WEBPAGE QUICK LINKS

File No. CCD5/A16-3(5)

Serial 0072      16 AUG 1944

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to

CO, OAKLAND secret ltr.

CL95/A16-3 serial 0010

dated 8 August 1944.

From: Commander Carrier Division FIVE.

(Commander Task Group FIFTY-EIGHT POINT ONE.)

To : Commander-in-Chief., U. S. Fleet.

Via : (1) Commander Fast Carrier Task Forces, U. S. Pacific Fleet.

(2) Commander FIFTH Fleet

(3) Commander-in-Chief, U. S. Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. OAKLAND (CL95) - Action report on Shipping Sweep
Northwest of BONIN ISLANDS and Bombardment of CHICHI JIMA in
Company with Task Unit 58.1.6, August 4-5, 1944.

1. Forwarded.

J. J . CLARK.

Copy to:     CO, OAKLAND

A16-3

Serial:  00419

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to:

CO, OAKLAND Secret ltr.

CL95/Al6-3, Serial 0010

dated 8 August 1944.

From: Commander., FIRST Carrier Task Force,, Pacific.

To Commander in Chief., United States Fleet.

Via (1) Commander FIFTH Fleet.

(2) Commander in Chief, U. S. Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. OAKLAND (CL95) - Action report on Shipping Sweep
Northwest of BONIN ISLANDS and Bombardment of CHICHI JIMA in
Company with Task Unit 58.1.6. August 4 - 5., 1944.

1.   Forwarded.

C.G. STEELE,

By direction.

A16-3 (2c-A)

Serial:   00488

THIRD ENDORSEMENT to

CO, OAKLAND Secret itr.

CL95/Al6-3 Serial 0010 dated 8 August 1944,

From: Commander FIFTH Fleet.

To : Commander in Chief., U.S. Fleet.

Via : Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. OAKLAND (CL95) - Action report on Shipping Sweep
Northwest of BONIN ISLANDS and Bombardment of CHICHI JIMA in
Company with Task Unit 58.1.6., August 4 - 5, 1944.

1. Forwarded.

C.J.MOORE,

Chief of Staff

From: Commanding Officer. To :

The Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Fleet,

Via : (1) Commander Task Unit 58.1,6.

(2) Commander Task Group 58,1.

(3) Commander Task Force 58.

(4) Commander FIFTH Fleet.

(5) Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. OAKLAND (CL95) - Action Report on Shipping Sweep
Northwest of BONIN ISLANDS and Bombardment of CHICHI JIMA in
Company with Task Unit 58.1.6, August 4- 5, 1944.

References: (a) U.S. Navy Regulations, 1920, Article 874(6).

(b) Pacific Fleet Confidential Letter 2CL-44.

(c) ComTaskFor 58 Rest. Ltr. Al6-3 Serial 102 of 22 March 1944.

(d) ComTaskFor 58 Secret Operation Plans No. 7-44 and No. 9-44.

(e) ComTaskGrp 58.1 Secret Operation Plans No. 7-44 and No. 9- 44,.

(f) ComTaskUnit 58.1.6 Secret Bombardment Plan No. 4-44.

(g) U.S.S. OAKLAND Conf. Ltr. A16-3 Serial 082 of 17 July 1944.

Enclosures: (A) Track Chart Showing Movements of U.S.S. OAKLAND from 1830, August 4, 1944 to 0700., August 5, 1944.

Track Chart Showing Movements of U.S.S. OAKLAND , Bombardment of CHICHI JIMA, August 5, 1944.

(c) Two (2) forms., "Anti-Aircraft Action by Surface Ships".

1. The U.S.S. OAKLAND (CL95) participated with Task Unit 58.1.6 in the shipping sweep northwest of the BONIN ISLANDS on August 4,1944, and in the bombardment of CHICHI JIMA on August 5, 1944. In the course of this
operation an enemy- aircraft snooper and harassing attack was repelled during the
pre-dawn hours of August 5, 1944.

