M-3(2e) Serial: 00040
Operation Plan ComFIFTHFleet Operation Plan No. 13-44
ANNEX G *„*••* .*, -^ ^ -,; ^ ,
INTELLIGENCE ANNEX
1. Available information of the enemy is being supplied as follows:
(a) "Estimate of Enemy Strength" (ULTRA) is issued weekly in letter form by JICPOA to a limited distribution list on a "need to know" basis.
(b) CinCPac bulletins are sent daily and special in despatch form (ULTRA) to the principal task force and task group commanders.
(c) " ifeekly Intelligence" bulletins published by JICPOA give gen eral information on enemy activities and are given wide distribution.
(d) CinCPac-Ci£L?OA bulletins containing detailed information on enemy bases are given wide distribution. Bulletin No. 122-44* Vol^s. I and II, covers NANPO SHOTO. Air target maps of enemy positions published by CinCPac-CinCPOA are given wide distribution.
(e) Models of objectives are produced by CinCPac-CinCPOA and are given maximum practicable distribution.
2. Tables of tides, daylight and dark for selected points are pub lished in CinCPac-CinCPOA Bulletin No. 153-44. These data for ITO JIMA are enclosed as Appendix III to Annex D of this plan.
3. Aerological information is contained in the Aerological Plan, Annex I of this plan. CinCPac-CinCPOA bulletins contain information on climatol ogy f°r the particular area.
4. Prisoners of war
Instructions regarding Prisoners of war are contained in PacFlt 43CL 44. Instructions regarding the "Interrogation of Prisoners of War" are also contained in War Department FM-30-15. Ships transporting prisoners of war from typhus areas should refer to PacFlt. Ltr. 23L-44 regarding pro visional pratique. On all ships and especially those that do not have Jap anese interpreters, the following publications should be kept available for use in handling prisoners of war:
(a) "Medical Terms & Phrases for Aid in Treating Japanese Patients", JICPOA Bulletin No. 84-44.
(b) "Elementary guide to Questioning Japanese Prisoners of <1 "Know Your Enemy'.", Addendum to CinCPac-CinCPOA 'Weekly Intelligence", Vol. I, No. 10.
•* ',. ?'• \ ' • • G - 1 BIT Serial: 00040
Operation Plan ComFIFTHFleet No. 13-/f/' X
5. Commanders concerned shall forward captured documents and materials of intelligence or operational value as expeditiously as possible to the Joint Intelligence Center, Pacific Ocean Areas* Particular attention should be paid to red covered books and charts with red borders. These should be forwarded promptly by officer messenger air mail to JICPOA. Instructions on this subject are contained in: (a) War Department FM-30-15. (b) "Captured Bhemy Material", PacFlt Conf. Ltr, 4CL-43 of 27 Feb. 1943 (c) "Care and Disposition of Radio and Radar Equipment Captured from Enemy", PacFlt.. Conf. Ltr. 35CL-43 of 12 Dee* (d) "Handling of Captured Enemy Material and Documents", PacFlt Ltr. 44L-44. 6. Souvenirs Instructions regarding souvenirs are contained in 5(d) above, and "Clearance of Souvenirs through Customs1 Authorities", Vice Chief of Naval Operations Serial 2883516 of 18 October 1943 (Navy Department Bulletin 43 1533), wherein it is stated: "It is the desire of the Navy Department to permit naval personnel not only to retain souvenirs which have been cleared by proper author ity, but also to facilitate the forwarding of souvenirs having like clearance back to the United States by those still in operational areas. ... Retention by individuals of such small items of enemy equipment is considered to be for the service of the United States and not in violation of any laws or regulations," (Underlining sup plied). Clearance certificates in duplicate signed by the individuals commanding officer are required* 7. Intelligence teams will be furnished by JICPOA to assist in the ex peditious examination of prisoners, materials and documents and the evalua tion of the intelligence information derived therefrom. These teams are also prepared to examine and stamp such captured equipment of souvenir value only. Their stj&mp is intended as an aid to commanding officers in determining whether or not clearance certificates should be issued, 8. Air technical intelligence teams will be furnished by Commander Air Force, Pacific Fleet and will accompany JICPOA teams, 9. Counter intelligence (a) Personnel, are ^forbidderTto1 "Tce^p diaries or other compromising : material. i .- * ^ r \t/C
Operation Plan 11 * 1 ^§< 1 «J *•& £~* ?**•** ComFIFTHFleet No, 13-44 (Annex G|^ J^5HgLg«iic«v*jftarid5c)^ '^•\-^ |.*' • w"4-* •*" 1£ *^ "^f •* T ^ ft • (b) All personnel shall be specifically instructed that in event of capture they are required to give, and will give, only name, rank, and serial number in response to questioning, and no more,
(c) Personnel who are aware of essential details of impending operations shall not be unnecessarily exposed to risk of capture by participation in preliminary landing operations or in flights over enemy territory or the zone of battle, except where absolutely necessary,
(d) No recipient of ULTRA intelligence shall be exposed unnecessarily to risk of capture. Such personnel shall not be permitted to fly over enemy held territory unless specific authority of the Co.tuTicinder in Chief, Pacific Ocean Areas is obtained in each instance,
(e) Instructions regarding security measures are contained in:
(1) Security measures before arrival in port, AINav 250 (1942),
(2) "Violation of Censorship Regulations", PacFlt. Ltr, 7L-44. (3) "The Absolute Necessitj' for Radio Silence", PacFlt Intelligence Bulletin No. 3-43 of 7 August 1943.
(4) Photographs of classified nature, AlPac 16 (1943).
(5) "Security of Information", PacFlt. Conf. Ltr. 27CL-44.
(6) Violations of censorship regulations, AlPac 88 (1944).
G - 3 INT End of Annex G A4-3(2e) Serial: 00040
Operation Plan ConFIFTHFleet No# 13-44
ANNEX H LOGISTIC PLAN
1. Logistic support for the NANPO SHOTO operation will be furnished in accordance with Annexes C %nd D to CinCPac and POA Operation Plan No, 11-44 (held by'task force and, task group commanders) and this plan.
2. Directives and information contained in this plan are supplementary to those contained in Annexes C and D cited in paragraph 1, Task force commanders will issue logistic plans for thudr forces ar. necessary, con forming with provisions of Annexes C and D of CinCPac and POA Operation Plan No, 11-44 and this plan,
3. (a) Services in the 1-JiBIAMAS and Western CAROLINES for Central Pacific Task Forces will be provided under the general direction of Commander Forward Area, Central Pacific, employing the facilities, under his control, furnish&d by Oormander Service Fores, Pacific Fleet, Commander Air Force, Pacific fleet, Commanding General, U, S, Army Forces, Pacific Oc (b) Services in the L{AI13F{AL1.S-GILBEHTS Area for Central Pacific Task Forces will be provided under the general direction of Commander MARSHALLS-GILBERT8 Area employing the facilities under his control furnished by Commander Service F (c) Commander; Service Scaadron 10, or hie designated representatives where present, shall administer the services provided afloat at an chorages in the kAPJAilAo, Western CAROLINES and at BlflUVSTOK (sco Appendix I)« (d) Application for services by forces afloat at bases or anchorages should be made to Commander Service Squadron 10 or his representative, if present. If no representative o.f Commander Service'Squadron 10 is present, application for services should be made to the naval base commander direct, 4, Logistic support at sea will be furnished by Commander Logistic Support Group (CTG 50,8) through facilities furnished him by Commander Service Force, Pacific Fleet, and Commander Air Force-., Pacific Fleet (see Appendices I, II, III), H - 1 LOG A4-3(2e) Serial: 00040 Operation Plan 9 ComFIFTHFleet No, 13-44 (Annex H - Logistic/P: 5. Task group commanders shall make all possible efforts to effect re plenishment of their groups whenever opportunity is afforded. Available time and facilities will not permit full replenishment of all supplies at sea from logistics ships, but full advantage must be taken of each oppor tunity to effect partial replenishment, 6. Supply (a) Fresh and frozen provisions (1) Available in AF and barges at ULITHI. (2) Available in AF at ENIYJETQK for forces staging through that port. (3) Available in AF at SAJ.PAN and GUM? for topping off forces staging through those ports, (4) Available; in converted L3T at objective for small ships of the AttajcJ£j[|orce, (5) Deliveries at the- objective cannot be expected until the amount of refrigerated shipping has been substantially increased, (6) Large ships will shn.ro their supplies with small ships as required, (7) Small .ships shall be given preference in issues. Carriers shall bo allocated additional supplies for flight personnel when ever available. Commanding officers of carriers shall make every effort to insure a continuing supply for flying peOonnel of their ships. All ships returning to main supply points shall transfer pro visions in excess of those required for return trip to other ships or shore activities before departure, as practicable-^ Group com manders and commanding' officers will anticipate such moves when ever possible in order to effect this transfer, (b) Dry provisions (1) Available in AK at ULITKI. (2) Available in AF and AK at EMI'vJSTOK for forces staging through that port. H - 2 LOG A4-3(2e) Serial: 00040 .Operation Flan ComFIFTHFleet No, 13-| \f4ff # f| (3) Available T*n $nancfAK'' or ashore at SAIPAN, and available in AK or ashore at GUAM for forces staging through the MARIANAS, (4) Available in AK with the Logistic"Support Group. This AK will be prepared to transfer supplies at sea,(In general, issues will be made only to DDls, DE's and other small ships. This limitation may be lifted by