U-boat Archive - U-505 - A/S Cruise Report

U.S.S. GUADALCANAL(CVE60

Fleet Post Office

New York, New York

CVE60/A16-3

SERIAL (0023)

JUN 19 1944

From:	Commander Task Group 22.3
To:	Commander-in-Chief United States Atlantic Fleet

Subject:	Report of A/S Cruise of Task Group 22.3

Enclosures:	(A) Comments and Recommendations of C.T.G.
	(B) Daily Operational Narrative
	(C) Track Charts
	(D) Operational Statistics
	(E) Summary of Crashes and Unusual Incidents
	(F) Weather Summary
	(G) Photographs (2).

1. Submitted herewith is the report of the third A/S cruise of the GUADALCANAL - Task Group 22.3.


	D.V. GALLERY, jr.

DISTRIBUTION:

Cinclant (Orig.)

Cominch (1)

Comairlant (1)

ComfairNorfolk (1)

ASW Unit Norfolk (1)

Asdevlant (1)

Each CVE Atlantic (1)

File (2)


	COMMENTS BY CTG 22.3 ON THIRD ASW CRUISE OF
	GUADALCANAL

	NIGHT FLYING

	For the second time in succession we sailed with a squadron which had not been checked out on the "Charger" for night landings. We therefore had to undertake night training activity ourselves if we were to do any night operation. We wrecked 3 planes right at the beginning of the cruise doing this. However, after we had completed the squadron's training, continuous all night operations, regardless of the moon, became a routine matter. VC-8 is to be highly commended on the outstanding job of night flying which they did.

	It is strongly recommended that no squadron be sent out on an ASW cruise until it has checked out for night landings on the Charger.

	OIL BURNING DE'S

	The three or four extra knots of top speed that you get from a DE of the Jenks class is not worth the cost to the task group in oil and in reduced endurance for the whole group. I would much rather prefer an escort group composed entirely of diesel driven DEs.

	VHF RADIO ON DESTROYERS

	All DEs had VHF radio and stood watch on the aircraft frequency. This proved to be of extremely great value. The DEs always know what the planes were doing and vice versa. Excellent cooperation between air and surface craft was made easy.

	SONOBUOYS

	On about four different occasions, pilots insisted that they were hearing submarines on sonobuoys. I do not believe that they were hearing submarines.

	At one time we were able to hear a rhythmic churning noise in the ear phones of a radio circuit in air plot which was nt connected to sonobuoys in any manor. Had such a noise been heard on a sonobuoy receiver anyone trained in the use of sonobuoys would have stated that he heard propeller cavitation close aboard.

	I believe there are electric circuits in the airplane which generate noises in the sonobuoy receivers and deceive the pilots.

	ENCLOSURE (A).

U.S.S. GUADALCANAL(CVE60)

CVE60/A16-3

OPERATIONS

DATE ____13 & 14 May 1944__________Z.D.______4:00___________________

SHIPS IN COMPANY:	U.S.S. PILLSBURY	(DE133)
	U.S.S. POPE	(DE134)
	U.S.S. FLAHERTY	(DE135)
	U.S.S. CHATELAIN	(DE149)
	U.S.S. JENKS	(DE665)

WEATHER___Partly Cloudy___VISIBILITY___6-15 mi___WIND___SW - 13 knots.___

FLYING CONDITIONS__Good___CLOUDS_Cumulus & Cirrus_SEA Slight with no swell

SURFACE TEMP.___73°_F.___________

TIME EVENT

13/1205	Underway from Naval Operating Base, Norfolk, Va. to calibrate DAQ equipment in York Spit Channel.

13/1503	Anchored in York Spit Channel for DAQ calibration.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

14/1158	Underway in accordance with Cinclant dispatch 032023.

14/1418	Internal explosion in No. 1 Boiler. Firebox flooded - steam and water pouring out of burner air registers and into fire room.

14/1433	Changed cus to return to Hampton Roads to permit survey of damage to boiler and to explore feasibility of effecting repairs at sea.

14/1654	Anchored in Hampton Roads, Berth No. 3.

----	Inspection of #1 boiler revealed following damage:
	Tube #17 Row "A" burst, no other damage except wetted firebrick.

