 6 miles astern TG 65.8)
        in special convoy cruising disposition heading for Aola Bay,
        Guadalcanal.

0020    Manley and McKean left formation proceeding ahead to land 
        Raider companies establishing beachhead at Aola Bay.

0350    TG 65.9 parted company with TG 65.8 proceeding direct Aola
        Bay, the latter for landing at Lunga Pt. TG 65.5 (APs of TG 
        65.9) left formation with Cushing and Preston, stood into 
        beach point lighted by 3 fires at Aola Bay to disembark 
        troops, construction forces, and material.  Pensacola, 
        Mustin, and Anderson patrolling line 4 - 6 miles north
        Aola Bay anchorage.

0520    3 unidentified planes, flying low, headed for AP group.
        Escorting destroyers opened fire apparently firing warning 
        shots for planes were identified friendly (Army transport 
        type).  Approach of planes to formation was unnecessary and in 
        hostile manner.

1020    Sighted bomb bursts or gun firing west of Taivu Pt. (San 
        Francisco, group known to be bombarding enemy position in 
        Near vicinity)

1112    Received word from Radio Guadalcanal, flight 12 enemy single
        engine planes due there about 1115.

1130    Set condition of readiness I, impending air strike.

110     APs ordered underway to forming cruising disposition.

1210    APs joined up, zigzagging frequently, Pensacola conforming.

1255    APs ordered anchor and resume unloading operations.  Making
        normal patrol.

1706    Sighted Bellatrix and O’Bannon.  Unloading 50% complete.

1812    Manley and McKean detached.

        Note: Maintained condition of readiness 2 as minimum condition
              Of the day.

CONFIDENTIAL                          Date Thursday, November 5, 1942.

                       WAR DIARY



TASK ORGANIZATION                   COMPOSITION

  TASK FORCE 65      Same as November 3, 1942.

  TASK GROUP 65.9    "

  TASK UNIT - - -

OPERATION PLAN (ORDER) - CTF65 OpPlan C-1
Enclosure--              

CHANGES-

POSTIONS(LCT)          0800           1200            2000 
        Lat.--      09°- 26.9’S      09°- 27.5’S      09°- 26.2’S
        Long.-     160°- 32.0’E     160°- 30.8’E     160°- 37.4’E

COURSE AND SPEED MADE GOOD FROM 1200 Nov. 4 to 1200 Nov.5  : 149°
                                                             1.6mi.

BRIEF OF DAY’S OPERATIONS

0000    Patrolling area northward of Aola Bay anchorage with MUSTIN
        and ANDERSON against possible approach of enemy units toward
        APs unloading at beach.  SAN FRANCISCO group patrolling to 
        westward.  Ships in modified Condition of Readiness I.

0750    Day minimum readiness - II in main battery, I in AA battery.

0911    Radio Guadalcanal reported 27 two-engined bombers and 24 
        fighters coming in from NW, de to arrive about 1100.

1025    APs ordered to stand out from anchorage.

1035    Set Condition of Readiness I for impending air raid.

1040    APs joined up, forming special cruising disposition.  SAN
        FRANCISCO group joined up, forming additional protective 
        screen.  Total of 7 DDs in screen.  APs zig-zagging on 
        signal.  Screen conforming to movements.  Maximum speed
        of APs - 14 knots.

1100    Lunga Point AP unloading completed.

1135    Planes on Guadalcanal combat air frequency reported first 
        enemy plane sighted.

1140    Bombers reported over Henderson Field.

1206    Unidentified aircraft reported headed north from Guadalcanal
        apparently returning  home.

1212    All clear signal given by Radio Guadalcanal.

Note:  Unidentified aircraft reports received during expected raid
       of morning over Guadalcanal combat air frequency and from
       HELENA.

1217    APs ordered to return to anchorage and resume unloading 
        operations.  SAN FRANCISCO group left formation, taking up
        patrol to northward.

1225    PENSACOLA, MUSTIN, & ANDERSON resumed noemal patrol off 
        anchorage.  ATLANTA, HUNTER LIGGET, BARNETT, and PRESIDENT
        HAYES and DDs stood out from Lunga Point, proceeding toward 
        Espiritu Santo.

1422    WALKE joined PENSACOLA screening group.  BENHAM joined AP 
        screening group.

1830    WALKE joined AP screening group.

2145    LAFFEY of SAN FRANCISCO group patrolling to NW of PENSACOLA
        reported 2 unidentified radar surface contacts.  Contacts 
        later verified  by HELENA.

2155    PENSACOLA ordered by SAN FRANCISCO (CTF65) to investigate..

2206    Set condition of readiness I.

2217    Ordered ANDERSON to investigate.  Negative results.

2241    Sighted ships to starboard, challenged, identified as
        SAN FRANCISCO group.

2250    Radio Guadalcanal reported enemy planes overhead.  Sighted
        flares and searchlight in vicinity.  No further reports.

2356    Resumed modified condition of readiness I.

CONFIDENTIAL                            Date Friday, November 6, 1942.

                       WAR DIARY



TASK ORGANIZATION                   COMPOSITION

  TASK FORCE 65      Same as November 3, 1942.

  TASK GROUP 65.9    Same as November 3, 1942, plus WALKE,
                     BENHAM.

  TASK UNIT - - -

OPERATION PLAN (ORDER) - CTF65 OpPlan C-1
Enclosure--              

CHANGES-  CTF65 051747

POSTIONS(LCT)          0800           1200            2000 
        Lat.--      09°- 56.2’S      10°- 13.8’S      11°- 40.2’S
        Long.-     161°- 50.2’E     162°- 39.9’E     163°- 03.7’E

COURSE AND SPEED MADE GOOD FROM 1200 Nov. 5 to 1200 Nov. 6 : 105°
                                                             149mi.

BRIEF OF DAY’S OPERATIONS

0000    Patrolling to northward of Aola Bay anchorage with Mustin, 
        ANDERSON and WALKE.  Transport group completing unloading at 
        beach.  SAN FRANCISCO group patrolling to northward.

0115    NEVILLE, HEYWOOD, FOMALHAUT and 3 DDs standing out from 
        anchorage to from cruising disposition on PENSACOLA; 
        proceeding Espiritu Santo.

0141    Ordered to join SAN FRANCISCO with 2 DDs (CUSHING & BENHAM).
        Left APs with 4 DDs, reversed course standing for Sealark 
        Channel.  Reports received of enemy surface craft off Lunga 
        Point (possible 2 CLs).

