WWII Pacific Task Force 51 Plan

8/9/2019 WWII Pacific Task Force 51 Plan

1/47

All TF STt SHIPS *>'-v&, 149. 100 rounds. H B - IQ3 RD5 TEC . 1 3 3 - I.J.M.M, O.Q.R.S, T,UV,W,X,Y IftZ- A,B,F,Q ISO Rbs I ISO I R O I 'J|oi-CDe|HULMNoJz.OtNORfHWt5T I^J-ZlS ll l iN n -pi |UV UJ

5TAND BY IN SECTOR FO REL1 F CAL FIRE ASSGNMENT AND TO REPLENISH AMI 4UNITIO ZH/60, "200 201 f O / - f - . g " %o roU nds.M to TARGETS Or OPPOHTUNIT CEPT K.P.Q U.V 20 ,Q.R.5T.W,X 165-E 18&-A,N.(% , t ^ 5 A f h 1 LsS -rth J 202_

"5TC X NOfTH PM OF sac AS CE WIRED oZ 5 O O.L iQETS OPPdRTUNIT-201 , East i 218. 100 r ounds . II B Z34 A.B.CD.E.G. i AS RE UREOSIRtrN UNIT STAtID BY N 5Ot TH Pt RT SECTOR tt FOR RELII!F L PBE ASS! 3NMEN o

75O MTT STAKO ey N SOLTM WRT O SKTOR POR RELKT CA LL FIR : ASSC NMENT AND TO REPInCAPP5 o T W O " a?BOM is f NAPA1MAIR STRIKES OVER FArr CARyER.5ENDS AT 07 30 ORONA Et LIK ITED TO 800 rr. \ > O O F ORDlt ATE ORDI MATES

U-AD VJAVE S TO BEACH STAND BY IN AREA R 56ER O 4E POP FUTHER ORDERSROCKET SlALYOS SEE FO R TARG :TS.j) Li titvos ax - ioyr^ . -5 MINUT : NOTE^D ASSAULT TO TO FLANK: FIRg I O M.M.fractions to read - I O ' / E -5 MINUTES SEE NOTE FO i TA.RC ETJ> H SFC 253-Z. ON RlOiT ON LB80 W TX SFC 7 A I - Z MOKE ON Rlt HT ON 4.73S Y ITH 51 C 2.R?" (f1 orV-uiMJL Soo (EMTER OF IMfACT TA Z.00 -L INE JP TIRE APPRtX.IBO RftNQE 100 IMPACT N 0 f IRE TO R QHT OF ISO HGE )I.OQ Delete TIRE FROM NCAR 6 5 - 7 3 IO ILDS PEL MINUT RE FRdM NE KU. 7! 5 - 7 9 9 RDS PER N INUTE A L lCENTEt IMPACT Zl L ^ RANSE 30 "CfNTER TS "rr rDav m to H-55: the follow. CLASS 3 REF. PT 754- 76Z l l f .PMM CLA! S 7. R ET. PT. ; 54-78 1 S RPldNIMPACTr o u n d s 132 Q-t o H - 3 : " 1 6 6 , P05S BLE MOVE 0 7fe( -800 8, STAND BY FURTHER MISS ONS? - CLASS ' REF. Pr.725-CS7 IZRPviMto Kits) II " :ENTER MPACT I3Z- P F ANQK z:. SAME PR:V\OUS PERI30-3 ' STAUD BY IN AM A ROGER TW J FOR PUTHIiR OR' CRSCLASS ; KEF. IZRPV1Mrounds, n gn STAfJO BY IN AR:A RCGER TWO F )R Ml iSIONS TO B ! AS3I iNED150 rounds.

T OflRATES WITH UNT L 183. 100 rounds.Sunset: IT OPERATES WITH UN IT 5 12. Targets for GunboatRocket Salvos. Each Gunboat" will OPERATES WITH UNIT 4 Range Bands owing In- 6. The chart printed on the reverse of this schedule graphi- 8. The symbol # after the name of a ship indicates that such place mean center of Impact on targets listed:A - Above .12000 yards . formation (see also Note, . cally illustr ates the over- all plan of the How-Hour fire s. It ships is to lie-to for delivery of scheduled fires from H-35 untilB - 6000 - 12000 yards . Target squares ; or Target Blocks is intended that scheduled fires move progressively inland in no longer necessary (but not later than How+60). C oordina tesC - Below 6000 yards . (b) Number of rounds to be fired; accord with a pre-determined es timate of troop progress . of firing positions to be taken by such ships are shown on the Gunboats in: 1st Salvo 2nd Salvo(c) Sector number or point from which ship is to fire; The times shown in each target "block" are the times at which chart printed on the reverse hereof. Lane Orange 2 197JSymbols Sector numbers shown in Roman numerals . fire is TO LIFT from that area. It is essent ial that all such Lane White 1 197 TY 198 PQ$ - 1200 foot-second powder. (d) Range Band. fires be carefully controlled and accurately delivered. 9. Scheduled fires should be evenly spread over the area des- Lane White 2 180JE 181 K* - air burs ts . Color of arrow indicates caliber Certain fires are scheduled to "lift on order". These fires ignated unless definite enemy targets or activities can be seen. Lane Brown 1 180 T 181 KP# - see Note 8 below. Length of arrow indicates time allowed. will be maintained at reduced rate in the designated area, until Observed targets have priority over area coverage. Lane Brown 2 163D 163 JPosition of barbs indicates time limits during definite orders are received fron SFC or Naval Gunfire Control Lane Purple 1 163 R 163 SKey To Colors which firing may take place. Firing need not be to move them further inland as mav be direct ed. Ships must be 10. 1200 foot-second powder has been scheduled above when itprepar ed to repeat fires in any block upon ord ers to be issued appeared needed. Where safety of our ships and troop s perm its,Red 12'. 14" & 16 " GUNBOAT TYPES evenly distributed throughout period. 13. Firing ships must avoid endangering planes during airif troop progress is not as rapid as planned. regular bombardment charges may be subs titvted, in order that strikes. Permissible ordinates are shown, where available, onBlack - 8" & 6" 5. (a) Target areas from the Air and Gunnery Target Map 1200 f/s charges may be conserved for later call fires. the schedule above.Blue - 5" are shown by a three digit number followed by a 7. Ships will endeavor to contact assigned SFC from How-letteror letters - i . e . , 219ACGH. Hour. If SFC checks into net prior to completion of scheduled 11. Control of Ordinates. (Plan to be announced over Naval Gun(b) So me targets for the period from H-35 to H+60 are fires , his request for other fires will have priority. If SFC fire control frequency).des ignated by "Blocks" i.e . , "Blocks AA, BB, 81 has no other requests or does not establish communicationand 9 4 " . Such " B l o c k s " are delineated on the chart scheduled fires must be completed as shown unless orders to (a) Plan VICTOR It the event.-tfi^".fbllo0aagu4hipB: are available on DOGshown on the reverse of this sheet and may be converted the contr ary are receive d from Gunfire Control Officer. No shells may pass through the air above 1100 feet over , they are assigned the following tasks:to target square num bers by the superimposed grid. that area bounded by a 2500 yard radius from the target.When a target " block" is to be covered by several (b) Plan NEGATships , individual portions are designated - (L)-left 1/2 No fires, irrespective of height of trajectory, may pass (a) PASADMA - Deliver SANTA FE's scheduled fires.or 1/3; (C)-center 1/3, or (R)-right 1/3 or 1/2. through the air over that area bounded by a 2500 yardyadius from that target.REVISION ON E Supersedes original and changes 1 and WILKES-BARRE - Relieves CHESTER and delivers balance 'of^CHESTER'S scheduled fires.HLMB ^ ASTORIA -Deli ver BILOXI's scheduled'fires.


