December 1, 1943 Zone description plus four:
00-24 Moored port side to U.S.S. HUNT at berth 36, pier 3, NOB,
Norfolk Va. SOPA is Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Atlantic
Fleet; in U.S.S. VIXEN
December 2, 1943. Zone description plus four:
Moored as before.
1145 Underway in accordance with CinCLANT despatch 271342 of
November, formed task group 29.17 with ROCKY MOUNT, FAYETTE and
HUNT. OTC is CTG 29.17 in ROCKY MOUNT. Steaming various courses
and Speeds conforming to channel.
1817 Took departure from Buoy XS, took screening station 3310 on
ROCKY MOUNT, set base course 122? T&G (131? psc) at standard
speed 14 knots.
2000 Position Latitude 36?46'N Longitude 74?13'W.
Changed base course to 185?T&G (214?psc).
December 3, 1943 Zone description plus four:
Steaming as before.
0800 Position Latitude 34?20'N Longitude 73?35'W.
1200 Position Latitude 33?19'N Longitude 73?35'W.
1354 Changed base course to 215?T&G (240?psc).
1418 Commenced firing burst practice.
1422 Ceased firing having expended 1 round 5"/38, 134 rounds 40MM
and 480 rounds 20MM ammunition.
2000 Position Latitude 31?35'N Longitude 73?55'W.
Changed base course to 185?T&G (199?psc).
December 4, 1943 Zone description plus four:
Steaming as before.
0800 Position Latitude 28?45'1N Longitude 74?15'W.
0810 Changed base course to 177?T&G (206?psc).
1200 Position Latitude 27?59'N Longitude 74?06'W.
2000 Position Latitude 26?08'N Longitude 73?53'W.
December 5, 1943 Zone description plus four:
Steaming as before.
0041 Changed base course to 185?T&G (l99?psc).
0636 Changed base course to 199?T&G (215?psc).
0800 Position Latitude 23?50'N Longitude 74?09.5'W.
1200 Position Latitude 23?14'N Longitude 74?26'W.
1341 Sighted Bird Rock Light bearing 250?T distance 27000 yards.
1412 Commenced firing burst practice.
1414 Ceased firing, having expended 15 rounds 5"/38, 196 rounds
40MM, and 104 rounds 20MM ammunition.
1425 Changed base course to 197?T&G (213?psc).
1722 Changed base course to 155?T&G (163?psc).
2000 Position Latitude 21?33'N Longitude 74?39'W.
2030 Changed base course to 154?T&G (162?psc).
December 6, 1943 Zone description plus four:
Steaming as before.
0113 Sighted Cape Maysi light bearing 180?T distant 23 miles.
0223 Changed base course to 212?T&G (215?psc).
0718 Sighted Island of Haiti bearing 155?T distant 40 miles.
0800 Position Latitude 19?11'N Longitude 74?47'W.
0912 Sighted Vanassa Island Light bearing 178?T distant 20 miles.
1052 Changed base course to 192?T&G (194?psc).
1200 Position Latitude 18?10'N Longitude 75?18.5'W.
1615 Changed base course to 214?T&G (216?psc).
2000 Position Latitude 16?36'N Longitude 76?04'W.
December 7, 1944 Zone description plus four:
Steaming as before.
0702 Changed base course to 260?T&G (272?psc).
0710 Sighted convoy bearing 250?T distant 10 miles, on course
clear to port.
0800 Position Latitude 14?47'08"N Longitude 77?27'00"W.
0625 Changed base course to 215?T&G (214?psc).
1200 Position Latitude 14?04'N Longitude 77?54'W.
1333 Changed base course to 205?T&G(205?psc).
2000 Position Latitude 12?50'N Longitude 78?51'W.
2000 Changed base course 195?T&G (195?psc).
December 8, 1943 Zone description plus four:
Steaming as before.
0800 Position Latitude 15? N. Longitude 78?W.
1100 Sighted examination vessel, entrance to Canal Zone bearing
182? T distant 3 miles. Commenced steaming various courses
and speeds conforming to channel entering Colon, C. Z.
1341 Anchored in berth M52 Limon Bay, Colon, C. Z.
1539 Underway for transit of Panama Canal, steaming various courses
and speeds conforming to the channel; pilot at the conn.
2248 Completed transit of canal, entered Balboa Reach.
2329 Moored starboard side to HUNT at dock 7, Balboa, Panama. SOPA
is CDD 104 in HUNT.
December 9, 1943 Zone description plus four:
Moored as before.
0105 Set clocks back one hour to zone time plus 5.
December 10, 1943 Zone description plus five:
Moored as before.
1227 Underway in company with U.S.S. HUNT in accordance with
Compacseafron despatch 091440 of December. Steaming various
Courses.
1312 Took departure from Buoy 2, set base course 180? T&G, 178? psc.
At standard speed 15 knots.
1841 Changed base course to 225? T&G, 212? psc.
2000 Position Latitude 7?12' N. Longitude 00?03' W.
2045 Changed base course to 270? T&G, 255? psc.
2100 Sighted Morro Paercos Light bearing 320? T, distance 21 miles.
December 11, 1943 Zone description plus five:
Steaming as before.
0155 Sighted Isla Jicarita Light bearing 293? T, distance 16.5
miles.
0350 Changed base course to 294? T&G, 282? psc.
0800 Position Latitude 7?28' N. Longitude 82?50' W.
0801 Sighted Point Burica bearing 349? T, distance 30 miles
0950 Changed base course 296? T&G, 280? psc.
1200 Position Latitude 7?53' N. Longitude 83?45' W.
1401- Steaming various courses and speeds while conducting-
1442 exercises. Tested machine gun battery expended 23 -
rounds 40MM and 60 rounds 20MM ammunition.
1930 Set clocks to zone description plus five and one half.
2000 Position Latitude 8?48' N. Longitude 85?40' W.
2100 Changed base course to 305?T&G, 301? psc.
December 12, 1943 Zone description plus five:
Steaming as before.
0200 Changed base course to 280? T&G, 273? psc.
0638 Tested machine gun battery, expending 66 rounds 40mm and 60
rounds 20mm ammunition.
0712 Changed course to 296? T&G, 291? psc.
0800 Position Latitude 10?13' N, Longitude 88?46' W.
1200 Position Latitude 10?41' N, Longitude 89?36' W.
1420- Steaming various courses and speeds while conducting exercises.
1523
1730 Set clocks to zone description six.
1930- Steaming various courses and speeds while conducting exercises.
2000
2000 Position Latitude 11?32' N, Longitude 91?43' W. Changed base
course to 295? T&G, 287? psc.
December 13, 1943 Zone description plus six:
Steaming as before.
0644 Fired burst practice expending one round 5"/38 Illuminating, 76
rounds 40mm, 122 rounds 20mm ammunition.
0800 Position Latitude 120?57' N, Longitude 94?34' W.
1045 Fired burst as target for U.S.S. HUNT expending one round 5"/38 AA
Common ammunition.
1200 Position Latitude 13?22' N, Longitude 95?34' W.
1315- Steaming various courses and speeds while conducting exercises.
1523
1730 Set clocks to zone description plus six and one half.
1930- Steaming various courses and speeds while conducting exercises.
2000
2000 Position Latitude 14?09' N, Longitude 97?32' W.
December 14, 1943 Zone description plus six and one half:
Steaming as before.
0631 Fired burst practice expending one round 5"/38 AA Common, five
rounds 5"/38 Illuminating, 87 rounds 40mm, 65 rounds 20mm
ammunition.
0800 Position Latitude 15?22' N, Longitude 100?14' W.
0915 Fired burst practice expending seven round 5"/38 AA Common
ammunition.
1200 Position Latitude 15?15' N, Longitude 101?16' W.
1340- Steaming various courses and speeds while conducting exercises.
1510
1517 Fired burst practice expending seven round 5"/38 AA Common, 12
rounds 40mm ammunition.
1730 Set clocks to zone description plus seven.
1930- Steaming various courses and speeds while conducting exercises.
2000
2000 Position Latitude 16?07' N, Longitude 103?14' W.
2400 Changed base course to 308? T&G, 296? psc.
December 15, 1943 Zone description plus seven:
Steaming as before
0545 Steaming various courses and speeds while conducting exercises.
0639 Fired practice star shell spread, expending five rounds 5"/38
Illuminating Ammunition.
0800 Position Latitude 18?29'N Longitude 107?09'W.
0931 Fired burst practice, expending seven rounds 5"/38 AA-Common
Ammunition.
1158 Changed standard speed to 16 knots.
1200 Position Latitude 19?11'N Longitude 107?09'W.
1359 Steaming various courses at various speeds while conducting
exercises.
1730 Set clocks to zone description plus seven.
1930 Steaming various courses and speeds while conducting exercises.
2000 Position Latitude 20?31'N Longitude 108?55'W.
December 16, 1943 Zone description plus seven:
Steaming as before.
0545 Steaming various courses and speeds while conducting exercises.
0800 Position Latitude 22?31'N Longitude 111?28'W.
1059 Changed standard speed to 26 knots.
1200 Position Latitude 23?13'N Longitude 112?49'W.
1410 Changed base course to 320?T&G (3113?psc).
2000 Position Latitude 25?37'N Longitude 115?20'W.
2400 Changed base course to 348?T&G (340?PSC).
December 17, 1943 Zone description plus seven:
Steaming as before
0618 Sighted coast of Lower California bearing 030? T distant 66
miles.
0800 Position Latitude 29?56'N Longitude 117?15'W.
1200 Position Latitude 31?26'N Longitude 117?11'W.
1235 Changed base course to 000?T&G (350?psc).
1258 Changed base course to 075?T&G (067?psc).
1300 Sighted Point Loma bearing 074?T, distant 19 miles.
1315 Commenced steaming various courses and speeds approaching San
Diego Harbor.
1339 Passed Buoy Able abeam to port, entered swept channel.
1509 Moored with fifteen fathoms of chain to anchorage buoy No. 26
San Diego Harbor. Various units of U.S. Fleet Present, SOPA is
ComFleetAir, West Coast.
1539 U.S.S. HUNT moored alongside to starboard.
December 18, 1943 Zone description plus seven:
Moored with 15 fathoms of chain to anchorage buoy No. 26, San
Diego Harbor. U.S.S. HUNT alongside to starboard. Various
units of U.S. Fleet present. SOPA is ComFltAir, West Coast.
December 19, 1943 Zone description plus seven
Moored with 15 fathoms of chain to anchorage buoy No. 26, San
Diego Harbor. U.S.S. HUNT alongside to starboard. Various
units of U.S. Fleet present. SOPA is ComFltAir, West Coast.
December 20, 1943 Zone description plus seven
Moored as before.
U.S.S. HUNT underway from alongside.
December 21, 1943 Zone description plus seven
Moored as before.
1506 Underway in company with U.S.S. WILLIAM D. PORTER in accordance
with ComNorPac secret dispatch 180123 of December steaming of
various courses and speeds conforming to the channel.
1712 Passed Buoy Able abeam to starboard, entered International
waters. Set base course 257?T&G (246? psc). Standard speed 15
knots.
1830 Set clocks to Zone Description Plus Eight.
2000 Position Latitude 32? 21'N Longitude 118? 21'W.
2331 Changed base course to 294? T&G (286? psc).
December 22, 1943 Zone description plus eight
Steaming as before.
0800 Position Latitude 33? 02'N Longitude 121? 31'W.
1200 Position Latitude 33? 21'N Longitude 122? 35'W.
1730 Set clocks to Zone Description Plus Eight and One Half.
2000 Position Latitude 34? 08'N Longitude 125? 07'W.
2341 Changed base course to 306? T&G (299? psc).
December 23, 1943 Zone description plus eight and one-half
Steaming as before.
0600 Steaming various courses and speeds while conducting exercises.
0800 Position Latitude 35? 45'N Longitude 128? 10'W.
1029 Sighted escort carrier bearing 027? T, distant 7 miles,
identified as U.S.S. RANDOLPH.
1200 Position Latitude 36? 21'N Longitude 129? 11'W.
1415 Fired burst practice, expending 14 rounds 5"/38 AA-Common, 315
rounds 40MM, 424 rounds 20MM ammunition.
1735 Set clocks to Zone Description Plus Nine.
2000 Position Latitude 37? 32'N Longitude 130? 32'W.
December 24, 1943 Zone description plus nine
Steaming as before
0800 Position Latitude 39? 12' N. Longitude 134? 05' W.
1200 Position Latitude 39? 46' N. Longitude 135? 05' W.
1730 Set clocks to zone description plus nine and one half.
2000 Position Latitude 41? 02' N. Longitude 137? 13' W.
December 25, 1943 Zone description plus nine and one-half
Steaming as before
0800 Position Latitude 42? 43' N. Longitude 140? 24' W.
1200 Position Latitude 43? 17' N. Longitude 141? 29' W.
1730 Set clocks to zone description plus ten.
2000 Position Latitude 44? 27' N. Longitude 143? 43' W.
December 26, 1943 Zone description plus ten
Steaming as before
0800 Position Latitude 46? 06' N. Longitude 146? 30' W.
0824 Changed base course to 302? T&G, 290? psc.
1000 Changed standard speed to 14 knots.
1200 Position Latitude 46? 34' N. Longitude 147? 36' W.
2000 Position Latitude 47? 30' N. Longitude 149? 45' W.
December 27, 1943 Zone description plus ten
Steaming as before
0800 Position Latitude 48? 51' N. Longitude 153? 05' W.
0830 Changed base course to 306? T&G, 295? psc.
1200 Position Latitude 49? 29' N. Longitude 154? 07' W.
1600 Changed standard speed to 12 knots.
2000 Position Latitude 50? 30' N. Longitude 155? 40' W.
December 28, 1943 Zone description plus ten
0800 Position Latitude 51? 51' N. Longitude 158? 18' W.
0900 Changed course to 297? T&G, 281? psc.
1200 Position Latitude 52? 03.5' N Longitude 158? 56' W.
1323 Sighted ship bearing 324? T., range 7 miles.
Steamed various courses to keep clear.
