COMPHIBSPAC NO. A11-45
COMMANDER AMPHIBIOUS FORCES, OPERATION PLAN NO. A11-45
10 AUGUST 1945
TASK ORGANIZATION
TASK FORCE 40 Amphibious Force Admiral Turner AGC 11 ELDORADO
Vice Admiral Wilkinson (2nd in Command)
Vice Admiral Barbey (3rd in Command)
TASK FORCE 46 SIXTH Army General Kruger AGC 11 ELDORADO
TASK FORCE 41 Advance Force Admiral Turner AGC 11 ELDORADO
Vice Admiral Oldendorf (2nd in Command)
TASK GROUP 41.1 Underwater Demolition Flotilla Captain Rodgers
TASK GROUP 41.2 Service and Salvage Group Commodore Hartley WGC 32 CAMPBELL
TASK GROUP 41.4 Hydrographic Survey Group Captain Sanders
TASK GROUP 41.3 THIRD Fire Support Group Rear Admiral Conolly AGC 1 APPALACIAN
TASK GROUP 41.5 FIFTH Fire Support Group Rear Admiral Wright AGC 2 BLUE RIDGE
TASK GROUP 41.7 SEVENTH Fire Support Group Rear Admiral Kiland AGC 7 MT. McKINLEY
TASK FORCE 42 Western Attack Force Rear Admiral Davis AGC 12 ESTES
40th Infantry Division, TransRon 14
TASK FORCE 44 Southern Attack Force Rear Admiral Briscoe RAGC 32 CALVERT
158th Infantry Regimental Combat Team, Transported mainly by APDs
TASK FORCE 54 Gunfire and Covering Force Vice Admiral Oldendorf BB 43 TENNESSEE
TASK FORCE 55 Escort Carrier Force Rear Admiral Durgin CVE 93 MAKIN ISLAND
TASK FORCE 56 Mine Force Rear Admiral Sharp WAGC 31 BIBB
TASK FORCE 43 THIRD Attack Force Vice Admiral Wilkinson AGC 8 MT. OLYMPUS
TASK GROUP 43.1 THIRD Transport Group Rear Admiral Hall AGC 14 TETON
1st Cavalry, 43rd Infantry and Americal Divisions, TransRons 16, 19 and 20
TASK FORCE 45 FIFTH Attack Force Vice Admiral Hill AGC 10 AUBURN
TASK GROUP 45.1 FIFTH Transport Group Rear Admiral Reifsnider AGC 13 PANAMINT
2nd, 3rd and 5th Marine Divisions, TransRons 12, 13 and 24
TASK FORCE 47 SEVENTH Attack Force Vice Admiral Barbey ACG 4 ANCON
TASK GROUP 47.1 SEVENTH Transport Group Rear Admiral Noble AGC 9 WASATCH
25th, 33rd and 41st Infantry Divisions, TransRons 15, 17 and 18
TASK FORCE 48 Reserve Force Rear Admiral Rodgers ACG 5 CATOCTIN
81st, 98th and 77th Infantry Divisions, TransRons 11, 21 and 22
TASK FORCE 49 Reinforcement Force Rear Admiral Struble RACG 44 FREMONT
11th Airborne Division, TransRon 20 (2nd Trip to Objective Area)
TASK GROUP 40.1 Screen Group (Task Flot 5) Commo Moosbrugger AGC 18 BISCAYNE
TASK GROUP 40.11 Radar Pickets
TASK GROUP 40.12 Western Screen (Under CTF 42)
TASK GROUP 40.13 THIRD Screen (Under CTF 43)
TASK GROUP 40.14 Peninsula Screen (Under CTF 48) (When Activated)
TASK GROUP 40.15 FIFTH Screen (Under CTF 45)
TASK GROUP 40.17 SEVENTH Screen (Under CTF 47)
TASK GROUP 40.18 Reserve Screen (Under CTF 48)
TASK GROUP 40.2 Pontoon Causeway Group Commodore Plichta
TASK GROUP 40.3 Pontoon Barge Group Commodore Plichta
TASK GROUP 40.4 Area Sweeping Group
TASK GROUP 40.5-40.9 Special Groups
TASK GROUP 40.20-40.29 Movement Groups
TASK GROUP 41.21-41.29 Movement Groups
ASSAULT PLAN
ASSAULT PLAN INSTRUCTIONS
1. (a) This Operation Plan is derived from Commander FIFTH Fleet Operation Plan No. 5-45.