Commander Logistic Support Group when the supply situation permits.) (5) IX (tanker type) vdll carry limited amounts of dry provisions for issue, (6) Transfer of dry provisions shall be effected as outlined in paragraph (a)(8) above, (c) Ammunition '(1) Available in AE and AKE at UL1THI. (2)•Available'in AK (fast carrier loaded) with the Logistic Support Group. These ships vdll be prepared to transfer ammunition at sea. (3) Available in magazines at SAIPAN. (4) One AKE (type load) at SAIPAN by D day subject to orders of Commander Joint Expeditionary Force. ($) Available in assault shipping at the objective in accordance with instructions issued by Commander Joint Expeditionary Force. (6) Detailed loading lists of AE and AKE will be furnished all ships by the Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet, (7) For transfer of ammunition at sea. Commander Service Force, Pacific Fleet, for CV's, CVL's, CVE's, CA's, CL»s and CL(AA)'s, and Commander Destroyers, Pacific Fleet, for DD's, will insure that special gear necessary is available to ships in the forward areas and that instructions for i^tie procedure to be followed are in the hands of commanding officers. Commanding officers of the above mentioned types will be responsible for the necessary installa tions aboard their ships. Commander Service Force, Pacific Fleet, will insure that logistics ships assigned are properly outfitted for at sea transfer. H ~ 3 LOG m-j\ (8) Gonnand^r Lo^istiV QUPPOI'L Group shall have limited amounts of ammunition in addition to that in AE's and AKB's distributed among appropriate ships of his group in order to facilitate transfer to other ships during fueling, whon practicable to do so, (d) Fuels (1) Fueling at sea schedule for Fast Carrier Force is contained in Appendix I of Annex E of this operation plan, (2) Fueling facilities for forces staging through MARSHALLS bases will be allocated by Commander Service Squadron 10 Repre sentative/ ENIWETOK. (3) Deliveries of fuel by commercial tankers will be made to ETUViSTOK and ULITH! as required, (4) Two AOGfs will be assigned to the control of Commander Joint • Expedition-iry Force, These ships will carry diesel only and will be prepared to fuel small ships (DE, AM, PC, vSC, LCT, etc) under way, (5) Replcnislimont of A0Gf:3 w3,ll be arranged by Commander Logistic Support Group. (6) As a general rule, fleet oilers shall not be used for in- port fueling of small ships, except when station oilers are not present, (7) All ships fusl to capacity proscribed by task force com .uiartders prior'to departure from initial assembly ports and staging areas* (e) Lubricating oils (1) Available as outlined in Annexes C and D of CinCPac and POA Operation Plan Wo# 11-44• (2) L3T»s will carry limited amounts of Symbol 9370 in bulk for issue, (f) General stores (1) Available, an outlined in Annex on C and D of CinCPac and POA Operation Plan Mo, 11-44, (2) Limited quantities available in ships of the Logistic Support Group, ; ."v ^ _ ~*~ .Ut"§ }\ •<' JH- 4 " • " LOG A4-3(2e) Serial': ' 00040 Operation Plan ComPIFTHFleet No, 13-44 (Annex H - Logistic Plan) (g) Aircraft replacement (1) Available in CVE (4 available) furnished by Commander Air Force, Pacific Fleet, (2) Replacement of fast carrier aircraft in the vicinity of the objective is scheduled in Appendix I of Annex E of this operation plan, CVE's assigned to the Joint Expeditionary Force mil replace aircraft from the transport CVE's or GUAIii'pool dependent upon Fast Carrier Force requirements from transport CVH's. (3) Replacement aircraft, flight personnel, and aviation spare parts available as outlined in Annexes C and D o£ CinCPac and POA Operation Plan Mo, 11-44* (4) Certain ships vdLth the Logistic Support Group -will carry limited amounts of Section A spares supplied by Commander Air Force, Pacific Fleet, (h) Water > (1) Available as outlined in Annexes C and D of CinCPac and POA Operation Plan No, 11-44* (2) Two AOG-ts will be assigned to Commander Joint Expeditionary Force for service at staging points and will-be moved to the 3S/IAHIANAS subject to his operational control, 7» Salvage ships (a) Tugs and salvage ships will be available at MARIANAS bases as outlined in Annex C, CinCPac and POA Operation Plan No, 11-44• (b) The Towing and Salvage Plan is contained in Appendix II to this annex, 8, Repairs (a) Repair facilities available as outlined in Annexes C and D of CinCPac and POA Operation Plan No, 11-44, (b) One ARL and one ARB will accompany the Joint Expeditionary Force, (c) Attention is invited to CinCPac spcedlettor serial 05632 of 15 October concerning the six days per month availability requirement of diesel-powored ships for overhaul and upkeep, quoted in part as follows: j?'» r^j «, ..v., „ H - 5 •• .j I?*;.-; ;•.•• '* LOG A4-3(2e) t t Serial: 00040 Operation Plan IB?-**4 ** ComFIFTHFleet No. 13-44 (Annex H - Logistic Plal^'" £! \ ^ "ALL DIESEL DRIVEN SURFACE VESSELS L~ MAINTENANCE PERIODS FOR, "Progressive deterioration has resulted from lack of maintenance periods on many of the subject ships. Under av erage wartime conditions subject vessels are "at anchor" ap proximately half the time* These periods are seldom utilised for upkeep because of the "stand-by" condition required. Un interrupted upkeep periods averaging six days per month under normal fleet operations of 300-400 hours per month are neces sary to permit accomplishment of BuShips or manufacturer's pre scribed progressive maintenance and must be included in operat ing schedules* Periods may be assigned in one six-day period or two three-day periods each calendar month. Vessels unable to meet this minimum schedule for any reason during the previ ous month will report by speedletter to their type administra tive commands giving full explanation . . ,H (d) All task force and task group commanders shall grant upkeep periods to units of their force or group whenever the military situation will permit, 9# Damaged ships (a) Battle damage repair facilities available as outlined in Annexes C and D of CinCPac & POA Operation Plan No, 11-44• (b) Ships requiring battle damage repairs will proceed under their own power or be towed to MARIANAS bases, ENIWETQK or ULITHI, depend ent upon the nature and extent of repairs and the military situation, 10, Medical (a) Hospital ships (1) Four AH's will be available for this operation. These four AH's will be initially stationed as follows: 2 AH's at SAIPAN anchorage by D minus 2 2 AH's at ULITHI by D Day Commander Joint Expeditionary Force will request Commander Forward Area, Central Pacifict to sail hospital ships to the objective as required. Commander Joint Expeditionary Force will return AH's to MARIANAS for discharge. H Serial:. 0Q040 Operation Plan GomFIFTHFleet No. 13-44 (Annex H - Logistic (2) Air evacuation from the objective to the MARIANAS -will be instituted by Commander Forward Area, Central Pacific, as soon as the military situation will permit, upon request of Commander Joint Expeditionary Force. (3) Evacuation (air and surface) from the MARIANAS to rear areas will be supervised and directed by Commander Forward Area, Central Pacific. 00 Medical stores (1) Available as outlined in Annexes C and D of CinCPac and POA Operation Plan No. 11-44. (2) Available in ships with the Lo^istic Support Group* (3) Commander Service Squadron 10 will maintain (initially at ULITHI) supplies as follows: a« Biologicals - Plasma - Pencillin. t>. Malarial suppressive drugs. £. Expendable supplies, surgical instruments and other non expendables: YF 7#7 - 100,000 men for 30 days. USS LIGNITE (barge) - 150,000 men for 30 days. USS SILICA (barge) - 150,000 men for 30 days. USS MARL (barge) - 150,000 men for 30 days. d. Ten combat blocks (3,000 men for 30 days combat), _e. Ten garrison blocks (3,000 men for 30 days garrison). (4) Each of the following ships will carry expendable supplies for 100,000 men for 30 days: USS CASTOR (AKS l) USS CHELEB (AK 13d) USS LUNA (AKS 7) USS GIANSAR (AK 111) USS VOLANS (AKS 9) USS ASCELLA (AK 137) USS TALITA (AKS 8) USS AZIMECH (AK 124) USS KOCHAB (AKS 6) USS ALKES (AK 110) USS SHAUX+A (AK, US) ^ . USS RUTICULUS(AK 113) A4-3(2e) Serial: 00040 Operation Plan f ? <% ComFIFTHFleet No, 13-44 (Annex H - Logistic Plaii) (5) Each fleet oiler will carry following loads (approximately 60 day supply for complement: 1 BB or CV load 1 CA, CL, CVL or CVE load 4 DD, DE loads (6) Attention is invited to Force Medical Officer, Service Force, Pacific Fleet, letter, "Medical Stores Available for Fleet Issue", mailed in late August 1944 to all medical officers. This letter gives in detail the composition of units of supply listed above. 