0208    Radio Guadalcanal reported enemy aircraft over field - 
        Condition Red.

0215    Set Condition of Readiness I on signal from CFT65.

0230    Radio Guadalcanal reported last estimate enemy CL 230°T,
        distance 11 mile from Lunga Point, believed retired NW.

0233    Radio Guadalcanal reported All Clear - condition green.

0245    CTF65 ordered PENSACOLA to reverse course and rejoin APs
        with BENHAM and CUSHING.  Took speed 20 knots.

        Set Condition of Readiness II for day.

        Joined transports in normal cruising disposition.  NEVILLE  
        (guide).

        Sighted SAN FRANCISCO group (CTF65) bearing 290°T - 11 miles.

Note:   SAN FRANCISCO group remaining astern generally in visual 
        range, proceeding to arrive Espiritu Santo with TG65.9.

CONFIDENTIAL                                    Date November 7, 1942.

                       WAR DIARY



TASK ORGANIZATION                   COMPOSITION

  TASK FORCE 65      Same as November 3, 1942.

  TASK GROUP 65.9    Same as November 6, 1942.

  TASK UNIT - - -

OPERATION PLAN (ORDER) - CTF 65 051747.
Enclosure--              

CHANGES-  Comsopac 061252

POSTIONS(LCT)          0800           1200            2000 
        Lat.--      13°- 57.3’S      13°- 53.0’S      14°- 07.5’S
        Long.-     163°- 38.9’E     164°- 28.5’E     166°- 12.8’E

COURSE AND SPEED MADE GOOD FROM 1200 Nov. 6 to 1200 Nov. 7 : 247 Mi
                                                             154°

BRIEF OF DAY’S OPERATIONS

0000    In company with TG 65.9 (CTG 65.9 in PENSACOLA) proceeding
        Espiritu Santo.

CONFIDENTIAL                                    Date November 8, 1942.

                       WAR DIARY


TASK ORGANIZATION                   COMPOSITION

  TASK FORCE 65      Same as November 3, 1942.

  TASK GROUP 65.9    Same as November 6, 1942.

  TASK UNIT - - -

OPERATION PLAN (ORDER) - CTF 65 051747
Enclosure--              

CHANGES-  

POSTIONS(LCT)          0800           1200            2000 
        Lat.--      15°- 35.6’S      
        Long.-     167°- 15.5’E     Anchored Espiritu Santo Harbor.
                                                      New Hebrides.
COURSE AND SPEED MADE GOOD FROM 1200 Nov. 7 to 1200 Nov. 8 : 120°
                                                             198mi.

BRIEF OF DAY’S OPERATIONS

0000    In company with TG65.9 (CTG65.9 in PENSACOLA) in cruising 
        disposition proceeding to Espiritu Santo.

0855    Anchored in Berth A6, Pekoa Channel, Espiritu Santo Harbor, 
        New Bebrides.

0934    Underway and fueled from GUADALUPE, completed at 1350.

1452    Anchored Berth A6.

CONFIDENTIAL                                    Date November 9, 1942.

                       WAR DIARY


TASK ORGANIZATION                   COMPOSITION

  TASK FORCE 65      Same as November 3, 1942.

  TASK GROUP 65.9    Same as November 6, 1942.

  TASK UNIT - - -

OPERATION PLAN (ORDER) - 
Enclosure--              

CHANGES-  

POSTIONS(LCT)          0800           1200            2000 
        Lat.--            
        Long.-     Anchored Espiritu Santo Harbor.
                                                      New Hebrides.
COURSE AND SPEED MADE GOOD FROM 1200 Nov. 8 to 1200 Nov. 9 : - - -

BRIEF OF DAY’S OPERATIONS

0000    Anchored in Berth A6, Pekoa Channel, Espiritu Santo Harbor, 
        New Hebrides.
    
    CONFIDENTIAL                                   Date November 10, 1942.

                       WAR DIARY

TASK ORGANIZATION                   COMPOSITION

  TASK FORCE 67      Rear Adm. Turner: ATLANTA, AARON WARD, FLETCHER,
                     McCALLA, LARDNER, O’BANNON, BARTON, PRES. ADAMS,
                     PRES. JACKSON, McCAWLEY, CRESCENT CITY  TG67.4.

  TASK GROUP 67.4    Rear Adm. Callaghan: SAN FRANCISCO, PORTLAND,
                     HELENA, PENSACOLA, JUNEAU, LAFFEY, BUCHANAN,
                     GWIN, STERRETT, CUSHING, PRESTON, SHAW, &
                     MONSSEN.

  TASK UNIT - - -

OPERATION PLAN (ORDER) - CTF67 OpPlan 23-42.
Enclosure--              

CHANGES-  Comsopac 100512

POSTIONS(LCT)          0800           1200            2000 
        Lat.--      15°- 49.3’S      15°- 25.7’S      15°- 01.5’S
        Long.-     167°- 09.0’E     166°- 14.3’E     165°- 32.8’E

COURSE AND SPEED MADE GOOD FROM 1200 Nov. 9 to 1200 Nov. 10 : 272°
                                                               60mi.

BRIEF OF DAY’S OPERATIONS

0000    Anchored in Berth A6, Pekoa Channel, Espiritu Santo Harbor, 
        New Hebrides.

0621    Underway, standing out with various units of TG67.4 (CCTF16
        in PENSACOLA).

0725    Formed column on SAN FRANCISCO (CTG67.4) and HELENA; BUCHANAN,
        CUSHING, STERRETT, GWIN, LAFFEY  PRESTON forming screen.

1036    Test fired illuminating projectiles (5").

1120    HELENA with 2DDs left formation to starboard, acting as target
        for SAN FRANCISCO offset practice, rejoining at 1535.

1340    Held searchlight and tracking exercises.

1732    PENSACOLA, GWIN, PRSTON detached, proceeding Espiritu Santo to
        fuel and await orders from Comsopac; designated Task Unit 
        67.4.4.

CONFIDENTIAL                                   Date November 11, 1942.

                       WAR DIARY

TASK ORGANIZATION                   COMPOSITION

  TASK FORCE 67      Same as November 10, 1942.

  TASK GROUP 67.4    Same as November 10, 1942.

  TASK UNIT  67.4    Rear Admiral Tisdale - Pensacola, Preston, Gwin.
                     