The operations of T.U. 58.1.6 had been projected in references (d), (e), and (f), and the task unit was originally scheduled to leave T.G. 58,1 and T.G. 58.3 at 0100, August 5, 1944, However, when our aircraft made contact with a convoy about 15 miles northwest of CHICHI JIMA, T.U. 58.1.6 was dispatched at about 1300, 4 August 1944 to complete the Convoys destruction. Four destroyers of DesRon 46 were detached from T.G. 58.1 to screen CruDiv 13 plus OAKLAND until DesDiv 100 from T.G. 58.3 joined up.

Task Unit 58.1.6 passed between the CHICHI JIMA group and the MUKO JIMA group at about 1830 on northwesterly course. Shortly thereafter a small AO was sighted and sunk by destroyer gunfire. Between -1930 and 2100 a Japanese ship, probably a destroyer was tracked and engaged by destroyer gunfire, and finally
was sunk by DesDiv 100. Between 2100 and 2230 medium-sized to large-sized Japanese AK was tracked and sunk by cruiser gunfire.

At 0013, August 5th, TU 58.1.6 had approached to within 370 miles of the Japanese mainland. Between 0345 and 0600 five (5) or six (6) Japanese aircraft were tracked and fired upon in the vicinity of the task unit at least one (1) of
which apparently closed to torpedo firing range.

Between 1008 and 1112, U.S.S. OAKLAND participated in the bombardment of CHICHI JIMA Island firing first on SUSAKI AIRFIELD, then on ships in the harbor,. and finally on a shore battery returning our fire. Hits where-scored on a hangar and other installations adjacent to the airfield,, on at least two (2) small
ships in the harbor, on OMURA town, and in the vicinity of the coast defense battery on the ridge west of the town.

TASK UNIT 58.1.6 rejoined TGIS 58,1 and 58,3 southeast of CHICHI JIMA at about 1830., August 5, 1944.

(a) OAKLAND left ENIWETOK with TO 58.1 on June 30 1944. TG 58.1 and
TG 58.2 proceeded in company to the BONIN and VOLCANO ISLANDS,
against which air strikes and surface bombardment were conducted on July 3rd
and 4th. These task groups then proceeded to the MARIANAS where operations were conducted against GUAM and ROTA from July 7th to July 21st inclusive. Thereafter TG's 58.1, 58.2, and 58.3,, proceeded to the WESTERN
CAROLINES. TG 58.1 conducted air strikes and photographic reconnaissance against YAP, ULITHI, and FAIS on July 25th to 28th,, inclusive, while the other two task groups conducted similar operations against the PALAUS. After refueling and partially replenishing bombs in the MARIANAS TG's 58.1 and 58.3
proceeded on August 2nd from SAIPAN to the VOLCANO and BONIN
ISLANDS to deliver an attack thereon before proceeding to ENIIWET0K.

(b) The mission of TU 58.1.6 was to destroy enemy shipping and shore installations in the CHICHI JIMA - HAHA, JIMA area of the BONIN ISLANDS by gunfire and bombardment. Effective doctrine, plans, and assumptions were set forth in references (d),(e), and (f).

Commander TASK FORCE 58 had previous intelligence information that an important Japanese convoy would be in the vicinity of CHICHI JIMA. When TG 58.1 aircraft located and attacked this convoy on the morning of August 4, 1944, TU 58.1.6 was sent in to complete its destruction.

(c) TASK UNIT 58.1.6 was commanded by Rear Admiral L.T. DUBOSE, U.S.N., and consisted of the following ships:

CRUDIV 13 less BIRMINGHAM plus OAKLAND

SANTA FE (F) CL 60

MOBILE CL 63

BILOXI CL 80

OAKLAND (CL/AA) CL 95

DESDIV 100 less CAPERTON

COGSWELL DD 651

ERSOLL DD 652

KNAPP DD 653

DESDIV 91 less CONNER, BELL plus BROWN

IZARD DD 589

CHARRETTE DD 581

BURNS DD 588

BROWN DD 546

(d) Aircraft reports indicated that the convoy that TU 58.1.6 was seeking
originally consisted of five (5) large AK's five (5) ODD's or DE's. and one (1) CL or new large DD. The convoy was originally sighted by aircraft about 15 miles northwest of CHICHI JIMA.

