The following document is undated. However, the operation referenced is the invasion of Okinawa. "Love Day" is 1 April 1945. The document was almost certainly produced in March 1945. For the general doctrine governing landing operations, see the Subject Index --HyperWar

 

USS HYDRUS (AKA28)

REGULATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMING OPERATION

1. The following plan is hereby promulgated to lay out in detail the obligations and assignments to be accomplished by this ship during the amphibious landings scheduled, and the methods and personnel assignments which will be in effect to successfully carry out this mission. Changes in details and methods may become necessary by change of orders or by exigencies of the moment and if so, they will be made. All hands must remain alert, use good judgment and initiative at all times, and must not be bound by split-hair interpretations.

2. The USS HYDRUS is attached to transport Division 34, Transport Squadron 12 and Amphibious Group 4. She is tactically (only) under Transport Division 11. She is part of Transport Group Able for this operation.

3. Our general objective is to land embarked troops, supplies and equipment, when and as scheduled, on the beaches of our target.

4. It is anticipated that this ship will retire from the area each night according to plan, returning each morning for work schedule.

5. Before, during and shortly after the assault landings, the ship will lay to in Transport Area Able. When directed, which will be after return fire from the beach is neutralized, the ship will move into Inner Transport Area Able. Diagrams of both areas will be issued to all personnel likely to be away from the ship, as well as Beach Diagrams.

6. After arrival in target area, this ship will be prepared at all times to carry out the Smoke Plan, details of which are appended.

SHIP TO SHORE MOVEMENT DETAILS

1. Upon arriving in the Transport Area and upon receiving the work to "Land the Landing Force", this ship will lower all boats into the water. One hour prior to arrival in Transport Area, the ship will go to General Quarters and set Material Condition Able. Thirty minutes prior to arrival, Condition One-Able will be set. The day prior to arrival, all boats will be thoroughly inspected for last minute check-ups, and all booms, rigging, and davits will be put in a condition of readiness for lowering away all boats.

2. Condition I-A stations for officers will be in accordance with Executive Officer's Memorandum #6-45 of 13 March 1945 except that Ensign HURD will be used in boats during assault phase only. Stations for enlisted personnel will be in accordance with Ship's Battle Bill, (as revised) and specifically as laid out in divisional Watch, Quarter and Station Bills.

3. Boat Officer assignments for Assault Phase as follows:

   Officer	Duty	Embarkation Boat
   Lt. CASKEY	Boat Group Command. In charge 11 LCVP's to report USS ADAIR (APA91) at H+90.	#6
   Lt.(jg) SANDERSON	Asst. Boat Group Commander and repair officer.	#13
   Ens. UNKRICH	In chg. Smoke Boat or boats	#16
   Lt.(jg) LAUDERDALE	In chg. Boat to report to USS CAMBRIA for duty.	Gig Boat #3
   Ens. HURD	In chg. of boat to report to LST(H)951 as ambulance boat	#12
   Ens. MICHELS	In chg. two LCM's to report to USS ADAIR APA91 at H+75.	LCM #1
   Ens. PEDERSON	In chg. two LCM's to report to USS NOBLE (APA218) at H+120	LCM #2

4. Upon being lowered into the water boats will form in two circles on the starboard side, the LCM's in the forward circle off the bow and circle clockwise, and the LCVP's in the after circle off the quarter and circle counter-clockwise. The exceptions to the above are: (a) the LCP(L) (gig), Lt.(jg) Lauderdale embarked and in charge, will depart immediately for the USS CAMBRIA (APA 36), stopping first buy the bridge for bearings. (b) The Smoke Boat (Boat #16) will take station to windward of the ship and stand by to make smoke, if and when ordered. (c) The Ambulance Boat (Boat #12) will depart immediately for LST(H)951, stopping first alongside the bridge for bearings. Ens. Hurd embarked and in charge.

5. Four (4) LCM's and eleven (11) LCVP's will circle as instructed above, with Lieut. CASKEY in charge. Boats will leave the circle, come alongside the bridge for bearings, and depart for assignments as follows: (a) Two LCM's, Ens. MICHELS in charge, to arrive at USS ADAIR, APA 91, prior to H hour plus 75. (b) Eleven LCVP's, Lieut. CASKEY in charge, to arrive at USS ADAIR APA91, prior to H hour plus 90. (c) Two LCM's, Ens. Pederson in charge to arrive at USS NOBLE, APA 218 prior to H hour plus 120.