OPERATION PLAN (ORDER) -  CTF 67 OpPlan 23-42, Comsopac 100512.
Enclosure--              

CHANGES-  Comsopac 110212

POSTIONS(LCT)          0800           1200            2000 
        Lat.--            
        Long.-             At Espiritu Santo 

COURSE AND SPEED MADE GOOD FROM 1200 Nov. 10 to 1200 Nov. 11 :  97°
                                                                54 mi.
BRIEF OF DAY’S OPERATIONS

0000    In company with T.U. 67.4.4 proceeding Espiritu Santo.

0733    Moored alongside Guadalupe and commenced fueling.

0856    Underway, anchored in Berth A7 at 0931.

CONFIDENTIAL                                   Date November 12, 1942.

                       WAR DIARY

TASK ORGANIZATION                   COMPOSITION

  TASK FORCE 16      Rear Admiral Kincaid - Enterprise, Washington, 
                     South Dakota, Northampton, Walke, San Diedo, 
                     Clark, Hughes, Russell, Mustin, Anderson, and 
                     T.G. 16.9.

  TASK GROUP 16.9    Rear Admiral Tisdale - Pensacola, Gwin, Preston.

  TASK UNIT      
                     
OPERATION PLAN (ORDER) -  Comsopac 110212.
Enclosure--              

CHANGES-  

POSTIONS(LCT)          0800           1200            2000 
        Lat.--      16°- 43.2’S      15°- 45.4’S      14°- 53’S
        Long.-     167°- 20.2’E     166°- 17’E       164°- 33’E 

COURSE AND SPEED MADE GOOD FROM 1200 Nov. 11 to 1200 Nov. 12 :  261°
                                                                75 mi.
BRIEF OF DAY’S OPERATIONS

0000    Anchored in Berth A7, Pekoa Channel, Espiritu Santo Harbor.

0627    Underway, standing out, with Gwin and Preston (CTG 16.9 in 
        Pensacola.

CONFIDENTIAL                                   Date November 13, 1942.

                       WAR DIARY

TASK ORGANIZATION                   COMPOSITION

  TASK FORCE 16      Same as on November 12, 1942

  TASK GROUP 16.9                 "

  TASK UNIT      
                     
OPERATION PLAN (ORDER) -          "
Enclosure--              

CHANGES-     CTF 16 130230

POSTIONS(LCT)          0800           1200            2000 
        Lat.--      14°- 03.1’S      13°- 65.5’S        14°- 25.8’S
        Long.-     161°- 36.9’E     161°- 37.3’E       162°- 61.4’E 

COURSE AND SPEED MADE GOOD FROM 1200 Nov. 12 to 1200 Nov. 13 :  292°
                                                                285mi.
BRIEF OF DAY’S OPERATIONS

0000    In company with T.G. 16.9 (CTG 16.9 in Pensacola) proceeding 
        to rendezvous with TF 16.

0736    Sighted TF 16.

1001    In position with TF 16 in cruising disposition I (circle 2.5 -
        R. Bearing 315).

1046    TF executed emergency ships left 90° on reported "Torpedo
        sighted" from Washington.  Benham investigated.  Results
        negative.

1304    TF executed emergency ships 30°.  Submarine/sound contact from
        Gwin.

1505    CTF 16 reported force sighted by Japanese seaplane (shot down
        at noon) TF proceeding cover retirement our forces retiring  
        from Guadalcanal.

1920    Washington, South Dakota, Walke, Gwin, Preston and Benham,
        detached proceeding Guadalcanal area to from night covering 
        force against possible enemy landing attempts.

2013    Mustin detached.

CONFIDENTIAL                                   Date November 14, 1942.

                       WAR DIARY

TASK ORGANIZATION                   COMPOSITION

  TASK FORCE 16      Same as on November 13, 1942

  TASK GROUP 16.2    Rear Admiral Tisdale - Pensacola, Northampton,
                     San Diego.

  TASK UNIT      
                     
OPERATION PLAN (ORDER) -     CTF 6 130230
Enclosure--              

CHANGES-     

POSTIONS(LCT)          0800           1200            2000 
        Lat.--      12°- 52’S        12°- 51.1’S        14°- 53.2’S
        Long.-     158°- 47’E       159°- 06.9’E       158°- 43’E 

COURSE AND SPEED MADE GOOD FROM 1200 Nov. 13 to 1200 Nov. 14 :  302°
                                                                160mi.
BRIEF OF DAY’S OPERATIONS

0000    In company with TF 16 in cruising disposition I.

0648    Set minimum day readiness condition II.

0820    TF formed close anti-aircraft screen.

0828    Scout plane reported 10 enemy planes 100 miles northward 
        headed for formation; went to General Quarters.  (Threatened
        attack did not materialize).

0951    One Japanese 4 engined VP shot down bearing 040°T distant 32 
        miles.

1322    TF reformed cruising disposition I

1334    Resumed condition of readiness II

2240    TF executed emergency left turn 90° on basis of reported
        surface radar contact (220°T - 3 miles from Northampton)

2258    Resumed base course.  Contact did not develop.

Note:   CV conducted intensive plane recovery and launching operations
        throughout day.  Strong CAP kept in air at all times.  Morning
        attacks group 18 SBD and 8 VF from CV damaged enemy surface 
        units (type unknown) and afternoon group 7 TBF, 8 VF, 12 SBD,
        attacked enemy convoy in Guadalcanal area.  Many contact 
        reports received (transports as well as combatant) in area 
        northwest of Guadalcanal.  Several single aircraft radar 
        contacts reported during day.  In 2 cases later friendly, 
        remainder lost and not identified.

CONFIDENTIAL                                   Date November 15, 1942.

                       WAR DIARY

TASK ORGANIZATION                   COMPOSITION

  TASK FORCE 16      Same as on November 13, 1942

  TASK GROUP 16.2    Same as on November 14, 1942

  TASK UNIT      
                     
OPERATION PLAN (ORDER) -     
Enclosure--              

CHANGES-     Comsopac 150140

POSTIONS(LCT)          0800           1200            2000 
        Lat.--      17°- 15.6’S      17°- 54.8’S        17°- 58’S
        Long.-     159°- 13.7’E     159°- 47.9’E       161°- 55’E 

COURSE AND SPEED MADE GOOD FROM 1200 Nov. 14 to 1200 Nov. 15 :  162°
                                                                317mi.
BRIEF OF DAY’S OPERATIONS

0000    In company with TF16 in cruising disposition I (CTG16.2 in
        Pensacola).

        Went to General Quarters (large group planes giving friendly
        signal reported by own radar - 270°T, distance 37 miles), as
        no friendly planes were known to be in this general vicinity.
        Planes identified later as single friendly plane by sky 
        lookout.

