LOG OF THE UNITED STATES SHIP USS ASHLAND LSD-1

5 June 1943 Saturday

1058 Ships crew came aboard. 1104 Visitors came aboard on presentation of invitations. 1113 Commander M. Anderson USNR came aboard.

1130 Crew formed in two ranks on deck. 1135 Commissioning officer read his orders, men directed "Face aft", "Right hand salute", "Sound off". All hands saluted. The Ensign, Jack and Commissioning Pennant were mastheaded.

1143 Commissioning Officer directed "Face inboard", stated the U.S.S. ASHLAND to be in commission and delivered the vessel to Francis J. Harris, Lieutenant Commander USNR, Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. ASHLAND, who read his orders and accepted his command with appropriate remarks. - Simon J. Seder LT(jg) USNR Navigation Officer.

1148-16 Watch

1148 Watches were set and ship's time commenced. 1152 Crew was secured from quarters. Visitors and Treasure Island band went ashore. 1300 Crew turned to taking on medical stores and hull allowances. 1305 Lee, J.P. 554-65-48, F1c, reported aboard for duty from Yerba Buena Island, California. 1350 M. Anderson, Commander, USNR left the ship.

Moored port side to Pier "C", Moore Dry Dock Company, West Yard, Oakland, California using the following lines furnished by Moore Dry Dock Company: 8 inch manila bow line; 1 1/8 inch bow spring; 8 in manila and 1 1/8 inch wire quarter spring; 8 inch manila stern line. Receiving the following services from the dock: Fresh water; Electric Power; High and Low Pressure Air; Steam.

- Chas. A. Bailey, LT(jg) USNR

16-20 Watch

Moored as before. 1745 The following named men reported aboard for duty from Receiving Ship, San Francisco, Calif.: Hall, W.C. 680-37-45 MM2c USNR, Serph, J.H. 554-14-93 MM2c USNR, Heathers, G.E. 664-71-02 F1c(MM) USNR, Robson, C (n) 576-38-42 F2c(MM) USNR, Tonn, J.R. 356-91-16 F3c(MM) USNR. 1746 The following named men reported aboard from the Receiving Ship, San Francisco, Calif: Upham, C.E. Jr. 555-75-76 MM2c USNR, Chappell, W.B. Jr. 342-73-42 F1c, Uffens, J.H. 660-59-04 S2c USNR. - C.T. Hennings ENS USNR.

20-24 Watch

Moored as before. -W.R. Keegan, ENS USNR

6 June 1943

Moored as before. 0810 Crew mustered at quarters, no absentees. 0830 Lit off port boiler. 1000 Commenced taking aboard hull, engineering and machinery allowances from Moore Dry Dock, Warehouse 16.

1800 Completed taking aboard hull, engineering and machinery allowances. 1835 Shifted from generator power to yard light and power.

7 June 1943

Moored as before. 1400 Discontinued receiving electric power from dock and switched to ships supply generator starboard. 1430 Communications Officer and armed guard left for Federal Building to secure confidential publications. 1440 Chronometers and stop watches aboard from Mare Island. 1500 Captain left ship. 1520 Cleared workman and welders from compartment #C-3076 and posted special guard. 1600 Crew mustered at quarters. No absentees.

1630 Medical stores received on board from Naval Supply Depot, San Francisco. 1715 Ships allowance confidential communications, received on board from issuing office, San Francisco. 1755 The following men reported aboard for duty from Receiving Ship, San Francisco: Higgins, Paul Vincent 202-58-46 PhmM2c, USN; Tucker, W.C. 634-97-85 SK3c, V-6, USNR, Riggs, R.H. 232-92-62 F1c USN.

8 June 1943

Moored as before. 0130 Sloan, K.G. 554-05-27 S2c, USNR V-6, reported aboard, absent over leave since 6 June 1943.

0445 Commenced receiving fresh water from dock. 0549 Completed taking on water. 0615 Lit off fires under boiler #1. 0740 Let fires die under boiler #1.

0900 Received aboard 60 gal. milk for general mess. Inspected as to quality by D. Susnow, LT.(MC) USNR and as to quantity by D. Schumacher LT(SC) USNR. 1050 Main engines spun. 1059 Commence taking on ordinance supplies, medical supplies, communication supplies.

1215 Lit off starboard boiler room, #1 boiler. 1300 Received shipment Tidewater Oil Company. Continued taking on stores, medical and ordinance equipment. 1340 Finished running test on port engine. 1410 Completed receiving canteen stores. 1432 Sixteen 20 MM guns taken from ship for ordalt changes. 1442 Welding permitted in compartment #C-3076. 1525 Four extra fire watches ported. 1550 Engineers report on running tests received and noted satisfactory.

1600 Continued taking on stores. 1715 The following men reported aboard for duty from Receiving Ship San Francisco: Cornish, A.A. 646-42-09 F2c V6 USNR, Josselyn, R.E. 606-06- 56 F1c V6 USNR.

2045 Completed taking on supplies.

9 June 1943

Moored port side to Pier "C" Moore Drydock Company, West Yard. Receiving from dock: Fresh water, high and low pressure air, steam. 0745 commenced taking fresh water aboard, 1100 gallons received. 0810 Crew mustered at Quarters. 0830 Ships stores stock received from NSD, Oakland. 1110 Received on board 16 20MM guns and spare parts. 1120 Received commissioning stores. 1315 commenced loading ammunition received from Mare Island. 1510 All ammunition stowed and locked, 57,400 rounds of 20 MM ammunition. 1530 Moored with own lines. Cast off yard lines.

1604 Received fresh fruit and vegetables listed below. Inspected as to quantity by D.L. Schumacher, Lieut., S.C., USNR, and as to quality by D.A. Susnow, Lieut., M.C. USNR. Received from Jacobs, Malcolm and Burtt, contract no. 85993: 310 lbs. squach, 161 lbs. peas, 405 lbs, cucumbers, 153 lbs onions, 165 lbs. green peppers, 103 lbs. radishes. Received from Elite Produce Co., contract no. 35991: 419 lbs. corn, 552 lbs. cantaloupes. From N.S.D. Oakland, Calif. invoice no. 605052; 616 lbs. cabbage, 300 lbs. carrots, 400 lbs celery, 390 lbs. lettuce, 600 lbs. onions, 2000 lbs potatoes (Irish), 170 lbs. turnips, 704 lbs. apples, 496 lbs. grapefruit. Invoice no. 605051 390 lbs. lemons, 1022 lbs. oranges, 297 lbs asparagus.

1745 Started Gyro. 2140 Received the following ammunition from Naval Ammunition Depot, Mare Island, California: 21,240 rounds 20 MM, 1 Signal Provector Mk. I, base for signal provector, set spare parts. Ships emergency identication signals in accordance with ord list. 15,000 30 cal. cartgs., 4500 30 cal. traces, 6600 45 cal. cartgs., 100 12 gauge shotgun shells, 180 45 cal. carts., blank. 12 lines and spindles, 30 projectiles, 8000 22 cartgs. 2240 secured from loading ammunition, magazines closed.

10 June 1943

0-4 Moored port side to east side Pier "C" Moore Dry Dock Company with the following lines, .... Receiving the following services from the dock, ..... W.R. Keegan ENS USNR

4-8 Moored as before. 0430 Steering engines tested. Test satisfactory. - Chas A. Bailey, LT(JG) USNR

8-12 0845 Received the following passengers aboard for bay trial: Lt. Wilkins, SupShips, Mr. Durham, Moore Dry Dock Engineer, Mr. Summers, Moore Dry Dock Engineer, Mr. Rogers, Moore Dry dock, Comdr. Flood Jackson E/RNR, Comdr. Waller, E/RNR, LT. Vaughn RNR, LT. Vallings, RNR, LT. Galbraith, SUSSHIP Oakland, Calif., Lt(jg) Vanover LSD-2, LT(jg) Thomas, LSD-2, Ens. Reidel, Outfitting Officer, Elect Hathaway, SUPSHIPS, Mr. Desamma, BUSHIPS, Mr. Gee, Mare Island Navy Yard, Mr. Bell, Johns-Manville, Mr. Seaman, Westinghouse Co., Mr. Nett, Skinner Eng. Co., Mr. Jagermann and Mr.Park from Skinner Eng. Co. Following from Moore Dry Dock , Mr. Brabac, Mr. Daniels, Mr. Summers, Mr. Golden, Mr. Barker, Mr. Brosterhous, Mr. Defries, Mr. Stolp, Mr. Brodesan, Mr. Ruanoj, Mr. J. Silver, Mr. G.M. Wallace and Mr. Carns from Gibbs & Cox. LT(jg) SUPSHIPS, LT(jg) Fleming, both from SUP SHIPS, San Francisco. Smith, S.B. CWT USN LSD-2, Coleman, E. CMM LSD-2.

0850 Received 4 spare lines and 2 spare shackles for anchor chain. 0845 received from Home Craft Baking Co., San Francisco, Calif., 300 lbs. bread. 0918 Received from ET?N Shipfitters Co. 52 - 15" CO2 estinguishers, 3 - 15' CO2 estinguishers spare.

0915 Lit off #2 Boiler.

0950 Following named men transferred to U.S. Naval Hospital, Oakland, Calif.: Kindre, A.L. 658-66-10 Stm1c V-6, D.O. Orethritis, Ledbetter R.E. 640-26-33 S1c V-6, DO Fract. 3rd Metacarpel.

1110 Received from Parke Daves & Co. 4 gal. Phamerol solution. 1120 Following named men reported aboard from Receiving Station Treasure Island for duty: Dimaandal, P.C. OC1c CF4D 497-70-51, DeMarcellone, G.C. Phm3c 611-63-54, Johnson, Melvin Jr. Stm3c 841-29-26, Fowler, W.S. EM1c 355-85-15. - C.T. Hennings ENS USNR

12-16 1210 Tested whitle, siren and all communications. All departments report ready for sea. 1215 Pursuant to orders 12th Naval District Lt(jg) Mayo, USNR and Lt. Wilkins, USN reported aboard this vessel for temporary duty in connection with bay trials. 1245 Hoisted boats aboard. 1300 Gangway landed.

1307 Cast off all lines. 1310 Ship underway, Captain at conn. Course and speed as per Captains orders. 1345 passed Goat Island abeam bearing 090 1441 Southampton shoal abeam bearing 090 1440 Let go port anchor. Ship brought up with 45 fathoms of chain in 8 fathoms. - Felicien Y. Lozen LT(JG) USNR

16-18 Anchored as before. Checked anchor bearings. 1705 Commenced flooding all ballast tanks.- Simmon J. Seder LT(JG) USNR

18-20 Anchored as before. Checked anchor bearings. 1913 Stern gate lowered. 1955 Water in well deck at nine foot level. - Chas. A. Bailey, LT(JG) USNR

20-24 Anchored as before. Checked anchor bearings. 2400 Secured Master Gyro. Ship in Modified Darken Condition. - W.R. Keegan ENS USNR

11 June 1943

Anchored in San Francisco Harbor at single anchor. All engines ready on half hour notice. Ship in modified darkened ship condition. Well flooded to 9 feet of water.

0428 Commenced pumping all ballast tanks. 0715 Whistle, siren, and all communications tested. 0730 Completed pumping all ballast tanks.

0807 Anchor aweigh. Gyro not in use. Underway using hand steering. Captain at conn. On various courses and speeds. 0847 Let go starboard anchor. 0940 starboard telemotor test satisfactory. 1055 Anchor aweigh. Captain at conn, on various courses and speeds on trial run.

1315 Commenced southward run over measured mile off Treasure Island at 60 RPM. Time for measured mile 12 minutes 40 seconds.

1357 Commenced southward run over measured mile at 80 RPM. Time for measured mile 11 minutes 28 seconds. 1410 Commenced three hour endurance run at 120 RPM. 1151 Commenced measured mile off Treasure Island at 120 RPM. Time for measured mile 5 minute 21 seconds. 1559 Passed under Bay Bridge. 1710 End of three hour run, 120 RPM. 1718 Commenced trial run at 180 RPM on measured mile. 1718 Completed - time 4 minutes 23 seconds.

1839 Commenced compass adjustment of magnetic compass. 1913 Let go port anchor. 1957 Weighed anchor, Captain at the conn. 2031 Completed adjustment of magnetic compass. 2038 Lowered stern gate. Ship hove to. Small boat came alongside stern gate, Lt. I.B. Crosby, USNR, LT(JG), A.E. Bubser, USNR, and Mr. Bourman left the ship. 2040 Making way on starboard engine. 2100 Let go port anchor.

12 June 1943

0-4 At single anchor with 45 fathoms in 6 fathoms. Ship in darkened condition. Both engines ready get underway at 1/2 hours notice. Master gyro still secured.

4-8 Anchored as before. 0400 Anchor bearings checked. 0525 tested whistle, siren, and communications. 0555 Commenced to weigh anchor. 0600 Anchor aweigh. 0647 South Hampton Shoal beacon bearing 090 Continued on various courses and speeds working up to 220 RPM.

8-12 Steaming as before on various courses and speeds while undergoing trials. 0831 Let go starboard anchor. Ship brought up with 30 fathoms of chain in 5 fathoms. 0907 Weighed anchor. Captain at the conn. 1059 Commenced southward run over measured mile at 190 RPM. Time for measured mile 4 minutes 20 seconds.

