•••••••••••••••••••••I

V-f/V
COMMANDER TASK FORCE

FIFTY-ONE

»MMANDER AMPHIBIOUS FORCES

U.S. PACIFIC FLEET

OPERATION PLAN NO. A25-44

A,

PREVENT
INTO ENEMY HANDS.
TURE OR LO, SHIP IS IMMINENT
THfS PLAI\ BE DESTROYED IN ITS ENTIRETY.
 changed to
1 5 MAP 1945
by authority of AC of S, G-2, WDGS

RAY M STROT|?E
JLstLtlnf
Aft't Coetodiin
 OFFICE OF
AMPHIBIOUS FORCES,"V.3? PACIFIC FLEET
CAF/A16-3/1 SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA

Serial: 0191

22 April 1945

From: Commander .Amphibious Forces, U. S. Pacific Fleet.

To : All Commands Designated As Holders Of ComPhibsPac

OpPlan A25-44.

Subject: Dov/ngrading of ComPhibsPac OpPlan. A25-44* •

Reference: (a) ComPhibsPac Top Secret Serial 00300

of 27 December 1944.

1. Before downgrading subject OpPlan to confidential re­

move Appendix 7 to Annex (I) and destroy by burning, "

R. K. TURNER.

AUTHENTICATED:

W. C. MOTT,

Commander, USNR,

Flag Secretary,

Distribution:

Same as ComPhibsPac OpPlan A25-44.

 OFFICE 0# THE CORIANDER

AMPHIBIOUS FORCES, U.S. PACIFIC FLEET

CAF/A16-3(1) SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA 05/Re

Serial: 000300
27 December 1944.

Commander Amphibious Forces, U. S* Pacific Fleet,

All Commands Designated as Holders of ComPhibsPac

OpPlan No. A25-44.

Subject: ComPhibsPac OpPlan No. A25-44; forwarding of,

Reference: (a) PacFlt Conf. Ltr, 1CT/-45 dated 1 January 1945*

Subject plan is forwarded herewith.

2. In addition to those portions of the plan noted as

being distributed separately the following appendix will be dis­

tributed at the earliest practicable opportunity! Schedule of Fires

Dog Day-Alternate Landing Plan, (Appendix (IV) to Annex (H), Ships

Gunfire Support Plan)•

3. Additional copies of Appendices (I) t (H)', (ill) and

(IV) to Annex (H) will be distributed separately to fire support

ships and commands listed in Task Organization of Annex (H) as follows;

Task Unit and Group Commanders (1) each, OBB's and CA's (3) each and

DD»s (2) each,.

4» This plan in its'entirety will be downgraded to CON­

FIDENTIAL one laonth after the objective has been officially declared

secured. Copies not required for further study and retention may be

destroyed by burning without report of destruction,

5. Attention of all ships and commands concerned is

invited to reference,(a), which contains all current instructions

relative to action reports and war diaries.

AUTHENTICATED:

Flag Secretary,

 w £

Operation Plan

ComPhibsPac No. A25-44.

Annexes

(A) - General Instructions, for the Amphibious Phase of the Operation,

Appendices - . .

(I) "*- Landing Force Plan 3-44 (Preferred),

(II) % - Landing Force Flan 3-44 (Alternate),

t (B) - Jntelligence Plan,

Appeqdix ,

(I) - Intelligence Map, 1*70 JIM*.,

(additional Appendices of iviaps, Charts, & Photos

distributed separately)

(C) - Communicajbion P l a n ,
Appendices

(I) - Amphibious Landing Communication Channel (Diagram),

(II) - Frequency Assignments. . . . .

(D) - Cruising Diagrams,

Appendices

(I) Cruising Disposition 3AL1.

(II) - Cruising Disposition 3AL2.

(III) - Cruising Disposition 3AL3. •

(IV) - Cruising Disposition 3AL4.

(V) - Cruisi^ Disposition 3AL5.

(VI) - Cruising Disposition 3At6.

(VII), - Air Antisubmarine Patrol Flan.

(E) -Approach Plan (ComphibslPac Operation Order No. A26-44).

A p p e n d i c e s .*"••''

(I) - Tracks for Approach to L/0 JIMA (Preferred Plan).

(II) - Tracks for Approach to ItfO JIMA (Alternate Flan).

(Fl) - Transport, Fire Support, and Beach Areas (Preferred Plan).

(F2) - Transport, Fire Support, and Beach Areas (.alternate Plan) •

(G) - Attack Order (ComPhibGrp 2.No. A201-44).

Appendices

(I) Transport Group ABLE Landing Attack Order.

(Distributed separately by ComTransRon 16) #

(II) - Transport Group BAKER Landing Attack Order,

(Distributed separately by ComTransRon 15) *

(III) - ComGen 4th Jfiarine Division Landing Force Order,

(Distributed separately).

(IV) - CoraGen 5th Marine Division WKpgB^j0^ Order,

(Distributed separately/ MmtMW.mfs
(V) - Ship to Shore Movemeni

Enclosures

(A) - General Instructions for

Lloveacent..
Plate No* 1 - Flags and Lights for Control

Vessels.

(B) - Line of Departure Diagram (Preferred).

(B-1) - Line of Departure Diagram (Alternate).

- 1­
 (Index)

- Logistic Control Diagram (Preferred)•

- Logistic Control Diagram (Alternate). •••'••&

*' Not to all of Distribution List of

ComPhibsFac No. A2f>-4i,..

(H) - Ships1 Gunfire Support Plan. -/'

Appendices - ,

(I) / - Schedule of Fires, DOG minus THREE.

(II). - Schedule of Fires, DOG minus TWO and DOG ^iinus ONE,

(III) - Schedule of Fires> DOG DAY. ••• "L.

(IV) - Schedule of Fires, DOG DAY (Alternate "Landing Flan).

(V) •- Plan of Covering Fire for Beach Reconnaissance and

Demolition. . •

(VI) - Shore Fire Control Communications.

(VII) - Inventory of Replacement Ammunition.• ­

(I) - Air Support Plan.

A p p e n d i c e s . ' • ' • '

(I) Air* Support Schedule, DOG minus THREE, DOG minus

TWO, DOG minus ONE inclusive,

(II) - Air Support Schedule^ DOG DAY.

(III) - Air Support Schedule, DOG plus ONE and Thereafter.

(IV) - Schedule of Land-Based Air Strikes on IWO • JIM/U

(V) - Air Operations Chart.

(VI) - Air Spot for Ship*s Gunfire and Shore artillery, .

(VII) - Air Anti-submarine Plan at the Objective Area.

. Diagram-Plan ABL3 Daylight Patrol.

:
_ Diagram-Plan BAKES Dark Patrol.

(VIII) *-Air-Sea Rescue Plan.

(IX) •- Carrier Based Search at M O JIMA. (with diagram)

(X) - Logistic Reports from Carriers, .

(XI) - Coordination of Air Strikes, Naval Gunfire,

Artillery, and Mortar Fire.

(XII) - Photographic Plan.

Enclosures

(A) - Table of Assigned Coverage.

c - Table of Distribution.

~ Photo Mission Map (D minus FIFTEEN). •

-. Photo Mission Map (D minus THREE, W O ,

and ONE).

and Fighter Direction Plan,

r Support Commanications Plan^

General Instructions,

reas."

e/Plans.

- Screening Plan*

Enclosures .

7
(AT •
<• Diagram for Screening Plan ABLE.

(B) - Diagram for Screening Plan BAKER.

(O - Diagram for Screening Plan CHARLIE.

- 2 ­
Operation Plan

ComPhibsPac No. A25-44­

(
05 °j Diagram foj? Screeri3!ttg'
Diagram for Screening Plan Alternate ABIE,

(AA)
Diagram for Screening Plan Alternate BAKER,

(AC) - Diagram for Screening Plan Alternate CHARLIE.

(AD) - Diagram for Screening Plan Alternate DOG.

(AE) - Diagram for Screening Plan Alternate E A S Y .

(II) - Battle Plan (ComPhibsPac Operation Order No. A27-44)*

(III) - Night Operations at the' Objective (ComPhibsPac

Operation Order No. A28-44).

Enclosure

(A) - Chart of Operating Areas. (Appears as

Annex (J))

Appendix

(IV) '- Smoke Plan.

Enclosures

(A) - Types and Characteristics of Smoke Equipment.

(B) - Smoke Plan for Transport Areas and Anchorages,

(C) - Special Smoke Plans and Diagrams.

- tfinesweeping, Mooring Buoy and Net Plan.

Appendices

(I) - Minesweeping Areas 1 - 13 inclusive,

(II) - Minesweeping Area 14«

(Hi) - Net and Buoy Plan.

(IV) - Communication Plan for Minesweepers.

ao - Beach Reconnaissance and Underwater Demolition Plan.

Appendix
(I) -• Communication Plan for Underwater Demolition Group.

(H) - SOPA Instructions.

Appendices
(I) "~"•»• iinchorage Chart IWO JIMA (Distributed separately

with appendices to Annex (B) Intelligence Plan).

(II) - Heavy Weather Plan.

(III) - Hydrographic Survey Plan.

(IV) - Outline of Important Frequencies arid Call Signs.

(0) - Unloading Plans for Assault and Garrison Forced*

(p) - Logistics Plan.
Appendices /

(I-A) -• ENIdETOK Anchorage Plan, Tractor Groups. (Chart)

(I-B) - ENEffiTOK Anchorage Plan, Transport Groups, (Chart)

(I-C) - MARIANAS Anchorage Plan.

(II) - Fueling, Watering and Provisioning Plan.

(Q) - Medical Plan.

(R) - Salvage Plan.

(s) - Boat Pool Plan

(T) - Pontoon Barge and Causeway Plan.

(u) - Seaplane Base Plan.

(v) - Evacuation of Assault Troops Plan

00 - Public Relations,

Appendix

(I) - Collection, Censorship andc^st6e«i?iation of News Materials

- 3 ­
CAF/A16~3(l) CIFIC FLEET,
Serial! 000280

hi"bsPac,

U.S.S. ELDOBADO, Flagship.

Operation Plan PEARL HARBOR, T.H.,

OomPhitsPac No. A25-44 20 December 1944.

TASK ORGANIZATION

51 Joint Expeditionary Force - Vice Admiral Turner

(Rear Admiral Hill, Second*-in-Command)

(a) Force Flagship - ELDORADO - Captain Wallace 1 AGC

("b) 51.10 Air Support Control Unit - Captain Whiteheajl ,

(c) 56 Expeditionary Troops, - lit. Gen.. E.; M. Smith, USMC

Headquarters Expeditionary T.roopg' .

56.1 Landing Force <•* Maj.Gen. H» ^Schmidt, USMC. ,

£6.2 /Assault^JTroUpg h Maj. Gen. H. Schmidt, USMC

Corps Troops, V AmjJh^iotLs,Corps, plus

attached units.

4th Marine Division, plus attached units.

5th Marine Division, plus attached units.