        Secured from General Quarters.

        PENSACOLA, NORTHAMPTON, MORRIS, ANDERSON, RUSSELL designated 
        TG16.6, detached, ordered proceed Espiritu Santo, fuel and 
        await orders of ComSoPac.

CONFIDENTIAL                                   Date November 16, 1942.

                       WAR DIARY

TASK ORGANIZATION                   COMPOSITION

  TASK FORCE 16      Not in company - exact composition not available.

  TASK GROUP 16.6    Same as on November 15, 1942

  TASK UNIT      
                     
OPERATION PLAN (ORDER) -     Comsopac 150140
Enclosure--              

CHANGES-     

POSTIONS(LCT)          0800           1200            2000 
        Lat.--      16°- 18.3’S      15°- 56.2’S        
        Long.-     165°- 17.4’E     166°- 32.’E        

COURSE AND SPEED MADE GOOD FROM 1200 Nov. 15 to 1200 Nov. 16 :   72°
                                                                410mi.
BRIEF OF DAY’S OPERATIONS

0000    In company with TF16.6 (CTG 16.6 in Pensacola) proceeding to
        Espiritu Santo.

1533    Moored to port side Sabine, Espiritu Santo Harbor, New 
        Hebrides for fueling

1803    Underway, fueling completed and anchored at 1904, 350 yards
        40°T from Berth A10.

CONFIDENTIAL                                   Date November 17, 1942.

                       WAR DIARY

TASK ORGANIZATION                   COMPOSITION

  TASK FORCE 16      Same as on November 16, 1942

  TASK GROUP 16.6    Same as on November 15, 1942

  TASK UNIT      
                     
OPERATION PLAN (ORDER) -     Comsopac 150140
Enclosure--              

CHANGES-     

POSTIONS(LCT)          0800           1200            2000 
        Lat.--              
        Long.-            Anchored in Espiritu Santo Harbor.        

COURSE AND SPEED MADE GOOD FROM 1200 ------- to 1200 -------:   
                                                                
BRIEF OF DAY’S OPERATIONS

0000    Anchored in Pekoa Channel, Espiritu Santo Harbor, New 
        Hebrides.

1251    Underway and shifted to Berth A7.

CONFIDENTIAL                                   Date November 18, 1942.

                       WAR DIARY

TASK ORGANIZATION                   COMPOSITION

  TASK FORCE 16      Same as on November 16, 1942

  TASK GROUP 16.6    Same as on November 15, 1942

  TASK UNIT      
                     
OPERATION PLAN (ORDER) -     Comsopac 150140
Enclosure--              

CHANGES-     

POSTIONS(LCT)          0800           1200            2000 
        Lat.--              
        Long.-            Anchored in Espiritu Santo Harbor.        

COURSE AND SPEED MADE GOOD FROM 1200 ------- to 1200 -------:   
                                                                
BRIEF OF DAY’S OPERATIONS

0000    Anchored in Pekoa Channel, Espiritu Santo Harbor, New 
        Hebrides.

1500    HMNZS LEANDER reported to CTG16.6 for duty.

1546    CURTIS reported submarine periscope sighted.  Additional
        submarine patrol immediately established.  All vessel made
        preparation to get underway.

1715    Underway, readjusted position in Berth A7 to increase
        distance from close adjacent ships.

1730    Secured from submarine alert.

CONFIDENTIAL                           Date November 19-24, 1942.incl.

                       WAR DIARY

TASK ORGANIZATION                   COMPOSITION

  TASK FORCE 16      Same as on November 16, 1942

  TASK GROUP 16.6    Same as on November 15, 1942

  TASK UNIT      
                     
OPERATION PLAN (ORDER) -     Comsopac 150140
Enclosure--              

CHANGES-     

POSTIONS(LCT)          0800           1200            2000 
        Lat.--              
        Long.-            Anchored in Espiritu Santo Harbor.        

COURSE AND SPEED MADE GOOD FROM 1200 ------- to 1200 -------:   
                                                                
BRIEF OF DAY’S OPERATIONS

0000    November 19, anchored in Pekoa Channel, Espiritu Santo Harbor, 
        New Hebrides.

1340    November 21, HMNZS Leander stood out, detached from T.G. 16.6.

0940    November 24, New Orleans stood in, reported to CTG 16.6 for 
        duty.

1100    November 24, reorganization Sopac Task Forces effective - 
        Pensacola attached to TF 67.
    
    CONFIDENTIAL                           Date November 25-29, 1942.incl.

                       WAR DIARY

TASK ORGANIZATION                   COMPOSITION

  TASK FORCE 67      Rear Admiral Kinkaid - T.G. 67.2, Lamson, 
                     Nicholas, O’Bannon, Fletcher, Grayson and Maury.

  TASK GROUP 67.2    Rear Admiral Tisdale - Northampton, Pensacola, 
                     Helena, Honolulu and New Orleans.

  TASK UNIT      
                     
OPERATION PLAN (ORDER) -     Comsopac 230612.
Enclosure--              

CHANGES-     CTF 67 OpPlan 1-42 of November 27, 1942.

POSTIONS(LCT)          0800           1200            2000 
        Lat.--              
        Long.-            Anchored in Espiritu Santo Harbor.        

COURSE AND SPEED MADE GOOD FROM 1200 ------- to 1200 -------:   
                                                                
BRIEF OF DAY’S OPERATIONS

0000    November 25 Anchored in Pekoa Channel, Espiritu Santo Harbor,
        New Hebrides.

1406    November 25 Honolulu stood in.

1545    November 25 Rear Admiral Kinkand (CTF 67) hoisted his flag in 
        Northampton.

0950    November 26 Rear Admiral Tisdale (CTG 67.2) shifted his flag 
        from Pensacola to Honolulu.

0800    November 28 Rear Admiral Wright assumed command of T.F. 67 in 
        Minneapolis.

2030    November 29 TF 67 received orders to get underway without
        delay to proceed and intercept enemy force ( believed 6 AP’s 
        and 6 DDs) scheduled to make landing at Tassafaronga, 
        Guadalcanal at 2300, November 30 (Cincpac Intelligence)

2308    November 29 Underway, standing out, natural order ships T.U.
        67.2.2 (Minneapolis, New Orleans, Pensacola) in company with 
        T.F. 67 including T.U. 67.2.3 (Honolulu, (Rear Admiral 
        Tisdale), Northampton, and Fletcher, Drayton, Perkins and
        Maury.  CTF 67 Sortie Plan 1-42

CONFIDENTIAL                                   Date November 30, 1942.