12-16 Steaming as before. 1221 Passed under Bay Bridge between towers "C" and "D" on course 160 PGC. Passed under Bay Bridge between towers "C" and "D" on course 323 PGC. 1249 Passed South Hampton shoals. Light abeam bearing 90 relative. 1301 passed Red Rock abeam bearing relative. 1328 Passed Red Rock abeam bearing 270 relative. 1400 Passed under Bay Bridge between towers "C" and "D" on course 160deg PGC. 1434 Closed midship gate on well deck. 1423 Passed under Bay Bridge between towers "C" and "D" on course 320 PGC. 1445 passed South Hampton shoals light abeam bearing 090 relative. 1500 Passed Red Rock abeam bearing 090 relative. 1513 Passed Red Rock abeam bearing 090 relative. 1527 Passed South Hampton shoals light abeam bearing 270

16-18 Steaming as before. Passed under Bay Bridge on course 325 deg. PGC. 1640 Completed mounting four 20 MM guns on Bridge Deck. 1647 Let go starboard anchor. 1657 Brought up on 45 fathoms in 8 fathoms. Engines ready to get underway in 1/2 hour notice. 1705 Small boat came alongside from Pier 40. 1715 Trial Board went ashore.

18-20 Anchored as before. 1820 Tested whistle and siren and all communications. All departments reported ready. 1830 Underway from anchorage. Captain at conn. Courses and speeds as per Captains orders. 1956 Moored starboard side to Eldorado Oil Dock, Moore Dry Dock Co. with the following lines in use: .......

20-24 Moored as before.

13 June 1943

0-4 Moored starboard side to Eldorado Oil Company Dock, Moore Dry Dock Company with the following lines in use: ....... 0130 Began receiving telephone service from yard.

8-12 Moored as before. 0933 Received aboard 16 large and 16 small dip pots for 20 MM guns from Moore Dry Dock Company. 1021 Received on board from Borden's Dairy Delivery Co., 2743 San Pablo Avenue, Oakland, California, 40 gals fresh milk. Inspected as to quality by D.A. Susnow LT(M.C.V.S.) USNR and as to quantity by D. Schumacher LT(SC) USNR. 1022 C.L.C. Atkeson, Commander, USN reported on board for duty. 1100 Received from Golden Gate Ice Cream Co., Oakland, California, 8 gals. brick ice cream. Inspected to quality by D.A. Susnow LT(MCVS) and as to quantity by D. Schumacher LT S.C. USNR.

12-16 Moored as before. Received from Naval Supply Depot, Oakland on invoice .........

16-20 Moored as before. 1637 Received 5 cartons of filtering compounds, Barium Hydrox and Ferrous Sulfate. 1651 Received aboard office supplies. 1747 Received aboard one carton of medical supplies. 1957 Let off No. 2 Boiler.

20-24 Moored as before. 2122 Started Master Gyro.

14 June 1943

Moored starboard side to Eldorado Dock, Oakland, Calif. 0625 R. Vanover LT(JG) USN, G.H. Thomas LT(JG) USN came aboard for trial trip. 0657 LT. Comdr. Garrells USN and D. Allison came aboard for trial trip. 0700 Cast off all lines. 0702 Commenced weighing anchor. 0713 Anchor aweigh, underway with Captain at conn. 0758 Passed under Bay Bridge between columns "A" and "B".

0800 Seven passengers aboard for trial trip.

1240 Commenced runs on measured mile. First southward run time, 2 minutes 26 seconds. Speed 15.93. Second run northward time 2 minutes 13 seconds. Third run southward 2 minutes 45 seconds. Speed 14.7. Fourth run northward 2 minutes 11 seconds. Speed 17.1 All runs at approximately --- RPM. 1343 Commenced southward run on measured mile with port engine at 180 RPM. Time 6 minutes 40 seconds.

1749 Let go port anchor. Brought up ship on 45 fathoms in 8 fathoms.

15 June 1943

1105 C.G.C. 6530 Came alongside, Photographer 2c Perine came aboard to see Commanding Officer. 1115 Photographer 2c Perine left ship. 1123 Commenced weighing anchor. 1131 Anchor aweigh, underway, Captain at conn. Courses and speeds as per Commanding Officer's order.

1222 Anchored in Oakland harbor with 15 feet of chain at waters edge, awaiting berth. 1249 Commenced heaving around. 1303 Moored portside to Pier "A" Moore Dry Dock Co., West Yard.

1337 Lt(JG) Vanover, LT(JG) J. H. Thomas, S.B. Smith, CWT, having completed temporary duty in connection with bay trials, detached from ship.

16 June 1943

Mooed port side to pier "A", Moore Drydock Company, West Yard. 0930 Exercised at fire quarters. 0933 First steam at scene of fire. 0935 Secured. 0950 Exercised at General Quarters. 0955 Secured from General Quarters. 0956 Turned on #1 Blower in #1 Fireroom. 1020 Exercised Abandon Ship Stations. 1025 Secured from Abandon Ship Stations.

F. J. Harris, Lieutenant Commander USNR read his orders and turned command of this vessel over to C.L.C. Atkeson, Commander USN who read his orders as addressed the crew on the bridge deck.

1418 Secured port boiler and generator. Commenced receiving steam and electric power from the dock. Received from Hobart Mfg. Co. one slicing machine. Received the following materials aboard from Moore Dry Dock Company invoice #A 71394 - 3 potato lockers.

17 June 1943

Moored port side to Pier "A, Moore Drydock Company, West Yard, Oakland, California. Receiving the following services from the dock: Flushing and fresh water; steam, electric power.

0700 Adamski, S. J. EM3c reported aboard 78 hours over leave. 1155 Electric light lamps taken aboard from Moore Dry Dock Warehouse. 1159 Completed mounting last 20 MM gun aboard. 1415, 3 inch 50 cal. AA gun and mount removed from bridge deck, forward amidships, along with spare part, tools, material and equipment by Moore Dry Dock Company. 1416 Went to General Quarters in accordance with aircraft warning dispatch. 1435 Secured from General Quarters. 1526 Received aboard 70 gal. milk for general mess. Inspected as to quality by D. Susnow, Lt(MC)USNR and as to quality by D. Schumacher, LT.(SC)USNR. 2300 Broke out gun crews and manned after guns in accordance with aircraft warning dispatch.

18 - 21 June 1943 - Moored as before.

22 June 1943

0630 Pursuant to verbal orders from prospective Commanding Officer of USS Belle Grove, Boatswain Cardaini, Elect. Littleton, Carpenter Brown and Chief Mach. Bewbaeur reported on board this vessel for temporary duty in connection with trials. 0735 LT. Comdr. Garrels reported aboard in line of duty. 0735 Made all preparations for getting underway.

0809 Underway from pier "A", Moore Dry Dock Company, West Yard, Oakland, California. Captain at Conn, Executive Officer and navigator on the bridge. Standing out of Oakland estuary on various courses conforming to the channel. 0855 Observation board including Lt. Tate, Lt(jg) Flemming, Ens. Rude with Captain Kell in charge came aboard. W.B. Hill and C.E. Wellon representing Babcock and Wilcox came aboard. 0856 On various courses at various speeds undergoing trials in San Francisco Bay.

1644 Commenced run on measured mile, 160 RPM. Course 160 Time 4 min. 3.8 seconds. 1714 Commenced run on measured mile, 150 RPM, course 320 Time 5 min, 19.5 sec. 1830 Commenced run on measured mile 150 RPM, course 150. Time 5 min. 23.5 sec. 1913 commenced run on measured mile 180 RPM, course 130, time 4 min. 56 sec.

2354 Let go port anchor with 45 fathoms of chain in 8 fathoms on following true bearings: Oakland harbor entrance light - 044; Goat Island light 004 30'; Alcatraz light 320 Secured main engines.

23 June 1943

0315 Made preparations to get underway. 0340 Commenced to weigh anchor. 0353 Anchor aweigh. 0355 Under way on course 018 PGC. 0819 Commenced run on measured mile. (Several runs were made in the A.M.) 1216 Pilot aboard. 1321 Moored port side to berth 21-N Mare Island, Cal. 1322 Started taking on salt water from dock. 1550 started taking electricity from dock. 1900 Yard tug streamed anti-torpedo net across stern.

24 June 1943

Moored as before. No remarks.

25 June 1943

Moored as before. No remarks.

2000 Pursuant to D-7017 BuPers Manual, Banett, J.O. PhM 3.c V-6, 616-27-30 (CN 5290) was transferred to this ship with bag and all records. 2150 Snyder, Clifford Ivan, WT2/c 385-82-59 was taken to the U.S. Naval Hospital, Mare Island, for treatment for Tonsillitis Acute.

26 - 30 June 1943

Moored as before, port side to pier 21, Mare Island, California. No remarks.

1 - 2 July 1943

Moored as before. No remarks.

3 July 1943

Moored as before. 1106 Discontinued taking all services from the dock. 1137 Pilot came on board. 1143 Tug Juanita alongside port side to assist in changing berths.

1201 Cast off lines to shift to berth 20. 1210 Moored to berth 20, starboard side to. 1255 Receiving electric power from dock.

4 - 9 July 1943 Moored as before. No remarks.

10 July 1943

Moored as before. 1240 Made preparations to get underway. 1245 G.R. Johnstone, Pilot, came aboard. 1327 Under way from berth 20 to Dry Dock Number 2, Mare Island, California, using tugs Cahoka, Navigator. #4, #10, #62. 1406 All tugs cast off and clear. 1415 In Dry Dock Number 2. 1416 Pilot left the ship. 1425 Dry Dock Gate closed. 1450 Commenced pumping out dock. 1535 Keel resting on keel blocks.

11 July 1943

In drydock #2, Mare Island, California. Receiving fresh and salt water, steam and electric power, telephone service from dock.

12 July 1943

In drydock #2, Mare Island, California, receiving services as before.

1115 Commenced flooding drydock. 1145 Ceased taking electricity from dock. 1153 Gangway removed from ship. 1155 Ship water borne.

1200 Gangway placed to ship from dock. 1201 Compartments A313A and A311M reported taking on water due to back pressure on flushing line. 1242 Ceased receiving stand and air pressure from dock. 1245 Telephone disconnected. Dry Dock completely flooded. 1351 Gate floated away from end of dry dock. 1310 Torpedo net removed from end of dry dock. 1318 Gangway removed from ship. 1322 Underway, ship being eased out of dry dock #2 by means of lines on dock. 1326 Steer clear of dry dock, all lines on starboard side cast off. 1334 Moored in berth 13 port side to. 1345 Gangway placed on port side of ship to dock. 1359 Commenced receiving salt water from dock. 1330 Commenced pumping water out of compartments A313A and A311M. 1425 Receiving electric service from dock.

13 July 1943

Moored as before. 1020 Secured taking water, steam, electric power and phone services from dock. 1015 Commenced singling up all lines. 1030 Lines singled up; Pilot aboard. 1057 Let go all lines, underway from dock, secured to four tugs.

1207 All tugs cast off and clear. 1215 Moored to Berth 23, Mare Island, California, starboard side to. Receiving the following services from the dock: Fresh and salt water, electricity, steam, air. 1315 Fresh water suspended.

14 - 15 July 1943

Moored starboard side to berth 23, Mare Island, California. No remarks.

16 July 1943

0717 Unmoored from alongside pier 23, Navy Yard, Mare Island, in two of yard tugs, Pilot F.T. Summers conning, and shifted berth to south side of pier 22 mooring starboard side to. Secured at 0748 and commenced receiving fresh and salt water, steam, electricity and telephone service from the dock.

17 - 19 July 1943

Moored as before. No remarks.

20 July 1943

Moored as before. 1530 Commenced loading ammunition. 1700 Lit off Boiler #1. At 1800 lit off boiler #2. Continued receiving ammunition. 2031 Commenced dock trials. 2044 - 2-45 Starboard engine ahead 20 RPM. Port engine astern 20 RPM. 2045-2115 Starboard engine ahead 60 RPM, port engine astern 60 RPM. 2115 - 2135 Starboard astern 60 RPM, port ahead 60 RPM. 3135 Stopped all engines. 2137 Completed dock trials. 2150 Boiler #1 secured. 2205 Boiler #2 secured.

21 July 1943

Moored starboard side to berth 22, Mare Island, California. Still receiving ammunition from ammunition depot Mare Island, California.

0535 Completed taking on ammunition and secured all magazines having received the following material from N.A.D. Mare Island, California: 28,800 rounds 40 MM, 79,020 rounds 20 MM, 600 rounds 5:38 cal., 19,000 .30 cal., 6,500 rounds .45 cal and Pyrotechnics per order list #1750.

1550 Started master gyro.

1635 Secured fresh way from the dock. 1650 Anti-submarine net removed astern. 1800 All departments except Engineering reported ready to get underway. 1810 Pilot G.R. Johnstone came aboard. 1815 Secured salt water from dock. 1816 All lines singled up. 1816 Engineering department reported ready to get underway. 1816 Yard tugs #62, #10, #4 came alongside. 1833 Underway from berth 22, Mare Island, California, on various courses and at various speeds conforming with channel. Pilot at conn. 1845 All tugs cast off. 1904 Pilot G.R. Johnstone left the ship, Captain at conn. 1935 Tested whistle and siren. Test satisfactory.

2056 Passed under San Francisco Bay Bridge, preparing to anchor. 2111 Anchored in anchorage 12 south, San Francisco Bay in 10 fathoms of water with 45 fathoms of chain to the starboard anchor. 2117 Main engines secured. 2300 Commenced swinging to the tide. 2340 Completed swinging to the tide.

22 July 1943

Anchored in San Francisco Bay, California, in anchorage 12, south, in 10 fathoms of water. 0650 Special Sea Detail set. 0703 All departments ready to get underway. 0726 Underway from anchorage, Captain at conn.

0805 Tug came along side. 0807 Pilot came aboard. 0910 Moored port side to pier 31 San Francisco, California with the following lines in use, bow and stern lines. 0915 Deperming crew came aboard and commenced rigging deperming coils. 1135 Ship breasted out to center of slip.