(b) For information on the enemy, see Intelligence Plan, Annex (C).
(c ) See General Instructions for the Amphibious Phase of the Operation, Annex (A).
(d) For detailed Task Organization, See Annex (B).
(e) For general directives for the employment of ships’ gunfire, see CinCPac Conf. letter 13CL—44; PhibsPac Circ. Letter No. AL15-44, Rev. 3; and, for this operation, Naval Gunfire Support Plan, Annex (G).
(f) Commander FIFTH Fleet has directed Commander FAW-1 to establish a floating seaplane base in NAKAKASHIKI URA, KOSHIKI RETTO, approximately XRAY minus ONE Day, to be moved to ARIAKE WAN and NAGOGOSHIMA WAN later. Search seaplanes will be operated as directed by Commander FIFTH Fleet. Anti-Submarine patrol and air-sea rescue operations will be operated as directed by Commander Amphibious Force in general accord with Air Support Plan Annex (H). Commander FAW-1 will operate under the local SOPA insofar as security, logistics, air and sea defense, and local traffic control are concerned. Seaplane base areas and runways are shown in anchorage charts, Appendix (I) to Annex (N).
2. This Force will:
(a) Seize and occupy beachheads in Southern KYUSHU and seize certain outlying islands;
(b) Transport and establish ashore reinforcements and supplies;
(c) Cover and support control of the sea and air in the objective area;
(d) Assist in establishing control of the sea and air in the objective area;
(e) Initiate the establishment in KYUSHU of naval base facilities for the support of subsequent operations;
(f) Route and control the movement of shipping outward from, and in, the objective area.
(g) Effect maximum attrition on enemy air, ground, and naval forces in the objective area.
3. (a) Force Flagship operate as directed by CTF 40.
(b) Air Support Control Group control aircraft in accordance with Air Support Plan, Annex (H). Allocate aircraft to the various forces for troop support and protection in their respective areas of responsibility. Supervise and coordinate fighter cover; control Air-Sea Rescue; and direct operations of the Aircraft Anti-Submarine Patrols in the objective area.
(c) SIXTH Army capture, occupy, and defend KOSHIKI RETTO and designated outlying islands to the south and southwest of KYUSHU beginning XRAY minus FIVE Day; capture, occupy, and defend Southern KYUSHU beginning XRAY Day, in accordance with ComGen SIXTH Army Field Order 74. Establish as rapidly as possible early warning and fighter direction stations on captured positions in accordance with Annex (H). When directed by their respective Attack Force Commanders, Landing Force Air Support Control Units assume control of troop support aircraft. When land-based aircraft are established in the objective area, and CinCPac has passed responsibility of air operations to CinCAFPac, pass control of Combat Air Patrol and troop support aircraft to ComGenFEAF, and evacuate Landing Force Air Support Control Units to the PHILIPPINES to report to CASCUPhibsPac. Arrange with CTF 40 for moving to the objective area reserves and Follow-up Forces, and equipment, supplies, and petroleum products required by the forces ashore. Arrange with CTF 40 for assuming control, when no longer required by CTF 40, of Navy landing boats, barges, causeways, and other harbor facilities to be supplied to SIXTH Army by PhibsPac; and for the return of Navy crews to the MARIANAS and OKINAWA to report to ComPhibsPac by XRAY plus FORTY Day.
(d) Advance Force beginning on XRAY minus EIGHT Day execute operations preliminary to the KYUSHU assault landings in accordance with the following. At 0600 (I) XRAY Day TF 41 is dissolved; all elements then pass to TF 40, retaining own force, group, and unit numbers; except that TF 56 passes to command of Commander FIFTH Fleet.
(1) Underwater Demolition Flotilla carry out Beach Reconnaissance and Underwater Demolition Plan, Annex (F), of the assault beaches in accordance with the schedule; assign groups to the THIRD, FIFTH, SEVENTH, Western, and Reserve Fire Support Groups, passing to the corresponding Attack and Reserve Forces on their arrival.
(2) Service and Salvage Group provide salvage, firefighting, repair and logistic services in accordance with Service and Salvage Plan, Appendix (II) to Annex N; assign Service and Salvage units to THIRD, FIFTH, SEVENTH, Western Fire Support Groups, passing to the corresponding Attack and Reserve Forces on their arrival in the objective area; and assign a Service and Salvage Unit to Reserve Force upon its arrival in the objective area; assign craft as required to the Southern Attack Force. Coordinate the logistic supply (including personnel) of the TF’s 40 and 56 while they are in the objective area, dealing directly with ComServRon TEN and ComServRon SIX for moving logistic vessels to and from the area; and in accord with Logistic Plan, Annex (L).