1405 Ship identified as U.S.S.R.S. SOVEETSKAYA NEFF.
2000 Position Latitude 52? 57' N. Longitude 161? 47' W.
2231 Picked up Mt. Shishaldin on radar, bearing 330? T., distance 110
miles.
December 29, 1943 Zone description plus ten
Steaming as before
0400 Steaming various courses and speeds while passing through Unimak
Pass, and approaching Dutch Harbor, Alaska.
0600 Sighted Scotch Cap Light bearing 325? T., distant 15 miles.
0800 Position Latitude 53? 20' N. Longitude 164? 48' W.
0837 Passed Akutan Island abeam to port, distant 12 miles.
0917 Passed Unalga Island abeam to port, distant 16 miles.
1339 Passed through anti-submarine net gate, entered Dutch Harbor,
Alaska.
1415 Moored port side to U.S.S. SPROSTON at Dutch Harbor, Pier,
Dutch Harbor, Alaska. Various units of U.S. Fleet present in
harbor. S.O.P.A. is C.T.F. 94 in U.S.S. RICHMOND.
1447 U.S.S. WILLIAM D. PORTER. Moored alongside to starboard.
December 30, 1943 Zone description plus ten
Moored as before.
December 31, 1943 Zone description plus ten
Moored as before.
January 1, 1944 Zone description plus ten
Moored port side to U.S.S. SPROSTON at Dutch Harbor Pier, Dutch
Harbor, Alaska, U.S.S. WILLIAM D. PORTER alongside to starboard.
Various units of U.S. Fleet present in harbor. SOPA is
ComNorPacFor.
January 2, 1944 Zone description plus ten
Moored as before
0800 The Commander Destroyer Squadron 49 shifted his flag from U.S.S.
SPROSTON to U.S.S. PICKING.
0840 Underway in company with Task Force 94 in accordance with
ComNorPac secret dispatch 312125 of December, 1943. Steaming
various courses and speeds conforming with channel while
standing out of Dutch Harbor, Alaska.
1016 Took position with DesRon 49 in standard anti-submarine screen
ahead of cruiser formation: U.S.S. RICHMOND, U.S.S. DETROIT and
U.S.S. RALEIGH. U.S.S. PICKING's position ahead of guide ship,
distant 4000 yds. Steaming various courses and speeds while
carrying out screening exercises.
1120 Set base course 259? T&G 252? psc, standard speed 15 knots.
1206 Commenced zigzagging according to plan.
1326 Ceased zigzagging. Left cruiser screen. Steaming various
courses while carrying out tactical exercises.
1540 Rejoined cruiser screen. Commenced zigzagging according to
plan.
2000 Position Latitude 53? 55' N Longitude 169? 50' W.
2019- Steaming various courses and speeds while carrying out tactical
2045 exercises. Ceases zigzagging.
January 3, 1944 Zone description plus ten
Steaming as before
0021 Changed base course to 250? T&G 239? psc.
0800 Position latitude 53? 00' N. Longitude 174? 40' W.
0917 Commenced zigzagging according to plan.
0955 Ceased zigzagging.
1000 Steaming various courses and speeds while carrying out main
battery radar offset firing practice. Expended 10 rounds 5"/38
cal. AA Common ammunition.
1200 Position Latitude 52? 53' N. Longitude 175? 50' W.
1400 Steaming various courses and speeds while approaching Kuluk Bay,
Alaska.
1659 Set base course 000? T&G 357? psc.
1727 Commenced zigzagging according to plan.
2000 Position Latitude 52? 44' N. Longitude 176? 50' W. Changed
base course to 315? T&G 316? psc.
January 4, 1944 Zone description plus ten
Steaming as before
0030 Changed base course to 090? T&G 084? psc.
0330 Changed course to 135? T&G 126? psc.
0400 Changed course to 180? T&G 170? psc.
0712 Changed base course to 215? T&G 211? psc.
0851 Changed base course to 000? T&G 357? psc.
0930 Left cruiser screen in company with DesDiv 98. Steaming various
courses and speeds while carrying out exercises.
1406 Completed exercises, proceeding to Sweepers Cove, Adak Island,
Alaska.
1437 Fired burst practice, expending 3 rounds 5"/38 AA Common and 71
rounds 40mm ammunition.
1735 Moored starboard side U.S.S. SPROSTON in nest with U.S.S. WILLIAM D.
PORTER and U.S.S. WICKES at Buoy #1, Sweepers Cove, Adak Island,
Alaska. Various units of U.S. Fleet present in harbor. SOPA is
ComNorPacFor.
January 5, 1944 Zone description plus ten
Moored as before.
January 6, 1944 Zone description plus ten
Moored as before.
1253 Underway from alongside U.S.S. SPROSTON at Buoy #1, Sweepers Cove,
Adak Island, Alaska in accordance with ComNorPac dispatch 05318 of
January, 1944. Steaming various courses and speeds conforming to
the channel.
1400 Steaming various courses and speeds in company with U.S.S. CHARLES J.
BADGER, U.S.S. ISHERWOOD, and U.S.S. LUCE while carry out exercises.
2125 Fired illumination practice, expending 14 rounds 5"/38 Illuminating
ammunition.
2150 Set base course 270? T&G 078? psc, standard speed 15 knots. Assumed
guide with U.S.S. CHARLES BADGER, U.S.S. ISHERWOOD and U.S.S. LUCE
forming standard anti-submarine screen ahead.
January 7, 1944 Zone description plus ten
Steaming as before.
0100 Changed course to 090? T&G 078? psc.
0800 Position Latitude 52? 30' N Longitude 176? 19' W.
0915 Steaming various courses and speeds while conducting exercises.
1358 Fired shore bombardment exercises at Great Sitkin Island, expending
30 rounds 5"/38 AA Common ammunition.
1920 Set base course 000? T&G 005? psc. Formed in anti-submarine screen
with U.S.S. ISHERWOOD and U.S.S. LUCE. U.S.S. CHARLES J. BADGER
guide. standard speed 15 knots.
2320 Changed course to 090? T&G 078? psc.
January 8, 1944 Zone description plus ten
Steaming as before.
0054 Changed course to 180? T&G 173? psc.
0720 Assumed guide. U.S.S. CHARLES J. BADGER, U.S.S. ISHERWOOD, U.S.S.
LUCE forming in standard column astern. Steaming various courses and
Speeds while carrying out exercises in Kuluk Bay, Alaska.
0816 Fired night bombardment exercise, expending 31 rounds 5"/38 AA Common
and 34 rounds 5"/38 Illuminating ammunition.
1056 Fired radar calibration practice, expending 50 rounds 5"/38 AA Common
ammunition.
1700 Entered Sweepers Cove, Adak Island, Alaska.
1741 Moored to Buoy #1, Sweepers Cove, Adak Island, Alaska. Various units
of U.S. Fleet present in harbor. SOPA is ComNorPacFor.
January 9, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Moored as before.
1615 Underway from Buoy #1, Sweepers Cove, Adak Island, Alaska,
Steaming various courses and speeds while proceeding to
Moor alongside U.S.S. MARKAB.
1630 Moored starboard side to U.S.S. MARKAB at Buoy #2, Sweepers Cove,
Adak Island, Alaska. Various units of U.S. Fleet present.
SOPA is ComNorPacFor.
January 10, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Moored as before.
January 11, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Moored as before.
1055 U.S.S. GILMORE (DE 18) moored alongside to port.
1200 Commander Destroyer Squadron 49 shifted his flag to U.S.S. SPROSTON.
January 12, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Moored as before.
1304 Underway from alongside U.S.S. MARKAB at Buoy #2, Sweepers Cove,
Adak Island, Alaska. In accordance with ComNorPac despatch 120545
Of January, 1944. Steaming variouses courses and speeds while
Standing through channel.
1453 Commenced exercising at general drills.
1643 Commenced steaming various courses and speeds in company with
U.S.S. CHARLES J. BADGER and U.S.S. LUCE. Formed in column, U.S.S.
CHARLES J. BADGER guide, U.S.S. LUCE and U.S.S. PICKING following
In that order.
1700 Set base course 000? T&G 352? psc, standard speed 10 knots.
1901 Formed standard anti-submarine screen with U.S.S. LUCE, U.S.S.
CHARLES J. BADGER guide, Ship's position 45? on Starboard bow of
U.S.S. CHARLES J. BADGER, distant 3000 yards. Changed base course
To 330? T&G 327? psc.
1840 Changed base course to 150? T&G 140? psc. By countermarch
Movement.
1920 Changed speed to 15 knots.
2232 Changed base course to 060? T&G 057? psc.
2300 Changed base course to 000? T&G 355? psc.
January 13, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Steaming as before
0130 Changed base course to 270? T&G, 269? psc.
0305 Changed base course to 180? T&G, 174? psc.
0600 Had radar contact on Great Sitkin Island, bearing 120? T.
distant 25 miles.
0700 Changed course to 270? T&G, 269? psc.
0720 Left anti-submarine screen, took station in column with
U.S.S BADGER and U.S.S. LUCE. U.S.S. BADGER guide. Base
Course to 350? T&G, speed 10 knots, 94 r.p.m.
0930 Left formation to join U.S.S. SPROSTON, U.S.S. WICKES, and
U.S.S WILLIAM D. PORTER. Took position in column astern of
U.S.S. SPROSTON; U.S.S. WICKES, and U.S.S. PRTER astern of
U.S.S. PICKING. Steaming various courses and speeds while
conducting tactical exercises in Kuluk Bay and vicinity.
1700 U.S.S. CHARLES J. BADGER and U.S.S. LUCE joined formation.
1752 Changed base course to 180? T&G, 087? psc.
1814 Changed base course to 280? T&G, 274? psc.
2000 Changed base course to 100? T&G, 084? psc.
2200 Changed base course to 280? T&G, 280? psc.
January 14, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Streaming as before.
0000 Changed base course to 100? T&G, 087? psc.
0210 Changed base course to 280? T&G, 282? psc.
0400 Changed base course to 100? T&G, 087? psc.
0600 Changed base course to 280? T&G, 282? psc.
0645 Had radar contact on Great Sitkin Island, Alaska, bearing
105? T. distant 23 miles.
0700 Changed base course to 100? T&G, 087? psc.
0800 U.S.S. LUSE and U.S.S. BADGER left formation.
0935 Changed base course to 280? T&G, 282? psc.
1013 Steaming various courses and speeds while carrying out exercises
in vicinity of Great Sitkin Island, Alaska.
1111- Fired radar calibration practice, expending 90 rounds 5"/38
1645 AA - Common ammunition. Test fired automatic weapons, expending
69 rounds 40mm AA ammunition.
2107 Set base course 320? T&G, 319? psc, speed 10 knots.
2140 Changed base course to 290? T&G, 288? psc.
January 15, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Steaming as before.
0110 Changed base course to 110? T&G, 097? psc.
0507 Changed base course to 290? T&G, 288? psc.
0610 Had radar contact on Great Sitkin Island, bearing 130? T, distant 26
miles.
0800 Commenced steaming various courses and speeds while carrying on
tactical exercises north Adak Island, Alaska.
1310 Commenced fighter director exercise.
1506- Fired automatic weapons practice with towed sleeve, expending 805
rounds
1606 40mm AA and 974 rounds 20mm AA ammunition.
1714 The Commander, Destroyer Squadron 49 shifted his flag from U.S.S.
SPROSTON to U.S.S. PICKING.
1820 Entered Sweepers Cove, Adak Island, Alaska.
1836 Moored port side to U.S.S. WILLIAM D. PORTER at buoy #1, Sweepers
Cove, Adak Island, Alaska. Various units of U.S. Fleet present in
harbor. SOPA is ComNorPacFor.
January 16, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Moored as before.
1115 Underway from alongside U.S.S. WILLIAM D. PORTER at buoy #1, Sweeper
Cove, Adak Island, Alaska, in accordance with verbal orders of
ComDesRon 49, steaming various courses and speeds while proceeding
to Sand Bay, Great Sitkin Island, Alaska.
1338 Entered Sand Bay, Great Sitkin Island, Alaska.
1345 Anchored in Sand Bay, Great Sitkin Island, Alaska, in 15 fathoms of
water with 90 fathoms of chain to the starboard anchor.
1557 Underway from anchorage, steaming various courses and speeds while
proceeding to moor.
1610 Moored starboard side to U.S.S. CHARLES J. BADGER at N.O.B. Pier, Sand
Bay, Great Sitkin Island, Alaska. Various units of U.S. Fleet
present. SOPA is ComNorPacFor.
January 17, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Moored as before.
0830 Underway in company with U.S.S. CHARLES J. BADGER, and U.S.S. LUCE,
from N.O.B. Pier, Sand Bay, Great Sitkin Island, in accordance with
ComDesRon 49 secret despatch 170900 of January. Steaming various
courses and speed while standing out of Sand Bay and into Kuluk Bay.
1028 Joined Task Force 94. Took station in destroyer anti-submarine
screen 3000 yards ahead of cruiser column of U.S.S. RICHMOND, U.S.S.
DETROIT, and U.S.S. RALEIGH.
1039 Set base course 000* T&G, 346* psc., Speed 15 knots.
1100 Commenced zigzagging according to plan.
1115 Ceased zigzagging. Formed in anti-aircraft screening disposition.
1135 Formed in anti-submarine screen 3000 yards ahead of cruiser column.
1150 Changed base course to 180* T&G 176* psc.
1218 Commenced zigzagging according to plan.
1246 Ceased zigzagging. Commenced steaming various courses and speeds
while standing through Kuluk Bay and into Sand Bay, Great Sitkin
Island, Alaska.
1428 Moored port side to N.O.B. Pier, Sand Bay, Great Sitkin Island,
Alaska. Various units of U.S. Fleet present in harbor, S.O.P.A. is
CTF 94 in U.S.S. RICHMOND.
January 18, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Moored as before.
0030 Underway in company with U.S.S. CHARLED J. BADGER from N.O.B. Pier,
Sand Bay, Alaska in accordance with ComNorPac secret despatch 180723
Of January. Steaming various courses and speeds while standing out
of Sand Bay and Kuluk Bay.