1639 Alongside pier 31 port side to with bow and quarter spring lines. 1803 Tug Sea Rover alongside. 1805 Pilot aboard. 1808 Underway. 1814 Tug cast loose. 1815 Pilot left ship. 1833 Let go starboard anchor. Anchored in San Francisco, California harbor in 9 fathoms of water with 45 fathoms of chain.

23 July 1943

Anchored in San Francisco Bay California, anchorage 8, South in 10 fathoms of water with 45 fathoms of chain to starboard anchor. 0447 Anchor hove short. 0500 Underway at various courses and speeds for degaussing runs. 0515 Passed under S.F. Bay bridge. 0620 K.E. Dornstretch of Degaussing Station came aboard for degassing runs. 1152 Completed degaussing runs.

1245 Commenced compensating compasses. 1250 Crew aboard to check aft gun mounts. 1441 Crew checking 40MM guns aft went ashore. 1558 Completed compensating compasses.

1621 Anchored in San Francisco Bay, California, anchorage 8 in 8 fathoms of water with 45 fathoms of chain.

24 July 1943

Anchored as before. 0726 Underway from anchorage. 0800 Steaming as before, calibrating Radio Direction Finder. 1147 Ship's number 2 boat left on ship's business.

1854 Secured from calibrating R.D.F. 1937 Anchored with 45 fathoms of chain in 10 fathoms.

25 July 1943

Anchored in berth 12, San Francisco Bay, California. 1007 Underway. 1028 U.S.S. K-25 reported for duty as escort. 1043 Passed through San Francisco Bay entrance net. On various courses conforming to channel enroute to San Diego.

1300 Started zigzaging base course 196 PGC, 194 T., Plane no. 8. 1459 General Quarters sounded. 1515 Commenced structural and test fire of all ships guns.

1605 Shifted steering control to steering engine room. 1615 Shifted steering control to pilot house. 1617 Shifted steering control to after conning station. 1627 Shifted steering to pilot house. 1825 Completed structural and test firing of guns. Excessive vibration note in 40 MM aft port side mount and aft starboard side mount. Elective firing circuit on left guns, and manual fire key on right gun of #2 40 MM guard inoperative. Ammunition expended 4 rounds 5" A.A., 120 rounds 40 MM, 960 rounds 20 MM.

2000 Steaming as before on base course 138T. Zigzagging on plan 8.

26 July 1943

Steaming independently enroute San Francisco to San Diego on course 148 T. Ship darkened. Conducting steady steaming runs.

0600 Commenced running zigzag plan #8. 0530 Sounded General Quarters. 0610 Secured from General Quarters. Continue to pump ballast tanks. 1500 Blimp sighted at 28 relative at distance of 18000 yards. Continued to zigzag on plan 8, changing base course frequently. 1757 Radar reports object 20000 yards 333 relative identified as blimp. Changed standard speed to 125 RPM and to 135 RPM. Continued to pump ballast tanks.

27 July 1943

Steaming between San Francisco and San Diego. Speed 10 knots. Ship in darkened condition 2 mike watch is set. 0057 Target reported by radar bearing 320 relative, range 16,800 yards. 0240 Radar lost contact with target. 2310 Sighted light bearing 274 (T). 2330 Passed light on our port beam at 3,000 yards. 0330 Sighted light bearing 295 (T). 2333 Target spotted on radar relative bearing 359 range 4,800 yards.

0628 Commenced sounding fog signal, s/s to stop. 0630 s/s to slow ahead. 0706 Maneuvering at various courses and speeds through heavy fog to find channel. 0745 Anchored with 60 fathoms of chain to stbd. anchor.

0900 Underway at entrance to channel San Diego. 0929 Passed through net. 0957 Pilot aboard. 1031 Moored to buoy 30.

1853 Underway from buoy #30 San Diego Harbor, California on various courses at various speeds conforming with channel. 1940 Passed through submarine next. 1947 Passed thru second submarine net. 1459 Passed channel buoy #35D abeam to starboard at 200 yards. 1954 Pilot C.T. Larson left the ship.

28 July 1943

Steaming at 75 RPM on course 305 PGC. Both boilers on the line, darkened ship. Condition 2 M set. 0020 Changed course to 315 PGC. Various small ships reported by radar. None sighted.

0620 Commenced zigzagging. 0530 General Quarters sounded. 0610 Secure from General Quarters.

Steaming various courses and speeds. 1150 Sighted Santa Catalina Island bearing 063 on north edge, distance six miles.

Steaming various courses and speeds to enter channel. 1415 Lt. H.R. Scranton, Pilot, came aboard. 1450 Anchored with 45 fathoms of chain to stbd. anchor in San Pedro Harbor, anchorage A-4.

29 July 1943

Anchored in berth Able Four, San Pedro Harbor. 0617 Underway from anchorage on various courses conforming to channel. Captain at conn. 0640 Pilot aboard. 0652 Passed through San Pedro entrance breakwater. 0701 Pilot left ship. Proceeded for standardization runs.

Various courses and speeds conforming to channel. Proceeding to run standardization runs. 0920 Commenced ballasting. 1050 Completed ballasting. Standardization runs conducted off Point Vicente.

1726 Completed standardization runs. 1820 San Pedro Harbor entrance channel abeam.

1847 Passed through San Pedro harbor entrance net. 1907 Anchored San Pedro Harbor, anchorage A6 with port anchor in use with 45 fathoms of chain in 6 fathoms .

30 July 1943

Anchored as before, berth A6, SAN PEDRO HARBOR, CALIFORNIA with 45 fathoms of chain on port anchor. Ship is darkened except for anchor lights and aircraft warning lights.

1401 Underway on various courses and speeds conforming with channel. 1422 Passed through entrance to SAN PEDRO Harbor. Passed harbor buoys.

2000 Steaming independently on course 144 true, standard speed 8 kts., 100 RPM. Ship darkened, condition watch 2 mike set. 2355 Exchanged call signals with patrol craft 1007, distance 2000 yards.

31 July 1943

Steaming independently at 8 kts. on course 144 (T) enroute to San Diego.

Various course and speed changes. 0530 General Quarters. 0602 Secured from General Quarters. 0629 Stopped all engines. 0711 Passed through anti-Torpedo next San Diego Harbor. O716 Pilot aboard. 0717 Pilot at conn. 0737 Tug YT148 alongside. 0755 Moored to Navy Pier #3, San Diego.

0811 YT148 cast off. 0822 Moored port side to Navy Pier #3. 0825 Secured special sea detail.

1500 Commenced making preparation for getting underway. 1607 Got underway from Navy Pier #3, San Diego, California to Pier 2, Destroyer Base, San Diego, California. Pilot H. Krog at con. Three tugs assisting. 1705 First tug left. 1710 Forward tug cast off. 1716 Moored to Pier #2, Des. Base, San Diego, California. 1746 Secured special sea detail.

1 August 1943

Moored as before. Receiving fresh water and telephone service.

2 August 1943

Moored starboard side to pier 2, Destroyer Base, San Diego, California. 0700 Commenced ballasting ship in preparation for receiving L.C.M.'s in dock. 0830 Completed ballasting. Mean depth of water in well deck 5'6". 0900 Commenced unballasting. 0908 LCM's 23 and 24 came into well deck under own power, stopped engines and tied up amidships. 0940 Commenced raising stern gate. 0950 Stern gate closed and secured. 1019 Keels of LCM's resting on well deck. 1020 Lit off both boilers. 1055 Tug YT 148 alongside, pilot aboard. 1120 completed unballasting.

1205 Underway at various courses and speeds out of channel. 1213 Tug cast off. 1313 Pilot ashore. 1525 Commenced ballasting. 1545 Completed ballasting.

1620 Changed standard speed to full 140 RPM, half 90 RPM, slow 60 RPM. 1657 All engines stopped. 1701 Lowered stern gate. 1710 Power boat SC came along starboard side. 1714 The following Marine Corps personnel came aboard from power boat SC: LT. Col Davis, Lt. Col. Wilson, LT. Col. Sessing, Comdr. Baster, Lt. Comdr. Lafting, Lt. Comdr. Prifold, Capt. McRaynold, Lt. Styles, Sarg. Roades, Pvt. Walker. 1720 Commenced Ballasting. 1731 First LVTA-2 came aboard. 1734 Second LVTA-2 came aboard. 1736 Second LVTA-2 disembarked. 1740 First LVTA disembarked.

1745 Manned all ballasting stations, for unballasting, closed stern gate. 1750 Power boat left ship with Marine Corps personnel. 1751 Both engines ahead slow. 1815 Commenced unballasting. 1857 Completed unballasting. 1900 Secured all engines from unballasting, draft aft 19 1/2". 1907 Both engines ahead one half. 1916 Commenced zigzag course, diagram #7. 1930 Held quarters for muster, absentees: Sloan, R.G. S2c. 2000 USS K-20, Navy Blimp secured.

Course 245 PGC. Because of lights sighted and radar contacts 2145 changed course to 180 PGC. 2205 Resumed basic course 245 PGC. Because of lights sighted and radar contact 2225 changed course to 270 2227 Resumed course 245 PGC.

3 August 1943

Record of this day missing.

4 August 1943

Steaming independently on east and west courses in Area 8MM, standard speed 90 RPM 6.8 kts., ship darkened, condition 2 Mike set.

0530 General Quarters. 0600 Secured General Quarters. 0701 Commenced ballasting. 0731 Stern gate lowered three (3) feet. 0736 Secured ballasting with 5 feet of water in well deck. 0841 Changed speed to 4.4 kts.

0800 Lowered stern gate completely. 0952 Stbd. LCM cast off from well deck. 0958 Port LCM cast off from well deck. 1005 Stbd. LCM pulled into well deck. 1009 Stbd. LCM cast off. 1011 Stbd. LCM pulled into well deck. 1012 Stbd. LCM cast off. 1014 Stbd. LCM taken into well deck and secured. 1025 Port LCM taken into well deck and secured. 1026 Commenced unballasting. 1059 Closed stern gate. 1131 Completed unballasting.

Commenced gunnery exercises. 1316 Commenced firing on sleeve towed by plane. Sixteen runs made. All 20MM, all 40MM & 5' guns were fired. 1442 Completed gunnery exercises. 1445 Full right rudder. S/S to slow. 1446 S/s to back slow. 1447 S/s to back one half. S/s to back full. Full left rudder. 1434 S/s to ahead full. 1458 S/s to ahead one half. 1459 S/s ahead slow. 1502 S/s ahead full.

Steaming as before. Various course changes and speed changes.

5 August 1943

Steaming independently on course 131 PGC, both boilers in use at 115 RPM, in area MIKE 12 off south eastern end of San Clemente Island.

0706 Commenced ballasting. 0745 Completed ballasting, 4 1/2 ft. water over stern gate. 0750 Commenced ballasting. 0755 Forward LCM cast off from well deck. 0823 Forward LCM pulled into well deck. 0830 After LCM cast off from well deck. 0842 After LCM pulled into well deck. 0843 Raised stern gate. 0853 Commenced unballasting. 0918 Changed course to 120 PGC. 0922 Ahead both engines full, standard speed 180 RPM. 0925 Secured stern gate. 1012 Secured ballast control. 1025 All sea valves secured.

(Speed and course changes made preparatory for gunnery exercises. JB) 1248 Commenced maneuvering in preparation for gunnery exercises. 1340 Sounded general quarters. 1345 Commenced gunnery exercises. 1530 completed gunnery exercises, ammunition expended 16 rounds 5", 96 rounds 40MM, no casualties. 1530 Secured general quarters.

1616 Cut in degaussing. Steaming on various courses and speeds conforming to channel, Captain at Conn. 1654 Secured radar. 1832 Secured degaussing. Tug YT-133 alongside, 1827 Tug YMT.3 alongside. 1842 Moored port side to pier #2 south side after end Destroyer Base, San Diego, Cal, with the following lines in use 1" wire bow line; 2 springs 3 parts 9" manila; 2 after springs 3 part 9" manila; 1" wire stern line. 1901 YMT3 cast off. YT133 cast off.

6 August 1943

Moored as before. Receiving steam, electricity, fresh and salt water, telephone services from the dock.

7 August 1943

Moored as before. 1900 Commenced taking ammunition aboard. 2035 Completed taking ammunition aboard. Received 40 rounds 5"/38 cal; 1260 rounds tracer 20MM, 2340 rounds incendiary 20MM, 1400 rounds 40MM AA.

8 August 1943

Moored port side to south side of pier 2, Destroyer Base, San Diego, California. No remarks.

9 August 1943

Moored as before. 1227 Received 47,722 gals. of fuel oil from barge from N.S.D. San Diego, California. 1608 Completed taking on oil. 1625 Diesel oil barge #9 left ship.

10 August 1943

Moored port side to south side of Pier #2 Destroyer Base San Diego, California. 0735 Commenced ballasting.

0834 Cast off after LCM. 0835 Ceased ballasting. 0837 Cast off after LCM. 0853 Commenced receiving the following LCM's: (Numbers of 14 LCM's listed here. JB)

0900 Steering room reported flooding from C-425-W. 1005 Waters reported pumped out of steering room. 1030 Completed receipt of LCM's. 1030 Commenced unballasting.

1600 Completed unballasting ship. Draft forward 15'5", aft 15'9".

11 August 1943

Moored port side to south side of pier 2, Destroyer Base, San Diego.

1445 Pilot Larsen came aboard. 1446 Secured all services form the dock. Draft before getting underway 15'5" forward, 16'6" aft.