Enemy surface ships actually encountered by TU 58 .I.6 during the night of
August 4th were one (1) small AO, one (1) DD, and one (1) medium or large AK, in addition to several sampans or small boats. The DD and AK were sunk at about 60 miles and 70 miles respectively northwest of MUKO JIMA.

1245 - COMCRUDIV 13 (CTU 58.1.6) received orders from OTG 58.1 to
prepare to depart on a search and attack mission against enemy shipping as soon DESDIV 100 appeared in sight from TG 58.3.. The primary target was a convoy fifteen (15) miles northwest of the northern tip of CHICHI JIMA.

1248 - COMDESRON 46 in IZARD (DD 589) with BURNS (DD 588), CHARRETTE (DD 581). and BROWN (OD 546) were ordered by CT,G 58,1 to proceed with CTG 58.1.6 until DESDIV 100 joined up. CRUDIV 13 plus OAKLAND were ordered to raise steam for full power with all dispatch.

1254 - C0MCRUDIV 13 in SANTA FE (CL 60) with BILOXI (CL 80).,
MOBILE (CL 63) and OAKLAND (CL 95) proceeded to leave the TG 58.1 disposition. Cruisers formed column in that order on course 315deg (t)- screened
by four ships of DESRON 46.

1306 - OAKLAND on station making 25 knots.

1312 - Changed formation speed to 20 knots.

1316 - Changed formation speed to 25 knots.

1322 - Changed formation speed to 28 knots.

1326 - Cruisers formed column open order. DESDIV 100 is about ten (10) miles astern closing very slowly. CTG 58.1 relayed to COMDESDIV 100 the course., speed and present intentions of CTU 58.1.6 to facilitate his joining up.

1353 - Changed formation speed to 30 knots.

1445 - Intercepted aircraft report to CTG 58.1 as follows "Three (3) hits an AKts. One (1) AK trailing oil. Escort undamaged except .by strafing eighteen (18) to twenty (20) miles nwest of MUKO JIMA. Course between 270deg and 330deg. Speed six (6) knots."

1518 - Commander TASK UNIT 59.1.6 modified his special disposition ;
VICTOR as follows: SANTA FE guide at 3000, MOBILE 3090, BILOXI 3270, OAKLAND 3180, with destroyers evenly spaced between cruisers, Formation
axis is the formation's course when signal is executed.

1554 - IZARD designated fighter director ship.

1628 - Changed formation course to 328deg.

1635 - OAKLAND signaled her 1600 position: latitude 26deg6'N., longitude 142deg 71'.

1705 - Commander TASK UNIT 58.1.6 has evidently elected to keep COMDESRON 46 and his four (4) destroyers instead of returning them to TG 58-1. DESDIV 100 is still about five (5) miles astern. CTU 58 'I 1.6 ordered COMDESRON 46 to form attack group column about 3000 yards in the van
when TU 58.1.6 changes course to 280deg about 1800.

1707 - Changed formation speed to 25 knots.

1717 - Sighted land bearing 248deg identified as the CIIICHI JIMA group.

1741 - BROWN sighted sampan bearing 340deg relative distance five miles.

1746 - BROWN and IZARD fired at sampan destroying it.

1800 - DESRON 46 formed column ahead of cruisers.

1801 - Received following aircraft report made by a HORNET plane to CTG
58.1: "One (1) AK burning northwest of MUKO JIMA one (1) mile; another five
(5) miles north of MUKO JIMA was burning in the water. The convoy consisted
of five (5) large AK's of which two (2) were sunk, one (1) burning, one (1) down
in the water by the stern about five (5) DE's and one (1) CL or large DD which were strafed.

1805 - Changed formation course to 310deg to pass south of YOME JIMA,
outside of 100 fathom curve.

1811 - Ships right to course 320deg to avoid mine buoy reported by van
destroyers.

1813 - Ships left course 310deg (t).

1815 - Changed formation speed to 30 knots.

1823 - IZARD reported smoke on horizon on her starboard bow. This was apparently a small AK burning.

