wwii 1945 pacific task force 51

8/9/2019 WWII 1945 Pacific Task Force 51

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I

V-f/VCOMMANDER TASK FORCE

FIFTY-ONEMMANDER AMPHIBIOUS FORCESU.S . PACIFIC FLEETOPERATION PLAN NO. A25-44

A,

PREVENTINTO ENEMY HANDS.

TURE OR LO, SHIP IS IMMINENTTHfS PLAI\ BE DESTROYED IN ITS ENTIRETY.


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changed to1 5 MAP 1945

by authority of AC of S, G-2, WDGS

RAY M STROT|?EJLstLtlnfAft't Coetodiin


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CAF/A16-3/1OFFICE OFAMPHIBIOUS FORCES,"V.3? PACIFIC FLEETSAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA

Serial: 019122 April 1945

From: Commander .Amphibious Forces, U. S. Pacific Fleet.To : All Commands Designated As Holders Of ComPhibsPacOpPlan A25-44.

Subject: Dov/ngrading of ComPhibsPac OpPlan. A25-44* Reference: (a) ComPhibsPac Top Secret Serial 00300of 27 December 1944.

1. Before downgrading subject OpPlan to confidential remove Appendix 7 to Annex (I) and destroy by burning, "

R. K. TURNER.

AUTHENTICATED:AW. C. MOTT,Commander, USNR,Flag Secretary,

Distribution:Same as ComPhibsPac OpPlan A25-44.


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OFFICE 0# THE CORIANDERAMPHIBIOUS FORCES, U.S. PACIFIC FLEETCAF/A16-3(1) SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA 05/ReSerial: 000300

27 December 1944.

Commander Amphibious Forces, U. S* Pacific Fleet,All Commands Designated as Holders of ComPhibsPacOpPlan No. A25-44.Subject: ComPhibsPac OpPlan No. A25-44; forwarding of,Reference: (a) PacFlt Conf. Ltr, 1CT/-45 dated 1 January 1945*

Subject plan is forwarded herewith.2. In addition to those portions of the plan noted as

being distributed separately the following appendix will be distributed at the earliest practicable opportunity! Schedule of FiresDog Day-Alternate Landing Plan, (Appendix (IV) to Annex (H), ShipsGunfire Support Plan)3. Additional copies of Appendices (I)t (H)', (ill) and(IV) to Annex (H) will be distributed separately to fire supportships and commands listed in Task Organization of Annex (H) as follows;Task Unit and Group Commanders (1) each, OBB's and CA's (3) each andDDs (2) each,.4 This plan in its'entirety will be downgraded to CON

FIDENTIAL one laonth after the objective has been officially declaredsecured. Copies not required for further study and retention may bedestroyed by burning without report of destruction,5. Attention of all ships and commands concerned isinvited to reference,(a), which contains all current instructionsrelative to action reports and war diaries.

AUTHENTICATED:

Flag Secretary,


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w Operation PlanComPhibsPac No . A25-44.

Annexes(A) - General Instructions, for the Amphibious Phase ofthe Operation,Appendices - . .(I) "*-Landing Force Plan 3-44 (Preferred),(II) % - Landing Force Flan 3-44 (Alternate),

t( B ) - Jntelligence Plan,Appeqdix ,(I) - Intelligence Map, 1*70 JIM*.,(additional Appendices ofiviaps, Ch arts, & Photosdistributed separately)(C ) - Communicajbion P l a n ,Appendices(I) - Amphibious Landing Communication Channel (Diagram),(II) - Frequency Assignments. . . . .(D) - Cruising Diagrams,Appendices(I) Cruising Disposition 3AL1.(II) - Cruising Disposition 3AL2.(III) - Cruising Disposition 3AL3. (IV) - Cruising Disposition 3AL4.(V) - Cruisi^ Disposition 3AL5.(VI) - Cruising Disposition 3At6.(VII), - Air Anti subm arine Patrol Flan.

(E) -A pp ro ac h Plan (ComphibslPac Operation Order No . A26-44).A p p e n d i c e s .*"''(I) - Tracks for Approach to L/0 JIMA (Preferred Plan).(II) - Tracks for Approach to ItfO JIMA (Alternate Flan).(Fl) - Transport, Fire Support, and Beach Areas (Preferred Plan).(F2) - Transport, Fire Suppor t, and Beach Areas (.alternate Plan) (G) - Attack Order (ComPhibGrp 2.No. A201-44).Appendices(I) Transport Gr ou p AB LE Landing A ttack O rd er .(Distributed separately byComTransRon 16) #(II) - Transport Group BAKER Landing Attack Order,(Distributed separately by ComTransRon 15) *(III) - ComGen 4th Jfiarine Division Landing Force Order,(Distributed separately).(IV) - CoraGen 5th Marine Division WKpgB^j0^ Order,(Distributed separately/MmtMW.mfs(V) - Ship to Shore MovemeniEnclosures(A) - General Instructions forLloveacent. .Plate No* 1 - Flags and Lights for ControlVessels.(B) - Line of Departure Diagram (Preferred).(B-1) - Line of Departure Diagram (Alternate).

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(Index)

- Logistic Control Diagram (Preferred)- Logistic Control Diagram ( A l t e r n a t e ) . '&*' Not to all of Distribution List ofComPhibsFac No. A2f>-4i,..(H) - Ships1 Gunfire Support Plan. -/'Appendices - ,(I) / - Schedule of Fires, DOG minus THREE.(II). - Schedule of Fires, DOG minus TWO and DOG iinus ONE,(III) - Schedule of Fires> DOG DAY. "L.(IV) - Schedule of Fires, DOG DAY (Alternate "Landing Flan).(V) - Plan of Covering Fire for Beach Reconnaissance andDemolition. . (VI) - Shore Fire Control Communications.

(VII) - Inventory of Replacement Ammunition.(I) - Air Support Plan.A p p e n d i c e s . ' ' '(I) Air* Support Schedule, DOG minus THREE, DOG minusTWO, DOG minus ONE inclusive,(II) - Air Support Schedule^ DOG DAY.(III) - Air Support Schedule, DOG plus ONE and Thereafter.(IV) - Schedule of Land-Based Air Strikes on IWO JIM/U(V) -Air Operations Chart.(VI) - Air Spot for Ship*s Gunfire and Shore artillery, .(VII) - Air Anti-submarine Plan at the Objective Area.: . Diagram-Plan ABL3 Daylight Patrol._ Diagram-Plan BAKES Dark Patrol.(VIII) *-Air-Sea Rescue Plan.(IX) - Carrier Based Search at M JIMA. (with diagram)(X) - Logistic Reports from Carriers, .(XI) - Coordination of Air Strikes, Naval Gunfire,Artillery, and Mortar Fire.(XII) - Photographic Plan.Enclosures(A) - Table of Assigned Coverage.c - Table of Distribution.~ Photo Mission Map (D minus FIFTEEN). -. Photo Mission Map (D minus THREE, W O ,

and ONE).and Fighter Direction Plan,r Support Commanications Plan^General Instructions,reas."e/Plans.- Screening Plan*Enclosures .(AT7


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Operation PlanComPhibsPac No. A25-44

Diagram foj? Screeri3!ttg(j '05 Diagram for Screening Plan Alternate ABIE,(AA) Diagram for Screening Plan Alternate BAKER,(AC) - Diagram for Screening Plan Alternate CHARLIE.(AD) - Diagram for Screening Plan AlternateDOG.(AE) - Diagram for Screening Plan Alternate EASY.(II) - Battle Plan (ComPhibsPac Operation Order No. A27-44)*(III) - Night Operations at he' Objective (ComPhibsPacOperation Order No. A28-44).Enclosure(A) - Chart of perating Areas. (AppearsasAnnex (J))Appendix(IV) '- moke Plan.Enclosures(A) - Types and Characteristics of Smoke Equipment.(B) - Smoke Plan for Transport Areas and nchorages,(C) - Special Smoke Plans and Diagrams.- tfinesweeping, Mooring Buoy and Net Plan.Appendices(I) - Minesweeping Areas 1 - 13 inclusive,(II) - Minesweeping Area14(Hi) - Net and Buoy Plan.(IV) - Communication Plan for Minesweepers.ao - Beach Reconnaissance and Underwater Demolition Plan.Appendix

(I) - Communication Plan forUnderwater Demolition Group.(H) - SOPA Instructions.Appendices(I) "~"iinchorage Chart IWO JIMA (Distributed separatelywith appendices to Annex (B) Intelligence Plan).(II) - Heavy Weather Plan.(III) - Hydrographic Survey Plan.(IV) - Outline of Important Frequencies arid Call Signs.(0 ) -Unloading Plans forAssault and Garrison Forced*(p) - Logistics Plan.Appendices /(I-A) - ENIdETOK Anchorage Plan, Tractor Groups. (Chart)(I-B) - ENEffiTOK Anchorage Plan, Transport Groups, (Chart)(I-C) - MARIANAS Anchorage Plan.(II) - Fueling, Watering and Provisioning Plan.(Q) - Medical Plan.(R) - Salvage Plan.(s) - Boat Pool Plan(T ) - Pontoon Barge and Causeway Plan.(u) - Seaplane Base Plan.(v) - Evacuation of Assault Troops Plan- Public Relations,Appendix(I) - Collection, Censorship andc^st6ei?iation of News Materials

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00


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CAF/A16~3(l) CIFIC FLEET,Serial! 000280hi"bsPac,U.S.S. ELDOBADO, Flagship.