	HOURS FLOWN
	VT	VF
TODAY	00	00
BROUGHT FWD.	00	00
TOTAL	00	00

ENCLOSURE B Page 1.

U.S.S. GUADALCANAL(CVE60)

OPERATIONS

CVE60/A16-3

DATE ____15 May 1944_______ ___Z.D.______4:00___________________

		1200 POSITION
		36°54'N
		75°20'W
Sunrise	0600	Sunset	1952
Moonrise	0204	Moonset	1244
Last Quarter

SHIPS IN COMPANY : Same

WEATHER__Partly Cloudy_____VISIBILITY__6-15 mi.__WIND_____8-9 knots.______

FLYING CONDITIONS__Good____CLOUDS_Cumulus & Cirrus___SEA_Slight no swell__

SURFACE TEMP._____73°_F____

TIME EVENT

0755	Underway from berth No. 3, Hampton Roads, Va.

1040	Navy Blimp reported on station as air cover.

1150	U.S.S. JENKS, reported casualty to forward turbine thrust bearing and recommended return to U.S. for repairs.

1419	Took departure from entrance of swept channel marked by buoy XS.

1500	Tube replaced and hydrostatic test put on #1 boiler.

1530	U.S.S. JENKS came alongside to receive three engineering officers from carrier to survey damage.

1655	Blimp air cover departed.

1856	U.S.S. JENKS ordered to Bermuda for repairs; to rejoin later.

2010	No flight operations.

-----

	HOURS FLOWN
	VT	VF
TODAY	00	00
BROUGHT FWD.	00	00
TOTAL	00	00

ENCLOSURE B Page 2

U.S.S. GUADALCANAL(CVE60)

OPERATIONS

CVE60/A16-3

DATE ____16 May 1944_______ ___Z.D.______3:00___________________

SHIPS IN COMPANY:	U.S.S. PILLSBURY
	U.S.S. POPE
	U.S.S. FLAHERTY
	U.S.S. CHATELAIN

		1200 POSITION
		35°47'N
		69°23'W
Sunrise	0640	Sunset	2023
Moonrise	0326	Moonset	1428
6 days before New Moon

WEATHER__Mostly Cloudy_____VISIBILITY__4-8 mi.__WIND_____SW 14-17 knots.___

FLYING CONDITIONS__Average____CLOUDS_Stratus-cu-Nb. ___SEA_Slight __

SURFACE TEMP._____71.5°_F____

TIME EVENT


0018	Lighted off #1 boiler for 15 minutes to bake it out. This procedure carried out every hour until put on line.

0705	Launched 5VT and 3 VF on A/S search. GP#1, axis 100°.

0848	T27 (Ens. Wm. A. Allison) reported he was making a water landing. However his engine caught and he proceeded on mission.

0855	Message relayed through T31 the F9 had sighted man who bailed out of T27 in water.

0905	T30 and F8 arrived at scene and assisted search for man in water, who was frequently lost to sight. Ceiling 700'; visibility restricted. TG changed course to south to vicinity of survivor.

0914	A definite radar fix having been obtained on planes at scene, the U.S.S. CHATELAIN was ordered to proceed ahead at full speed. Man in water bore 180° - 37 miles.

0920	T31 and F5 vectored to scene to assist search.

1015	Launched T23 and T25 and vectored them out to relieve planes at scene.

1055	U.S.S. CHATELAIN reported she had recovered man from water.

1100	U.S.S. CHATELAIN reported rescued man, (HATFIELD, R.E. ARM3/c, 628-89-21) believed the gunner had also jumped from the plane; no one had observed a second parachute. Entire TG searched the are thoroughly until 1348, assisted by T23 and T25 but found no trace of the gunner, SHARPE, C.S., AOM3/c, 321-83-26. Position 35°45'N, 69°45'W

1100	T31 made deferred forced lansding due to engine trouble.

1112	Recovered 0705 flight.

1325	Launched 4VT and 4VF on A/S search, GP#2, axis 100°(T).

ENCLOSURE B Page 3

U.S.S. GUADALCANAL(CVE60)

OPERATIONS

CVE60/A16-3

DATE ____16 May 1944__(continued)___

TIME EVENT

1346	Recovered VT23 and VT25.

1506	Radar contact 25 miles east of ship observed reversing CUS to north. Efforts to establish communications with planes flying that sedctor unsuccessful.