                       WAR DIARY

TASK ORGANIZATION                   COMPOSITION

  TASK FORCE 67      Rear Admiral Wright - T.U. 67.2.2 and 3 and 
                     Fletcher, Drayton, Perkins, Maury.

  TASK GROUP 67.2    Rear Admiral Wright - T.U. 67.2.2 and T.U. 67.2.3
                     (Honolulu, (Rear Admiral Tisdale CTU 67.2.3),
                     Northampton.

  TASK UNIT  67.2.2  Rear Admiral Wright - Minneapolis, New Orleans, 
                     Pensacola.    
                     
OPERATION PLAN (ORDER) -     CTF 67 OpPlan 1-42 CTF 67 291909
Enclosure--              

CHANGES-     

POSTIONS(LCT)          0800           1200            2000 
        Lat.--      13°- 08.5’S      11°- 57.1’S        09°- 32.7’S
        Long.-     166°- 44.1’E     163°- 59.5’E       161°- 00.0’E         

COURSE AND SPEED MADE GOOD FROM 1200 Nov. 29 to 1200 Nov. 30 :  326°T
                                                                295mi.
BRIEF OF DAY’S OPERATIONS

0000    In company with TF 67 standing out of Espiritu Santo Harbor.

0124    In normal TF 67 cruising formation (CAs in column, DDs in 
        straight scouting line ahead).  Speed 25 knots.  All boilers
        in use.  Proceeding Guadalcanal area.

0450    Planes #10 and #11 launched to report Comairsopac for 
        temporary duty.  

0514    Sunrise.  Visibility generally poor.  Intermittent rain 
        squalls.  Overcast. TF speed 27 knots.

1612    Planes #9 and 12# launched to proceed rendezvous with other 
        CA planes Tulagi.  (CA planes to be used for illumination of 
        enemy forces during expected night action).

1720    Changed TF speed to 25 knots.

2000    Set Condition of Readiness I.

2005    Changed TF speed to 20 knots.  Order of ships Fletcher, 
        Perkins, Maury, Drayton in anti-submarine screen 2 miles ahead 
        of leading CA, Minneapolis (CTF 67), New Orleans, Pensacola, 
        Honolulu (CTU 67.2.3), Northampton in column 1000 yards 
        distance.

2025    In TBS communication with Lamson and Lardner.  These DDs 
        directed by TF Commander to take position as rear unit, taking 
        position about 2105.

2031    Set Radar Condition I.

2045    TU 62.4.6 passed to port proceeding east.

2100    DDs formed column.  Energized degaussing rear.

2145-   TF passing through Lengo Channel.  Note: Various flashing
2233    lights seen on beach.  Possible signal lights of some sort -
        red, white, and blue colored.

2217    Set Radar Condition III.

2307    CTF 67 reported 2 unidentified sips near Cape Esperance.

2312    Drayton reported 2 unidentified ships 280°T, 7 miles from her, 
        TF ordered take Radar Condition I.

2319    Northampton reported flashing signal light Tassafaronga.  CTF 
        67 ordered DDs (less 467 and 487) attack with torpedoes, now 
        reporting 4 unidentified ships (probable DDs).

2321    TF 67 ordered open fire.  Minneapolis and New Orleans opened 
        fire with starshells.  Course 300°, speed 20, wind 170°T 8
        knots, good visibility, no moon.

2323    Pensacola opened fire with starshells followed by 8 inch.

2325    Minneapolis and New Orleans torpedoed almost simultaneously,
        respective bows blown off.  Pensacola came left momentarily
        to avoid damaged ships and then resumed course 300°T.  
        Note:  The enemy consisted according to various estimates of
        6 DDs off Tassafaronga, believed to have launched torpedo
        attack on our formation.  1 CA 2 or 3 CLs, 4DDs off Cape 
        Esperance and 5 APs westward of Cape Esperance.  The enemy 
        fired little or none in return.  Frequent flashes of probable
        explosions on their ships were seen.

2335    Own DDs which had encircled Savo Island and were heading back
        toward us reported being fired on by own ships (no damaged).
        Note:  Star shell illumination was fair.  Greatest reliance on
        finding targets and spotting was placed on FC radars.  CXAM
        radar was of no value in surface craft detection because of
        saturated land signals and was put out of commission after a 
        short period of 8 inch firing.
        A single stack Mogami or Yubari class cruiser was observed hit
        by Pensacola 8 inch salvos and to bow up.

2339    Pensacola hit by torpedo at frame 100 port.  Steering control
        lost, and 13 degree port list developed immediately.  Ships
        head fell off to port.  Damage in brief: after engine flooded,
        only #1 engine and shaft in commission, mess hall (Repair II
        section) out of action, after 20 mms, after 5" and 8" 
        directors and Turret III out of action, after 5" battery
        temporarily out of action.  Various after compartments 
        flooded.  Draft roughly 18 ft. forward and 28 ft. aft.
        Severe fire broke out in area, exploding 20 mm ready 
        ammunition, 150 8" inch shells in Turret III.  Oil 
        splatter by explosion burning over large area.  Considerable 
        difficulty found later extinguishing fire in bedding and 
        lockers in living spaces.  The fire was controlled after 7 
        hours finally extinguished about noon 1 fire was lack of 
        intact fire main connections aft of frame 48.  Communication 
        with steering aft was established again shortly after hit and 
        steering control regained there.  Steering magnetic courses.
        Pensacola ceased firing when hit.  No targets believed 
        available.

2343    Northampton bearing 330°relative, 2 miles distant, was 
        torpedoed and fires started.

2350    List reported holding steady. Main list correction later
        effected by pumping port wing tanks: Forward engine room
        and both boiler rooms.  CXAM radar array collapsed and fell
        to port.
        Note: Various units of task force began establishing
              communication via TBS and trying to orient themselves
              with others.  CTU 67.2.3 ordered to take charge 
              undamaged units by CTF 67.  DDs undamaged and able to 
              join up.  Honolulu undamaged.  Fighting lights were used 
              by several units, apparently. 
  

History of the U.S.S. PENSACOLA  CA-24

DICTIONARY OF FIGHTING SHIPS
Pensacola CA-24

The third PENSACOLA (CA-24) was laid down by the New 
York Navy Yard 27 October 1926; launched 25 April 1929; 
sponsored by Mrs. Joseph L. Seligman; and commissioned 6 
February 1930, Capt. Alfred G Howe in command.