6. These boats will carry out assignments given at ship's they are to report to, and, when detached will return to this ship.

7. In the event that this ship has departed the area for any reason, boats which still remain in the water will report to the Casa Grande, the LSD13, for the night. Boats will be supplied with emergency or field rations and water so food will be available to the crews in case they are left behind. Prior to "L" Day, the Boat Group Commander will see that this is accomplished.

8. Boat discipline must be maintained at all times. Boats must not go astray or avoid responsibilities. They must return promptly to stations after having dispersed, in case of air attacks. They must carry out instructions at all times, and remain alert and attentive to duty.

THE UNLOADING PHASE

1. The schedule for unloading this ship's cargo is as follows:

   Love plus Two

   1. Rcn Party, H&S Bn, III PhibCorps.

   2. Mob Comm. Unit 43 D.

   Love plus Seven

   1. Corps Evac. Hosp. #3.

   2. Det. C-12, Mil Gov't.

2. Officer assignments for unloading are as contained in Executive Officer's Memorandum #6-45. Boat Officers will be embarked in boats as follows:

   Name	Duties	Embark in   Boat
   Lt. Caskey	In charge all boats in the water.	Boat #3 (Gig)
   Lt.(jg) Sanderson	Boat Repair	Boat #13
   Lt.(jg) Lauderdale	Assist with Control	Boat #6
   Ensign Michels	Assist Boat Control	Boat #9
   Ensign Unkrich	Assist Boat Control	LCM #1
   Ensign Pederson	Assist Boat Control	LCM #2

3. Unloading will be continuous on each units cargo until completed, subject to orders to get underway or for night retirement. It is possible that night unloading in the area will be ordered. If so, cargo lights will be fitted so as not to show above the horizontal. Lights in holds shall be dimmed and must not be visible from overhead. All lights must be extinguished from the main switchboard in the case of Red or Blue alerts.

4. Unless otherwise directed, the boats of this ship will work the ship in the unloading of cargo aboard. Six boat officers will be embarked in various boats of the group and are to remain alert for signals and orders, and are charged with the responsibility of seeing that our boats work continuously and expeditiously, that they get along side the holds quickly when called and make their trips to the proper beaches with their cargo, get unloaded and return immediately to the ship for the next load. This is particularly essential for the LCM's. Lt. Caskey will be in over-all charge and will be embarked in the Gig. He will remain in the immediate vicinity of the ship at all times and be prepared to regulate boats and boat traffic, and to carry out instructions as issued from the ship. He shall be alert always for both radio and visual communications with the ship.

5. Cargo tickets will be used while unloading this ship and both hatch unloading officers and boat officers will make sure they are made out properly and correctly routed and used. Ensign Edwards at Hold #1, Ensign McElroy at Hold #2 and Ensign Dunkel at Hold #3 are charged with the responsibility of making out cargo tickets for every load taken off this ship. Cargo tickets will be made out in quadruplicate and immediately sent at once to the bridge and delivered personally to the Officer-Recorder (Lt. Thomas or APC King), will file each duplicate according to which hold it came from and its priority out of that hold. The original and two copies will be delivered with the load to the coxswain of the boat taking that load, who shall deliver one copy to the Control Vessel, another to the Traffic Control LCC to which directed, and the third copy to the Shore Party Representative on the beach when landing. It is essential that this system be carried out perfectly and no excuses will be acceptable in case of a foul-up. Written instructions concerning the use of the cargo ticket will be found on the back of each copy.

6. Officers in charge of loading hatches must see that PCV P's are not loaded with more than 2-1/2 tons of cargo unless that cargo is composed of vehicles, and LCM3's are not loaded with more than 15 tons unless it be vehicles. Every effort must be made to load landing boats so they do not list and are not bow heavy. Boats must not be loaded so that they list because such loading will slow up the unloading on the beach and expose boats for longer periods during which they may be damaged by surf or swamped. LCT 1184 is assigned to this group and is equipped for salvaging. Boats which are in need of salvage on the beach must see that a proper representative of the beach party takes steps immediately to have her salvaged.