Operation Plan PEARL HARBOR,T.H.,OomPhitsPac No. A25-44 20 December 944.TASK ORGANIZATION51 Joint Expeditionary Force - Vice Admiral Turner

(Rear Admiral Hill, Second*-in-Command)(a) Force Flagship - ELDORADO - Captain Wallace 1 AGC("b) 51.10 Air Support Control Unit - Captain Whiteheajl ,(c) 56 Expeditionary Troops, - lit. Gen.. E.; M. Smith, USMC

Headquarters Expeditionary T.roopg'.56.1 Landing Force


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CAF/A16Ser

on Planbulbil)sPac No. A25-44

53.1 Transport Group ABLE (TransRon 16) - Commodore McGovern' Less53*1,1 TransDiv 46 - Commodore McGovern

(SF), DEUEL, D A B K E , HOCKIKG, Bt OW TM oR rT o^ 5 APATOLLAMD, WHITESIDE 253.1.2 TransDiv 47 - Captain Wotherspoon ftos

RUTLAND (F),. HIGHLANDS, SAHDOVAL,5WHITLEY/YAITCEY 2 AKA

53.1.3 TransDiv 48 - Captain Andrews #iTALLADEOA (F), MI5SOT3LA, LUBBOCK,DICKSHS, LSSAKB , ' %T*9.*r'K.5 APAGUHSTON HALL . 1 LSD

: (From Expeditionary Troops)56.2,1 ABLE Landing Group - Maj. Gen, Hockey, USMC5th Marine Division, plus attached units,Corps and Garrison Force Troops, assignedfor transportation,

53.2 Transport Group BAKER (TransRon 15) - Coraciodore Flanagan53.2.1 TransDiv 43 - Commodore Flanagan

BATfPIELD ( S F ) , MBLLETTE, HEHDRY,SIBLEY, BERRISil 5 APASHOSHOKE, ARTEMIS 2 AKAOZARK 1 LSV

5 3 . 2 . 2 T r a n s D i v 44 - C a p t a i n S e y f r i e dPlus etLLt Cjfcta/EHINSIULE ( F ) PICKETS, SANBORNHAPA, BLADM 5 APA2 AKA1 LSD

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CAF/Al6-3(1)S er i a l : 000280

Operation PlanComPhi"bsPac No.. A25-44less53.2.3 TransDiv 45 .Captain Sabalot ' ^

XOGAN ( F ) HBWBBBHY,- MIFFL HJ,L0TOXE8,. BABBOW ,1 1 0 HULIPHE1H' ' : 5APA2 ASAAS.ELAHD 1 LSD(Irom TBxpecfitionary56.2,2 BAKER landing Group - Maj. Gen. Cates^ USMC '

4th "Marine Division! plus attached units.Corps and Garrison Troops, assignedfortransp*ortation* .53.3 Tractcr Flotilla'- Captain Brereton

Flotilla Flagships - GBEOOHY (ID) .. 1 DDLCI(X) 994 (OF) 1 IiCI(L)

5 3 , 3 . 1 T r a c t o r G r ou p ABLE - Comdr. Kiekura' ' 4rdup Flagships ->fLITTLBv^:' 1 DD

995 (OF) 1 LOI(L)65.3.13 LST Unit 01OS- Comdr. Gullett '

LST 241, 354,588,643, 715,756 C&F)* ,929 (H) * . 7 LST

53.3.3 LST Unit TWO - Lieut-Comdr. LeaLST 70", 390, (UP), 4 81 ,

634, 758, 1033 (H> 7 LST5 3 .3 .4 T r a c to r Group BAKER - Captain ' Brere ton

5 3 . 3 1 5 'LST U n i t THESE - Comdr HacKinnonLST 587 (G?)> 6^f#ada^, 716,

930(H) 7 LST

t 7W (W) t 731*789, 928, 931 (H) 7LCT*** -3 *'


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Operation PlanGomPhiosPac No. A25-4453.3.7 Tractor Group CHARLIE - Capt. Peterson, USCG

Group Flagships - ROOKS fff . 1 DDLCI(L) | (OP) 1 LOI(L)

53.3.8 LST Unit FIVE - Comdr. Sands, USCGLST 726, 760 (OF), 763, 764,779, 792 (Badar), 784,Wv 1 0 8 8 9 LST

53.3.9 LST Unit SIX- Oomdr, Millingtbn, USCGLST 42, 121, 224, 399, 807,782 (UP), 785, 795,940 9 LST

53.4 LSM Flotilla - Comdr. CarpenterFlotilla Flagship - LCI(X)628 1 10t(L)53,4.1 LSM Unit ABL2S - Lieut-Comdr. Griswold

LSM 43, 44, 46, 47,140, 141,M i , , 242, 261, 264 (OF), 266 izm LSM

5 3 .4 .2 LSM U ni t BAKER - Lieut-Co md r. LindLSM 48 , 59 , 60 ( a f ) , 145 , 201 , 202 ,206, 207, 238, 239, 241, 260, LSMfe*at353.5 Control Group *- Captain Adell

53.5.1 Central Control Unit ~ Captain AdellPCS 877 1 PCSPC(S) 1403, 1421 2 PC(S)

53.5.2 Control Unit AELff - Lieut-Comdr. DawesPC(S) 1460, 1461 2 PC(S>SC mm, 1298 2 SC

53.5.3 Control G-HESK - Lieut. Sexton1 PC1 SC


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GAJr/Al6-3(i)Serial: 000280

Operation PlanComPhibsPac No4 A25-44

53.5.4 Control BED'- Lieut. BillsPC 469 1 PdSC 1316 ' 1 SO

53.5.5 Control Unit BAKER - Lieut-Comdr. "WheelerPC(S) 1452, 1455 2 PO(S)SC 1066, 1272, 1360 3 SC

53.5.6 Control .Y33LLQVT - Lieut-Comdr. HendersonPC 578 1 PCSC 1326 . 1 SC

53.5.7 Control BLUB - Lieut. WheatleyPC 1081 1 PCSO 1374 ' 1 SC

53.6 Beach Party group - Captain AndersonOfoup Flagship ~ SC 724 . . 1 SC53.6.1 Beach Party Unit ABLE - Comdr. Trapnell

Assigned Beach PartyL1pp* nrotrt53.6.2 Beach Party Unit BAKER - Lieut.

Assigned Beach Party53.7 Pontoon Barge, Causeway and LOT Group - Lieut-Comdr. Ryan

1 Sroup Flagship - LCI(L) 772 1 LCI(L)53.7.1 Pontoon Barge Unit ABLE - Lieut. Elmiger

16 - 3 x 12 barges (SP) when launchedfromLST*s 760, 779, 930, 93153.7.2 Pontoon Barge Unit BAKER - Lieutfjg) Knoll

12 - 3 x 12 barges (P) when launchedfrom LSI?s 929,

1


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CAF/AISe

r * f ifi


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/S e r i a l \ 000280

Operation PlanComPhibsPac No. A25-44MinPiv 7 p lu g HENRY A. TfttliEY - C a p t a in B ee ch er

ROBERT H. SMITH ( F P ) , THOMAS E . FRASER,SHANNON ( F ) , HARRY F-. BAUER,PesRon 45 - Captain Daniel

P e s P i v S^ - C a p t a i n D a n i e lFULLAM ( S F ) , GUEST, BENNETT "(F D) ,HUDSON (F D ) , HALFORD

DesDiv 90PRINGLE P I STANLY, HOWOfiTH,

VAN VALKENBURGH ( F ) COLHOUN ( F D )GREGORY (F D) * LITT LE* , ROOKS^ 5 DD

ANTHONY*, WADSWDRTH*, IviULLANY, ', BRADFORD*,' BUSH* 6 DDCortDiv 16 Captain ClelandELDEN* (F), ILLIilM C. MILLEft*, CABANA*,DIONNR"-, CAI^EIELD*, PESDE* 6 DE

CortPiv 61 plus GRAPY*, McCLEUAM) - Comdr, ReichRALL (F)*, HALLORAN* , CONNELLY*, .FINNEGAN*, McCLELLAND*, GRADY* 6 DE

Cdr.tDiv 44 - Comdr HindsSAMUEL S. MILES (F), WESSON, RIDPLE,SWEARER*,- STERI *, O'NEILL* 6 DE

Note: (*) indicates vessels wi l l join Transpor t Screenupon ar r iv al of res pe ct iv e TG!s a t obje c t ive .(f) 52 Amphibious Su pp or t Fo rce - Rea r Adm iral Blan dy

52.1 Fo rc e Fl a gs h ip - ESTES - C ap tai n Mathews 1 AGC52.10 A i r S u p p o r t C o n t r o l


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! Serial: 000280

Operation PlanConiPhibsPac No, A25*-44

52.2 Support Carrier Group - Rear Admiral Bur gin522.1 Support Carrier Unj.t OMB - R. Adjn. Sprague

SAEOENT BAY (F ), WAKE ISLAND 2 CVEMUGJORD* PATTERSON^ BAGLBY

BSALE (P), RALPH TALBOT "c*f8 v 2 DDGRADY, RICHARD S . BU&Ii 2 DE

5 2 . 2 . 2 S upp ort flarrjleg Uhffi TVO - R, Adm. Du rg inMAKIH XSUIO)' (31), POINT,BISKiLRCK SEA, 4 OYE

l a a OB IIM Y, CRA TO, McOALL, MAURY

BACHE ( 7 ) , HELM, BAGLEY - ComrfK U n M ^ 3 DDRICHARD M, ROVELL, O'llAHBRTY 2 DBO or tD iv 72 l s a LERAY WILSON - Comdr. J a c k so n

LAVRENOB 0, T A U O RMEL7IN R. KAVIMAN*, OLIVSR MITCHELLL*.TABBEBBR* ROBERTff. SLLER* 5 DB( Indicates ASV nit temporarily-attached to be detached whendirected by ComyiPTHFleet),

52.23 Support Carrier Unit THREE - R. Adm^ HendersonCarPiv 25 leas NATOMA BAY, SARGENT

BAY, TULAGI, PETBOFBAY 2 CVESAGIHAW BAY (J1), BUDYERDBAY 2 DDSTOCKTON (P ), PATTERSON - Comdr. Stark

^Change No. 2 - 8


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CAF/jU 6-3(1)Serial* 000280


EDM011DS, J O M C 2 DEJ52.3 Mine Group ~ Re ar Ad m ira l Sh arp

Group Flagship - TSEEOE - Comdr. Blakeslee 1 CM52.3.1 Sweep Unit OKE - Comdr. Loud

HOPKINS (i1), 6 DMSDOESEY, HOWASD,. HOGAtT1 DMBEEBSB

52.3,2 AM Group - Comdr, PreiTmrghouse52.3.3 Sweep Unit TWO - Comdr. Preiburghouse

SKI1MISH (P), SIGJET," STAUilCH,SCUERY, SPECTACLE, SPECTOE 6 AMTEAGY : . 1 DM52.3.4 gwoep tfyit THBJS& - Lieut. Calloway