	PENSACOLA departed New York 24 March 1930 transited the 
Panama Canal to Callao, Peru, and Valparaiso Chile, before 
returning to New York 5 June.  For the next four years she 
operated along the eastern seaboard and in the Caribbean 
Sea, several times transiting the Panama Canal for combined 
Fleet battle practice ranging from California to Hawaii.

	PENSACOLA departed Norfolk 15 January 1935 to join the 
Pacific Fleet arriving San Diego, her new home port, 30 
January.  Fleet problems ranged to Hawaii, one cruise took 
her to Alaska, and combined fleet maneuvers returned her 
briefly to the Caribbean Sea before she sailed 5 October 
1939 to base at Pearl Harbor, arriving the 12th.  Maneuvers 
frequently found the cruiser off Midway and French Frigate 
Shoals, and she made one voyage to Guam.

	PENSACOLA departed Pearl Harbor 29 November 1941 with a 
convoy bound for Manila in the Philippines.  After the 
infamous raid on Pearl Harbor, the convoy was diverted to 
Australia, entering Brisbane Harbor 7 January 1942.  
PENSACOLA returned to Pearl Harbor 19 January and put to sea 
5 February to patrol the approaches to the Samoan Islands.  
On 17 February 1942, she rendezvoused off Samoa with Carrier 
Task Force 11, built around the aircraft carrier LEXINGTON 
(CV-2).

	Near Bougainville, Solomons, PENSACOLA's gunners helped 
repel two waves of Japanese bombers, 20 February.  Not a 
ship of the carrier task force was damaged.  Antiaircraft 
fire and LEXINGTON Combat Air Patrol planes shot down 17 of 
the 18 attackers.  One pilot, Lt. Edward H. O'Hare, 
destroyed five enemy planes in a gallant fight that made him 
the first Ace of the Navy in World War II and won him the 
Medal of Honor.

	PENSACOLA continued to help guard LEXINGTON on 
offensive patrol in the Coral Sea until carrier YORKTOWN 
(CV-5) joined the task force 6 March.  The American ships 
steamed for the Gulf of Papua where, 10 March, LEXINGTON 
launched planes for a surprise strike over the Owen Stanley 
mountains at Japanese shipping and installations at Salamaua 
and Lae.  A complete surprise, the raid caused heavy damage.  
The task force then turned toward Noumea, New Caledonia, to 
replenish.  PENSACOLA patrolled with the YORKTOWN carrier 
task force until 8 April, then headed, via Samoa, for Pearl 
Harbor, arriving 21 April.  She carried Marine Fighting 
Squadron 212 to Efate in the New Hebrides Islands and 
returned to Pearl Harbor with famed carrier ENTERPRISE 
(CV-6) 26 May.

	PENSACOLA departed Pearl Harbor 28 May with the 
ENTERPRISE task force for a rendezvous 2 June northeast of 
Midway with units of Task Force 17.  Two days later, 4 June, 
when the Japanese armada came within range of the American 
carriers, the decisive Battle of Midway commenced.

	Adm. Spruance's torpedo planes and dive-bombers 
attacked the Japanese carriers.  AKAGI and KAGA went up in 
flames, and SORYU was badly damaged.  A fourth enemy 
carrier, HIRYU, still at large, launched strikes at YORKTOWN 
and the American flattops struck back, leaving the enemy 
carrier hit many times, in a mass of flames.  Meanwhile, 
gallant YORKTOWN, hit by three bombs, was fighting for her 
life.  PENSACOLA raced from the ENTERPRISE screen to aid the 
stricken carrier.  YORKTOWN was dead in the water when 
PENSACOLA arrived, and the cruiser assisted in shooting down 
four enemy torpedo bombers during a second attack.

	Despite all that could be done, YORKTOWN received two 
torpedo hits amidships and had to be abandoned.  PENSACOLA 
rejoined the screen of ENTERPRISE to pursue the retiring 
Japanese.

	PENSACOLA returned to Pearl Harbor 13 June and, with 
ENTERPRISE, again put to sea 22 June carrying 1,157 marines 
of Marine Aircraft Group 22 to Midway.  She patrolled and 
trained in Hawaiian waters until 7 August.  As Marines 
stormed the shores of Guadalcanal, the cruiser set course 
for the Solomons in the screen of carriers SARATOGA (CV-3), 
HORNET (CV-8) and WASP (CV-7) to support the leathernecks in 
that bitter campaign.  In submarine infested waters, 
torpedoes damaged SARATOGA 31 August and sank WASP 15 
September.

	PENSACOLA arrived at Noumea, New Caledonia, 26 
September and departed with carrier HORNET 2 October to 
strike the enemy in the Santa Isabel-Guadalcanal area.  On 
24 October, HORNET's carrier task group joined ENTERPRISE 
and the combined force steamed to intercept enemy warships 
approaching the Guadalcanal-Tulagi area.

	On 26 October 1942, search planes located a Japanese 
carrier and battleship formation, beginning the Battle of 
Santa Cruz Islands which was fought without contact being 
made between surface ships of the opposing forces.  Air 
strikes inflicted severe bomb damage to Japanese carriers 
ZUIHO and SHOKAKU, and sank Japanese light cruiser YURA.  
Bomb hits damaged battleship KIRISHIMA and other enemy 
ships.

	PENSACOLA helped fight off a coordinated dive bombing 
and torpedo plane raid which damaged HORNET so severely that 
she had to be abandoned.  Within minutes of the attack on 
HORNET, 24 dive bombers dropped 23 bombs in a run on 
ENTERPRISE.  Despite damage, the famed "Fighting Lady" 
launched a large number of planes from abandoned HORNET 
besides her own.

	PENSACOLA received 55 officers and 133 men--survivors 
from HORNET whom she debarked at Noumea, 30 October 1942.  
The Task Force had turned back a Japanese attempt to regain 
Guadalcanal, sunk cruiser YURA(?), and damaged a number of 
enemy capital ships.  Japanese carriers had lost 123 planes.

	PENSACOLA departed Noumea 2 November 1942 to guard 
transports landing Marine reinforcements, and supplies, at 
Aola Bay, Guadalcanal.  She helped guard ENTERPRISE during 
the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal 12-13 November 1942.  Planes 
from ENTERPRISE assisted in the sinking of battleship HIEI, 
one cruiser, three destroyers, and eleven auxiliaries and 
the damaging of four Japanese cruisers and four destroyers.