7. This ship will have five (5) PUNTS 6' × 12', which are capable of carrying one ton at not over one foot draft and equipped with wire bridles for towing. If and when these are ordered in, load them with no more than one ton of cargo and they may be towed in by loaded LCP two at a time and in tandem. These PUNTS can also be used to ferry from LCVP's and from reef unloading stations in to the beach, or as floats for roller conveyors. C&R Division must be prepared to launch these if they are used as ordered. It is not anticipated that life rafts will be called upon for use from this ship; but, should they be, they will be used by lashing two together side by side, raising up the grating and inserting 4" c 4" cross pieces lashed or nailed in place and 1" board or dunnage on top of the board to reinforce it. In this condition they may be loaded and towed in by loaded LCVP. If and when used they should be recovered by this ship prior to the departure of transports from the objective.

8. This ship has one hundred and fifty (150) cargo nets on board. All loose cargo will be kept in the nets, loaded into the boats and left loaded in boats insofar as our supply allows. Boat crews must return to the ship with empty nets from the beach, one net in return for each loaded net which is taken off at the beach. While it is not anticipated, it is possible that roller conveyors of this sh may be called in for use ashore to expedite cargo handling. If ordered in, we must be ready to unload them for transportation to the beach.

9. Prior to Love-Day sea bags of embarked troops will be brought up from their present stowage in the shaft alleys and placed in each troop compartment. When directed each unit will bring their sea bag to a hatch to be designated later to be loaded into LCVP's and sent to the beach. All sea bags must be unloaded from the ship by the time the cargo of the unit to which they belong has been unloaded.

REPORTS

1. The reports for which this ship is likely to be called upon to make, those which are definitely required of this ship daily, and those which are required at other periods are herby set forth, along with the method of making the report, to whom they are made, and who aboard this ship is responsible for originating them. On all reports, Lt. McGee is responsible for procuring them from originating officers and sending them on time.

2.  

   No.	Report	Time To Submit	Officer Origi- nating	Officer Resp. for Coordinating all Reports and Releases	Action   To	Infor- mation   To	Pre- ferred Method
   1.	Boat availability	Dawn to Dark	O.O.D	Lt. McGee	Gen.Info.	Gen.Info.	Flags
   2.	Casualty (WXYZ)	0730	Lt. Smith	Lt. McGee	ComTransDiv34		Flags or Flashing Light
   3.	Fuel	0900	Lieut. Campbell	Lt. McGee	ComTransDiv34		Flags or Flashing Light
   4.	Casualty (WXYZ)	1500	Lt. Smith	Lt. McGee	ComTransDiv34		Flags or Flashing Light
   5.	"KIA", "MIA", "WIA".	As may occur	Lt. Smith	Lt. McGee	ComTransGroupAble	ComTransDiv34	Flashing Light
   6.	Cargo Unloading	0830 or before	Lieut. Richmond	Lt. McGee	ComTransGroupAble	ComTransDiv34	Flags or Flashing Light
   7.	Cargo Unloading	1030 or before	Lieut. Richmond	Lt. McGee	ComTransGroupAble	ComTransDiv34	Flags or Flashing Light
   8.	Cargo Unloading	1230 or before	Lieut. Richmond	Lt. McGee	ComtransGroupAble	ComTransDiv34	Flags or Flashing Light
   9.	Estimated and Completion of Unloading	1300	Lieut. Richmond	Lt. McGee	ComTransGroupAble	ComTransDiv34	Flags or Flashing Light
   10.	Cargo Unloading	1430 or before	Lieut. Richmond	Lt. McGee	ComTransGroupAble	ComTransDiv34	Flags or Flashing Light
   11.	Cargo Unloading	1630 or before	Lieut. Richmond	Lt. McGee	ComTransGroupAble	ComTransDiv34	Flags or Flashing Light

3. The boat availability report indicates the availability of boats at this ship awaiting assignment. This report should be kept flying at all times during daylight and must be kept up to date. They are signified by Love followed by the number, in the case of LCVP's available; and "T" followed by the number, for LCM's available. These signals should be flown from inboard halyards and may be temporarily lowered when a long flag hoist signal must be hoisted.

4. Cargo unloading reports are due every even hour on the half hour from 0830 to 1630 inclusive and should be a statement of the condition of unloading as of the even hour. This data must be brought to the bridge by ten minutes after the even hour in each case. These reports will show the percentage of total cargo unloaded but, in addition, Lieut. Richmond must bring to the bridge at the time of each report the data on the percentage of total ammunition unloaded, total rations unloaded and total troops unloaded. The break down will not be made by signal unless asked for, but they may be called for at any time and we must be ready to give them the information.