10.16 Garrison Force - Maj. Gen. Chaney, AUS

' ' ' ' • ' • ' •

Gropac 11

2 VF Squadrons (Army)

1 VF(N) Squadron (Army)

1 GP Service Squadron

2 AW Battalions, less detachments

1 AAA Grp.- (3 AAA Bns.) . ­

2 CAXEns. (155 mm Guns)

. Service and other units assigned

56.3 Expeditionary Troops Reserve *» Maj. Gen. Erskine, USMC

3rd Marine Division, plus attached units,

(d) 53 Attack Iforce - Rear Admiral Hill

ZorcjLHagsMp - AUBURN - Captain Myers 1. AGO

53olO A.ir Support Control Unit -_CjDni&r_A Osjjorjie

56.2 Assault Troops (as

CAF/A16­
Ser

on Plan

bulbil)sPac No. A25-44

53.1 Transport Group ABLE (TransRon 16) - Commodore McGovern

••' • • Less

53*1,1 TransDiv 46 - Commodore McGovern

(SF), DEUEL, D A B K E ,

HOCKIKG, ^ B t O W T M o R r T o ^ 5 APA

TOLLAMD, WHITESIDE 2

53.1.2 TransDiv 47 - Captain Wotherspoon ftos

RUTLAND (F),. HIGHLANDS, SAHDOVAL,

WHITLEY/YAITCEY 2 AKA

53.1.3 TransDiv 48 - Captain Andrews #«»i

TALLADEOA (F), MI5SOT3LA, LUBBOCK,

DICKSHS, LSSAKB , • •' %T»*£9.*r'«K.5 A P A

GUHSTON HALL . 1 LSD

:
(From Expeditionary Troops)

56.2,1 ABLE Landing Group - Maj. Gen, Hockey, USMC

5th Marine Division, plus attached units,

Corps and Garrison Force Troops, assigned

for transportation,

53.2 Transport Group BAKER (TransRon 15) - Coraciodore Flanagan

53.2.1 TransDiv 43 - Commodore Flanagan

BATfPIELD ( S F ) , MBLLETTE, HEHDRY,

SIBLEY, BERRISil 5 APA
SHOSHOKE, ARTEMIS 2 AKA
OZARK 1 LSV

5 3 . 2 . 2 TransDiv 4 4 - Captain S e y f r i e d
Plus etLLt Cjfcta/E
HINSIULE ( F ) , PICKETS, SANBORN
HAPA, BLADM 5 APA
2 AKA

1 LSD

- 2 ­
CAF/Al6-3(1)
S e r i a l : 000280

Operation Plan

ComPhi"bsPac No.. A25-44

less
53.2.3 TransDiv 45 ­ .Captain Sabalot ' ^
XOGAN ( F ) , HBWBBBHY,- MIFFLHJ,
L0TOXE8,. BABBOW , 5APA
1 1 0 , HULIPHE1H' ' : 2 ASA
AS.ELAHD 1 LSD

(Irom TBxpecfitionary

56.2,2 BAKER landing Group - Maj. Gen. Cates^ USMC '

4th "Marine Division! plus attached units.

Corps and Garrison Troops, assignedfor

transp*ortation* .

53.3 Tractcr Flotilla'»- Captain Brereton

Flotilla Flagships - GBEOOHY (ID) .. 1 DD

LCI(X) 994 (OF) 1 IiCI(L)

5 3 , 3 . 1 T r a c t o r Group ABLE - Comdr. Kiekura

' ' 4rdup Flagships ->f LITTLBv^:' • 1 DD

995 (OF) 1 LOI(L)

65.3.13 LST Unit 01OS- Comdr. Gullett '

LST 241, 354,588,643, 715,

756 C&F)* ,929 (H) * . 7 LST

53.3.3 LST Unit TWO - Lieut-Comdr. Lea

LST 70", 390, « • (UP), 481,

634, 758, 1033 (H> 7 LST
53.3.4 Tractor Group BAKER - Captain' Brereton
53.315 'LST Unit THESE - Comdr • HacKinnon
LST 587 (G?)> 6^f#ada^, 716,

930(H) 7 LST

t 7W (W) t 731*
789, 928, 931 (H) 7LCT

*** -3 *•'
Operation Plan

GomPhiosPac No. A25-44

53.3.7 Tractor Group CHARLIE - Capt. Peterson, USCG

Group Flagships - ROOKS fff . 1 DD

LCI(L) | P (OP) 1 LOI(L)

53.3.8 LST Unit FIVE - Comdr. Sands, USCG

LST 726, 760 (OF), 763, 764,

779, 792 (Badar), 784,

Wv 1 0 8 8 9 LST

53.3.9 LST Unit SIX- Oomdr, Millingtbn, USCG­

LST 42, 121, 224, 399, 807,

782 (UP), 785, 795, 940 9 LST

53.4 LSM Flotilla - Comdr. Carpenter

Flotilla Flagship - LCI(X) 628 1 10t(L)

53,4.1 LSM Unit ABL2S - Lieut-Comdr. Griswold

LSM 43, 44, 46, 47, 140, 141, M i ,

, 242, 261, 264 (OF), 266 izm LSM

53.4.2 LSM Unit BAKER - Lieut-Comdr. Lind

LSM 48, 59, 60 ( a f ) , 145, 201, 202,

206, 207, 238, 239, 241, 260,
fe*at£3
£ LSM
53.5 Control Group *- Captain Adell

53.5.1 Central Control Unit ~ Captain Adell

PCS 877 • 1 PCS

PC(S) 1403, 1421 2 PC(S)

53.5.2 Control Unit AELff - Lieut-Comdr. Dawes

PC(S) 1460, 1461 2 PC(S>

SC mm, 1298 2 SC

53.5.3 Control G-HESK - Lieut. Sexton

1 PC

1 SC

GAJr/Al6-3(i)

Serial: 000280

Operation Plan

ComPhibsPac No4 A25-44

53.5.4 Control BED'- Lieut. Bills

PC 469 1 Pd

SC 1316 ' 1 SO

53.5.5 Control Unit BAKER - Lieut-Comdr. "Wheeler

PC(S) 1452, 1455 2 PO(S)

SC 1066, 1272, 1360 3 SC

53.5.6 Control .Y33LLQVT - Lieut-Comdr. Henderson

PC 578 1 PC

SC 1326 . 1 SC

53.5.7 Control BLUB - Lieut. Wheatley

PC 1081 1 PC

SO 1374 ' 1 SC

53.6 Beach Party group - Captain Anderson

Ofoup Flagship ~ SC 724 .. 1 SC

53.6.1 Beach Party Unit ABLE - Comdr. Trapnell

Assigned Beach Party

L1 pp* nrotrt

53.6.2 Beach Party Unit BAKER - Lieut.

Assigned Beach Party

53.7 Pontoon Barge, Causeway and LOT Group - Lieut-Comdr. Ryan

1
Sroup Flagship - LCI(L) 772 1 LCI(L)

53.7.1 Pontoon Barge Unit ABLE - Lieut. Elmiger

16 - 3 x 12 barges (SP) when launched

fromLST*s 760, 779, 930, 931

53.7.2 Pontoon Barge Unit BAKER - Lieutfjg) Knoll

12 - 3 x 12 barges (§P) when launched

from LSI?s 929,

1
1
CAF/AI

Se

r * f ifi<«

Operat j&xi\ J&an

No. A25-44

53.7.3 Causeway Unit ABLE - Lieut. Lewis

3 Causeway sets (each 2 - 2 x 30 causeways)

when launched from .LST »s 588, 758, 761

53.7.4 Causeway Unit BAKER - Lieut( jg) Judy

3 Causeway sets (each 2 - 2 x 30 causeways)

when launched from LST!s 763, 764, 787

55.7.5 LCT Units - Lieut. Capeless

Group Flagship ~ LCI(L) 1 1 LCI(L)

53.7.6 LCT Unit ABLE - Lieut. Capeless

• • - LCT 630 loaded on LST 715

LCT 631 loaded on LST 731

LCT 632 loaded on LST 756

LCT 866 loaded on LST 713

LCT 1028 loaded on LST 684

LCT 1029 in QUESTON HALL 6 LCT

53.7.7 LCT Unit BAKER - Ensign D©rton

LOT 1030 loaded on LST 782 •

^__LCT1O31 loaded on LST 1032

;oS4- LCOHNBi loaded on LST • •

LCT 1055 loaded on LST 634

- LCT # H loaded on LST M r

LCT 1154 loaded on LST 716 6 LCT

(Notes SILST's will carry LCT1 s, but only

-
• ' "•'- those listed above will be launchBd

at the objective, and on order of•

the Attack Force Commander only.)

(e) 51.2 Transport Screen «- Captain Moosbrugger

DesRon 63 (Temp) - Captain Moosbrugger

DesDiv 12$ (Temp) - Captain

HXMAK

- 6 «

 /
Serial\ 000280

Operation Plan
ComPhibsPac No. A25-44

MinPiv 7 plug HENRY A. TfttliEY - Captain Beecher

ROBERT H. SMITH (FP), THOMAS E. FRASER,

SHANNON ( F ) , HARRY F-. BAUER,

PesRon 45 - Captain Daniel

PesPiv S^ - C a p t a i n D a n i e l

FULLAM ( S F ) , GUEST, BENNETT "(FD),

HUDSON (FD), HALFORD

DesDiv 90

PRINGLE P I , STANLY, HOWOfiTH,

VAN VALKENBURGH ( F ) | COLHOUN ( F D ) ,

GREGORY ( F D ) * , L I T T L E * , ROOKS^ 5 DD

ANTHONY*, WADSWDRTH*, IviULLANY, '

, BRADFORD*,' BUSH* 6 DD

CortDiv 16 ­ Captain Cleland

ELDEN* (F), WILLIilM C. MILLEft*, CABANA*,
DIONNR"-, CAI^EIELD*, PESDE* 6 DE
CortPiv 61 plus GRAPY*, McCLEUAM) - Comdr, Reich

RALL (F)*, HALLORAN*^, CONNELLY*, .

FINNEGAN*, McCLELLAND*, GRADY* 6 DE

Cdr.tDiv 44 - Comdr» Hinds

SAMUEL S. MILES (F), WESSON, RIDPLE,

SWEARER*,- STERI^*, O'NEILL* 6 DE

Note: (*) indicates vessels will join Transport Screen

upon arrival of respective TG!s at objective.
(f) 52 Amphibious Support Force - Rear Admiral Blandy
52.1 Force Flagship - ESTES - Captain Mathews 1 AGC
52.10 Air Support Control
! Serial: 000280

Operation Plan

ConiPhibsPac No, A25*-44

52.2 Support Carrier Group - Rear Admiral Bur gin

52»2.1 Support Carrier Unj.t OMB - R. Adjn. Sprague

SAEOENT BAY (F), WAKE ISLAND 2 CVE

MUGJORD* PATTERSON^ BAGLBY

BSALE (P), RALPH TALBOT "c *f8 v 2 DD

GRADY, RICHARD S. BU&Ii 2 DE

5 2 . 2 . 2 Support flarrjleg Uhffi TVO - R, Adm. Durgin

MAKIH XSUIO)' (31), POINT,

BISKiLRCK SEA, 4 OYE

l a « a OBIIMY, CRATO, McOALL, MAURY

BACHE ( 7 ) , HELM, BAGLEY - ComrfK U n M ^ 3 DD

RICHARD M, ROVELL, O'llAHBRTY 2 DB

OortDiv 72 l « s a LERAY WILSON - Comdr. Jackson

LAVRENOB 0, TAUOR
MEL7IN R. KAVIMAN*, OLIVSR MITCHELLL*.
TABBEBBR*» ROBERTff.KSLLER* 5 DB

(• Indicates ASV Unit temporarily-

attached to be detached when

directed by ComyiPTHFleet),

52.2»3 Support Carrier Unit THREE - R. Adm^ Henderson

CarPiv 25 leas NATOMA BAY, SARGENT

BAY, TULAGI, PETBOF BAY

2 CVE

1
SAGIHAW BAY (J ), BUDYERD BAY

2 DD

STOCKTON (P), PATTERSON - Comdr. Stark

^Change No. 2 - 8 ­
CAF/jU 6-3(1)

Serial* 000280

Operation Plan

ComPhibsPac No. A25-44

EDM011DS, JOM C 2 DE

J52.3 Mine Group ~ Rear Admiral Sharp

Group Flagship - TSEEOE - Comdr. Blakeslee 1 CM

52.3.1 Sweep Unit OKE - Comdr. Loud

HOPKINS (i1),

DOESEY, HOWASD,. HOGAtT

6 DMS

BEEBSB
1 DM

52.3,2 AM Group -• Comdr, PreiTmrghouse

52.3.3 Sweep Unit TWO - Comdr. Preiburghouse

SKI1MISH (P), SIGJET," STAUilCH,

SCUERY, SPECTACLE, SPECTOE 6 AM

TEAGY : . 1 DM

52.3.4 gwoep tfyit THBJS& - Lieut. Calloway

SWM& (21), SHELTSEi STEATSGY,

STEENGTH, SUCCESS, EEBEL ' 6 AM

PC 800 ' 1 PC

52.3.5 Sweep Unit FOUR - Lieut-Comdr. Howard

CHAKPION (F), AEDENT, DEFENSE,

DEVASTATOE 4 AM

r 1 DM

52.3*6 YUS Group - Lieut-Coindr. Lambert

52.3.7 Sweep Unit FIVE - Lieut. Thompson

rVSS 323 ^ 3 7 4 , 401,

6 YMS

1 DM

2 SC

SIX -- Lieut* Osborne

\J&- , 3MS 193,235, 345, 360.•

\T ^ 407 "
( F), 475 6 YMS

^5'- SC 1054 1 SC

-9 T

 PDAF/Al6-3(1)

/Serial: 000280

>

Operation, Plan

/ ComPhibsPad tfo* ABS-44

52.3,9 Sweep Unit SflVEN ­ Ens. Mitchell

4 LCP(H) initially embarked in
WATERS, equipped with Size
5 M/Sweep Gear.
4 LCP(R) initially embarked in
GILMER, equipped with Size
6 M/Sweep Gear,
52.3,10 Net and Buoy Unit ­ Lieut-Comdr, Lewis

EBOEOK(P) 1 AK1T
LANCEWOOD, BITTERSUSH, ABELE 3 AN
52,4 Underwater Demolition Group ­ Captain Hanlon
I : •

GILMER (y), WATERS, BULL, BARR,

BATES 6 APD
5 Mft
UDT m ~ Lieut-Comdr, t H p i , embarked in
UDT 12 - Lieut-Comdr, Hochuli, embarked in • •

UDT 14 - Lieut(jg) Onderdonk, embarked in BULL

UDT 15 - Lieut. Brooks, embarked in BLESSMAN

G-ILMER and WATERS carry extra demolitions and

shallow water sweeping boats.