11, personnel replacements (a) Each fleet oiler will carry approximately 50 men for transfer to fleet units, (b) Fleet oilers and other ships of the Logistic Support Group will be prepared to receive limited numbers of personnel for return to forward areas for further transfer, (c) Commander Logistic &xp&$rt Group shall issue necessary instruc- • tions concerning transfer of personnel for the information of all ships. APPENDICES; I - Operating Instructions II - Towing and Salvage Plan III - Replenishment Schedule H - 8 LOG AA-3{2e) Serial: 00040 Operation Plan. ComFIFTHFleet No, 13-44 (Annex H - Logistic Plan) APPENDIX I | ^ OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS 1. General plan for the operation of the Logistic Support Group (T.G, 50.8) (a) The Logistic Support Group, under the command of a rear admiral designated by Commander Service Force, Pacific Fleet, composed as follows: Fleet oilers Ammunition ships Replacement transport CVE* s Dry provision ships (if available) Refrigerated provision ships (if available) General stores ships (if available) Aviation supply ships (if available) Escort CVEfs Towing and salvage ships Screen (DD's and DEfs) will furnish logistic support to units of Central Pacific Task Forces at sea and as may be directed by Commander Central Pacific Task Forces (Commander FIFTH Fleet). (b) Commander Logistic Support Group shall; (1) Be responsible to Commander Central Pacific Task Forces for logistic support of the fleet at sea. (2) Be embarked in a suitable flagship designated by the Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet. (3) Direct the movements and coordinate the operations of all units assigned to the Logistic Support Group. (4) Take tactical command of all units of his group present and such other units as may be placed under his operational control. (5) 6upervise replenishment operations at sea, (6) Arrange with area, Service Force, or type commanders for the replenishment of units of his group in order to meet the logistic requirements of the Central Pacific Task Forces. ~ I - 1 LOG A4-3(2e) Serial: 00040 Operation Plan C (7) Keep Commander Central Pacific Task forces informed of the logistics situation by fastest means that the condition of radio security permits. (8) Operate logistic support vessels in accordance with the follow ing general instructions: a. Fleet oilers 1.* When advantageous to do so and time permits, consolidate cargoes of fleet oilers in order to expedite return of emp ties to reloading points. 2* ENIWETOK will be the reloading point until otherwise directed by Commander Central Pacific Task Forces, Commander Logistic Support Group will make recommendations to Commander Central Pacific Task Forces if it becomes more practicable to use other reloading points or if it is necessary to re load fleet oilors at sea from chartered tankers, 2, After D plus 4 maintain a minimum of six fleet oilers in the assigned operating area. b. Ammunition ships * 1, Provide facilities for replenishment of ammunition. 2, Maintain a minimum number of ammunition ships at sea consistent with estimated requirements, ^, Maintain moderate stocks of replacement ammunition in appropriate vessels in company in order to augment the number of sides available to fleet units. £• Replacement transport CVE!s 1. Complete discharge of replacement carriers by discharge of one carrier at a time, in so far as practicable, in order to maintain a maximum number of aircraft aboard replacement carriers in company and expedite return for reloading of carriers discharged. £. Effect delivery of spares and "fly away" change packs through replacement carriers and other available ships. 'I- ;•.* «•*•'! - 2 LOG A4-3(2e) Serial: 00040 Operation Plan 9™%wmm «. ComFIFTHFleet No. 13^44 (Anncfc• ^OfLsftcfr*|?hf"»J»rtfe-r Op Instructions) 2« Consolidate relief pilots and aircraft personnel from departing transport carriers to those remaining in area at discretion, j±* Return replacement transport carrier units to GUAM when their replacement aircraft have been discharged, or sooner if advisable, £• Require replacement transport carriers to report to Com mander Forward Area, Central Pacific> for reloading in accordance with instructions of Commander Air Force, Pacific Fleet, representative, &• Dry and refrigerated provisions ships 3,, Make a maximum amount of issues compatible with the time available and' the number of ships Requiring services,"in order to expedite turn-around of provision ships. 2. Return provision ships to appropriate port* for discharge of remnant cargoes and onward routing for reloading, £, Transfer the maximum amount of provisions from oilers to ships being fueled in order to utilize maximum sides for provision transfer, ^» Maintain at sea only those provision ships required to me$t requirements of the Central Pacific Task Forces in the combat area, £• General stores and aviation supply ships 1, Normal supply will be in port, but a ship if available will accompany the Logistic Support Group for limited supply to forces at sea, * 2, Limited supplies of general stores will be available in ships of Logistic Support Group, f, Medical stores Maintain standard stock of combat medical packs on oilers and other appropriate vessels. k :'"• - - HAI-3' • LOG A4-3(2e) Serialj 00040 Operation Plan ComFIFTHFleet No, 13-44 (Annex H - Logistic Plan; App, I - Op Instructions) IIP ? **& % if's** \ ' &• Personnel r}' * i I ^ 1» Distribute replacement enlisted personnel frofe pool aboard vessels of Logistic Support Group in accordance with instruc tions of Commander Service Force, Pacific Fleet, 2, Inform ship and unit commanders of nem.es of ships desig nated to receive personnel for further transfer,' h. Towing and salya^e ships Direct movements ox towing and salvage ships as required by Commander Central Pacific Task Forces (see Appendix II). (9) Require his group to be at assigned initial points at 0700 (zone minus 10) on the day designated, unless otherwise specifically scheduled, (10) Provide escorts for units of his group returning to reloading points, (11) All of the above duties specified for Commander Logistic Support Group may be delegated by him when necessary to the commander of a unit of his group not in company with the group commander, 2 # The Commander Service Squadron 10 (CTG 50,9) shall: (a) Provide direct support to units of the Central Pacific Task Forces in all ports where he has a representative, (b) Maintain at Forward Area ports the sources of replenishment, and expedite reloading and departure of units of the Logistic Support Group that return to these ports for that service. (c) Issue capacity loads of provisions to fleet oilers when reloading. (d) Keep Commander Central Pacific Task Forces, Commander Logistic Support Group, Commander Forward Area7 Central Pacific and Commander Service Force, Pacific Fleat,""informed by frequent reports of the logistics situation at reloading points, (e) Maintain prescribed stock levels of all logistic materials, (f) Maintain liaison with related shore-based supply agencies. LOG A4-3(2e) Serial: 00040 Operation Plan ComPIFTHFleet jjo. 13-44 (Annex H - Logistic Plan; App, I - Op Instructions) (g) Provide routine i(£4rit(EMl b^t^4''d!8u^age^3(ljBj^i' facilities for all forces employed, (a) Insure provision of camels, fenders, and similar equipment to prevent damage to ships alongside logistics ships, 3» the Commander Forward Areaf Central Pacific, (CTF 94) shall: (a) Maintain established supply levels at bases in the Forward Area. (b) Insure availability of logistic requirements for forces employed in this operation at times and places specified in this plan or in accordance with directives of Commander Central Pacific Task Forces. (c) Keep Commander Central Pacific Task Forces informed of any major change in the logistics situation. (d) Exercise general supervision over logistic support agencies within his area, inc3.uding loading and routing of replacement CVE^, (e) Inform Commander Central pacific Task Forces, Commander Logistic Support Group, and major task force commanders of the movement of logistics ships into the combat area, (f) Route and sail garrison and maintenance shipping echelons to objectives as requested by Commander Joint Expeditionary Force, (g) Be prepared to deliver emergency supply packs to TO JIMA by para chute on request of Commanding General, Expeditionary Troops, 4« Commander MARSHALLS-GILBSRTS Area will; (a) Exercise general supervision over logistic support agencies in his "area in order to furnish maximum support to units of the Central Pacific Task Force3 staging through his area. (b) Route and «ail garrison and maintenance shipping echelons to the Forward Area or the objective as requested by Commander Forward Area, Central Pacific, or Commander Joint Expeditionary Force* 5« Commander Service Squadron 10 representatives at MARSMaULS bases shall carry out, ae far as facilities permit> the duties prescribed for Commander Service Squadron 10 in paragraph 2 above as required by units of Centra} Pacific Task Forces. • 6. Operating areas (a) Operating areas have been prescribed in Annex D of this operation . plan. Areas assigned to the Logistic Support.Group are contained in Appendix I to Annex E of this operation plan, H mm T •«* $jk ¥ *y \ '• T.On M-3(2e) Serial: 00040 Operation Plan ComFIFTHFleet I«p|$i|^^(Att$eXH^ tbgistic Plan; App, I - Op Instructions) (b) Additional fueling areas will be designated by Commander Central Pacific Task Forces as the military situation may require, (c) Fueling areas are rectangles whose axes lie northwest-southeast. The initial point is at the southern corner of the area. The south eastern boundary is a line extending 30 miles northeast from the initial point, and the southwestern boundary is a line extending 120 miles northwest from the initial point• (d) When additional fueling areas are designated, the initial point will be given and an area automatically established as described in paragraph 6(c) above. H - I - 6 LOG Serial: 00040 Operation Plan **?$&&* » *** r^ *s *** V- 7* *** ComFIFTHFleet No# O^4 jJWheX, If- Xbg;ist^ P^ln; App« I - Op Instructions) (b) Additional fueling areas will be designated by Commander Central Pacific Task Forces as the military situation may require• (c) Fueling areas are rectangles whose axes lie northwest-southeast. The initial point is at the southern corner of the area. The south eastern boundary is a line extending 30 miles northeast from the initial point, and the southwestern boundary is a line extending 120 miles northwest from the initial point, (d) When additional fueling areas are designated, the initial point will be given and an aroa automatically established as described in paragraph 6(c) above* p- f; , ,* .is.., H - I - 6 LOG A4~3(2e) Serial: 00040 Operation Plan ComFIFTHFleet Mo. 13-44 (Annex H - Logistic Plan) APPENDIX II TOOTING AND SALVAGE PLAN 1, Salvage ships The following salvage ships will be available; (a) South Pacific Area 1 ATO 1 ATA (Subject to arrangements with 1 ATR 2 ARS Commander South Pacific Area) 3 ATF (b) MARSHALL Islands area (Commander MARSHAIXS-GILBSRTS Area) 1 ATO (c) MARIANAS area (Service Squadro n10) 6 ATF 3 ATO 4 ATR 2 ARS . (d) MARIANAS area (Service Squadron 12) 2 ARS (small wood) 2 ATR (e) With Logistic Support Group 4 ATF (f) With Joint Expeditionary Force 3 ARS 2 ATF 2 ATR 2, Commander Logistic Support Group shall maintain salvage ships in company in immediate readiness to proceed to the assistance of damaged ships when directed by Commander Central Pacific Task Forces. 