Al6-3/( 007N)

OPERATION ORDER
No. 2-42

UNITED STATES PACIFIC FLEET,
TASK FORCE SEVENTEEN,
U.S.S. YORKTOWN, Flagship.

At Sea,
May 1, 1942.

TASK ORGANIZATION

(a) (17.2) Attack Group

- Rear Admiral Kinkaid  
  (17.2.1) Minneapolis, New Orleans

  - 2 CA
  (17.2.2) Astoria, Chester, Portland

- Rear Admiral Smith - 3 CA
  (17.2.4) Phelps, Dewey, Farragut, Aylwin, Monaghan

- Captain Early - 5 DD
(b) (l7.3) Support Group

- Rear Admiral Crace  
  (17.3.1) Australia, Chicago, Hobart

  - 2 CA
- 1 CL
  (17.3.4) Perkins, Walke

- Comdr. McInerney - 2 DD
(c) (17.5) Air

- Rear Admiral Fitch  
  (17.5.1) Yorktown, Lexington

  - 2 CV
  (17.5.4) Morris, Anderson, Hammann, Russell

- Captain Hoover - 4 DD
(d) (17.6)Fueling Group
Neosho, Tippecanoe,
Sims, Worden


- Captain Phillips

- 2 AO
- 2 DD
(e) (l7.9)Search Group
Tangier, 12 VP

- Commander LeBaun

- 1 AV
- 12 VP

  1. Information:

    1. Task Force SEVENTEEN, including Task Force ELEVEN and some ships of the Southwest Pacific Force, is operating under Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet and in accordance with Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet despatches 142027 (APRIL) and 220541 (APRIL).

--1--

    1. Allied air searches from AUSTRALIA, PORT MORESBY and TULAGI in accordance with Commander Southwest Pacific Force despatch 270840 (APRIL). Frequent bombing raids are conducted against enemy bases at RABAUL, LAE and SALAMAUA.

    2. Six United States submarines (Task Force 42) operating out of BRISBANE are patrolling the NEW GUINEA - SOLOMON Area. They may be expected to remain between longitudes 154-30 E. and 155-00 E. when passing to their patrol areas. They have been told that this force would operate east of 155-00 E. between latitudes 6-00 S. and 20-00 S. and west of 154-30 between NEW GUINEA - LOUISIADE ARCHIPELAGO and latitude 20-00 S.

    3. Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet has stated that Australian Commonwealth Naval Board is issuing a directive that the Commander of a Pacific Fleet carrier task force shall command combined force of United States - Australian ships.

    4. Achilles, Leander, Flusser, Henley, Helm and convoy arrive at EFATE May 5 for the reenforcement of that place.

    5. Attention is directed to Commander Task Force SEVENTEEN serial (O34N) enclosing Operating Procedure.

    6. The enemy is constantly increasing his strength in this area and the disposition of his forces is constantly changing. The task force is referred to daily radio intelligence promulgated by Commander Southwest Pacific Force. A summary of the more recent reports appears in Annex "A".

  1. This force will destroy enemy ships, shipping and aircraft at favorable opportunities in order to assist in checking further advance by enemy in the NEW GUINEA - SOLOMON Area.

  2.  
    1. Attack Group

      1. Locate and destroy enemy surface forces reported, by allied reconnaissance aircraft or other source, to be advancing southward in the NEW GUINEA - SOLOMON Area.

--2--

      1. Destroy enemy forces encountered and defend carriers against air and submarine attack while this force is concentrated.

      2. Furnish air patrols as requested by Commander Air.

    1. Support Group

      1. Defend carriers against air, surface and submarine attacks by destroying enemy forces encountered

      2. Be prepared to support the Attack Group as directed or to operate tactically with that group.

      3. Furnish air patrols as requested by Commander Air.

    2. Air

      1. Locate and destroy, by bombing and torpedo attack, enemy forces reported, by allied reconnaissance aircraft or other source, to be advancing southward in the NEW GUINEA - SOLOMON Area.

      2. Coordinate air attack with Attack Group, if directed; be prepared to use smoke.

      3. Provide daily air searches and patrols; defend this force against enemy air attack; request Attack Group and Support Group Commanders to augment carrier as desired.

      4. Destroyers defend carriers against air, surface and submarine attack.

    3. Fueling Group

      1. Unless otherwise directed pass through Point Rye one hour after sunrise on local odd days and Point Corn one hour after sunrise on local even days. At other times operate to southward of a line joining these points.

      2. If operating tactically with this force and an enemy surface or air attack develops, proceed without signal and operate in accordance with the preceeding paragraph.