52.5 Gunboat Support Group - Captain Aylward

Group Flagship - LCI(L) 988 1 LCI(L)

52.5.1 Gunboat Support Unit OKB - Comdr. Malanaphy

LOI(L) 627 (?) .- - 1 LCI(L)

LCI(G) 450, 466, 469 (Press),

471 (Press), 473, 474 6 LCI(G)

52.5.2 Gunboat Support Unit TWO - Lieut-Comdr. Nash

LCI(G) 346, 348, 438, 441, 4<i- ( ,

457 (3P) /•. • 6 LCI(G)

52,5.3 Gunboat Support Unit TEHEE - Captain Aylward

LCS(L) 51, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 6 LCS(L)

- 10 ­
CAF/A16~3(l)

Serial; 000280

Operation Plan

ComPhibsPac No, A25-44

52.5*4 Gunboat Support Unit POUR ­ Lieut~Comdrp Stone

LOS(L) 31 ( F ) , 52, 53, 54, 55> 56 6 LOS(L)
52.6 Mortar Support frroup ­ Captain Eool^t

&roup Flagship ­ LCI(L)"425 1 LCl(L)

52.6.1 Mortar Support Unit ONE - Lieut-Comdr. Dom

LCI(M) 630,. 631 (F), 632, 638,

756, 1010 6 LCI(M)
52.6.2 Mtrtar Support Unit W O - Lieut-Comdr, Kelley

LCI(M) 633 (F)> 757, 760, 1011,

1012, 1033 6 LCI(M)

52.6.3 Mortar tjnlt » Lieut-Comdr. Hannett

LCI(M) 658, 659, 660 <?),

754, 1056, 1057 6 LCI(M)
52.6.4 Mortar Support Unit FCKJR - Lieut~Comdr. Brown
LCI(M) 739 ( F ) , 740, 741, 742,
1058. mmjlS 6 LCI(M)
52.6.5 Mortar Support Unit FIVS - LieuWComdr, Conners
LCI(M) 351, 352, 353, 354,

355 (F), 356 6 LCI(M)

52.7 ROM and Rocket Support ftroup - Comdr, Coffin

52.7.1 ROM Unit OKB ~ Lieut-Corodr. Thompson

L C I ( L ) ( 3 ) ( R ) ( R C M ) 644 (F), 651, LCI(L)

708 (3)(B

(RCM)

io;

52.7.2 RCM Unit

3 LCI(G)

LCI(G)(
(RCM)

- 11 - Change No, 2

 P/A16-3(l)

erial: 000280

?
Operation Plan

.ComPhibsPac No. A25-44

\J£ (g) 54 Gunfire and Covering Pofrce •-. Reiar Adm. Hodgsra
l
Bat Pi v X ' - Rear Adm* Rodgers

IDAHO ( 0 } , NEVADA (P) , TENNESSEE , ' 3 OBB

BatDiv 5 - Rear Adm. P i s c h l e r

•TEXAS ( P ) , ARKANSAS, NEW tOEK * 3 OBB

BatDiv 6 (teihp) -.'Rear Aditu Cooley

WASHINGTON (P) , NORTH CAROLINA 2 BB

• . . . - • • t

CruDiv 5 - Rear Adm, S a i t h

CHESTER (P)» PENSACfcliA^SALI LAKE CITY 3 CA

TUSCALOOSA, INPIANAPOLIS 2 CA

DesDiv 91 - Captain Hunter-

CAPPS ( P ) , TERRY, DAVID W. TAYLOR, EVANS

1
JOHN D. HENLEY ' • 5 DD

DesDiv 101 - • Captain Martin •

HALL (P) , HALLIGAN, PAUL HAMILTON, TWIGGS 4 DD

DesDiv 111 - Captain Smoot

-™—Jjf *•;"'' LHTTZE ( P ) , BENNION <PD) , NEWCCKB,

InflBBi'' *if RICHARD P . LiURY, HEYWOOD L . EDWARDS 5 DD
- . . - • • • - • >

STEMBEL (VD)i BRYANT (PD) . 2 DD

WILLIAMSON 1 AVD

ange No. 2 " - 12 ­

CAr/Al6-3(l)

Serial* 000280

A
*\
Operation Plan \
ComPhibsPac No. A25~44

If Task Group 58.4 returns alone from Initial Strike, the following

ships from TF 58 will arrive at Point CLERK from NW at 0700 (K) DOG

Bay, and then proceed to assigned Fire Support Sectors* CruDiv IS and

DesDiv 99 will "be released by sunset DOGDay to rejoin TF 58,

BatDfo 6 less SOUTH DAKOTA - Rear Adm. Cooley "

WASHINGTON (F)» NORTH CAROLINA.- 2 BB

OruDiv 13 less BIRMINGHAM, MOBILE - Rear Adm. Deyo

SANTA IE (!) , BILOXI 2 CL

INDIANAPOLIS 1 CA

DesDiv 99 - Capt, E. R. Wilkinson

CLARENCE K. BRONSON (F) , COTIEN, DORTCH,

GATLING (FD) , HEALY 5 ID

*If all Task Groups of Task Porce 58 return in''time from the Initial

Strike, the following ships from TF 58 will arrive at Point CLERK from

NW at 0700 (K) DOG Day, and then proceed to assigned Fire Support Sec­
tors. All ships except WASHINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA and INDIANAPOLIS

will be released by sunset. DOG Day to rejoin TP 58.

B a t H v 6 l e s s SOUTH DAKOTA ­ Rear Adm. Coole y

WASHINGTON ( F ) , NORTH CAROLINA 2 BB

CruDiv 17 ­ Rear Adm. Jone s

PASADENA (F) , SPRINGFIELD, ASTORIA, WILKES-BARRE 4 CEL

DesDiv 12 4 ­ Comdr. Smith

JOHN W. WEEKS (?) , HANK, WALLACE L* LIND, BORIE 4 DD

INDIANAPOLIS, SAN FRANCISCO, BOSTON, PITTSBURQi 4 CA
DesDiv 106 ­ Comdr. Hogg

YARNALL (P) 4 DD

•Following ships from Tfwk Ij^rgrrive at Point ARSON from SW at 0800

(K) DOG plus ONE Day, ancPraeh'Apr6ceed to assigned Fire Support Sectors*

They will be released in time to rejoin TF 58 by 2100 (K) DOG plus ONE

Day.

(IS - A)
 Operation plan

4 OomPhlbsPac No. A25~44

14 l e s s HOUSTON, VICKSBURG - Bear Ada*. Whiting

" YDSfCBSIDBS, MtAMI 2 CL

DesDiv 50 - Capt. P a r i s h

RINGGOLB (F) , SCHROEEER, SIGSBEE, HASHIELL

CruDiv 13 l e s s BIRMINGHAM, MOBILE - Rear Adm, Deyo

SANTA IE (I1),, B 11,0X1 2 CL

DesDtv 94 - Capt, Reynolds

HAGGARD (?) , FRANKS, HAILEY 3 DD

* Unless a l l groups of TF 58 coi^piete I n i t i a l s t r i k e i n two days none

of the above ships w i l l a r r i v e or DOG or DOG p l u s ONE Dsiy except
WASHINGTON* NORTH CAROLINA, INDIANAPOLIS, SANTA M, BILOXI and Des-
Div 99,

ange No* 3 .
CAF/A16-3(1)

Serial: 000280

Operation Plan

GomPhibsPac No. A25-44"

(h) 51.1 Joint Expeditionary Force Reserve - Commodore Loomis

51.1,1 TransRon 11 - Commodore Loomis

51.1.2 TransDiv 31 - Commodore Loomis -^

_ . pun
FREMONT (SF.), FAYETTE, KNOX,
LEfcDSTOWN, HARRY LEE 5 APA
ALMAACK, WARRICK 2 AKA

51.1.3 TransDiv 32 - Captain Popham Int

PEES. JACKSON (F)f PEES. ADAMS,

DOYEN, BOLIVAR 4 APA

CAPE JOHNSON 1 AP

LIBRA 1 AKA

JUPITER •. 1 AK

51.1.4 TransDiv 33 - Captain Haight

CALLAWAY (F), FREDERICK FITNSTON,

JAMES O'HARA, FELA&D 4 APA

ALHEHA , • 1 AKA

HERCULES • 1 AK

56,3 Landing Force Reserve - Ma.i. Gen. Erskine, USMC

(From Expeditionary Troops)

3rd Marine Division, plus attached units.

51.1.5 Screen - Captain Tedder

ANTHONY (F), BUSH (lD)\ WADSWORTH, BOYD,

BRADFORD 5 DD

SWEARER, STERN, O!NEILL ' 3 DE

(i) 51,3 Service and Salvage Group - Captain Curtis

AGENOR ^fl^im 1 ARL

OCEANUS _- * « < ? ^ . W l l 1ARB

CLAMP, ^ f f i J « P ^ K « ^ t J L '<>-i%mW 3ARS.

LCS(L)(Sf 51, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 (Dog / 1 Day) . 6 LCS(L)

\ - , ' (3)

LST 77a (B&5DIE) • 1 LST

Other vessels assigned.

 ^ O p e r a t i o n Plan
-•s* ComPhibsPac No. A25-44

(j) 51.4 Hydrographic Survey Group - Comdr. Sanders

PC(S)(H) 1388, 1396

2 PC(S)
(H)
(k) 51.5 Defense Group - Captain Sampson,

LST 84, 222 (GF), 247, W , 477, 641, 724,

& * t t , 788, 790, 808, 8O9». 943, 944 14 LST
MCCLELLAND, W DEW^IS 2 DE
LSM 143 1 LSM
LST(M) 676, 678 2 LST(M)
PC(S)(H) 1404, 1457 2 PC(S)
(H)
PC 779, 1588
2 PC
SC 1270
1 SC

(Attached elements of Defense Battalions and

• Service u n i t s ) .