0150 Set base course to 270* T&G, 268* psc., speed 15 knots.
0209 Changed speed to 25 knots.
0600 Changed base course to 210* T&G, 205* psc. Had radar contact on
Amchitka Island, Alaska bearing 250? T, distant 28 miles.
0800 Commenced steaming various courses and speeds while carrying out
search for lost aviators south of Rat Islands, Alaska.
1938 Set base course 067? T&G, 060psc., speed 10 knots.
2000 Position Latitude 49? 49'N. Longitude 174? 14'E. Commenced firing
starshells hourly to aid in search.
2200 Commenced zigzagging according to plan.
January 19, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Steaming as before.
0420 Ceased zigzagging. Changed speed to 18 knots. Ceased firing
starshells having expended eight rounds 5"/38 Illuminating
ammunition.
0736 Changed base course to 245? T&G, 245? psc.
0800 Position Latitude 49? 32'N. Longitude 174? 26'E.
0912 Changed base course to 067? T&G, 060? psc. Changed speed to 15 knots.
0915 Fired one round 5"/38 Illuminating ammunition.
1200 Position Latitude 49? 48'N. Longitude 175? 06'E.
1417- Fired burst practice, expended seven rounds 5"/38 AA-Common and 32
1515 rounds 40mm AA ammunition.
2000 Position Latitude 50? 19?N. Longitude 177? 21'E.
2113 Changed speed to 20 knots.
2200 Changed base course to 061? T&G, 049?psc.
2227 Fired one round 5"/38 Illuminating ammunition to investigate reported
light. Results negative.
January 20, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Steaming as before.
0200 Changed base course to 000? T&G, 347? psc.
0330 Changed base course to 050? T&G, 036? psc.
0600 Changed base course to 090? T&G, 080? psc.
0800 Position Latitude 52? 06'N. Longitude 178? 02'W.
0845 Sighted Kanaga Island, bearing 170? T., distant 15 miles.
1020 Changed course to 117? T&G, 109? psc.
1030 Sighted Task Force 94 in sortie from Kuluk Bay, Alaska.
1050 Joined Task Force 94. Took station in anti-submarine screen 5000
yards ahead of cruiser column of U.S.S. RICHMOND, U.S.S. DETROIT,
and U.S.S. RALEIGH. Base course 000? T&G, 347? psc. Speed 15 knots.
Commenced zigzagging according to plan.
1200 Position Latitude 52? 20'N. Longitude 176? 23.5'W.
1245 Ceased zigzagging. Commenced steaming various courses and speeds
while carrying out exercises.
1346 Took position in battle disposition while cruisers fired Day Battle
Practice at towed target. PICKING with DesDiv 97 in van destroyer
group.
1510 Simulated division torpedo attack.
1730 Took station in anti-submarine screen ahead of cruiser column. Ran
course 000? T&G, 347? psc. Speed 25 knots, zigzagging according to
plan.
1800 Ceased zigzagging.
2000 Position Latitude 54? 27'N. Longitude 176? 08'W. Changed base
course to 210? T&G, 210 psc.
January 21, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Steaming as before.
0200 Changed base course to 165? T&G, 147? psc.
0225 Changed base course to 120? T&G, 112? psc.
0500 Took station in battle diposition. Task force column. PICKING
guide.
0545 Changed base course to 160? T&G, 161? psc. Commenced approach to
Great Sitkin Island for shore bombardment exercise.
0650 Commenced steaming various courses and speeds while firing exercise.
Base fire course 160? T&G, 161? psc.
0652- Fired shore bombardment exercise expended 24 rounds 5"/38 AA Common
0753 and six rounds 5"/38 Illuminating ammunition.
0815 Took station in anti-submarine screen 3000 yds. ahead of cruiser
column. U.S.S. RICHMOND guide.
0934 Moored to anchorage buoy #1, Sweepers Cove, Adak Island, Alaska.
Various units of U.S. Fleet present in harbor. S.O.P.A. is
ComNorPacFor.
0945- U.S.S. LUCE, U.S.S. CHARLES J. BADGER, U.S.S. SPROSTON moored
1030 alongside to port in that order.
January 22, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Steaming as before.
January 23, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Steaming as before.
January 24, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Moored as before.
0902 Underway from anchorage buoy #1, Sweeper Cove, Adak Island, Alaska in
company with Task Force 94 in accordance with ComNorPac secret
dispatch 140009 of January, 1944. Steaming various courses and speeds
while standing out of Sweeper Cove and into Kuluk Bay.
0920 Took station in anti-submarine screen 5000 yds. ahead of cruiser
column of U.S.S. RICHMOND and U.S.S. RALIEGH. OTC is CTF 94 in
RICHMOND.
0959 Set base course to 350? T&G, 338 psc. Speed 15 knots.
1015 Commenced zigzagging according to plan.
1047 Ceased zigzagging. Changed base course to 340? T&G, 327? psc. Took
position in Task Force column.
1110- Fired machine gun practice at towed sleeve, expending 258 rounds 40mm,
1155 812 rounds 20mm ammunition.
1200 Position Latitude 52?25' N, Longitude 176?52' W.
1220 Changed base course to 015? T&G, 003? psc. Took position in anti-
submarine 5000 yds. ahead of cruiser column.
1332 Commenced zigzagging according to plan.
1457- Steaming various courses and speeds while carrying out exercises.
1600
1600 Resumed position in anti-submarine screen, set base course 275? T&G,
271? psc. Speed 16 knots.
1606 Commenced zigzagging according to plan.
1845 Ceases zigzagging. Steaming various courses and speeds while carrying
out night torpedo attack exercises.
2000 Position Latitude 52?16' N, Longitude 179?04', Longitude 179?04' W.
2145 Resumed station in anti-submarine screen ahead of cruiser column.
Base course 275? T&G, 271? psc. Speed 16 knots.
January 25, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Steaming as before.
0800 Position Latitude 53?11' N, Longitude 174?20' E. Commenced
zigzagging according to plan.
1000 Commenced steaming various courses and speeds while carrying out
exercises.
1128 Sighted Attu Island bearing 250? T&G, distant 26 miles.
1136 Resumed station in anti-submarine screen. Base course 275? T&G, 267?
psc. Speed 16 knots.
1147 Commenced zigzagging according to plan.
1200 Position Latitude 53?11' N, Longitude 174?12' E.
1254 Ceased zigzagging. Steaming various courses and speeds while carrying
out exercises.
1451 Commenced approach to Massacre Bay, Attu Island, Alaska. Task Force
in column, PICKING guide.
1545 Entered Massacre Bay.
1556 Anchored in Massacre Bay, Attu Island, Alaska. Various units of U.S.
Fleet present. OTC is CTF 94 in U.S.S. RICHMOND.
January 26, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Moored as before.
1353 Anchor aweigh, underway in company with Task Force 94 from Massacre
Bay, Attu Island, Alaska in accordance with CTF 94 visual dispatch
262215 of January, 1944. Steaming various courses and speeds while
standing out through channel.
1514 Took station in anti-submarine screen 5000 yds ahead of cruiser
column. OTC is CTF in 94 in U.S.S. RICHMOND. Base course 050? T&G,
045? psc. Speed 12 knots.
1533 Commenced zigzagging according to plan.
1800 Changed base course to 110? T&G, 335? psc.
2000 Position Latitude 53?07.5' N, Longitude 174?56' E. Changed base
course to 335? T&G, 335? psc.
2057 Took station in special Task Force disposition #3, PICKING with DesDiv
97 in screening line 10,000 yds. ahead of cruiser column.
2210 Took Station in special Task Force disposition #4, PICKING with DesDiv
97 forming on line of bearing 45? to left of base course, 13,000 yds.
Ahead of cruiser column.
2240 Resumed station in anti-submarine screen 5000 yds ahead of cruiser
column. Base course 335? T&G, 335? psc. Speed 12 knots.
January 27, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Steaming as before.
0107 Changed base course to 270? T&G, 270? psc.
0800 Position Latitude 54?02' N, Longitude 172?00' E.
0920 Changed base course to 135? T&G, 135? psc. Changed speed to 15 knots.
0950 Changed speed to 7 knots.
1000 Commenced steaming various courses and speeds while carrying out
exercises.
1630 Resumed station in anti-submarine screen. Base course 110? T&G, 105?
psc. Speed 8 knots
1650 Changed base course to 095? T&G, 092? psc.
January 28, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Steaming as before.
0610 Changed base course to 155? T&G, 160? psc.
0630 Changed base course to 200? T&G, 195? psc.
0700 Changed speed to 15 knots, 148 RPM.
0800 Position Latitude 53?38' N, Longitude 173?35' E.
0803 Changed base course to 270? T&G, 270? psc.
0811 Commenced steaming various courses and speeds while carrying out
exercises.
1200 Position Latitude 53?32' N, Longitude 172?57' E.
1330 Resumed station in anti-submarine screen. Base course 125? T&G, 135?
psc. Speed 15 knots.
1355 Commenced zigzagging according to plan.
1516 Changed speed to 15 knots.
1529 Changed course to 110? T&G, 115? psc.
1535 Ceased zigzagging.
1642 Commenced steaming various courses and speeds while approaching
Massacre Bay, Attu Island, Alaska.
1820 Entered Massacre Bay.
1825 Anchored in 8 fathoms of water in Massacre Bay, Attu Island, Alaska.
Various units of U.S. Fleet present in harbor. SOPA is CTF 94 in
U.S.S. RICHMOND.
January 29, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Anchored as before.
January 30, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Anchored as before.
January 31, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Anchored as before.
February 1, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Anchored in Massacre Bay, Attu Island, Alaska. Various units of U.S.
Fleet present in harbor. SOPA is CTF in U.S.S. RICHMOND. U.S.S.
WICKES moored alongside to port.
1650 U.S.S. WICKES underway from alongside.
1707 Underway from anchorage, steaming various courses and speeds while
proceeding alongside U.S.S. WICKES alongside U.S.S. KUYAMA.
1733 Moored port side to U.S.S. WICKES, alongside U.S.S. KUYAMA. Massacre
Bay, Attu Island.
1923 Underway from Massacre Bay, Attu Island, Alaska in company with Task
Group 94.6 in accordance with ComNorPac secret despatch 020449 of
February in execution of secret operation order 2-44. Steaming
various courses and speeds while standing through channel. O.T.C. is
CTF 94 in U.S.S. RICHMOND.
2007 Set base course to 087? T&G, 077? psc. Speed 15 knots.
2100 Changed base course to 030? T&G, 035? psc.
2110 Changed speed to 12 knots.
2206 Changed speed to 15 knots. Changed base course 300? T&G, 295? psc.
2215 Took station in destroyer anti-submarine screen, position 4000 yards
ahead of guide. Changed speed to 12 knots.
2221 Changed base course to 345? T&G, 342? psc. Commenced zigzagging
according to plan.
February 2, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Steaming as before.
0050 Changed speed to 15 knots.
0150 Changed base course to 243? T&G, 253? psc.
0500 Ceased zigzagging.
0800 Position Latitude 52?32' N, Longitude 170?48' E.
0917 Commenced zigzagging according to plan.
1030 Changed speed to 16 knots.
1200 Position Latitude 49?35' N, Longitude 161?00.1' E.
1736 Changed base course to 244? T&G, 253? psc.
2000 Position Latitude 48?55' N, Longitude 157?20' E.
February 3, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Steaming as before.
0800 Position Latitude 49?57' N, Longitude 162?14' E.
1125- Test fired 40mm battery, expending 62 rounds 40mm AA ammunition.
1146
1200 Position Latitude 48?57' N, Longitude 160?35' E.
1210 Changed speed to 21 knots.
1600 Changed course to 254? T&G, 253? psc.
2000 Position Latitude 48?26' N, Longitude 156?55' E.
2200 Changed base course to 335? T&G, 253? psc. Took station in advanced
screening disposition. Ceased zigzagging.
2300 Changed speed to 25 knots.
February 4, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Steaming as before.
0002 Changed base course to 350? T&G, 301? psc.
0030 Changed base course to 335? T&G, 330? psc.
0130 Left Task Group 94.6 in company with Task Unit 94.6.3. Commenced
steaming various courses and speeds while approaching southern shore
of Paramushiro Island, Kurile group, Japan. OTC is ComDesRon 49 in
PICKING.
0224 Set course 110? T&G, 109? psc. Speed 20 knots.
0230 Commenced firing shore bombardment on Musashi Wan, Kurabu Zaki area of
Paramushiro Island, Japan in accordance with ComNorPac operation order
2-44. (Report of action made in CO PICKING secret letter
DD685/A12-1/A16-1 serial 001 of 5 February 1944.)
0253 Ceased firing, having expended 742 rounds 5"/38 AA-common ammunition.
0300 Changed course to 150? T&G, 149? psc. Commenced retirement.
0310 Commenced steaming various courses and speeds while effecting
rendezvous with Task Group 94.6.
0410 Rejoined Task Group 94.6. Took station in destroyer anti-submarine
screen. Position 4000 yards ahead of guide. Set course 110? T&G,
125? psc. Speed 25 knots.
0449 Commenced zigzagging according to plan.
1100 Changed base course to 063? T&G, 062? psc.
1105 Took station in task group anti-submarine screen.
1200 Position Latitude 52?10.2' N, Longitude 170?25' E.
2000 Position Latitude 51?55' N, Longitude 172?10' E. Changed base course
to 066? T&G, 064? psc. Changed speed to 18 knots. Took station in
anti-submarine screen. PICKING 4000 yards ahead of guide.
February 5, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Steaming as before.
0800 Position Latitude 51?50' N, Longitude 170?28' E.
0900 Took station in scouting line, distance between ships 8000 yards.
PICKING in station adjacent and to right of guide.
1155 Sighted Attu, Alaska bearing 035? T, distance 31 miles.
1243 Resumed station in anti-submarine screen, position 4000 yards ahead of
guide.
1337 Changed base course to 035 T&G, 021 psc.
1456 Took station in channel formation, ships in column distance 1000
yards. PICKING column leader.