3, Commander Joint Expeditionary Force shall maintain one ARS or ATR and one ATF on ready duty to replace salvage ships ordered out of the Logistic .Support Group. H A4-3(2e) Serial: 00040 Operation Plan ComFIFTHFleet No. 13-44 (Annex, - Towing & Salvage) 4, Commander Service Squadi%# *1#vafeftl* maintain one ARS and one ATF on ready duty in the MARIANAS area to move forward to the objective to replace salvage ships ordered to the Logistic Support Group from the Joint Expedi tionary Force. 5, Replacement of salvage ships directed in paragraphs 3 and 4 above will be effected by Commander Joint Expeditionary Force and Commander Service Squadron 10, without directive other than notification that active salvage operations at sea are in progress, unless specific orders to the contrary are received from Commander Central Pacific Task Forces. H - II - 2 LOG A4-3(2e) Serial: 00040 Operation Plan ComFIPTKFleet No. 13-44 (Annex H - Logistic APPENDIX III SCHEDULE 1, Fast Carriei* Force replenishment (a) The Fast Carrier Force shall fully replenish ail supplies prior to departure from ULITIII from facilities furnished by Commander Service Squadron 10• (b) Fast Carrier Force replenishment schedule is set forth in Appendix I to Annex E of this operation plan, (c) All ships of the Fast Carrier Force should be given opportunity to replenish at sea in order to perfect proposed methods of transfer of supplies from logistic shipping. 2, Joint I&:p@dit:lonary Force (a) Facilities for replenishment \?ill be provided at I2£D.£T0K for those units staging through that port* These facilities "will be administered by Commander Service Squadron 10 Representative, EIU1JET0K. (b) Facilities for replenishment in the IIARIANA8 will be provided at SAIPAN and GUAL under the general supervision of Commander Forward Area, Central Pacific, and under the command of Commander Service Squadron 10 Representative, SAIPAN, and Commander Service Squadron 10 Representative, GUA11. If a representative of Commander Service Squadron x10 is not pre sent at these ports, the naval base commanders, as direct representatives of Commander Forward Area. Central Pacific, in the respective ports, v&ll administer the service facilities, v (c) Fire support ships equipped to do so should bo given opportunity to replenish at sea in order to determine the feasibility of this method of supply, 3.. Replenishment not scheduled in this operation, plan will be arranged as follows: (a) Commander Joint ISxpeditionary Force and Commander Fast Carrier Force shall advise Commander Logistic Support Group, information Comr rnander Qentral Pacific Task Forces (Commander FIFTH Fleet), of" their logistic requirements as far in advance as practicable, stating the number and types of ships to be replenished, approximate, amounts of items required, and the date it is desired to effect replenishment in an assigned area* H - III - 1 Serial: 00040 Operation Plan f K& £^f ft && m psmmme ComFIFTHFleet No, 13PW' %$ffiftxj| C'l^^ffjjI^JjHj App, Ill - Replenishment) £ Commander Logistic Support Group vdll coordinate replenishment schedules of the various groups and inform interested commanders if.".it is necessary to effect replenishment on a date other than that requested. (c) Commander Central Pacific Task Forces "will assign operating areas for replenishment as far in advance as practicable, (d) Commander Logistic Support Group is authorized to allocate fleet oilers for temporary duty in the vicinity of the objective for services to the assault forces, (e) Commander Logistic Support Group is authorized to shift operating areas when the military situation 30 requires. He will immediately inform Commander Central Pacific Task Forces, information task force commanders, of such a shift of areas, 4. Fleet oiler assignments (a) Twenty-seven fleet oilers are assigned to the Logistic Support Group for fleet support, (b) Six fleet oilers are assigned to Commander Forward Area, Central Pacific, for local operations in the Forward Area but will be made available to. Commander Logistic Support Group for fleet support if re quired. (c) Fleet oilers will be initially located as follows: D minus 20 - 15 at ENIVJETOK 12 at ULITHI " D minus 10 - 6 (paragraph (b) above) at SAIPAN (d) Fleet oilers allocated in paragraph (c) will be available for services to forces located in or staging through the ports named until required to proceed in accordance wi£h the orders of the Commander Logistic Support Group. (e) The Commander Logistic Support Group shall operate fleet oilers to meet the fuel requirements of Central Pacific Task Forces, H - III - 2 End of Annex H , LOG Serial: 00040 Operation Plan ComFIFTHFleet No. 13-44 ANNEX I L . .- ; f j. AERGLOGICAL PLAN 1, The information contained herein is of particular benefit to aerological officers concerned with this operation and shall be made available to them. 2. Weathsr services required from our forces (a) By the SOPA at the objective Weather reports shall be made commencing immediately after arrival at the objective and continued until an aerological station is established ashore. Lake routine 0000, 0600, 1200 and 1800 GCT reports. (b) By land based aircraft Officers having operational control of search aircraft squadrons shall: (1) Provide as much information as possible of typhoons or severe storms which are within searching distance of their bases. By making special reconnaissance, locate the centers, and determine the intensity of these storms whenever possible. Reconnaissance planes should re port storm conditions in the air at the time of observation and make further search and reports as instructed by the base. These reports should be forwarded to the fleet immediately. (2) Make special we:-U ;r reconnaissance of any area when ordered by Commander FIFTH Fle^t, using the procedure outlined in paragraph (l) above. (3) Provide a short daily dispatch summary of weather as encountered by search planes, emphasizing weather which indicates the presence or formation of a typhoon, severe storm, or front. Address this dispatch to Commander FIFTH Fleet, Commander Forward Area, Central Pacific (Commander Task Force 94), and All Task Group Commanders, FIFTH Fleet, using precedence OP. This summary does not replace the regular search plane reports required by subparagraph (4) below. (4) Submit regular patrol plane reports to the nearest weather central in accordance with standard instructions. (c) By Fast Carrier Force Make weather reconnaissance by carrier plane to investigate areas in which the weather may be dangerous to the operations of the Fast Carrier Force and/or other fleet forces in the area. 1-1 ')>'??? jL ..<-. . '• / •". - AERO A4-3(2e) S&rial 00040 Operation Plan ComFIFTHFleet No. 13-44 (Annex I - Aerological Plan) 3. leather reports requested from other forcejll f>»y 11 jp | I (a) 3y land based aircraft *>>'* ...; Squadron commanders of heavy bomber and very heavy bomber squadrons are requested to continue present requirement of forwarding weather reports after every flight. (b) By submarines The following has been requested from Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet: (l) A13. submarines are to continue present policy of including a weather report with #11 transmissions whenever possible. (2) Three submarine reports, beginning 1 January 1945* are required daily; from the area between FORMOSA and TOKYO. These are to be pro vided at random in any manner designated by Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet. During critical periods a few additional reports will bo requested from Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, by Weather Central, nSATJL IIAU30R, if necessary. (3) During the critical five days prior to any carrier strike on the Empire, any submarine encountering storm conditions will report same, making a special report if necessary. 