( l ) 51.6 Garrison Group ZERO - Captain Macgowan

9 m w4s
SEA. RUNHER^MHOTV, DASHING WAVEJ0*
' ^' Z « XAP
CAPE SAN MARTIN, CAPE GEORGIA, CAPE ISABEL
4% X M
VI.CMU.LCP
HALL ( F ) , DEEDE, W . CANFIELD « Comdr. Reich 4 DE

Garrison Troops assigned

(m) 51.7 Garrison Group ONE - Captain Lustie

1 XAP
CAPE KEAR,
3 XA.K
CHINA

1 AKN
.- SILVERLEAP, CANOTIA 2 AN
^ • • • • • • • • • • 1 (F), CABANA,
DIONNE -. Captain Cleland 3 DE
I DP
^ G a r r i s o n Troops assigned

ort Director Unit - Comdr. Darling

LCl(L) r s 1029, 1030 2 ICI(L)

GroPac 11

- 14 ­
Operation Plan

ComPhibsPac No. A25-44

(o) 51.9 Seaplane Base Group - Captain McLean

HAMLIN (F) 1 AV

CHINCOIEEAGUE 1 AVP

WILLIAMSON (when assigned) 1 AVD

1 VPB Squadron assigned . 12 PBM

3 "PB2Y

RescBon 2

(p) 51.18 Night Objective Group ~ Vieg Admiral IPurner ,

. ' (Effective 0600 (K) DOG Day)

Units assigned as shown in Night Operations Plan*

Appendix (III) to Annex (K) f

(q) 51.19 Night Hetirement Groups - Bear Minimal Blandy

(Effective 0600 (K) DOG Day)

Units assigned as showtt in Night Operations Plan,

Appendix'(III) tb.^nnex (K)»

- 15 ­
 ^Operation Plan

.vComPhibsPac No t A25-44

1. (a) This Operation Plan is derived from Commander FIFTH Fleet

OpPlan No. 13-44, •

, (b) For information of the enemy, see Intelligence Plan, Annex (B) t

. " . ' • • < f ^ ' . - '-.''• • •

(c) See General Instructions for the Amphibious Phase of the Opera­
tion, Annex (A). For general directives for the employment of

. Ships1 Gunfire, see CinCPac Conf. letter 13CL-44} Commander Amphi­

bious Forces Circular Letter Ho. AL15r*44 (Rev. l ) ; and Ships1 Gun­
fire Support Plan, Annex (H). See Annex (F-l) for Transport, Fire

Support and Beach Areas for Preferred Plan and Annex (F-2) for

Transport, Fire Support, and "Beach Areas for Alternate Plan,

(d) By superior authority,- CTFs 58 and 93 have been directed to

provide strategical arid tactical air support for the Joint Expedi­
tionary Force, in general accord with Air Support Plan, Annex (l) f

Strong friendly air forces will strike enemy objectives and posi­
tions in the Empire and NAISUI SHOTO prior to DOG Day, end there­
after cover the operation and maintain neutralization of enemy

bases. Information regarding own submarines designated to obtain

intelligence of, and to strike, enemy forces will be disseminated

as obtained.

2. This force will capture, occupy, and defend IWO JIMA, beginning

DOG minus TSBM Day, and initiate the development of an advanced

air base on the captured island.

3. (a) Force Flagship operate as directed by CTF 51.

(b) Air Support Control Unit control aircraft and conduct Air-Sea

Rescue Operations as directed by Air Support Plan, Annex (j).

Fighter Cover and Fighter Direction will be coordinated by Commander

Air Support Control Unit, but Fighter Direction ordinarily will be

directly exercised by designated Fightor Director ships in the vici­

nity of the objective.

Co) Expeditionary Troops capture, occupy, and defend IWO JIMA in

accordance with Landing Forco EUin No. 3-44. Initiate the rehabili­
tation and construction of eirfieids as early as possible. Esta­
blish facilities ashore promptly for night fighter aircraft, and

following that, for nil categories of aircraft» the initial prefer­

ence being given to fighter and carrier types. When directed by

CTF 51, the Landing Force Air Support Control Unit Commander assume

control of troop support aircraft. Initiate the establishment of

an advanced air baefijMiisdefenses as required by CinCPac*s Base

.sh Military Government as prescribed in

.1-44. Embark in HAWAII* MARL&UAS, and

- 16 ­
GAF/A16-3(l)

Serial? 000280

Operation Plan

ComPhibsPac Ho. A25-44

the CAROLINES in designated vessels. Upon completion of the Occu­

pation Phase, and when directed "by Commander Joint Expeditionary

Force, reembark troops not required for the garrison," and withdraw

to> xsear "bases, in accordance with Evacuation Plan for Assault

Troops, Annex (V).

Attack Force land assault troops on SOUTHEASTERN IWO JIMA on

DOG Day on GREEN, RED, YELLOW, and BLUE Baaches (Preferred Plan)

or on WESTERN IWO.JIMA on ORANGE, WHITE, BROWN, and PURPLE Beaches

(Alternate Plan), in accordance with Attack Order, Annex (&). Con­

trol Underwater Demolition Group subsequent to arrival of trans­
ports in Transport Area. Clear obstacles on landing beach approa­
ches in accordance with Annex (M). At SAIPAN transfer to LST's

designated assault troops, control personnel,-and advance groups

of Beach and Shore Parties and transfer other designated control

personnel-to* control"• vessels*•- On DOG Day transfer Tomainin£ con- •

trol personnel aboard transports to control vessels. Land the

Expeditionary Troops fieqorve and equipment and the Garrison Force

and equipment when directed. Launch assigned LCTfs, pontoon barges,

and causeways when desired. Oh arrival at objective Tractor Groups

transfer destroyers assigned as flagships to Transport Screen* Dirset

Gunboat Support Group, which has reported at 0600 (K) DOG Day,

upon completion of duties in support of landing to report to CTF 52.

Establish a boat pool as required by existing orders and in accor­

dance with Boat Pool Plan, Annex (S); direct 2 LCVP from boat pool

to report to SOPA at 1200 (K) DOG Day for use for press purposes?

these boats will have PRESS painted in large letters on each side.

Obtain assistance for salvage of small craft from CTG 51.3 Upon

completion of capture of the position, and when directed by CTF 51

reembark troops not assigned to the Garrison Force for transfer to

the HARIANAS. Not later than DOG plus TEN-, return personnel of

Pontoon Barge. Causeway "and LCT Groups (less LOT personnel) and

Underwater Demolition Group to GUAM. Inform GTF-51 and 0TG 51.19

daily by noon the names of ships and craft designated to remain

that night at the objective. Provide boats for aiamunition boat

pool ag required by Annex (IS.), . -,

(e) Transport Screen protect transports, and other vessels inside

the screen, against air, surface, and submarine attack*in accor­

dance with Screening Plan, Appendix (I) to Protective.Plans, Annex

(K). When .di#«crt'e'd,^a^^.9^|f$l^gB to Fire Support Group in .

exchange for ;vosseislw1f|ps^i^Offl^ardmont ammunition is depleted.

When directed, supply roenforcements for the Gun Fire and Covering

.•ffprce. for action, against enemjr surface forces•JD^a directed by

CTF 51, HALLORAir, 0OpEilJ^a«d MNJiSe^J^iiBbllitive on DOG

plus TWO for rendezi

- 17 ­
CAi1/

ibsPac No* A25-44

(f) Amphibious Support Force:

(1) Execute Ships* -Gunfire Support Plan, Annex (H); Air Sup­
port Plan. Annex (l) ?:Minesweepings Mooring Buoy and Ne't Plan,

Annex (L)•'; and Beach Reconnaissance and Underwater Demolition

Plan, Annex (M), Request from CTF 54 vessels required for

executing Annex (H) and other tasks assigned to TIP 53.

(2) Prior'to D0& Day send daily by dispatch to TI 51, (BOM

holders only), beach information and results accomplished by

Underwater Demolition Grouru Mine Group, and air and surface

bombardments. Include OinCPac and ComFIPTHPleet as informa­

tion addressees, ^MV^**&^

ltJlr«4X 09O0 | ^ !
(3) By noon of DOG minus OBI deliver to CTF^s 51 and 53 the

sets of prints and negatives as provided in Appendix (XII)

of Annex (i) of air and surface photographs taken on DOG- minus

EWO and THREE of beaches and defenses on IWO JIMA. Report

variations in soundings dangerous to uav|.gation»

(4) During the preliminary bombarcUmmt phas.e, prior to DOG

Day, coordinate air-sea rescue and life-guard services.

(5) Establish petrols to prevent enemy reenforcements from

other islands and escape of the IWO JIMA Garrison*

(6) At night, in addition to harassing fires, illuminate

beaches and prevent enemy from laying mines and obstructions.

(7) Protect T21 51 unit8 near the objective against surface,

air, and submarine attacks, in accordance with Protective

Plans, Annex (£)« and Air Support Plans, Annex (l).

(8) Support Carrier Groupt while at objective, operate as

follows}

DAYLIGHT ABSA DABSQO1SS AHEA

rrier Unit OKE & LACQUER and VARNISH, A T L A S

Oarrier Unit TWO VARNISH and DUNLOP

ort Carrier Unit T'£BS& PUTTY and PUTTY, SHELUC

and RIVERSIDE

lore than qne Support Carrier .Unit is" operating in an area,

"senior commander will coordinate movements as necessary and

may combine two units at discretion*. Carrier* keep clear of

- 18 ­
 Serial* 000280

Operation Plan-

ComPhibsPac No. A25-44

approaching and' retiring groups, Anti-Submarine Warfare Unit,

composed of ANZIO and CortDiv 73 less LERAY WILSON is tempor­

arily attached for ASW employment and will be detached when

directed "by Commander FIFTH Fleet, and will then report to

Commander FIFTH Fleet for such duty as he may assign.

(9) At 0600 (K) DOG Day, TF 52, less detachments, pass to

direct command of CTF 51, who will then also assume title of

CTF 52. Rear Admiral 3LAHDY is thereafter assigned as CTG

51#19»

(10) Detach Underwater Demolition Group and fa Support

u p

Group to report to CTF 53 at 0600 (K) DOG Day.

(11) On DOG- Day, after completion of sweeping, detach vessels

af
Mine Group (less Ooinmaiider Mineftrou*>in TERROR, and Net

and Buoy Unit) toT ^ g ^

(12) Net and Buoy <Uni'|^ USCMBT CoismaMor Min-e -Groupi lay nets

and ouoys in accord«uic0 with MinaBweesing, Mooring Buoy and

Net Plan, Annex (i)

(13) Rotate destroyers 1}#tween ^in^Fire and Covering Force and

Transport Scree?} as r&qui**&» COT 58*5,3 operate Amnainit ion

Boat Pool as required|ii Annex (N)» Wlaen directed "by CTF 52,

at 1200 (K) DOG Day?^CclTGXs 469 and 471 report to SOPA to be

employed for press purposes; theqe two craft will have nPBBSS"

painted in large letters on each side. When directed by CTF

52, about DOG plus 0KH1 Day,, LCI(G)fs 346, 340, 438, 441 report

SoPA
to CTF S3 for such duty as he may assign. When directed by

CT3< 52 a oout
» ' ^
Pl U 8 0 M E Day. Qunboat Support Unj»t

report to CTG 51.3 for duty as salvage crfeft,

DOG,

(g) Gun fare and Covering; Force assign to OTF 52 units for execut­
ing shore bombardment as required by sub^paragraph 3(f) and Ships1
Qunfire Support Plan, Annex (H), Protect TF 51 units near the
objective against surface attacks in accordance with Protective
Plans, Annex (K); request necessary reenforcements•*of destroyers
and aircraft from CTFfs 51 and 52, IMMflHMMMMaMMMV
^ i i M H M I I ^ M M M M H M H M O T r , A*" 0600 (K)
# DOG Day CTF 51 w i l l assume duty as SOPA* usual^conditions
deploy nightly with units not rea^i**?*^ j^ire^jsuppdrt duty
in Areas POOR, LACqu|H, VmSEr*' and 000D jgpr providing Gun
r
Fire Support % organiz| as indidateU in An^e^ *^-- ma otlafeirwise
requested by CTF 52« ^

(h) Joint Bxpeditio reserve £o»,

Operation Plan

ComPhibsPac Ho. A25-44

the Attack Force. Land when directed ."by CTF 51. If directed to

land for the support of operations, report for duty to Commander

Attack Force and land troops as directed by him in accordance with

Attack Order, Annex (G). Upon landing, the Expeditionary Troops

Reserve passes to command of the Commanding General, Landing Force.