SWM& (21), SHELTSEi STEATSGY,STEENGTH, SUCCESS, EEBEL ' 6 AMPC 800 ' 1 PC

52.3.5 Sweep Unit FOUR - Lieut-Comdr. HowardCHAKPION (F), AEDENT, DEFENSE,DEVASTATOE 4 AMr 1 DM

52.3*6 YUS Group - Lieut-Coindr. Lambert52.3.7 Sweep Unit FIVE - Lieut. Thompson

rVSS 323 ^ 3 7 4 , 401, 6 YMS1 DM2 SCSIX -- Lieut* Osborne

\J&- , 3MS 193, 35, 345, 360. \T ^ 407 "F), 475 6 YMS^5'- SC 1054 1 SC-9 T


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PDAF/Al6-3(1)/Serial: 000280>

Operation, Plan/ ComPhibsPad tfo* ABS-4452.3,9 Sweep Unit SflVEN Ens. Mitchell

4 LCP(H) initially embarked inWATERS, equipped with Size5 M/Sweep Gear.4 LCP(R) initially embarked inGILMER, equipped with Size6 M/Sweep Gear,

52.3,10 Net and Buoy Unit Lieut-Comdr, LewisEBOEOK(P)LANCEWOOD, BITTERSUSH, ABELE

1 AK1T3 AN52,4 Underwater Demolition Group Captain Hanlon

I :

GILMER (y), WATERS, BULL, BARR,BATES 6 APD

5UDT m Mft~ Lieut-Comdr, t H p i , embarked inUDT 12 - Lieut-Comdr, Hochuli, embarked in UDT 14 - Lieut(jg) Onderdonk, embarked in BULLUDT 15 - Lieut. Brooks, embarked in BLESSMANG-ILMER and WATERS carry extra demolitions andshallow water sweeping boats.

52.5 Gunboat Support Group - Captain AylwardGroup Flagship - LCI(L) 988 1 LCI(L)52.5.1 Gunboat Support Unit OKB- Comdr. Malanaphy

LOI(L) 627 (?) .- - 1 LCI(L)LCI(G) 450, 466, 469 (Press),471 (Press), 473, 474 6 LCI(G)

52.5.2 Gunboat Support Unit TWO - Lieut-Comdr. NashLCI(G) 346, 348, 438, 441, 4


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CAF/A16~3(l)Serial; 000280

Operation PlanComPhibsPac No, A25-44

52 .5* 4 Gunboat Support U ni t POUR Lieut~Comdrp StoneLOS(L) 31 ( F ) , 5 2 , 53 , 5 4 , 55> 56 6 LOS(L)

52 .6 M ortar Support frroup Captain Eool^t&roup F la gs hi p LCI(L)"425 1 LCl(L)5 2 .6 .1 Mortar Support U nit ONE - Lieut-Co md r. Dom

LCI(M) 630,. 631 ( F ) , 63 2, 63 8,756, 1010 6 LCI(M)

52.6.2 Mtrtar Support Unit W O - Lieut-Comdr, KelleyLCI(M) 633 (F)> 757, 760, 1011,1012, 1033 6 LCI(M)

52.6.3 Mortar tjnlt Lieut-Comdr. HannettLCI(M) 658, 659 , 660


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P/A16-3(l)erial: 000280

?Operation Plan

.ComPhibsPac No. A25-44

\J (g) 54 Gunf ire and Covering Pofrce -. Reiar Adm. HodgsraBat Pi v X ' l - Rear Adm* Rodgers

IDAHO ( 0 } , NEVADA (P) , TENNESSEE , ' 3 OBBB a t D i v 5 - R e a r Adm. P i s c h l e r

TEXAS ( P ) ARKANSAS, NEW tOEK * 3 OBBBatDiv 6 ( te ihp) - . 'Rear Adi tu Cooley

WASHINGTON (P) , NORTH CAROLINA 2 BB . . . - t

CruDiv 5 - R e a r Adm, S a i t hCHESTER (P) PENSACfcliA^SALI LAKE CITY 3 CA

TUSCALOOSA, INPIANAPOLIS 2 CADesDiv 91 - C a p t a i n H u n t e r -

CAPPS ( P ) TERRY, DAVID W. TAYLOR, EVANS1 JOHN D. HENLEY ' 5 DDDesDiv 101 - C a p t a i n M a r t i n

HALL (P) , HALLIGAN, PAUL HAMILTON, TWIGGS 4 DDDesDiv 111 - Cap ta in Sm oo t

- J j f *;"'' LHTTZE ( P ) BENNION

STEMBEL (VD)i BRYANT (PD) . 2 DDWILLIAMSON 1 AVD

ange No. 2 " - 12


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CAr/Al6-3(l)Serial* 000280

* \ AOperation Plan \ComPhibsPac No. A25~44

If Task Group 58.4 returns alone from Initial Strike, the followingships from TF 58 will arrive at Point CLERK from NW at 0700 (K) DOGBay, and then proceed to assigned Fire Support Sectors* CruDiv IS andDesDiv 99 will "be released by sunset DOGDay to rejoin TF 58,BatDfo 6 less SOUTH DAKOTA - Rear Adm. Cooley "

WASHINGTON (F) NORTH CAROLINA.- 2 BBOruDiv 13 less BIRMINGHAM, MOBILE - Rear Adm. Deyo

SANTA IE (!) , BILOXI 2 CLINDIANAPOLIS 1 CADesDiv 99 - Capt, E. R. Wilkinson

CLARENCE K. BRONSON (F) , COTIEN, DORTCH,GATLING (FD) , HEALY 5 ID

*If all Task Groups of Task Porce 58 return in''time from the InitialStrike, the following ships from TF 58 will arrive at Point CLERK fromNW at 0700 (K) DOG Day, and then proceed to assigned Fire Support Sectors. All ships except WASHINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA and INDIANAPOLISwill be released by sunset. DOG Day to rejoin TP 58.

B a t H v 6 l e s s SOUTH DAKOTA R ea r Adm. C o o l e yWASHINGTON ( F ) NORTH CAROLINA 2 BB

C r u D i v 1 7 R e a r A dm . J o n e sPASADENA (F ) , SPR ING FIEL D, ASTO RIA, WILKES-BARRE 4 CEL

D e s D i v 1 2 4 C om d r . S m i t hJOHN W. WEEKS (? ) , HANK, WALLACE L* LI N D , BORIE 4 DD

INDIA NA POL IS, SAN FRANCISCO, BOSTON, PITTSBURQi 4 CAD e s D i v 1 0 6 C o m dr . H o g g

YARNALL ( P ) 4 DDFollowing ships from Tfwk I j^ rg rr iv e at Point ARSON from SW at 0800(K) DOG plus ONE Day, ancPraeh'Apr6ceed to assigned Fire Support Sectors*They will be released in time to rejoin TF 58 by 2100 (K) DOG plus ONEDay.

(IS - A)


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Operation plan4 OomPhlbsPac No. A25~44

1 4 l e s s HOUSTON, VICKSBURG - Bea r Ada*. W h it in g" YDSfCBSIDBS, MtAMI 2 CLDesDiv 50 - Capt . P ar i s h

RINGGOLB (F) , SCHROEEER, SIGSBEE, HASHIELLCruDiv 13 l e s s BIRMINGHAM, MOBILE - Rea r Adm, Deyo

SANTA I E (I 1), , B 11,0X1 2 CLDesDtv 94 - Capt, Re yn old s

HAGGARD ( ? ) , FRANKS, HAILEY 3 DD

* U n l e s s a l l g r o u p s o f TF 5 8 c o i^ p i et e I n i t i a l s t r i k e i n tw o d ay s n on eof th e above sh ip s w i l l a r r i v e or DOG or DOG p lu s ONE Dsiy ex ce ptWASHINGTON* NORTH CAROLINA, INDIANAPOLIS, SANTA M, BILOXI and Des-Div 99,

ange No* 3 .


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CAF/A16-3(1)Serial: 000280

Operation PlanGomPhibsPac No. A25-44"

(h) 51.1 Joint Expeditionary Force Reserve - Commodore Loomis51.1,1 TransRon 11 - Commodore Loomis

51.1.2 TransDiv 31 - Commodore Loomis -^_ . punFREMONT (SF.), FAYETTE, KNOX,LEfcDSTOWN, HARRY LEE 5 APAALMAACK, WARRICK 2 AKA

51.1.3 TransDiv 32 - Captain Popham IntPEES. JACKSON (F)f PEES. ADAMS,DOYEN, BOLIVAR 4 APACAPE JOHNSON 1 APLIBRA 1 AKAJUPITER . 1 AK

51.1.4 TransDiv 33 - Captain HaightCALLAWAY (F), FREDERICK FITNSTON,JAMES O'HARA, FELA&D 4 APAALHEHA , 1 AKAHERCULES 1 AK

56,3 Landing Force Reserve - Ma.i. Gen. Erskine, USMC(From Expeditionary Troops)3rd Marine Division, plus attached units.

51.1.5 Screen - Captain TedderANTHONY (F), BUSH (lD)\ WADSWORTH, BOYD,BRADFORD 5 DDSWEARER, STERN, O!NEILL ' 3 DE

(i) 51,3 Service and Salvage Group - Captain CurtisAGENOR ^fl^im 1 ARLOCEANUS _ - * < ? ^ . W l l 1ARBCLAMP, f f i J P ^ K ^ t J L '-i%mW 3ARS.LCS(L)(Sf 51, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 (Dog / 1 Day). 6 LCS(L)

\ - , ' (3)LST 77a (B&5DIE) 1 LSTOther vessels assigned.


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^ O pera t ion P lan-s* ComPhibsPac No. A25-44

(j) 51.4 Hydrographic Survey Group - Comdr. SandersPC(S)(H) 1388, 1396

(k) 51.5 Defense Group - Captain Sampson,LST 84, 222 (GF), 247, W 477 , 641, 724,& * t t 788, 790, 808, 8O9. 943, 944MCCLELLAND, W DEW^ISLSM 143LST(M) 676, 678PC(S)(H) 1404, 1457PC 779, 1588SC 1270(Attached elements of Defense Battalions and Service units) .