4. Weather, services and reports furnished by shore stations (a) From Commander in Chief, Pacific Ocean Areas The Commander in Chief, Pacific Ocean Areas, will act as coordinating agency to see that all units receive the following: (1) Complete Western PACIFIC map analyses (including Russian and China areas) from Weather Central, PilARL HARBOR, or Weather Central, GUAM, when the latter is ready. (2) Reports from the western Aleutian Group on the PEARL HARBOR or GUAM broadcasts. (3) Aircraft weather reports from the northern PHILIPPINES, MARIANAS and PALAU air searches and strikes. (4) Typhoon or storm warnings when a typhoon or severe storm is in the area of operations. (5) Long range forecasts as pracJjd^l^E. , • »^3^ $** &i J j j£ « +»- •*» *•*- * AERD Serial: 0004.0 Operation Plan ComFIFTKFleet No. 13-44 (Annex I - AerologicaTPlan) •M q« ••• mm mm ^ •» «^« «*• •«• MM *» mm> MM* *•» •*• •• mm mm mm mm «• ^ <^» «M aw MM «OT ••• «» (b) From Weather Central. PEARL HARBOR T^i " ' ' • • ' '• "• ' " ' T • • ' • • ,i '> - , »\ * (1) Provide items listed under paragraph"4(a), as assigned by tho Qommander in Chief, Pacific Ocean Areaa, (2) Assist Comrrui. laer Submarine Force, Pacii'ic Fleet, as required by paragraph 3(fc;(<0. (3) Rebroadcast all submarine reports received* (c) From Weather Central, GUAM (1) Provide items listed under paragraph 4(a), as assigned by the Commander in Chief, Pacific Ocean Areas. (2) Provide as complete a coverage of the area between the MAi-iIAUAS and JAPAN as possible, especially utilizing the long range aircraft which strike JAPAN. Our carrier strikes on the , Empire will require maximum weather assistance from all Army and Navy aircraft based in the MARIANAS. This assistance has been specifically requested by letter, 5* Special instructions for forces afloat .for making weather reports (a) Ships and stations initiating "weather reports address same to Radio GUAM (NPN) and Fleet Weather Central (RIME WING). Make reports at 0000, 0600, 1200 and 1800 GCT. Ordinarily the SOPA at the objective will transmit regular weather reports (paragraph 2(a)); however, weather reports are needed from all enemy areas. The SOPA of units which might be ordered to other objectives for strike, bombardment, occupation or special purposes will include weather reports with dispatches when radio silence is broken. Use CSP 1300A or plain language prior to enciphering with ECM. (b) Maximum security is obtained by making weather reports in land station form using the current "K" cipher and employing station numbers instead of a position. Because of the numerically enci phered latitude and longitude, the ship report form is not secure and shall not be used* Reports should be made as follows: (l) The SOPA having normal radio communiGation make regular six- hourly (0000, 0600, 1200 and 1800 GOT) reports in land station form using the current "K" cipher and the station number listed in paragraph 5(e), Address reports to Radio GUAM (NPN) and Weather Central, PEARL HARBOR (RIME WING). \ T. ''$> ' AERO A4-3(2c) ' Serialt 00040 Operation Plan ComFIFTHFloet No. 13-44 (2) SOPA's of units at other places than the main objective add weather reports to any radio transmission using CSP 1300A which is provided for this purpose, Two or three reports daily are sufficient. If CSP 1300A is not carried, use plain language and encipher the report along with the rest of the dispatch, A dis patch to which weather has been addod need not be addressed to weather agencies; normal communication facilities will deliver them, (c) Breaking raffio-silence Any task group* ship or aircraft not in company with Commander FIFTH Fleot shall break radio silence and report indications of a typhoon or severe storm, by operational priority dispatch, unless such violation of radio silence will jeopardize the operations in progress. All shore activities shall report indications of heavy weather by operational priority dispatch. Use pjp precedence OP in reporting; storms All units aro gfuthoriaed and instructed to use precedence OP whon there are definite indications of a typhoon or severe storm existing or forming in the vicinity. These indications are as follows; (1) Tffhen pressures are below normal and continuing to fall* (2) When surface winds are greater than 25 knots* (3) When upper wind.? show an abnormal increase in velocity and/or a significant change in direction, (4) When heavy sea swells are present, (e) Weather station numbers are assigned as follows: SHJ.NCHIKU, FORMOSA TAKAO, FORMOSA 022 HAM J1KA 030 TOKASHIKI JIVA, KERAUA RETTO 031 KOSHUN, FOEJ^OSA 640 HOKO ESTTO (PESCADORES Is.) 641 TAIHOKU, FORMOSA 642 AGINCOURT (HOKASHO) 643 KARENKO, FORJcOSA 644 ISHIGAKI JIK; 645 A4~3(2e) Serial: 00040 Operation Plan . .-**»«• & -; *•» * ^ ComFIFTHFleet No, 13-44 (Annex I - Aerological W If p. vVV* *T"-H MHAKO JIMA, ** <£6~y(k" '«*'" * fij ^ NAHA, OKINAWA JIMA 647 RASA JI M (OKINO DAITO JIMA) 643 MINAMI DAITO JIMA 649 NAZE, AMAMI 0 JIMA. 650 CHICHI JIM 660 IWO JIMA 661 6# Special instructions for aerological officers (a) Obtain latest information from the nearest weather central, par ticularly on matters concerning broadcasts and ciphers. Obtain the new submarine 15 group code which is now being used. Study carefully the elements listed in paragraph 12 of Appendix I to this annex. (b) Russian ciphers are not available for distribution. Therefore, the map analyses from the weather centrals must be used for this area. (c) Chinese broadcasts are using the same cipher as is currently in use in the Central PACIFIC. Latest information on these broadcasts is listed in ALPACS 265 and 269. (d) Supervise outgoing weather reports and instruct junior aerological officers both ashore and afloat to improve their reports, particularly regarding cloud, data^ including direction of motion of high and low clouds and swell data. Use special group with indicator 0 (zero) (see Code Tables for 1942 Weather Code, Part II, page 24). (e) Aerological officers of commands which operate search planes have special responsibilities in obtaining information on typhoons and storms as outlined in paragraph 2(b). They must carefully brief pilots as to the weather they may expect on their searches, They alsp must impress upon the pilots the great value of their weather reports to the fleet, (f) Since the major weather broadcasts from GUAM have not yet been established, information on this station will be furnished by the Commander in Chief, Pacific Ocean Areas, in an ALPAC dispatch. Sim ilarly, the Commander in Chief, Pacific Ocean Areas, will issue infor mation on PHILIPPINE broadcasts, and particularly on the aircraft searches north of UJZON, as soon as this information is available. Appendix I - Detailed Weather Summary for IWO JIMA for month of February* A4-3(2e) Serial: 00040 Operation Pj.au ComFIFTHFleet Np, 13-44 (Annex I - Aerological APPENDIX I, Y/EATHER SUMMARY FOR IWO JIM AND THE SEA AREA EAST OF JAPAN FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY 1» Wind (a) Percentage of wind from each direction. JIMA SEA AREA EAST OF JAPAN Direction Percent Average Velocity Percent Avcra^ie Velocity (Knots) 1[Knots) N 23 11 24 20 NE 12 9 11 18 E 4 8 7 12 SE 3 9 6 12 S 5 13 6 Ik sw 5 9 9 15 vr 9 10 14 16 37 11 22 19 Calm 2 •— 1 — (b) Velocities. IWO JIMA SEA AREA EAST OF JAPAN Percentage of days with wind 10 knots or less 40 10 Percentage of days with wind 10 to 15 knots 40 20 Percentage of days with wind 1£ to 20 knots 15 Perc«ntag& of days with wind 20 to 30 knots 4 55 Percentage of days with gales (over 30 knots) 1 10 5 (c) Average mean velocity IWO JIMA 11 knotsj sea area 15 knots, Maximum expected velocity IWO JIMA 45 knots, sea area 50 knots, 2, State of weather IWO JBiA SEA AREA EAST OF JAPAN Percentage of days with rain 9 27 Percentage of days cloudy 45 49 Percentage of days partly cloudd y 26 15 Percentage of days clear 20 7 Percentage of days with fog none 2 AERO Serial: 00040 Operation Plan ComFIFTHFleet No. 13-44 (Annex I - Aero.; App* I - Weather Summary) f ^ 3. Swell (a) Percentage* of swell from each direction, IWO JBLA SEA AREA EAST OF JAPAN Direction Percent Percent N 24 35 NE 14 12 E 7 8 SE 5 6 S 0 4 sw 6 4 w 10 4 29 22 None 5 5 (b) Height of swell. IWO JIMA SEA AREA EAST OF JAPAN Percentage of swell 0-1 feet 7 5 Percentage of swell 1-6 feet 30 25 Percentage of swell 6-12 feet 30 35 Percentage of swell over 12 feet 33 35 4« Precipitation chart Jan Mar Apr Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dee jx \ AERO A4-3(2e) Serial: 00040 Operation Plan ComFIFTHFleet No, 13-44 (Annex I - Aero,; App, I - Weather Summary) 5* Conditions affecting naval operations I * ",«"*' (a) Anchorages at IWO JIM ^ * ^ v ' -• ** •*- • • -—^ The only anchorage available is the area in the lee of the island. The protected area southeast of the island will be used almost exclu sively because of the prevailing northerly winds, (b) Open sea outside anchorages Moderately rough seas with a constant swell from the north may be expected, The best days of moderate northeast or east wind and light northerly swell will be found 15% of the time, (c) Fueling In the IWO JIMA area, the further east the fueling areas the better (because the lows move to the northeast along the NANSEI Islands and to the east of the Japanese mainland)• Fueling south of Latitude 27-00 N should not be difficult; fueling north of latitude 27-00 N would be very difficult, (d) Carrier operations (1) Carriers will have plenty of wind and sea but should have little difficulty while operating southeast of a line running northeast- southwest through IWO JIM, Northwest of this line and particu larly in raids on the Empire, intense storms may be encountered. Carrier strikes on the Empire will require flexibility in timing to allow for obtaining satisfactory weather, (2) Very frequently (so frequently they can be almost depended upon), lows form just northeast of FORMOSA and move straight for TOKYO. These lows must be carefully watched since they develop rapidly as they approach TOKYO. The most favorable time to strike TOKYO is just after one of these lows has moved off to the eastward of JAPAN, We obtain the following advantages: a. Launching carriers several hundred miles east of JAPAN will be under a solid overcast with ceiling of 1500 to 2000 feet, while TOKYO will be in the clear (ideal situation), b. During the approach, the storm will be located south of the Empire between the carriers and the objective. A4-3(2e) Serial: 00040 Operation Plan ComFIFTHFleet No4 33-44 (Annex I •% £« After a storm passsfe, two or three days of good weather at the target may be expected, d. The carrier force may be able to withdraw under cover of the next low moving toward TOKYO. The only disadvantage conceivable in this method of attack is that the wind may be ve:rr strong from north or northwest after the storm passes TOKYO, The wind may be so strong