1520	T27 asked for vector to return to ship. Identified by Code 4, IFF. 25 miles NW of carrier. T27 not receiving transmissions from ship was given vector through another plane orbiting base. F8, his wing plane, reported in overcast also vectored back to base.

1548	Vectored T26 and F9 to NE to place them closer to assumed position of T24 and F3, overdue from first sector of search. Radar contact apeared at 020°(T) 52 miles. F9 finally established communication with T24 and relayed homing vector.

1627	Launched 4VT to fly sectors 3 and 4 of GP#2, A/S search, axis 100°(T).

1649	Recovered 1325 flight.

1810	Launched 3VT and 1VF on A/S search, GP#2, axis 100°.

1838	T26 made deferred forced landing due to hydraulic leak.

2030	Recovered planes from 1627 and 1810 flights.

	HOURS FLOWN
	VT	VF
TODAY	58.9	26.6
BROUGHT FWD.	00	00
TOTAL	58.9	26.6

ENCLOSURE B Page 4

U.S.S. GUADALCANAL(CVE60)

OPERATIONS

CVE60/A16-3

DATE ____17 May 1944_______ ___Z.D.______2:00___________________

		1200 POSITION
		33°33'N
		65°37'W
Sunrise	0717	Sunset	2112
Moonrise	0339	Moonset	1623
5 days before New Moon

SHIPS IN COMPANY : Same

WEATHER__Partly Cloudy_____VISIBILITY__Unrestricted__WIND___SW - 10 knots._

FLYING CONDITIONS__Good____CLOUDS_Scattered Cumulus___SEA_Calm _

SURFACE TEMP._____72°_F____

TIME EVENT

0500	U.S.S. Pillsbury and U.S.S. FLAHERTY left formation to exercise at gunnery practice.

0545	Received Cominch dispatch (170616) reporting excellent fix on U/B at 28°45'N, 68°00'W.

0704	Launched 4Vt adn 4VF on A/S search, GP#1, axis 115°(T).

0745	VT32 sighted Norwegian freighter at 33°16'N, 66°34'W on CUS 270°(T) Sp. 10 knots. No mentioned in dispatches.


0832	Sent dispatch to Cinclant (171032) advising new CUS 180° toward U/B reported in Cominch's 170616.

0835	U.S.S. PILLSBURY and U.S.S. FLAHERTY rejoined.

0856	Launched VT 26 to replace VT32.

0905	VT32 made deferred forced landing because of oil leak.

0920	Changed CUS to 180(T) to close reported U/B.

0920	U.S.S. POPE and U.S.S. CHATELAIN left formation for gunnery exercises.

0938	VT21 sighted tanker at 3336'N, 6612'W on CUS 050(T), SP 8-10 knots. Not mentioned in dispatches.

1045	Launched 4VT and 4VF on A/S search, special plan 75 miles ahead and abeam, axis 180(T).

1107	VF7 made deferred forced landing - engine rough and under powered.

1115	Recovered planes from 0704 flight and VT32.

1250	U.S.S. POPE and U.S.S. CHATELAIN rejoined.

ENCLOSURE B Page 5

U.S.S. GUADALCANAL(CVE60)

OPERATIONS

CVE60/A16-3

DATE ____17 May 1944___(continued)____ ___

TIME EVENT

1428	Launched 5VT and 2VF on A/S search, special plan, 75 miles ahead and abeam, axis 180°(T).

1432	Sent dispatch (171632) to Cinclant, amplifying intentions of keeping TG over U/B position.

1707	VT32 sighted 2AM's at 31°10"N, 66°55'W, CUS, 240°(T), SP 16 knots.

1856	Recovered planes from 1428 flight.

2143	Received dispatch (172236) from Cinclant directing C.T.G. to proceed in accordance with dispatch 132254 and to keep clear of killer group and shore based aircraft.