( l ) 51 .6 Garr ison Group ZERO - Captain Macgowan9'm^'w4sSEA. RUNHER^MHOTV, DASHING WAVEJ0*

CAPE SAN MARTIN, CAPE GEORGIA, CAPE ISABELVI.CMU.LCPHALL ( F ) , DEEDE, W . CANFIELD Comdr. ReichGarrison Troops assigned

(m) 51.7 Garrison Group ONE - Captain Lustie

CAPE KEAR,CHINA

.- SILVERLEAP, CANOTIA^ 1 (F), CABANA,DIONNE -. Captain Cleland^Garrison Troops assignedort Director Unit - Comdr. DarlingLCl(L)rs 1029, 1030GroPac 11

J- 14

2 PC (S)(H)

14 LST2 DE1 LSM2 LST(M)2 PC (S)(H)2 PC1 SC

Z XAP4% X M

4 DE

1 XAP3 XA.K1 AKN2 AN3 DEI DP

2 ICI(L)


24/50


(o) 51.9 Seaplane Base Group - Captain McLeanHAMLIN (F) 1 AVCHINCOIEEAGUE 1 AVPWILLIAMSON (when assigned) 1 AVD1 VPB Squadron assigned . 12 PBM3 "PB2YRescBon 2

(p) 51.18 Night Objective Group ~ Vieg Admiral IPurner ,. ' (Effective 0600 (K) DOG Day)

Units assigned as shown in Night Operations Plan*Appendix (III) to Annex (K)f(q) 51.19 Night Hetirement Groups - Bear Minimal Blandy

(Effective 0600 (K) DOG Day)Units assigned as showtt in Night Operations Plan,Appendix'(III) tb.^nnex (K)

- 15


25/50

^Operation Plan.vComPhibsPac No t A25-44

1. (a) This Operation Plan is derived from Commander FIFTH FleetOpPlan No. 13-44, , (b) For information of the enemy, see Intelligence Plan, Annex (B ) t. " . ' < f ^ ' . - '-.''

(c) See General Instructions for the Amphibious Phase of the Operation, Annex ( A) . For general directives for the employment of. Ships1 Gunfire, see CinCPac Conf. letter 13CL-44} Commander Amphibious Forces Circular Letter Ho. AL15r*44 (Rev. l ) ; and Ships1 Gunfire Support Plan, Annex (H ). See Annex (F-l) for Transport, FireSupport and Beach Areas for Preferred Plan and Annex (F-2) forTransport, Fire Support, and "Beach Areas for Alternate Plan,(d) By superior authority,- CTFs 58 and 93 have been directed toprovide strategical arid tactical air support for the Joint Expeditionary Force, in general accord with Air Support Plan, Annex (l) fStrong friendly air forces will strike enemy objectives and positions in the Empire and NAISUI SHOTO prior to DOG Day, end thereafter cover the operation and maintain neutralization of enemybase s. Information regarding own submarines designated to obtainintelligence of, and to strike, enemy forces will be disseminatedas obtained.

2. This force will capture, occupy, and defend IWO JIMA, beginningDOG minus TSBM Day, and initiate the development of an advancedair base on the captured island.3. (a) Force Flagship operate as directed by CTF 51.

(b) Air Support Control Unit control aircraft and conduct Air-SeaRescue Operations as directed by Air Support Plan, Annex (j ) .Fighter Cover and Fighter Direction will be coordinated by CommanderAir Support Control Unit, but Fighter Direction ordinarily will bedirectly exercised by designated Fightor Director ships in the vicinity of the objective.Co) Expeditionary Troops capture, occupy, and defend IWO JIMA inaccordance with Landing Forco EUin No. 3-44. Initiate the rehabilitation and construction of eirfieids as early as possible. Establish facilities ashore promptly for night fighter aircraft, andfollowing that, for nil categories of aircraft the initial preference being given to fighter and carrier types. When directed byCTF 51, the Landing Force Air Support Control Unit Commander assumecontrol of troop support aircraft. Initiate the establishment ofan advanced air baefijMiisdefenses as required by CinCPac*s Base.sh Military Government as prescribed in

.1-44. Embark in HAWAII* M A R L & U A S , and- 16


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GAF/A16-3(l)Serial? 000280

Operation PlanComPhibsPac Ho. A25-44

the CAROLINES in designated vessels. Upon completion of the Occupation Phase, and when directed "by Commander Joint ExpeditionaryForce, reembark troops not required for the garrison," and withdrawto> xsear "bases, in accordance with Evacuation Plan for AssaultTroops, Annex (V).Attack Force land assault troops on SOUTHEASTERN IWO JIMA onDOG Day on GREEN, RED, YELLOW, and BLUE Baaches (Preferred Plan)or on WESTERN IWO.JIMA on ORANGE, WHITE, BROWN, and PURPLE Beaches(Alternate Plan), in accordance with Attack Order, Annex (&). Control Underwater Demolition Group subsequent to arrival of transports in Transport Area. Clear obstacles on landing beach approaches in accordance with Annex (M). At SAIPAN transfer to LST'sdesignated assault troops, control personnel,-and advance groupsof Beach and Shore Parties and transfer other designated controlpersonnel-to* control" vessels*- On DOG Day transfer Tomainin control personnel aboard transports to control vessels. Land theExpeditionary Troops fieqorve and equipment and the Garrison Forceand equipment when directed. Launch assigned LCTfs, pontoon barges,and causeways when desired. Oh arrival at objective Tractor Groupstransfer destroyers assigned as flagships to Transport Screen* DirsetGunboat Support Group, which has reported at 0600 (K) DOG Day,upon completion of duties in support of landing to report to CTF 52.Establish a boat pool as required by existing orders and in accordance with Boat Pool Plan, Annex (S); direct 2 LCVP from boat poolto report to SOPA at 1200 (K) DOG Day for use for press purposes?these boats will have PRESS painted in large letters on each side.Obtain assistance for salvage of small craft from CTG 51.3 Uponcompletion of capture of the position, and when directed by CTF 51reembark troops not assigned to the Garrison Force for transfer tothe HARIANAS. Not later than DOG plus TEN-, return personnel ofPontoon Barge. Causeway "and LCT Groups (less LOT personnel) andUnderwater Demolition Group to GUAM. Inform GTF-51 and 0TG 51.19daily by noon the names of ships and craft designated to remain

that night at the objective. Provide boats for aiamunition boatpool ag required by Annex (IS.), . -,(e) Transport Screen protect transports, and other vessels insidethe screen, against air, surface, and submarine attack*in accordance with Screening Plan, Appendix (I) to Protective.Plans, Annex(K). When .di#crt'e'd,â^^.9^|f$l^gB to Fire Support Group in .exchange for ;vosseislw1f|ps i Offl ardmont ammunition is depleted.When directed, supply roenforcements for the Gun Fire and Covering.ffprce.for action, against enemjr surface forcesJDâ directed byCTF 51, HALLORAir, 0OpEilJâd MN Ji Se ^J î iB bl li ti ve on OGplus TWO for rendezi

- 17


27/50

CAi1/

ibsPac No* A25-44

(f) Amphibious Support Force:(1) Execute Ships* -Gunfire Support Plan, Annex (H); Air Support Plan. Annex (l) :Minesweepings Mooring Buoy and Ne't Plan,Annex (L)'; and Beach Reconnaissance and Underwater DemolitionPlan, Annex (M) , Request from CTF 54 vessels required forexecuting Annex (H) and other tasks assigned to TIP 53.(2) Prior'to D0 & Day send daily by dispatch to TI 51,(BOMholders only), beach information and results accomplished byUnderwater Demolition Grouru Mine Group, and air and surfacebombardments. Include OinCPac and ComFIPTHPleet as information addressees, ^MV^**&^

ltJlr4X 09 O0 | ^ !(3) By noon of DOG minus OBI deliver to CTF^s 51 and 53 thesets of prints and negatives as provided in Appendix (XII)of Annex (i) of air and surface photographs taken on DOG- minusEWO and THREE of beaches and defenses on IWO JIMA. Reportvariations in soundings dangerous to uav|.gation(4) During the preliminary bombarcUmmt phas.e, prior to DOGDay, coordinate air-sea rescue and life-guard services.(5) Establish petrols to prevent enemy reenforcements fromother islands and escape of the IWO JIMA Garrison*(6) At night, in addition to harassing fires, illuminatebeaches and prevent enemy from laying mines and obstructions.(7) Protect T21 51 unit8 near the objective against surface,air, and submarine attacks, in accordance with ProtectivePlans, Annex () and Air Support Plans, Annex (l).(8) Support Carrier Groupt while at objective, operate asfollows}

DAYLIGHT ABSA DABSQO1SS AHEArrier Unit OKE & LACQUER and VARNISH, ATLASOarrier Unit TWO VARNISH and DUNLOP

ort Carrier Unit T'BS& PUTTY and PUTTY, SHELUCand RIVERSIDElore than qne Support Carrier .Unit is" operating in an area,"senior commander will coordinate movements as necessary andmay combine two units at discretion*. Carrier* keep clear of

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Serial* 000280

Operation Plan-ComPhibsPac No. A25-44

approaching and' retiring groups, Anti-Submarine Warfare Unit,composed of ANZIO and CortDiv 73 less LERAY WILSON is temporarily attached for ASW employment andwill be detached whendirected "byCommander FIFTH Fleet, andwill then report toCommander FIFTH Fleet for such duty as he may assign.(9) At 0600 (K) DOGDay, TF 52, less detachments, pass todirect command of CTF 51, who will then also assume title ofCTF 52. Rear Admiral 3LAHDY is thereafter assigned as CTG51#19

(10) Detach Underwater Demolition Group and fa SupportpGroup to report to CTF 53 at 0600 (K) DOG Day.(11) On DOG- Day, after completion of sweeping, detach vesselsa f Mine Group (less Ooinmaiider Mineftrou*> n TERROR, and Netand Buoy Unit) toT ^ g ^(12) Net and Buoy