that we may have to delay launching (particularly from CVL's) until conditions improve, (e) Aircraft Flying should prove good in the IWO JIM area except when lows or storms pass through this area. During such storm periods the rain is continuous and flying virtually impossible for two or three days at a tiiik... The icing level is found at about 10,000 feet during February ana Karch in this area, (f) Seaplanes (1) Shelter The IWO JIMA seaplane area must of necessity be placed on tho south side of the island and as close to the island as possible. This location will provide protection from the sea and swell 75$ of the time. (2) Winds A wind from the southern arc (east around to the south and south west) will make sea conditions difficult 20% of the time. Maximum velocity from this direction is 40 knots. Some of the strongest winds are from the southwest and south (when lows move up to the northwest of the island). See map of storm tracks, page I-I-8, Most of the storms move from OKINAWA to the northeast, clearing IWO JIMA to the northwest. Only when the storms come close do strong southerly winds occur, (3) PjLane safety No great difficulty is forseen in protecting planes from severe weather. Most of the blows are northerly and sufficient protection is available. Some blows occur from the south and southwest, but ordinarily a wind of over 30 knots is not expected (see paragraph 1, this appendix). The greatest difficulty envisioned in this plan is AERO A4-3(2e) Serial: 00040 Operation Plan T ComFIFTHFleet No, 13-44 (fu^nex *r $ Agf-o\; .ljb& i*r 'Wither Summary) the takeoff, During strong southerly weather (lasts only a few days at a tine) operations must be cancelled. During northerly weather the winds-are fresh and a shorter takeoff distance is required, The planes will have to rind the location where the best protection is afforded. In a m 'l\ easterly wind little protection of any kind is possible* 6, Conditions affect,in/? amphibious operations at IWQ JIKA (a) Landing beaches An almost continuous northerly swell tdth predominating north or northwo."t winds would indicate an 80$ certainty of having to use the sout!'eastern beaches. Maximum protection should, bo found at the north east corner of this beach. There is a 10% chance of fair weather with light northeast or east wind and swell, in which case the southwestern beaches or both beaches could be used. There is also a 10$ chance of fresh northoast winds and swell when neither of the beaches would be satisfactory, (b) Surf and swell A well developed northerly swell of between 6 and 12 feet is expected most of the time in the open sea. This means a heavy surf on exposed beaches and a light surf on protected beaches over 120 degrees from the swell directiofi. No southerly swell should occur at this time of the year, (c) Boating conditions Boating conditions may bo difficult but not dangerous. No small boats should be lost duo to gales at IW0 JIKA except during the typhoon season in late summer. Strong southerly or northeasterly blows will make it very difficult to pivtoet boats* Ho>iover, a blow of ovsr 30 knots from these directions is not expocbod-c Fortunately, the heaviest blows are from the northwest and north and the ~.:e side ox the island may be • used, 7• Conditions affecting military operations at IWO JBLu. (a) Road construction and repair Rain is not heavy and does not last more than three or four days at a tinte. Roads should not be difficult to maintain, AERO A4-3(2e) Serial: 00040 Operation Plan ComFIFTHFleet No, 13-44 (AnnAJ^-jfl^fo.^ ;%^I^*¥^a^er Summary) (b) Airfield construction Weather should be favorable for construction, (c) Landing of equipraent a.nd supplies during post invasion period With the choice of two beaches, the landing of supplies should not be difficult -except during occasional storms "when a fresh south wind is blowing. The weather will improve during March and will be excellent after 1 April, $ome measures for protection of boats during the typhoon season should be taken. (d) Housing and cocifort of personnel This should prove much easier than during previous operations because of the small rainfall and cool weather which prevails. Some very chilly nights with a cold north wind will require warn clothing and several blankets. The ninimum temperature is 55 degrees, 8. Fronts ami storms The main lows form close to OKINAWA and move to the northeast, remaining east of all the Japanese islands. These storms practically always pass first to the northwest and then north of IWO JIEU Any well developed storm north of TilO JIMA tends to force the winds into west or northwest. If the storm passes close by, the winds will go into south and then west. Fronts associated with the lows farther north cross r«0 JIMA about every five or six days. Frequent storms, some of which are very intense, pass between IWO JIMA and TOKYO and will interfere with land based bombing missions, searches, and carrier strikes, 9. Typhoons Only rarely do typhoons occur between January and June. 10. Outlook for present target date The outlook is favorable. The average weather will be good, with the wind varying from northwest to northeast and averaging 11 knots. Some strong winds from north or northwest may be expected, and they will reach as high as 30 to 35 knots and be accompanied by a heavy northerly swell. These northerly blows and swells may last as long as seven days. Some bad weather periods with continuous rain and poor flying conditions may be encountered; they occur when lows move across IWO JIMA and last for two and not more tl:an three days. AERO A4~3(2e) Serial: 00040 Operation Plan " £?MfM A C* ?*?;«* *!8f ComFIFTHFleet No, £3-44 (Am&x t »- ferik'; .Ap^. "X - leather Summary) 11, Effects of change of t—^rb date A delay or advance of one month will make no appreciable difference in this operation; the same northerly weather will continue. A delay of two months or more will bring a slight improvement in weather and sea conditions. The wind will be reduced by four or five knots and the direction will become more easterly, 12, Special notes for forecasting the formation of lows in the area north of FCJt-'QSA Two distinctive features have been observed which indicate the formation s£ a low in the northern FORMOSA area: (a) The formation of fog in the northern part of FORMOSA, in the FORMOSA Strait, or at CHINA ports as far south as HONG KONG. (b) The winds at both TAIHOKU (northern FORMOSA) and ISHIGAKI (off east coast of FORMOSA) both shifting into the east. Often ISHIGAKI will shift into southeast while TAIHOKU remains easterly, A rain patten will develop very shortly after one of these phenomena is noted. Unless these conditions are carefully watched, a low vd.ll form and have passed OKINAWA before the aerologist is aware of it. The phenomenon under (a) does not occur often, but when it does occur, it almost always re veals a low forming. The wind shift indicated in (b) always occurs when a low forms close to FORMOSA. - I - 7 AERO LU A4-3(2e) Serial: 00040 Operation Plan ComFIFTHFleet No, 13-44 ANNEX J BATTLE PLAN UNITED STATES PACIFIC FLEET, FIFTH Fleet, T.F. 50 Central Pacific Task Forces and Commander FIFTH Fleet. Battle Plan PEARL HARBOR, T*H., ComFIFTHFleet No. 14-44 31 December 1944; 1000. TASK ORGANIZATION (a) 59 Striking Force - Vice Admiral Lee (1) Battle Line BatDiv 6 - Rear Admiral Cooley 3 BB 7 less NEW ft'"it "• , '. J - ' % % • ! • : BAT A4-3(2e) Serial: 00040 Operation Plan i ' c H \ - ;'~~ J « ComFIFTHFleet No. 13-44 (Annex J - ^tf$ X%2 V (3) 58,4 Carrier Task Group FOUR - Rear Admiral Radford Task Group 58.4 less ships assigned to Battle Line and Flank Forces TICONDEROGA, RANDOLPH 2 CV CABOT, LANGLEY 2 CVL SAN DIEGO 1 CL (AA) DesRon 60 - Captain Freseman 8 DD (b) 58 Fast Carrier Force - Vice Admiral Mitscher (1) 58,1 Carrier Task Group ONE - Rear Admiral Clark HORNET (F), WASP, BENNINGTON 3 CV BE1LEAU WOOD 1 CVL SAN JUAN 1 CL (AA) DesRon 63. - Captain Carter 9 DD (2) 58.2 Carrier Task Group TWO- Rear Admiral Davison LEXINGTON (F), HANCOCK 2 CV SAN JACINTO 1 CVL CruDiv 6 less NEW ORLEANS, TUSCALOOSA Rear Admiral Joy 2 CA DesRon 52 - Captain Womble 9 DD (3) 58.3 Carrier Task Group THREE - Rear Admiral Sherman ESSEX (F), BUNKER HILL (FF), YORKTOWN 3 CV COWPENS 1 CVL DesRon 62— Captain Higgins 9 DD (4) 58»5 Carrier Task Group FIVE - Rear Admiral Gardner ENTERPRISE (F), SARATOGA 2 CV (N) ALASKA ' 1 CB BALTIMORE - Rear Admiral Wiltsie 1 CA FLINT 1 CL (AA) DesRon 54 - Captain,, Coward „ . ^., ,v. , , 8 DD • <-1* Operation Plan " i- t,% .j «j%J VV - - CorrJFlFTHFleet Ifo. 13-44^ wAn%x" j" - Battle Plan) (c) 51 Joint Expeditionary Force - Vice Admiral Turner Units of Joint Expeditionary Force not transferred to Striking: Force, (d) Special Groups (1) 50.5 Search and Reconnaissance Group - Commodore Ketcham Task Group 50,5 (2) 50,7 Anti-submarine Warfare Group - Captain Montgomery- Task Group 50,7 (3) 50.8 Logistic Support Group - Rear Admiral Beary Task Group 50.8 (4) 50.9 Service Squadron 10 - Commodore Carter Task Group 50.9 (e) 94 Forward Area, Central Pacific - Vies Admiral Hoover Task Force 94 General Situation ) As in ComFIFTHFleet Operation Enemy Forces ) Plan No. 13-44 and information sub- Own Forces ) sequently furnished. Assumptions (a) That the enemy fleet in major strength can be disposed to attack our forces, (b) That our early attacks upon targets in and near the Empire may force the enemy to seek or accept a surface engagement, (c) That every effort will be made to destroy our air and surface superiority by concentrated air attacks before surface forces engage. (d) That the existing situation may make it advisable and practicable to assign some cruisers and destroyers from the Joint Expeditionary Force and additional cruisers and destroyers from the Fast Carrier Force to the Striking Force. Serial: 00040 Operation Plan fc . ,. •«.