1530 Changed speed to 15 knots.
1535 Left formation in company with U.S.S. WICKES and U.S.S. YOUNG to
commence search for lost planes in accordance with ComNorPac secret
dispatch 052359 of February 1944. Set course 270? T&G, 265 psc.
Changed speed to 20 knots. OTC is ComDesRon 49 in PICKING.
1540 Changed speed to 25 knots.
1740 Changed base course to 156? T&G, 163 psc. Changed speed to 10 knots.
Ships in scouting line 10,000 yards.
1755 Changed base course to 170? T&G, 170? psc.
1932 Changed speed to 15 knots.
2000 Position Latitude 52?21.1' N, Longitude 171?59.5 E. Commenced firing
starshells at 45 minute intervals to aid in search.
2315 Changed speed to 12 knots.
2338 Changed base course to 130? T&G, 140 psc. Changed speed to 10 knots.
February 6, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Steaming as before.
0030 Ceased firing starshells, having expended eight rounds 5"/38
Illuminating ammunition.
0800 Position Latitude 51?13.5' N, Longitude 173?07' E.
1155 Set course for Adak, Alaska in accordance with ComNorPac secret
dispatch 061945 of February 1944. Changed base course to 085? T&G,
095 psc. Ships in column open order. PICKING guide.
1200 Position Latitude 50?54' N, Longitude 173?45' E. Changed speed to 15
knots.
1807 Changed speed to 18 knots.
2000 Position Latitude 51?02' N, Longitude 177?14' E.
2345 Changed base course to 095? T&G, 098? psc.
February 7, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Steaming as before.
0050 Changed base course to 105? T&G, 104? psc.
0053 Changed speed to 23 knots.
0615 Changed base course to 090? T&G, 088? psc.
0800 Position Latitude 52?15' N, Longitude 179?45' W.
0825 Changed speed to 25 knots.
0945 Changed base course to 125? T&G, 135? psc.
0947 Sighted Great Sitken Island bearing 110? T, distance 28 miles.
0948 Changed base course to 110? T&G, 115? psc.
1040 Changed base course to 180? T&G, 184? psc.
1050 Commenced steaming various courses and speeds while standing through
Kuluk Bay.
1134 Entered Sweepers Cove, Adak, Alaska.
1141 Moored to Buoy #1, Sweepers Cove, Adak, Alaska. Various units of
U.S. Fleet present in harbor. SOPA is ComNorPac.
1200 U.S.S. YOUNG moored alongside to port.
1210 U.S.S. WICKES moored alongside U.S.S. YOUING.
1320 U.S.S. SPROSTON moored alongside to starboard.
February 8, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Moored as before.
February 9, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Moored as before.
February 10, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Moored as before.
February 11, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Moored as before.
February 12, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Moored as before.
February 13, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Moored as before.
February 14, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Moored as before.
0927 Underway from nest at buoy #1, Sweepers Cove, Adak, Alaska in
accordance with ComDesRon 49 dispatch 140550 of February, steaming on
various courses and speeds while standing out of Sweepers Cove and
through Kuluk Bay.
0950- Steaming various courses and speeds in vicinity of Great Sitken Island
1344 While conducting drills and exercises.
1344 Commenced proceeding toward Sweepers Cove.
1418 Moored starboard side to U.S.S. WICKES at buoy #1, Sweepers Cove,
Adak, Alaska in nest with U.S.S. YOUNG.
1428 U.S.S. SPROSTON moored alongside to port.
February 15, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Moored as before.
0915 U.S.S. YOUNG underway from nest.
1020 U.S.S. SPROSTON underway from nest.
1205 U.S.S. KIMBERLY underway from nest.
February 16, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Moored as before.
February 17, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Moored as before.
February 18, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Moored as before.
0927 Underway in accordance with ComNorPac dispatch 182050 in company with
U.S.S. KIMBERLY (CDD 98), U.S.S. CHARLES J. BADGER, U.S.S. WICKES,
U.S.S. WILLIAM D. PORTER, and U.S.S. YOUNG. Steaming various courses
and speeds while standing out of Sweepers Cove and through Kuluk Bay.
1000 Formed special anti-aircraft disposition. Commenced steaming in
general vicinity of Great Sitken Island, Alaska while conducting
exercises.
1452 Entered Sand Bay, Great Sitken Island, Alaska.
1517 Moored starboard side to NOB Pier, Sand Bay.
1532 U.S.S. YOUNG moored alongside to port. Ships present: Destroyer
Squadron 49 less U.S.S. SPROSTON and U.S.S. LUCE. SOPA is ComDesRon
49 in PICKING.
February 19, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Moored as before.
0932 Underway in company with U.S.S. WICKES, U.S.S. WILLIAM D. PORTER,
U.S.S. YOUNG, U.S.S. KIMBERLY and U.S.S. CHARLES J. BADGER from NOB
dock, Sand Bay, Great Sitken Island, Alaska in accordance with
ComDesRon 49 dispatch 190005 of February 1944. Steaming various
courses and speeds while standing into Kuluk Bay.
1016 Commenced tactical exercises to make comparison of destroyers turning
circles.
1112 Commenced standing toward Sweepers Cove, Adak Island, Alaska.
1245 Moored to buoy #1, Sweepers Cove. Ships present: various units of
U.S. Fleet. SOPA is ComNorPac.
1255 U.S.S. KIMBERLY moored alongside to starboard.
1315 U.S.S. WILLIAM D. PORTER and U.S.S. CHARLES J. BADGER joined nest.
February 20, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Moored as before.
1035 Underway in accordance with ComDesRon 49 dispatch 200024 of February
enroute Sand Bay, Great Siken Island, Alaska. Steaming various
courses and speeds while standing through Kuluk Bay.
1145 Entered Sand Bay.
1205 Moored starboard side, NOB Pier, Sand Bay.
1235 U.S.S. WILLIAM D. PORTER moored alongside to port. Ships present:
various units of U.S. Fleet. SOPA is ComNorPac.
1900 Set clocks to zone description plus eleven.
February 21, 1944 Zone description plus eleven:
Moored as before.
0818 Underway in company with U.S.S. WILLIAM D. PORTER in accordance with
ComDesRon 49 dispatch 132045 of February. Steaming various courses
and speeds while standing out of Sand Bay and through Kuluk Bay and
while conducting exercises in vicinity of Great Sitken Island.
0927 Tested 20mm and 40mm battery, expending 62 rounds of 40mm and 120
rounds of 20mm AA ammunition.
1410 Entered Sand Bay.
1549 Moored starboard side to NOB Pier, Sand Bay.
1625 U.S.S. S-46 moored alongside to port. Ships present: various units of
U.S. Fleet. SOPA is ComNorPac.
February 22, 1944 Zone description plus eleven:
Moored as before.
1610 U.S.S. S-46 underway from alongside.
February 23, 1944 Zone description plus eleven:
Moored as before.
February 24, 1944 Zone description plus eleven:
Moored as before.
February 25, 1944 Zone description plus eleven:
Moored as before.
1252 Underway in accordance with ComDesRon 49 dispatch 252210 of February.
Steaming various courses and speeds while proceeding out of Sand Bay
and through Kuluk Bay to Sweepers Cove, Adak.
1440 Set clocks to zone description plus ten.
1757 Moored starboard side to U.S.S. DOHERTY alongside U.S.S. BLACK HAWK at
buoy #2, Sweepers Cove, Adak. Ships present: various units of U.S.
Fleet. SOPA is ComNorPac.
1810 U.S.S. S-46 moored alongside to port.
February 26, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Moored as before.
February 27, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Moored as before.
February 28, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Moored as before.
0815 Underway in company with Task Force 94 in accordance with ComNorPac
dispatch 280201 of February. Steaming various courses and speeds
while proceeding out of Sweepers Cove and through Kuluk Bay. OTC is
CTF 94 in RICHMOND.
0906 Formed in destroyer anti-submarine screen on U.S.S. RICHMOND. PICKING
station 4000. Set base course 000? T&G, 351psc, speed 15 knots.
0931 Changed base course to 300? T&G, 299 psc. Formed in column, PICKING
leader.
1012- Fired automatic weapons practice at towed sleeve, expended 872 rounds
1053 40mm AA and 1070 rounds 20mm ammunition.
1150 Reformed anti-submarine screen. PICKING station 3.5025.
1340 Formed Vee battle disposition, U.S.S. RICHMOND guide. PICKING station
bearing 207? relative from guide, distant 2250 yards. Steamed various
courses and speeds while conducting exercises.
1535 Reformed anti-submarine screen. PICKING took station 4000. Set
course 273? T&G, 271? psc, speed 15 knots.
1538 Commenced zigzagging according to plan.
1630 U.S.S. SPROSTON left formation. PICKING took station 5345. Commenced
tracking exercise.
2000 Position Latitude 052?58' N, Longitude 179?53' W.
2015 SPROSTON returned. PICKING took station 4000.
2120 Had radar contact bearing 112? T, distant 11 miles. Contact
identified as U.S.S. WICKES.
February 29, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Steaming as before.
0745 PICKING took station 3.5300 in anti-submarine screen.
0800 Position Latitude 53?02' N, Longitude 177?49' E.
0830 Took station 4320 in screen.
0950 Changed base course to 255? T&G, 249? psc.
1015 Changed speed to 12 knots, 115 rpm.
1020 Ceased zigzagging.
1200 Position Latitude 53?14.5' N, Longitude 174?52' E.
1604 Changed base course to 255? T&G, 295? psc.
1750 Changed base course to 090? T&G, 097? psc. PICKING took station 5015.
1800 Changed speed to 20 knots.
1805 Changed speed to 15 knots.
1818 Changed speed to 20 knots.
1845 Commenced steaming various courses and speeds while cruising northward
of Attu Island, Alaska.
2000 Position Latitude 53?04' N, Longitude 173? 23.5' E.
March 1, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Steaming in company with Task Force 94 enroute Attu, Alaska on base
Course 285? T&G, 295? psc, speed 8 knots. OTC is CTF 94 in U.S.S.
RICHMOND. Destroyers in anti-submarine screen 58. PICKING station
5345.
0130 Changed base course to 105? T&G, 099? psc. PICKING station is 5015.
0445 Changed speed to 12 knots, 115 rpm.
0655 Changed base course to 165? T&G, 159? psc. Changed speed to 15 knots,
148 rpm.
0728 Changed base course to 220? T&G, 217? psc.
0800 Position Latitude 052?54.5' N, Longitude 173?41' E.
0815 Changed speed to 10 knots. Task force formed in column, PICKING
guide.
0849 Sighted Attu channel entrance buoy bearing 225? T, distance 200 yards.
Commenced steaming various courses and speeds while proceeding through
channel into Massacre Bay, Attu.
1016 Anchored in 13 fathoms of water with 90 fathoms of chain to the
starboard anchor in berth D13, Massacre Bay, Attu. SOPA is CTF 94 in
U.S.S. RICHMOND.
1107 Underway steaming various courses to moor alongside U.S.S. CUYAMA to
fuel.
1150 Moored starboard side to U.S.S. CUYAMA. Commenced fueling.
1259 Completed fueling. Underway steaming various courses and speeds while
proceeding to anchorage.
1311 Anchored in 18 fathoms of water with 60 fathoms of chain to the
starboard anchor in berth D10, Attu.
1512 Shifted anchorages. Anchored in 12 fathoms of water with 90 fathoms
of chain to the starboard anchor.
1846 Underway in company with Task Force 94 in accordance with ComDesRon 49
dispatch 020405 of March 1944. Steaming various courses and speeds
while proceeding out of Massacre Bay and through entrance channel.
1956 Destroyers formed in anti-submarine screen 58, PICKING station 5015.
2000 Position Latitude 52?49.5' N, Longitude 173?36.3' E.
2023 Set base course 330? T&G, 330? psc, speed 15 knots.
2040 Commenced zigzagging according to plan.
2150 Changed base course to 270? T&G, 270? psc.
March 2, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Steaming as before.
0000 Changed base course to 244? T&G, 249? psc.
0500 Ceased zigzagging.
0800 Position Latitude 52?33' N, Longitude 170?14' E.
1015 Destroyers formed in anti-aircraft screen. PICKING station 1.5000
1156 Changed speed to 16 knots.
1200 Position Latitude 52?11' N, Longitude 168?57' E.
1245 Destroyers formed in anti-submarine screen PICKING station 5015.
1340 Had radar contact (SG) bearing 150? T, distant 28 miles, believed to
be aircraft.
1350 Destroyers formed anti-aircraft screen. PICKING station 1.5000
1450 Sighted PBY bearing 160? T, distant 7 miles.
1716 Ceased zigzagging.
1720 Destroyers formed anti-submarine screen. PICKING station 5015.
1922 Changed speed to 14 knots.
2000 Position Latitude 51?13.2' N, Longitude 164?58' E.
March 3, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Steaming as before.
0457 Changed speed to 16 knots.
0800 Position Latitude 50?24' N, Longitude 162?35.1' E.
1022 Destroyers formed in anti-aircraft screen.
1027 Changed base course to 240? T&G, 246? psc. Changed speed to 18 knots.
1200 Position Latitude 50?00' N, Longitude 161?15' E.
1339 Changed speed to 20 knots.
1422 Changed base course to 246? T&G, 256? psc.
2000 Position Latitude 48?41' N, Longitude 137?29' E.
2130 Task force formed in two columns by divisions. DesDiv 97 to the
right, division guides on relative bearing 090?. Interval 3500 yards.
PICKING formation guide.
2200 Changed base course to 280? T&G, 292? psc.
2215 Changed speed to 25 knots.
2355 Had radar contact on Shasukotan Island, Kurile Group, Japan bearing
300? T, distant 83,000 yards.
March 4, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Steaming as before standing into pass south of Shasukotan Island,
Kurile Group, Japan.
0151 Changed base course to 285? T&G, 298? psc.
0200 Entered Sea of Okhotsk. Changed speed to 20 knots. PICKING guide
with DesDiv 97, formed scouting line 6000 yards ahead of U.S.S.
RICHMOND and DesDiv 98, scouting line normal to course, scouting
distance 4 miles. Commenced searching area for enemy shipping.