Arrivo in Point EQUITY 2200 (K) DOG Day and operate in Area PO&CH

awaiting further orders. When directed "by CTF 51, SWEARER, STEREF,

and 0*101 ILL depart objective on DOG plus TJWO for'rendezvous with

tTG 50.8. ..:,

• •
(i) Service and Salva.go Group execute Salvage Plan, Annex (R) and

.provideether roquired services. When not othorwise employed,

"station vessels in Areas XRAY and WILLIAM as shown- in:,Transport,

Fire Support, and Boach Areas, Annox (F).. Assign vessels for ser­
y.ico and salvage of minor craft to CTF 53 as requested and avail­
able. When L C S C L ) ^ report from CTG 52.5, direct* LCS(L)fs 32 and

33 to'report to ComTransGroipsi ABLE and; BAKER respectively,

(j) Hydrographic Survey: Group conduct Eydrographio survey and in­

stall navigational aids in accordance with Hydrographic Plan,

Appendix (III) to Annex ( )

(fc)-tDefense Group transport troops and equipment to objective,

I^T's-and LSM's report to Commander Attack Force for debarkation

and service as .directed by, him. Screen lose £C(S)(H) report to

Commander Transport Scroon. P C ( S ) ( H ) report to CTG 51.4. After

discharge of troops and cargo,'LSTfs less LST(M)fs assist in un­

loading transports or withdraw from the area as directed. LST(M)'

report fco GTJ1 53.A

Garri son, Grou^p 2SR0 ,

on Grou-p OM transport echelons-of the Garrison Forces

Jpctive for support of the operation. On arrival, trans-

report to Commander Attack Forco for debarkation as

y him, Scroon report to Commander Transport Screen.

ILVERIJJAF, and CANOTIA.report to CTG 53.3 for laying nets,

drained Beach and Shore Partioe for unloading as dircctod

Eelicvo crows of Ponjboon Barge. Causeway and

LCI c^ewsj^ot l^>ter than DQG

Port Director Unit-ro-port %q and operate as directod by CTF 53

du1;y In ujiloading ships and anchoring- amphibious type ships

(o) S^ap^ane Base Group establish a floating operating base for

seaplanes on DOG plus OHS Day or as soon-thereafter as ordorcd>

in accordance with Seaplane Baso Plan Annex (U). Conduct, aircraft

- 20 ­
 < •• ' *" "-1. f.

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

Serials 000280

Operation Plan

ComPhibsPac No. A25-44

,>

• v.

searches as directed by ComFIFTHFleet. Conduct air rescue missions

and operate base as directed by CTF 51* Refuel OBB, CA and CL

planes as required,

(p) Night Objective Group continue operations at objective in

accordance with Appendix (III) to Annex (K)*

(q) Night Retirement Groups make nightly retirement and return to

objective in accordance with Appendix (III) to Annex (%) unless

directed otherwise by CTG 51.19* ,

(x) (1) This Plan is effective upon receipt for planning and train­
ing, and effective for the operation at 1730, Zone ZERO Time,

DOG minus FQUR.

(2) Carry out the operations prescribed in this plan in

. general accord with Annex ( A ) , General Instructions, for the

Amphibious Phase of the Operation*

(3) Move to positions for executing this plan in accordance

with Movement Plan, Annex (p), Commander FIFTH Fleet OpPlan

No, 13-44. Approach in accordance with Approach Plan, Annex (E) #

(4) Conduct night operations in accordance with Appendix (III)

to Annex (K).

(5) When danger from enemy attack exists, ships shall exploit

speed and maneuverability as a defensive measure against bomb»

torpedo or gun attack* To this end, unless the SOPA has deter­
mined that other defensive measures warrant anchoring, all com­
batant ships of destroyer or larger siee 'will maintain appro­
priate speeds and at least steerageway except;

a« In emergency;

Tb. When refueling or rearming make it infeasiblej

£. During delivery of close supporting fire, by vessels

~" in the boat lanes, while boats are passing. In this

• case, ships clear the boat lanes as soon after HOW

Hour as is safe to do

(6) Large gunfire ships, except when operating inside the

Transport Screen> will at all times be provided with a suitable

screen of vessels which are not themselves deliyea;j.ng fire

against shore positio -- - .. --^ *.

/•OomPhibsPac No. A25-44

(?) SOPA and other officers directing movements keep all Task

Forces in ' the. VOLGAITO-MAEIANAS Areas informed as to projected

movements'. .

(8) Destroy or drive off onemy forces which attempt to inter­

fere with the movement to or operations at the objective.

(9) Operate, unless otherwise directed, generally in the areas

shown in Annex (J).

(10) Support TF 58 when directed.

(11) DOG Day is tentatively set at 19 February", Zone Minus TEN

(K) time, Hast Longitude Date. DOG Day is the day on which

initial landings will be made on IWO JIMA. MIKE Day is the day

of other landings on positions to bo announced. HOW Hour is

the hour of the principal landing on IWO JIMA. NAN Hour is the

hour of secondary landings* on IWO JIMA. HOW Hour for IWO JIMA

is now estimated to be 0900 DOG Day (Zone minus TEN), last

Longitude Da.to, •. .

(12) Use the Special Air and Gunnery Target Map Grid System

shown on charts issued.

(13) Damaged ships will beach, if necessary, in shoal water

off the established beachheads, provided such action will not

permit them to fall into enemy hands,

(14) Operating areas, points, retirement, and shipping routes

in the vicinity of the objective are as shown in Operating

Areas, Annex (#)

(15) Vessels and aircraft equip for smoke and, when directed,

lay smoke in accordance with Smoke Plan, Appendix (IV) to

Protective Plan, Annex (K).

Ali^seaplanes will be treated as friendly unless posi­

ively identified as enemy. Friendly and enemy planes which

may operate at the objective are shown in Eecognition Qharts

distributed .separately as appendices to Annex (B).

(17) USF-10A, with Amphibious Force Supplement, is effective,

Maneuver in accordance with USF-1OA and Cruising Diagrams,

Annex (D), Conduct training excercises ,of ships, aircraft,

and troops at every, opportunity.

OaF/A16-3(l)

Serial? 000280

Operation Plan

GomPhibsPac No, A25-44

(18) Initiate harbor development as early as practicable« but

not in such a manner as to interfere with combat operations, or

the unloading of Landing Forces and Garrison Troops.

(19) Provide for security, command, unloading troops and cargo,

and harbor service at objective in general accord with SOPA

Instructions, Annex (N), and Unloading Plane for Assault and

Garrison Forces, Annex (0).

(20) When no longer required by the Attack Force« transfer to

the local Commander of Naval Activities ashore;

a, 6 L C I ( G ) , 5 LSM, 1 AN, 1 ABL, 12 patrol craft (but

none of these of! tho control type), 12 LOT, and all

pontoon barges and causeways unloaded,

b. Boat pools in accordance with Boat Pool Plan, Annex (S),

£, LST(M)I8 676 and 678 will act as fuel storage vessels

and supply tenders for small craft; and as station

ships for transient officers and-enlisted personnel

until otherwise directed and will then proceed GUAM

fot use in subsequent operations. Postal personnel

of the JIavy anoVMarine Corps will be embarked at

Pearl Harbor on LSI 809 prior to the operation, for

establishment of a temporary Fleet and Marine Post

Office.,

(21) Submit action reports in accordance with PacFlt 1CL-45,

Ships of FIFTH Fleet furnish Commander FIFTH Fleet and ComPhibs-

Pac with a copy of fuel and mileage reports required by Para­

graph 3682 of USF-10A. All ships furnish CoraPhibsPac with a

correct roster of officers upon joining.

(22) a,. The point of origin of reports of radar contacts

with unidentified air and surface craft in the

VOLCANO Islands Area shall be the point of origin

shown on the gridded charts at the Southern end of

IW9 JIMA (the highest peak of the VOLCANO, SURI-BACHI

Mountain) and is assigned the name "Point HOTROGKS".

Coordinates are as ..follofti Lat, 24-45-11 N; Long.

141^17-28 JU ' • ' • " '

b, Badar re; conferred to- this point of

origin b;

 Sei&al: 000280

Operation Plan

ComPhibsPac No. A25-44

Bo 1, Shore Based Air Defense Centers on the Local Air

Warning and •Inter-Fighter Director Nets*

2, All reporting vessels within 25 miles from

"Point HOTROCKS",

3, Ships operating singly or on detached duty when

in direct radio communication with OTC at objec­

tive.

£. Tessels in dispositions more than 25 miles from "Point

HOTROCKS" will report radar contacts to their OTC in

accordance with USF-10A.. If the OTC decides to trans­

mit summaries of,plots of enemy positions- to stations

dutside his disposition, he will, at discretion, trans­

mit them either in Latitude and Longitude, or in bear- .

ing and distance from "Point HOTROCKS", Latitude and

Longitude may be used in reporting distant contacts.

d. Except for ships in dispositions over 25 miles from

~ "Point HOTROCKS", all stations in the objective area

transmitting contact reports will clearly state the

point'of origin of polar coordinates used; for example,

after bearing and distance, say "From HOTROCKS", or

"From ORIGINATOR" , or-"From CENTER",

(23) Task Force Commanders will take measures to prevent attacks

on friendly submarines. Operating zones, bombing and attack re­

strictions are prescribed in CinCPOA Standard Operating Proce­
dure SOP-1, Addendum 6 to SOP-1 and current CinOPOA zone notices,

Air-Sea rescue procedure is prescribed, in CinCPOA Standard Opera­

ting Procedure, SOB-2, and Addendum 1 to SOP-2 and Annex (I)

of this Plan, The Senior Officer of a combatant air or surface

unit proceeding into the area west of 156° East Longitude, shall

make certain that the unit has in its possession either the

latest effective addendum to CinCPOA SOP-1, or pertinent infor­

mation therefrom,

(24) Instructions for operations in heavy weather at the objec­

tive in accordance with Heavy Weather Plan, Appendix (II) to

SOPA Instructions, Annex (N).

(25) Whenever a large number of «hips and craft of the Joint

Expeditionary Force arc gathered at one of the atcging. points,

all ships shall remairr darkened from sunsofc until sunrise, re­
gardless of the local port regulations regarding darken ship,

except that essential ligh&S .necessary for loading and other

:. -'.24.­
CAF/A16-3(l)

Serial: 000280

Operation Plan

ComPhibsPac No. A25-44

similar activities may "bo used, but these must be capable of

being extinguished on short notice.

(26) Commanding Officers will insure that all personnel not

needed in exposed stations shall take shelter during air raids

and surface battle*

4. Logistics in accordance with Logistic Plan, Annex (P). Ail large

vessels including transports find LST*s be prepared to fuel des­

troyers and smaller vessels. In accordance with separate direc­
tivest ships of the following types are being equipped and instruc­
ted to transfer ammunition at seas. AS, AEE* CA, and DD. Ships

directed to return to rear bases should transfer to other vessels

before departure as muck.fuelt ammunitioa> smoke equipment, and

provisions as practicable. Medical Services in accordance with

Medical Plan, Xnxiox ($)_, Services for seaplanes in accordance with

Seaplane Base Plan, A?ii©x {Il)r Joroc raid Group Commanders maintain

accurate delly information ns to the f\*©l situation in their vessels,

and arrange direct with SOPA for required fuel, submitting requests

well in advance of recommended fueling dates.

5. (a) Communications in accordance with USF 70-A; CentCoraTWO} Com­

;
munication Plan, Annex (P), to Commander 3TIFS?H Fleet OpPlan No«

13-44; and Communications Plan, Annex (C) to this plan. Be pre­

pared to use MERSIGS when so required, as when XAP's and XAK's are

in a disposition. Battle communication plans will be used for re­

hearsals insofar as radio silence requirements permit. Subsidiary

communication plans will normally become effective when operation

orders become effective pud should be so written. Attention is in­

vited to the necessity for maintaining communication discipline» as

directed in para^aph 2120 of Annex (F) of OpPlan Cen 13-44t AlPac

50, and CentComTWO; and of maintaining radio discipline on all cir­

cuits. Maintain complete radio silence on all radio equipment which

might cause"transmissions on frequencies less than 30 megacycles

from time of crossing 180th meridian until arrival at objective,

except as required b,t enemy contact or disastrous emergency? Tem­

porary relaxation of radio silence on frequencies necessary to con­
duct scheduled rehearsals may be ordered as conditions permitP Make

minimum use of TBS and essential VHP aircraft and tactical circuits

and use only when visual will not suffice, Do not use SCR 608-610,

MH or HAH equipment during daylight, aud only as required by tactical

necessity at night, while enroute. Commanders of Units and Command­

ing Officers will exercise most careful supervision of TBS and

other voice circuits to eliminate improper,and uiinecessary trans­

missions. While at OaltOLDIES, MABSJiALLS arud .^aElANiiS bases, Porce

and Group Commanders supervise despatch cpmimiiieations to prevent

disclosure of prospectii^^)jB»-j^iins^)y^*ndarfcBiBriftWf our radio

 eration Plan

ComPhibsPac No. A25-44

traffici Despatches -of sufficient importance to warrant trans­

mission by radio must be cleared through the SOPA, and sent ashore

by boat and filed at local shore radio'station* This traffic must

be held to an absolute minimum and should be of low -precedence un­

less of the most important character, . . .,.