2220	Changed CUS to 140°(T) in order to comply with CINCLANT'S 172236.

	HOURS FLOWN
	VT	VF
TODAY	53.5	36.4
BROUGHT FWD.	58.9	26.6
TOTAL	112.4	63.0

ENCLOSURE B Page 6

U.S.S. GUADALCANAL(CVE60)

OPERATIONS

CVE60/A16-3

DATE ____18 May 1944_______ ___Z.D.______2:00___________________

		POSITION
		29°39'N
		62°40'W
Sunrise	0730	Sunset	2049
Moonrise	0503	Moonset	1710
4 days before New Moon

SHIPS IN COMPANY : Same

WEATHER Partly Cloudy - Rain Showers VISIBILITY__8 -15 mi.__WIND_SE - 7 Kts._

FLYING CONDITIONS_Good__CLOUDS_Cumulus & Cirrostratus__SEA_Slight no swell.

SURFACE TEMP._____73°_F.____

TIME EVENT

0450	No. 1 boiler cut into main steam line; replacement of tube and repairs having been completed and tested.

0650	Launched 4VT on A/S search, GP#3, axis 090°(T).

0800	VT29 sighted U.S. Tanker at 28°40'N, 63°55'W on CUS 022°, SP 10 knnots. No mentioned in dispatches.

0805	Launched 4VF to join VT's on remaining sectors of A/S search.

1050	Launched 4VT and 4VF on A/S search, GP#2, axis 090°(T).

1128	Recovered all planes from 0650 and 0805 flights.

1140	VT29 sighted AV10 at 29°10'N, 61°50'W on various courses.

1359	Recovered VF1; no suction on wing tank.

1500	Recovered planes from 1050 flight.

1525	U.S.S. POPE and CHATELAIN exercised at gunnery practice.

1545	Carrier conducted gunnery exercise. Ammunition expended 1200/20's; 300/40's; and 25/5'.

2040	Launched 7VT for night qualification of pilots.

2215	Made final recovery of all planes. Rain squalls approaching from S.E.; wind freshining. Made eight (8) night landings, qualified five pilots.

	NOTE: Qualification consists of 2 fly-offs and 2 landings after sunset during twilight, and 2 landings and 1 catapult shot commencing at least 3/4 hour after sunset.

	HOURS FLOWN
	VT	VF
TODAY	41.1	28.1
BROUGHT FWD.	112.4	63.0
TOTAL	153.5	91.1

ENCLOSURE B Page 7

U.S.S. GUADALCANAL(CVE60)

OPERATIONS

CVE60/A16-3

DATE ____19 May 1944_______ ___Z.D.______2:00___________________

		1200 POSITION
		26°54'N
		57°51'W
Sunrise	0716	Sunset	2026
Moonrise	0522	Moonset	1758
3 days before New Moon.

SHIPS IN COMPANY : Same

WEATHER__ Cloudy___VISIBILITY__Restr. by rain showers 10m.__WIND__E 18 knots._

FLYING CONDITIONS__Average_CLOUDS_SC, CU, CI, CS_SEA_Slight very slight swell

SURFACE TEMP._____74°_F____

TIME EVENT

0615	Launched 2VT as TG patrol, Plan 15 of FTP219, axis 130(T) distance 10 miles.

0943	Launched 8VF, A/S search, GP#2, axis 130(T).

1000	Launched VF8 to replace VF7.

1009	VF7 made defered forced landing due to oil leak.

1031	Revovered planes from 0615 flight.

1357	VF1 landed hard; drag-link assembly right landing gear collapsed.

1415	Rercovered all planes from 0943 flight.

1948	Launched 7VT for night qualification of pilots. 8/10 overcast clearing; visibility 9 miles, easterly wind 19 knots, slight swell.

2153	VT26 took high cut, was fast, held off; did not catch wire; tripped by #2 and #3 barriers, nosed over on forward elevator . Damaged fuselage, engine mount, propeller and tail wheel; sudden stoppage of engine.

2210	VT25 took high cut, was fast, held-off; caught #9 wire, crashed #2 and #3 barriers. Sudden engine stoppage, broken engine mount, damaged propeller and left wing.

2240	VT23 landed with wheels up. Damaged propeller and fuselage; sudden engine stoppage.

2240	Recovered all planes from 1948 flight. Made 8 twilight and nine (9) night landings. Qualified three(3) pilots.

	NOTE: VHF radio for landing signal officer went out of commission at about 2100 (just about the end of twilight).