0400 Changed base course to 050? T&G, 061? psc.
0700 DesDiv 97 commenced forming in column, PICKING guide. Changed base
course to 060? T&G, 071? psc. DesDiv 97 took departure from TF 94.
0800 Position Latitude 49?39' N, Longitude 154?24' E.
0831 Changed speed to 22 knots.
0930 Approached Musashi Wan, Kurabu Zaki area of southern Paramushiro
Island for shore bombardment in accordance with CTF 94 operation order
2-44.
1002 Bombardment postponed due to low visibility. Changed course to 120?
T&G, 115? psc, proceeding to rejoin remainder of Task Force 94 to
eastward of Onekotan Island.
1056 Rejoined Task Force 94. Destroyers formed anti-submarine screen 58,
PICKING station 5015. Base course to 185? T&G, 190? psc. Speed 20
knots.
1200 Position Latitude 49?19' N, Longitude 155?10' E.
1245 Destroyers formed in anti-aircraft screen. PICKING station 1.5000.
1305 Changed base course to 090? T&G, 091? psc.
1401 Changed speed to 15 knots.
1514 Changed base course to 180? T&G, 175? psc. Changed speed to 20 knots.
1528 Changed base course to 090? T&G, 091? psc. Changed speed to 15 knots.
1630 Changed base course to 295? T&G, 306? psc.
1738 Changed base course to 330? T&G, 334? psc.
1820 Changed base course to 010? T&G, 010? psc.
1849 Changed base course to 337? T&G, 335? psc. Commenced proceeding
toward southern shore of Paramushiro Island for shore bombardment in
accordance with CTF 94 operation order 2-44.
1900 Commenced taking station with DesDiv 97 in van echelon 8000 yards
ahead of U.S.S. RICHMOND and DesDiv 98.
1945 Bombardment cancelled due to heavy seas. Destroyers rejoined, formed
in anti-submarine screen 58. PICKING station 5015. Base course to
110? T&G, 112? psc, enroute Attu, Alaska.
2000 Position Latitude 49?29' N, Longitude 155?35' E.
2020 Changed base course to 090? T&G, 091? psc.
2240 Changed base course to 340? T&G, 342? psc.
2310 Changed base course to 090? T&G, 091? psc.
March 5, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Steaming as before.
0800 Position Latitude 49?38.5' N, Longitude 159?14.6' E.
1200 Position Latitude 49?35' N, Longitude 160?25' E.
1200 Changed base course to 065? T?G, 060? psc.
2000 Position Latitude 50?28' N, Longitude 162?55' E.
2124 Changed speed to 12 knots.
2227 Changed speed to 10 knots.
2353 Departed from Task Force 94 in company with DesDiv 97, less WILLIAM D.
PORTER, steaming on course 065? T&G, 060? psc, speed 10 knots, enroute
Attu, Alaska.
March 6, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Steaming as before.
0000 Changed speed to 13 knots. DesDiv 97 formed in column, open order,
PICKING guide.
0039 Changed base course to 070? T&G, 053? psc.
0050 Changed speed to 15 knots.
0100 Changed speed to 18 knots.
0800 Position 51?45' N, Longitude 166?30' E.
1000 Changed base course to 075? T&G, 055? psc. Changed speed to 21 knots.
1025 Changed speed to 24 knots.
1115 Changed base course to 085? T&G, 060? psc.
1132 Changed base course to 095? T&G, 089? psc.
1200 Position Latitude 52?08' N, Longitude 167?41' E.
1230 Sustained gyro casualty. U.S.S. YOUNG assumed guide.
1247 Changed base course to 070? T&G, 060? psc.
1257 Changed speed to 10 knots.
1300 Gyro casualty rectified.
1358 Test fired automatic weapon battery, expending 120 rounds 40mm AA and
100 rounds 20mm AA ammunition.
1744 Changed speed to 15 knots. Changed base course to 060? T&G, 051? psc.
1747 Changed base course to 070? T&G, 061? psc. Changed speed to 10 knots.
1815 PICKING reassumed formation guide.
2000 Position Latitude 52?38' N, Longitude 169?40' E. Changed speed to 15
knots.
2230 Formed in division scouting line, PICKING guide. Scouting line on
bearing 305?-125? T. Scouting distance 5 miles. Commenced searching
for enemy submarine reported in area.
2300 Changed base course to 035? T&G, 022? psc.
2330 Commenced zigzagging.
March 7, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Steaming as before.
0200 Changed base course to 090? T&G, 083? psc.
0630 Changed base course to 160? T&G, 173? psc.
0730 Sighted Chirikoff Point, Attu Island, bearing 169? T, distant 10
miles.
0850 Changed base course to 1800? T&G, 193? psc. Changed speed to 20
knots.
0916 Sighted Attu channel entrance buoy bearing 217? T, distant 4 miles.
0920 Entrance buoy abeam, commenced steaming various courses and speeds
while proceeding through channel into Massacre Bay, Attu.
1020 Moored starboard side to U.S.S. RAMAPO in Massacre Bay, Attu, to fuel.
1050 U.S.S. WICKES moored alongside to port.
1130 U.S.S. WICKES underway from alongside.
1430 Completed fueling, underway from alongside U.S.S. RAMAPO in accordance
with verbal orders of CDS 49. Steaming various courses and speeds
while standing out of Massacre Bay and through channel.
1545 Took station 4000 yards on port beam of U.S.S. SPROSTON. Steaming
various courses and speeds while conducting anti-submarine search in
vicinity of Agattu Island, Alaska.
1831 Attu channel entrance buoy abeam, entered channel.
1938 Moored with 15 fathoms of chain to buoy #1, Massacre Bay, Attu. SOPA
is CDS 49 in PICKING.
2115 U.S.S. YOUNG moored alongside to port.
March 8, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Moored as before.
March 9, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Moored as before.
March 10, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Moored as before.
0827 Underway from buoy #1 to anchor in accordance with verbal orders of
CDS 49.
0840 Anchored in 16 fathoms of water with 90 fathoms of chain to the port
anchor in Massacre Bay, Attu.
1823 Underway in company with DesDiv 97 less U.S.S. WILLIAM D. PORTER in
accordance with CDS 49 dispatch 110400 of March. Steaming various
courses and speeds while standing out of Massacre Bay and through
channel.
2045 Formed in division scouting line, scouting bearing 000? - 180? T,
scouting distance 4 miles. Order of ships SPROSTON, WICKES, PICKING
guide, YOUNG. Set base course 270? T&G, 275? psc. Speed 12 knots.
Commenced search for enemy submarine north of Attu.
March 11, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Steaming as before, conducting search for enemy submarines in vicinity
of Attu.
0300 Changed base course to 000? T&G, 350? psc.
0410 Changed base course to 090? T&G, 090? psc.
0423 Changed base course to 070? T&G, 071? psc.
0800 Position Latitude 53?44' N, Longitude 172?11' E.
1005 Changed base course to 210? T&G, 210? psc.
1200 Position Latitude 53?17' N, Longitude 171?57' E.
1247 Changed base course to 180? T&G, 173? psc.
1500 Changed base course to 090? T&G, 077? psc.
1555 Changed base course to 045? T&G, 040? psc.
1613 Changed speed to 10 knots.
1730 Changed base course to 225? T&G, 230? psc.
1904 U.S.S. WICKES and U.S.S. SPROSTON investigated surface radar contact
bearing 193? T, distant 21000 yards. Changed course to 150? T&G, and
stood by to assist if necessary.
1929 Contact identified as EDWARD C. DALY (DE17). Resumed base course.
2000 Position Latitude 52?31' N, Longitude 171?53' E.
March 12, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Steaming as be fore, conducting search for enemy submarines in the
vicinity of Attu.
0230 Changed base course to 045? T&G, 040? psc.
0800 Position Latitude 52?10' N, Longitude 171?37' E.
1050 Changed base course to 020? T&G, 010? psc.
1200 Position Latitude 52?26' N, Longitude 171?53' E.
2000 Position Latitude 53?10' N, Longitude 172?09' E.
March 13, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Steaming as be fore, conducting search for enemy submarines in the
Vicinity of Attu.
0530 Changed base course to 180? T&G, 184? psc.
0800 Position Latitude 53?56' N, Longitude 173?42' E.
1146 Changed base course to 030? T&G, 023? psc.
1200 Position Latitude 52?19' N, Longitude 173?08.5' E.
2000 Position Latitude 54?04' N, Longitude 174?02' E.
March 14, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Steaming as before, searching for enemy submarines in vicinity of
Attu, Alaska.
0000 Changed base course to 200? T&G, 209? psc.
0820 Position Latitude 53?12' N, Longitude 173?40' E.
0940 Changed speed to 15 knots.
1002 Test-fired machine gun battery expending 60 rounds 40mm ammunition.
1003 Changed base course to 210? T&G, 215? psc.
1030 Sighted Chirikoff Point, Attu bearing 210? T, distant 14 miles.
1036 Changed base course to 270? T&G, 277? psc., proceeding toward east
channel to Massacre Bay, Attu.
1043 Entered east channel.
1110 Anchored in 17 fathoms of water in Massacre Bay, Attu. Ships present:
various units of U.S. Fleet. S.O.P.A. is ComDesRon 49 in PICKING.
1721 Underway to go alongside U.S.S. RAMAPO in Massacre Bay to fuel.
1740 Moored port side to U.S.S. RAMAPO.
1924 Underway in company with DesDiv 97 less U.S.S. WILLIAM D. PORTER in
accordance with CDS 49 despatch 142343 of March. Steaming various
courses and speeds while standing out Massacre Bay.
2010 Took position as guide in division column (open order). Set base
course 010? T&G, 004? psc. Speed 10 knots.
2200 Took position as guide in scouting line, normal order, true bearing of
scouting line 000? - 180? T. Scouting distance 4 miles. Set base
course 315? T&G, 315 psc. Commenced searching for enemy submarines
northward of Attu Island.
March 15, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Steaming as before, searching for enemy submarines in vicinity of Attu
Island.
0200 Changed base course to 225? T&G, 227? psc.
0700 Changed base course to 160? T&G, 162? psc.
0800 Position Latitude 52?42.5' N, Longitude 172?13.5' E.
0954 Commenced steaming various courses and speeds while conducting
exercises.
1200 Position Latitude 52?29.9' N, Longitude 112?12' E.
1620 Fired AA burst practice, expending 66 rounds of 5"/38 AA Common and
389 rounds of 40mm ammunition.
1647 Commenced standing toward South Channel to Massacre Bay, Attu.
1707 Entered South Channel.
1746 Anchored in 15 fathoms of water in Massacre Bay, Attu. Various units
of U.S. Fleet present. S.O.P.A. is ComDesRon 49 in PICKING.
March 16, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Anchored as before.
0822 Underway in company with DesDiv 97 less WILLIAM D. P0RTER in
accordance with ComDesRon 49 despatch 152330 of March, 1944.
Steaming various courses and speeds while standing out of
Massacre Bay.
0915 Commenced steaming various courses and speeds while making
preparations to hold Gunnery exercises.
1040 Exercises cancelled, commenced standing toward Massacre Bay, Attu.
1130 Anchored in 15 fathoms of water in Massacre Bay. Ships present:
various units of U. S. Fleet. S.0.P.A. is ComDesRon 49 in PICKING.
1859 Underway in company with U.S.S. WICKES and U.S.S. SPROSTON on signal
from ComDesRon 49. Steaming various courses and speeds while standing
out of Massacre Bay.
2000 Took position as guide in column open order. Set base course
000? T & G, 350? psc. Speed 15 knots.
2200 Took position in scouting line normal to base course, U.S.S. WICKES
guide, scouting distance 4 miles. Commenced searching for enemy
submarines to northward of Attu.
2227 Changed speed to 12 knots. Commenced zigzagging.
March 17. 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Steaming as before, searching for enemy submarines in vicinity of
Attu, Alaska.
0300 Took departure from scouting line. Set base course to 212? T & G,
220? psc, proceeding to position for exercises with aircraft.
0600 Commenced steaming various courses and speeds while carrying out
exercises.
0800 Position Latitude 53?55' N. Longitude 172? 35' E. l000-llO3 Fired
main battery offset practice, expending 50 rounds 5"/38
cal. AA-Common ammunition. Fired AA burst practice, expending 60
rounds 5"/38 cal. AA-Common. 522 rounds 40mm and 1184 rounds
20mm ammunition.
1105 Commenced steaming various courses and speeds while proceeding toward
east channel to Massacre Bay, Attu.
1306 Entered east channel.
1335 Anchored in fifteen fathoms of water in Massacre Bay, Attu. Ships
present: various units of U. S. Fleet. S.0.P.A. is ComDesRon 49 in
PICKING.
1855 Underway in company with U.S.S. WICKES and U.S.S. SPROSTON on signal
from ComDesRon 49. Steaming various courses and speeds while standing
out of Massacre Bay, Attu.
2000 Took position with U.S.S. SPROSTON in scouting line, normal order,
scouting distance 4 miles. Set base course 000? T & G, 350? psc Speed
18 knots. Commenced searching for enemy submarines to northward of
Attu.
2030 Commenced zigzagging according to plan.
March 18, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Steaming as before, searching for enemy submarines in vicinity of
Attu, Alaska.
0345 Changed base course to 180? T & G, 188? psc.
0500 Ceased zigzagging.
0530 Commenced steaming various courses and speeds while carrying out
exercises with aircraft.
0715 Completed exercises. Took position as guide in column with
U.S.S. SPROSTON. Set base course 180? T & G, 192? psc. Speed 20
knots.
0740 Sighted U.S.S. WICKES bearing 172? T, distant 8 miles.
0800 Position Latitude 53?55' N. Longitude 173? 40' E.
0930- Fired main battery offset practice, expending 51 rounds 5"/38 cal.
0950 AA-Common Ammunition.
1000 Fired AA burst practice, expending 31 rounds 5"/38 cal. AA Common, 202
rounds 40mm, 300 rounds 20mm ammunition.
1014 Commenced steaming various courses and speeds while standing toward
east channel to Attu.