(3) Hydrographic Survey Group execute Hydrographic and Navigation Aids Plan, Appendix (III) to Annex (N), assigning units to the direct control of the THIRD, FIFTH, SEVENTH, Western, and Reserve Fire Support Groups for executing appropriate arts of the plan, passing to the corresponding Attack Forces and Reserve Force on their arrival in the objective area. Arrange for the issue of required charts at the rear bases and in the objective are to vessels and port directors.
(4) THIRD Fire Support Group,
(5) FIFTH Fire Support Group,
(6) SEVENTH Fire Support Group,
(7a) Western Fire Support Group in area of responsibility as shown in Appendix (III) to Annex (D):
a. From XRAY minus EIGHT to 0600 (I) XRAY Day for THIRD, FIFTH, SEVENTH Fire Support Groups and from XRAY minus EIGHT to 0600 (I) XRAY Day minus Five for Western Fire Support Group: control assigned aircraft for support and protection; station radar pickets in accordance with Screening Plan, Appendix (II) to Annex (K); direct and support Minesweeping and UDT operations; destroy enemy troops, gun emplacements, defensive installations, locally based aircraft, submarines, and small craft; interrupt enemy troop movements and defensive preparations by interdiction and harassing fires by Naval gunfire and assigned aircraft, in accordance with Naval Gunfire Support Plan (G), Air Support Plan, Annex (H), Minesweeping Plan, Annex (E) and Beach Reconnaissance and Underwater Demolition Plan, Annex (F).
Western Fire Support Group report to CTF 42 at 0600 (I) on XRAY minus FIVE Day until no longer required they proceed as directed by CTF 41. THIRD, FIFTH, and SEVENTH Fire Support Groups pass to control of CTF 43, 45, and 47 respectively, at 0600 (I) XRAY Day.
b. Neutralize or destroy enemy installations in force areas which may interfere with the approach of friendly forces arriving after XRAY Day minus EIGHT.
c. Prior to reporting to Task Force Commanders, Commanders of Fire Support Groups act as SOPA of assigned areas, (except that Commander FIFTH Fire Support Group will coordinate activities of Commander Western Fire Support Group); control of air and naval operations and movement in the force areas not under superior authority; support nearby friendly forces; control local air raid alerts; arrange logistics, repair, and salvage of own Group; effect air sea rescue; and coordinate Group action in force areas.
d. From XRAY minus EIGHT to XRAY minus ONE Day report daily by dispatch as of 1200 (I) and 2400 (I) to ComFIFTH Fleet with information to CinCAFPac, CinCPac, and FIFTH Fleet, (ECM holders only) as to beach, sea, and weather information; the progress of prescribed naval operations; and results of naval and air operations against the enemy. Submit “flash reports” of events of such importance that immediate priority reporting is required.
e. Using APD’s, by noon XRAY minus FIVE Day deliver to Commanders Western Attack Force and Southern Attack Force and to the attached Transron and Transdiv Commanders, the following:
Selected air and surface photographic prints of beaches and related defenses.
Navigational information which differs from charts; and locations of buoys laid.
Troop liaison officers attached to UDTs, and UDT officers as available, with charts and descriptions of beaches,
approaches, and defenses.
f. By noon of XRAY minus One Day deliver to Commanders THIRD, FIFTH, and SEVENTH Attack Forces, and attached Commanders of Transport Groups, Transports, and Transdivs, for their own areas and beaches, similar information, personnel, and data listed in subparagraph (5).
g. Report to CTF’s 43, 45, 47, and 42, respectively, on arrival those commanders in the transport areas.
h. FIFTH Fire Support Group when directed about XRAY plus ONE or XRAY plus TWO Day, turn over duties to CTF 45 and report to CTF 40 with group number 48.2 for making preparations of KAIMONDAKE Beaches for the landing of troops of TF 48, similar to those specified in subparagraph 3 (iv) (5). Report for duty to CTF 48 on his arrival in the transport area about XRAY plus THREE or XRAY plus FOUR.