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Alt TF tt s/z/ps v' lLAl OPREVISION ON E Supersedes oriqinal and chanqes \ and Z

N U M E R A T O R -R E M A IN IN G B O M B A R DM E N T A L LO WA N CEDENOMINATOR-SCHEDULE EXPENDITURE fORD~DAY

(W .P . X, 5 T A R 5 NOT S H O W N ) SCHEDULE OFFIRES, DOG DAY ALTERNATE PLANUNIT 16" ft" 5 * 5 " APPENDIX E" TO ANNEX (H) TO C0MPHIB5PAC OP P L A N A 2 5 - A 4 UJN M" 6" AA C H.C. a -140 -|30 "120 -110 -100 -50 -SO -70 -CO -50 -35 - 30 -25 -15 - 7 ~5 -3 -I -I H + 3 +C +11 +15 +20 +27 +30 + 3 5 + 4 0 +45+5 5 +GO +110 +180 +U0

7 1 J1 . 7 3 . H.B1.8 115V700 71 .71 . 73.81 fc-71,71.73. 4,73 lO trr,Z (LC) 172 ^7J(LC^ $74 (LC) 5(LC) ^7 i |(LC) C A LL FIRt ,rc zi ON A20 K \ \ \ \ s \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ oDES DIV SJOfe v v 0 \ k \ \ N \ 217- D .E . I r . ,N r O. SLQ W RATB O S T O N /ATTACHED FROM TF58 1 300 zoo AB C 100 RPS .. y BC - S A ME A.S MA1N &/ TTERY 2OO R0 5 loo D5 _ -a\

22 0 nc-G L.M.Q 115 RDSTEXAS # $ IfcS 50 RD5 Ol m.t- 74,75j G 100 RDS 75.7G 50 RDS 76 100 RD5216-G, -.M,Q _ o-yHI ABC2S 0 IZOO O t 2( ! zoc - c . o . : .M , I , J NP zoz-A.B Q.H.K, 101 - W O R T 117- ST ,1,M ;N,( J.u.v,^ XY Z 9 - k,P .UV , JOO-C.DJ J J r * o ! *-A L . B. F ( .K,z i>- ft-IWJ.VNEW YORK LOO zoo ' X A B C 50 RD5 \ " 1 E C SAM : 73 R 0 RDS Y B C SA M r At REQUK ED .DS75

32 1 1000 A L L Zlfe 216-T ii7 -P.< 199 -EJ 166 A B.F.G, k.L,M,P 104 Ua.c LCHESTER T5F ABC 5 D RDS / D D.EE.F K 0 R D S ^ E E .FF 5C RDS FF IO< 1 RDS SAWf AS MA1N B/ TTERY 100 ROS45 0 6 OO AL L 234 SAME AS 5ECONDARY BAT1 RY TTBC 5O RD5SAN FRANCISCOF* * 300 300 Y ABC 10 RDS ' / / TBC ,^ 1 3 3 O.Q.R.S. tu.vw,> Y I8 Z A.B.F.Q 150R 150 RDS 7.01-CDE HIJLMtOO 2.0ZN0R1 H WtSTL /4-218 1 UJ1J.M.M. ftS Kf g l . eri ZOO S :REEN UNIT POUR STAN D BY IN SECTOR TT FO! RELl F CAL F\RE ASS1G NMENT AND TO REPLCN 5H AMI 4UNITIOBRYANT 0 (Z56 s :REEN UNIT POUR \ TARGE TS or OPPOI JTUN1TN IN 1 E\CEPT K.P.Q u,v zoz - ,M,N,(j .Q.R.5 T,W,X. V 165-C ISC-A4 ' OM M LEUTZE t A ecoo \ I C I NOf TH ?k\,T OF DC AS RE 5U1RED z

D.W.TAYLOR ISO 5 CREEN UNIT FOUR Z 5 0 - > 13A - A . B . C O.E.Q. l TA iGETS OF OPP(JRTUN1T ot 0 \ AS RE( UIREO YC '400 S CRfCN UNIT TWO STAt N SOI TH P^RT 0 SEC OR. E fOR R.ELI L FIB A S S IGNMEN"H TWK J, 1 /250 cfcEEM UNIT TWO 5TAK 0 ey N SOLTH PART O SK roR nTOR RELIt .r CALL FIRE ASSC NMENT AND TOREP ENISH AMMUf iT lOT i .CAPPS 0 / 1 H M i BoK i 1 RELK TEB ON i ML iVMPc *>r a

SED AJE BOM s f NAPA1 M iTftAI NG A" It 00FA R1ER5AIR STRIKES ENDS AT 0730 ORDINA rEJ uh / ITEDTO 800 rr. l&OOF r oRDir ATE NOORD 4ATCS OVEROFT rr CAR.NTEAD A WAVE S BEACHGUNBOAT SUPPORT UNITS 1 t Z , L 55AULT TO STAND BY IN AEA R 6ER O E FOP PUT HE R ORD RS.PREl IMINA RY RO KET SALVOS ^ " R O K ET 5/ CVOS / T - 1 0 /, t - 5 MIKiUT :S SEE MOTS FO R , TARG ETS.

GUNBOAT SUPPORT UNITS 3 * 4 PREI IMINA RY ROCKLT < ALYOS T - 1 0 ' / t -S MINUT ES SEE N( TE FO TARC ETS ' 2 ON LET MOV 1TOR ^ rHSFC ON R1Q PIT ON 5&O W1 Hi 5FC X f t l Z M O R E ON RIC HTON 4.795V rm si 2 .R 1ENTER. OF Mf ACT TA ZOOF - LINE or PIR E APPR C X.I6O0 RANGE ZOO ( ;ENTE* Of IMPACT ? O I - J N0 f IRE TO R QHT OP IBO RA SGE ! LO O ... . v

ROCKtT SUPPORT GROUP fIRt FROM NEAR, 0 IO 1 . f RE PBC M NE Vfc. 78 5 - 7 9 9 RDS K PIPE NK> A LU fU.D5 PE( MINUT 10 PER INUTECENTE{ IMPAC r Z I G L ^ RANG E 30 CENT ER IMF CT Z' ^ Y RA sMORTAR SUPPORT UNIT I CLASS 3 REF. PT 754." 761 al PMM CLA! S "L R T. PT. 1 4 -7 8 . G RPITENTER IMPACT RANS1 ? 30MORTAR SUPPORT UNIT Z WH E ^ poss BLE f ov c ro 7fe( - 8 0 0 s. :TAND BY FO FUPTHER MISS 0 N 5 CLA53 ' REF. P T.725-C 7 1ZR*P MM: E N T E R MPACT n i - p f ANQC z: SAMC AS PREV\OUS PERI 0MORTAR SUPPORT UNIT 5 STAI ^D BY N ARC A ROG ER TW i FOR PUTH1 R 0R1CRSCLASS ; REF f .734-& H IZRPMM

MORTAR SUPPORT UNITS 4 | 3 STAt JD BY IN AREA RC6ER TWO f )R M l SSIONS TO B1: ASSI SNEOT OPIRATCS WITH UNIT IT Of RATES WITH UNIT 1T OPERATES WITH UNIT 5 12. T a rg e t s for Gunboat Rocket Salvos . Each "Gunboat" willUNIT A 1. Range Bands Arrow above gives following in- 6. The chart printed on he r e v e r s e of his schedule graphi- 8. The ymbol # after the name ofa ship indicates that sucht OPERATES WITH Each Double Barbed place mean center of impact on argets lis ted:A -Above 12000 yards. formation (see also Note 3): cally illus trates the over-all plan of he How-Hour fires . It ships is o ie-to for delivery of scheduled fires from H-35untilB - 6000 - 12000 yards . (a) Target squares ; or Target Blocks is intended that scheduled fires move progressively inland n no longer necessary (butnot ater than How+60). Coord inatesC - Below 6000 yards. (b) Number ofrounds to be fired; accord with a pre-determined es timate of roop progress . of firing positions to be aken by such ships are shown on the Gunboats n: 1st Salvo 2nd Salvo(c) Sector number or point from which ship is o fire; The times shown ineach target "block" are he imes at which chart printed on he r e v e r s e hereof. Lane Orange 2 197 JLane White 1 197 TY 198 PQSymbols Sector nu mbers shown inRoman numerals . fire is TO LIFT from that area. It s essential that all such$ - T20ft foot-second powder. (d) Range Band. f i r e s be carefully controlled and accurately delivered. 9. S cheduled fires should be evenly spread over the area des- Lane White 180 IE 181 K_ ai r burs ts . Color ofarrow indicates caliber Certain fires are scheduled to "lift on order". These fires ignated unless definite enemy targ ets or activities can be seen. Lane Brown 180 T 181 KP# . see Note 8 below. Length ofarrow indicates time allowed. will be maintained at reduced rate in he des ignated area, until Observed targets have priority over area coverage. Lane Brown 163 D 163 JPosition ofbarbs indicates time limits during definite orders are received from SFCor Naval Gunfire Control Lane Purple 163 R 163 S

