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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