•**» ComFIFTHFleet No. 13-W*p't-knaex UT*- Battle Plan) (e) That the enemy will desire any fleet engagement to take place under his land based air cover, and that his carriers will also support his major units, (f) That enemy submarines may be present in the theater of operations, and inducements to draw our forces toward them may be offered, (g) That the combatant forces of the Joint Expeditionary Force are in sufficient strength to withstand enemy surface attack except in majnr strength, (h) That the Striking Force will prevent surface attacks in major strength upon the Joint Expeditionary Force, but that day or night surface raids are possible, 2, This force will destroy enemy naval and air forces in the theater of operations in order to prevent interference with our amphibious operations and further to reduce Japanese sea power, 3. (a) Striking Force (1) Exploit any opportunity to bring about a fleet action and, if such opportunity offers or can be created, engage decisively, (2) Destroy minor surface forces encountered by suitable detaeh ffients forced by CoinrmnUcr Striking Force, (3) Furnish own air cover, anti-submarine patrol, and air spotting, (4) Kako air strikes in coordination with, or in absence of, Fast Carrier Force strikes, (5) Coordinate surface action with Fast Carrier Force strikes, (6) Pursue fleeing enemy or damaged remnants to limit of logis tics, or until superiority of enemy land based air forces makes further pursuit unprofitable, (b) Fast Carrier Force (l) Conduct early and continuing air strikes against enemy forces. Priority of target-s: Carriers, cruisers, battleships, destroyers, auxiliaries. Coordinate air strikes with Striking Force employment. !*-..- • '- • J - 4 BAT A4-3(2e) Serial: 00040 Operation Plan jr. , w _ ComFIFTHfleet No. 13-44 l(hnnek\f*~* Battle Plan) (2) Conduct searches for enemy as required, (3) Operate initially in areas on the reverse of the most probable bearing of the enemy from the Striking Force. (4) Furnish additional cruisers and destroyers as directed to augment the Striking Force, (5) Conduct hunter-killer operations in the vicinity of the Fast Carrier Force. (c) Joint Expeditionary Force (1) Continue amphibious operations unless otherwise directed, (2) Destroy enemy naval and air forces "which approach the area of amphibious operations, (3) Furnish cruisers and destroyers to Commander Striking Force •when directed. (4) Retire those units which are not essential to amphibious operations then in progress and which may be threatened by enemy interference, (d) Special Groups (e) Forward Area, Central Pacific Support the operations of the Striking Force and Fast Carrier Force with all forces and facilities available. (x) (l) This plan will be placed in effect by dispatch. If Commander Central Pacific Task Forces is not present with the Fast Carrier Force, Commander Fast Carrier Force is authorized to place this plan in effect for the Striking Force and Fast Carrier Force at his discretion, should circumstances make such action advisable, (2) In prescribing such dispositions and cruising instructions as they may require, task force commanders shall keep temporary modifications to USF 10A to a minimum, (3) Commander Central Pacific Task Forces will issue to task force commanders only such broad directives as are necessary to effect coordinatio^fn f among task forces. It is intended that *~--^* ^.-, '*<^* j _ 5 ^T A4-3<2e) Serial: 00040 .Operation Plan ComFIFTHFleet No. 1>-4| *(jftn5ex*J - &ttle p W Commander 31yikint Foree, as officer in tactical command of the Striking Force, snail designate the Commander Battle Line and conduct the surface engagement, that the Fast Carrier Force conform as practicable to tho movements of the Striking Force, lending maximum support, and that other task forces support as practicable* If Commander Central Pacific Task Forces is not present with the Striking Force or Fast Carrier Forcej coordination between those two forces will be effected by Commander Striking Force, (4) If salvage or rescue services are desired from aircr:ft or surface forces of the Central Pacific Task Forces, outside own task force, task force commanders shall make request by urgent dispatch to the tisk force commander from whom services are desired, information to Commander Central Pacific Task Forces, Immediate compliance, as practicable, with such requests is directed. If such services are desired from submarines or other forces outside Central Pacific Task Forces, request shall be made to the Commander Central Pacific Task Forces, information to the commander from whom services are desirui. UP Logistics in accordance with -the Logistic plan, ^nnex H to Com- PIFTHFlect Operation Plan No. 13-44. 5, (a) Communications in accordance with Annex F to ComFIFTHFleet Operation Plan No. 13-44 as modified below: (1) Use TBS for .emergency maneuvers only. (2) Guard Task Force 50 Common (413 kes) for dispatch communi cations, FOX "no answer" method may be used, (3) Task group commanders frequency (2642 kes voice) shall be guarded by all task force and task group commanders and all carriers. This channel shall be used as the air command channel by Commander Fast Carrier Force to transmit orders regarding strikes, takeoffs, landings, etc, (4) The Battle Lino channel (2012 kc3) shall be guarded as the surface force voice command frequency. Battle orders shall bo issued to the Battle Line on this channel. (5) The General Warning Net shall be used for air warnings, (6) Inter fighter director communications as in CentComT-fO. BAT k4-3(2e) Serial: 00040 Operation Plan I $ - . ^ **t > .; ; , ,. ComPIFTRFleet No. fflJA (Aftn^x JVJfettle m g '*i~'i ttSk.£» 1 ^.^ ii (b) Use zone ZERO time for date-time group of dispatches. Use zone minus 10 time for local time west of longitude 157-30 E« (c) Commander Central Pacific Task Forces and Commander FIF^H Fleet in INDIANAPOLIS or MISSOURI as announced. R. A. SPRUANCE, Admiral, U*S* Navy, Commander Central Pacific Task Forces and Commander FIFTH Fleet, U.S. Pacific Fleet. Appendix I Battle Plan Concept DISTRIBUTION; See distribution list to ComFIFTHFleet Op Plan No, 13-44. »*\ •;., s *A - ' • J - 7 BAT Serial: 00040 * t Operation Plan ComFIFTHFleet No, 13-44 (Annex J - Battle APPENDIX I BATTLE PUN CONCEPT 1. This Battle Plan will be placed in effect only for the purpose of engaging major enemy surface forces. To combat raids in minor strength, enemy reinforcement groups or other minor enemy surface forces located within striking distance, it is intended that officers in tactical command form and dispatch task groups in sufficient strength to effect destruction. 2. As a result of the early operations by the Fast Carrier Force against the Empire and the RYUKYUS, the enemy may seek or accept surface action. If such reaction can be brought about, this force will destroy the enemy fleet or such major portions of it as can be engaged, 3. If the opportunity to engage comes while the Fast Carrier Force is in Empire waters during the early strikes, combatant units of the Joint Expeditionary Force Will be so located that they will be unable to augment the Striking Force in time to participate. The basic major action plan, therefore, visualizes the Striking Force as composed entirely of ships from the Fast Carrier Force> Depending upon circumstances, cruisers and destroyers of the Fast Carrier Force, in addition to those listed in the Task Organization of the Striking Force, may be assigned to the Striking; Force. If the opportunity comes later, the state of amphibious operations and prevailing circumstances may permit the transfer of some cruisers and destroyers from the Joint Expeditionary Force to the Striking Force. The number of ships so transferred will depend upon the existing situation and will be prescribed in the order directing their transfer. 4. Combatant ships of the Joint Expeditionary Force not reassigned to other forces will be used by Commander Joint Expeditionary Force to oppose raids on the objective or on our amphibious forces and to break up enemy attempts at reinforcement. Because of their low speed and relatively small amount of AP ammunition, it is contcmpleted that OBB's will not be assigned to the Striking Force. Cruisers originally with the Joint Expeditionary Force will also carry relatively small quantities of AP ammunition and may have expended a considerable percentage of their HC ammunition, and this fact must be considered in determining their employment. J - I BAT End of Annex J A4-3(2e) Serial: 00040 Operation Plan ComFIFTHFleet No, 13-44 ""*" '' • "' '" '"*" ''" ' ANNEX K PUBLIC RELATIONS ANNEX 1 # This annex derives fron Annex F to CinCPac and CinCPOA Operation Plan No. 11-44* 2# In the above annex it is stated that: "It is in the interest of the Military Services to make information regarding this operation compatible with military security available, through public media, to the people of the United States at the earliest possible tine." 3. In the execution of the instructions contained herein, no action will be taken which in any way conflicts with or detracts from the primary con sideration of prosecuting the war. 4» Officers in tactical command concerned with the release of radio press and voice broadcast material have full authority and are expected to wi't-h hold from transmission any or all press material which, in their opinion, would compromise security or endanger the success of the operation. Press radio traffic shall be authorized only at such times as the tactical situa tion and security permit and, when authorized, shall be transmitted on a basis not to interfere with operational traffic. 