Key To Colors which firing may ake place. Firing need not be to move them further inland as mavbe directed. Ships must be 10. 1200 oot-second powder has been scheduled above when tevenly dis tributed throughout period. prepared to epeat fires inany block upon orders to be issued appeared needed. Where safety ofour ships and roops permits , Red 12' 14" &16" X GUNBOAT 7 Y FK 13. Firing ships m ust avoid endangering planes during ai rif troop progress is not as apid as planned. regular bombardment charges maybe substituted, in order thatBlack - s t r i k e s . Permiss ible ordinates are shown, where available,on8" & 6" 5. (a) Target areas from the Air andGunnery Target Map 1200 f/s charges may be conserved for la ter call fires . the schedule above.Blue _ 5" are shown by a hree digit number followed by a 7. Ships will endeavor to contact ass igned SFC rom How-le tter or etters - i.e.,219ACGH. Hour. IfSFC checks into net p r i o r to completion of scheduled 11. Control ofOrdinates . (Plan to be announced over Naval Gun(b ) So me t a rg e t s for the period from H-35 o H+60are fires , his eques t for other fires will have priority. If SFC fire control frequency).designated by " B l o c k s " i.e., "Blocks AA, BB, 81 has no other reques ts or does not es tablish communicationand 94". Such "Blocks" are delineated on he chart scheduled fires must be completed as shown unless orders o (a) Plan VICTOR "14. It he evfent.-tfijg-XbllowiQguihips-are available on DOGshown on he r e v e r s e of his sheet and may be converted the contrary are received from Gunfire Control Officer. No shells maypass through the air above 1100 eet over Day, they are assigned the ollowing tasks:to target square numbers by he superimposed grid- that area bounded bya2500 yard radius from the arget.When a arget "block" is o be covered by several (b) Plan NEGATships, individual portions are designated - (L)-left 1/2 No fires , irrespective ofheight of rajectory, may pass (a) PASADENA - Deliver SANTA FE's scheduled fires, or 1/3; C)-center 1/3, or (R)-right 1/3 or 1/2. through the air over that area bounded bya2500 yardREVISION ON E Supersedes original and chanqes 1 and padius from that target. I7ILKE5-BARRE - elieves CHESTER and delivers balance ofCHESTER'S scheduled fires.ASTORIA ~ Deliver BILOXI's scheduled'fires.
http:///reader/full/yards.(ahttp:///reader/full/yards.(ahttp:///reader/full/yards.(a


3/47

TOP SECRETSAN FRANC ISCPITTSBURGHBOSTONNEW YORKHALL

CHESTERo76.2-79.4

SANTA FEo73.8-79.0

O73.2-78.7BENNIONo73.3-77.9 NE WCOMBo TENNESSEE

IDAHOo EDWARDS

73.1-75.1'on -iobe-onbejtu/ten ..0

o72.9-74.1on hotttaery fee.-fc.dfce*ii


4/47

Operation Plan ' , fComPhibsPae No. A25-44 (Anncbc ^ Gunfire Support Plan)

APPENDIX (V)PLAN OF COVERING FIRE FOR BEACH RECONNAISSANCE AND DEMOLITION

1. General(a) Operations of the Underwater Demolition teams will commenceon Dog minus TWO day and continue day and night, as necessary,until completed. The expected sequence of operation is:

Dog minus TWO, Forenoon - Reconnaissance, Eastern beaches-*Dog minus-TWO, Afternoon - Reconnaissance, Hestern beaches*Dog minus TWO, Night - Demolition on Eastern and Westernbeaches.Dog minus ONE, Forenoon - Demolition, Eastern beaches.Dog minus ONE, Afternoon - Demolition, Western beaches.Dog ninus ONE, Night - Demolition on Eastern and Westernbeaches.Each of the above listed daylight operations will commenceafter a prolonged period of close bombardment of.important targets in the area back of and commanding the beaches. Detailsof direct support are set forth herein.

(b) ROGER Hour is used throughout this appendix as the timewhen Demolition Teams in boats cross the line of the LCl(G)fsassigned stations (about 2000 yards offshore), and will bedesignated by Commander Task Force 52; ROGER-EASY Hour will


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O p e ra ti on - P l an .ComPhibsPac No.. A25-f44 (Annex (.H) - . Shi]Reconnaissance

andshells to blind enemy positions when requested by.UDT's orwhen directed. LCl(G)!s'be prepared to use HE rocket's"ifordered. No specific allowance of.rockets, 4Qmm or 20mm aremade,because expenditures will depend on circumstances. Destroyers assigned to flank beaches are allowed 250grounds 5"AAC for covering a reconnaissance operation and 350 rounds forcovering a, demolition operation,.. Destroyers assigned to beachesnot on a flank are allowed 150 rounds for covering a reconnaissance operation and 250 rounds for covering a demolitionoperation. Two aircraft with smoke tanks will.be on stationfor laying smoke screens on call of Commander Underwater Demolition Teams., . .

(e) Ships will not cease firing during our air.strikes unlessdirected or unless it is apparent that our planes are endangered by firey, Care must be taken to cease fire that will endanger smoke planes. 1'a 'ng smoke... .:. - .... ,(f) Ships not herein.assigned to direct.support of UDT's willremain in designated sectors and continue bombardment in accordance with the schedule in Appendix (II) to this Annex,LCIf s not assigned to direct support will remain to,. .seawardof the.supporting destroyers and clear ,of heavy ships Theinitial station of LCIrs and the desired average positions


6/47

Operation PlanComPhibsPac No. A25H4 (Annex (H)

of SCR 610Ship Position Responsibility Frequencyor- 'TU 52.11.2

LCI(G) 796-709 15 BLUE 2 and flank 32.6 mcs*. L C I ( G ) . 792-706 15 BLUE 1 32,6 cs.LCI(G) 788-703 14 YELLOW 2 33vO cs.LCI(G) 784-700 14 YELLOW 1 33,0 mcs.LCI(G) 780-697 12 RED 2 34.5mcs.LCI(G) , 776-694 12 RED 1 34.5.mcswLCI(G) 771-691 11 GREEN 1 i?,nd flank 34.5 mcs#LCI(L) 627 At discretion . ^

(b) Alternate Beaches (V/estern)Sector of SCR 610Ship "Position UDT Responsibility Frequency

TU 52.11.1D.W. TAYLOR 730-767 15 .ORANGE 1 and Flank 32,6 mcs ,HALL 726-760 15 ORANGE 2 32,6mcs.BRYANT 723-744 14 WHITE 1 33.0 mcs.TSLiRY 723-737 14 WHITS 2 33.0 mcs,CAPPS 723-730 12 BROMN 1 34.5mcs.J.D. HENLEX 718-719 12 BROViN 2 34*5 cs.EVANS 716-712 11 PURPLE 1 and flank 345 mcs.


7/47

Operation PlanComPhibsPac No. A25-44 (Annex (H) - Ships'. GunfireAppe^.i^.^1 '-"Plan of CoveringFire for Beach Reconnaissanceand Demolition)

R 10 minutes - Heavy ships lift major caliber fire from beach* areas to 1000 yards from beaches* Appendix (II)indicates which ships lift fire entirely. Heavy. . ships lift 5" fire to about 400 yards inland and. to flanks of the flank beaches and continuing to. limit of their areas of responsibility. DD !scommence 5".and 40mm ^ firing 5" into area fromshore line to 300 yards inland and to the flanks.of the flank beaches; 40mm fire from DD's andLCI's on targets of opportunity.

R Hour - LCPR's cross line of LCI'stations. LCI's closethe beach astern of LCPR's. Stop at about 1000yards and thereafter maneuver as necessary tosupport assigned teams.E /10 minutes - DD fs increa.se intensity of 5" fire during theperiod from about R /l0 to R./15, By R /15control fire so as to render improbable havingany shots in the water. Continue thereafter

with slow rate neutralizing fire and fireat targets of'opportunity. After R /l5 LCI*.sand DD's use 40mm to keep neutralizing fire


8/47

Operation Plan . 't^S*^"^"* 'ComPhibsPac No. A25-44 (i^nex-(H) - Ships* Gunfire Support Plan)

X (VI)' " ' 'SHORS FIRE CONTROL COMMUNICATIONS

References:CentComTWO, (including particularly Annex (D) ; "Shore FireControl" C ommunications ".)Annex (C) to ComPhibsPac Operation Plan A25~44CSP 2156B - "Shore Fire Control Code."1. Frequencies to be used':

(a) Naval Gunfire Control Net, Frequency 3845 (Green River):Guarded by:(1) Regimental and Divisional Naval Gunfire Liaison Officers. . . .(2) Corps Naval Gunfire Officer,(3) All firing ships during fire support assignments.(4), Fire Support Group and Unit Commanders,(5) The Commander of the Transport Area Screen.(6) The Naval'Gunfire Control Officer aboard, the flagship.


9/47

Operation PlanComPhibsPac No. A25-44 (Annex (H) Ships' Gunfire Support Plan

Appendix (VI) Shore FireControl Communications)

Gunfire Support Plan. Subsequent assignments will be made byNaval Gunfire Control Officer. The frequency assigned to anyone SFC arty will not be changed until necessary. All SFCParties must be prepared to operate on any spotting frequencywhich may be designated,(d) Gunboat Control Net, Frequency 39&O (Jam Handy);To be used for assignments, reports and all administrativetraffic relative to LCI gunboat types. Individual "Gunboats"when assigned specific missions will, guard the designatedspotting frequency when working with a Shore Fire ControlParty, If no Shore Fire Control Party is involved, suchships will guard 3980 Ices during the continuance of theassigned mission. For additional details seesubparagraph2201(c) to Annex (C) to ComPhibsPac OpPlan A25-44.