5. Fuel reports will be made in accordance with "3633 USF 10 ABLE" as usual.

6. The 1300 completion of unloading report must be an estimate of the time when unloading will be completed on this ship.

COMMUNICATIONS PLAN

1. Communications in accordance with USF 70A, CENTCOM TWO (Change 5) Annex (c) to ComPhibsPac Operations Plan No. A1-45, Annex (c) to ComPhibsGrp 4 Movement Order No. A404-45, Annex (g) to ComPhibGrp 4 Attack Order No. A405-45, Annex (a) Transport Group ABLE Landing Attack Order No. A4-45; reference may be made to the aforementioned publications for information not included in this outline. Communication Officer note that PAC 70B may be placed in effect replacing CENTCOM TWO.

2. Local zone time minus NINE (ITEM) will be used providing zone indicating letter is appended to each time group on following nets:

   TransRon 12 Command (36.2 mcs) TransDiv 34 Boat Control (35.9 mcs) Ship-Shore Administrative (2530 kcs) Smoke Boat Circuit (33.2 mcs)

3. RADIO DISCIPLINE - Do not use TBS or SCR 608/610 where visual (NAN at night) signalling will suffice. Whenever possible report radio failures, engine or steering casualties by visual (NAN at night) except that, in case the casualty endangers the safety of another ship, then immediate report will be made by voice radio. In making reports state cause of casualty and estimate of time to complete repairs. Nothing herein relieved Commanding Officers from the responsibility of making prescribed distress or emergency signals by flaghoist or whistle.

4. RADIO SILENCE For conditions of radio silence see CENTCOM TWO. Note special signals contained in para. 2121 of CENTCOM TWO. Radar Silence. For radar operating techniques, IFF doctrine and procedure, and description of types of radar guards see CENTCOM TWO, Annex (B).

5. VOICE CIRCUIT DISCIPLINE. Underway to our objective officers and men who are to talk on voice circuits will be drilled in proper procedure, voice calls, SHACKLE code, and authenticator. Recorder will also be drilled in copying messages; it is suggested that shortened words, symbols or signs be learned to enable the recorder to copy more rapidly and accurately. Use date-time group with all important messages. Lt. McGee will be responsible for above drill. The Officer of the Deck will be responsible for supervision of radio voice circuits on the bridge. Radio reporters will give a "Roger" to all transmissions requiring such immediately after the transmission is received, providing they have received correctly the entire message. Where a "wilco" is necessary the Officer of the Deck must be consulted and must authorize the answer.

6. RADIO GUARDS

   1. The following circuits must be guarded continuously, both underway and at the target area:

      Local Air Warning (listen)		3115 kcs
      TBS Maneuvering		72.1 mcs
      NPM "Jump" Fox (Intercept)		4125 series
      TF 53 Common - Bridge Key Circuit		441 kcs

   2. The following circuits must be guarded continuously while underway.

      Local Air Warning (listen)		3115 kcs
      TBS Maneuvering		72.1 mcs
      Fleet Common		34.8 mcs
      NPM "JUMP" Fox (Intercept)		4125 series
      TF 53 Common - Bridge Key Circuit		441 kcs

   3. The following circuits must be guarded continuously while at the target area:

      TBS Maneuvering		72.1 mcs
      TF 53 Common		441 kcs
      Expeditionary Force Fox (Intercept)		483 kcs
      Local Air Warning (listen)		3115 kcs
      NPM "Jump" Fox (Intercept)		4125 series
      ComTransRon 12 Command		36.2 mcs
      Boat Group Control (Div34)		35.9 mcs
      Ship to Shore Admin. (Div34)		2530 kcs

   4. BOAT GROUP COMMANDER, Wave Commander, and Salvage Boat:
      Set TransDiv34 Boat Control frequency (35.9 mcs) as Channel A on SCR 610 and Landing Boat Common (33.2 mcs) as Channel B shifting to latter if directed or required.