(7) Western Attack Force beginning on XRAY minus FIVE Day capture UJI GUNTO, KUSAKAKI SHIMA, KURO SHIMA, and KUCHINOERABU SHIMA; and beginning XRAY minus FOUR Day capture KOSHIKI RETTO. Establish a temporary logistics anchorage and a limited seaplane base in KOSHIKI RETTO; and direct the installation at KOSHIKI RETTO of protective nets by a Net Group of TF 56. In all of the captured islands direct the installation of air warning squadrons and fighter director stations in accordance with Air Support Plan, Annex (H). Establish KOSHIKI RETTO Screen in accordance with Screening Plan, Appendix (II) to Annex (K). After capture of the positions, reload troops released by Commanding General SIXTH Army from the defenses, and retire them out of the objective area as directed by CTF 40 for assignment to Army Reserve. After capture of ARIAKE WAN and KAGOSHIMA WAN transfer anchorage facilities, seaplane base, and nets to positions later to specified. CTF 42 act as SOPA KOSHIKI RETTO. Submit daily dispatch reports similar to those specified in subparagraph 3(d)(4)d.
(8) Southern Attack Force, in the OKINAWA area beginning XRAY minus FIVE Day be prepared to capture (if ordered) northern TANEGA SHIMA for purposes of neutralizations; and, in the objective area XRAY plus THREE Day be prepared to land in support of SIXTH Army as may be ordered. Submit special dispatch reports, when indicated, similar to those specified in subparagraph 3 (d)(iv)(4).
(9) Gunfire and Covering Force assigned to THIRD, FIFTH, SEVENTH, Western, Southern, and Reserve Fire Support Groups vessels for executing shore bombardment and gunfire support as required by Naval Gunfire Support Plan, Annex (G). Protect TF 40 and 41 units near the objective area against surface attack in accordance with Protective Plans, Annex (K). When transports make night retirements deploy groups nightly, with units not required for night fire support duty, to the northward of respective Attack Forces. When transports do not retire, ships not required for night fire support anchor in transport areas under smoke cover. For providing gunfire support, organize as indicated in Annex (G) or as otherwise direct by CTF 40. Rotate destroyers with Screening Group and Escort Carrier Force as directed.
(10) Escort Carrier Force after arrival at the objective provide support aircraft, CAP, and ASW aircraft in accordance with Air Support Plan, Annex (H). Operate in areas SQUBBS, IODENT, LISTERINE, and PEPSODENT shown in Appendix (III) to Annex (D), with approximately one-third of the carriers westward and two-thirds to the eastward. Rotate destroyers with Screening Group and Gunfire and Covering Force as directed.
(11) Mine Force, commencing XRAY minus EIGHT Day, execute Minesweeping, Mooring Buoy and Net Plan, Annex €, assigning sweep units to Fire Support Group Commanders for local direction. Arrange for air and gunfire support with Commander of area of responsibility in which sweeping is takin place. Send daily dispatch as of 2000 (I) to CTF 40 or 41, information to CinCPac, ComFIFTHFleet, and FIFTH Fleet (ECM holders) of progress of sweeping operations. At 0600 (I) XRAY Day TF 56 pass to command of ComFIFTHFleet, but continue to provide an Area Sweeping Group as required by CTF 40 for the general objective area; and local sweeping units for various Attack Forces.
(e) 43 THIRD Attack Force,
(f) 45 FIFTH Attack Force
(g) 47 SEVENTH Attack Force on XRAY Day land THIRD, FIFTH, and SEVENTH Landing Forces on designated beaches on southeast, west, and east coasts respectively of KYUSHU, in accordance with respective Attack Force Plans and SIXTH Army Field Order 74. Assume general charge of amphibious and associated operation in, and SOPA of, respective Attack Force areas of responsibility as shown in Appendix (III) to Annex (D), and in general accord with provisions of paragraph 9 (b), (c), and (d), Annex (A). Other Annexes to this OpPlan govern the methods of execution of tasks. Assault shipping transporting Divisions in Corps Reserve arrive in respective transport areas at 0800 (I) on XRAY plus two Day prepared to land according to plan or as directed. Commander THIRD Attack Force debark troops, equipment, and supplies as rapidly as possible from TransRon 20 and 10 LSTs and sail them to the PHILIPPINES on order of CTF 40 to embark the Reinforcement Force. Send daily dispatch as of 1200 (I) and 2400 (I) to ComFIFTHleet, information to CinCPac, CinCAFPac and FIFTH Fleet, (ECM holders only), similar to those specified in paragraph 3 (d) (4) d.