2. Air pot; .(a) VOF lanes of VOTC-1 will be available for spotting purposes. They-will be employed primarily to spot for destroyers,but may spot for other fire support ships. Spotting willbeconducted via assigned HF spotting frequencies specified inparagraph l(c). It is desired that the airspot, and theShore Fire Control Party supplement dach other on the samespotting frequency and firing ships must be alert to aid in


10/47

~ Ships' Gunfire Support PlanAppendix'(VI) - Shore FireControl Communications)

set their transmitters.on the assigned spotting frequency.When trying to establish contact, firing ships and Shore FireControl Parties will tune their receivers as necessary to findand bring in good signals from the plane '& transmitter. If' theplane's transmitter is off frequency enough to prevent goodcommunications for all stations, ships and Shore Fire ControlParties will zero beat their transmitters to plane's transmittedfrequency.

3 Radar Beacons:(a) Mark 2 Radar Beacons have been issued on a basis of oneper regiment^ and will be positioned as directed by the Regimental Liaison Officer. This beacon will operate with Mark 3,Mark 4, or Mark 12 radars, by using different capsules.(b) In all voice radio communications, the beacon will be referred to as "Carburetor". Procedure will be as.prescribedin Annex (D) to DTB 3-44 (ComDesPac Conf, Ser... 1710 of 26.August 1944, "Destroyer Gunfire Support in Landing Operations")with.the f'ollovd.ng modifications:

(1) The firing ship must first send SFCP the type marknumber of the radar which will be used by the firing shipto get on the beacon. .


11/47

Operation Flan JComPhibsPac No. A25-44 (Annex (H):- Ships'


12/47

Operation PlanComPhibsPac No..A25-44 (Annex ( p Gunfire Support Plan'Appendix (VI) - Shore FireControl Communications)

7. Paragraph 12(d),/.Annex (D) to CentComTWO provides for authentication. The tendency is to neglect this procedure,, in spite ofthe fact that the enemy has had considerable opportunity to studyour voice procedure. All important messages, should be authenticated.8. Call Signs and Frequencies;

(a) Calls for fire support ships are listed in Pacific OceanAreas Combat Call Book (PAC 71 ).(b) Calls for SFC's and NLO's are listed below. Each regimentis given a call number derived by adding a zero to its numericalorganization number. Battalions within regiments are numberedserially thereafter. The same number will be used by the SFCand the NLO attached to a battalion.- SFC will be designated bythe prefix "Charlie" (i.e. Charlie 31) while the NLO will' bedesignated by the prefix }}Oboe" (i.e. Oboe 31 ) Division andCorps Naval Gunfire Officers will use call of their respectiveorganizational headquarters:

KQ Landing Force IGLOO :HQ 1st Arty Group (Corps Arty) > ACCURATEHQ 3rd Marine Division ' FACULTYDivision Artillery EMPEROR- HQ 4th Marine. Division ' HARLEM


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Operation PlanComPhibsPac No. A25-44 (Annex Gunfire Support PlanAppendix (VI) - Shore FireControl Communications)

(d)Initial Calls and Frequencies for the,3rd Marine Division:(1) Qalls: Unit NLON o . JSFC No

3rd Re gt . 301 Bn 3 1 . 312 Bn '32 ' ' 32 3 Bn 33 . 339 th R e g t . 90 1 Bn 91 912 Bn 92 92

3 Bn . 93 9321 st Re gt . 2101 Bn - . 2 1 1 2112 Bn. 212 2123 Brt ' 213 213(2) When the 3rd Marine Division is committed to action,frequency and .ship assignments will' be made by despatchin advance of landing. If elements land without receivingsuch notification, they m i l check into cqrniaunica.tion with


14/47

rOperation Plan .ComPhibsPac Mo, A25-44. (Annex (H) - Ships1 Gunfire Support Plan).

APPENDIX (VII)INVENTORY'OF REPLACEMENT AMMUNITION

1. Reserve ammunition for Task Force FIFTY-ONE will be availableon assault ships at the objective in accordance with the followingtable.SHIP AMMUNITION PER SHIP

APA 63 BLADENAPA 61 BARROW APA' 195 1EKOURE 600 rounds 8" HC with powderAPA 62 BERRIM AKA 67 STARK

AKA 61 MULIPHENAKA 93 YANCEY 1000 rounds 6" HC with powderAKA 90 WHITESIDELSTs 634 /900 rounds 5M/38 AACjlOO rounds 5"/38 Star684 756 J300 rounds 5/38 powder (1200 f,s.)713 WOO rounds 5"/38 powder (service)390 715 789587 716 928LSTs 354 641790 3200 rounds 41'2 Mortar Ammunition


15/47

Operation.ComPhibsPac No. A25-44 (Annex-(H) - Ships' Gunfire Support Plan)

APPENDIX tfIII)LCI(G)(Mortars) Support Plan - DOG-Day

1. Mortar Support Units ONE, TWO, 'aJafl FIVE. Note: Instruction:;: contained herein'-"replace the instructions

contained in Appendix {EH), Revision 1 except as notedherein.(a) Reference ships of these units be in prescribed reference points by H0u: minus 50 minutes-so that firing circleof Plan "ABLE" will be formed and units ready to'carryout fires scheduled in Appendix (III) from HOW minus35 to H0T7 minus 7 minutes.(b) Be prepared to deliver 100>-> WP ammunition.for flankingsmoke screen, if ordered.(c) At HO"./ minus,? minutes Unit QMS cease firing,, remain atinitial reference point 809 - 704, change firing courseas required, .and at HOW plus 10 minutes open fire in newtarget area as seheetuX cl in Appendix ( H I ) . (d) . At HOIV minus 7 minutes Units TWO and FIVE, cease firing,

leave initial reference points and form column, Unit TWO


16/47

Operation Plan . - ,.CoraPhibsPac No. A25-44 (Annex (H) Ships Gunfire Support Flan;-Appenxiix (VIH-) * LGI(G)(Mortars) -Support _ Z^JkP&l ___ _ .

(6) On reaching the 1000 yard range line from shore,stop and kill headway. Set mortars for Class 3", pattern and continue firing at rate 6, mean range3000 yards while lying to 800 to 1000 yards fromshore. Maintain line of fire,between 325 and 000true allowing ;."ip to swing between these headings,(?) -AfijHOV* plus 60 minutes cease firing. Remain inposition prepared to resume, fire if ordered,

2. Mortar Support -Units THREE and FOUR. ,. '(a) Stand by in Area Rogsr TWC for fire missions which may beassigned. . : .' \


17/47

,. ... , . . ,. . . ./ . ; . ' . " ' A N N E X ' ( i ) ... AIR SUPPORT PUN,

TASK ORGANIZATION .. .././ : 1 . , . C K ^ X C ^ ^ W " (a) 52.2.Support Carrier Group. * Rear: dmiral Durgin

.52.2.1 Support CarriQF ^fti%: OK r'- :/R. Adm. SpragueSARGMT BAI(F),-^KEISLAND " 2 CVEDesDiv 12 less-MXJGFORD, PATTERSON., BAGLEYp l u s BKILE C o m d r . ' C o f f e e '

(F) , RALPH TALBOT' , 2 DDGRADY, RICMRD S.. BULL . 2 DE

52.2 .2 Support C arrier Unit tflO- - R, Adm^ Durgin' MAKIN-ISLAND (F), LUI^i POINT,,K S B * , ^r:o%. - u CV E

DesDiv 11 less Gtili&EI, CltAVEN, MGGALL,- MAURI-;" r^" plus BAGIiiY, BAGHS '- Coiddr, l\,ortonBACKS (F) , HBLi/BAGIEY 3 DD

. IiICH/JU) K. I^^EXJ,, O'^HSRTY1 ; . 2:DECortDiv ?2 l e s s t*HlAT )HLSON' - Candr Jackson