5. CinCPOA, through his public relations officers, is responsible for the administration and co-ordination of public relations matters in the Pacific Ocean Areas. 6. CinCPOA is responsible for censorship, 7. In order to implement CinCPOA1s responsibility for the administration and co-ordination of public relations matters, CinCPOA public relations officers will be temporarily attached to the staffs of t'ask force and subordinate commands of the Navy. CinCPOA public relations officers will be furnished with office space, clerical assistance and will have access to appropriate relevant operational dispatches and current operation plans, £, In order to implement CinCPOA!s responsibility for censorship, fully qualified censors representing CinCPOA will clear all public relations material for* release and will be assigned particularly to all points where press copy, magazine articles, voice broadcast, or photographs are trans mitted in the clear fyy Ar^y,cNavv o^ pommercial radio, PUB Serial: Operation Plan ComFIFTHFleet No* 13-44 K - Public Relations Annex) 9« Fleet, force and subordinate commanders concerned need not normally clear public relations material for security, since CinCPOA assumes the re sponsibility for safeguarding security in this connection. Through his qualified and assigned censors, the responsibility for accomplishing censor ship rests normally with CinCPOA, However, the senior officer present is always authorised and expected to take additional action if he deems it advisable, (See paragraph 4 above), 10, Press material will not be delayed in the fleet but will be dispatched by the fastest practicable means, including aircraft, to transmission points where censors will be stationed. 11, War correspondents will be ordered originally by CinCPOA to the various commands.and ships* When a correspondent is transferred from one command to another, his orders will be endorsed by the commanders concerned and CinCPOA will be notified by dispatch as soon as practicable. During the initial phases of an operation unscheduled changes from one command to another by correspondents will be discouraged, 12, War correspondents will bo thoroughly briefed on this operation either immediately after sailing or upon the initial sortie of the force concerned, 1,3, Commanders, through their intelligence officers and public relations officers, will keep correspondents assigned to them abreast of the current situation. In view of the faot that all material is censored by qualified CinCPO^ censors before release, a liberal attitude in this connection is desired. Only under these circumstances can a correspondent present a clear and accurate picture t>£ the ration, 14« Certain correspondents, in accordance with prior arrangements made with ih© Army or the Marine Corps, will be permitted to go ashore during amphibious operations on D day not sooner than the fifth assault wave. Army or Marine public relations officers will be responsible for the activities of and accomodations for correspondents on shore and for passing their news material to the proper communication center for transmission,, A CinCPOA public relations officer will go ashore to act as liaison officer and to facilitate the passage of news material to the communication center, 15. War correspondents will be provided with mossing, billeting and transportation arrangements approximately equivalent to those provided to lieutenant commanders in the Navy and majors in the Army and Marine Corps, 16, Facilities for transmitting photographs by radio from CinCPOA (GUAM} to the UNITED STATES have been installed and are now in operation. It is desired that th FOB A4-3O) Serial: 00040 Operation Plan ComFIFTHFleet No. 13-44 (Annex K - Public Relations Annex) 17• News is the most perishable of all products. Even a day's delay in the publication of the story of a great battle may materially detract from its interest to the public. Since war is an all-out effort, prompt and accurate reporting of'a battle is closely allied to national morale and industrial production. Naval force commanders are responsible for the collection and delivery of news material. It is of great importance that this be done as expeditiously as possible. Facilities for the rapid col lection and delivery of such material are described in Appendix I to this annex. 18. YJhen applicable, force and subordinate commanders will prepare public relations annexes to their operation orders for the guidance of officers concerned >d.th making arrangements for news service. APPENDICES: I - Collection, Cansorship and Dissemination of News Material II - Plans for Handling Still Photographs III - Plan for Handling Radio Broadcast Material IV - °lans for Handling Motion Picture Coverage hhi¥ K - 3 PUB A4-3(2e) # Serial: 00040 w Operation Plan „ . , ComFIFTHFleet No, 1^-44 ("Arfex-*K - Public Relatic^Annex) * ' APPENDIX I COLLECTION, CENSORSHIP AND DISSEMINATION OF NEWS MATERIAL 1. Force commanders are responsible for the collection of news material within their forces and the transmittal of same, 2. It is understood that CinCPOA will provide aircraft sufficient to make at least two trips daily as necessary and practicable between GUAM and the objective for the purpose of carrying photographs, mail, press copy, and film. 3» The Commander Joint Expeditionary Force will: • (a) Provide for transmission by direct Navy radio a minimum of 5,000 words of press copy on D day and 10,000 words of press copy on each subsequent day, if practicable, and if the tactical situation permits, and on a basis not to interfere with operational traffic, (b) Provide press boats to Gollect press material, (c) Transfer press material expeditiously to CinCPOA at GUAM via the aircraft service referred to in paragraph 2 above, 4. Commander Fast Carrier Force will utilize every opportunity for the collection and prompt transmittal of press material, photographs, and film direct to CinCPOA at GUAM, or via the facilities available at the objective. The employment of direct Navy radio for transmitting press copy shall be utilized only at such times as the tactical situation and security permit, 5« Task force commanders will insure that press correspondents are kept informed of their schedules for the collection and transmittal of press material. K - I - X PUB * A4-3(2G) Serial: 00040 Operation Plan ComFIFTHFleet No, 13-44 (Annex K - Public Relations Annex) APPENDIX II PLANS FOR. HANDLING STILL PHOTOGRAPHS 1, Conmic riders will direct photographic units to take a maximum number of operational and action photographs during the entire period from staging time until D plus 10, The photographs will be used to make a complete study of all phases of an amphibious operation, including landings, forces at sea, and those showing human reactions to operations. A number of additional still photographers will be temporarily transferred to partici pating units to supplement normal photographic complements in obtaining complete coverage* 2* Photographs should be transmitted promptly to CinCPOA at GUAM in the same manner as other press material and should be marked "Photographs for CinC^ac", 1 i •*• K - II- 1 PUB A4-3(2e) Serial: 00040 Operation Plan ComFIFTHFleet Wo. APPENDIX III PLAN FQR HArr>"': JJ'O RADIO BROADCAST MATERIAL 1. The program for radio broadcasting coverage of this operation is planned to provide the listening public of the major United States networks all news of this operation, consistent with security and non-interference with operations, at the earliest possible moment (see paragraphs 3 anc* 4 of Annex K Above). 2. In order to achieve this, as many ships as practicable will bo equipped with speech equipment for the transmission of news'broadcasts either directly from the scenes of operations or by film recording* Film recording equipment will be provided on additional ships. The reception of these transmissions will be accomplished either at GUAM or on the West Coast of tho UNITED STATES, 3# The "voicing11, either direct or by film recording, will be done by accredited network representatives, and the recording equipment will be oper ated by accredited network techniciansf In the event that the networks are unable to provide sufficient correspondents and technicians, it is contem plated that experienced CinCPOA representatives will be available to perform these functions, 4. While the material broadcasted and recorded is primarily for CinCPOA public relations purposes, copies of such recordings will be forwarded to the Secretary of tho Navy where they will be available to the Office of Naval Records and Library and othor official agencies for review and analysis. V '„ in K - III - 1 PUB Serial: 00040 Operation Plan ComFIFTHFleet no. 13-44 (Annex K - Public Relations Annex) APPENDIX IV PLANS FOR HANDLING MOTION PICTURS COVERAGE 1, - A complete motion picture will be made of this operation for tactical study and for newsreol release. It will attempt, insofar as is possible, to show all aspects of an amphibious landing. All commanders are directed to cooperate in the effort to document this operation completely. Color film (16M) is preferred, if available, otherwise (35MM) black and white newsreol film is recommended. Maximum use of color in gun cameras is desired. A number of motion picture photographers will be temporarily transferred to various units to supplement normal photographic complements in obtaining the necessary footage. 2. Motion picture film should bo transmitted promptly to CinCPOA at GU/Jr in the same manner as other press material and should be marked "Motion Picture Film for CinCPac". K - IV - 1 PUB End of Annex K COMBINED ARMS RESEARCH LIBRARY FORT LEAVENWORTH, KS 3 1695 00527 9765