1825 - IZARD reported sighting vessel one (1) point on her port bow, distance twelve (12) miles. This vessel apparently was a small AO.

OAKLAND went to general quarters and set material condition ABLE.

1830 - CIC reported radar contact on surface target bearing 302deg, nine (9) miles distant. This was the small AO reported by IZARD.

Ships right to course 320deg.

1835 - Ships left to 310deg,

IZARD opened fire on small Japanese AO, followed by BROWN. CIC reported AO dead in water.

Passed YOME JIMA abeam to starboard., distance four (4) miles.

1839 - Small AO now on fire bearing 287deg range 10,000 yards.

1848 - Observed explosion on small AO now ablaze and sinking, drifting aft
about, 1,000 yards on the port beam.

1856 - Sighted burning vessel bearing 049-50deg range 23,000 yards.

1900 - CIC reported radar contact on surface target bearing 190deg., distance twelve (12) miles, Tracked for eight (8) minutes on course 330deg, speed fifteen (15), then lost from radar screen.

1912 - Enemy surface vessel detected and reported by IZARD, bearing 329deg, range 22,300 yards.

1914 - GIC reported radar contact on surface target bearing 327deg, range 27,000 yards. This was contact reported by IZARD at 1912. Designated as target ABLE,.

1917 - Sunset. Darkened ship.

1920 - Changed formation course in succession from the van to 300deg, OAKLAND turning at 1923.

1923 - IZARD reported sighting target ABLE bearing 350deg range 19,000 yards. apparently a destroyer. CIC reported target ABLE bearing 332deg, range 20,000 yards from OAKLAND at this time moving north slowly.

1927 - IZARD reported sighting green dye and man in the water on her port side. BURNS was ordered to pick him up, and rescued two (2) aircrewmen from HORNET (CV 12) who reported that the plane pilot had drowned.

1928 - IZARD and CHARRETTE commenced firing to starboard on previously reported ship apparently a Japanese destroyer.

1931 - Changed formation speed to 20 knots.

1932 - Cruisers commenced firing at enemy destroyer, target ABLE, bearing 000deg, range-15,900 yards from OAKLAND, course 000deg, speed 15 knots.

1933 - Enemy destroyer bearing 004deg, range 16,000 yards, apparently is returning our fire.

1934 - Ships right to course 320deg.

1938 - right to course 330deg.

1940 - Van destroyers ceased firing until range of enemy vessel closes, It now is bearing 016deg, range 17.,400 yards still on course 000deg, speed 15.

1942 - Observed what appeared to be a red Very star about 2000 yards on starboard beam. No Investigation was made because of the existing, tactical situation.

1947 - Ships left to course 3000. CIC reported target ABLE bearing 022deg,
range 19,200 yards course becoming erratic,

1950 - Changed formation speed to 25 knots. Changed formation course in succession from the van to 340deg, OAKLAND turning at 2000.

1956 - Changed formation course in succession from the van to 000deg, OAKLAND turning at 2005. Changed formation speed to 30 knots. CIC reported target ABLE bearing 035deg, range 22,600, course again 000deg, speed 15.

1959 - IZARD report enemy surface contact bearing 350deg, range 17 miles. This was later designated target BAKER.

2,003 - Changed formation course to 040deg in succession from the van, OAKLAND turning at 2010.

2004 - BURNS starting to rejoin, bearing 126deg, range 16,200 yards.

2011 - CIC reported radar contact bearing 343deg, range 31,900 yards, designated target BAKER.

2012 - Changed formation speed to 25 knots.

2014 - Changed formation course in succession from the van to 000deg OAKLAND turning at 2022.

2015 - Target ABLE now bearing 056deg, range 19,500 yards, course 000deg speed 15. Target BAKER new bearing 342deg, range 31,200 yards, course
340deg, speed 12.

2017 - Van destroyers commence firing at target ABLE.

2020 - Cruisers opened fire on target ABLE.

2024 - OAKLAND commenced firing with five-inch battery to starboard at target ABLE., bearing 060deg range 14,400 yards. Target changed course to east with speed greatly diminished.