--3--

    1. Search Group

      1. Tangier base at N0UMEA; service VP planes and control flights.

      2. Six planes make daily search, covering sector from N0UMEA between bearings 305 and 360 as far to the northwest as the boundary of the Southwest Pacific Area and as far north as latitude 11-30 S. plus a triangle within the points, latitude 15-00 S. longitude 168-40 E., latitude 16-30 S. longitude 171-40 E., latitude 18-15 S. longitude 168-45 E. Modify these searches if later developments indicate a need therefor and keep the Task Force Commander advised.

      3. Trail any enemy surface units encountered, reporting contact promptly.

      1. This force will operate generally about seven hundred miles south of RABAUL. Upon receiving intelligence of enemy surface forces advancing to the southward, this force will move into a favorable position for intercepting and destroying the enemy. The Attack Group, possibly with all or part of the Support Group, may be detached.

      2. While Air and Support Group are operating together, Task Units 17.3.4 and 17.5.4 are combined under the command of the senior destroyer commander in order to coordinate screening duties, plane guarding, developing submarine contacts, etc.

      3. Damaged ships proceed to such friendly port as the Commanding Officer deems expedient; report arrival to Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Commander Southwest Pacific Force, Task Force Commander.

      4. Ships becoming separated rendezvous at Point Rye one hour after sunrise on local odd days and Point Corn one hour after sunrise on local even days. At other times operate to the southward.

      5. This order effective on signal.

--4--

  1. Fuel oil and aviation gasoline in Neosho at Point Rye one hour after sunrise on odd days and Point Corn one hour after sunrise on even days. Tippecanoe will fill from E. J. Henry at NOUMEA about May 10 and thereafter will be at Points Rye and Corn as above. Platte is expected at N0UMEA May 13; Cuyama and Kanawha May 17; Neosho June 3.

    1. Maintain absolute radio silence except for enemy contact reports.

    2. Communications in accordance with Task Force SEVENTEEN Communication Plan 5-42.

    3. Use zone zero time when separated from this task force, otherwise local zone time.

    4. The following special reference points are effective in addition to those prescribed by higher authority:

      Corn - Lat. 15-00 S., Long. 160-00 E.
      Rye - Lat. 16-00 S., Long. 158-00 E.
      Barley - Lat. 11-00 S., Long. 157-00 E.
      Wheat - Lat. 17-00 S., Long. 153-00 E.
      Oats - Lat. 15-00 S., Long. 151-00 E.
      Moon - Lat. 19-00 S., Long. 167-00 E.

    5. Commander Task Force SEVENTEEN in Yorktown.

 

FRANK JACK FLETCHER,
Rear Admiral,
Commander Task Force SEVENTEEN.

 

--5--

ANNEX "A" - ENEMY FORCES AND DISPOSITIONS.
ANNEX "C" - BASES
ANNEX "D" - CRUISING DISPOSITIONS.

DISTRIBUTION:

ComTaskFor ELEVEN (5) CO Morris (2)
ComCruTaskFor ELEVEN (3) CO Sims (2)
ComCruTaskFor SEVENTEEN (3) CO Hammann (2)
ComDesTaskFor ELEVEN (2) CO Anderson (2)
ComDesTaskFor SEVENTEEN (2) CO Walke (2)
ComDesDiv ONE (2) CO Russell (2)
ComDesDiv TWO (2) CO Phelps (2)
FOCAS (3) CO Dewey (2)
CO Yorktown (3) CO Farragut (2)
CO Lexington (3) CO Aylwin (2)
CO Astoria (3) CO Monaghan (2)
CO Portland (3) CO Worden (2)
CO Chester (3) CO Perkins (2)
CO Minneapolis (3) CO Neosho (2)
CO New Orleans (3) CO Tippecanoe (2)
CO Chicago (3) CO Tangier (2)
CO Australia (3)    
CO Hobart

(3)

   
OpNav (2)    
Cominch (4)    
CinCPac (4)    

 

S. E. LATIMER,
Lieutenant Commander,
Flag Secretary.

 