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Operation PlanComPhibsPac H o. A2 5-44

the Attack Force. Land when directed ."by CTF 51 . If directed toland for the support of operations, report for duty to CommanderAttack Force and land troops as directed by him in accordance withAttack Order, Annex (G ). Upon landing, the Expeditionary TroopsReserve passes to command of the Commanding General, Landing Force.Arrivo in Point EQUITY 2200 (K) DOG Day and operate in Area PO&CHawaiting further orders. When directed "by CTF 51, SWEARER, STEREF,and 0*101 ILL depart objective on DOG plus TJWO for'rendezvous withtTG 50.8. ..:,(i) Service and Salva.go Group execute Salvage Plan, Annex (R) and.prov ideet her roquired services. When not othorwise employed,"station vessels in Areas XRAY and WILLIAM as shown- in:,Transport,Fire Support, and Boach Areas, Annox (F ).. Assign vessels for sery.ico and salvage of minor craft to CTF 53 as requested and available. When L C S C L ) report from CTG 52.5, direct* LCS (L)fs 32 and33 to'report to ComTransGroipsi ABLE and; BAKER respectively,(j) Hydrographic Survey: Group conduct Eydrographio survey and install navigational aids in accordance with Hydrographic Plan,Appendix (III) to Annex ( (fc)-tDefense Group transport troops and equipment to objective,I^T's-and LSM's report to Commander Attack Force for debarkationand service as .directed by, him. Screen lose C( S)( H) report toCommander Transport Scroon. P C ( S ) ( H ) report to CTG 51. 4. Afterdischarge of troops and cargo,'LST fs less LST(M)fs assist in unloading transports or withdraw from the area as directed. LST(M)'report fco GTJ1 53.A

Garri son, Grou^p 2SR0 ,on Grou-p OM transport echelons-of the Garrison ForcesJpctive for support of the operation. On arrival, trans-report to Commander Attack Forco for debarkation asy him, Scroon report to Commander Transport Screen.ILVERIJJAF, and CANOTIA.report to CTG 53.3 for laying nets,drained Beach and Shore Partioe for unloading as dircctodEelicvo crows of Ponjboon Barge. Causeway andLCI cêwsjôt l^>ter than DQG

Port Director Unit-ro-port %q and operate as directod by CTF 53du1;y In ujiloading ships and anchoring- amphibious type ships

(o) Sâpâne Base Group establish a floating operating base forseaplanes on DOG plus OHS Da y or as soon-thereafter as ordorcd>in accordance with Seaplane Baso Plan Annex ( U ). Conduct, aircraft- 20


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< ' * " "-1. f.

C A F / A 1 6 ~ 3 ( 1 ) Serials 000280

Operation PlanComPhibsPac No. A25-44 , > v.searches as directed by ComFIFTHFleet. Conduct air rescue missionsand operate base as directed by CTF 51* Refuel OBB, CA and CLplanes as required,(p) Night Objective Group continue operations at objective inaccordance with Appendix (III) to Annex (K)*(q) Night Retirement Groups make nightly retirement and return toobjective in accordance with Appendix (III) to Annex (%) unlessdirected otherwise by CTG 51.19* ,(x) (1) This Plan is effective upon receipt for planning and training, and effective for the operation at 1730, Zone ZERO Time,DOG minus FQUR.

(2) Carry out the operations prescribed in this plan in. general accord with Annex ( A ) , General Instructions, for theAmphibious Phase of the Operation*(3) Move to positions for executing this plan in accordancewith Movement Plan, Annex ( p ) , Commander FIFTH Fleet OpPlanNo, 13-44. Approach in accordance with Approach Plan, Annex (E) #(4) Conduct night operations in accordance with Appendix (III)to Annex (K ).(5) When danger from enemy attack exists, ships shall exploitspeed and maneuverability as a defensive measure against bombtorpedo or gun attack* To this end, unless the SOPA has determined that other defensive measures warrant anchoring, all combatant ships of destroyer or larger siee 'will maintain appropriate speeds and at least steerageway except;

a In emergency;Tb. When refueling or rearming make it infeasiblej. During delivery of close supporting fire, by vessels~" in the boat lanes, while boats are passing. In this case, ships clear the boat lanes as soon after HOWHour as is safe to do

(6) Large gunfire ships, except when operating inside theTransport Screen> will at all times be provided with a suitablescreen of vessels which are not themselves deliyea;j.ng fireagainst shore positio - - - .. -- *.


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/OomPhibsPac No. A25-44

(?) SOPA and other officers directing movements keep all TaskForces in ' the. VOLGAITO-MAEIANAS Areas informed as to projectedmovements'. .(8) Destroy or drive off onemy forces which attempt to interfere with the movement to or operations at the objective.(9) Operate, unless otherwise directed, generally in the areasshown in Annex (J).(10) Support TF 58 when directed.(11) DOG Day is tentatively set at 19 February", Zone Minus TEN(K) time, Hast Longitude Date. DOG Day is the day on whichinitial landings will be made on IWO JIMA. MIKE Day is the dayof other landings on positions to bo announced. HOW Hour isthe hour of the principal landing on IWO JIMA. NAN Hour is thehour of secondary landings* on IWO JIMA. HOW Hour for IWO JIMAis now estimated to be 0900 DOG Day (Zone minus TEN) , lastLongitude Da.to, . .(12) Use the Special Air and Gunnery Target Map Grid Systemshown on charts issued.(13) Damaged ships will beach, if necessary, in shoal wateroff the established beachheads, provided such action will notpermit them to fall into enemy hands,(14) Operating areas, points, retirement, and shipping routesin the vicinity of the objective are as shown in OperatingAreas, Annex (#)(15) Vessels and aircraft equip for smoke and, when directed,lay smoke in accordance with Smoke Plan, Appendix (IV) toProtective Plan, Annex (K).

Ali^seaplanes will be treated as friendly unless posiively identified as enemy. Friendly and enemy planes whichmay operate at the objective are shown in Eecognition Qhartsdistributed .separately as appendices to Annex (B).(17) USF-10A, with Amphibious Force Supplement, is effective,Maneuver in accordance with USF-1OA and Cruising Diagrams,Annex (D), Conduct training excercises ,of ships, aircraft,and troops at every, opportunity.


32/50

OaF/A16-3(l)Serial? 000280

Operation PlanGomPhibsPac No, A25-44

(18) Initiate harbor development as early as practicable butnot in such a manner as to interfere with combat operations, orthe unloading of Landing Forces and Garrison Troops.(19) Provide for security, command, unloading troops and cargo,and harbor service at objective in general accord with SOPAInstructions, Annex (N), and Unloading Plane for Assault andGarrison Forces, Annex (0 ).(20) When no longer required by the Attack Force transfer tothe local Commander of Naval Activities ashore;

a, 6 L C I ( G ) , 5 LSM, 1 AN, 1 ABL, 12 patrol craft (butnone of these of! tho control type), 12 LOT, and allpontoon barges and causeways unloaded,b. Boat pools in accordance with Boat Pool Plan, Annex (S),, LST(M)I8 676 and 678 will act as fuel storage vesselsand supply tenders for small craft; and as stationships for transient officers and-enlisted personneluntil otherwise directed and will then proceed GUAMfot use in subsequent operations. Postal personnel

of the JIavy anoVMarine Corps will be embarked atPearl Harbor on LSI 809 prior to the operation, forestablishment of a temporary Fleet and Marine PostOffice.,(21) Submit action reports in accordance with PacFlt 1CL-45,Ships of FIFTH Fleet furnish Commander FIFTH Fleet and ComPhibs-Pac with a copy of fuel and mileage reports required by Paragraph 3682 of USF-10A. All ships furnish CoraPhibsPac with acorrect roster of officers upon joining.(22) a,. The point of origin of reports of radar contacts

with unidentified air and surface craft in theVOLCANO Islands Area shall be the point of originshown on the gridded charts at the Southern end ofIW9 JIMA (the highest peak of the VOLCANO, SURI-BACHIMountain) and is assigned the name "Point HOTROGKS".Coordinates are as ..follofti Lat, 24-45-11 N; Long.1 4 1 ^ 1 7 - 2 8 J U ' ' " '

b, Badar re; conferred to- this point oforigin b;


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Sei&al: 000280

Opera t i on P l an ComPhibsPac No. A25-44Bo 1, Shore Based Air Defense Centers on the Local AirWarning and Inter-Fighter Director Nets*2, All reporting vessels within 25 miles from"Point HOTROCKS",3, Ships operating singly or on detached duty whenin direct radio communication with OTC at objective.

. Tessels in dispositions more than 25 miles from "PointHOTROCKS" will report radar contacts to their OTC inaccordance with USF-10A.. If the OTC decides to transmit summaries of,plots of enemy positions- to stationsdutside his disposition, he will, at discretion, transmit them either in Latitude and Longitude, or in bear- .ing and distance from "Point HOTROCKS", Latitude andLongitude may be used in reporting distant contacts.d. Except for ships in dispositions over 25 miles from~ "Point HOTROCKS", all stations in the objective areatransmitting contact reports will clearly state the

point'of origin of polar coordinates used; for example,after bearing and distance, say "From HOTROCKS", or"From ORIGINATOR" , or-"From CENTER",(23) Task Force Commanders will take measures to prevent attackson friendly submarines. Operating zones, bombing and attack restrictions are prescribed in CinCPOA Standard Operating Procedure SOP-1, Addendum 6 to SOP-1 and current CinOPOA zone notices,Air-Sea rescue procedure is prescribed, in CinCPOA Standard Operating Procedure, SOB-2, and Addendum 1 to SOP-2 and Annex (I)of this Plan, The Senior Officer of a combatant air or surfaceunit proceeding into the area west of 156 East Longitude, shallmake certain that the unit has in its possession either thelatest effective addendum to CinCPOA SOP-1, or pertinent information therefrom,(24) Instructions for operations in heavy weather at the objective in accordance with Heavy Weather Plan, Appendix (II) toSOPA Instructions, Annex (N).(25) Whenever a large number of hips and craft of the JointExpeditionary Force arc gathered at one of the atcging. points,all ships shall remairr darkened from sunsofc until sunrise, regardless of the local port regulations regarding darken ship,except that essential ligh&S .necessary for loading and other

:. -'.24.