18/47

Operation PlanComFhibsPac Mo. 25-44 (Annex (i)

number of p la n es, time ove r ..targ et, and-,bomb ing areas wi l l be ar ranged by Commander Task Force NINKTY-THTffiii; and Commander n i rSupport Control Un i ts , A de tai led schedule of these s t r i k es w i l lbe furnished Commander Joint Expeditionary Force, CommanderTask Force 52, Commander Task Force 53 and Commander Task Force5J^p ri o r t o t h e i r dep arture , ..frsin SalPAR*.- Subsequent changes in-tids schedule will be made by dispatch.(b) The Fast C ar ri er Task Force w i ll s tr ik e the TOKYO Area simu ltaneously with the initial bombardment of I./O Jli^t by our surfacev e sse ls on DOG Minus THREE. ONE or poss ib ly T.JO Fas t C ar ri e r TaskGroups w i l l fu rn ish A ir Cover and d ir e c t a ir su pp ort, at IWO JIMA onDOG-Day and T./O Fast C ar ri er Task Groups th e re a ft e r as ne ce ss ar y.'JY/O Fast C arr ie r Task Groups w i l l s t r i k e NANSE.I SHOTO abou t DOGPlus FOUR as a support ing a ct io n , Ad dit ional o pe rat ion s w il l beordered by Commander FIFTH Fleet as the situation demands.(c ) Air Ob serve rs w i l l be embarked' in CVE's des igna ted by Commander Task Group 52, 2. As th e Air Observers must opera te with t h e i rres pe ctiv e Divis ion s, i t is important th a t they be launched inplanes ass igned to thei r own uni t .(d) A r t i l le ry S po t te rs . I f LST's wi th Brodie Gear are av ai l ab le,i f i s an t i c ipa te d tha t OY ai r cr af t w i th p i l o t s and spot t e r s wi l l beembarked in. the se ve ss e ls . SixTBS 'ts are av ai lab le in th e CVE(C arrie r with Naval Gunfire Sp otte rs embarked) for A rt i l le ry Spo tt i n g . A r t i l l er y Spo t ters w i l l be embarked in t h i s ve ssel and w i l l


19/47

Operation PlanComPhibsPac No,ANNEX CD

AIR SUPPORTTASK ORGANIZATION(a) 52#2 Support Carrier Group - Rear Admiral Durgin

Annex~~Page (I) ~ i (marked Change No* 2)

' M Under "Sup^t Carrier Unit O^n d ^ e t e , , D e s ] ^ 1 2 _00 Under "Sup^^Carrier Unit 0M change "BBAI (F)" to -DALY (p) ^(c) After "RALPH TAlBOt, add "Capt. Toung (ComDesRon 24)"., ( d ) Under ^ o r Ca rr ie , Unit ^ delete "DesDiv 11 . Co.dr. Morton"

(f) Afte r "BAGLEY" add "Comdr/Laning'J_ ~~~ SALAMUA,

De sP iv 11 l e s s GRIDLEY, d'AV^N, McCALLp l u s BAGLEY Captain Long


20/47

OperationComPhibsPac No. A25-&ANNEXC D

AIR SUPPORTTASK ORGANIZATION(a) 52.2 Support Carrier Group Rear Admiral Durgin

522*1 Support Carrier Unit ONE - Captain RassieurSAEGEJTC BAY (F), ANILA BAY, WAKE ISLAND 3 CVEBesDiv 12 less IfiJGFCHD, PATTERSON, BiiGLEYplus McCALL - Captain Poehlman

McCALL ( F ) RALPH TALBOT . 2 DDGRADY, RICHARD S BULL 2DE52*2 *2 Sup por t C ar ri er U ni t TWO - Rear Admiral Sprague

CarDiv 2 6 l e s s FANSHAW BAY, MANILA BAY~ plus ANZIOMAKIN ISLAND ( F ) LUNGA POINT, BISMARCK S E A,SALA11AUA, ANZIO* '

DesDiv 1 1 l e s s GRIDIJEY, CPAV^P, McCALL~ "~ ^ ^ *~ * p l u e BAGLEY * Captain Long


21/47

Operation PlanComPhibsPac No. A25-44 (Annex (I) - Air Support

port Control Units, Details of these strikes, including thenumber of planes, time over target and bombing areas will be arranged by Commander Task Force NINETY-THREE and Commander AirSupport Control Units, A detailed schedule of these strikes willbe furnished Commander Joint Expeditionary Force, CommanderTask Force 52, Commander Task Force 53 and Commander Task Force54 prior to their departure from SAIPAN. Subsequent changes inthis schedule will be made by dispatch.(b) The Fast Carrier Task Force will strike the TOKYO Area simultaneously with the initial bombardment of 3W0 JIMA by our surfacevessels on DOG Minus THREE. ONE or possibly TWO Fast Carrier TaskGroups will furnish Air Cover and direct air support at IWO J I M onDOG-Day and TWO Fast Carrier Task Groups thereafter as necessary,TWO Fast Carrier Task Groups will strike NANSEI SHOTO about DOGPlus FOUR as a supporting action. Additional operations will beordered by Commander FIFTH Fleet as the situation demands.(c) Air Observers will be embarked in CVE's designated by Commander Task Group 52,2, 'As the Air Observers must operate with theirrespective Divisions, it is important that they be launched inplanes assigned to their own unit, ." (d) Artillery Spotters, If LST*s with Brodie Gear are available,it is anticipated that OY aircraft with pilots and spotters will b eembarked in these vessels. Six TBMTs are available in the CVE(Carrier with Naval Gunfire Spotters embarked) for Artillery Spot- . -


22/47

Operation Plan " , ^ "" "ComPhibsPac No. A25-44 (AnneKlS }/fa'- Air Support Plan)

(h) Commander Task Force FIFTY-TWO (Commander Amphibious,Support Forces) will arrive at the objective oh DOG Minus THREE, and until :relieved by Commander Task Force FIFTY-ONE, on his arrival DOG-Day, will be in command of all aircraft, ships1 bombardment, beachreconnaissance^ underwater demolition and minesweeping in the objective area, :(i) The Commander Attack Force at H0W*H


23/47

Operation PlanComPhibsPac No, A25-44 (Annex (I) - Air. Support Pl,an)>'. "

it is understood that these numbers are'approximatej they.should beincreased if practicable when such increase will further the mission involved andmay- be decreased;if developments of the operationdictate, .3. (a) Support Carrier Group and. Carriers of Task Force PIFT^EIGHT1 "will furnish -supp?& aircraft for the ca.piu&foi WQ' JIM ill accordance with requirements set forth in the Appendices to this Annex.

In general, Task Group 52.2 will supply aircraft for CombatAirPatrols^ Anti~Submarine Patrols, Artillery Spotters, Air Observers,Smokers, Photographic Missions and other special support missions.In addition to the above, one CVE of Task Group 52.2 will have embarked a squadron specially trained forNaval Gunfire Spotting,It is anticipated that this carrier will be fully utilized forthis. purpose. These planes will also be available for other supportmissions if required,'" Commencing DOG-Day, Commander Task Force FIFTY-KEGHT has beenrbquested to furnish strikes, dusk Combat AirPatrol and night CombatAir Patrol as scheduled inAppendices II and

(x) (1)DOG-Day is scheduled for 19 February 1945, East Longituded a t e , . . . ' ;' : ._.'. . ' : -'

(2) HOW-Hour is scheduled for 0900 (KING).(3) Use zone minus TEN time,


24/47

OperatiiComPhibs1 ex (I) - AirSupport Plan)

"ting Procedure SOP-2, Addendum 1 thereto, and Appendix VIII" ofthis Annex.(8) Ordinarily the Support Carriers position will be given toCommander Air upport Control Units over CW (OP) ECM en 2032kcs f In emergency the position may be given in bearing and distance from Point HOTROCKS on 2620 kcs. (Voice) using Shackle ;Code, If 4 necessary to inform pilots of Carrier's position,this will be given on VHF using Shackle Code as above*

4 Refueling, rearming andmaintenance details in accordance withAppendix X to this annex-and as later directed*5, (a) DOG Minus THREE until 0600 (KING) and arrival o USS ELDORADODOG-Day:

(1) Advanc Commander Air Support Control Units USSESTESAmphibious ffupport Force Fighter Director USS ESTES

. (3) Commander Amphibious Su ppor t Fo rce (CTF 52) USS ESTES(b) 0600 (KING) .JXXH&y' and th e r e a f t e r :

(1) Commander Air Support Control Units USS ELDORADO(2) Joint Expedi t ionary Forae Fighter Director USS ELDORADC


25/47

Operation PlariComPhibsPac No, A25-44 (Annex (i) - Air Support Plan)

APPENDICES: ' . ; / :(I) - Air Support Schedule DOG Minus THREE , DOG Minus TWO,

D O G M i n u s O N E . > ' :... . ';.."(II) .- Air Support -Schedule DOG-Day, ..-..'*(Ill) - Air upport Schedule DOG Plus.ONE and thereafter,(I?) - Schedule of Land-Based Air Strikes on B D JIMA.(V) - Air Operations Chart , :(VI) - Air Spot for hip's Gunfire and Shore Artillery,(VII) - Anti-Submarine Plan,(VIII) - Air-Sea Rescue Pl an ,(IX) - Carrier-Based Search at I W O J B I A , (X) - Logistic Reports From Carriers,(XI) - Coordination of Air Strikes, Naval Gunfire, Artillery,and Mortar Fir e,(XII) - Photographic Plan, /(XIIl) - Air Defense and Fighter Direction Plan ,^.Air .Suppor^ General Instructions,


26/47

i S P S O o , A25-44 (Annex .(1) - Air Support Plan)APPENDIX I .