--6--


ANNEX "A"
TO
COMMANDER TASK FORCE SEVENTEEN OPERATIONAL ORDER NO. 2-42

ENEMY FORCES AND DISPOSITIONS

  1. AERODROMES AND ANCHORAGES USED BY ORANGE
    1. RABAUL. This port is the most important where shipping concentrates. Ships moor to the wharves on the northeast side of the harbor or anchor in Simpson Harbor. Lakunai Aerodrome is located on the east side of the harbor and South of the city. It is used by fighters and bombers. Seaplane moorings and a beaching ramp are located between the town and Sulphur Creek. A new landplane runway is under construction at West Foresdore. Antiaircraft batteries are located on the hill just north of the Government House. Another battery is located possibly one mile north of main wharf. Further batteries are on Observatory Hill 1 1/2 miles above oil wharf. Guns and searchlights are located near Burns Phillip Pier and inshore behind Toboi Wharf. Further batteries are located at the center of the west side of Matupi Island and on a hill 1,000 yards east from the mouth of Sulphur Creek and on aerodrome buildings southeast end of Runway. Eight and one half miles south by west from Rabaul is Vanakanau Aerodrome, elevation 1,100 feet. This field is used by both fighters and bombers. Buildings along the east side of the runway are mainly concentrated off the northeast end. Antiaircraft batteries are located on the east side close to southeast end and on a hill 600 yards north by east from the main buildings. Further batteries are located on the west side just off the northeast end of the runway and about 200 yards off the center. The present estimated strength of shore based aircraft at Rabaul is:

      VF VB VP Small Seaplanes Total
      12 20 17 4 53

      The Genzan Air Squadron is due at Rabaul. Air searches from Rabaul are up to 600 miles.

    2. NEW IRELAND. Kavieng airfield is used by enemy bombers. Its protection is unknown. The Strait between New Ireland and New Hanover is used as an anchorage and rendezvous for convoys. Convoys enroute Rabaul may be routed to the northeast or the southwest of New Ireland. Kavieng harbor is used as an anchorage by naval craft.

    3. QUEEN CAROLA HARBOR (KESSA). This harbor is at the northern end of Buka Island. It has been frequently used by men-of-war and is possibly mined. At the southern end of Buka is Buka Passage. An aerodrome is located here and may be used by Orange aircraft. Light VB and VF can use this field. Anchorage is available for men-of-war and has been used.

    4. WATOM ISLAND is off the southeast coast of New Ireland. Transports have been seen anchored here.

--1--

    1. ULU ISLAND is west of the southern part of Duke of York Island. A battery is located here, probably six inch.

    2. DYAUL ISLAND is south of the northwest end of New Ireland. It is believed that Palmer Harbor is used by convoys.

    3. GASMATA aerodrome is used. It has buildings each side of southeast end. There are antiaircraft batteries at each corner and a group of three guns along the road on the north side. Other guns are located near the cove off the northwest end of the runway. Gasmata is used as an advanced field from Rabaul.

    4. KIETA, BOUGAINVILLE. The land plane field at Kieta is not satisfactory for military operations. Orange has not used this field so far. 0range has no aerodromes further south in the Solomon Islands.

    5. BUIN. There is a satisfactory anchorage at Buin.

    6. FAISI ISLAND has been occupied. A satisfactory anchorage exists here. So far only small ships have been noted in the harbor. Buoys are installed here. It is possible that this harbor may be used in the near future by patrol seaplanes.

    7. SALAMOA. This port has a poor deep water anchorage but it is used by patrol seaplanes. The aerodrome, which is suitable for light bombers and VF is not used. Anti-aircraft guns are located on the northern side of the village on the isthmus. Another battery is located at Onukela Point.

    8. LAE aerodrome is used by heavy bombers and fighters. Two antiaircraft guns are located between the buildings and the south side of the runway off the seaward end. Other guns are on the north side at the southeast end of runway and the northeast corner. Machine guns are located on the Hilvanea Road back of the village. The anchorage is used only while unloading supply ships. The estimated enemy air strength in New Guinea is as follows:

      VF VB VP Total
      30 15 4 49

      The routine plane procedure at Lae is as follows: Warm up engines at 0530. Take off 45 minutes later. Patrol 5,000 - 8,000 feet until 1815 except for one 45 minute period some time between 1130 and 1345. No patrols are sent out on days of low visibility.

--2--

    1. Air reenforcements to the Rabaul area are being expedited from Marianas and Marshalls.

    2. Orange air attacks on Horn Island, Port Moresby and Tulagi (Solomons) indicates early operations in southeast New Guinea and probably Tulagi.

  1. ORANGE SHIPPING IN NEW BRITAIN AREA

    1. LAE and SALAMOA are only used for unloading supply vessels.

    2. RABAUL is the principal port for convoys. In considering convoy routes to Rabaul, Orange does not use a set route. Some convoys round the southwest end of New Ireland and others round the northeast end of the same island. Units of these convoys often diverted, a few each to different harbors. Of the harbors so used, the following are known: Kavieng, Duke of York Island, New Hanover Island, the Strait between New Hanover and New Ireland, Watom Island, Lyaul Island (Palmer Harbor), and Ulu Island.