1450 YMT Marquita came along starboard side. 1453 All lines singled up. 1503 Removed gangway from ship. 1505 All lines cast off. 1507 Both anchors ready for letting go. 1507 Received lines from YMT3. 1510 YMT# cast off, YMT Marquita cast off. 1510 Steaming on various courses and speeds, Pilot at conn. 1525 Buoy N10 abeam to port. 1607 Passed through anti-torpedo next. 1617 passed through anti-submarine net. 1619 Escort K20 reported for duty. 1620 Secured both anchors for sea. 1621 Pilot, J.L. Larson left ship. 1622 Secured special sea detail. 1625 Standard speed 175 RPM. 1640 Watch set on all guns. 1715 Commenced zigzagging in accordance with diagram no. 8, base course 259

1742 degaussing gear secured. 1900 Abandon ship drill. 1950 secured from abandon ship drill. 2122 Four (4) planes sighted. 2330 Escort vessel secured in accordance with plan.

12 August 1943

Steaming independently enroute from San Diego to PEARL HARBOR. Zigzagging according to plan #8, base course 259T, speed 175 RPM, 14.4 kts.

1540 Sighted ship, bearing 330 relative at 29000 yards. 1830 Set ship's clock back one half hour to conform with +7.5 zone time.

13 August 1943

Steaming independently enroute from San Diego to PEARL HARBOR using zigzag plan no. 8, base course 270 PGC and T, speed 175 RPM, 14.4 kts., ship in darkened, condition 2 Mike watches set. 0113 Starboard engine room reports port mechanical counter out of order. 0339 Changed from port telemotor to starboard telemotor.

0459 Object reported contacted by radar bearing 170 relative at 2000 yards. 0545 General quarters. 0615 Secured general quarters.

0845 Switched steering to steering engine room. 0855 Switched steering to pilot house. 0940 Sighted ship bearing 210 relative. C/c base course to 250 1048 Switched steering to steering engine room. 1106 Switched steering to pilot house. 1152 Unidentified object sighted on horizon bearing 260 relative.

1214 Sighted unidentified object bearing 045 T. 1220 Sighted unidentified object bearing 035 T. 1227 Shifted steering control to steering engine room. 1236 Shifted steering control to bridge. 1359 C/c to 210 T. 1400 C/s to stop port engine, ahead 1/2 starboard engine. 1401 C/c to 200 T. 1410 Port engine ahead 1/2. 1411 Test fired #4 20MM 5 rounds. 1412 C/s to full, c/c to 250T. 1423 Shifted steering control to steering engine room. 1436 shifted steering to bridge. 1504 C/s to 1/2. 1510 C/s to slow. 1512 C/s to stop. 1516 C/s to slow ahead, 1519 c/s to 1/2, 1523 c/c to full.

1608 Shifted to trick wheel in after steering engine room. 1615 Shifted steering to pilot house. 1618 Port mechanical counted report out of commission. 1730 All "Y" doors reported closed. 1755 Shifted steering to after steering room. 1801 Shifted steering back to pilot house. 1902 Secured power on 40MM guns. 1830 All clocks retarded 1/2 hour to +8 time zone. 1855 All hands mustered at abandon ship stations with life jackets. 1915 Secured from abandon ship. 1927 Ship darkened.

1949 Shifted steering to wheel in after steering engine room. 1956 Shifted steering to pilot house. 2217 shifted steering to after steering engine room. 2226 Shifted steering to pilot house.

14 August 1943

Steaming independently on base course 250(T) zigzag diagram number 8, speed 175 RPM, 14.4 kts. Both boilers in use. Ship blacked out. 0050 Shifted steering to steering engine room. 0100 Shifted steering to pilot house. 0245 Unidentified object reported by radar bearing 340 R. at 3000 yards. 0302 Shifted steering to steering engine room. 0315 Shifted steering to pilot house.

0405 Shifted steering control to steering engine room. 0415 Shifted steering control to bridge. 0554 Test fired #4 20 MM gun. 0625 Shifted steering control to steering engine room. 0645 Shifted steering control to bridge.

1020 Shifted to port telemotor. 1200 changed standard speed to 165 RPM. 1630 Shifted steering control to steering engine room. (Shifting of steering control continued until 2357. JB)

15 August 1943

Steaming independently using zigzag plan #8 on base course 250 PGC, 250(T), at 165 RPM, 13 knots enroute to PEARL HARBOR. Ship darkened, condition 1 Mike and Material Condition Yoke set.

0420 Shifted steering control to trick wheel. 0443 shifted steering to pilot house. 0545 Sounded General Quarters. 0547 Fired #8 - 20 MM test fire. 0600 Shifted steering control to after conn. 0605 Shifted steering control to trick wheel. 0615 shifted steering control to after conn. 0617 Secured from General Quarters. 0700 Test siren and whistle. 0717 shifted steering control to trick wheel. 0723 shifted steering control to pilot house.

0800 - 1600 (Entire day spent shifting steering control. JB)

16 August 1943

Steaming independently at 13 kts, 165 RPM, on base course 250 T, zigzag plan #8 enroute to PEARL HARBOR, T.H. Ship darkened and material condition Yoke set.

0530 Sounded General Quarters. 0531 Test fire 8 rounds on #8 20MM gun. 0600 All hands mustered at abandon ship stations. 0615 Secured from abandon ship stations. General quarters stations. 0617 Secured fro General Quarters, set condition 3 Mike.

1012 Commenced practice firing 20MM guns #11, 13, 15. 1043 Completed practice firing. Ammunition expended 340 rounds.

1440 Commenced gunnery exercises guns #5 & 7 20MM and crews of guns 5-6-7-8. 1515 Conducted gunnery exercises, rounds expended 205 - no casualties.

2309 Sighted plane on port beam on course approximately 095

17 August 1943

Steaming independently, San Diego to PEARL HARBOR using zigzag plan #1 on base course 248T & PGC. at 160 RPM, 13 kts. Ship darkened. Condition 2 Mike and material condition Yoke set.

0545 Sounded General Quarters. 0547 Fired 3 rounds #15 20MM. 0615 Secured from General Quarters.

1400 Changed zigzag plan to #4. 1444 Cut in power on #2 40MM motors for drill purposes. 1540 Secured power on #2 40MM motor.

18 August 1943

Steaming independently en route San Diego to PEARL HARBOR 150 RPM, 12.2 knots on base course 248 T. with zigzag plan 4. Ship darkened, condition 2M set.

0545 Sounded general quarters. 0546 Fired #15 20MM, 3 rounds. 0607 Secured from general quarters.

1100 Commenced practice firing 20MM #11-13. 1114 Ceased practice firing. Ammunition expended 180 rounds.

1454 Commenced gunnery exercises on #1 40MM gun. 1510 Concluded 40MM exercises. Expended 156 rounds. No casualties. 1555 Commenced practice fire 5"/38 cal. gun. 1557 Concluded 5" gun exercises. Expended 5 rounds. No casualties.

19 August 1943

Steaming independently en route San Diego to PEARL HARBOR, T.H.

0545 General Quarters. 1047 Fired #7-20MM. 0615 Sighted land (Malohi Island) bearing 300 R. 0620 Secured from General Quarters. 0637 Sighted C-597 and exchanged calls. 0712 Sighted patrol plane, 180 T.

0924 Ceased zigzaging. 0946 Commenced steering various courses to enter channel. 1102 Moored port side to berth 24 PEARL HARBOR Navy Yard.

20 August 1943

Moored port side to berth #24 PEARL HARBOR, T.H. 1255 Pilot, R.L. Green came aboard. 1257 Yard tugs 146 (Hoya) and 119 (Geroninour) came alongside. 1307 Got underway from berth 24. 1342 Moored starboard side to "Merrys' Point" dock with the following lines in use..............1355 YT 119 cast off, Pilot R.L. Green left ship. 1358 YT 146 cast off. 1440 Commenced taking fuel aboard.

1650 Finished fueling ship, Received 136,206 gals.

21 August 1943

Moored starboard side to berth M-4 Merry's Point Dock, PEARL HARBOR, T.H. Port boiler in use for auxiliary purposes. Receiving telephone services from dock.

Completed taking stores aboard from US NV Supply Dept., PEARL HARBOR, T.H. under invoices #.............

The following named men under orders of temporary duty. (See affixed list).

22 August 1943

Moored starboard side to pier M-4, PEARL HARBOR, T.H. using port boiler for auxiliary purposes and receiving telephone service from the dock.

23 August 1943

Moored starboard side to Merry's Point dock, PEARL HARBOR, T.H. 0604 Commenced ballasting ship. 0809 Completed ballasting. 0825 Commenced taking LCM's. 0940 Commenced unballasting. 1035 Boats forward of gate resting on dock. 1035 13 LCM's, 2 LVP's aboard.

1300 Commenced taking diesel oil aboard. 1410 Completed taking diesel aboard. Received (132 tons) 1,011 bbls. Draft forward 15 ft, aft 19 ft. 1346 Completed unballasting.

1630 Commenced taking aboard four LCVP, one SB, one duck, one surf boat. 1930 Completed taking on above boats.

24 August 1943

Moored starboard side to Merry's Point dock, PEARL HARBOR, T.H. Starboard boiler in use for auxiliary purposes.

Pursuant orders of Commandant 14th Naval District dated August 24, 1943, Pea, Rene Levi, BM1c 603-95-05 USNR reported aboard for temporary duty with records.

25 August 1943

Moored starboard side to M-4, Navy Yard, PEARL HARBOR, T.H.

0800 All departments reported ready to get underway. 0855 Underway on various courses and speeds leaving PEARL HARBOR on orders of Commander Task Group 11. 0931 Exercises all hands at general quarters. 1048 Commenced practice firing on towed sleeves. 1100 Commenced zigzagging on plan #8. 1120 Completed practice firing, expended 380 rounds 20 MM, 120 rounds 40 MM. 1140 Secured from general quarters.

(Several course and speed changes were made during the day. JB)

1356 Fired 1 round practice firing 5" gun. 1400 Time changed. Set back 1 1/2 hours. 1233 Commenced practice fire 5" gun. 1255 Completed firing - 3 rounds expended.

26 August 1943

Steaming in company with Task Force 11, standard speed 13 kts, 163 RPM. Taking guide on USS President Taylor. Ship darkened, condition 2 Mike and Yoke set. Zigzagging in accordance of zigzag diagram 11. Radar not in operation.

Steaming as before. Changed speeds and courses to keep station.

1918 Commenced watch on radar. 1925 Commenced zigzaging in accordance with diagram #8.

27 August 1943

Steaming as before with Task Force 11, enroute PEARL HARBOR to BAKER ISLAND, standard speed 13 kts, 165 RPM, on base course 220 PGC. Ship darkened, condition 2 Mike and material condition Yoke set. Zigzagging in accordance with plan #8 with adjustments of speed as necessary to keep station.

1100 Commenced using zigzag plan 39Z.

28 August 1943

Steaming as before with Task Force 11, from PEARL HARBOR to BAKER ISLAND. Standard speed 13 kts, base course 220 PGC usingzigzag plan 39Z. Ship darkened, condition 2M and material condition Y set.

At 0915 ceased zigzagging and commenced simple maneuvers using T.B.Y. equipment. At 0955 resumed zigzag.

2300 Base course changed to 210

29 August 1943

Steaming in company with Task Force 11 from PEARL HARBOR to BAKER ISLAND at 13 knots on base course 210 PGC using zigzag plan 39Z. Ship darkened, condition 2 Mike set and material condition Y.

0530 Called all hands to general quarters. 0605 Secured from general quarters.

Steaming as before. (Courses and speeds changed during the day. No other remarks. JB)

30 August 1943

At sea steaming in company with Task Force 11 enroute PEARL HARBOR, T.H. to BAKER ISLAND.

0708 Changed formation guide to U.S.S. Bellewood. 0710 Changed standard speed to 12 knots.

0847 ASHLAND designated as force guide. 0900 DD-545 Bradford alongside. Secured line to DD-545. 0921 Commenced pumping fuel. 1120 Completed pumping fuel - total 29,545 gals pumped. 1130 DD-545 cast off all lines. 1155 Line secured to DD-512 Spence.

1216 Commenced pumping fuel to Spence. 1435 Completed fueling Spence, 27,576 gals discharged. 1448 Cast off all lines from Spence. 1537 Commenced zigzagging on plan 39.

31 August 1943

Steaming in company with Task Force 11 enroute PEARL HARBOR to BAKER ISLAND, standard speed 13 kts., 170 RPM on base course 260 T. Ship darkened, 2 Mike and Y set. Cruising formation #1

0545 Called all hands to general quarters. 0623 Secured from general quarters. 0640 Sighted ship 255 (T) 27,000 yards dist. 0650 Ceased zigzagging. Changed base course to 230 (T). 0704 Commenced zigzagging on plan 5. 0727 Ceased zigzagging.

20-24 Steaming as before. 2130 changed base course to 280 T, 281 PGC. 2230 changed base course to 250 T, 251 PGC.

1 September 1943

At sea, enroute PEARL HARBOR, T.H. to BAKER ISLAND, steaming in company with Task Force 11 on base course 215 (T), 216 PGC, speed 9.5 knots, 120 RPM, zigzagging to plan number 11Z. Ships darkened with condition II Mike and material condition Yoke set.

0600 General Quarters. 0610 Ceased. 0605 Sighted BAKER ISLAND bearing 310, distance 9 miles. Various speeds and courses. 0702 Proceeding independently by orders of CTF 11. Various courses and speeds to being ship into position to ballast down. 0726 Commenced ballasting down stern. 0737 LCVP #20 hoisted out with starboard crane. 0747 Surf Boat #2 hoisted out. 0756 Whale boat hoisted out. 0808 LCVP #17 hoisted out.