(b) In accordance with orders issued by the Commander in Chief,

1J, £>, Pacific Fleet* The Commander F^st Carrier Task Forces; the

task'group commanders of Fast Carrier'2ki.sk Forces j^he Commander,

or the- Second in Commandf<'of Joint Expeditionary Force; and Com­

mander Attack Forcet the Commander Amphibious Support Force, .and the

Commander Joint Exyedit4on/:'.rfr Force Reserve will command the task

organizations to which they are assigned, regardless of relative

rank of other offibers in the task forces or task groups.

(c) Initially the Oogwander Joint Expeditionary, F<orce> commands all

task organizations at all objectives through interrelated attack

force or group commanders. He commands support aircraft, and air

defense as it Tcrecomes available at each objective tlirougft. command

channels design?,ted by him, '

(d)-The Oommandindj General Expeditionary Troops will, be embarked

* in the flagship of the Commander Joint Expeditionary Force or

stationed ashore when the situation requires, and will command all

landing and! garrison forces that are ashore. Since the employment

of troops, including the reserve troops engaged in the seizure of

objective, is subject to the capabilities of the surface units to

land and support them, directives issued by the Commanding General

Expeditionary Troops as to the major landings or as to major

changes in tactical plans during the amphibious stages require the

approval of the Commander Joint Expeditionary Force before they

e issued.

e) At each objective, the related Commander Attack Force will

'command the landing force through the related Commander Landing

igj?for ship-to-shore operations. For shpre-.to-shore operations,,

the"|iLanding force will be under the direct, command of the Commander

anding Force, and' naval craft and supporting forces will be under

the/ command of the Commander Attack.Force concerned. As soon as

the•Commander Landing Force determines that the status of the land­

ing operations permits, he will assume command on shore and report

that fact to the related Commander Attack Force.

(f) Landing Forces, after their respective commanders have assumed

command on shore, will be under- the overfall command, of the Com-

Jmanding General jpxpeditionary Troops» Garrison Force Commander,

"(Island Commander) ie initially under the command of the Commander

- 36 ­
CAtf/Al 6-3(1)

Serial: 000280

Operation Plan V

ComPhibsPac No. A25-44

Landing Force. Garrison Force (Island) Commander will exercise

direct command over units of the garrison forces except those

temporarily attached to the landing forces. The Commanding General

Expeditionary Troops will retain command' of all forces established

on each objective until the officer Commanding the Operation has

determined that the situation is such that the capture and occupa­
tion phase at that objective may be considered completed.- The

'Officer Commanding the Operation will then direct that command cf

all forces at that objective pass to the Garrison "Force or Island

Commander. .

(g) The Commander FIFTH Fleet will determine and announce when the

capture and occupation phase is completed, whereupon the Commander

Forward Area will assume responsibility to him for the defense and

development of positions captured. The organization and admini­

stration of the captured positions «nd of the defense forces assign­
ed will then conform to directives issued by the Commander in Chief,

Pacific Ocean Areas, to the Commander Forward Area and to the Gar­
rison or Island Commanders concerned.- When the situation permits,

the Commander in Chief, Pacific Ocean Areas will relieve the Comman­
der FIFTH Fleet of the responsibility for all positions captured.

Thereafter, Commander Forward Area will be responsible direct to •

the Commander in Chief, Pacific Ocean Areas, the newly captured

positions will be incorporated into the Forward Area: and their

garrisons into the task force commanded by the Commander Forward

Area.

(h) At the objective,.the Commander Joint Expeditionary Firce, or

such other commander, afloat or ashore as he may designate, commands

support aircraft through the Commander, Air Support Control Unit

embarked in his flagship, from the time that the aircraft arrive on

station until their departure for recovery by the parent carrier.

Prior to their reporting on station mid after departure for re­

covery, these aircraft will operate under the command of their

respective carrier gr?up or unit commanders. When the Commander-

Landing Force Air Support Control Unit- has been established on

shore, he will, under the Commander Landing Force, control such

support aircraft in troops support and combat air patrol missions

as are assigned to him by Commander Air Support Control Units.

The Command coordination of all supporting aircraft shall be re­

tained by Commander Amphibious Support Force and-exercised by his

attached Commander Air Support Con|&Q&»I)bp-t prior to arrival at

the objective of tl~p^bmnia^|^^Qintfa^eiftitionaryForce.F o r c e RRe­

e­
sponsibility for air* defense '4fiil'""pass from the Commander Air

Support Control Uniltff the Air Defense Commander ashore when so

directed by the fUtili'lf^ifc'fl MiiW'i ^fc1 '

' The officer

designated as t P i l v H w S H H W H T V E ^ I ^ i c ^ designated

 6-3(1)

lal: 000280

Operation Plan

ComPhibsPac No. A25-44

to act for him will rep«rt for operational control to the Commander

Air Support Control Unit* He will proceed ashore p.b the earliest

practicable time and act under the Commander Air Support Control

Unit as, directed, in matters pertaining to air defense. He will

act in this capacity until such time as responsibility for the air

defense of the base passes to him. If.the Commander Joint Expedi­

tionary Force is to be temporarily absent from the objective areaf

he will delegate the responsibility for air defense to such other

commander, afloat or ashore, as he may deem appropriate. In this

event, the Air Defense Commander will report to the Commander so

designated.

(i) Use Zone ZERO Time in date-time group of dispatches. At all

times while west of longitude ONE FIVE SEVEN THIR!ftf East Longitude,

use Zone Minus TEN time as local time, and use Easfe Longitude Dates.

HOW Hour, and other lettered hours, will be expressed in Zone Minus

TEN (K) time, East Longitude Date. When time is used in the text

of dispatches, include the appropriate Zone description letters.

(j) Commander Joint Expeditionary Force; Commanding General, Ex­

peditionary Troops, and Commander Air Support Control Units in

ELDORADO. Attack Force Commander» Second in Command, and Commanding

General Landing Forces in AUBURN. Commander Amphibious Support

Force in ESTES, . -:

R. K, TURNER,

Vice Admiral, U.S. Navy,

Commander T.F, 51,

Joint Expeditionpry Force,

and ComPhibsPac,

General Instructions for the Amphibious Phase of the Opera-

Intelligence Plan. . tion.

Communication Plan.

Cruising Diagrams.

Approach Plan, Preferred and Alternate.

Transport, Fire Support, and Beach Areas - (F-l) Preferred,

(F-2) Alternate.

Attack Order, ComPhibGrp 2 No. A201-44. i

Ships* Gunfire Support Plan. J

Air Support Plan.

Operating- Areas.

- 28 ­
CAF/Al6-3(1)

Serial: 000280

Operation Plan

ComPhibsPac No. A25-44

(K) - Protective Plans.

(L) - Minesweeping, Mooring Buoy, and Net Plan,

(M) - Beach Reconnaissance and Underwater Demolition Plan.

(N) - SOPA Instructions.

(0) - Unloading Plans for Assault and Garrison Forces.

(P) - Logistics Plan,

(:}) i- Medical Plan.

(R) - Salvage Plan.

(S) - Boat Pool Plan,

(T). - Pontoon Barge and Causeway Plan.

(U) - Seaplane Base Plan,

(V) T Evacuation of Assault Troops Plan.

(W) - Public Relations Plan.

-29­
CAF/A16-3(1)

Serial: 000280

Operation Plan

ComPhibsPac No. A25-44

Distribution

Cominch (Airmail)
(13) idaj.Gen. CHANEY AC <CTG
10.16) (1)

CinCPac
(10) Brig.Gen, MOORE AC (CTG
95.7) (1)

.ComFIFTHFleet
(p) ComASCU, PhibsPac
(2)

ComGenPOA.
(5) ComPhibGrp 3
(1)

ComrrflRDFleet
(3) ComPhibGrp 4
(3)

CinCSWPA
(1) ComPhibGrp 5
(1)

ComSEVENTHFleet
<3) ComPhibGrp 6
(1)

ComNorPac
(1) ComPhibGrp 7
(1)

ComSoPac
. (1) ComPhibGrp 12
(3)

ComAirPac
(2) ComPhibGrp 13
(1)

ComDesPac (ComCruPac)
(Z) ComServRon 10
(4)

ComServPac
(2) ComServRon 12
(4)

ComSubPac
(2) ComServRonSoPac
(1)

ComHawSeaFron
(1) IsComSAIPAN
(1)

ComAirSoPac
(1) ComNavBaso SAIPAN
(1)

• ComBatRon 2
(2) AtComENIV^ETOK
(1)

ComCarTransRonPac .
(2) IsGomGUAM
• (1)

JICOPA •
(1) ComNOB GUAlf
(1)

Weather Central, PEARL

(1) IsComTINIAN
(1)

• Radio HONOLULU
(1) AtComUXiITHI
(1)

ComFwdAreaCentPac (For Dist.) (30) SCOFA

(2)

CoMlnPac
(5)
ELDORADO
(2)

ComPhilSeaFron
(1)
ComSeaPlaneBase SAIPAN
(1)

Com1;»"e sCarSubArea
(1)
Attack Force (TF 53)

ComGenFEAF •
(1)

ComAirFwd <
(5)
ComPhibGrp 2 (CTF 53)
(20)

ComFairWingONE
(1)
AUBURN
(2)

ComTHIRDPhib
(3)
ComASCUPhibGrp 2
(2)

ComSEVENTHPhib
(1)
ComTransRon 16 (CTG 53 .1)
(5)

AdComPhibsPac
(10)
CECIL (SF)
(2)

ComMarGilsArea
(1)
DEUEL
(2)

ComNavActENIWETOK
, (2)
D..RKE
(2)

ComGenlOth Army
(3)
HOCKING .
(2)

ComGenAAFPOA
(5)
TOLLAND
(2)

ComGen21stBomCom
(1)
BRISCOE
(2)

ComGenFMFPac
(10)
WHITESin^f^
(2)

ComGenAirFMFPac
(2)
jCpiiifcF^Bftam1!\TU 53 .1.2) (2)

ComGenlUPhibCorps
^ j^^1) A4^S@&]!p iff_ 1J (2)

ComGenVPhibCorps
¥%t (2)

ComGenlstMarDiv
|^': lllP m i l l |l'•'Snfly^SL (2)

ComGen2ndMarDiv
\% ) *B ^ O L T ^ H4ITLEY (2)

ComGen3 rdl/iarDiv
', (3) •.'" HANSFORD ' (2)

ComGen4thMarDiv
^ ^ ^^' (3) BRULE (2)

C omGenS thMarDiv
0) YANGEY (2)

ComGen6thMarDiv
» (1)

- 30

 * • .

f/Al6-3(l
trial: 000280

)peration Plan
JomPhibsFac No. A25-44

^^^?^w Distribution

ComTransDiv h& (CTU 53.1.3) (2) ConiloTGrp 13 (CTU 53-3-3) ' ' (1)
TALLADEGA (F> (2) LbT 70, 390, 446 (F), 481,
4
MISSOULA (2) 634, 753, 1033 (1) ec.
' DICKENS () Co^iI^TGrp 61 (CTU 53.3.5) (1)
.'- LUBBOCK (2) LST 5S7 (F), 642, 716, ?23,
LSNAi/VE -. . (2) 761, 730, 930 (1) ea.
WYANDOT . (2) ComLSTGrp 9 (CTU 53.3.6) (1)
ATHENE (2) LST 684, 713, 731, 7£7,
GUNSTON HALL (2) 789, 928, 931 (1) ea.
ComTransRon 1 5 (CTG 5 3 . 2 ). i
CcmLoTFlot 29 (CTU 53.3.7). (1)
BAYFIELD (SF) ROOKS (1)

LffllXETfil (2) LCI 423 (1)

HENDRY • (2) ComLSTGrp 86 (CTU 53.3.8) (1)

SIBLEY (2): LST 760, 763, 764, 779,

BEPJIIEN (2) 726, 792, 784, 1031,

SHOSHONE (2) 1032 .-, (1) ea.