      It would appear that most naval units remain at sea and not in Simpson Harbor as was previously the custom. However, merchant shipping uses the harbor extensively. An estimate of the number of ships to be found in Rabaul at any time would average 15 ships. Of these one or two would be of or greater than 10,000 tons, 5 to 7 would average about 7,500 tons, and the remainder would be considerably smaller. However, present indications are that a large number of AP and AK are massing apparently for a movement toward Southeast New Guinea.

    3. KAVIENG. It can be expected that an average of two medium transports or cargo ships will be found in this harbor. Present data show about 20 additional AP or AK underway in this area.

    4. WATOM, ULU, DYAUL ISLANDS. If the number of orange ships in Rabaul reaches about 15, it may be expected that new convoys will use these anchorages or the passage between New Ireland and New Hanover until some ships depart from Simpson Harbor.

    5. FAISI. No ships larger than fair sized schooners may be expected in this harbor.

  2. ORANGE MEN OF WAR IN RABAUL AREA

    1. RABAUL. The only warships observed in the entire area recently are: One submarine tender and three or more submarines. An occasional aircraft carrier transporting planes.

--3--

      Kamikawa Maru which indicates that part of Air Squadron Six is present.
      A few destroyers patrol outside of Rabaul and the entrance to Simpson Harbor.
      Fujikawa Maru, also of Air Squadron Six, is enroute and due at Rabaul.
      Occasionally a light cruiser or two are seen in Simpson Harbor and Kavieng.
      Destroyer Squadron Six and Gunboat Division Eight.

    1. Major operations are predicted to commence in the New Britain Area about April 28. It would appear that appreciable Orange strength has been concentrated around Truk and Palao. The units at Truk have been reported to have moved to the southward. A convoy has been reported underway 90 miles south of Kavieng. This convoy could be headed for Rabaul or further into the Solomons. A well armed 2500 ton well deck AK was reported near (west) of New Georgia.

    2. Units known to be at Truk or to the southward are:

        CARRIER DIVISION FIVE
        Zuikaku - VF-21; VB-21; VT-21
        Shokaku - VF-21; VB-21; VT-21
            Note - three of each type are spares.

        DESDIV THREE (Part of CarDiv 5)
        Hokaze Namikaze
        Shiokaze Numakaze

        CRUDIV FIVE (Less Nachi)
        Myoko Haguro

        Atago at Palao
        Gunboat Division 8 at Truk
        Ryukaku at Truk (CV)
        Commander Submarine Force and submarines at Truk.
          DESRON 6 Yubari (F)
        DESDIV 34 DESDIV 29 DESDIV 30
        Natori Oite Mutsuki
        Hakaze Hayate Kisaragi
        Akikaze Asanagi Yayoi
        Yukaze Yunagi Mochitsugi
        Tachikaze    

        Kasuga Maru enroute Truk.
        Kamikawa Maru, Fujikawa Maru, and AirRon Six at or near Rabaul (apparently relieved Kamoi and AirRon Twenty-four).

--4--

      Summary (minimum)
        2 CV with42 VF, 42 VB, 42 VT (Three spares each type).
        1 CV with 21 VF, 42 VB, 21 VT (Three spares each type).
        16 DD
        3 CA
        1 AS and probably 6 SS
        2 XAV with one air squadron
        2 CL
        8 XPG
        8 MARUS
        9 CM
        2 or 3 BB (south of Truk)

 

FRANK JACK FLETCHER
Rear Admiral
Commander Task Force SEVENTEEN

Distribution:

    Same as ComTaskFor 17
    OpOrder No. 2-42.

 

S. E. LATIMER,
Lieutenant Commander,
Flag Secretary.

 

--5--


ANNEX "C"
TO
COMMANDER TASK FORCE SEVENTEEN OPERATION ORDER NO. 2-42

BASES

  1. TONGATABU is being developed as an intermediate operating base. Lahi Passage has been swept to 40 feet and buoyed. Nukualofa Anchorage has been surveyed to accommodate 12 deep draft vessels and 36 medium and light draft vessels. Anchorage charts prepared by Sumner are now available there. There is a good hard surfaced landing field fourteen miles from Nukualofa with accommodations for 250 men. At present there is no 100 octane gasoline available on the island and few trucks for transportation of same from landing to field. At least 24 hours advance notice should be given if personnel are to be quartered at the field. Present defenses of the island are not strong but will soon be increased. There are no U.S. forces ashore now but a large convoy is due to arrive about May 9. Whitney, Aldebaron and Lassin will arrive May 25 with repair facilities, provisions and 3,000 tons of ammunition. Antares will arrive later with general stores. Dobbin and Solace are now present but Dobbin will depart for SYDNEY about May 15 in company with Commander Destroyers, Squadron Four in Selfridge, Bagley and Mugford. Commander Destroyer Division Fifty-seven with Ford, Alden and one 1200 ton destroyer will arrive May 15 for an indefinite stay. There are no mine fields at present but Bridge is arriving about May 3 with mining equipment and mines are to be laid at a later date. Until fields are laid the three entrances to this harbor make it an insecure anchorage.