0812 Stern gate opened. 0821 LCM's 1, 4 & 5 left dock. 0822 Cables on stern gate broke. 0834 LCM #2 left dock. 0847 Commenced unballasting due to load in LCM #7 shifting. 0850 Crane on LCM #7 knocked railing away on starboard side of dock between frames 90 and 95. 0857 LCM #6 left dock.

Steaming as before on various courses and speeds off BAKER ISLAND. 0940 Secured from General Quarters. 1144 Completed unballasting.

2 September 1943

Steaming at various courses and speeds off BAKER ISLAND. Standard speed 90 RPM. Ship darkened condition 2 Mike and material condition Y set.

0630 Commenced work on repairing stern gate hoisting gear. 1203 Stopped ballasting. 1208 Started unballasting. 1230 Chains on stern gate broke. 1357 Stopped unballasting.

1745 LCVP 9 hoisted out of well deck. 1750 LCVP 9 cast off. 1803 LCVP 18 hoisted out of well deck. 1808 LCVP 18 cast off. 1825 LCM 16 alongside. 1829 LCM 16 cast off. 1832 Tow line secured from stern to LCM 16. 1840 Commenced fueling LCM 16. 1900 Continued hoisting ships starboard boat. 1903. Ships starboard boat cast off.

3 September 1943

Underway in transport area west of BAKER ISLAND maintaining steerageway and position about three miles west of island, ship darkened with condition II Mike and material condition Yoke set.

0600 Dawn General Quarters. 0634 Secured from General Quarters. 0700 Commander Coleman and Lt. Comdr. Caughy returned aboard ship from Hercules. 0720 Commenced fueling #8 LCM astern.

(0750 to 1137 Fueling LCM's and LCVP's. JB)

1137 LCM cast off with load of wire mesh. 1201 Surf Boat #2 completed fueling and came alongside to port to load. 1246 SB2 completed loading and cast off. 1255 Secured gun watches to expedite undocking of remaining craft in the well deck.

1300 Enemy aircraft reported bearing 270 (T). Sounded General Quarters. 1432 Secured from General Quarters. 1435 Commenced unballasting. 1531 launched LCM #7. 1533 Launched DUWK. 1549 Launched LCM 12.

AT 1604 ceased ballasting. 1607 launched alligator #1. 1608 Launched LCM #14. 1611 Commenced unballasting ship. 1614 Launched Alligator #2. 1628 Shifted to starboard telemotor. 1819 Completed unballasting, mean draft 15'8". 1849 Sunset, darkened ship, set condition II mike and material condition Yoke. 1912 LCM #1 came alongside. 2010 LCM #1 boat cast off from alongside ship. 2027 changed standard speed to 140 RPM, changed course to 110 T. 2045 Commenced zigzagging diagram no 39.

4 September 1943

Steaming independently on base course 110 PGC, at speed 140 RPM. Ship darkened. Condition 2M. Zigzag plan 39 in use. Stern gate hoisting apparatus disabled.

0600 Exercised all hands at general quarters. Ceased zigzagging. 0602 c/c to 090 PGC. 0608 Commenced steering various courses at various speeds to lie off of island. 0633 Secured from general quarters. 0716 #16 LCM alongside. 0751 #16 LCM cast off, taking Comdr. Coleman ashore.

0825 LCM9 came alongside to take one welding machine ashore. LCM9 cast off. LCM7 came alongside. 0913 LCM3 came alongside for fueling. 0937 LCM3 finished fueling and started embarking LCM spare parts, crews and baggage for transfer. 1005 Commenced ballasting ship to give list to port. 1029 LCM 3 & 7 cast off. 1038 Secured radar. Dukw came alongside with injured man. 1044 Dukw cast off. 1045 LCM12 alongside for remaining LCM crews and material. 1100 Completed ballasting. 1118 LCM9 came alongside & delivered mail.

1322 LCM9 cast off. 1350 Set base course of 100T at 150 RPM. 1353 BAKER ISLAND light abeam to port at 3000 yards. 1430 Commenced zigzagging according to plan 11. 1431 Commenced ballasting starboard side and unballasting port side. 1433 Changed standard speed to 165 RPM. 1436 Set condition 2M, gun watches. 1501 Changed S/S to 170 RPM. 1548 Secured TBY Radioman on watch. 1554 Ceased zigzaging and resumed base course.

Steamed various courses and speeds. 1732 Commenced raising stern gate. 1736 Resumed course 100 PGC & T. 1806 Commenced zigzag in accordance with plan #11. 1809 Sighted on convey on bearing 040 T. 2 Aircrafts, cruisers, two destroyers, one tanker. 1918 Stern gate raised and in place.

2100 S/S to 125 RPM, 10 kts. 2100 Crossed equator.

5 September 1943

At sea, enroute BAKER ISLAND to Canton Island, steaming independently, using zigzag plan 11 on base course 100 PGC & T, at standard speed 10 kts, 125 RPM. Ship darkened with conditions 2M and Yoke set.

0600 General Quarters. 0630 Secured from General Quarters, set condition 2M. 0705 Changed standard speed to 150 RPM.

Steaming as before. 2130 changed course to 134 True, 135 PGC. Changed speed to 135 RPM.

6 September 1943

Steaming independently on base course 135 PGC, enroute BAKER ISLAND to Canton Island. Standard speed 10 kts, 135 RPM, zigzag plan #11 in use. Ship darkened. Condition 2 Mike and Yoke set. Radar out of commission.

0529 Sighted four lights at Canton Island. 0545 Exercised all hands at General Quarters. 0618 Secured from General Quarters. 0630 Ceased zigzagging. 0652 Commenced steering various courses at various speeds to come to anchor. 0724 Anchored with 90 fathoms of chain to port anchor in 26 fathoms of water off Canton Island.

0815 Underway. 0817 Boat alongside with Lt. Comdr. R. Murray USNR. 0837 LT. Comdr. Murray, USNR left ship. 0840 Put both engines in standby status and secured special sea detail. 0925 Went ahead at 140 RPM on course 160 PGC & T. 1007 Changed course to 340 PGC & T. 1030 Using various courses to remain in vicinity of entrance to Canton Island lagoon.

1205 Set Special Sea Detail. 1206 Pilot, Lt. Comdr. R. Murray came aboard. 1236 Entered Drugged channel. 1245 Moored put side to dock, Canton Island. 1257 Secured main engines. 1258 Secured Special Sea Detail. 1404 Pilot left ship.

1424 House, W.E. S2c, transferred to Army Dispensary Canton Island for further transfer by plane to Naval Hospital PEARL HARBOR, T.H. 1520 Commenced receiving Diesel oil from dock. 1530 Commenced receiving fuel oil from dock. 1600 Completed taking aboard diesel oil. Received 4000 gal.

1805 Received aboard one LCM. 2000 Moored as before. Continuing to receive oil aboard. Ship in modified darkened condition.

7 September 1943

Moored port side to new dock, Canton Island, with 3 parts 9" manila bow lines and 3 parts manila stern lines. Ship in modified darkened condition receiving bunker fuel from dock.

0615 Completed taking on fuel oil. Received 68,000 gal. fuel oil. Draft 14' forward, 18' aft. 0755 stationed Special Sea Detail. 0707 Lt. Comdr. R. Murry, Pilot, came aboard. 0726 Tugs #91 and Major Henery James Downer came starboard side. 0731 Underway steering various courses and speeds from clearing dredge channel. Pilot at the conn. 0751 Secured from sea detail, anchor secured for sea. 0755 Pilot left ship. 0758 Steaming on course 320 PGC at 170 RPM.

Steaming as before. 0806 commenced zigzagging, plan #11 in use. 0830 Condition 2 Mike set. (Various course & speed changes made. Steering shifted several times. JB) 1835 Darkened ship.

8 September 1943

Steaming independently on base course 288 PGC at 175 RPM, 14 kts onzigzag plan 11, enroute Canton Island to BAKER ISLAND, ship darkened condition, 2 Mike and Yoke set. Steaming on boilers #1 and #2.

0600 Dawn General Quarters. 0630 Secured from General Quarters. 0740 Sighted BAKER ISLAND light on port bow. 0745 Ceased zigzag. C/c to 295 Resumed zigzag plan 11.

0812 Ceased zigzag. 0815 Commenced ballasting. 0822 Shifted to port telemotor. 0832 Steering various courses & speeds coming into transport area BAKER ISLAND. 0837 Secured all gun watches. 1026 Completed ballasting to 23 1/2 ft. forward, 24 ft. aft. 1030 LCM #23 hoisted out. 1040 LCT 23 cast off. 1048 Secured ballast control room.

1242 DUKW alongside with LCM #1 in two. 1304 DUKW cast off. 1328 LCM #1 hoisted aboard for repairs. 1502 DUKW alongside with LCM #9 in tow. 1513 DUKW cast off. 1530 LCM #9 hoisted aboard for repairs. 1535 DUKW alongside with LCM #16 in two. 1545 Sounded General Quarters/ 1547 Cast off LCM #16.

1620 Secured from General Quarters. 1643 LCM#16 alongside. 1647 DUKW alongside. 1652 DUKW cast off. 1711 Hoisted LCM#16 into dock with port crane. 1727 Called all hands to General Quarters. 1739 Secured from general quarters. 1747 LCM#14 alongside. 1847 Hoisted LCM#14 into dock with port crane.

2000 Various headings at various speeds maintaining position about 2 miles west of BAKER ISLAND. At 2112 went ahead at 90 RPM on course 135 PGC to take station for the night.

9 September 1943

Steaming at 60 RPM on course 090 PGC and course 270 PGC alternately off BAKER ISLAND. Ballasted down 23 1/2 ft forward and 24 ft. aft. LCMs 1-9-14-16 in dock under repairs. Condition 2 Mike set on all guns. Ship darkened. Condition Yoke set. 0017 Fuel oil meter in both firerooms not working.

0600 Dawn General Quarters. 0615 Secured from General Quarters.

1045 LCVP in tow of SB2 alongside, ships #2 welding machine hoisted aboard. 1040 LT. Comdr. W.A. Caughey commenced a deck court to try the case of Foster, Q.Q. Jr., 721-65-50 StM1c USNR. 1045 Deck Court adjourned. 1114 LCM #23 alongside. 1118 P.J. Hodgetts, ??, 3916 3538, USA reported aboard for temp. duty from CTF11.

1228 SB 2 and LCM 18 cast off. 1250 LCM 23 cast off. 1359 LCM 8 alongside for mail. 1414 LCM 8 cast off. 1415 DUKW alongside to deliver batteries. 1435 DUKW cast off. 1542 YMS288 alongside for mail.

1628 YMS 228 cast off. 1700 Set condition "Y". 1837 SB #@ came along port side to receive mail. 1846 Salvage Boat #2 shoved off with mail. 1847 Darkened ship. 1932 Set condition Mike gun watches.

10 September 1943

Steaming independently at various courses and speeds to remain in transport area off BAKER ISLAND. Ship darkened, cond. 2M and Y set.

0600 Dawn General Quarters. 0621 Secured from General Quarters. Secured radar. 0753 Hoisted out LCM #4. 0834 Hoisted out LCM #9. 0845 LCM #12 came along port side to fuel. 0902 Completed fueling LCM #12. 0903 Salvage Boat #2 came along port side to fuel. 0908 Completed fueling SB#2. 0910 Shifted to port telemotor. 0947 Hoisted out LCM #1. 0942 LCM #7 came along port side to fuel. 1001 Completed fueling LCM #7. 1003 LCM #3 came alongside port side to fuel. 1023 Completed fueling LCM #3. 1049 Received LCM #10 along starboard side towed by Salvage Boat #2. 1150 Lt. Lesher, U.S. Army came aboard from LCM #10. 1112 LCM #8 came along port side to refuel. 1130 Hoisted in LCM #10. 1154 LCM #8 completed refueling.

1324 LCM #4 alongside. 1444 LCM #4 hoisted in. 1507 Steering control on bridge shifted to after steering trick wheel. 1517 Shifted steering control to bridge.

1635 SB #2 & LCVP #22 alongside. 1653 Hoisted LCVP #22 into port boat skids. 1653 P.J. Hodgettes left ship. Duty completed. SB #2 cast off. 1730 LCM #1 alongside. 1749 YMS 288 alongside, received one sack mail, YMS 288 cast off. 1823 LCM #1 cast off. 1846 Ship darkened.

2016 SB #2 came alongside and took completed repair work for YMS 103. SB#2 cast off.

11 September 1943

Maneuvering on various courses at one third speed to the southwest of BAKER ISLAND. Ship darkened. Condition Two Mike and Yoke set.

0600 Dawn General Quarters. 0620 Secured General Quarters. 0600 Starboard engine fuel oil meter out of commission. 0749 LCM #4 hoisted out. 0850 Hoisted out LCM #16. 0857 LCM #16 cast off. 1003 LCM #12 alongside. 1040 Hoisted in LCM #12. 1043 LCM #14 alongside. 1048 DUKW alongside. 1112 Hoisted in LCM #4. 1120 DUKW cast off.

1221 S.B. #2 alongside for fueling. 1240 S.B. #2 cast off taking C.O. to Hercules. 1313 S.B. #2 alongside. 1337 S.B. #2 cast off. 1433 Hoisted in LCM 23. 1457 LCM #13 alongside for fueling. 1519 LCM #13 cast off. 1530 LCM #16 alongside with relief crew. 1532 LCM #16 cast off. 1543 LCM #4 alongside, C.O. returned.

1700 Set condition Yoke. 1757 LCM #12 hoisted out. 1843 LCVP #17 hoisted into well dec. 1846 Darkened ship. 1902 LCVP 19 hoisted into well deck. 1916 Shifted LCVP #22 from port cradle to well deck. 1953 Hoisted LVP #18 aboard.