1131 Sighted U.S.S. BADGER and U.S.S. LUCE, enroute Adak to Attu, bearing
160? T, distant 7 miles.
1205 Entered east channel.
1255 Moored to buoy #2, Massacre Bay, Attu. Ships present: various units
of U.S. Fleet. S.0.P.A. is ComDesRon 49 in PICKING.
1522 U.S.S. SPROSTON moored alongside to starboard.
1700 ComDesRon shifted flag to U.S.S. SPROSTON.
1900 U.S.S. SPROSTON underway from alongside.
1907 Underway on signal of ComDesRon 49 enroute Adak, Alaska. Steaming
various courses and speeds while standing out of Massacre Bay.
2010 Joined with U.S.S. WICKES, which took position 3000 yards on
PICKING's port beam. Set course 105? T & G, 100? psc., speed 20
knots, enroute Adak, Alaska.
2124 Had radar contact on two friendly AK's escorted by U.S.S. AUSTIN,
bearing 090? T, distant 24,000 yards.
2327 Had radar contact on Buldir Island, bearing 142? T, distant
37 miles.
March 19, 1944 Zone description plus ten;
Steaming as before.
0410 Kiska Island abeam to starboard, distant 37 miles.
0800 Position Latitude 52? 24' N. Longitude 179? 58' E.
0816 Changed speed to 22 knots.
0943 Changed base course to 100? T & G, 086? psc.
1010 Changed base course to 105? T & G, 092? psc.
1145 Sighted Adak Island bearing 112? T, distant 42 miles.
1200 Position Latitude 52? 21' N. Longitude 177? 40' W.
1305 Changed base course to 120? T & G, 114? psc.
1412 Changed base course to 180? T & G, 181? psc.
1440 Commenced steaming various courses and speeds while standing through
Kuluk Bay to Sweepers Cove, Adak.
1538 Moored port side to U.S.S. WILLIAM D. PORTER at buoy #1 Sweeper's
Cove, Adak. Ships present: various units of U. S. Fleet. S.0.P.A. is
ComNorPac.
March 20, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Moored as before.
0711 Underway, steaming various courses and speeds enroute Finger Bay,
Adak.
0730 Entered Finger Bay.
0800 Moored starboard side to pier, Finger Bay.
0852 Underway, entered drydock No. 1.
1140 Dock dry, commenced repair work on hull and rudder.
March 21, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
In drydock as before.
March 22, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
In drydock as before.
March 23, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
In drydock as before.
March 24, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
In drydock as before.
0955 Commenced flooding drydock.
1309 Ship waterborne.
1338 Commenced moving out of drydock using power of dock winch and YT 363
and YT 138.
1401 Bow crossed dock sill.
1405 Moored starboard side dolphins, Finger Bay.
1500 Underway, steaming various courses and speeds enroute Sweepers Cove,
Adak.
1610 Moored starboard side to U.S.S. WICKES alongside U.S.S. BLACK HAWK at
Buoy #2, Sweepers Cove. Ships present: various units of U.S. Fleet.
SOPA is ComNorPac.
1630 U.S.S. AUSTIN moored alongside to port.
2106 Set condition of readiness one on report of unidentified aircraft.
2120 Secured from condition one. Aircraft identified as friendly.
March 25, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Moored as before.
March 26, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Moored as before.
0845 U.S.S.AUSTIN underway from alongside.
0938 U.S.S.GILMORE moored alongside to port.
March 27, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Moored as before.
0732 U.S.S. WICKES underway; PICKING moored starboard side to BLACK HAWK.
March 28, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Moored as before.
1000 CDS 49shifted flag from U.S.S. SPROSTON to U.S.S.PICKING.
March 29, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Moored as before.
March 30, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Moored as before.
1107 U.S.S.GILMORE underway from alongside.
1159 U.S.S.YOUNG moored alongside to port.
March 31, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Moored as before.
April 1,1944 Zone description plus ten:
Moored starboard side to U.S.S. YOUNG alongside U.S.S. BLACK HAWK at
buoy #2, Sweepers Cove, Adak, Alaska. Ships present: various units of
U. S. Fleet. S.O.P.A. is ComNorPac.
1556 Underway in company with U.S.S. ISHERWOOD KIMBERLEY, WICKES and
SPROSTON in accordance with ComDesRon 49 mailgram. 010642 of April,
1944. Commenced steaming various courses and speeds standing out of
Sweepers Cove and through Kuluk Bay, and while conducting night
cruising exercises in vicinity of Great Sitkin Island.
April 2,1944 Zone description plus ten:
Steaming as before.
0800 Position Latitude 52? 12' N. Longitude 176? 27' W.
1200 Position Latitude 52? 35' N. Longitude 176? 22' W.
2000 Position Latitude 52? 10' N. Longitude 176? 321 W.
April 3,1944 Zone description plus ten:
Steaming as before.
0855 Sighted Great Sitkin Island bearing 190? T, distant 10 miles.
0927- Test fired main battery, expending 24 rounds 5"/38 AA-Common
0944 ammunition.
0952 Fired anti-aircraft burst practice expending 10 rounds 5"/38 AA-
Common, 299 rounds 40mm AA, 960 rounds 20mm ammunition
1130 Commenced standing in to anchorage in Kuluk Bay.
1226 Anchored in Kuluk Bay in 19 fathoms of water with 90 fathoms of chain
to the port anchor.
1414 Underway steaming various courses and speeds standing into
Sweepers Cove.
1459 Moored starboard side to U.S.S. YOUNG alongside U.S.S. BLACK HAWK at
buoy #2, Sweepers Cove. Ships present: various units of U. S. Fleet.
S.O.P.A. is ComNorPac.
1515 U.S.S. PC 46 moored alongside to port.
April 4, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Moored as before.
1539 Underway in accordance with CTF 94 Op. Orders 4-44 of 2 April
1944. Steaming various courses and speeds standing out of Sweepers
Cove and through Kuluk Bay.
1810 Set course 090? T & G, 068? psc. Commenced standing toward Akuksak
Pass.
1830 U.S.S. WILLIAM D. PORTER, WICKES, ISHERWOOD (CDD 98), KIMBERLY joined
company. Formed squadron column, normal order. PICKING guide. O.T.C.
is CDS 49 in PICKING.
1906 Akuksak Island abeam to port, distant 1000 yards.
1930 Changed base course to 130? T & G, 120? psc. Set speed 10 knots.
2010 Changed base course to 180? T & G, 180? psc.
2030 Changed base course to 238? T & G, 242? psc.
2100 Commenced forming scouting line on bearing 283? - 103? T, ships in
normal order, distance 20,000 yards. Base course 238? T & G, 242?
psc. PICKING guide. Commenced searching for enemy submarine on track
laid down in CTF 94 Op. Order 4-44.
2335 Changed base course to 225? T & G, 230? psc. Commenced closing
scouting distance to 15,000 yards.
2345 Changed speed to 18 knots.
2347 Changed speed to 21 knots. Changed base course to 205? T & G, 210?
psc.
2355 Changed base course to 170? T & G, 168? psc.
2359 Changed speed to 15 knots.
April 5, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Steaming as before.
0105 Commenced zigzagging according to plan.
0200 U.S.S. WICKES assumed formation guide.
0800 Position Latitude 49? 56' N. Longitude 176? 51' W.
0900 Changed speed to 15 knots.
1200 Position Latitude 49? 01' N. Longitude 177? 03' W.
2000 Position Latitude 47?b 14' N. Longitude 177? 30' W.
April 6, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Steaming as before.
0000 Changed base course to 202? T & G, 209? psc. Changed speed to
12 knots.
0800 Position Latitude 45? 06' N. Longitude 178? 10' W.
0900 Changed base course to 220? T & G, 221? psc.
1145 Ceased zigzagging.
1200 Position Latitude 44? 41' N. Longitude 178? 50' W.
1305 Changed speed to 15 knots.
1308 Changed speed to 17 knots.
1700 Changed base course to 094? T & G, 080? psc.
1715 Changed base course to 081? T & G, 066? psc. Changed speed to
20 knots.
1846 Changed base course to 094? T & G, 080? psc. Changed speed to
17 knots.
2000 Position Latitude 43? 46' N. Longitude 178? 41' W.
April 7, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Steaming as before.
0800 Position Latitude 43? 55' N. Longitude 174? 10' W.
1200 Position Latitude 44? 38' N. Longitude 172? 56' W.
Changed speed to 18 knots.
2000 Position Latitude 46? 12' N. Longitude 170? 17' W.
April 8, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Steaming as before.
0800 Position Latitude 48? 18' N. Longitude 166? 02' W.
1007 Commenced exchanging stations with PORTER, ISHERWOOD exchanging
stations with WICKES.
1043 ISHERWOOD assumed guide; PICKING in new station.
1115 Changed speed to 23 knots.
1200 Position Latitude 49? 04' N. Longitude 164? 39' W.
2000 Position Latitude 50? 56' N. Longitude 160? 55' W. Changed speed to
18 knots. U.S.S. ISHERWOOD, KIMBERLY, YOUNG left formation.
2300 Changed course to 046? T & G, 020? psc. Changed speed to 19 knots.
April 9, 1944 Zone description plus ten.:
Steaming as before.
0145 U.S.S. WILLIAIJ D. PORTER left scouting line to proceed on duty
assigned. U.S.S. SPROSTON assumed PORTER's station.
0800 Position Latitude 53? 20' N. Longitude 156? 55' W.
Changed base course to 050? T & G, 024? psc. Changed speed to 18
knots.
1200 Position Latitude 54? 10' N. Longitude 155? 09' W.
1240 Changed speed to 15 knots.
1315 U.S.S. WICKES left scouting line to proceed on duty assigned.
2000 Position Latitude 55? 28' N. Longitude 152? 26' W.
April 10, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Steaming as before.
0700 Changed base course to 312? T&G, 300? psc. SPROSTON took station on
starboard beam, distance 15,000 yards.
0930 Test fired automatic weapons battery, expending 60 rounds 40MM AA,
240 rounds 20MM AA ammunition.
1118 Changed base course to 274? T&G, 264? psc.
1123 Had radar contact on Marmot Island, bearing 288? T&G, distance
45 miles.
1230 Commenced steaming various courses and speeds while proceeding toward
channel leading to Women's Bay, Kodiak Island, Alaska.
1345 Entered channel.
1557 Moored port side to Permanent Pier, Women's Bay, Kodiak Island. Ships
present various units of U.S. Fleet. SOPA is ComDesRon 49 in PICKING.
1845 Set clocks to zone description plus nine.
April 11, 1944 Zone description plus nine:
Moored as before.
April 12, 1944 Zone description plus nine:
Moored as before.
April 13, 1944 Zone description plus nine:
Moored as before.
April 14, 1944 Zone description plus nine:
Moored as before.
April 15. 1944 Zone description plus nine:
Moored as before.
1641 Underway in company with U.S.S. SPROSTON enroute Adak, Alaska
in accordance with verbal orders of ComDesRon 49 in compliance
ComDesRon 49 dispatch 160238 of April 1944. Steaming various
courses and speeds while standing through channel.
1805 Set base course 090? T&G, 084? psc, speed 22 knots.
1810 Set clocks to zone description plus ten.
1839 Changed speed to 25 knots.
1900 Changed base course 180? T&G, 178? psc.
1942 Changed speed to 20 knots while SPROSTON proceeded to take
station 10,000 yards on PICKING's port beam.
2000 Position Latitude 51?05' N, Longitude 151?34' W.
2008 With SPROSTON on station, changed speed to 25 knots.
2130 Changed base course to 240? T&G, 237? psc. Changed speed to 20
knots while SPROSTON readjusted station.
2225 With SPROSTON on station, changed speed to 25 knots.
2305 Changed speed to 21 knots.
April 16, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Steaming as before.
0300 Had radar contact on Chirikoff Island, bearing 318? T, distance
71,500 yards.
0800 Position Latitude 54?27'N, Longitude 157?37' W. Changed speed to 22
knots.
1120 Changed base course to 270? T&G, 263? psc. Changed speed to
15 knots to permit SPROSTON to reassume station abeam to port,
distance 10,000 yards.
1140 With SPROSTON on station, changed speed to 22 knots.
1200 Position Latitude 53?45' N, Longitude 159?38'W.
1245 Commenced full power run to test main engines, increasing speed by
gradual increments up to 31 knots. SPROSTON steamed independently.
1447 Had radar contact on Unimak Island, bearing 310? T, distance
90 miles.
1600 Changed base course to 251? T&G, 246? psc.
1620 Secured from full power run due to casualty in boiler feed water
regulator. Changed speed to 10 knots on port engine, 15 on Starboard.
1626 Changed speed to 15 knots on both engines.
1700 U.S.S. SPROSTON took station on PICKING's port beam, distance
10,000 yards. Changed speed to 22 knots.
1945 Changed speed to 20 knots.
2000 Position Latitude 53?07' N, Longitude 165?20' W.
April 17, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Steaming as before.
0354 Changed base course to 262? T&G, 258? psc.
0552 Passed Unaska Island abeam to starboard, distance 27 miles.
0615 Passed Chagalak Island abeam to starboard, distance 27 miles.
0730 Changed base course to 330? T&G, 320? psc. Commenced passage of
Amukta Pass. SPROSTON took position astern, distant 10,000 yards.
0735 Sighted Seguam Island bearing 300? T, distant 261/2 miles.
0755 Sighted Amukta Island bearing 055? T, distant 221/2 miles.
0800 Position Latitude 52?35' N, Longitude 171?35' W.
0810 Passed Amukta Island abeam, distant 21 miles.
0840 Passed Seguam Island. abeam distant 111/2 miles.
0950 Changed base course to 260? T&G, 260? psc.
1200 Position Latitude 52?35' N, Longitude 173?40' W.
1230 Changed base course to 251? T&G, 251? psc.
1513 Sighted Great Sitkin Island bearing 195? T, distant 11 miles.
1517 Changed speed to 21 knots.
1538 Changed, base course to 205? T&G, 205? psc. Changed speed to 25
knots. SPROSTON took station in column open order, distant
1000 yards.
1620 Commenced steaming various courses and speeds while proceeding
through Kuluk Bay, Adak, Alaska.