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CAF/A16-3(l)Serial: 000280


similar activities may "bo used, but these must be capable ofbeing extinguished on short notice.(26) Commanding Officers will insure that all personnel notneeded in exposed stations shall take shelter during air raidsand surface battle*

4. Logistics in accordance with Logistic Plan, Annex (P). Ail largevessels including transports find LST*s be prepared to fuel destroyers and smaller vessels. In accordance with separate directivest ships of the following types are being equipped and instructed to transfer ammunition at seas. AS, AEE* CA, and DD. Shipsdirected to return to rear bases should transfer to other vesselsbefore departure as muck.fuelt ammunitioa> smoke equipment, andprovisions as practicable. Medical Services in accordance withMedical Plan, Xnxiox ($)_, Services for seaplanes in accordance withSeaplane Base Plan, A?iix {Il)r Joroc raid Group Commanders maintainaccurate delly information ns to the f\*l situation in their vessels,and arrange direct with SOPA for required fuel, submitting requestswell in advance of recommended fueling dates.

5. (a) Communications in accordance with USF 70-A; CentCoraTWO} Com; munication Plan, Annex (P), to Commander 3TIFS?H Fleet OpPlan No13-44; and Communications Plan, Annex (C) to this plan. Be prepared to use MERSIGS when so required, as when XAP's and XAK's arein a disposition. Battle communication plans will be used for rehearsals insofar as radio silence requirements permit. Subsidiarycommunication plans will normally become effective when operationorders become effective pud should be so written. Attention is invited to the necessity for maintaining communication discipline asdirected in pa ra ^a ph 2120 of Annex (F) of OpPlan Cen 13-44t AlPac50, and CentComTWO; and of maintaining radio discipline on all circuits. Maintain complete radio silence on all radio equipment whichmight cause"transmissions on frequencies less than 30 megacyclesfrom time of crossing 180th meridian until arrival at objective,except as required b,t enemy contact or disastrous emergency? Temporary relaxation of radio silence on frequencies necessary to conduct scheduled rehearsals may be ordered as conditions permitP Makeminimum use of TBS and essential VHP aircraft and tactical circuitsand use only when visual will not suffice, Do not use SCR 608-610,MH or HAH equipment during daylight, aud only as required by tacticalnecessity at night, while enroute. Commanders of Units and Commanding Officers will exercise most careful supervision of TBS andother voice circuits to eliminate improper,and uiinecessary transmissions. While at OaltOLDIES, MABSJiALLS arud . aElANiiS bases, Porceand Group Commanders supervise despatch cpmimiiieations to preventdisclosure of prospectii^^)jB-j^iins^)y^*ndarfcBiBriftWf our radio


35/50

eration PlanComPhibsPac No. A25-44

traffici Despatches -of sufficient importance to warrant transmission by radio must be cleared through the SOPA, and sent ashoreby boat and filed at local shore radio'station* This traffic mustbe held to an absolute minimum and should be of low -precedence unless of the most important character, . . .,.(b) In accordance with orders issued by the Commander in Chief,1J, >, Pacific Fleet* The Commander F^st Carrier Task Forces; thetask'group commanders of Fast Carrier'2ki.sk Forces j^he Commander,or the- Second in Commandf


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CAtf/Al6-3(1)Serial: 000280

Operation Plan VComPhibsPac No. A25-44

Landing Force. Garrison Force (Island) Commander will exercisedirect command over units of the garrison forces except thosetemporarily attached to the landing forces. The Commanding GeneralExpeditionary Troops will retain command' of all forces establishedon each objective until the officer Commanding the Operation hasdetermined that the situation is such that the capture and occupation phase at that objective may be considered completed.- The'Officer Commanding the Operation will then direct that command cfall forces at that objective pass to the Garrison "Force or IslandCommander. .(g) The Commander FIFTH Fleet will determine and announce when thecapture and occupation phase is completed, whereupon the CommanderForward Area will assume responsibility to him for the defense anddevelopment of positions captured. The organization and administration of the captured positions nd of the defense forces assigned will then conform to directives issued by the Commander in Chief,Pacific Ocean Areas, to the Commander Forward Area and to the Garrison or Island Commanders concerned.- When the situation permits,the Commander in Chief, Pacific Ocean Areas will relieve the Commander FIFTH Fleet of the responsibility for all positions captured.Thereafter, Commander Forward Area will be responsible direct to the Commander in Chief, Pacific Ocean Areas, the newly capturedpositions will be incorporated into the Forward Area: and theirgarrisons into the task force commanded by the Commander ForwardArea.(h) At the objective,.the Commander Joint Expeditionary Firce, orsuch other commander, afloat or ashore as he may designate, commandssupport aircraft through the Commander, Air Support Control Unitembarked in his flagship, from the time that the aircraft arrive onstation until their departure for recovery by the parent carrier.Prior to their reporting on station mid after departure for recovery, these aircraft will operate under the command of theirrespective carrier gr?up or unit commanders. When the Commander-Landing Force Air Support Control Unit- has been established onshore, he will, under the Commander Landing Force, control suchsupport aircraft in troops support and combat air patrol missionsas are assigned to him by Commander Air Support Control Units.The Command coordination of all supporting aircraft shall be retained by Commander Amphibious Support Force and-exercised by hisattached Commander Air Support Con|&Q&I)bp-t prior to arrival atthe objective of tl~p^bmnia^|^^Qintfa^eiftitionaryhe objective of tl~p^bmnia^|^^Qintfa^eiftitionaryF o r c e R e orce. Responsibility for air* defense'4fiil'""pass from the Commander AirSupport Control Uniltff the Air Defense Commander ashore when so' The officerdirected by the fUtili'lf ifc'fl MiiW'i ^fc1'designated as t P i l v H w S H H W H T V E ^ I ^ i c designated


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6-3(1)lal: 000280


to act for him will reprt for operational control to the CommanderAir Support Control Unit* He will proceed ashore p.b the earliestpracticable time and act under the Commander Air Support ControlUnit as, directed, in matters pertaining to air defense. He willact in this capacity until such time as responsibility for the airdefense of the base passes to him. If.the Commander Joint Expeditionary Force is to be temporarily absent from the objective areafhe will delegate the responsibility for air defense to such othercommander, afloat or ashore, as he may deem appropriate. In thisevent, the Air Defense Commander will report to the Commander sodesignated.(i) Use Zone ZERO Time in date-time group of dispatches. At alltimes while west of longitude ONE FIVE SEVEN THIR!ftf East Longitude,use Zone Minus TEN time as local time, and use Easfe Longitude Dates.HOW Hour, and other lettered hours, will be expressed in Zone MinusTEN (K) time, East Longitude Date. When time is used in the textof dispatches, include the appropriate Zone description letters.(j) Commander Joint Expeditionary Force; Commanding General, Expeditionary Troops, and Commander Air Support Control Units inELDORADO. Attack Force Commander Second in Command, and CommandingGeneral Landing Forces in AUBURN. Commander Amphibious SupportForce in ESTES, . -:

R. K, TURNER,Vice Admiral, U.S. Navy,Commander T.F, 51,Joint Expeditionpry Force,and ComPhibsPac,

General Instructions for the Amphibious Phase of the Opera-Intelligence Plan. . tion.Communication Plan.Cruising Diagrams.Approach Plan, Preferred and Alternate.Transport, Fire Support, and Beach Areas - (F-l) Preferred,(F-2) Alternate.Attack Order, ComPhibGrp 2 No. A201-44. iShips* Gunfire Support Plan. JAir Support Plan.Operating- Areas.- 28


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CAF/Al6-3(1)Serial: 000280


(K) - Protective Plans.(L) - Minesweeping, Mooring Buoy, and Net Plan,(M) - Beach Reconnaissance and Underwater Demolition Plan.(N) - SOPA Instructions.(0) - Unloading Plans for Assault and Garrison Forces.(P) - Logistics Plan,(:}) i- Medical Plan.(R) - Salvage Plan.(S) - Boat Pool Plan,(T). - Pontoon Barge and Causeway Plan.(U) - Seaplane Base Plan,(V) T Evacuation of Assault Troops Plan.(W) - Public Relations Plan.

-29


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CAF/A16-3(1)Serial: 000280


DistributionCominch (Airmail)CinCPac.ComFIFTHFleetComGenPOA.ComrrflRDFleetCinCSWPAComSEVENTHFleetComNorPacComSoPacComAirPacComDesPac (ComCruPac)ComServPacComSubPacComHawSeaFronComAirSoPacComBatRon 2ComCarTransRonPac .JICOPA Weather Central, PEARL Radio HONOLULU

(13) idaj.Gen. CHANEY AC


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* .

f/Al6-3(ltrial: 000280

)peration PlanJomPhibsFac No. A25-44

^^^?^w Distr ibutionComTransDiv h& (CTU 53.1.3) (2) ConiloTGrp 13 (CTU 53-3-3) ' ' (1)

TALLADEGA (F> (2) LbT 70, 390, 446 (F), 481,4 MISSOULA (2) 634, 753, 1033 (1) ec.' DICKENS (() Co iI^TGrp 61 (CTU 53.3.5) (1).'- LUBBOCK (2) LST 5S7 (F), 642, 716, ?23,LSNAi/VE -. . (2) 761, 730, 930 (1) ea .WYANDOT . (2) ComLSTGrp 9 (CTU 53.3.6) (1)ATHENE (2) LST 684, 713, 731, 77,GUNSTON HALL (2) 789, 928, 931 (1) ea .ComTransRon 15 (CTG 5 3 . 2 ). CcmLoTFlot 29 (CTU 53.3.7). (1)iBAYFIELD (SF) ROOKS (1)LffllXETfil (2 ) LCI 423 (1)HENDRY (2) ComLSTGrp 86 (CTU 53.3.8) (1)SIBLEY (2): LST 760, 763, 764, 779,BEPJIIEN (2) 726, 792, 784, 1031,SHOSHONE (2) 1032 .-, (1) ea.ARTEMIS ' (2) ComLoTGrp 5 (CTU 53.3-9) (1)OZARK (2). LST 42, 121, 224, 399,ComTransDiv 4 4 (CTU 5 3 . 2 * 2 ) . (2) 807, 940, 782 (F),HIJJSDALE (F ) (2) 785, 795 . (1) ea.PICKENS (2) ComLSMlot 5 (CTG 53.4) ( l )SANBORN (2) LCI 628 (1)NAPA (2) CcJLSlGrp 13 (CTU 53.4.1 ) (1) BLADEN (2) LSK 43 , 44, 46 , 47, HQ,SOUTHAliPTbN (2) 141, 215, 236, 242, .STARR : (2) 261, 264 (F) , 266 (1) ea .BELLEGEOVE (2) CoraLSJLGrp 14 (CTU 53.4.2) (1)ComTransDiv 45 (CTU 5 3 . 2 . 3 ) (2 ) LSM 48 , 59, oQ, 145, 201 ,LOGAN ( F) (2) 202, 206, 207, 238,,RRY (2) 239, 241, 260 (1) ea .N . (2)3 . Control Group2)