12 September

Steaming on various courses at various speeds near BAKER ISLAND. Ship darkened, condition Y set.

0600 Dawn General Quarters. 0617 Secured from General Quarters. Secured radar. 0807 Hoisted out LCM #23. 0928 Shifted to port telemotor. 1054 LCM #1 came along port side to refuel. 1121 LCM #1 completed fueling and cast off.

1425 LCM #23 alongside for fueling. 1452 Completed fueling LCM #2. 1508 LCM #3 cast off. 1514 LCM #6 alongside to be hoisted in. 1535 Commenced hoisting LCM #6. 1539 LCM #12 alongside for fueling. 1545 Completed hoisting in LCM #6.

Steaming as before. 1612 LCM #12 cast off. 1613 LCM #7 alongside. 1632 LCM #7 cast off. 1728 Hoisted out LCM #10 1739 LCM #10 cast off. 1742 LCM #13 alongside. 1803 Hoisted LCM #13 aboard. 1846 Darken ship.

13 September 1943

Steaming independently off BAKER ISLAND at two thirds speed 60 RPM, course 100 PGC north of transport area. Various courses and speeds keeping ship in position. Ship darkened, condition Yoke set.

0600 Dawn general quarters. 0615 Secured general quarters, light ship, steaming on various courses and speeds west of BAKER ISLAND.

0819 LCM#12 alongside. 0849 LCM#12 cast off. 0921 LCM#7 alongside. 0942 LCM#7 cast off. 0947 SB2 alongside, Captain W. Jennings USN came aboard. 0948 SB2 cast off. 1002 LCM#14 hoisted out. 1022 LCM#4 alongside. 1041 LCM#4 cast off. 1058 LCM#14 cast off. 1107 YMS 288 alongside to deliver mail. 1111 YMS 288 cast off. 1117 LCM#3 alongside. 1118 LCM#3 cast off. 1152 LCM#23 alongside, delivered letter, cast off.

1307 Commenced ballasting ship. 1327 Ceased ballasting, draft fwd 23', aft 23'6". 1420 hoisted out LCM#6. 1434 LCM#9 alongside, staff of C.T.F. 11 came aboard. 1436 LCM#1 alongside for hoisting in. 1519 LCM#9 cast off. 1538 LCM#1 hoisted aboard.

1700 Set condition Yoke. 1735 LCM#21 came alongside for fuel. 1841 LCVP#21 cast off after receiving 201 gal. of diesel oil.

14 September 1943

Steaming on various speeds on various courses to the north of transport area off BAKER ISLAND. Ship darkened, condition "Yoke" set.

0824 Hoisted out LCM#1. 0921 Shifted to port telemotor. 0935 LCM#6 came alongside starboard quarter. 0912 LCM#1 cast off with Lt. Schumacher, Lt(jg) Bailey and Lt. Susnow aboard. 0940 LCM#7 came along port side for fuel. 1004 LCM#7 cast off after refueling and receiving shaft and gear for Beachmasters. 1007 LCM#6 cast off after unloading half truck.

1308 SB#2 with LCM#15 in tow alongside starboard. 1325 SB#2 cast off with LT(jg) Smith. 1336 LCM#15 hoisted on board for repairs. 1350 SB#2 alongside port. Lt(jg) Smith returned aboard. 1402 SB#2 cast off. 1405 LCM#4 alongside starboard, Lt(jg) C.A. Bailey, Lt. D.A. Susnow, Lt. D.L. Schumacher returned aboard. 1425 LCM#10 alongside port with trailer to be hoisted aboard. 1515 Army trailers aboard. LCM#10 cast off. 1532 LCM#16 alongside port for fueling. 1540 Commenced fueling LCM#16.

1600 LCM#16 cast off. 1703 Condition Yoke set. 1704 LCM#8 alongside. Cargo loaded aboard. 1800 LCM#8 cast off. 1846 Darkened ship. 1907 LCM#4 cast off. 1910 YMS 288 alongside to deliver mail. 1925 YMS 288 cast off.

15 September 1943

Steaming on various speeds and courses North of BAKER ISLAND keeping ship on a bearing of 180 from lights at boat landing and a distance of 4000 yards. Ship darkened, condition Yoke set.

0600 Dawn general quarters. 1624 Secured General Quarters. Lighten ship. 0832 LCM #2 alongside. 0851 Hoisted in LCM#2. 0906 YMS 288 along-side, delivered mail, cast off. 0945 LCM 10 alongside. 1006 LCM 4 along- side. 1014 LCM 10 hoisted in. 1036 Truck from LCM 9 hoisted in. 1101 LCM 9 cast off. 1111 LCM 23 alongside. 1131 Hoisted in gear from LCM 23. LCM 23 cast off.

1325 LCVP 21 Alongside, returned ship's Pacific Pumper and took repaired pumper. 1331 Hoisted in LCM #1. 1414 LCM #23 alongside to deliver luggage. 1416 Cast off. 1453 S.B. #2 alongside for fuel. 1514 SB2 cast off taking mail for Beachmasters. 1548 YMS 118 Alongside for U.S. Mail and Official Mail for Regulus and Hercules.

1552 YMS 118 cast off. 1700 Set condition Yoke. 1809 LCM #2 hoisted out. 1845 Darkened ship.

16 September 1943

Steaming at various speeds on various courses to remain to the north and near BAKER ISLAND. Ship darkened, condition Yoke. 0630 Sabine, Hercules and Boyd departed.

1038 Manned ballasting stations. Mean draft of ship 21'2". 1047 Com- menced unballasting. 1154 Completed unballasting. Draft aft 17', fwd 21'2". 1245 Commenced hoisting out LCM #10. 1448 Completed hoisting in LCM #10. 1520 Commenced ballasting. 1537 LCM #16 cast off.

1055 LCM #14 alongside. 1720 Condition Yoke set. 1726 Hoisted in LCM 14. Ceased ballasting. Draft fwd. 20' aft 25', mean 22'6". 1846 Ship darkened.

17 September 1943

Steaming at various speeds on various courses to maintain position to the north of BAKER ISLAND. Ship darkened. Condition Yoke set.

0600 Dawn General Quarters. 0623 Secured General Quarters. Lightened ship. 0945 Hoisted out LCM 14. 1000 LCM 14 cast off. 1051 LCM 8 alongside. 1111 Hoisted in LCM 8.

1258 LCM 16 Alongside. 1512 Hoisted in LCM 16. 1601 YMS 288 came along port side for mail. 1602 YMS 288 shoved off. 1700 Set condition Yoke. 1725 LCM 4 cam alongside starboard side towed by Salvage Boat #2. 1742 Salvage Boat #2 came alongside port side and refueled.

1801 Completed fueling Salvage boat #2. 1807 Commenced hoisting in LCM 4. 1810 Salvage Boat #2 cast off. 1814 Completed hoisting in LCM #4.

18 September 1943

Steaming independently to maintain station approximately 2 miles North of BAKER ISLAND using one or both engines at 40 RPM on easterly heading, ship darkened, condition Yoke.

0600 Held morning general quarters. 0624 Secured from general quarters.

0820 Hoisted out LCM #16. 0840 LCM 16 cast off. 0850 LCM #8 hoisted out. 0859 LCM #8 cast off with Ens. Tucker aboard. 0953 LCM #2 alongside for fueling. 1020 Completed fueling LCM #2 and cast off. 1025 Salvage Boat #2 with LCM #10 in two alongside starboard. 1030 Salvage Boat #2 alongside port - Ensign Tucker returned aboard. 1044 Commenced fueling Salvage Boat #2. 1051 Completed fueling Salvage Boat #2. 1055 LCM #10 hoisted aboard. 1125 Salvage Boat #2 cast off.

1414 LCM #3 alongside. 1454 LCM ## hoisted aboard. 1506 SB#2 alongside. 1512 S.B. #2 cast off. 1712 SB #2 alongside for mail. 1713 SB2 cast off.

Steaming on slow speeds to maintain position north of BAKER ISLAND, course 090 C. 2130 Ceased working on boats in well deck.

19 September 1943

Maneuvering independently in area north of BAKER ISLAND at slow speeds (40 RPM) on one engine. Ship darkened, condition Yoke set. Work on boats in progress in well deck.

0600 Called all hands to General Quarters. 0624 Secured from General Quarters. 0818 S.B.2 alongside to deliver billet to Regulus. 0819 S.B.2 cast off.

1148 Salvage Boat #2 came along port side for fuel. 1208 Completed fueling Salvage Boat #2. 1259 Sprinkling system in #3 40MM magazine repaired. 1347 LCM #3 hoisted out. 1529 LCM #13 hoisted aboard.

1629 Salvage Boat alongside. 1630 Salvage Boat #2 cast off.

20 September 1943

Operating independently in area west of BAKER ISLAND on various headings at slow speeds keeping 2 - 3 miles offshore, ship darkened, condition Yoke set.

` 0600 Held dawn general quarters. 0623 Secured from general quarters. 0936 LCM #6 came alongside, port. Comdr. B.M. Coleman aboard LCM #6. 1012 LCM #6 Cast off. 1128 LCM#6 alongside, port. 1132 LCM#6 cast off. 1110 Salvage boat #2 alongside port for fueling. 1115 Commenced fueling salvage boat #2. 1124 Completed fueling, salvage boat #2 cast off.

1312 LCM#3 alongside. 1339 LCM#3 cast off. 1446 LCM#9 alongside, loading provisions into LCM#9. 1544 LCM#9 cast off.

1621 LCM#23 alongside to load provisions. 1736 LCM#23 cast off. 1843 Sunset, darkened ship. 1847 LCM#15 alongside with Army equipment, LCM personnel and baggage. 1953 LCM#16 cast off.

2000-2400 Steaming independently north west of BAKER ISLAND at slow speed, courses 090 PGC and 270 PGC, ship darkened.

21 September 1943

Maneuvering independently in area northwest of BAKER ISLAND at slow speed, at alternate courses of approximately 090 and 270 PGC. Ship darkened, condition Yoke set.

0600 Dawn general quarters. 0605 Secured from general quarters. 0645 LCM#23 alongside to discharge cargo. 0737 LCM#14 alongside. 0740 LCM#23 cast off.

0820 Hoisted in LCM314. 0904 LCM#23 alongside with Army material. 0907 LCM#3 alongside to be hoisted in. 0950 LCM#23 cast off. LCM#16 alongside with Army material. 1035 LCM#8 cast off. 1013 LCM#8 alongside. LCM#16 hoisted in. 1030 See attached lists of men transferred to Kaker to the USS Sirius pursuant to orders of Commander Task Force 11.

1206 Commenced hoisting in LCM#2. 1211 LCM#2 hoisted in. Manned all ballasting stations. All engines ahead full speed, "100 RPM". 1216 Changed standard speed to 140 RPM. Commenced zigzagging in accordance with zigzagging 11 on base course 200 PGC. 1220 Commenced unballasting. 1231 Set watch on #1 5" gun. 1300 Steaming various courses and speed coming into transport area. 1309 #2 Salvage boat came along port side. 1316 #2 Salvage boat cast off. 1350 BAKER ISLAND light abeam to port at 3500 yards. 1415 Port pump room secured from unballasting. 1430 Commenced zigzagging in accordance with diagram 11Z. 1455 Crossed equator and entered southern hemisphere. 1530 USS Hasting departed to return to transport area.

1600 ceased unballasting. 1635 Changed speed to 180 RPM. 1700 Set condition Yoke.

22 September 1943

Steaming independently reroute BAKER ISLAND to PEARL HARBOR, T.H. on course 046 T, at 14.5 knots, 185 RPM, ship darkened, condition Yoke set, 5" gun manned. At 0100 commenced zigzagging using Plan 11. At 0128 observed moonrise. N.E. Atkinson, Bosn. USN

0640 Commenced zigzagging according to Plan #8. 0600 Held dawn general quarters. 0622 Secured from general quarters. C.T. Henninger ENS

23 September 1943

Steaming as before. 0545 Dawn General Quarters. 0615 Secured from General Quarters.

1342 Commenced firing #3 & 4 40MM guns for practice. 1350 Ceased firing #3 & 4 40MM guns. 164 Rounds 40MM ammunition expended.

1400 Advanced all ships clocks one half an hour to Zone plus ten and one half time. 1552 Fired 5"38 cal. gun. Three rounds of 5" ammunition expended.

1608 Fired 5"38" gun 8 rounds expended. 1619 Fired 5"38 gun 5 rounds expended.

24 September 1943

Steaming as before. 0253 observed moonrise.

0600 Held dawn general quarters. 0624 Secured from general quarters.

1103 Engineering casualty. Commenced steaming at various speeds while effecting repairs. 1400 Set ships clocks ahead to zone +10 time. 1455 Engineering casualty repaired. 1506 Resumed speed 188 RPM, 15 kts.

1901 Observed sunset. Darkened ship.

25 September 1943

Steaming as before. 0615 Dawn General Quarters. 0630 Secured from General Quarters.

1846 Observed sunset. 2130 Engineering casualty. Secured #2 boiler, c/s to 140 RPM, 10 kts. 2136 Ceased zigzagging.

26 September 1943

At sea, enroute BAKER ISLAND to PEARL HARBOR, T.H. on course 042 T., steaming at 12.4 knots (150 RPM) using boiler #1. No. 3 boiler secured due to defective tubes. Ship darkened, condition yoke. 5"38 cal. battery manned.