1713 Moored port side to U.S.S. ISHERWOOD in nest with U.S.S. KIMBERLY and
U.S.S. YOUNG at buoy #1, Sweepers Cove, Adak, Alaska. Ships
present various units of U.S. Fleet. SOPA is ComNorPac.
April 18, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Moored as before
April 19, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Moored as before
April 20, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Moored as before
April 21, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Moored as before.
1323 Underway in accordance with ComDesRon 49 dispatch 211042 of April,
1944. Steaming various courses and speeds while standing out of
Sweepers Cove and into Kuluk Bay, Adak.
1344 Anchored in 11 fathoms of water in berth D-11, Kuluk Bay, Adak.
U.S.S. CONCORD and U.S.S. ISEERWOOD anchored in vicinity. SOPA is
ComNorPac.
April 22, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Anchored as before.
April 23, 1944 Zone description plus ten.:
Anchored as before.
0750 Underway in accordance with CTF 94 Exercise Plan 1-44. Steaming
various courses and speeds while standing out of Kuluk Bay.
0826 Commenced antisubmarine sweep in accordance with CTF 94 Sortie Plan
1-44.
0938 Joined Task Force 94, OTC is CTF 94 in U.S.S. CONCORD. Took station
with Task Unit 94.2.3 in column 4000 yards dead ahead of CONCORD.
Commenced gunnery exercises in accordance with CTF 94 Exercise Plan
1-44, Exercise.
1159 Completed exercises, having expended 69 rounds 5"/38 AA-Common
ammunition. Steaming various courses and speeds in vicinity of Cape
Adaqdak, Adak.
1320 Took station No. 4 in antisubmarine screen 59.
1405 Took station No. 1 in antiaircraft screen 73.
2130 Took station with Task Unit 94.2.3 in column 4000 yards ahead of
CONCORD. Commenced gunnery exercises in accordance with CTF Exercise
Plan 1-44, Exercise.
2345 Completed exercises, having expended 20 rounds 5"/38 AA-Common and 5
rounds 5"/38 Illuminating ammunition. Commenced taking station #4 in
antisubmarine screen 59. CONCORD guide.
April 24, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Steaming as before.
0020 Took station No. 4 in antisubmarine screen 59, CONCORD guide. Base
course 000? T & G, 353? psc.
0041 Changed base course to 060? T & G, 044? psc.
0047 Changed speed to 20 knots.
0109 Changed base course to 300? T & G, 299? psc. Changed speed to
16 knots.
0510 Formed search disposition #2 in accordance with CTF 94 Op. Order
6-44; took station #2 in scouting line normal to base course, eight
miles ahead of guide, CONCORD.
0613 Commenced zig-zagging.
0800 Position Latitude 53? 24' N. Longitude 179? 48' W.
0923 Commenced steaming various courses and speeds while conducting
simulated Task Force Attack maneuvers.
1142 Exercises completed, took station No. 4 in antisubmarine screen
59. CONCORD guide. Base course 210? T & G, 207? psc. Speed 16 knots.
Commenced zig-zagging.
1200 Position Latitude 53? 32' N. Longitude 179? 00' E.
1315 Took station No. 4 in antiaircraft screen 73, CONCORD guide in circle
center. Commenced steaming various courses and speeds while
conducting fighter director exercises in accordance with CTF 94
Exercise Plan 1-44, Exercise A-4.
1557 Exercises completed, took station No. 4 in antisubmarine screen 59,
CONCORD guide. Base course 270? T & G, 274? psc. Speed 16 knots.
1630 Took station in Task Force search disposition No. 2 in accordance
with CTF 94 Op. Order 6-44. Station in scouting line normal to base
course 8 miles ahead of guide, CONCORD.
2000 Position Latitude 53? 04' N. Longitude 175? 41' E.
2243 Radar contact on Shemya Island, bearing 238? T distant 32.2 miles.
April 25, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Steaming as before.
0020 Took station No, 4 in antisubmarine screen 59, CONCORD guide. Changed
base course to 300? T & G, 303? psc.
0500 Changed base course to 120? T & G, 103? psc. by countermarch.
0520 Commenced zig-zagging.
0800 Position Latitude 53? 19' N. Longitude 173? 23' E.
0947 Took station #4 in antiaircraft screen 73, CONCORD guide in circle
center. Steaming various courses and speeds simulating evasive
maneuvers while exercising with aircraft.
1158 Completed exercises, commenced standing toward Massacre Bay, Attu.
1229 Passed Massacre Bay east channel entrance buoys abeam to port,
distant 300 yards. Commenced proceeding through channel.
1318 Anchored in 14 fathoms of water in berth D-13, Massacre Bay. S.O.P.A.
is CTF 94 in CONCORD.
1513 Underway, steaming various courses and speeds, proceeding alongside
U.S.S. BRAZOS to fuel.
1530 Moored port side to BRAZOS.
1640 Completed fueling, underway, steaming various courses and speeds,
proceeding to anchorage.
1651 Anchored in 15 fathoms off water in Massacre Bay, Attu.
April 26, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Anchored as before.
April 27, 1944 Zone Description plus ten:
Anchored as before.
1356 Underway in company with DesDiv 97 in accordance with CTF 94
mailgram 262025 of April, 1944. OTC is CDS 49 in PICKING. Steaming
various courses and speeds while standing out of Massacre Bay and
conducting tactical exercises south of Attu.
1700 Formed in scouting line, natural order normal to base course,
scouting distance 2 miles. PICKING guide. Base course 165? T&G,
164? psc. Speed 18 knots. Commenced searching for lost aircraft.
1725 Commenced zig-zagging according to plan.
1748 Changed base course to 230? T&G, 237? psc. Readjusted scouting line
to bearing normal to base course.
1800 Ceased zig-zagging. Commenced steaming various courses and speeds
investigating underwater sound contact.
1816 Results of investigation negative, resumed base course 230? T&G,
237? psc., speed 15 knots.
1902 Changed speed to 17 knots.
2000 Position Latitude 51? 54' N. Longitude 171? 51' E.
2241 Changed base course to 080? T&G, 039? psc.
2246 Changed base course to 230? T&G, 237? psc.
April 28. 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Steaming as before.
0000 Changed base course to 040? T&G, 031? psc.
0213 WILLIAM D. PORTER reported radar contact bearing 143? T, distant 32
miles. No investigation made.
0440 Radar contact on Attu Island bearing 220? T, distant 56 miles.
0550 Ceased zig-zagging.
0600 Commenced steaming various courses and speeds while conducting
torpedo, aircraft tracking and smoke exercises.
0800 Position Latitude 52? 34' N. Longitude 172? 32' E.
1010 Joined company with DesDiv 98.
1200 Position Latitude 52? 08' N. Longitude 172? 22' E.
2000 Position Latitude 52? 43' N. Longitude 171? 19' E.
2146 Completed exercises. Took station as guide in antisubmarine
cruising formation; remaining ships forming antisubmarine screen 58.
Base course 340? T&G, 343? psc. Speed 15 knots.
2230 Commenced zig-zagging.
2300 Changed base course to 270? T&G, 276? psc.
April 29, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Steaming as before.
0200 Changed base course to 113? T&G, 108? psc. by countermarch.
0744 Commenced steaming various courses and speeds while conducting smoke
exercises in vicinity of Attu.
0800 Position Latitude 52? 24' N. Longitude 171? 59' E.
1010 Formed antiaircraft screen 72, PICKING guide in circle center.
Exercised at evasive maneuvers.
1105 Commenced standing toward Massacre Bay, Attu.
1150 Passed Massacre Bay south channel entrance buoy abeam to port distant
200 yards.
1216 Anchored in 15 fathoms of water in berth D-12, Massacre Bay. S.0.P.A.
is CTF 94 in CONCORD.
1939 Underway, steaming various courses and speeds proceeding alongside
U.S.S. BRAZOS to fuel.
1957 Moored port side to BRAZOS at buoy #3, Massacre Bay. Commenced
fueling.
2050 Underway having completed fueling. Steaming various courses and
speeds proceeding to anchorage.
2100 Anchored in 15 fathoms of water berth D-12, Massacre Bay.
April 30, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Anchored as before.
May 1, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Anchored in 15 fathoms of water in berth D-12, Massacre Bay, Attu,
Alaska. Ships present: units of the U.S. Fleet. SOPA is CTF 94 in
U.S.S. CONCORD.
0730 Underway in company with destroyers of Task Force 94 in accordance
with CTF 94 Exercise Plan 2-44 of April. Steaming various courses and
speeds while standing out of Massacre Bay through South Channel.
0829 Commenced patrolling sector along channel in accordance with CTF 94
Sortie Plan 3-44.
0900 U.S.S. CONCORD and U.S.S. DETROIT stood out from Massacre Bay.
Commenced taking station #6 in anti-submarine screen 59, CONCORD
guide. Base course 230? T&G, 236? psc. Fleet speed 17 knots.
0920 Took station #4 in anti-submarine screen 56. KIMBERLEY, SPROSTON and
PORTER (T.U. 94.2.4) took departure for scheduled exercises.
0944 Commenced taking station #2 in scouting line eight miles ahead of
guide in CONCORD in accordance with Search Plan #2, CTF 94 Operation
Order 6-44. Scouting line 105? - 285? T, distance 8 miles.
1200 Position Latitude 52? 05' N, Longitude 172? 43' E, On station in
scouting line. Base course 195? T&G, 197? psc. Speed 18 knots.
1300 Commenced Day Search and Attack Exercise in accordance with Annex A of
CTF 94 Exercise Plan 2-44.
1320 Changed base course to 090? T&G, 079? psc. Changed speed to 20 knots.
1345 Commenced steaming various courses and speeds while maneuvering for
simulated attack on ships of T.U. 94.2.4 representing enemy convoy.
1455 Exercise completed. Commenced taking station #4 in antisubmarine
screen 59, CONCORD guide. Base course 230? T&G, 234? psc. Changed
speed to 18 knots.
1630 Changed base course to 034? T&G, 0300 psc. Changed speed to 15 knots.
1651 Took station #2 in scouting line 8 miles ahead of guide in CONCORD in
accordance with Search Plan #2 of CTF 94 Op. Order 6-44. Scouting
distance 8 miles, line of bearing 170? - 350? T. Base course 260?
T&G, 258? psc.
1830 Changed base course to 080? T&G, 068? psc.
2000 Position Latitude 51? 16' N, Longitude 172? 05' E.
2300 Commenced Night Search and Attack Exercise in accordance with Annex A
of CTF 94 Exercise Plan #2-44.
2339 Steaming various courses while maneuvering for simulated night
torpedo attack.
May 2, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Steaming various courses and speeds while taking part in Task Force
Night Attack Exercise in company with Task Force 94. OTC is CTF 94 in
CONCORD.
0045 Exercise completed. Proceeding to rejoin remainder of Task Force in
cruising disposition.
0229 Took departure from Task Force in company with WICKES and SPROSTON in
accordance with verbal orders of CTF 94 to carry out search in
accordance with ComFairWing 4 dispatch 010658 of May 1944. Formed in
column, PICKING guide. OTC is ComDesRon 49 in PICKING. Base course
320? T&G, 319? psc. Speed 20 knots.
0300 Changed base course to 279? T&G, 286? psc.
0700 Formed scouting line normal to base course. Scouting distance 5
miles. PICKING guide.
0800 Position Latitude 52? 55' N, Longitude 170? 57' E.
1100 Changed speed to 25 knots.
1200 Position Latitude 52? 09' N, Longitude 167? 59' E. Changed speed to
28 knots.
1207 Changed base course to 285? T&G, 294? psc.
1400 Changed speed to 25 knots.
1455 Sighted sono-buoy bearing 310? T, distant 400 yards.
1500 Commenced circling area while firing at buoy with main and secondary
battery. Expended 17 rounds 5"/38 AA-Common, 723 rounds 40mm
ammunition.
1552 Commenced rejoining WICKES and SPROSTON.
1745 Resumed station in scouting line, base course 285? T&G, 290? psc.
Speed 27 knots.
1930 Changed base course to 250? T&G, 250? psc.
2000 Position Latitude 53? 48.8' N, Longitude 163? 13' E.
2010 Surface radar contact bearing 117? T, distant 11,000 yards.
2034 Sighted Russian merchantman bearing 160? T, distant 8000 yards.
2219 Changed speed to 28 knots.
2220 Changed speed to 25 knots.
2221 Changed base course to 250? T&G, 250? psc.
2300 Changed base course to 000? T&G, 359? psc. Changed speed to 15 knots.
2315 Radar contact on Kronotski Pt., Kamchatka Peninsula bearing 354? T,
distant 40 miles.
May 3,1944 Zone description plus ten:
Steaming in company with U.S.S. WICKES and U.S.S. SPROSTON on search
mission in vicinity of Kronotski Pt, Kamchatka Peninsula in scouting
line on base course 000? T&G, 359? psc, speed 15 knots, scouting
distance 5 miles. OTC is ComDesRon 49 in PICKING
0115 Two surface radar contacts bearing 105? T and 100? T, distance
17 miles. Did not investigate.
0118 Changed course to 035? T&G, 034? psc. to evade contacts.
0130 Changed course to 105? T&G, 110? psc. for further evasion.
0249 Resumed base course 065? T&G, 064? psc.
0629 Surface radar contact bearing 150? T, distance 26,400 yards.
0649 Changed speed to 18 knots.
0710 Sighted surface vessel identified as Russian merchantman.
0730 Changed base course to 090? T&G, 090? psc. Changed scouting
distance to 6 miles.
0800 Position Latitude 54? 33' N, Longitude 164? 32' E.
0940 Sighted Komandorski Islands bearing 058? T, distance 45 miles.
1102 Changed base course to 112? T&G, 117? psc.
1130 Changed base course to 180? T&G, 190? psc.
1200 Position Latitude 54? 20' N Longitude 165? 55' E.
1300 Changed base course to 105? T&G, 107? psc.
2000 Position Latitude 53? 35' N, Longitude 169? 05' E.
2014 Changed base course 116? T&G, 118? psc. Changed speed to 14.5
knots.