(2)(2) FCE 877, PC(3) 1403, 1421,HEN (2) 1452, 1455, 1460, 1461,(2) PC 463, 469,578, 1081,TFlot 21 (CTG 53.3) (2) SC 1049, 1066, 1272,724, 1298,. 1315, 1316,'GREGORY (Fighter Director) .1326, 1374, 1360 (1) ea.LCI 994 ' (1JomLSTGrp 18 (CTU 53.3.1) Pontoon Bar^e & Causeway Group(1LITTLE (1) (TG53.7)LCI 995 (1)f ComLSTGrp 62 (CTU 53.3.2) (1) LC|m ' (1)i LST 241, 354,$S8, 643, ComLUTGrp 4B (CTU'53.7.5) (lj715, 756 (F), 929 (1) ea, 998 (1)

- 3 1


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Serial: 000280

Operation Plan ' VCoroFhibsFac No. A25-44D i s t r i b u t i o n

Transport Screen (TG 51.2) E 3 T S 3 Coi&iSCUFhibGrp I ' CoinDesRon 63 (CTG 5 1 .2 ) (2 )HYMN (F ) > (1 ) BAY. -. * * * ^ m v> w ^ * 1 1 ii 1 r i " r 1 " , ^ - ^ - y I O U N DMaNNERT L. ABSLE (Fighter ComDesDiv 12 Director) (1)PUTNAii (1)ZELLaRS (1)CcainDiv 7 (1)ROBERT H* SMTH (Fighter ^ 3 BULLDirector) (1 ) ConisCarForPac (CTG 52.2)ROBERT H . SL2T H ( 1 ^FR/iZER (1)SKiNNON BISikARCK 3 EH.JIRY F.. BiiUER (1)HENRY A . WILEY (1)ConiDesRon 45 (X) ComDesRon 6FULLiM (F) GUEST (1)

* BENNETT (1) GRIDLEY- f BENNETT (Fighter Director) (1) M. RO^'ELL)HUDSON (1}HUDSON (Fighter Director) (1) ComCortDiv 72% HALFORD . (1) LAJ'ja^WCE C . T H Y L O R CfoiaDesDiv 90 (1) iiELVIN R . K Aifl^N(F) ..:-., v(l) OLIVii l i i JTCKELLV (1) " TABBEREHHOir/ORTH . (1) xiOBSET F KLLLEHComDesRon 53 (1) ' C o i a C ar D i v 2 3 (CTU 5 2 . 2 , 3 ) 3;; ^VAN V^LKEHBUBGH (F) S H G I & ^ BAYCOLHOUN FETROF BA YCOLHOUN (Fighter Director) SHIPLEYHELk"RIDDLE

, CONNELLYFIKNEGMCoiaCortDiv 4 43.3. iuILES (F) 52.3.1)WESSON .

Aiuphibious Support Force (TF 52) HOViaYDORSEYComFhibGrp I (CTF 52) HOfARD


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CAF/Seri

A25-44tribution

HOGiiN CDBRESS'S (i)CowinR-.r* 12 (CTU 52.3.3)(F)S?i.JJKCHSPECTACLESPECTORTR*CY :SEREIN . '.X)SHELTER CDSTRATEGYSTRENGTH a)SUCCESSREBELPC 800 ()CHAHPION (DARDENT (i)DEFENSE a)DEVASTATOR (x;PREBLE (x)ComYiiSType (CTU 5 2 .3 .6 ) (i)YiuS 32 3 , 36 2, 37 4, 4 0 1 ,411, 478 (F) (1) ea.LINDSEY e a .SC 775 , 10 28 , 1054 (1 )YLS 19 3, 235 , 3 45 , 361 , e a ..475, 407 (1) a))(1)

(1)ac (CTG 52.4) (2)(1 )(Sweep Unit) (1 )( 1 ,ETERSFATERS (Sw eep U n i t ) (1 )BULL (1 )BARR (1 )BLES5LAN ' ( ' B H T E S (1)T JDT 1 1 (BATES) (1)UDT 1 2 (B A R R ) (1)-* UDT 1 4 (BULL)

- 33

;ilT 15 (BtESStaH) . C1)^ ( L ) F l o t 3 (CTG 5 2.5 ) 1Jic: ?sa wl o t 3 (CTU 52 .5 .1 ) U )450, 466, 469, 471, 473, 47 4, 627 (1) e a . ComLC'^GroupSLCI 346, 34S, 438, AU,V49, 457 (Coml.Co'DGrp 7LC H1) 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35, 36> 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56 (1 ) ea . ComLCT-Hot 21 (CTG 52 .6 ) (1 )LCI i*25 ,- N (1)CoraLdl-p 61 (CTU 52.0.1)LCI 'v;0, 631, 632, 638, e a #7 5 * . 1010 WC&ffiLCIGri> 62 (CTU 2 .6 .2 ) ( ULCI 03; 757 , 760 , 10 11 ,

^ a (2)C.oaiBatDiv 3 (2;(2)(F) (2)ConiBatDiv 4 -(2)

NIA (F) (2)


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CAF/Al6-3(1)Serial: 000280

Operation PlanCoiaPhibsPac No,

DistributionCOLORADOComBatDiv 5TEXAS (F)NE..r YORKCaniCruDiv 4LOUISVILLE (F)PORTLANDINDLiNAPOLIS 'ComCruDiv 5CHESTER (F)FENS^COUSALT LJf fi CITYTUSCxtLOOSACumDesPton 46C H P P S (F)TERRYDAVID . TAILOREVANSJOHN D. HENLEY .ComDesRon 51H A L L (F)KALLIGANFAUL HAMILTONT;;IGGSComDesRon 56LEUTZE .BENNION (Figl'iter Director)R I C K A R D P. LEARIHEYi)OD L, E&L.RSTSiiBELSTELJ3EL ( F i g h t e r D i r e c t o r )BRYiiNT (Fighter Director)

Joint Expeditionary Force Reserve" (TG 51ComTransRo;FRELONT (FFAYETTE C2;KWOX (2)

(2)HARHY (2)(2;./ARRICK (2)C o a T r a n s D i v 32 (CTU 5 1 . 1 . 3 ) (2)PtiESIDEKT JACKSON (F) (2;PiO&IDENT ,J)^B (2;DOYEN (2)BCLIVAR (2)CnFlL JOhNSCK (2)UBxiA (2;JUPITER (2)ComTransDiv 33 (CTU 1.1.4) (2)CALLii-^Y (F) (2)FltiiD, FUN3TON (2)0"f Mii (2)(2)iSRCULSS (2)ALKENA (2CoiiiDesDiv 90 (CTU 5 1 . 1 . 5 ) CDALThONY (F) (I,BUSH (1)BUSH (F ighter Director) (1)(1)(1)BRADFORD (1)BOYD (1)STE3K ' (1;O'NEILL a;

C o i a S e r v i c e & Su Grp(CTG 51.3) (i)AGENOK (i)(i)(i)GEAR. (i)SHACKLE (i)LUNSEE (1)R 30 (1) ea., 1396 (1)ea.

L3 (CTG 51,5)L3T 84, 766, 222(F),

(2)(2)(2)(2)(2)(2)(2)(2)(2)(2)(2)(2)(2J(1)(1)(1)(1)(1)(1)(1)(1)(1)

1(1)(1)(1)(1)(1)(1)(1)(1)(1)(1)(1)

247, 449, 477, 641- 34 - ea.


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>n PlansPac No. A25-44

LST 724, 738,790, 676,678, 808,809, 943,944 (1) ea.GRADY (1)LSM 143 (1)PC(S) -1404, 1457 (1) ea.PC 779, 1538 (1) ea.SC 1270 (l) ComGarrisonGrp ZERO(Capt. k'acgowon)' (CTG 51.6)(1)CiiNFIELD (1)DESDE , ;(l)ELDEN* ' (1)..ComCortDiv 61 . .(l)RALL (F) * (1)ComGarrisonGrpONE'(CTG 51.7) (Capt. Lustie) (l)ZEBRA (l)SILVERLEAF (1)" CANOTlA (1)

ComCortDiv 16 (1). W.G.iJLLER (1)': CABANA (1)l.' DIONNE (1)VO, GroPac 11 (CTG 51.3)(Cdr. Darling) (3)Seaplane Base Group

(TG 51.9)(2)*GUE (1)

Task Forcein CamFIFTHFlt OpFlan

st CarTaskFor . (3.d CarTaskFor , . ( 3tDiv Coms (2)' eaR. HOffiLL f o r -

; c . MOTT ,lieutenant-Commander, U3NR.,Flag Secretary.

CruDiv Corns' (2) ea.CarDiv Coms . (2) ea .DesRon Coms (2) ea .DesDiv Corns (2) ea.BBs, CA S, CL S, CVS , CVLS(2) e a .

F Lee-t Oi ler GroupComServRon 6 (CTG50^8) (3;DETROIT ' (1)PlfTV "r"?'n 7"> W (~\ \itUiyXxtiliy JJAX \JLISAHGENT B A Y (l)ComDesRon 1 . (l)CoinDesRon 19 (1) C^iCortDiv 32 - (I ) -ComCortDiv 49 . (l)

Air Search andRecon. Grp.KENNETH ,-HITING (1)POCOiDKE (1)ST. GEORGE (1)M.-.CIJNAC .. (1)(1)COOS BAY (1)SHELIKCF (1)ONSLOr/ (1)CASCO (1)CHANDELE'UR (1)ComCortDiv64 (4)

DISTRIBUTION (Deferred)C N C . ' ( 5 )Naval rfar College ( l )iirmy Navy Staff College (I)Marine Corps School . : ( l)C&GS School, LEftVMr.VOETH (1)Comdt iJarCorps ; . (l.)CowFhibTraLant " ' (5^ComPhibTraPdc (20)ANNIS , *(!)'Amphibious Training Base,Ft. Pierce ' ' (1)


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Operation PlanComPhibsPac No. A25-44ANNEX (A) .