0600 Dawn General Quarters. 0627 Secured from dawn General Quarters.

1816 Sighted destroyer bearing 024 1840 USS Dale , DD-353 joined as escort vessel. 1904 darkened ship.

27 September 1943

Steaming in company with USS Dale, escort, enroute PEARL HARBOR on course 036 PGC, speed 145 RPM, 12 kts. This ship is guide. No zigzag. Ship is darkened condition Yoke set, 5"-38 gun manned. Steaming on stbd. boiler. 0100 Repairs completed on port boiler and fires lit under port boiler. 0207 Cut port boiler in on main steam line. 0330 Changed speed to 165 RPM, 13 knots.

0500 Commenced zigzag on plan 11. 0600 Changed speed to 170 RPM. 0600 Dawn general quarters. 0631 Secured from general quarters. 0730 Ceased zigzagging. 0745 C/bc to 055 T, commenced zigzagging on plan 11. 0745 Sighted land bearing 050 T.

1038 Ceased zigzag c/c to 055 T. 1050 Secured 5" battery. 1100 Energized degaussing system. 1156 Pilot, Hannus boarded and took conn. Used various courses and speeds conforming to channel entering PEARL HARBOR. 1159 Secured 5" gun crew. 1240 Moored port side to pier S-21, PEARL HARBOR, T.H.

28 September 1943

Moored port side to pier S-21, PEARL HARBOR, T.H. Ship in modified darkened condition. #1 boiler in use for auxiliary purposes.

29 September 1943

Moored as before. 1625 Completed hoisting out Army equipment.

30 September 1943

Moored as before. 0923 Commenced unballasting. 1010 Hoisted out LCM #16. 1030 Hoisted out LCM #1. 1038 Completed unballasting.

1215 Draft of ship before getting underway, fwd. 14'4" aft 14'6", mean draft 14'5". 1243 Commenced hoisting out LCM #14. 1247 Completed hoisting out LCM #14. 1325 Underway, Pilot R.L. Green aboard. On various courses and speeds to conform with channel. 1400 Secured lines on dock. Moored starboard side to berth Baker #7, Navy Yard, PEARL HARBOR, T.H. 1515 Draft of ship after mooring fwd 14"4", aft 14"5", mean draft 14'4".

September 7, 1943

From: The Commanding Officer.

To: The Commander in Chief, Pacific Fleet

Via: (1) The Commander, Task Force Eleven

(2) The Commander, Service Force, Pacific Fleet

Subject: U.S.S. Ashland (LSD-1) Operations off Baker Island September 1-4, 1943

1. The U.S.S. Ashland loaded into the docking well the following landing craft on August 23, 1943 while moored at berth M-4, Pearl Harbor:

14 LCM (3) 1 DUKW

5 LCVP 1-36' Salvage Boat

2 LVT 1-26' Surf Boat

The 14 LCM (3) were loaded with heavy landing field construction equipment when they were floated into the dock. The two amphibian tractors were also floated in. The remainder of the craft was hoisted in by ship's crane. No difficulties were experienced in loading.

2. The ship proceed to sea with Task Force Eleven and arrived off BAKER Island on September 1, 1943. The voyage was uneventful, standard speed was 13 knots.

3. At 0700, local time, September 1, 1943 preparations were made for undocking all craft. The wind was force 4 from the east. The seas were moderate, swell of about 6 feet, running about 280. The ship was headed on course 100 and slowed to 20 r.p.m. (about 2 knots). Baker Island seemed to afford practically no lee. The ship was ballasted own, stern first, and the stern gate lowered to ride on its preventers. Before any of the craft in the dock were afloat, the 1 " wire preventer and gate hoisting wires carried away, due to the action of the sea putting heavy jerks on these wires. The gate then swung freely on its hinges, causing no immediate detrimental effect except increasing the effort required to keep the ship headed into the sea. While the ship was being ballasted down, the following craft were hoisted out:

2 - LCVP 1 - 36" Salvage boat

1 - 26" Surf boat

The cradles for these boats were hoisted from the dock.

4. As soon as the aftermost three LCM"s began to float it was impossible to prevent them from banging from side to side or to prevent them from lifting and hitting the dock deck several times before they could clear the dock. These three boats were lashed together. The unloading plan provided for undocking the first three LCM's lashed together, thereafter all other craft either one or two at a time. This plan was necessary because of the projection of the stern capstan controller platforms over the dock side. The bow ramps of the aftermost three LCM's were aft of these platforms. When the middle LCM of the next three was clear of the dock the two outboard LCM's began to bang about with great force. Five inch control lines did not prevent them from surging about as the ship rolled two or three degrees to each side. All four- teen LCM's were docked at Pearl Harbor so that they could leave the dock bow first. After the middle boat of the second group of three LCM's was clear, the remaining two boats were lashed together and hauled clear. All boats used they engines to assist in getting clear. The third group of three LCM's caused the most trouble. Two got clear about 09330 and the third boat, loaded with a heavy crane, mounted on a low trailer in the boat, banged the side of the dock so heavily that the crane shifted on the trailer and the boat would have capsized had it been fully water borne. When this condition arose the ship was immediately unballasted for correction of the weight distribution of the boat. Eight LCM's with their loads proceeded to the landing beach on the west side of Baker Island. Several had suffered damage to rudders and propellers, the extent of which has not yet been ascertained.

5. The ship then proceeded to attempt repairs to the stern gate hoisting gear. By running at full speed the dragging tail gate planed up sufficiently to attach one inch wire strap to the fittings on the top of the gate. Four attempts were made to hoist the gate using various rigs, all failed due to various parts breaking as the ship steamed into the sea. Two days were required for these experiments. In the meantime the ship could not stop or back because the gate, 46 feet wide and 17 feet high, would pound back on its hinges and threaten to break off and foul the ship's rudders and propellers. There was no anchorage in the vicinity of Baker Island.

6. On the afternoon of September 2, 1943 the two remaining LCVP which were in the dock were unloaded and hoisted out, leaving six LCM's, one Dukw and two amphibian tractors. These craft were undocked during the afternoon of September 3, 1943. During this operation the water in the dock was very rough and at times splashed to a height of thirty feet above the dock deck. At least two LCM's received damage to rudders and propellers. The tractors were wet so much that they would not run. The Dukw performed better than any other craft.

7. Short after noon on September 4, 1943 the ship was ordered to proceed to Canton Island to effect repairs to the stern gate in smooth waters. Another attempt was made to hoist the gate while enroute, this time it was successful. The success is attributed to using pravane chains through the fitting on the top of the gate, one inch wire straps between the chains and the standard three fold hoisting purchases to the stern capstans and heading the ship down sea at a speed equal to the speed of the wave motion. On this course there was minimum pitch to the ship, thereby reducing the surges of the gates which had previously caused all attempts to fail while headed into the sea.

8. The gate was secured in place and the ship proceeded to Canton Island for fuel. It is planned to ballast the ship down, keeping the well deck dry. It is hoped that this will permit hoisting LCM's into the dock for the return trip to Pearl Harbor. While ballasted sow the roll on the ship is considerably reduced. While the stern gate is now closed, it is out of commission for lowering until new rigging can be provided. Apparently the hinges have been sprung and special efforts are being made to try to make the gate watertight. The Commanding Officer is prepared to recommend a new design for the gate hoisting gear, the clearing of the dock walls of all projections and the installation of horizontal wooden fenders. When these alterations are accomplished it is believed that the ship can undock LCM's three at a time, with much less damage with similar weather conditions as that experienced off Baker Island. The LCM's referred to are the Higgins type with a beam of 14 feet. For undocking at sea, the ship should not be loaded with assorted craft. Eighteen Higgins LCM's can easily be handled. It is not considered feasible to dock any type of craft at sea unless a flat calm prevails.

9. The above described operations are the first test of the ship in the pen sea using loaded craft. The shake down training operations conducted during the period August 1 to 5, 1943 was conducted in the lee of San Clemente Island using only two empty LCM's.

10. It is recommended that the ship be made available for the alterations mentioned at a Navy Yard at the earliest practicable date. It is estimated that the work can be accomplished in from eight to ten days. This time is also needed for cleaning boilers, and repairs to twenty ballast vale reach rods which are broken or otherwise inoperative.

11. Copies of this letter are attached for appropriate distribution to interested offices. Copies have been mailed as indicated below.

Copy to: LSD-2; LSD-3 C.L.C. ATKESON

12 September 1943

From: The Commander Task Force Eleven

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

Via: The Commander Service Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet

Subject: U.S.S. ASHLAND (LSD-1), Operations off Baker Island, September 1 to 4, 1943

1. Full report of the Baker Island operation will be submitted upon return of the task force commander to Pearl Harbor and in the interim certain recommendations are submitted in this endorsement in order that preliminary work may be accomplished at the Navy Yard, if they are approved.

2. It is recommended that the following items of equipment be installed:

a. SC-2 Radar

b. V.H.F. Equipment

c. Fighter Director Plotting Equipment

d. TBS Radio

e. SG Radar in place of the present SF Radar

f. Permanent installation (including pumps) to provide for use of the

ballast tanks for carrying one thousand (1000) barrels of diesel fuel.

3. The arrangement and accommodations of this vessel are such as to make her imminently suited for use as a flagship for amphibious operations such as the one now in progress at Baker Island.

W.A. LEE, Jr.

THIRD ENDORSEMENT to USS Ashland Secret Ltr. LSD1/A4-3 ser. 17 of 7 September 1943.

From: Commander FIFTH Amphibious Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet

To: Commander Service Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet

Subject: U.S.S. ASHLAND (LSD-1), Operations off BAKER ISLAND, September 1 to 4, 1943

1. Returned.

2. The following comments are submitted:

(a) It appears that more docking tests and exercises should be conducted by each LSD during the training period using its maximum capacity of loaded landing craft of all types likely to be handled. Moderate swells should be experienced.

(b) Certain material changes in the stern gate and well are obviously required.

(c) It appears desirable to conduct tests to determine the feasibility of undocking the LCM's unloaded and placing the loads in later to the lee side of the LSD. It is noted that the roll is reduced when the ship is ballasted down. This suggests the possibility that flooding the well after the ship is ballasted down would result in less damage.

(d) The LSD appears to be the answer to the problem of transporting PT's to points having insufficient hoisting capacity. An experiment in docking the undocking PT's is considered justified.

R.K. TURNER

FIFTH ENDORSEMENT to CO ASHLAND Secret ltr LSD-1/A4-3 Serial 17 of 7 September 1943

From: Comdt. NYPearl

To: ComServPac

Subj: USS ASHLAND (LSD-1) - Operations off BAKER ISLAND, September 1-4, 1943

1. Returned. In view of the importance of the design features concerned in the operation of the stern gate as reported by the basic letter, it is recommended that this correspondence be forward to the BuShips. A report of the Yard's investigation of damage sustained and a suggested redesign of the stern gate are being forwarded to the Bureau by separate correspondence.

By direction of the Commandant: R.W. PAINE

WAR DIARY FOR THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER 1943

At 0700, local time, September 1, 1943 preparations were made for undocking all craft. The wind was force 4 from the east. The sea was moderate, swell of about six feet, running about 280 The ship was headed on course 100 and slowed to 30 r.p.m. (about 2 knots). BAKER ISLAND seemed to afford practically no lee. The ship was ballasted down, stern first, and the stern gate lowered to ride on its preventers. Before any of the craft in the dock were afloat, the 1 7/8" wire preventer and gate hoisting wires carried away, due to the action of the sea putting heavy jerks on these wires. The gate then swung freely on its hinges, causing no immediate detrimental effect except increasing the effort required to keep the ship p headed into the sea. While the ship was ballasted down, the following craft were hoisted out:

2 - LCVP

1 - 30' Salvage Boat

1 - 26' Surf Boat

The cradles for these boats were hoisted from the dock.

As soon as the aftermost three LCM's began to float it was impossible to prevent them from banging from side to side or to prevent them from lifting and hitting the dock deck several times before they could clean the dock. These three boats were lashed together. The unloading plan provided for undocking the first three LCM's lashed together, thereafter all other craft either one or two at a time. This plan was necessary because of the projection of the stern capstan controller platforms over the dock side. When the middle LCM of the next three was clean of the dock the two outboard LCM's began to bang about with great force. Five inch control lines did not prevent them from surging about as the ship rolled two or three degrees to each side.

All fourteen LCM's were docked at PEARL HARBOR so that they could leave the dock bow first. After the middle boat of the second group of three LCM's was clear, the remaining two boats were lashed together and hauled clear. All boats used their engines to assist in getting clear. The third group of three LCM's caused the most trouble. Two got clear at about 0930 and the third boat, loaded with a heavy crane, mounted on a low trailer in the boat, banged the side of the dock so heavily that the crane shifted on the trailer and the boat would have capsized had it been fully water borne. When this condition arose, the ship was immediately unballasted for correction of the weight distribution in the boat.

Eight LCM's with their loads proceeded to the landing beach on the west side of BAKER ISLAND. Several had suffered damage to rudders and propellers, the extent of which has not yet been ascertained.

The ship then proceeded to attempt repairs to the stern gate hoisting gear. By running at full speed the dragging tail gate planed up sufficiently to attach one inch wire straps to the fittings on the top of the gate. Four attempts were made to hoist the gate using various rigs, all failed due to various parts breaking as the ship steamed into the sea. Two days were required for these experiments. In the meantime the ship could not stop or back because the gate, 46 feet wide and 17 feet high, would pound back on its hinges and threaten to break off and foul the ship's rudders and propellers. There was no anchorage in the vicinity of BAKER ISLAND.

Shortly after noon on September 4, 1943 the ship was ordered to proceed to Canton Island to effect repairs to the stern gate in smooth water. Another attempt was made to hoist the gate while enroute, this time it was successful. The success is attributed to using paravane chains through the fittings on the top of the gate, one inch wire straps between the chains and the standard three fold hoisting purchases to the stern capstans and heading the ship down sea at a speed equal to the speed of the wave motion. On this course there was a minimum pitch of the ship, thereby reducing the surges of the gate which had previously caused all attempts to fail while headed into the sea.