ARTEMIS ' (2) ComLoTGrp «5 (CTU 53.3-9) (1)

OZARK (2). LST 42, 121, 224, 399,

ComTransDiv 4 4 (CTU 5 3 . 2 * 2 ) . (2) 807, 940, 782 (F),

HIJJSDALE ( F ) (2) 785, 795 . (1) ea.
PICKENS (2) ComLSMlot 5 (CTG 53.4) (l)
SANBORN (2) LCI 628 (1)
NAPA (2) CcJLSlGrp 13 (CTU 53.4.1) (1)
• BLADEN (2) LSK 43, 44, 46, 47, HQ,
SOUTHAliPTbN (2) 141, 215, 236, 242, .
STARR : (2) 261, 264 (F), 266 (1) ea.
BELLEGEOVE (2) CoraLSJLGrp 14 (CTU 53.4.2) (1)
ComTransDiv 45 (CTU 5 3 . 2 . 3 ) (2) LSM 48, 59, oQ, 145, 201,
LOGAN ( F ) (2) 202, 206, 207, 238,
,RRY (2) 239, 241, 260 (1) ea.
N . (2)
3 • • . • • (2) Control Group
(2)

(2) FCE 877, PC(3) 1403, 1421,

£HEN (2) 1452, 1455, 1460, 1461,

(2) PC 463, 469,578, 1081,

TFlot 21 (CTG 53.3) (2) SC 1049, 1066, 1272,

724, 1298,. 1315, 1316,

'GREGORY (Fighter Director) .1326, 1374, 1360 (1) ea.

LCI 994 ' (1

JomLSTGrp 18 (CTU 53.3.1) (1

Pontoon Bar^e & Causeway Group

LITTLE (1) (TG 53.7)

LCI 995 (1)

LC
f ComLSTGrp 62 (CTU 53.3.2) (1) |m '
ComLUTGrp 4B (CTU'53.7.5)
(1)

(lj

i£ LST 241, 354,$S8, 643,

715, 756 (F), 929 (1) ea, 998 (1)

-31­
Serial: 000280

' V
Operation Plan
CoroFhibsFac No. A25-44

Distribution
Transport Screen (TG 51.2) E3TS3

Coi&iSCUFhibGrp I

' CoinDesRon 63 (CTG 51.2) (2)

HYMN (F) > (1) BAY

. -. *» *»* ^ » m v> w ^ * 1 1 ii 1 ri" r 1 " , ^ -^- y £ I O U N D

MaNNERT L. A B S L E (Fighter ComDesDiv 1 2

Director) (1)

PUTNAii (1)

ZELLaRS (1)

CcainDiv 7 (1)

ROBERT H* SMTH (Fighter ^ 3 . BULL

Director) (1) ConisCarForPac (CTG 52.2)

ROBERT H. SL2TH (1
FR/iZER
^

(1)

SKiNNON BISikARCK 3 E

H.JIRY F.. BiiUER (1)

HENRY A . WILEY (1)

ConiDesRon 45 (X) ComDesRon 6

FULLiM ( F )

GUEST (1)

* BENNETT (1) GRIDLEY

- f BENNETT (Fighter Director) (1)
() M. RO^'ELL
HUDSON (1}

HUDSON (Fighter Director) (1) ComCortDiv 72

% HALFORD . (1) LAJ'ja^WCE C. THYLOR

•CfoiaDesDiv 90 (1) iiELVIN R . KAifl^N

(F) ..:-., v(l) OLIViili iJTCKELL
V (1) " TABBEREH
HOir/ORTH . (1) xiOBSET F . KLLLEH
ComDesRon 53
;
(1) ' CoiaCarDiv 2 3 (CTU 5 2 . 2 , 3 ) 3;
^VAN V^LKEHBUBGH (F) SHGI&^ BAY
COLHOUN FETROF BAY

COLHOUN (Fighter Director) SHIPLEY

HELk"

RIDDLE

, CONNELLY

FIKNEGM

CoiaCortDiv 4 4

3.3. iuILES ( F ) 52.3.1)

WESSON .

Aiuphibious Support Force (TF 52) HOViaY

DORSEY

ComFhibGrp I (CTF 52) HOfARD

CAF/
Seri

A25-44

tribution
;ilT 15 (BtESStaH) . C1)
HOGiiN CD ^ ( L ) F l o t 3 (CTG 52.5) 1J
BRESS'S (i)
CowinR-.r* 12 (CTU 52.3.3) ic: ?sa w
(F)
l o t 3 (CTU 52.5.1) U )

450, 466, 469, 471,

S?i.JJKCH 473, 474, 627 (1) ea.

ComLC'^GroupS

SPECTACLE
LCI 346, 34S, 438, AU,

SPECTOR
V49, 457 (

TR*CY :«• Coml.Co'DGrp 7

SEREIN . '.X) LCH1) 3 1 , 32, 33, 34,

SHELTER
CD 35, 36> 5 1 , 52,

STRATEGY 53, 54, 55, 56 (1) ea.

STRENGTH a) ComLCT-Hot 21 (CTG 52.6) (1)

SUCCESS LCI i*25 ,- N ^

(1)
REBEL CoraLdl-p 61 (CTU 52.0.1)

PC 800
(D
() LCI 'v;0, 631, 632, 638, e a #

CHAHPION 75*. 1010 W

ARDENT (i)
DEFENSE a) C&ffiLCIGri> 62 (CTU §2.6.2)
LCI 03; 757, 760, 1011,

(U

DEVASTATOR (x;
^a<
PREBLE (x)
1012, L'.)*3
ComLCIGic 17 (CTU 52.6.3)
,
(1;
^
ComYiiSType (CTU 52.3.6) (i)

LCI 71-S-, 740, 741, 742,

YiuS 323, 362, 374, 401,

10*8, 1059, 658, 659,

411, 478 (F) (1) ea.

6 J O , 754, 1056,

LINDSEY
70 ^ (1) ea*

SC 775, 1028, 1054 (1)

e a . ComLCIC rp 67 (CTU 52.6.5) ( D

YLS 193, 235, 345, 361,

LCI 1.51, 352, 353, 354,

.475, 407 (1)

e a .
a)) ^55, 356
CoinLCIi'lot 16 (CTG 52.7)
(1) ea.
(1)
(1) ComlXIGrp 63 (CTU 52.7.1) W
(1) LCI 642, 651, 707, 708,

ac (CTG 52.4) (2) 771, 772, 1029, 1030,

(1) 80, 345, 437,

(Sweep Unit) (1) 1077 (.1) e a «

(1, GunEire ^Jid Coverinp Force (TF 54)

ETERS
FATERS (Sweep Unit) ComBatilon 1 (CTF 54) (4)
BULL (1) (2)
(1) aJLIFORNLv (FF>
BARR C.oaiBatDiv 3 (2;
BLES5LAN (1) (2)
'(« (F)

'• BHTES (2)

T^JDT 1 1 (BATES)

(1) -(2)
(1) ConiBatDiv 4
k
UDT 12 (BARR) NIA (F) (2)
f
-* UDT 1 4 (BULL)

(1)
- 33
­
CAF/Al6-3(1)
Serial: • 000280

Operation Plan
CoiaPhibsPac No,

Distribution

COLORADO
(2)
(2)

ComBatDiv 5
(2)
HARHY (2)

TEXAS (F)
(2)
(2;

NE..r YORK
(2)
./ARRICK (2)

CaniCruDiv 4
(2)
CoaTransDiv 32 (CTU 5 1 . 1 . 3 ) (2)
LOUISVILLE (F)
(2)
PtiESIDEKT JACKSON ( F ) (2;
PORTLAND
(2)
PiO&IDENT ,J)^B (2;
INDLiNAPOLIS '
(2)
DOYEN (2)
ComCruDiv 5
(2)
BCLIVAR (2)
CHESTER (F)
(2)
CnFlL JOhNSCK (2)
FENS^COU
(2)
UBxiA (2;
SALT LJffi CITY
(2)
JUPITER (2)

TUSCxtLOOSA
(2J
ComTransDiv 33 (CTU 51.1.4)
(2)

CumDesPton 46
(1)
CALLii-^Y ( F ) (2)

CHPPS (F)
(1)
FltiiD, FUN3TON (2)

TERRY
(1)
0"f Mii (2)

DAVID ¥. TAILOR
(2)

EVANS
(1)
iSRCULSS (2)

JOHN D. HENLEY .
(1)
ALKENA (2

ComDesRon 51
(1)
CoiiiDesDiv 90 (CTU 5 1 . 1 . 5 )
ALThONY (F)
CD

H A L L (F)
(1)
(I,

KALLIGAN
(1)
BUSH (1)

(1)
BUSH (Fighter Director) (1)

FAUL HAMILTON
(1)

T;;IGGS
(1)

ComDesRon 56
1
BRADFORD
(1)

LEUTZE .
BOYD
(1)

(1)
STE3K '

(1)
(1;

BENNION (Figl'iter Director)

(1)

(1)

O'NEILL

a;

R I C K A R D P. LEARI
CoiaService & Su Grp
(1)

HEY»i«)OD L , E&L.R (1)

(CTG 51.3) (i)
STSiiBEL (1)

STELJ3EL ( F i g h t e r D i r e c t o r ) (1)
AGENOK (i)

BRYiiNT (1)
(i)

(Fighter Director)
(1)
(i)

GEAR. (i)

(1)
SHACKLE (i)

Joint Expeditionary Force Reserve

"• (TG 51­ LUNSEE (1)

R 30 (1) ea.

ComTransRo;
, 1396 (1)
ea.

FRELONT (F

FAYETTE C2;
L3 (CTG 51,5)

KWOX (2)
L3T 84, 766, 222(F),

247, 449, 477, 641

ea.

- 34 -
 >n Plan

sPac No. A25-44

LST 724, 738,790, 676,

CruDiv Corns' (2) ea.
678, 808, 809, 943,
CarDiv Coms . (2) ea.
944 (1) ea.
DesRon Coms • (2) ea.
DesDiv Corns (2) ea.
GRADY (1)
BBs, CAS, C L S , CVS, CVLS(2) ea.
LSM 143 (1)

PC(S) -1404, 1457 (1) ea.

F^Lee-t Oiler Group
PC 779, 1538 (1) ea.

SC 1270 (l)
ComServRon 6 (CTG50^8) (3;

• ComGarrisonGrp ZERO
DETROIT ' (1)

(Capt. k'acgowon)' (CTG 51.6)(1)

r
P l f T V " "?'n 7"> W (~\ \
CiiNFIELD (1)
itUiyXxtiliy JJAX • \JL I
DESDE , ;(l)
SAHGENT B A Y (l)
ELDEN* ' (1)
ComDesRon 1 . (l)
..ComCortDiv 61 . .(l)
CoinDesRon 19 (1)
RALL (F) * (1)
• C^iCortDiv 32 - (I)-
ComGarrisonGrpONE
ComCortDiv 49 . (l)
'(CTG 51.7) (Capt. Lustie) (l)
Air Search and Recon. Grp.

ZEBRA (l)

SILVERLEAF (1)
KENNETH ,-HITING (1)

" CANOTlA (1)

POCOiDKE (1)

ComCortDiv 16 (1)
ST. GEORGE (1)

.• W .G. iJLLER (1)

M.-.CIJNAC .. (1)

•':• CABANA (1)

(1)

l
.' DIONNE (1)
COOS BAY • (1)

VO, GroPac 11 (CTG 51.3)

SHELIKCF (1)

(Cdr. Darling) (3)

ONSLOr/ (1)

CASCO (1)

Seaplane Base Group

CHANDELE'UR (1)

(TG 51.9)
ComCortDiv 64 (4)

(2)
DISTRIBUTION (Deferred)

*GUE (1)

CNC . •'•• ( 5 )
Task Force
Naval rfar College (l)
in CamFIFTHFlt OpFlan
iirmy Navy Staff College (I)
Marine Corps School . : (l)
C&GS School, LEftVMr.VOETH (1)
st CarTaskFor . (3 Comdt iJarCorps ; . (l.)
.d CarTaskFor ,.(3 CowFhibTraLant • " ' (5^
tDiv Coms (2)' ea ComPhibTraPdc (20)
ANNIS , •••*(!)