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE AMPHIBIOUS PHASE OF THE OPERATIONReference: (a) Cincpoa Joint Staff Study of the operation, serial000119 of 7 October 1944 (Change No. 1, Serial000130 of 23 October 1944).(b) Cincpoa Establishment of IWO JIMA, Plan for, serialOOOS85 of 11 October 1944.(c) Cincpoa OpPlan No. 11-44 of 25 November 1944(d) Cincpca serial 00Q1003 "Garrison Shipping" of 19November 19441, The task of the operation is the capture of IWO JIMA. Thereferences give details of the desired plan and development of thebase. The date of the attack will be influenced by the progress ofCommander Southwest Pacific Area's M-l Operation for the capture ofLUZONA but is set now for February 19, 1945, Eastern Date, Thisoperation is preliminary to further operations by the FIFTH Fleet.The Joint Expeditionary jFgrOjK a part of the FIFTH Fleet, will-besupported by the major qoi&^ant strength of the pacific Fleet, andby land-based aircraft th Pacific Ocean and the Southwest PacificArea.2 The Joint Expeditionary Force for the operation will be organized as follows;

(a) Task Force 51, comprising-task Forces, 51, 52, 53, 54, and56, under Vice Admiral TURNER, U,SfN., wit-h Rear Admiral H. W.HILL, U.S.N., as Second-in-Command. 'Task Force 51 numbers will-be assigned for most of the movements to and from the objective,and to certain task groups and units operating at the objective.Beginning at 0700(K) on Dog Dayy Vice Admiral TURNER will alsoassume command of Task Force,52, less detachments.(b) Task Force 56, the Expeditionary Troops, comprising the-assault forces and assigned elements of the garrison troops,' under Lieutenant General H. M. SMITH, U.S.M.C.(c) Task Force 52, the Amphibious Support Force, initiallyunder command of Rear Admiral BLANDY, comprising assignedgunfire support vessels, certain C VE^, minesweepers, andUnderwater Demolition Teams* After arrival at the objective,the operations of all aircraft and gunfire vessels from otherforces, while they are engaged in direct attack on the objective,will also be under this command. At 0700(K) Dog Day, commandof Task Force 52, (less detachments) will passTask Force 51. There^^j^p ift^l Ac||i^|fli.JlHP ^ - R p o r t toCommander Task Forcei


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Operation PlanCornPhibsPac No, A25-44 (Annex (A) - General Instructions for the Amphibious Phase of the Operation)

command of Transport and Tractor Night Retirement Groups;and,when directed,-will assume command of-waiting groups in AreasCELLAR, PARLOR, and PORCH, "' . ; .;.'(d) Task Force 53, under Rear Admiral-HILL, will comprisetheAttack Force consisting, of transports, Landing Force troops,escorts, control vessels, and other assigned units. The Landing Force will be under the command of Major General Harry L. SCH&IDT,U.S.M.C., Commanding General, FIFTH Amphibious Corps. TheLanding-Force is composed of the THIRD, FOURTH, and FIFTH Marine Divisions,respectively commanded-by Major Generals ERSKINE, CATES, and ROCKEY,U.SfM.C. Upon landing, Garrison Force Troops not forming part ofthe assault troops will be under command of the Island Commander,who in turn will be under command of the Commanding General of theLanding Force, so long as the latter remains at the objective.(e) Task Force 54,'under M Admiral H M I , is the Gunfireand Covering Force, composed'of OBBs,cruisers, anddestroyers,-This force will assign vessels for executing shore bombardmentas required by Commander Task Force $2$ and will provide coverin the vicinity of the objective against enemy surface attack,(f) Task Group 51*1, under command of Commodore LOOMIS, will beone transport squadron carrying the THIRD Marine Division, underMajor General ERSKINE, U.S.M,C. as Expeditionary Troops Reserve,The THIRD Marine Division.is an integral part of the Landing Force,but it will be employed only when directed by.Commander Task Force56, as-approved by Commander Task Force 51 If ordered to landtroops, Task Group 51*1 will pass to command of Commander TaskForce 53, and upon landing, the troops will pass to the directcommand of the Commanding General, Landing Force,

3. Task Force 53 w,ill embark troops in the HAWAIIAN ISLANDS and holdpreliminary rehearsals there. Task Group 51*1 will embark troops atGUAM, Task Force 52-will assemble for preliminary training at ULITHI,All of Task Force 51, less TG 51.1 and Defense and Garrison Groups willthen assemble at SAIPAN for final rehearsals prior to proceeding to, theobjective. TG 511 will^not ^participate in SAIPAN rehearsals, but willsail from GUAM direcU^k the objective>k* Naval elfmritygifjjie Jo in t Exp ed itio na ry Force from HAWAII w i l lmove to M I W M J ^ . ^ ^ R u p p l y , and then to SAIPAN.. At SAIPAN, vesse lso th e r t h a n # ^ * i S A p s , t r a n sp o r t t y pe 0 , and LSTfs will be topped offwi th ^ u^t( | | /fehr |p^ Xir ~h are hot sel f-su stai nin g- in water w il l be toppedo^f a3 J% w B lir^ a s, rg^fulred. The movement of sup ply ve sse ls w il l be asCommander FIFTH F l e e t , ;

-"x , .(A) - 2


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Operation Plan General Instructions for the Am-'ComPhibsPac No. A25-44 ('Annex' (A) Fhase of the Operation)

5. The landing attack on IWO JIMA will be made on the southeastcoast>} (preferred), or on the northwest coast, (alternative plan),the landing being delayed as necessary, to ensure reasonably favorableweather. The Commander-*n Chief, U. S. Pacific FieH, has been requested to provide long-range weather forecasts. The Landing Force.Tactical Plan is outlined in Appendix (I).6. The Assault Troops will include selected elements of the Garrison Force. The main strength of our own shore anti-aircraft, coastalbattery elements, and ground aircraft formations will begin to arrive

at the objective one day after the initial landings* The Expeditionary Troops Reserve will be sent forward in time to arrive at theobjective on Dog plus 4Nft The succeeding garrison echelons willbegin to arrive at the objective about five days after the initiallandings, on order from the Senior Officer Present Afloat at theobjective. Garrison echelons, prior to proceeding to the objective,will go to "ENIFETOK or SAIPAN, as directed, to await orders of theSenior Officer Present ,Afloat at the objective.7. LCT's,self-propelled pontoon barges, and pontoon causewayswill be specifically assigned to, and operated under, the direction of the Transport Squadron Commanders, but the execution of

their orders will be carried out by the Commander Pontoon Barge andCauseway Group, in cooperation with Commander Task Force 53!s Beach-master, Upon withdrawal of Transport Squadron Commanders, thisequipment, plus the Boat Pool, will be turned over to the CommanderNaval Activities for operation under the Port Director* It is advisable to assign all water transport to the Boat Pool for operation,and the pontoon causeways to Gropac 11.8. Upon completion of the capture of IWO JIMA, and. upon being relieved by the 147th Army Infantry Regiment (from NEW CALEDONIA), theTHIRD, FOURTH, and the FIFTH Marine Divisions will be evacuated toGUAM, SAIPAN, and GUM!, respectively. Corps Troops will also be

evacuated to GUAM,9. Close cooperation must be effected between opposite numbersof the troops and the supporting elements of the Navy. Personalconferences will be held between the officers of the various services whose plans require coordination. This close personal cooperation must extend all the way from the top echelons down to andincluding boats1 crews and troops. It is most important that BeachParty and Shore Party Commanders prepare joint plans, and engage injoint training; whenever possible, these o ffic||y|kat leastnucleii of their parties will be ^baa^^p^JL^rM itailplyessels. Garrison Force plans must %%^^^ft%e(^^^ip3t^p|[^)^yij^Jgsault troops.


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Operation PlanComPhibsFac No. A25-44 (Annex (A) General Instructions for theAmphibious Fha.se of the Operation)

10. Island Commander, in advance of the forward movement, will organizeand instruct permanent Beach Parties and Shore Parties, and Port Directorand Troop Port Command Units. Nucleii of all these will be sent in withthe Attack Force, and form part of the assault Beach and Shore Parties.They will prepare for taking over from the assault Beach and Shore Parties,prior to withdrawal of these elements.11. Each service embarked in a vessel is responsible to the commandingofficer for guarding its own property against theft and loss. CommandingOfficers of vessels and troops v/ill ensure that effective steps are taken

to prevent such loss, and immediate reports will be made in case lossesoccur. After debarkation of troops, Commanding Officers of ships willcause a very careful search to be made to ensure that troop property lefton board is collected and safeguarded for return to the proper organizations,Disciplinary measures will be instituted where appropriate.12. All commanders, in advance of the operation-, will take steps to indoctrinate all hands against pillage and souvenir-hunting; and willassign specific responsibility for preventing pillage and souvenirhuntins. . ,

R. K. TURNER,Vice Admiral, U. S. NavyCommander T.F. 51Joint Expeditionary "t'orceand ComPhibsPac

Appendices:(I) - Landing Force Plan 3-44 (Preferred)

(II) - Landing Fore Plan 3-44 (Alternate)

der, USJEl.,

(A) - 4


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T \ >


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DET. 4 th MAR. PIV

I!FROM 5th MARDIV

XX

APPENDIX (II)TO ANNEX (A ) TO COMPHIBSPAC OP. PLAN A25-44

LANDING FORCE PLAN 3-44 (ALTERNATE)0 - 1 The landing will be made on Dog Day by two division s abre ast,

the FIFTH Marine Division on the right, the FOURTH Marine Divisionon the left. Each division will be embarked in a squadron transpo rtsand landing craft commanded by a Tran sport Squadron Commander indirec t control of the landings made by troops from his squadron. Com mander in dire ct control of the landings made by tro ops from his squadron. Commander Attack Fo rce , CTF 53, will coordinate the operationsof the two squadrons. Landing are as, boundaries and initial ob jective sare shown graph ically. Exploitation of the beachhead will be as circum stan ces indicate, following the general tac tical plan. If the Expeditionary Troop Re serv e is required to land, it will land as dir ected . Theday and night preceding the landings, reefs and approaches to beaches

wwii 1945 pacific task force 51

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