The gate was secured in place and the ship proceeded to Canton Island for fuel. It is planned to ballast the ship down, keeping the dock well dry. It is hoped that this will permit hoisting LCM's into the dock for the return to PEARL HARBOR. While ballasted down the roll on the ship is considerably reduced. Why the stern gate is now closed, it is out of commission for lowering until new rigging can be provided. Apparently the hinges have been sprung and special efforts are being made to try to make the gate watertight.

The Commanding Officer is prepared to recommend a new design for the gate hoisting gear, the clearing of the dock walls of all projections and the installation of horizontal wooden fenders. When these alterations are accomplished it is believed that the ship can undock LCM's, three at a time, with much less damage with similar weather conditions as that experienced off BAKER ISLAND. The LCM's referred to are the Higgins type with a beam of 14 feet. For undocking at sea, the ship should not be loaded with assorted craft. Eighteen Higgins LCM's can be easily handled. It is not considered feasible to dock any type of craft at sea unless a flat calm prevails.

The above described operations are the first test of the ship in the open sea using loaded craft. The shake down training operations conducted during the period August 1 to 5, 1943 was conducted in the lee of San Clemente Island using only two empty LCM's.

It is recommended hat the ship be made available for the alterations mentioned above at a Navy Yard at the earliest practicable dated. It is estimated that the work can be accomplished in from eight to ten days. This time is also need for cleaning boilers, and repairs to twenty ballast valve reach rods which are broken or otherwise inoperative.

C.L.C. Atkeson, Commanding Officer

WAR DIARY FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER 1943

1 October 1943

Moored starboard side to berth Baker seven, Navy Yard, PEARL HARBOR, T.H. Number #2 boiler in use for auxiliary purposes.

0945 LCM #10 hoisted out. 1030 Commanding Officer left ship on business. 1422 LCVP #18 hoisted out. 1452 LCM #15 hoisted out. 1455 Commenced taking electricity from dock. 1547 LCM #4 hoisted out. 1610 hoisted out LCVP 17.

2100 Shore power failed. 2115 Blackout signal sounded. 2130 Blackout all clear. 2332 Shore power line repaired. Ship on shore power.

2 October 1943.

Moored as before. 0400 Commenced taking steam from dock.

1325 Commenced unloading ammunition. 1507 Commenced fueling LCVP #4 on port side. 1520 Ceased pumping gasoline into truck on dock. Discharged 4674 gals. gasoline. 1525 Ceased fueling LCVP #4.

2143 Commenced pumping diesel oil to barge along port side. Draft of ship: aft 19' forward 14'.

3 October 1943

Moored starboard side to berth baker 7, PEARL HARBOR, T.H. Ship in modified darkened condition. Yard workmen aboard. Pumping diesel oil into barge along port side.

4 October 1943

Moored as before. No other remarks.

5 October 1943

Moored as before in modified darkened ship condition. 0945 - 1124 Pumped 150 gals gasoline to tank truck on the dock with proper precautions.

1215 Stern gate removed from ship for repairs. 1320 removed starboard surge gate from well. 1435 Removed port surge gate from well.

6 - 7 October 1943

Moored as before. No other remarks.

8 October 1943

Moored as before. Work in progress. 1400 Hoisted aboard LCVP #7 ship's boat in starboard skids. 1515 Hoisted aboard LCVP #2 in port skids. Received 1000 gals diesel oil in drums.

9 October 1943

Moored as before. No other remarks.

10 October 1943

Moored starboard side to berth baker 7, PEARL HARBOR, T.H. Ship in modified darkened condition. 1516 LST-23 moved along port side. No other remarks.

11 October 1943

Moored as before. LST-23 moored along port side. Work by yard workmen in progress.

12 October 1943

Moored as before in modified darkened ship condition. Work by yard workmen in progress. LST #23 moored along port side.

13 - 15 October 1943

Moored as before

16 October 1943

Moored as before.

1842 Started load test of both ship's cranes. 2113 Commenced test of port crane. 2230 Crane test satisfactory. 2340 Yard workmen for air testing of wing tanks and center tanks reported aboard. 2345 Blackout. 2350 General Quarters. 0024 Secured from general quarters.

17 October 1943

Moored starboard side to Berth Baker 7, PEARL HARBOR, T.H. Ship darkened. Condition 1 set. 0020 Secured from condition 1, ship in modified darkened ship condition. Work by Navy Yard workman in progress. #1 boiler in use for auxiliary purposes. 0157 darken ship. 0158 Resumed modified darken ship.

0615 Commenced air test on ballast tanks C420 - C421. 0747 Commenced ballasting. Draft 16' forward, 15' aft, 15 1/2 mean. 0915 Completed ballasting, commenced taking on LCM's. Fuel taken aboard, 542 bbls. fuel oil. 1053 Commenced unballasting.

1455 Secured unballasting. Draft: Fwd 17',0", aft 18'0", mean 17'6". 1555 Received aboard eight 30 caliber guns and parts from N.S.D. PEARL HARBOR, T.H.

2015 Completed taking on gasoline, 5275 gals.

18 October 1943

Moored as before, in modified darkened ship condition. Work by Navy Yard workman in progress on starboard crane and stern gate. Receiving the following services from dock: Telephone, fresh and salt water, electricity, high and low pressure air. Boiler #1 on line for auxiliary purposes. No other remarks.

19 October 1943

Moored starboard side to berth baker #7 Navy Yard PEARL HARBOR, T.H. Ship in modified darkened condition. Number 2 boiler in use for auxiliary purposes.

0856 Pilot aboard - Underway at 0907 at various speeds and on various courses to conform with the channel. 0941 Passed thru anti-submarine net. 0943 Pilot, Bos'n Milchurski T.O. left the ship - Captain at the conn. 0959 Took departure with Diamond Head light bearing 099 T. 1100 Commenced zigzagging on plan eleven Z in company with U.S.S. Warrington, DD-383.

1700 Set condition yoke. 1702 Port boiler reported back on line. 1730 Set all ship's clocks back thirty minutes to zone plus ten time.

2015 changed course to 327 to blow tubes. 2030 resumed base course.

20 October 1943

Steaming in company with USS Warrington DD-383 escort enroute NOUMEA on base course 237 PGC, speed 185 RPM, 15 kts. This ship CTG 12.2 is guide, ship darkened, condition Yoke and 5" gun manned. Using zigzag pan 11Z.

0600 Dawn general quarters. 0620 Fired 5 rounds from #5 20MM for test purposes. 0639 Sunrise. Secured from general quarters. Secured radar and TBY watches.

1445 Message received from Warrington that her rudder was jammed. 1446 Hard right rudder and both engines slow. 1448 Both engines ahead full. Resumed base course 208 PGC, not zigzagging. 1459 Warrington reported rudder fixed and resuming position. 1510 commenced zigzagging according to diagram 11A. 1700 Set condition Yoke. 1827 Set radar watch on long range. At 2000 ceased zigzagging and resumed base course 208 T, 198 PGC.

21 October 1943

Steaming in company with USS Warrington DD-383 enroute NOUMEA, speed 190 RPM, 15 knots. This ship CTG 12.2 is guide. Ship darkened, condition Yoke set and 5" gun manned.

0600 Dawn general quarters. 0605 Compensated and checked with master gyro 1/2 easterly error. 0615 Test fired 8 rounds from #16 20 MM. 0632 Secured from general quarters. Secured radar and TBY watches.

1700 Set condition Yoke. 1730 All ships clocks set back one half hour to Zone Plus Ten and one half time. 1811 darkened ship. 2000 ceased zigzagging and resumed basic course 205 PGC, 206 T.

22 October 1943

Steaming in company with U.S.S. Warrington (383) escort enroute NOUMEA Air Base, course 205 PGC, speed 190 RPM, 15 knots. This ship CTG12.2 is guide. Ship darkened condition Yoke set, 5" gun manned.

0545 General quarters. 0602 Secured from General Quarters. 0618 Sunrise. Secured Radar and T.B.Y. watches. 1055 Shifted from starboard to port telemotors.

1246 Spotted aircraft bearing 110 T, elevation 30. 1418 Steamed into rain squall. Lot sight of D.D. Manned TBY and Radar. 1435 Secured TBY and radar. 1555 Starboard engine slowed down to 90 RPM - lack of steam. 1559 Starboard engine resumed 190 RPM.

Steaming as before. 1930 cased zigzag course. 1700 set condition Yoke. 1823 darkened ship - radar and TBY manned.

23 October 1943

Steaming in company with U.S.S. Warrington DD383) escort enroute NOUMEA air base, speed 190 RPM. Ship darkened, condition Yoke set, five inch gun manned. 0200 Commenced zigzagging in accordance to zigzag diagram 11 Zebra.

0600 Dawn general quarters sounded. 0610 fired 7 test rounds from #10 20MM. 0620 Secured from general quarters. 0630 Secured TBY and radar.

1510 Warrington reported radar contact on aircraft bearing 010, distance 10 miles. No sight contact made.

24 October 1943

Steaming in company with USS WARRINGTON (383) escort, enroute to NOUMEA on base course 204 T., Speed 190 RPM (15 knots), this ship C.F.G. 12.2 guide. Ship darkened, condition Yoke set, 5" gun manned.

0600 General Quarters. 0610 Test fired ten rounds #12 20MM. 0637 Secured Radar and T.B.Y.

1700 Set condition Yoke. 1730 Set all ships clocks back 30 minutes to zone time +11. 1823 Darken ship T.B.Y. and radar manned.

1905 Starboard boiler cut out / R.P.M. reduced to 150 both engines. 1930 Ceased zigzag course. 2016 Starboard boiler cut in, changed speed to 190 RPM.

25 October 1943

Steaming in company with USS WARRINGTON (383) escort, enroute NOUMEA on base course 211 T. This ship CFG 12.2 guide. Ship darkened, condition Yoke set.

0545 Dawn General Quarters. 0555 Fired 8 test rounds from #8 20MM. O610 Secured from General Quarters. 0615 Sunrise. 0621 Secured radar watch. 0635 Secured T.B.Y. watch.

0920 Received word from Warrington of sub contact - all hands to General Quarters. 0921 Commenced maneuvering on various headings. 1103 Secured from General Quarters. 1108 Test fired 5" gun, one round. 1140 Resumed base course 211 T.

2000 Steaming as before. Changed base courses to 217 PGC.

26 October 1943

Steaming in company with USS WARRINGTON (383), escort, enroute NOUMEA, on base course 217 PGC., speed 15 knots, 190 RPM. This ship C.T.G. 12.2 guide. Ship darkened, condition Yoke set, 5" gun manned.

0545 Dawn General Quarters. 0555 Fired 8 rounds test fire from #6 20MM. 0608 Secured from General Quarters. 0625 Secured T.B.Y. and radar.

1700 Crossed international date line.

27 October 1943

Steaming as before.

28 November 1943

Steaming in company with USS WARRINGTON escort enroute NOUMEA on base course 221 PGC., speed 190 RPM, 15 kts. This ship guide. Condition Yoke is set, 5" gun manned and ship is darkened. TBY and radar is manned.

0645 Secured radar and TBY. 0810 Plane sighted bearing 229 (T). 0810 Lost from sight. 1120 Friendly plan sighted bearing 229 T. Circled ship, departed 1145.

1730 Changed ship's time to zone -12.5 time. 1849 Darkened ship, set radar and T.B.Y watch.

29 October 1943

Steaming in company with USS WARRINGTON escort enroute NOUMEA, one base course 221 PGC, speed 190 RPM 15 knots. This ship C.T.G. 1`2.2 guide, ship darkened. Condition Yoke set - 5" gun manned - radar and T.B.Y. manned.

0545 General Quarters. 0613 Secured from General Quarters, lightened ship. 0620 Unidentified plan sighted bearing 120 T. 06300 Radar and T.B.Y secured.

1855 Set T.B.Y. and radar watch. 1853 Darkened ship. 1950 Unidentified lighted ship sighted bearing 264 1952 Ceased zigzagging.

30 October 1943

Steaming in company with USS WARRINGTON (383), escort, enroute PEARL HARBOR to NOUMEA on bast course 226 PGC. Speed 190 RPM, 15 knots. This ship guide. Ship darkened. Condition Yoke set, 5" gun manned. Radar and T.B.Y. watch set.

0545 Dawn General Quarters. 0620 Secured from General Quarters, lightened ship. 0648 Secured T.B.Y. 0700 Secured radar.

1306 Sighted Walpole Island, bearing 250 T. distance 23 miles. 1730 Set all ship's clocks back 1/2 hour to conform with -12 time zone.

1858 Sunset - Darkened ship, set radar and T.B.Y. watch.

31 October 1943

Steaming in company with USS WARRINGTON (383) escort. Enroute PEARL HARBOR to NOUMEA on base course 270 PGC, speed 180 RPM, 15 knots. This ship C.T.G. 12.2, guide ship. Ship in darken condition, condition Yoke set, 5" gun manned, radar and T.B.Y. watch set.

0540 Dawn General Quarters. O606 Secured from General Quarters. 0635 Sighted land, 040 T. 0718 Changed base course to 040 T. 0744 Lightship sighted bearing 079 T.

0806 Secured 5" battery. 0812 c/c to 120 0813 Using various courses and speeds awaiting pilot. 0842 Pilot Vincent Gap came aboard, took conn and proceeded through reef and swept channel. 0915 Pilot left ship. Captain conning proceeding on various courses conforming to channel.