'Amphibious Training Base,

R. HO»ffiLL f o r - • Ft. Pierce ' ' (1)

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

ComPhibsPac No. A25-44

ANNEX (A) . •

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE AMPHIBIOUS PHASE OF THE OPERATION

Reference: (a) Cincpoa Joint Staff Study of the operation, serial

000119 of 7 October 1944 (Change No. 1, Serial

000130 of 23 October 1944).

(b) Cincpoa Establishment of IWO JIMA, Plan for, serial

OOOS85 of 11 October 1944.

(c) Cincpoa OpPlan No. 11-44 of 25 November 1944•

(d) Cincpca serial 00Q1003 "Garrison Shipping" of 19

November 1944•

1, The task of the operation is the capture of IWO JIMA. The

references give details of the desired plan and development of the

base. The date of the attack will be influenced by the progress of

Commander Southwest Pacific Area's M-l Operation for the capture of

LUZONA but is set now for February 19, 1945, Eastern Date, This

operation is preliminary to further operations by the FIFTH Fleet.

The Joint Expeditionary jFgrOjK a part of the FIFTH Fleet, will-be

supported by the major qoi&^ant strength of the pacific Fleet, and

by land-based aircraft ©£ th© Pacific Ocean and the Southwest Pacific

Area.

2« The Joint Expeditionary Force for the operation will be organ­

ized as follows;

(a) Task Force 51, comprising-task Forces, 51, 52, 53, 54, and

56, under Vice Admiral TURNER, U,SfN., wit-h Rear Admiral H. W.

HILL, U.S.N., as Second-in-Command. 'Task Force 51 numbers will-

be assigned for most of the movements to and from the objective,

and to certain task groups and units operating at the objective.

Beginning at 0700(K) on Dog Dayy Vice Admiral TURNER will also

assume command of Task Force,52, less detachments.

(b) Task Force 56, the Expeditionary Troops, comprising the-

assault forces and assigned elements of the garrison troops,

' under Lieutenant General H. M. SMITH, U.S.M.C.

(c) Task Force 52, the Amphibious Support Force, initially

under command of Rear Admiral BLANDY, comprising assigned

gunfire support vessels, certain C V E ^ , minesweepers, and

Underwater Demolition Teams* After arrival at the objective,

the operations of all aircraft and gunfire vessels from other

forces, while they are engaged in direct attack on the objective,

will also be under this command. At 0700(K) Dog Day, command

of Task Force 52, (less detachments) will pass

Task Force 51. There^^j^p ift^l Ac||i^|fli.JlHPl ^ - R p o r t to

Commander Task Force i

Operation Plan

CornPhibsPac No, A25-44 (Annex (A) - General Instructions for the Am­
phibious Phase of the Operation)

command of Transport and Tractor Night Retirement Groups; and,

when directed,-will assume command of-waiting groups in Areas

CELLAR, PARLOR, and PORCH, "' . ; .;.

'(d) Task Force 53, under Rear Admiral-HILL, will comprise the

Attack Force consisting, of transports, Landing Force troops,

escorts, control vessels, and other assigned units. The Landing ­

Force will be under the command of Major General Harry L. SCH&£IDT,

U.S.M.C., Commanding General, FIFTH Amphibious Corps. The Landing-

Force is composed of the THIRD, FOURTH, and FIFTH Marine Divisions,­

respectively commanded-by Major Generals ERSKINE, CATES, and ROCKEY,

U.SfM.C. Upon landing, Garrison Force Troops not forming part of

the assault troops will be under command of the Island Commander,

who in turn will be under command of the Commanding General of the

Landing Force, so long as the latter remains at the objective.

(e) Task Force 54,'under H M Admiral H M I , is the Gunfire

and Covering Force, composed'of OBBs, cruisers, and destroyers,

-This force will assign vessels for executing shore bombardment

as required by Commander Task Force $2$ and will provide cover

in the vicinity of the objective against enemy surface attack,

(f) Task Group 51*1, under command of Commodore LOOMIS, will be

one transport squadron carrying the THIRD Marine Division, under

Major General ERSKINE, U.S.M,C. as Expeditionary Troops Reserve,

The THIRD Marine Division.is an integral part of the Landing Force,

but it will be employed only when directed by.Commander Task Force

56, as-approved by Commander Task Force 51» If ordered to land

troops, Task Group 51*1 will pass to command of Commander Task

Force 53, and upon landing, the troops will pass to the direct

command of the Commanding General, Landing Force,

3. Task Force 53 w,ill embark troops in the HAWAIIAN ISLANDS and hold

preliminary rehearsals there. Task Group 51*1 will embark troops at

GUAM, Task Force 52-will assemble for preliminary training at ULITHI,

All of Task Force 51, less TG 51.1 and Defense and Garrison Groups will

then assemble at SAIPAN for final rehearsals prior to proceeding to, the

objective. TG 51»1 will^not ^participate in SAIPAN rehearsals, but will

sail from GUAM d i r e c U ^ k the objective>

k* Naval elfmritygifjjie Joint Expeditionary Force from HAWAII will

move to M I W M J ^ . ^ ^ R u p p l y , and then to SAIPAN.. At SAIPAN, vessels
other tu h a n # ^ * i S A p s , transport type0, and LSTfs will be topped off
with
o
^ ^t(||/fehr|p^ Xir ~h are hot self-sustaining- in water will be topped
^fa3J%wBlir^ as, rg^fulred. The movement of supply vessels ;
will be as
Commander FIFTH Fleet,
-"x , .
(A) - 2
Operation Plan

ComPhibsPac No. A25-44 ('Annex' (A)

General Instructions for the Am-'

Fhase of the Operation)

5. The landing attack on IWO JIMA will be made on the southeast

coast>} (preferred), or on the northwest coast, (alternative plan),

the landing being delayed as necessary, to ensure reasonably favorable

weather. The Commander-*n Chief, U. S. Pacific FieH, has been re­

quested to provide long-range weather forecasts. The Landing Force

.Tactical Plan is outlined in Appendix (I).

6. The Assault Troops will include selected elements of the Garri­

son Force. The main strength of our own shore anti-aircraft, coastal

battery elements, and ground aircraft formations will begin to arrive

at the objective one day after the initial landings* The Expedition­
ary Troops Reserve will be sent forward in time to arrive at the

objective on Dog plus 4Nft« The succeeding garrison echelons will

begin to arrive at the objective about five days after the initial

landings, on order from the Senior Officer Present Afloat at the

objective. Garrison echelons, prior to proceeding to the objective,

will go to "ENIFETOK or SAIPAN, as directed, to await orders of the

Senior Officer Present ,Afloat at the objective.

7. LCT's,self-propelled pontoon barges, and pontoon causeways

will be specifically assigned to, and operated under, the direc­

tion of the Transport Squadron Commanders, but the execution of

their orders will be carried out by the Commander Pontoon Barge and

Causeway Group, in cooperation with Commander Task Force 53!s Beach-

master, Upon withdrawal of Transport Squadron Commanders, this

equipment, plus the Boat Pool, will be turned over to the Commander

Naval Activities for operation under the Port Director* It is advis­

able to assign all water transport to the Boat Pool for operation,

and the pontoon causeways to Gropac 11.

8. Upon completion of the capture of IWO JIMA, and. upon being re­
lieved by the 147th Army Infantry Regiment (from NEW CALEDONIA), the

THIRD, FOURTH, and the FIFTH Marine Divisions will be evacuated to

GUAM, SAIPAN, and GUM!, respectively. Corps Troops will also be

evacuated to GUAM,

9. Close cooperation must be effected between opposite numbers

of the troops and the supporting elements of the Navy. Personal

conferences will be held between the officers of the various ser­

vices whose plans require coordination. This close personal coop­
eration must extend all the way from the top echelons down to and

including boats1 crews and troops. It is most important that Beach

Party and Shore Party Commanders prepare joint plans, and engage in

joint training; whenever possible, these offic||y|kat least

nucleii of their parties will be( ^baa^^p^JL^rM itailplyessels. Garri­

son Force plans must %%^^^ft%e ^^^ip3t^p|[^)^yij^Jgsault troops.

Operation Plan

ComPhibsFac No. A25-44 (Annex (A) General Instructions for the

Amphibious Fha.se of the Operation)

10. Island Commander, in advance of the forward movement, will organize

and instruct permanent Beach Parties and Shore Parties, and Port Director

and Troop Port Command Units. Nucleii of all these will be sent in with

the Attack Force, and form part of the assault Beach and Shore Parties.

They will prepare for taking over from the assault Beach and Shore Parties,

prior to withdrawal of these elements.

11. Each service embarked in a vessel is responsible to the commanding

officer for guarding its own property against theft and loss. Commanding

Officers of vessels and troops v/ill ensure that effective steps are taken

to prevent such loss, and immediate reports will be made in case losses

occur. After debarkation of troops, Commanding Officers of ships will

cause a very careful search to be made to ensure that troop property left

on board is collected and safeguarded for return to the proper organizations,

Disciplinary measures will be instituted where appropriate.

12. All commanders, in advance of the operation-, will take steps to in­
doctrinate all hands against pillage and souvenir-hunting; and will

assign specific responsibility for preventing pillage and souvenir­

huntins. . ,

R. K. TURNER,

Vice Admiral, U. S. Navy

Commander T.F. 51

Joint Expeditionary "t'orce

and ComPhibsPac

Appendices:

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

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

der, USJEl.,

(A) - 4

 DOG DAY

H-HOUR

APPENDIX ( I )

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

LANDING FORCE PLAN 3-44 (PREFERRED)

The landing will be made on Dog Day by two divisions abreast,

the FIFTH Marine Division on the left, the FOURTH Marine Division
on the right. Each division will be embarked in a squadron of trans­

><

T
ports and landing craft commanded by a Transport Squadron Com­

\ mander in direct control of the landings made by troops from his

squadron. Commander Attack Force, CTF 53, will coordinate
X5H the operations of the two squadrons. Landing areas, boundaries
and initial objectives are shown graphically. Exploitation of the
beachhead will be as circumstances indicate, following the general
tacticiltplam. If the Expeditionary Troop Reserve is required to
Iajt<4v4t w 4 l land as directed. The day and night preceding the
laMlHfg'S, reefs and approaches to beaches will be reconnoitered
and cleared of obstacles by the naval Underwater Demolition Teams,
covered by naval and air bombardment. On completion of the
capture of the objective, the assault troops will be evacuated to
ARRIVE D + 2

rehabilitation areas.
DET. 4 th MAR. PIV

APPENDIX (II)
TO ANNEX (A) TO COMPHIBSPAC OP. PLAN A25-44
LANDING FORCE PLAN 3-44 (ALTERNATE)

0 -1 The landing will be made on Dog Day by two divisions abreast,

the FIFTH Marine Division on the right, the FOURTH Marine Division
on the left. Each division will be embarked in a squadron transports
and landing craft commanded by a Transport Squadron Commander in
direct control of the landings made by troops from his squadron. Com­
mander in direct control of the landings made by troops from his squad­
ron. Commander Attack Force, CTF 53, will coordinate the operations
I! of the two squadrons. Landing areas, boundaries and initial objectives
are shown graphically. Exploitation of the beachhead will be as circum ­
FROM 5th MARDIV stances indicate, following the general tactical plan. If the Expedition­
ary Troop Reserve is required to land, it will land as directed. The
XX
day and night preceding the landings, reefs and approaches to beaches
will be reconnoitered and cleared of obstacles by the naval Underwater
ARRIVE D+2
Demolition Teams, covered by naval and air bombardment. On com­
pletion of the capture^ of tbe_ojbjective, the assault troops will be eva­
cuated to rehabilitation aije
DOG D A y ^ ^ ^ ^
H-HOUR v