	PENSACOLA returned to Espiritu Santo to join 
cruiser-destroyer Task Force 67 under Rear Admiral Carleton 
H. Wright.  On 29 November, the task force sailed to 
intercept a Japanese destroyer-transport force expected off 
Guadalcanal the next night.  Just before midnight of the 
30th, the American ships transited Lengo Channel and headed 
past Henderson Field on Guadalcanal as the Japanese task 
group steamed on a southerly course west of Savo Island to 
enter "Ironbottom Sound."

	The two opposing task forces clashed in the Battle of 
Tassafaronga.  American destroyers launched torpedoes as the 
enemy range came within five miles of PENSACOLA's cruiser 
formation.  Now gun flashes, tracers, and star shell candles 
stained the inky darkness.  Japanese destroyer TAKANAMI, hit 
many times, was afire and exploding.  American flagship 
MINNEAPOLIS (CA-36) took two torpedo hits that blasted her 
bow downward like an immense scoop and left her forecastle 
deck awash, but she continued to fight on.  NEW ORLEANS 
(CA-32) next astern, closed the disabled MINNEAPOLIS and ran 
into the track of a torpedo that ripped off the forward part 
of the warship.

	PENSACOLA turned left to prevent collision with two 
damaged American ships ahead of her.  Silhouetted by the 
burning American cruisers, she came in the Japanese line of 
fire.  One of 18 torpedoes launched by Japanese destroyers 
hit her below the mainmast on the portside.  Her engine room 
flooded, three gun turrets went out of commission, and her 
oil tanks ruptured to make a soaked torch of her mast.  
Meantime, HONOLULU (CL-48) maneuvered radically at 30 knots, 
her guns continuing their rapid fire as she escaped the 
trap.  But the last American cruiser in column, NORTHAMPTON 
(CA-26), took two torpedo hits to duplicate on a larger 
scale the havoc inflicted on PENSACOLA.

	The oil-fed flames engulfed PENSACOLA's main deck aft 
where torpedoes and machine gun ammunition exploded.  Only 
supreme effort and skillful damage control by her gallant 
men saved the ship.  The fire, punctuated by the frightful 
explosion of 8-inch projectiles in her Number 3 turret, 
gradually subsided.  PENSACOLA made steady progress towards 
Tulagi. She arrived there still aflame.  After twelve hours 
the last fire was quenched.  Her dead numbered 7 officers 
and 118 men.  One officer and 67 men were injured.

	Camouflaged as part of the island, PENSACOLA made 
repairs in Tulagi Harbor that enabled her to steam to 
Espiritu Santo, New Hebrides Island.  She arrived there 6 
December for emergency repairs by repair ship VESTAL (AR-4) 
until she sailed 7 January 1943 via Samoa to Pearl Harbor, 
arriving 27 January.

	On 8 November, PENSACOLA sailed from Pearl Harbor in 
the screen of Southern Attack Force aircraft carriers.  On 
19 November, PENSACOLA made bombardment runs on Betio and 
Tarawa.  She rained 600 projectiles to put coast defense 
guns out of action, and destroyed enemy beach defenses and 
numerous buildings.  As troops stormed ashore on Tarawa 20 
November, the cruiser screened carriers launching air 
strikes supporting the landings.  That night she fought off 
Japanese torpedo bombers and assisted torpedo-damaged 
carrier INDEPENDENCE (CVL-22) into Funafuti, Ellice Islands.  
For the next two months, she ranged out of that base to 
screen carriers covering the movement of reinforcements and 
supplies to the Gilberts.  On 29 January 1944, she began 
strikes and bombardments to destroy Japanese air power and 
shipping in the Marshall Islands.  That night, PENSACOLA 
helped bombard Tarao in the Eastern Marshalls.  She then 
slammed shells into airfield runways, seaplane ramps, 
ammunition stowage areas and buildings on Wotje.  She 
continued pounding these targets as Marines and Army troops 
landed 31 January to seize Kwajalein and Majuro Atolls.  
Invasion of the Marshall Islands continued 1 February as 
Marines occupied Roi and Namur Islands.  PENSACOLA continued 
to hit hard at Tarao, Maloelap Atoll through 18 February, 
destroying coastal defenses and air bases of the enemy in 
the eastern Marshalls.  Operating from Majuro and Kwajalein, 
she continued to patrol in approaches of the Marshalls.  She 
again served in the screen of fast carriers conducting raids 
in the Carolines 30 March-1 April, against Japanese defenses 
at Palau, Yap, Ulithi and Woleai.

	PENSACOLA departed Majuro 25 April sailing via Pearl 
Harbor and Mare Island for duty in the Northern Pacific, 
arriving in Kulak Bay 27 May.  On 13 June, she joined her 
cruiser-destroyer task force in raining destruction on the 
airfields of Matsuwa, Kuriles.  In the early morning of 26 
June, she fired 300 8-inch projectiles to destroy shipping, 
airfields and installations at Kurabu Zaki, Paramushiru To, 
Kuriles, returning to Kulak Bay 28 June.  PENSACOLA 
continued patrol in Alaskan waters until departing Kulak Bay 
8 August for Hawaii.

	PENSACOLA arrived Pearl Harbor 13 August and put to sea 
the 29th.  Enroute to the Marianas 3 September, she joined 
an air-sea bombardment of Wake Island.  On 9 October, she 
pounded the main radio station and installations on Marcus 
Island.  She and her sister cruisers and destroyers stirred 
up a fire melee in their "impersonation" of Halsey's 3rd 
Fleet to lead the Japanese into thinking the ladder of 
islands to the Bonins was next on the American timetable for 
invasion.  Meanwhile, Adm. Halsey's units advanced on the 
Philippines while Fast Carriers rained destruction on the 
enemy air and Fleet bases at Okinawa and Formosa.

	PENSACOLA made rendezvous with the units of the Fast 
Carrier Task Force retiring from the great air battles over 
Formosa.  After protecting battle damaged cruisers CANBERRA 
(CA-70) and HOUSTON (CL-81) to Ulithi, she joined a Fast 
Carrier Task Group, including WASP (CV-18), 16 October.  The 
following day, troops supported by the 7th Fleet, began the 
liberation of the Philippine Islands.