AIR SUPPORT SCHEDULE,FOR DOG MINUS THREE TO DOG MINUS ONE INCLUSIVE1, Advance Coimnander Air Support Control Units is embarked in theESTES,2, Aircraft of Task Group 52*2 (CVE!s) will provide air support

for the capture of H O JIMA on DOG Minus THREE, DOG'Minus TWO andDOG Minus ONE Days as listed hereinafter. Schedule for all threedays covers preliminary strikes and supporting .missions for mine-sweeping and underwater demolition parties prior to the landing*(a) 0600 - 8 VF for Combat Air PatrolArmament: Normal.Maintain the above aircraft as Combat Air Patrol over theobjective area from 0600 to 1830, Combat Air Patrol relieveeach other on station. Relieved planes be prepared to strafeon direction of Advance Commander Air Support Control Units,(b) 0730 - 6 Vt for AntirSubmarine Patrol .

Armament: (See Appendix VII)Maintain the above aircraft as Anti-Submarine Patrol for the


27/47

Operation PlanComPhibsPac No. A25-44 (Annex (I) - Air SupportJp^Lan - Appendix (I))

All bomb fuses ~, instantaneous Rocket fuses -maximumMelay. '" . , .;; ./From 0730 to 1745, maintain the above aircraft, on-station forsuch missions as may be directed by Advance Commander Air SupportControl Units.

SUPPORT -V-- AIRCRAFT ' ORBIT>.FOINT TIME OF ARRIVAL TIME OF DEPARGROUPS, FOR REPORTING AT ORBIT' ' TURE FROM':':'": ON,.STATION-.. OINT ., OBJECTIVE AREA.

"ABLE" B W 8 VT "' EAST 0730 0900,"BAKER" Same v , S U G A R : ' 0900 1030"CHARLIE" Same M S I " 1030 1200"DOG" Same V SUGAR 1200 1330"EASY" Same E A S Y 1330 . 1500"FOX" Same SUGAR 1500 1630"GEORGE" Same . . E A S I : - -..- 1630.. , 1745

Minesweeping operations will be conducted on DOG Minus THREE,DOG Minus TWO and BOG Minus ONE Days. During DOG Minus' WO andDOG Minus ONE Days, reconnaissance and underwater demolition teamswill operate off the landing .beaches of BiPO JB/IA. Aircraft on Station support..these operations as directed by Advance Commander AirSupport* Control Units.:\ The primary missions that these groups Willbe directed to perform other than supporting the minesweeping and


28/47

Operation PlanComPhibsPac No, A25-44 (Annex (t) -.Air Support Plan - Appendix (I))

(f) O9QQ - 2 Photographic .P nejs ; jjjoFrom 0900 to 1200 and from wSm*>o ^8Pfmaintain 1 -VT onstation for,-.jftibtographic missions as specified in Enclosure(A) to Appendix XII jand such other missions as may be directedby "Advance Cqramander Air Support Control Units. '


29/47

APPENDIX IAIR SCHEDULE FOR DOG MIMJS THREE TO DQG MINUfl OWE m y ?

MAINTAIN INTERVAL TOkisaOT AIRCRAFT M I S S I O N S RELIEVE ON ARMAMENT AM )/ 0R MMkBllS-DURING . STATIONTCA? 8 W 0600 * ;1830TASP As l i s t ed in Appendix VII,of6 VT O73C - 1730 See Appendix A (ITEM)

SUPPORT ! hours. Last flight VF f u ll aaimo, ro ck ets i f a m i l a b i e .l in t lGROUP 8 TO 0730 - 1 74 5 3i hours* 10-100 # GPbombs and r o c k e t s . 2-500 # GP bombs and r o c k e t s . A I R CO- Garry FS Smoke Rockets. LeadORDINATOR 0730 - 1745 S t Gupport Group.

Available on four hour 1s not ice*ot ice* Mays Mabe used te used t t t iprotect minesnyeeping andp minesnyeepu nd e rw a tr d l i t i tunderwater demolition teams*

SPOTTIf f iAIRCRAFT See Appendix VI, Annex (I)LAIDBASES)IRCRAFT See Appendix r v , Annex (I)

(I) (I) - 4


30/47

JtOperation PlanComPhibsPac No, A25-44 (Annex (I) > Air'Support Plan)\ ' . . . : .

' AIRSUPPORT SCHEDULE FOR DOG-DAt ' v- ";1, Commander AirSupport Control Units is embarked in the 'ELDORADO,2. Aircraft of Task Group 52.2 (cy .s)_and tfts Fast Carriers will pro-*vide airsupport for the capture of IWO JIMA on DOG-Day as scheduled her rin,* The CVEfs will provide alltheaircraft except forthose missionsspecifically designated fortheFast Carriers. If foranyreason, a FastCarrier Group is not available on DOG-Day, allstrikes assigned them willbe cancelled andthe CVE's-ndH increase to the,maximum thenumber ofplanes on station from HOW Minus S3XTX to HOWPlus SIXTY,

(a) 0600 -.12 VF forCombat Air Patrol 'Armament; Normal* .:: .

. ' . . . * _ _ . . ' " ,

Maintain the above aircraft as Combat AirPatrol over the objectivearea from 0600 to 1800* Combat AirPatrol relieve each other on

s t a t i o n , ' _ . .. .. ., ,'.. ;' .". . . . . . ' . . '. -:: ''. '' ''?

(b) 0600 *12VF forCombat Air Patrol (Fast Carriers)Armament: Normal,Maintain the above aircraft as Combat AirPatrol over the objct^vfarea from 0600 to 1S0O* Combat AirPatrol relieve each other on v


31/47

Operation PlanGomPhibsPac No. A25-44 (Annex (i) - Air Support Plan - Apppndix ('II))L

Carriers, providing Anti-Submarine Patrol planes will be preparedto launch a relief plane in event of a submarine contact. Patrolswill be flown in accordance with instructions contained in Appendix VII, . ;(f) 0730 - 1 VT(VF) for Air Coordinator Armament: F6 Smoke Rockets lor marking targets for Support Groups1,(to be fired singly)Bomb loading optional*From 0730 to 1745, maintain on station in the objective area oneAir Coordinator for the coordination of air activities and fordirecting from the air^ air attacks and other missions as specified herein and as may later be specified by Commander Air SupportControl Units, Air Coordinators to be relieved on station everythree hours.

. . . . . . ' '

(g) 0730 - 8 VF, 8 VT for called strikesArmament:' 8 VF - fvH. ammunition - rockets if available.4 VT;;-10-100 # OP Bombs - rockets.4 VT - 2-500 # GP Bombs -rockets.All bomb fuses - instantaneous. ,Rocket fuses - maximum delay.


32/47

.Operation Plan IHLJtfmTmVComPhibsPac No. A25-44 (Annex (I) - Air SuJ^ff TTan - Appendix (II))

Note; The prijnary mis si on of the groiSps in paragraph (g) and inthis paragraph prior to HOW Minus SllTY will be counter battery-fire and the destruction of enemy installations in the vicinity ofthe landing beaches with particular emphasis on concrete sheltersand command po st s; From HOW Minus SIXTY to HOW-Hour the primarymission will be counter battery fire/ After HOW-Hour and until theAir Liaison Parties are established ashore, these aircraft will beemployed to strike enemy artillery, mortars and other positions oremplacements which,appear to be holding up our troops, A number ofaircraft wil l be assigned to the Air Coordinator during this periodfor the accomplishment of this mission* After the Air Liaison P a r ties are established ashore^ the primary use of these support groupswill be to execute,missions requested by those parties,(i) HQF Minus SIXTY * 6 VT SmokersArmament:From HOW Minus SIXTY to HO?/;Plus aMaTmaintain 6 ?T at Orbit PointVICTOR prepared to lay smoke on., instruction from Commander Air Support Control Units. :(.1) HOW Minus THIRTY - 2 M for Air ObserversArmament: FS Smoke Rockets (To be fired singly)


33/47

Operation Plan ' l ..''* ''ComPhibsPac~No. A25-44 (Annex (I) - Air Support,

Armament;VF V Full ammunitIon,;, 1*500 # GP'Bomb"and rockets-with'instantaneousVB,- 2-500 # GP, 2^250 ;#;GP Bombs, -.instantaneous fuseg.-: 'VT:- :10~10Q #GE Bombs, rockets, Both with instantaneous" fuses.This group-will rendezvous over Initial Point XRAY at HOW MinusSEVENTI FIVE. The strike leader will report to." Commander /MT^SUJD%ort. ContrjojL.IM^s (Voice Call GLACIER), on SAP-2 (142f02"mcs J.Commencing at"HOW Minus- FIFTY-FIVE and until HOI Minus FORTY-FIVE,and...when ordered by Commander. Ai i^g ^g g^j p^ rî s^ Â^ ' o r ê Air ,Coordinator, make heavy strikes. on Isndfing "beaches and flafiks "


