1275psi
Posts: 7979
Joined: 4/17/2005 Status: offline
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28 March From Commanding officer, CA Pensacola to CICPAC Report of proceedings, Naval engagement Lunganville Area At 0900 hours I was steaming in line ahead , Destroyer Selfridge 2000 yards ahead, Destroyer Phelps 1000 yards, approximately 40 miles North of Lunganville. The crew was at 2nd degree of readiness, effecting repairs from self induced damage from the nights quick engagement against the 3 small Japanese AKs sunk at 1200 hours. All Systems were reported good, and Main Gun ammunition was at 100% At this time, bearing 090 degrees, and coming almost on opposite course, a Japanese task force of 6 vessels was sighted hull down. They immediately came about, on an approximate parallel course at a range of approx. 12000 yards I was able to immediately identify them as CL Yubari, CL Kashima, a modern Fubuki class DD, and elderly Mutsuki class DDs As The Kashima has a top speed of only 18 knots, and the Japanese appeared determined to keep her in the line, I ordered full speed, and opened fire I Ordered course and speed adjusted to open the range, but to maintain all gun arcs Initial Japanese shooting was good, My ship struck 3 times by light shells, but with no damage, armour defeating all 3 hits. Gunnery from Pensacola was superb, and I wish to recommend Gunnery Officer Smith for a decoration. CL Yubari was engaged first, and hit by 2 8 inch shells within 4 minutes of battle start. She burst into flame and fell away. I ordered target shifted to Kashima, at a range of 8000 yards, and again 8 inch hits were observed. At approx. 0915, DD Selfridge was struck by a Torpedo. I manoeuvred past her as she slowed. During this time she was struck by multiple hits, and was clearly in trouble I ordered Phelps to circle her and make smoke, she broke away at 0922. No Japanese ships engaged either vessel again, Selfridge sinking at 1020 hrs, Phelps successfully rescuing survivors The Japanese line, less Yuburi (falling rapidly astern as well, attempted to close the range. Unencumbered by tactical distractions, I was able to fight my ship to full advantage. At 0932, we again struck Kashima, then the Fubuki DD (twice), range now at 16000 yards. For the next 10 minutes the fight curved steadily south (see Navigators report) with range steadily increasing . We hammered the Kashima with out harm, striking her with no less than 8 more 8 inch shells, the ship sinking at this time. At this point, CL Yubari was considerably south of us, burning. Gunnery however, struck her twice at 21000 yards, and a destroyer at 23000 yards. Yuburi at this stage disappeared, and I believe sank. All 8 inch ammunition expended, I found the Phelps sailing south at 1300 hours, and commenced my retirement. The ship performed brilliantly. The 8 inch Gunnery was devastating, especially operating outside the enemy ships range. recommendations............ From CICPAC to Suva Command: If the Japanese are using a ship like the Kashima as a Cruiser in a combat Task force in your area, then they are hurting for cruisers already Estimate 2 heavy, 1 light cruiser operating in South Pac area. Plan accordingly.
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big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
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