May 4, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Steaming in company with U.S.S. WICKES and U.S.S. SPROSTON enroute
Attu in scouting line on base course 116? T&G, 118? psc, speed 14.5
knots, scouting distance 6 miles.
0150 Radar contact on Cape Wrangell, Attu, Alaska, bearing 095? T, distant
60 miles.
0500 Changed base course to 296? T&G, 297? psc.
0530 Changed base course to 116? T&G, 114? psc.
0531 Sighted Cape Wrangell bearing 081? T, distant 18 miles.
0715 Commenced steaming various courses and speeds in vicinity of Cape
Wrangell seeking rendezvous with Task Force 94.
0800 Position Latitude 52? 37' N, Longitude 172? 36' E.
1101 Sighted ships of Task Force 94 bearing 299? T, distant 25,000 yards.
Commenced rejoining.
1155 Took station #4 in anti-aircraft screen #73, CONCORD guide. Base
course 180? T&G, 182? psc. Speed 15 knots. OTC is CTF 94 in CONCORD.
1200 Position Latitude 52? 26' N, Longitude 172? 38' E.
1205 Changed speed to 17 knots,
1245 Took revised station in anti-aircraft screen #73. CONCORD guide.
CONCORD and DETROIT on screening circle in positions 3090 and 3270
respectively. PICKING in station #2. Commenced steaming various
courses and speeds while taking part in anti-aircraft exercise, in
accordance with Annex D of CTF 94 Exercise Plan 2-44.
1503 Fired main battery at towed sleeve in high altitude run. Expended 9
rounds 5"/38 AA - Common ammunition.
1552 Exercise completed. Commenced standing toward south channel entrance
to Massacre Bay, Attu.
1615 Took station in anti-submarine screen 59.
1808 Entered south channel to Massacre Bay.
1845 Anchored in 15 fathoms of water in Berth D-12, Massacre Bay. Ships
present: various units of U.S. Fleet. SOPA is CTF 94 in CONCORD.
May 5, 1944 Zone Description plus ten:
Anchored in berth D-12 Massacre Bay, Attu.
0655 Underway in accordance with CDS 49 despatch 050750, steaming various
courses and speeds proceeding alongside U.S.S. YO 163 to fuel.
0721 Moored port side to U.S.S. YO 163 in berth B-4, Massacre Bay.
0956 Underway from alongside YO 163, proceeding to anchorage.
1009 Anchored in 15 fathoms of water in berth D-12, Massacre Bay.
May 6, 1944 Zone Description plus ten:
Anchored in berth D-12, Massacre Bay.
May 7, 1944 Zone Description plus ten:
Anchored in berth D-12, Massacre Bay.
May 8, 1944 Zone Description plus ten:
Anchored in berth D-12, Massacre Bay.
May 9, 1944 Zone Description plus ten:
Anchored in berth D-12, Massacre Bay, Attu.
0930 Underway in company with U.S.S. WICKES, U.S.S. SPROSTON, U.S.S.
WILLIAM D. PORTER, U.S.S. CHARLES J. BADGER, U.S.S. YOUNG, in
accordance with CDS 49 mailgram 070508 of May, 1944, steaming various
courses and speeds while standing out of Massacre Bay and while
conducting exercises to southward of Theodore Point, Attu. 0.T.C. is
CDS 49 in PICKING.
1045 Fired balloon practice for automatic weapons, expending 543 rounds
40mm A.A., 1035 rounds 20mm A.A. ammunition.
1752 Commenced standing toward south channel into Massacre Bay, Attu.
1845 Anchored in 15 fathoms of water in berth D-12, Massacre Bay, Attu.
Ships present: various units of U. S. Fleet. S.O.P.A. is CO DETROIT.
May 10, 1944 Zone Description plus ten:
Anchored in berth D-12, Massacre Bay, Attu.
0648 Underway in company with U.S.S. WICKES, U.S.S. SPROSTON, U.S.S.
WILLIAM D. PORTER, U.S.S. CHARLES J. BADGER, U.S.S. YOUNG, in
accordance with CDS 49 mailgram 070508 of May, 1944, steaming various
courses and speeds while standing out of Massacre Bay and conducting
exercises south of Attu. 0.T.C. is CDS 49 in PICKING.
1329 Fired automatic weapons towed sleeve practice, expending 131 rounds
40mm A.A., 357 rounds 20mm A.A. ammunition.
1549 Commenced standing toward south channel into Massacre Bay, Attu.
1617 Anchored in 15 fathoms of water in berth D-12, Massacre Bay, Attu.
Ships present; various units of U. S. Fleet. S.O.P.A. is CTF 94 in
U.S.S. CONCORD.
May 11,1944 Zone Description plus ten:
Anchored in berth D-12, Massacre Bay, Attu.
1058 Underway in company with U.S.S. ISHERWOOD, U.S.S. KIMBERLY, U.S.S.
LUCE, U.S.S. WICKES, and U.S.S. SPROSTON, in accordance with CDS 49
mailgram 070508. Steaming various courses and speeds while standing
out of Massacre Bay and conducting exercises south of Attu. 0.T.C. is
CDS 49 in PICKING.
1600 Commenced standing toward south channel into Massacre Bay, Attu.
1700 Anchored in 15 fathoms of water in berth D-12, Massacre Bay, Attu.
Ships present: various units of U. S. Fleet. S.O.P.A. is CTF 94 in
U.S.S. CONCORD.
May 12, 1944 Zone Description plus ten:
Anchored in berth D-12, Massacre Bay, Attu.
0754 Underway in company with U.S.S. WICKES, U.S.S. SPROSTON, U.S.S.
ISHERWOOD, U.S.S. KIMBERLY, U.S.S. LUCE, in accordance with CDS 49
mailgram 070508 of May, 1944. Steaming various courses and speeds
while standing out of Massacre Bay and conducting exercises south of
Attu. O.T.C. is CO DETROIT.
1148 Fired main battery offset practice, expending 74 rounds 5"/38 AA -
Common ammunition.
1340- Towed target for aircraft bombing and strafing exercise.
1548
1641 Commenced standing toward south channel into Massacre Bay, Attu.
1738 Moored port side to U.S.S. YO 163 in berth B-4, Massacre Bay, Attu,
to fuel.
1900 Underway from alongside U.S.S. YO 163 steaming various courses and
speeds proceeding to anchorage.
1917 Anchored in 15 fathoms of water in berth D-12, Massacre Bay, Attu.
Ships present: various units of U. S. Fleet. S.O.P.A. is CTF in
U.S.S. CONNCORD
May 13. 1944 Zone Description plus ten:
Anchored in berth D-12, Massacre Bay, Attu.
0724 Underway in company with U.S.S. WICKES, U.S.S. SPROSTON,
U.S.S. ISHERWOOD, U.S.S. KIMBERLY, U.S.S. LUCE, in accordance with
CDS 49 mailgram 070508 of May, 1944. Steaming various courses and
speeds while standing out of Massacre Bay and conducting exercises
south and east of Attu. O.T.C. is CO DETROIT.
1247 Commenced standing toward east channel into Massacre Bay, Attu.
1315 Anchored in 15 fathoms of water berth D-12, Massacre Bay. Ships
present: various units of U. S. Fleet. S.O.P.A. is CTF 94 in U.S.S.
CONCORD.
May 14, 1944 Zone Description plus ten:
Anchored in berth D-12, Massacre Bay, Attu.
0700 Underway in company with DesRon 49 less U.S.S. KIMBERLY and
U.S.S. WICKES and plus U.S.S. BRAZOS, in accordance with CDS 49
despatch 080330 of May, 1944. Steaming various courses and speeds
while standing out of Massacre Bay and conducting fueling and towing
exercises north of Attu. O.T.C. is CDS 49 in PICKING.
1430 Took station with SPROSTON in antisubmarine screen 52, BRAZOS guide,
commenced standing toward east channel to Massacre Bay, Attu.
1820 Took departure from BRAZOS at channel entrance, proceeding with
SPROSTON to join DesRon 49 less ISHERWOOD, KIMBERLY and LUCE, north
of Attu.
2000 Position Latitude 530 14' N. Longitude 173? 34' E.
2100 Commenced night search and attack exercise.
2352 Completed exercises. Set base course 290? T & G, 289? psc. Speed 12
knots. Formed column, PICKING guide.
May 15. 1944 Zone Description plus ten:
Steaming as before.
0100 Changed base course to 180? T & G, 185? psc., changed speed to 15
knots.
0325 Cape Wrangell, Attu, abeam to port distant, 15 miles.
0800 Position Latitude 52? 34' N. Longitude 172? 51' E.
0900 Commenced day search and attack exercise.
1025 Completed exercise, commenced standing toward south channel to
Massacre Bay, Attu.
1227 Anchored in 15 fathoms of water in berth D-12, Massacre Bay,
Attu. Ships present: various units of U. S. Fleet. S.O.P.A.
is CO DETROIT.
1730 Base alert, condition one set for possible air attack.
1746 Secured from base alert condition one.
May 16, 1944. Zone description plus ten:
Anchored in berth D-12, Massacre Bay, Attu.
0800 Underway in company with U.S.S. WICKES U.S.S. SPROSTON, U.S.S.
WILLIAM D. PORTER, U.S.S. CHARLES J. BADGER, U.S.S. YOUNG in
accordance with CDS 49 despatch 161755 of May, 1944. Steaming
various courses and speeds while proceeding out of Massacre Bay and
holding antiaircraft exercises south of Attu. O.T.C. is CDS 49 in
PICKING.
1114- Fired high altitude 5" A.A. practice with plane towing sleeve,
1125 expending 20 rounds 5"/38 AA - Common ammunition.
1240 Commenced standing toward south channel to Massacre Bay, Attu.
1347 Anchored in 15 fathoms of water in berth D-12, Massacre Bay, Attu.
Ships present: various units of U. S. Fleet. S.O.P.A. is CO Detroit.
May 17. 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Anchored in berth D-12, Massacre Bay, Attu.
May 18, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Anchored in berth D-12, Massacre Bay, Attu.
0837 Underway independently in accordance with CDS despatch 180915 of May,
1944. Steaming various courses and speeds while proceeding out of
Massacre Bay and conducting exercises south of Attu. 0.T.C. is CDS 49
in PICKING.
0943- Towed target for aircraft skip bombing and strafing exercises.
1055
1058- Fired automatic weapons antiaircraft practice with balloon targets,
1135 expending 642 rounds 40mm A.A., 1100 rounds 20mm A.A. ammunition.
1155 Commenced standing toward south channel entrance to Massacre Bay,
Attu.
1348 Moored starboard side to U.S.S. YO 163, at buoy B-4, Massacre Bay,
Attu and commenced fueling.
1418 Underway from alongside U.S.S. YO 163. Proceeding to anchorage.
1444 Anchored in 15 fathoms of water in berth D-12, Massacre Bay, Attu.
Ships present: various units of U. 3. Fleet. S.O.P.A. is CTF 94 in
U.S.S. CONCORD.
May 19, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Anchored in berth D-12, Massacre Bay, Attu.
May 20, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Anchored in berth D-12, Massacre Bay, Attu.
0747 Underway in company with Task Force 94 in accordance with CTF 94
Exercise Plan 4-44 of May, 1944. Steaming various courses and speeds
while proceeding out of Massacre Bay and patrolling channel during
sortie. O.T.C. is CTF 94 in CONCORD.
1006 Took station 3250 in task force formation, CONCORD guide, and
prepared to stream target for aircraft strafing and bombing
exercises. Set base course 060? T & G, 056? psc., speed knots.
1025 Commenced streaming target.
1155 Secured from towing exercises, no planes having arrived, and took
station #4 in antisubmarine screen 59. CONCORD guide.
1200 Position Latitude 53? 11' N. Longitude 174? 54' E.
1230 Changed base course to 330? T & G, 328? psc.
1340 Took station #4 in antiaircraft screen 73, CONCORD guide. Commenced
steaming various courses and speeds up to 30 knots while conducting
automatic weapons antiaircraft exercise with plane towing sleeve.
1415 Took station #8 in antiaircraft screen 73, CONCORD guide in station
3090.
1729 Completed antiaircraft exercise, having expended 873 rounds 40mm AA
and 1545 rounds 20mm AA ammunition.
1735 Took station 12,000 yards bearing 330? relative from CONCORD and
commenced exercise in voice radio reception.
1853 Took station 16,000 yards from CONCORD.
2000 Position Latitude 53? 39.5' N. Longitude 173? 52' E.
2018 Took station 18,000 yards from CONCORD.
2111 Completed exercise, took station #4 in antisubmarine screen 59,
CONCORD guide. Base course 020? T & G, 017? psc. Speed 17 knots.
2128 Changed speed to 14 knots.
2138 Changed base course to 035? T & G, 031? psc.
2250 Took station #4 in antiaircraft screen 73, CONCORD guide. Changed
speed to 17 knots.
2330 Commenced steaming various courses while conducting tracking
exercises with aircraft1 in accordance with Exercise 5, CTF 94
Exercise Plan 4-44
May 21, 1944 Zone description plus ten:
Steaming as before, conducting exercises with aircraft.
0135 Exercises completed. Took station #4 in antisubmarine screen 59,
CONCORD guide. Base course 085? T & G, 076? psc. Speed 16 knots.
0800 Position Latitude 54? 44' N. Longitude 177? 48' E.
0920 Changed base course to 090? T & G, 082? psc.
1041 Took station #2 in scouting line 8 miles ahead of CONCORD, guide in
search disposition #2, CTF 94 Op. Orders 6-44. Prepared for day
search and attack exercise in accordance with Exercise 6 CTF 94
Exercise Plan 4-44. Scouting course 090? T & G, 082? psc. Scouting
speed 16 knots.
1200 Position Latitude 54? 39' N. Longitude 179? 51' E. Changed speed to
10 knots.
1418 Had radar contact bearing 090? T, distant 30,000 yards. Contact
presumed to be DETROIT, PORTER and WICKES simulating enemy force.
Commenced steaming-various courses and speeds and making smoke
intermittently while simulating attack accord |