34/47

Operation Plan,..^ Plan - Appendix (II))

(4) Due to the number of aircraft involved and the short, peric*of time to complete this attack, .it will be impossible to d o pin-point bombing. The primary purpose of this attack is to- jdemoralise the enemy as much as possible and to disrupt com- >muni cations just prior to the landing. %>on completion pfrendezvous, the group leader will instruct pilots in (l), (2),and (3) above with unexpended ammunition to attack targets of;'opportunity NORTfl of airfield.number 3-.making rims from EAST \to WEST to kaep: clear of other aircraft operating SOUTH of this area. Planes will c.lear area as soon as possible and re-?.turn to parent carrier.(l) HOW Minus FORTY-FIVE- Pre HO^-Hour Napalm. Rocket, and ' :Strafing Attack (Fast CarriersTTForty-eight VFArmament: VF - Full ammunition, Rockets, Napalm.This group'on station at Initial Point -WILLIAM at HCW Minus SIXTYFIVE prepared to drop napalin and fire rockets on flanks of landingbeaches from HOtf Minus FQRTX~FIS to HOrf Minus' HIRTY-FIVE andstrafe landing; beaches from HOW Minus FIVB to H0W-Hour. Commencin|at about HO;? Minus FORTJf-FIVS when the attack listed in'(k) (3) ;is completed and when directed by Commander Air Support Controltfrftts or the Air Coordinator and stopping at HO^ Minus THIRTI-FIYE,unless otherwise instructed, drop napalm as follows: ;?


35/47

Operation PlanComPhibsPac No. A25-A4 (Mnex; (I)- A i

(3) Upon, completion of above attacks all planes rendezvous atPoint W1T-LIAM and;.prepare .for strafing attacks beginning atapproximately HOI.Minus FIVIS-(when-leading boat wave is 800yards from the beach) in accordance with detailed instructionsas follows: .' "a. The beach line where the landing will be made is

' approximately 3500 yards long. From thetime the leadingwave of landing craft is 800 yards from the beach until'the first landing craft hits thebeach, this group will,insofar as practicable, keep the landing beaches underconstant strafing attacks for "the purpose of denyingtheenemy the opportunity to fire;on our assault waves as thefinal approach is made to thebeach,& Prior to the time the leading wave of landing craft

is 800 yards from thebeach andwhen directed,by theAirCoordinator this group will move to a point in ijhe bestposition to commence the strafing runs, The governinp^ factor in starting the strafing attacksis the,position of the boats. When the-leading wave oflanding boats is.800 yards from thebeach, the rocket* firing boats..will fire tjieir second salvo of rockets."

At this time and.when directed by theAir Coordinator,' the strafing attacks should start, -: "On ttie right flank of BLUE 2WO landing beaches, in the y


36/47

half of target areas 13 and 184 paying particular attention to enemyemplacements and prepared positions overlooking the landing ^


37/47

Operation Plan . ;ComPhibsPac No. A25-44 (Annex (I) - Air S5ppof*t 'Plan --AppentJix

is necessary to insure safety to the section ahead andfor proper spacing to preserve continuity of attacks.

,i. As the leading wave of landing craft approaches within200. yards of the beaches strafers will move'the bulletimpact area inland so as to maintain fire,at least 200yards from.the boats, j,. When the first landing craft have actually touched the

beach, strafers will shift bullet impact area inland 500yards and cease fire when directed by the Coordinator,approximately two minutes after the first wave hits the . beach,

.k. It is estimated that, each section will be able to maketwo complete strafing runs in the time allotted.1. The Air Coordinator will report completion of attack to' 'Commander Air Support Control Units, Planes of thisgroup will iiamediately rendezvous at Initial Point WILLIAM and be prepared, for other strafing missions if soordered. If no missions are ordered by HOW/ 10/-planeswill return to base without further orders,.m. High-ordinate mortar firs (3000 feet) being directed at. both flanks of the beaches will be lifted .during.thisattack* ' JJaxLraum ordinate of Naval Gunfire .during thisperiod will be approximately 600 feet but due to the


38/47

Operation Plan :ComPhibsPac No.A25-44 (Annex (I) :- Air Support Plan r Appendix (II))

(n) When requested - 2 VT for Artillery SpottersCommencing when the field -artillery has been established ashore andah order from Commander Air Support Control Units, maintain theabove aircraft over the objective area for the purpose of spottingartillery fire If LSTTs equipped, "with Brodis Gear are available,the above missions will be conducted by aircraft operated fromthese ships*(o) 1330 -.1 VT PhotographicFrom 1330 to I63O, maintain 1 VT on station for photographic missions. Plane Orbit Point SUGAR. Be prepared to obtain photographsas requested by Commander Air Support Control Units.(p) Afternoon Strike Group (Fast Carriers)Thirty-six VF :: , : '..Eighteen VBE i g h t e e n V Tl ;' \ ' ' . .A r m a m e n t ; '

VF - Full ammunition, rockets with instantaneous fuses, and Napalm,VB -- 2-500 # GP Bombs, 2-250 #GP Bombs, instantaneous fuses.> VT - 10-100 4 GP Bombs, rockets* Both with instantaneous fuses*


39/47

APPENDIX uCONDENSED AIR SCHEDULE

MAINTAIN INTERVAL TOMISSION AIRCRAFT MISSIONS RELIEVEON ARMAMENT AND/OR RM^lRKS.. DURING . -STATION :-TCAP 1 2 VF 0 6 0 0 1800 A l F l i g h t s 1-J-hours? F u l A r a n i u n i t i o n .TCAP' (FROM TF 58) 1 2 VF 0 6 0 0 1800 All Flights 1-k hours Full Ammunition".DUSK TCAP(FROM TF 58) 12 VF 1730 to dark As necessary SameNIGHT TCAP(FROM TF 58) 2 -VF(N) During darknessLAND-BASEDAIRCRAFT See Appendix IV. Annex (i)TASP 6 VT 0730 1730 See Appendix VII See Appendix:VII , Annex (i)SPOTTINGAIRCRAFT See Appendix VI. Annex (I)AIRCO- Carry FS Smoke Rockets Bomb loadingORDINATOR 1 VT(VF) 0730 1745 3 hours qational. .. . . .., SUPPORT VF * full ammunit ionGROUPS l-g-hours, Last 4 VT 10-100 # GP bombs , rocke ts ,

!(FROM CVE'S) 8 VT, ^7J0_^1745_ flight 3i:hours 4V T 2-500 # GP bombs , rocke ts .(SUPPORT GROUPI (FROM TF 58); SlvlOKERS

?i6 VT

Same Same Same 5 f c *AIR OB 1 observer for 4th MarDiv.SERVERS 2 VT H-30 to 1745 As Necessary 1 observer for5 th MarDiv

(I) (ID- 9


40/47

WECOHDMSED

MISSION -AIRCRAFT.'.

P?JE"HOW-HOUR 36 VP "STRIKE GROUP is VB(FROM TF 5B)' IB VTPiiE HOW-HOUR'KAPALM AM)STRAFING ATTACK(FROM TF 58) AB VFARTILLERYSPOTTERS 2 VTPROPAGANDA'LEAFLETSPHOTOGRAPHIC 1 VTAFTERNOON 36 VFSTRIKE 18 VB(FROM TF 58) 18 V2

APPENDIX (II)AIR SCHEDULE, DOG-DAY

MAINTAIN INTERVAL TO. . MISSIONS- - PJELIEVS-ON ARM&tffiNT-AND/OR REKARICS DURING STATIONVF - full ai?.no. and rockets,H-55 to VB - 2-500 # GP bombs, 2-250 # G? bombsH-45 ' VT - 10-100.yf GP bombs, rockets '

E-45 to .H-35'"and VF full anmo, and rocketsH-5 to . . Prop napalm, fire rockets, and ~HOW-Hour strafe beaches and flanks.When called 1 Arty spotter for 4-th MnrDiv,uatll.:rZ45* As nocdssary ' ' TA rt y Gpdttur fqr'5th MarDlv.1200 Detailed Instructions on Packages

1330 1630 As necessary Photograph as requested.VF - Full ammo, ^rockots, napalm . .VB - 2-500 # GP bombs, 2-250 # GP bombs1600 V T - 10-100 #-GP-bombs, 'rockets.