2026 - Ships right to 010deg, Checked fire.

2027 - Changed formation speed to 20 knots.

2029 - Resumed firing at target ABLE . bearing 077deg., range 13,700 yards, moving slowly East.

2030 - Ships right to course 020deg. The enemy ship apparently is returning our fire.

2034 - Various observers report hearing a projectile or salvo of projectiles passing overhead.

2035 - Ships right to course 050deg. Checked fire. Target ABLE bearing 089deg range 14,000 yards. Target BAKER now bearing 314deg, range 27,600 yards, course 314deg speed 12 knots.

2038 - Changed formation speed to 25 knots.

2040 - Resumed firing at target ABLE bearing 102deg, range 14,000 yards.

2044 - Ceased firing. CTU 58.146 ordered the rear destroyers (DESDIV 100) to close target and dispose of it. GIC ceased tracking with target ABLE bearing 117deg, range 14,000 yards heading slowly East.

2046 - CIC lost contact with target BAKER, bearing 302deg, range 32,600 yards.

2049 - Ships left to course 000deg. Changed formation speed to 20 knots.

2052 - OTU 58.1.6 executed signal, Column left to course 300 deg.

2059 - CIC regained contact with target BAKER bearing 290deg, range 35,100 yards.

2100 - Changed formation speed to 25 k.nots,

2103 - BURNS is hauling ahead on starboard side to take station with van destroyers.

2104 - OAKLAND changed course to 300deg.

2110 - CIC reported target BAKER bearing 285deg, range 33,000 yards.

2113 - Van destroyers commenced firing machine guns at sampan drifting aft on port side of formation.

2123 - OAKLAND fired several machine gun bursts at sampan to port,

2124 - CTU 58.1.6 executed signal "Column right to course 320deg".

2128 - CIC lost contact of DESDIV 100., bearing 165deg, range 40,000 yards.

2130 - Target BAKER now bearing 283deg, range 21,200 yards. It is apparently a large ship on course 320deg, at speed 10, knots.

OAKLAND came to course 320deg.

2140 - Target BAKER now bearing 276deg , range 17,500 yards.

2142 - Ships right to course 330deg.

2143 - Changed formation speed to 20 knots.

2145 - MOBILE commenced firing to port at target BAKER.

2150 - CTU 58.1.6 ordered van destroyers to make torpedo attack on target BAKER if conditions were favorable. Target BAKER bearing 263deg, range 14,700 yards.

2153 - COMDESRON 46 reported that van destroyers were starting to close
target BAKER, range 13,,020 yards.

2155 - Ships left to course 320deg.

2156 - Ships left to course 310deg,

2158 - Ships left to course 280deg.

2204 - OAKLAND suggested that she illuminate target with starshell. CTU 58.1.6 answered: "Not until van destroyers got out."

2205 - COMDESRON 46 reported reversal of course by target. Van destroyers were ordered to pull out. OAKLAND was ordered to illuminate for MOBILE and BILOXI. CIC reported target BAKER bearing 232deg, range 10,500 yards course 1500, speed 10 knots.

2206 - OAKLAND commenced firing illuminating projectiles to port to illuminate target BAKER. Illumination was excellent revealing target to be a medium to large AK (7,000 to 10,000 tons estimted), with two (2) masts and high superstructure forward and aft.

2208 - CTU 58.1.6 ordered BILOXI to cease firing and leave target to MOBILE.

2210 - Ships right to 310deg.

2216 - OAKLAND commenced firing at target BAKER, and continued
illumination with starshells. Opening salvos were all straddles on forward half of target. Bearing of target was 196deg range 9,140 yards.

2217 - Ships left to course 280deg. Many 5 inch hits observed on AK.

2219 - Enemy AK is now burning. Ceased firing. -(;IC reported target BAIM
about dead in water bearing 183deg, range 9,600 yards.

2221 - Ships left to course 190deg.

2223 - Observed a series of explosions on enemy AK, believed to be ammunition exploding, bearing 170deg.