	HOURS FLOWN
	VT	VF
TODAY	21.0	34.6
BROUGHT FWD.	153.5	91.1
TOTAL	174.5	125.7

ENCLOSURE B Page 8

U.S.S. GUADALCANAL(CVE60)

OPERATIONS

CVE60/A16-3

SHIPS IN COMPANY : Same

DATE ____20 May 1944_______ ___Z.D.______2___________________

		1200 POSITION
		25°03'N
		52°55'W
Sunrise	0705	Sunset	2004
Moonrise	0544	Moonset	1834
2 days before New Moon.

Partly cloudy with

WEATHER__ light rain___VISIBILITY__12-15 miles__WIND__Easterly 18 kts._

Stratocumulus & cumulus

FLYING CONDITIONS Average to good_CLOUDS_altostratus, altocumulus SEA_Slight

SURFACE TEMP._____74°_F____

TIME EVENT

0623	Launched 2VT on TG Patrol, Plan #15 of FTP219, axis 130°(T).

1001	Launched 2VT for practice landings.

1005	Launched 8VF on A/S search, GP#2, axis 085°(T).

1018	Small fire in accessory section of VT22 while being taxied on flight deck. No damage.

1025	Recovered 0623 flight.

1141	Made final recovery of 2VT making practice landings. (7 landings).

1430	Recovered planes from 1005 flight.

1915	Launched 6VT for night qualifications of pilots.

2141	VT21 made normal landing, caught number 7 wire. Propeller nicked number 2 barrier.

2209	Recovered all planes from qualifications flight. Five (5) pilots qualified for night landings. Made 6 twilight and 11 night landings.

	HOURS FLOWN
	VT	VF
TODAY	24.7	33.4
BROUGHT FWD.	174.5	125.7
TOTAL	199.2	159.1

ENCLOSURE B Page 9

U.S.S. GUADALCANAL(CVE60)

OPERATIONS

CVE60/A16-3

DATE ____21 May 1944_______ ___Z.D.______1:30___________________

		1200 POSITION
		25°25'N
		47°55'W
Sunrise	0657	Sunset	2014
Moonrise	0632	Moonset	1944
1 days before New Moon.

SHIPS IN COMPANY : Same

WEATHER__ Partly Cloudy___VISIBILITY__12 - 15 miles.__WIND__Easterly 18 knots._

Stratocumulus & cumulus

FLYING CONDITIONS__Very good_CLOUDS_altostratus, altocumulus_SEA_Slight

SURFACE TEMP._____73°_F____

TIME EVENT

0654	Launched 4VT and 4VF on A/S search GP#3, axis 045. In addition to primary missions planes were instructed to locate U.S.S. JENKS enroute from Bermuda to rejoin TG.

0810	VT29 sighted U.S.S. JENKS bearing 355°(T) 64 miles, approximately where anticipated.

0945	U.S.S. JENKS ordered to steer 180° to close TG.

0953	VT29 made deferred forced landing because of oil leak.

1040	Launched 4VF to locate U.S.S. JENKS and simulate U/B attack. Sectors 2 and 4 of GP#3 other planes vectored to the scene.

1118	Recovered planes from 0654 flight.

1127	U.S.S. JENKS rejoined formation.

1445	Recovered planes from 1040 flight.

1914	U.S.S. PILLSBURY left formation to act as target for night flight.

2101	Launched 4VT on radar search for U.S.S. PILLSBURY, axis of search 115°(T). Planes to illuminate PILLSBURY with flares and simulate attack.

2257	Recovered all planes from 2114 flight.

	HOURS FLOWN
	VT	VF
TODAY	21.9	32.6
BROUGHT FWD.	199.2	159.1
TOTAL	221.1	191.7

ENCLOSURE B Page 10

U.S.S. GUADALCANAL(CVE60)

OPERATIONS

CVE60/A16-3

DATE ____22 May 1944_______ ___Z.D.______1:30___________________

SHIPS IN COMPANY:	U.S.S. PILLSBURY
	U.S.S. CHATELAIN
	U.S.S. POPE
	U.S.S. FLAHERTY
	U.S.S. JENKS

		1200 POSITION
		23°57'N
		43°44'W
Sunrise	0640	Sunset	1956
Moonrise	0705	Moonset	2024
New Moon.

WEATHER__Partly Cloudy___VISIBILITY__Excellent.__WIND__Easterly 20 kts._

Cumulus altostratus/stratus

FLYING CONDITIONS__Very good _CLOUDS_stratocumulus, cirro_SEA_ Slight

SURFACE TEMP._____74°_F____

TIME EVENT

0431	TG except U.S.S. JENKS reversed course to permit U.S.S. JENKS to open distance and simulate target for aircraft search.