	PENSACOLA screened fast aircraft carriers striking 
Luzon and directly supported the invasion of Leyte beginning 
20 October.  She raced north to aid in the destruction of 
the enemy carrier force in the Battle of Cape Engano 25 
October, then turned south as the fast carriers launched 
planes to aid the gallant escort carriers.

	PENSACOLA bombarded Iwo Jima the night of 11-12 
November and returned to Ulithi the 14th.  As she was about 
to depart for Saipan 20 November, she spotted a periscope 
about 1,200 yards to starboard.  As she maneuvered clear, 
destroyer CASE (DD-370) rammed the enemy.  Four minutes 
later, her men witnessed the flaming explosion that 
destroyed fleet oiler MISSISSINEWA (AO-59), victim of a 
Japanese midget submarine.

	PENSACOLA arrived Saipan 22 November to prepare for the 
invasion of Iwo Jima.  Five nights later, she helped splash 
several attacking Japanese aircraft.  She departed Saipan 6 
December, plastered Iwo Jima with 500 8-inch projectiles on 
the 8th.  She returned to Iwo Jima on the 24th and the 27th, 
pounding mountain gun positions north of Suribachi Mountain.  
She hit defenses on Chichi Jima and Haha Jima as well as Iwo 
Jima on 5 and 24 January 1945.

	At Ulithi, 27 January, PENSACOLA formed with a 
battleship-cruiser-destroyer gunstrike task force under Rear 
Admiral B. J. Rodgers.  Six battleships, four cruisers and a 
destroyer screen comprised the bombardment force which 
sailed 10 February via Tinian to Iwo Jima.

	On 16 February, PENSACOLA opened fire on the northwest 
sector of Iwo Jima to prepare for the landings. That 
afternoon Lt. (j.g.) Douglas W. Gandy, USNR piloting one of 
PENSACOLA's gun-spotter scout planes, shot down a Japanese 
fighter.  The next morning, PENSACOLA took six hits from 
enemy shore batteries as her guns covered operations of the 
minesweepers close inshore.  Three of her officers and 14 
men were killed.  Another five officers and 114 men were 
injured.

	PENSACOLA fired back as she retired for temporary 
repairs then returned to her bombardment station.  The 
morning of 19 February she commenced harassing and 
counter-battery fire in direct support of the invasion 
landings.  Her deadly guns fought day and night into 1 March 
when she silenced enemy shore batteries which had hit 
destroyer TERRY (DD-513) amidships.  After helping TERRY's 
wounded, she resumed direct bombardment support to advancing 
Marines that continued into 3 March.

	She arrived in Ulithi 5 March and put to sea on the 
20th to support the invasion and capture of Okinawa, the 
"last stepping stone" to Japan.

	On 25 March, PENSACOLA bombarded enemy defenses and 
covered the operations of minesweepers preparing the way for 
the Okinawa invasion landings.  On 27 March, she spotted a 
torpedo wake on her port quarter.  A second "fish" streaked 
towards the ship from dead astern.  As her 40mm gunners 
opened fire on the torpedoes, PENSACOLA went hard left then 
hard right to parallel the deadly missiles.  The first 
torpedo missed her starboard quarter by less than twenty 
feet.  The second passed some twenty yards along the port 
side of the cruiser as her gunners opened with automatic 
weapons on a submarine periscope.

	PENSACOLA gave direct bombardment support to the 
initial invasion of Okinawa 1 April and continued to blast 
at enemy targets until the 15th.  She then sailed via Guam 
and Pearl Harbor for home.  She arrived at Mare Island 7 May 
for overhaul.

	She sailed 3 August for Adak, Alaska and was there when 
hostilities ended.  On the 31st, she sailed with units of 
Cruiser Division Five enroute to Ominato, Northern Honshu, 
Japan.  She anchored in the outer harbor of Ominato 8 
September.

	PENSACOLA departed Ominato 14 November to embark 200 
veterans at Iwo Jima, then touched Pearl Harbor enroute to 
San Francisco, Calif., arriving 3 December.  Five days 
later, she put to sea for Apra Harbor, Guam, where she 
embarked nearly 700 veterans for transport to San Diego, 
arriving 9 January 1946.

	PENSACOLA departed San Pedro 29 April to stage with 
units of Joint Task Force One at Pearl Harbor in preparation 
for operation "Crossroads," the atomic bomb experiments at 
Bikini Atoll.  She stood out of Pearl Harbor 20 May and 
reached Bikini the 29th to serve as a target ship.  She 
survived the tests of 1 July and 25 July 1946.  On 24 August 
1946 she was taken in tow for Kwajalein where she 
decommissioned 26 August 1946.  Her hulk was turned over to 
the custody of Joint Task Force One for radiological and 
structural studies.  On completion of these studies, her 
hulk was sunk 10 November 1948.

	PENSACOLA received thirteen battle stars for World War 
II service.


                         PENSACOLA Class
                        CA-Heavy Cruisers

CA-24 PENSACOLA
CA-25 SALT LAKE CITY
                    

Completed:
    1929-30

Displacement (tons):
    9,100 (stand)
   13,100 (Mean war service)

Length (oa):
    586’

Beam:
    65’

Draft (max):
    21’

Armament (max auth):
    10 8"/55 
     8 5"/25 DP
     6 40 mm quads
    20-21 20 mm

Propulsion:

    Speed:
       31.5 knots (max)

    Max. Cruising radius:
       4,400 miles @ 25 knots
       10,100 @ 15 knots

Horsepower:
       107,000 (shaft)

Drive:
       4 screws
       geared turbine
Fuel:
       3,088 tons oil (max)1,935

Aircraft:
       2 SC-1

Remarks

    The PENSACOLA and SALT LAKE CITY were the first American 
    cruisers to be built under the terms of the Washington Naval
    Treaty.  A certain basic design relationship to the OMAHA 
    Class (CL-4-13) is reflected in the relative location of the 
    main battery magazines, boiler and engine room spaces.  They
    mount the most numerous main battery of any U. S. 8"-gun 
    cruisers.  One reason given for mounting the triple turrets 
    in super-firing positions is that it was necessitated by the 
    fineness of the hull lines forward.  Both vessels suffer from 
    insufficient freeboard, a defect remedied in subsequent 
    cruisers.  During the course of this war the former tripod 
    mainmast was cut down to a control tower and a light pole 
    mast stepped on the superstructure abaft the second stack.


Links to other web-sites with information on the
U.S.S. PENSACOLA


NavSource Online  Has photos of CA-24
Hullnumber.com  Has info. and photos of the U.S.S. PENSACOLA


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