2224 - Ships left to course 140deg. OAKLAND is now guide, leading the cruisers column.

2226 - Fires suddenly no longer visible on enemy AK. Radar, contact lost, bearing 170deg , range 8,100 yards. The target evidently has sunk. Four (4) radar sets lost contact simultaneously and could not regain it.

2228 - CIC reported regained contact with DESDIV 100 bearing 110deg, range 30,000 yards.

2230 - COMSDIV 100 reported that his destroyers had sunk target ABLE.

2236 - OAKLAND secured from Ceneral Quarters and material condition ABLE. Set condition of readiness III and material condition BAKER. Ammunition expended:

670 rounds 5"/38 caliber AA common projectile, fuze Mark 18. 108 rounds 5"/38 caliber illuminating projectiles.

778 rounds flashless powder, service.

179 rounds 40 mm. ammunition.

74 rounds 20 mm. ammunition.

2240 - Ships left to 110deg.

2243 - Ships left to 020deg.

2247 - Ships left to 320deg.

2249 - BROWN proceeded to investigate flashing light in water bearing 220deg from her, which she later reported to be caused by burning wreckage of sunken enemy AK.

2255 - CTU 58.1.6 executed signal, "Column left to 290deg". Van destroyers
have formed anti-submarine screen on cruisers. OAKLAND changed to course 290deg at 2302.

2308 - Commenced zigzagging according to plan #6.

2322 - Changed formation speed to 18 knots.

0000 - CTU 58.1.6 executed "Countermarch in succession from the van to course 085deg." OAKLAND changed course to the right at 0005.

0215 - INGERSOLL and KNAPP proceeded to picket stations 10 miles ahead. COGSWELL joined A/S screen.

0330 - CTU 58.1.6 executed signal, "Countermarch in succession from the van to course 205deg.

0335 - OAKLAND changed course to the right to 205deg.

0341 - KNAPP reported unidentified aircraft bearing 338deg.

0346 - INGERSOLL reported unidentified aircraft bearing 190deg., range 17
miles. KNAPP reports bogies course 160deg and its speed 140 knots.

0352 - TU 58.1,6 formed special cruising disposition VICTOR. Pickets were ordered to rejoin. Axis for disposition VICTOR is 205deg (t).

0401 - OAKLAND went to General Quarters. Set material condition "ABLE".

0404 - Changed formation speed to 25 knots.

0407 - Emergency ships vight to course 265deg.

0410 - Emergency ships left to course 175deg.

0412 - Emergency ships left to course 145deg. Raid one (1) bearing 301deg, distance 12 miles.

0415 - Raid I now bears 309deg., range nine (9) miles, circling.

0418 - Observed own ships firing on starboard hand, CHARRETTE; commenced trying to raise our night fighters supposedly enroute from TG 58.1,

0419 - Emergency ships right to course 175deg.

0420 - Emergency ships left to course 115deg. Raid I now bearing 010deg, range four (4) miles.

0424 - Emergency ships right to course 205deg. Raid I is now opening.

0425 - Changed formation speed to 20 knots..

0427 - Raid I now boars 043deg, range 23 miles.

0432 - Ships left to course 165deg.

0434 - Ships left to course 085deg. TU 58.1.6 is standing over toward INGERSOLL to assist him in closing forrmtion.

0435 - Raid I faded bearing 045deg, range 37 mile.

0438 - Ships right to course 145deg.

0441 - Ships right to course 230deg.

0445 - Raid I reappeared on radar screen bearing 065deg, range 224 miles.

0453 - Ships right to course 250deg.

0455 - OAKLAND reported to CTU 58.1.6 that Raid I boars 044deg, range 17 miles, at low altitude.

0458 - Raid II picked up bearing 192deg, 18 miles.

0459 - IZARD is in communication with VF(N) and assuring control of them.

0501 - Signal received from CTU 58.1.6., "Emergency speed 25".

0302 - Raid II bearing 137deg, range 10 miles.

0503 - Emergency ships right to course 290deg.

0505 - Emergency ships left to course 260deg. Raid I boars 350deg, range 24
miles. Raid II bears 110deg(t), 12 miles distant opening.