0634	Launched 4VT and 4VF for training search for U.S.S. JENKS, GP#3, axis 115°, JENKS not located by this flight.

0729	Launched VT27 for engine run-in and test.

1032	Launched 4VF, forward sectors of GP#1, axis 115°(T) to continue search for U.S.S. JENKS.

1106	Recovered planes from 0634 flight.

1114	VF9 reported contact on U.S.S. JENKS. Other planes vectored to scene.

1115	Recovered VT27.

1129	Launched killer group of 1VT and 1VF and vectored them to drill contact.

1155	Killer group reported over drill contact. Recalled the 4VF of the 1032 flight to act as CAP. Conducted F.D.O. Drill using killer group to simulate attacks on T.G. and intercepting with CAP.

----	German language broadcasts (strength 5) completed change in KC of high frequency radio used to control aircraft.

2102	Launched 2VT on A/S radar search, GP#8, axis 130°(T).

	HOURS FLOWN
	VT	VF
TODAY	33.4	36.9
BROUGHT FWD.	221.1	191.7
TOTAL	254.5	228.6

ENCLOSURE B Page 11

U.S.S. GUADALCANAL(CVE60)

OPERATIONS

CVE60/A16-3

DATE ____23 May 1944_______ ___Z.D.______1:00___________________

		1200 POSITION
		21°13'N
		39°46'W
Sunrise	0700	Sunset	2006
Moonrise	0808	Moonset	2130
1 day after New Moon.

SHIPS IN COMPANY : Same

WEATHER__ Rain - Partly Cloudy_VISIBILITY__Unrestricted.__WIND__E. 24 knots._

FLYING CONDITIONS__Average _CLOUDS_Cu. Sc. Ac _SEA_Slight - slight

SURFACE TEMP._____74°_F.____

TIME EVENT

0038	Launched 2VT on A/S search, GP#8, axis 130°(T). VT31 failed to establish communication with ship; did not fly his starboard sectors; orbited T.G.

----	VT28 vectored to investigate SG radar contact bearing 335°(T) 18 miles from ship. Evaluated as a cloud. VT28 flew approximately 45 miles on first sector and was forced to return to base because of heavy rain squalls.

0141	Recovered VT32.

0208	VT30 could not receive Landing Signal Officer's VHF. Fed VHF receiver in CIC into MHF transmitter so that pilot could receive L.S.O.'s instructions. Pilot's comments received in CIC and relayed to L.S.O. by sound powered phone. VT30's approach light was out during this landing.

0455	Launched 2VT on A/S search, GP#8, axis 130°(T).

0515	Recovered planes from 0038 flight.

0843	Recovered 0455 flight.

1000	Launched 4VT and 4VF on A/S search, GP#1, axis 130°(T).

1006	Launched VT27 for test flight.

1047	Commenced fueling U.S.S. JENKS from starboard quarter.

1240	Completed fueling U.S.S. JENKS, having delivered 34,035 galons of fuel oil.

1419	Recovered 1000 flight.

	HOURS FLOWN
	VT	VF
TODAY	35.7	16.2
BROUGHT FWD.	254.5	228.6
TOTAL	290.2	244.8

ENCLOSURE B Page 12.

U.S.S. GUADALCANAL(CVE60)

OPERATIONS

CVE60/A16-3

DATE ____24 May 1944_______ ___Z.D.______+1:00___________________

		1200 POSITION
		18°32'N
		34°48'W
Sunrise	0643	Sunset	1942
Moonrise	0843	Moonset	2102
2 days after New Moon.

SHIPS IN COMPANY : Same

WEATHER__ Partly Cloudy___VISIBILITY__12 m._ _WIND__ENE-NE 23-28 knots._

FLYING CONDITIONS__Average _CLOUDS_Ac,Sc,Cu _SEA_Slight