  2. N0UMEA now has about 22,000 U.S. Army troops in and near its vicinity. There is a good landing field nearby, but it is not available for Navy planes as all accommodations are being utilized by Army Pursuit Squadrons. The harbor and all entrances but BULARI PASSAGE are mined. Pilots must be taken on board outside this entrance and ships should remain south of latitude 22°-30'-30" S. and west of longitude l66°-26'-48" E. prior to arrival of pilot on board. There is an excellent anchorage for ships of any draft. Until shore defenses are completed and the Army air has become better organized for defenses, it is not considered a secure anchorage for carriers. The Tangier and twelve patrol planes are stationed here. The Australian provision ship Merkur, tanker Bishopdale, two patrol boats and the French Sloop Chevreine are at present located here. The tanker E.J. Henry is scheduled to fuel the Tippecanoe here about May 10. The Cuyama and Kanawha are due to arrive in the vicinity of Noumea about May 17 and Platte and Hughes on May 13. In the near future the harbor is to be equipped with sonobuoys and all harbor defense equipment.

--1--

  1. EFATE is now in the process of being garrisoned and organized into a defended base. There are few troops on the island at present, but a base establishment and defense unit convoy escorted by HMNZS Achilles, Leander, Commander Cruiser Division SEVEN in USS Henley, Helm and Flusser are scheduled to arrive on May 5. USS Whipple and possibly another destroyer are to arrive on May 6 to relieve Commander Cruiser Division SEVEN in Henley and Helm. Tippecanoe will fuel the escort group. Flusser will depart at a later date for Sydney. Commander Mine Division Two will proceed from Fiji to Efate about May 3 and commence laying mine fields. There is a landing field on the island and a report as to its condition and suitability for Navy planes is expected in the near future. Aircraft should not approach unless previous notification of the flight has been given.

  2. The defenses at SUVA and NANDI in the Fiji Islands and at TUTUILA are well organized. The harbors at SUVA and TUTUILA are suitable for any draft ship and their entrances are mined. TUTUILA HARBOR entrance is equipped with an anti-torpedo net. These harbors are considered secure anchorages for other than carriers.

 

FRANK JACK FLETCHER
Rear Admiral
Commander Task Force SEVENTEEN

Distribution:

    Same as ComTaskFor 17
    OpOrder No. 2-42.

 

S. E. LATIMER,
Lieutenant Commander,
Flag Secretary.

 

--2--


ANNEX "D"
TO
COMMANDER TASK FORCE SEVENTEEN OPERATION ORDER NO. 2-42

CRUISING DISPOSITIONS

      L S
    Yorktown

    1270 1270
    Lexington

    1090 1090
    T.U. 17.2.1

    5045 (   )
    (circle 3)
    T.U. 17.2.2

    5315 (260-l00)
    T.U. 17.2.4

    circle 8
    270-090
    circle 8
    300-060
    T.U. 17.3.1

    3120, 3180,
    3240
    3140, 3180,
    3220
    T.U. 17.3.4

    5140, 5220 4090, 4270
    T.U. 17.5.4

    A/S screen
    on CV's
    4315, 4000,
    4045

For Disposition "V" cruiser stations are same as for "S". All destroyers take station on circle 4 as expeditiously as possible, equalizing the spacing approximately so as to be outboard of gaps betweeen cruisers and avoid their lines of fire. Task Units 17.3.4 and 17.5.4 shift to the rear semi-circle in order to shorten distance which Task Unit 17.2.4 has to travel. Carriers move out to circle 1 1/2. All ships must be alert to conform to carrier movements. They will maneuver radically at high speeds, possibly mak1ng complete turns to avoid bombs.

Circle spacing 1000 yards.

Yorktown guide.

Commence taking stations for Disposition "L" at sunset and for Disposition "S" at sunrise without signal.

 

FRANK JACK FLETCHER
Rear Admiral
Commander Task Force SEVENTEEN

Distribution:

    Same as ComTaskFor 17
    OpOrder No. 2-42.

 

S. E. LATIMER,
Lieutenant Commander,
Flag Secretary.

 

--1--


Last updated: January 29, 2003

Transcribed and formatted by Jerry Holden for the HyperWar Foundation