0507 - IZARD was ordered to vector VF(N) on to Raid II. VF(N) now orbiting bearing 095deg., range 40 miles.

0509 - New Raid 111, bearing 197D, range 6 miles.

0510 - Emergency ships right to course 310deg (t). VF(N) now bear 093deg,
range 32 miles.

0511 - Emergency ships right to course 340deg, Raid III opening bearing 115deg, range 7 miles from SANTA FE. IZARD reported to CTG 58.1 through the VF(N) that TU 58.1.6 was being shadowed by several bogies.

0514 - Emergency ships left to course 310deg(t).

0515 - SANTA FE reported Raid III bearing 050deg (t), range 11 miles, course 040deg,

Emergency ships left to 270deg.

0517 - Emergency ships left to 230deg. Raid III bears 070deg, range 7 miles closing. VF(N) was warned that we would have to open fire on bogie.

0520 - Emergency ships left to course 190deg. CTU 58.1.6 reported Raid III bearing 034deg, range 9 miles opening. IZARD was ordered to attempt
interception with VF(N) as raid retired,

0522 - CTU 58.1.6 ordered a sharp lookout kept for a friendly plane which made water landing in this area on the previous day.

0523 - New bogies, Raid IV, bearing 040deg, range 24 miles., Our VF (N) bears 050deg range 27 miles from SANTA FE.

0526 - Raid III now bears 056deg, range 7 miles.

0527 - OAKLAND commenced firing 5-inch battery at Raid III.

0528 - Emergency ships right to course 220deg.

0529 - Raid III turned away and retired. OAKLAND ceased firing.

0530 - CTU 58-1.6 reported Raid III bearing 033deg, range 9 miles, and Raid IV bearing 060deg range 27 miles. IZARD reported that we have two (2) VF(N)at bearing 050deg, range 36 miles.

0531 - Emergency ships left to course 160deg.

0534 - Changed formation speed to 20 knots. Only Raid on radar screens is now Raid III bearing 352deg, range 22 miles.

0545 - Radar screen is clear of bogies,

0550 - Destroyers fired machine guns on sampan which drifted thru formation.

0551 - CTU 58.1.6 reported now Raid V bearing 145deg, range 19 miles.

0554 - CTU 58.1.6 reported Raid V bearing 122deg, range 8 miles. OAKLAND sighting a 2-engine Japanese bomber, probably a NELL or BETTY, on port bow.

0555 - OAKLAND commenced firing 5;-inch battery to port at Raid V. Enemy plane maneuvered violently low on the water, and cleared the area.

0557 - Sunrise.

0556 - Emergency ships right to course 250deg. Changed formation speed to 25 knots by emergency signal. Ceased firing.

0602 - Ships left to 150deg. Changed formation speed to 25 knots.

0606 - Fired automatic weapons at a sampan-type boat on starboard quarter.

0612 - Secured from General Quarters and Material condition ABLE. Set
condition of readiness III and material condition BAKER.

0617 - CL's formed column on SANTA FE-. OAKLAND proceeded to station #1 in screen, assuming duties of Commander Screen.

0619 - Changed formation speed to 15 knots.

0625 - KAPP reported passing about twenty (20) or thirty (30) Japs in the water and stopped to pick up some of them. A small boat badly damaged drifted through the screen with no sign, of-life aboard.

0645 - OAKLAND on station in screen.

0645 - CTU 58,1,6 stated that twelve (12) ships were reported in FUTAML KO and ordered that amount of ammunition saved for HAHA JIMA be modified accordingly to account for primary targets (shipping).

0705 - TU 58.1.6 formed special disposition SUGAR. DESDIV 100 plus
BROWN formed screen ahead of cruiser column, OAKLAND, leading cruiser column, assumed duties as guide.

0722 - Changed formation course to 175deg.

0726 - Changed formation speed to 20 knots.

0735 - Ships right to course 185deg.

0745 - Sighted northern islands of MUKO JIMA group bearing 140deg, range 17,800 yards.

0811 - Ships left to course 175deg.