(h) 48 Reserve Force act as SIXTH Army floating reserve for supporting landings on KYUSHU. Unless directed otherwise, Reserve Force less shipping carrying the 77th Army Division depart OKINAWA in time to arrive off KAIMONDAKE Beaches by 0700 (I) XRAY plus THREE, prepared to land in accordance with Reserve Force Plans and SIXTH Army Field Order 74. Assume general charge of amphibious and associated operations in and SOPA of, the Reserve Force area of responsibility shown in Appendix (III) to Annex (D). Shipping carrying 77th Army Division depart OKINAWA for objective area on orders from CTF 40, prepared to land to reinforce designated elements of SIXTH Army. Through CTG 41.5 (later CTG 48.2) control the operations assigned Reserve Fire Support Group (including aircraft) delivering supporting fire in KAIMONDAKE Area beginning at 0600 (I) on day designated for landing. Control operations of assigned Underwater Demolition Unit subsequent to arrival of transports in the transport area, and complete clearance of beach obstacles as necessary. Control the operations of Service and Salvage Unit assigned for providing salvage, fire-fighting and repair services in accordance with Appendix (II) to Annex (N). Execute Screening Plans, Appendix (II) to Annex (K). Control the operations of Minesweeping Unit assigned for clearance sweeping of transport area. When directed proceed to KAGOSHIMA WAN and assume duties SOPA in that area.
(i) Reinforcement Force upon arrival of Transport Squadron TWENTY and ten LSTs at loading points in PHILIPPINES, embark troops and move to objective when directed by CTF 40, prepared to land in assault or reinforcement as directed.
(j) Screen Group protect vessels inside the screens against air, submarine, and surface attack. Establish transport screens, killer groups, radar picket, anti-small craft screens and radar counter-measures screens in accordance with Screening Plans, Appendix (II) to Annex (K). When directed, supply reinforcements to Gunfire and Covering Force for action against the enemy. Transfer vessels between various Screening Groups and direct the general operations of those Units, leaving essential local control to the Commander of Attack and Reserve Forces. Provide escorts for outward bound convoys.
(k) Pontoon Causeway Group place causeways as required by Appendix (IV) to Annex (N), as modified by Attack and Reserve Force Commanders. Give general supervision to the initial improvement of beach approaches and harbors for the expeditious unloading of assault and follow-up shipping. Transfer units to the SIXTH Army and Naval Bases as required by Plan, and when no longer needed by the Amphibious Force. Evacuate personnel of the Group to the MARIANAS and OKINAWA about XRAY plus FORTY Day to report to ComPhibsPac.
(l) Pontoon Barge Group operate pontoon barges in units under the Commanders of Attack Forces and Reserve Force as required for unloading assault and follow-up shipping. When directed by CTF 40, transfer equipment to the SIXTH Army and Naval Bases as required Appendix (IV) to Annex (N). About XRAY plus FORTY Day, evacuate personnel to the MARIANAS and OKINAWA about to report to ComPhibsPac.
(m) Area Sweeping Group execute general sweeping tasks in the objective area as directed by CTF 40. Exchange vessels with Mine Force as directed by CTF 56.
(n) Special Groups (when formed) operate as directed by CTF 40.
(o) Movement Groups (when formed) proceed to and from objective as required by Movement Plan, ComPhibsPac OpOrder A12-45, Annex (D); and as directed by special movement orders issued by CTF 40 from time to time.
Annexes:
A. General Instructions for the Amphibious Phase of operations for the Capture of the Southern Portion of KYUSHU.
B. Task Organization (Detailed).
C. Intelligence Plan.
D. Movement Plan (A12-45)
E. Minesweeping, Mooring Buoy and Net Plan.
F. Beach Reconnaissance and Underwater Demolition Plan.
G. Naval Gunfire Support Plan.
H. Air Support Plan.
I. Communication Plan.
J. Incoming and Departing Convoy Instructions.
K. Protective Plans.
L. Logistics Plans.
M. Medical and Casualty Evacuation Plan.
N. SOPA Instructions.
O. Public Information Plan.
P. Administrative Annex.
FIRE SUPPORT PLAN
The Fire Support Plan issued by Admiral Turner’s headquarters identifies the anticipated organization and allocation of Fire Support assets during Operation OLYMPIC. It should be noted that there are some differences in ship allocations between his Amphibious Plan, ComPhibsPac No. A11-45, of 10 August 1945 and the Pacific Fleet Plan, Cincpoa No. 10-45, from Fleet Admiral Nimitz of 8 August 1945.