(I) (II) ...10


41/47


42/47

APPENDIX (II)CONDENSED AIR SCHEDULE, DOG-DAY

- MINTfiilil il^TERVAL TOMISSION AIRCRAFT MISSIONS RELIVE ON ' AHMAEEOT: . /\KD/OR JMIABICSDURIilG STATIONPRE HOW-HOUR 3 6 VF VF - fu l l anno, and roc ke t s ,STRIKE GROUP I S 7 B . H-55 t o VB - 2-500 ft GP bombs, 2-250 # GP bembs(FROM T F 5$ ) 1 8 VT H-^5 \rT - 10-100 if GP bombs, ro ck etsj?AE HOW-JHOUK K-4-5 to *NAPALM AMD H-35 iand VF f u l l a^imo, and ro ck ets ^STRAFING -ATTACK Drop napalm, ' f i ro ro ck et s, and' "(PROis/i T F 5 8 ) 4B VF HOW-Hour s t ra fe boachos .and , f l anks .

ARTILLERY Ifeen cal led .1 A rty sp o tt er .for 4-tn..MarDiy# . -_ . ;SFGTTiJRS ' '. . 2 VT ' " As nocessary 1 Arty spot tor for 5th MarDiv.PROPAGANDA - LEAFLETS 1200 Deta i led Ins t ru c t io ns on PaclcigosPHOTOGRAPHIC 1 VT 1330 - 1630 As necessary Photograph as requestedAFTERNOON 36 VF VF - F u ll arjiio, ro ck ot s, napalmSTRIKE 18 VB VB - 2-500 # G? bombs, 2-250 # GP bombs(FROM T F 5 8 ) 1 6 0 0 VT - 10-100 # GP "bombs, ro ck e ts .a VT

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O p e r a t i o n P l a n ' '.*"". , , \ - v iComPhibsFac No. A25-4-4 (Annex (I) - A ir Support'Plan)APPENDIX III

AIR SUPPORT PLAH-FOR DQG-PLUS QBE AND THEREAFTER.1. Commander Air Support, Control Units is embarked intheELDORADO.2. Aircraft of Task Group 52.2 (CVE*s) and the Fast Carriers willprovide air support, for the capture of 3WG JBflA on DOG Plus ONE day and

thereafter as scheduled herein until otherwise directed by Commander AirSupport Control Units . The C?E * s- will provide ,,al,l tfte; aircraft exceptfor those missions specifically designated for the Fast Carriers,(a) 0600 - 12 YF for Combat Air Patrol . - '">"'"'-*'*Armamen ti No rm al . ,, ': ''" . ''.. ' /

, Maintain the above aircraft as Combat Air Patrol over the objectivearea from 0600 to 1800, Combat Air Patrols relieve each other ons t a t i o n . ' ' ; . . ' " ,;/' ;' / ' .," ; ;'"".:'_ /'

,(b) 0600^,- 12 YF for Qoirbat Air,Patrol (FastCarriers,)

Maintain the above aircraft as Combat, Air Patrol'over the objectivearea from 0600 to 1800. Combat Air Patrol, relieve .each other on> :"s t a t i o n . ; ' : : - - ' - v - - - ;' . '- ': ' . ^ - ;


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ComPhibsPac No, A25-44 (Annex (I) - Air Suppte flown in accordance with instructions cifft

0730 - 1 VT (VF) for Air CoordinatorArmaments FS Smok:e Rockets for marking targets for Support Groups(To be^fired singly). Bomb loading optional.From 0730 to 1745,maintain on station in; the objective area one AirCoordinator for the coordination of air activities and for directingfrom the air, air attacks and other missions as specified herein andas may later be specified by Commander Air, Support Control Un its ,Air Coordinators to "be relieved on station every three hours,(g) 073 0> 8 VF. 8 VT for called s trikes, VArmament;

8 VF - ful l ammunition - rockets :if available4 VT - 10-100 # GP Bombs - rockets.: 4 ? - 2-5QQ # GP Bombs-~ rockets.All bomb fuses - instantaneous .Rocket fuses - maximum delay.

From 0730.'to 1745,maintain the above aircraft on station for suchmissions as may be directed by Commander Air Support Control Un it s,SUPPORT AIRCRAFT ORBIT POINT T H E OF ARRIVAL TIME OF DEPARTUREGROUP FOR REPOIT&G AT ORBIT FROMON SMIOft;' POINT OBJECTaVE AREA


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O p e r a t i o n P l a n ; ..... Plan - Appendix ( I I I ) )ConPhibsPac No.. A25-44 (Annex (I ) - A ir,SMorning,^Strike ( Group (Fa;st Carriers)

Thirty-six VFEighteen VBEighteen VTArmament:

.VI1..- Full ammunition* rockets, and 1-500 # GP< bomb, both withinstantaneous fuses. >.

VB;.-. 2-500 #;GP bombs, 2-250 # GP bombs,: instantaneous fuses.. V T - lOrlOO # GP bombs, rockets. Both with instantaneous fusesThis group will., rendezvous over Initial Point WILLIAM at 0810prepared to make a strike at approximately 0820^ -The strikeleader will report to Commander Air Support 0ontrol Units ("VoiceCall GlACIE)R),'>dn SAD-2 (342*02 mcs7)T Target Areas will, beassigned by Commander Air Support Control Uni'ts and the"strikecontrolled by the,Air Coordinator. n& purpose of this strikeis to make a!concentrated attack on the enemy front linejpositionsin order to provide maximum support to our troops as they begintheir attack for the d&yV The flight may be broken" into smallerunits by. the Air Coordinator. Coordination with Naval Gunfire antjArtillery wil l be in accordance with Appendix X I , Annex (i ). i.(k)When:requested ->2 VTB for Artillery vSpotters.


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APPENDIX(III).CONDENSED AIR SCHEDULE*, POG~DAY PLUS ONE ND THEREAFTER

MAINTAIN INTERVAL TOMISSION AIRCRAFT MISSIONS RELIEVE ON ARMAMENT AND/OR REMARKSDURING . STATIONTGAP 12 W 0600 -1S00 All flights on stationIj- Hours Full ammunitionTCAP(FROM TF 58) 12 VF 0600 1800 All flights on station

Full ammunition

DUSK TCAP(FROM TF 8) 12 W 1730 to dark As necessary Full ammunitionffiGBTTCAB(FROM ZCF 58) 2 VF ( N ) D u r i n g D a r kn es s Same F u l a m m u n i t i o n

TASP. 6 VT 0730 1730 See Append ix V I I See Append ix V I I , Annex ( I )AI R CO 1 VT o r C a r r y F S Smoke Rocke t s f o r m a r k i n gORDINATOR 1 VF 0730 1745 3 Hours t a r g e t s . Bomb l o a d i n g o p t i o n a l .SUPPORT GROUP(FROM ' CV E JS) 8 VF8 VT 0730 1745 Hours* Last flight] Hours 8

VF fsU. ammo, rockets if available.4 VT ~ 1CM.1C0 # C-P bombs, rockets.4 VT 2-500 # GP bombs, rockets.SUPPORT GROUP 8 VF Same except that all B will be loaded(FROM TF 8) 8VB or8 VT 0730 1745 Same with 4-500 # GP bombs.

1 Observer for th MarDiv. FS SmokeAIR .OBSERVERS 2 VT $730 1745 Same 1 Observer for 5th arDiv. RocketsMORNING 36 VF VF ~ Full Ammo, rockets, 1-500 # t^ bomtS T R I K '-:: 18 VB 0820 VB -.2-500 # GP bombs, 2-250 # GP bombs(FRCM TF 8) J.8VT VT 10-100 # GP bombs, rockets

(I) (III).-4


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CONDENSED

MISSION AIRCRAFTARTILLERYSPOTTERS 2 VTPHOTOGRAPHIC 1 VTAFTERNOON 36 VF .STRIKE IB VB(FROM TF 587 18 VT

APPENDIX (1X1)AIR SGHSDULE, DOG-DAI PLUS ONE AND THEREAFTER

MOUNTAINMISSIONSDURING(When requested)0700 - 174-5

0900 - 12001330 - 16301600

INTERVAL TORELIEVE ONSTATIONSame

As Necessary

ARMAMENT AKD/OR REMARKS1 Arty spotter for 4th MarDiv,1 Arty spotter for 5th MarDiv.See Appendix XII . ./ :. '..VF - full ammo, rockets, Napalm.VB - 2-500 # GP bombs, 2-250 # GP bombsVT - 10-3.00.# GP bombs, rockets.

PROPAGANDA Carry out mission when directed by COMMANDER AIR SUPPORT CONTROL UNITS - At least 12 hoursLEAFLETS - advance notice will be given. -3

(I) (III) ~ 5

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WWII Pacific Task Force 51 Plan