0851 - Commenced zigzagging, plan No. 6.

0855 -. Sighted MAGO JIMA, northern island, of CHICHI JIMA group, bearing 150deg, range 18 miles.

0920 - Sighted submarine bearing 197deg, hull down on horizon, identified ID as U.S.S. GATO (SS 212).

0930 - Went to General Quarters for shore bombardment of CHICHI JIMA. Set material condition ABLE.

0931 - Ceased zigzagging. Resumed base course.

0936 - Changed formation course to 180deg.

0942 - Ships left to course 150deg.

0948 - Ships left to course 140deg.

0952 - Ships right to course 180deg. Changed formation speed to 18 knots.

1001 - Spotting plane for OAKLAND'S bombardment (BILOXI plane #2)
reported on station over target area.

1002 - Ships left to course 170deg.

1008 - OAKLAND commenced-firing 5-inch battery to port at SUSAKI AIRFIELD and adjacent installations, CHICHI JIMA grid coordinates 826483, bearing 117.5deg,, range 15,700 yards.

1016 - Ships right to course 180deg.

1022 - Changed formation speed to 15 knots.

1031 - Passed small AO ablaze from stem to stern, about 1000 yards on starboard hand.

1032 - Ceased firing. Spotting plane reported good coverage of the target area., with several no change spots. Ho reported that one (1) salvo hit a hangar.

1034 - Ships loft to course 000deg.

1045 - Ships left to course 350deg. Resumed firing, shifting target to shipping in
the harbor. Spotting plane designated a small KO as target at grid coordinate 843496. Spotting plane spotted no change on first several salvoes., then down
100.

1048 - Spotting plane reported that salvo was a direct hit.

1055 - Spotting plane reported that. two (2) small ships are burning in our present target area.

1056 - Ceased firing. During this run to the northward ian enemy shore battery opened fire on our formation. Several salvoes fell near BURNS, which
maneuvered to confuse the enemy fire control. The guns were probably two twin-mount dual purpose guns of'about.4-inch caliber. Their apparent
emplacement was on the crest of the ridge to westward of OMURA at grid coordimte 8251.

1058 - Ships left to course 170deg.

1059 - Changed formation speed to 18 knots.

1103 - Resumed firing attempting to silence above mentioned shore battery.

1111 - Enemy shore battery fire is straddling MOBILE. She executed individual maneuvers to avoid enemy salvoes. Ships right to course 170deg. Changed formation speed to 20 knots.

1112 - Ceased firing. Shore bombardment completed. Ammunition expended-

134 rounds 5" 38 cal. AA Common projectile

40 rounds 5" 38 cal. Common Projectile

974 rounds 5" 38 cal. Smokeless Powder.

1121 - Ships left to course 180deg.

1122 - Passed several Japanese in the water to port and six (6) or eight (8) others
in the wator to starboard.

1126 - Secured from General Quarters and material condition ABLE,. Set
condition of readiness III and material condition BAKER.

1130 - Changed formation course to 215deg.

1215 - Changed formation speed to 25 knots. OAKLAND moved up into station
#1 in the screen resuming duties as Commander Screen. SANTA FE took formation guide.

1216 - Changed formation course to 180deg.

1230 - Changed formation speed to 15 knots.

1237 - CL's maneuvered to recover aircraft.

1301 - Aircraft recovery completed. Set formation course 160deg at speed 22 knots.

1315 - Changed formation course to 150deg.

1.330 - Commenced zigzagging, plan No. 6.

1610 - Changed formation course to 120deg,

1701 - Changed formation speed to 25 knots.

1703 - Ceased zigzagging.

1708 - Changed formation course to 110deg.

1743 - Sighted TG 58.3 bearing 040deg, range 40,000 yards.

1753 - Changed formation course to 070deg.

1810 - COMCRUDIV 13 with SANTA FE, MODILE and DESDIV 100
proceeded to join TG 58.3. 0 .1 OAKLAND, BILOXI, and the four (4) destroyers
of DESRON 46 proceeded to join TG 58.1 to northeastward of TG 58.3., maneuvering variously.