Both plans anticipated all thirteen old battleships would be present. They do not account for PENNSYLVANIA’s torpedoing on 12 August.
The Amphib plan anticipated nine heavy cruisers. The Pacific Fleet plan anticipated seven. It is unclear if either document accounted for the the loss of INDIANAPOLIS which was sunk 30 July 1945, but only known to be lost after 2 August 1945.
The Amphib plan anticipated fifteen light cruisers. The Pacific Fleet plan anticipated thirteen.
The Amphib plan has USS FREMONT as the flagship of the Reinforcement Force while the US Army’s 28 July 1945 plan has USS ROCKY MOUNT as the unit’s flagship. The Pacific Fleet’s plan has both ships listed as flagships, but without specifying the force or group to which they were to be assigned.
These differences illustrate the stage in the planning process as of August 1945. Certainly, there were differences in detail between Navy and Army plans as well as within planning of both of the services. These plans would have been refined and the details would have been worked in the two months leading up to Operation OLYMPIC.
The Amphib plan also identifies the amount of ammunition to be expended, which is as important the the number of gunships and guns assigned to the Fire Support mission.
Task Group 41.3, THIRD Fire Support Group
OBB Nos 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6
CA Nos 1 and 2
CL Nos 1, 2, 3 and 4
DD Nos 1 to 13 inclusive
2 BB from TF 58, Available X-3 to XRAY Day (both inclusive) and thereafter on request if situation permits.
1 CA from TF 58, Available X-3 to XRAY Day (both inclusive) and thereafter on request if situation permits.
3 CL from TF 58, Available X-3 to XRAY Day (both inclusive) and thereafter on request if situation permits.
6 DD from TF 58,Available X-3 to XRAY Day (both inclusive) and thereafter on request if situation permits.
Support Gunboats from THIRD Gunboat Screen Group and THIRD Radar Picket Group
LCS Group 13 Arrives X-8 11 LCS
LCI (G) Group 16 Arrives X-8 11 LCI (G)
LCI (G) Group 17 Arrives XRAY Day 12 LCI (G)
LCI (M) Group 42 Arrives XRAY Day 11 LCI (M)
LSM (R ) Div 105 Arrives X-8 6 LSM (R )
LCI (R ) (RCM) Div 91 Arrives X-8 6 LCI (R )
Task Group 41.5, FIFTH Fire Support Group
OBB Nos 7, 8, 9 and 10
CA Nos 3, 4, 5, and 6
CL Nos 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10
DD Nos 14 to 27 inclusive
Support Gunboats from Western and FIFTH Gunboat Screen Groups and FIFTH Radar Picket Group
LCS Group Arrives X-8 15 LCS TG 42.2 on X-4, TG 48.2 when released
LCS Group 10 Arrives X-8 11 LCS
LCI (G) Group 9 Arrives X-8 12 LCI (G)
LCI (G) Group 45 Arrives XRAY Day 12 LCI (G)
LCI (G) Group 111 Arrives X-8 12 LCI (G) TG 42.2 on X-4, TG 48.2 when released
LCI (M) Group 61 Arrives XRAY Day 12 LCI (M)
LSM (R ) Div 104 Arrives X-8 6 LSM (R )
LCI (R ) (RCM) Div 92 Arrives X-8 6 LCI (R ) TG 42.2 on X-4, Task Group 48.2 when released
LCI (R ) (RCM) Div 93 Arrives X-8 6 LCI (R )
LCI (R ) (RCM) Div 94 Arrives X-8 6 LCI (R ) Task Group 48. when released.
Task Group 41.7, SEVENTH Fire Support Group
OBB Nos 11, 12 and 13
CA Nos 7, 8 and 9
CL Nos 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15
DD Nos 28 to 38 inclusive
1 BB from TF 58, Available X-3 to XRAY Day (both inclusive) and thereafter on request if situation permits.
1 CB from TF 58, Available X-3 to XRAY Day (both inclusive) and thereafter on request if situation permits.
1 CA from TF 58, Available X-3 to XRAY Day (both inclusive) and thereafter on request if situation permits.
3 CL from TF 58, Available X-3 to XRAY Day (both inclusive) and thereafter on request if situation permits.
6 DD from TF 58,Available X-3 to XRAY Day (both inclusive) and thereafter on request if situation permits.
Support Gunboats from SEVENTH Gunboat Screen Group and SEVENTH Radar Picket Group
LCS Group 8 Arrives X-8 11 LCS
LCI (G) Group 7 Arrives X-8 12 LCI (G)
LCI (G) Group 8 Arrives XRAY Day 12 LCI (G)
LCI (M) Group 62 Arrives XRAY Day 12 LCI (M)
LSM (R ) Div 103 Arrives X-8 6 LSM (R )
LCI (R ) (RCM) Div 95 Arrives X-8 6 LCI (R )
Task Group 42.2, Western Fire Support Group
OBB, CA, CL and DD as assigned from TG 41.5
Support Gunboats as assigned from TG 41.5
LCI (G) Group 20 Arrives X-4 12 LCI (G)
LCI (M) Div 82 Arrives X-4 6 LCI (M)
LCI (M) Div 79 Arrives X-4 6 LCI (M)
Task Group 44.2, Southern Fire Support Group
CA, CL, DD and Support Gunboats as assigned from TG 41.3
Task Group 48.2, Reserve Fire Support Group
OBB, CA, CL and DD as assigned from TGs 41.3, 41.5 and 41.7
Reserve Gunboat Screen Group
LCI (G) Group 110 11 LCI (G)
LCI (M) Div 80 6 LCI (M)
Support Gunboats as assigned from TG 41.5 and TG 42.2
Ammunition Load Out and Resupply
Fire support ships, including destroyers of the screen, of the Amphibious Force will be loaded in accordance with the following schedule:
Type Ship Rounds/Gun
16”-14”-12” AP OBB 25
16”-14”-12” HC OBB To Capacity (65-95)
8”/55 AP CA 40
8”/55 HC CA To Capacity (95-135)
6”/55 AP CL 60
6”/55 HC CL To Capacity (175-240)
5”/51 Common OBB 40
5”/51 Star OBB 50
5”/51 HC OBB To Capacity (185-260)
5”/38 VT OBB, CA, CL, DD 125
5”/38 Common OBB, CA, CL, DD 25
5”/38 Star 6 Gun DD 40
5”/38 Star 5 Gun DD 50
5”/38 Star OBB, CA, CL Normal Allowance
5”/38 WP OBB, CA, CL, DD 20
5”/38 AAC OBB, CA, CL, DD To Capacity (275-500)
5”/38 (1200 f.s.) OBB, CA, CL, DD 100
5”/25 VT OBB, CA 125
5”/25 Star OBB, CA 100
5”/25 AAC OBB, CA To Capacity (200-500)
Mk. 29 Fuze OBB, CA, CL, DD 50% of HC and AAC
5” SSR HC (20% VT Fuze) LCI(R ), LSM(R ) To Capacity
4.5” BR or FS LCI(G), LCS(L) 40 Per Ship
4.5” BR HE LCI(G), LCS(L) To Capacity
4.2” WP LCI(M), LSM(R ) 200 Per Ship
4.2” HE (25% delay) LCI(M), LSM(R ) 1000 Per Ship
40 mm All See Note 2
20 mm All Normal Allowance
Note 1. DMs and DMSs are considered as DDs for above loadings.
Note 2. Ships will load 40mm (including HE-SD or HE-I-SD) to the capacity by types in proportion to normal allowances except as noted below:
a) OBB, CA, CL, DD, LCI(G), LCS(L), LCI(M ), LCI(R ), LSM(R ) load 25% HE-I-T (non-self destructive for bombardment.
b) LCI(G) load 20% and LCS(L) load 30% HE-SD or HE-I-SD (dark tracer and dark ignition tracer respectively).
THIRD FLEET and TASK FORCE 58
It is understood that battleships, battle cruisers, and cruisers of the THIRD Fleet and TASK FORCE 58 will be loaded with 40 rounds of AP per gun (60 rounds of AP per gun for CL) of main battery and then to capacity with main battery HC. 5”/38 and 5”/25 will be loaded in accord with normal allowances.
Replacement Ammunition
Replacement ammunition will be provided by CTF 40 as follows:
a) 20 ammunition LSTs at sea in position to arrive KOSHIKI RETTO by 1300(I) XRAY minus FOUR. The exact time of arrival will be scheduled by CTF 40 depending upon the tactical situation. Some of these LSTs may be directed to report to CTG 41.3, CTG 41.5 or CTG 41.7 prior to XRAY Day if the tactical situation and weather conditions permit replenishment off Corps beaches.
b) 9 LSMs loaded to capacity with 5” SSR, 4.2” mortar, 40mm and 20mm will arrive KOSHIKI RETTO on XRAY minus FOUR with TASK FORCE 42 and will be available for further routing to the Corps beaches if the situation permits.
c) 3 LSTs loaded to capacity with 5” ammunition. One each of these LSTs will be assigned to each, TASK FORCE 43, TASK FORCE 45, and TASK FORCE 47. They will arrive at the objective XRAY Day with the assault forces and be ready to discharge ammunition to ships off the Corps beaches on XRAY Day.
d) 4 AKAs (small) loaded to capacity with 5”, 6” and 8” ammunition. 2 of the AKAs will be assigned to each, TASK FORCE 43, TASK FORCE 45, and TASK FORCE 47. They will arrive at the objective XRAY Day with the assault forces and be ready to discharge ammunition to ships off the Corps beaches on XRAY Day.
e) 2 AEs or AKEs loaded with bombardment ammunition at OKINAWA or at sea with Logistical Support Group by XRAY minus FOUR awaiting the call of CTF 40.
f) 4 AEs or AKEs loaded with bombardment ammunition standing by at OKINAWA by XRAY Day awaiting the call of CTF 40.
g) Additional shipments of ammunition will be arranged for by CTF 40 as circumstances require.
h) After being unloaded AEs and AKEs will be sailed to rear areas by CTF 40 for reloading.
i) After being unloaded the 20 ammunition LSTs mention in a) above will be utilized to unload and distribute ammunition for AEs and AKEs at the objective. If found that all 20 LSTs are not required for this purpose, those not required will be sailed to rear areas by CTF 40 for reloading.
j) After being unloaded all 9 LSMs will be used to shuttle between the objective and OKINAWA to supply ammunition for support craft.
k) The LSTs, AKAs and LSMs listed in a), b), c) and d) above will contain approximately one complete reload for all fire support ships. CTF 40 will arrange for the loading of these ships.
Distribution of Ammunition at the Objective
a) KOSHIKI RETTO will be the primary replenishment base. Ammunition ships and ammunition LSTs may be ordered by CTF 40 from KOSHIKI RETTO to report to individual Attack Force Commanders if the tactical situation and weather and sea conditions warrant large scale replenishment off Corps beaches.
b) CTF 42 under the direction of CTF 40 will be responsible for all ammunition replenishment at KOSHIKI RETTO.
c) CTG 41.3, CTG 41.5, CTG 41.7 and CTG 48.2 will be responsible for ammunition replenishment in their respective areas from ships listed above or from other shipping which may be available in their respective areas.
d) Replenishment prior to XRAY Day at KOSHIKI RETTO will be scheduled by CTG 41.3, CTG 41.5 and CTG 41.7 for ships assigned to them. The maximum number of ships of each group or force that may be scheduled is shown in the following table.
X-3 X-2 X-1
OBB CA CL DD OBB CA CL DD OBB CA CL DD
CTG 41.3 2 1 1 3 2 1 1 3 2 1 2 3
CTG 41.5 2 1 2 3 2 2 2 3 2 2 2 4
CTG 41.7 1 1 2 3 1 1 2 3 1 1 1 2
In scheduling fires during the period XRAY minus SEVEN and XRAY minus FOUR inclusive, expenditures should be so allocated as to have ready for replenishment approximately the number of ships tabulated above. Expenditure of 25% of main battery ammunition will be considered as justifying replenishment during these pre-XRAY Day operations. If the tactical situation does not permit replenishment on XRAY minus THREE, the above schedules for XRAY minus TWO and ONE will still be effective. Commanders listed above will indicate their schedules of fire of specific ships which will replenish. The above schedule may be modified at the objective by CTF 40 as circumstances require.
All ships will have the following minimum number of rounds aboard upon commencement of scheduled fires XRAY Day:
16" HC 14" HC 12" HC 8" HC 6" HC 5"/38 AAC 5"/25 AAC 5"/51 HC
OBB 400 500 500 1500 1500 600
CA 500 900 900
CL 900 1500 900
DD 1000
Ships assigned to TASK FORCE 42 on XRAY minus FOUR will have at least 25% more ammunition on board on XRAY minus FOUR than shown in above table. Scheduled fires prior to XRAY Day may have to be modified by commanders concerned, depending upon progress of replenishment, to provide the above minimum amounts on board at the times indicated.