   5. SMOKE BOATS; Guard Landing Boat Common (33.2 mcs)

7. Channel (36.2 mcs) TransRon12 Command.
   TransRon 12 Commander Channel (36.2 mcs) will be a controlled net. Stations will NOT transmit to any station other than the control station without permission. This channel may be used for transmission of maneuvering signals in case TBS and Fleet Common (34.8) are congested. BE PREPARED to receive maneuvering signals via this channel. COMMENCE GUARD ON THIS CHANNEL (36.2) AT 0300 I on LOVE DAY.

8. TBS Maneuvering (72.1 mcs) This channel must be guarded continuously underway and at the target area by bridge recorders. CIC personnel will also guard as a precautionary measure.

9. VOICE CALLS FOR THIS OPERATION OF PRIMARY INTEREST TO THE USS HYDRUS.

   COMTRANSRON 12 - ABALONE 2
   TRANSRON 12 - ABALONE 2 GANG		COMPHIBGROUP 4 - VETERAN 4
   COMTRANSDIV 11 - CASHIER 1		PANAMINT (AGC13) - BRIDEGROOM
   TRANSDIV 11 - CASHIER 1 GANG
   COMTRANSDIV 34 - GRAMERCY 4
   TRANSDIV 34 - GRAMERCY 4 GANG
   CTF 51 - ANZAC		CTF 53 - BUCKEYE
   TF 51 - BROADWAY		TF 53 - DANUBE
   CTG 51.11 - MARPLOT		CTG 53.1 - MONARCH
   TG 51.11 - SYCAMORE		TG 53.1 - WEASEL
   CTU 51.11.1 - MARPLOT 1		CTU 53.1.1 - MONARCH 1
   TU 51.11.1 - SYCAMORE 1		TU 53.1.1 - WEASEL 1
   		CTU 53.1.4 - MONARCH 4
   		TU 53.1.4 - WEASEL 4

   TRANSDIV 36					TRANSDIV 11
   MONROVIA	APA31	BEEFSTEAK	1QW		FULLER	APA7	CHOPSUEY	2KS
   WAYNE	APA54	BOMBSHELL	1WD		SHELIAK	AKA62	ALTAR	1EV
   SUMTER	APA52	BOWSPRIT	1X1		HYDRUS	AKA28	WALLFLOWER	7TH
   MENIFEE	APA20	POINTBLANK	5XP		CIRCE	AKA25	CORONA	2RI
   AQUARIUS	AKA16	SHADYSIDE	6QB		CATSKILL	LSV1	TRUELOVE	7MS
   TRANSDIV 34					TRANSDIV 35
   CAMBRIA	APA36	BRINEY	1ZA		CLAY	APA39	KITTYKAT	4QK
   MCINTYRE	APA129	DIVIDEND	3BA		LEON	APA48	OFFSHOOT	5MY
   ADAIR	APA91	WISECRACK	7VB		G CLYMER	APA27	ATHENS	1JQ
   GAGE	APA168	HUMIDOR	4HI		A MIDDLETON	APA25	GORDY	3WS
   NOBLE	APA218	ELBOW	3FQ		CATRON	APA71	RIBROAST	6GW
   GILLIAM	APA57	SHAMAN	6QF		CASWELL	AKA72	VOLSTEAD	7SJ
   					DEVOSA	AKA27	INTERLUDE	4JL
   ALL SHIPS PRESENT - ACADEMY
   ALL SHIPS CURRENT OPERATIONS - BLUEJACKET
   ALL SHIPS UNDER MY TACTICAL COMMAND - COLISEUM*
   ALL STATIONS THIS CIRCUIT - EXBROOK
   *Of interest only if originated by ABALONE2 CASHIER1 GRAMERCY4 BUCKEYE MONARCH MONARCH 1 MONARCH 4 VETERAN 4 MARPLOT MARPLOT 1 ANZAC

10. VISUAL INSTRUCTIONS.

    1. In making routine reports use visual methods (flaghoist) whenever possible.

    2. Ships maintain NAN guard as prescribed in paragraph 3130 Annex (C) to ComPhibGrp4 Movement Order No. A404-15. In addition, ships of transport Squadron TWELVE will maintain the following NAN watch on Commander Transport Squadron TWELVE:

       1. From fifteen minutes to twenty minutes past the hour and from forty-five minutes to fifty minutes past the hour.

       2. In calling ships Commander Transport Squadron Twelve will follow same procedure as outlined in the above mentioned annexes. Squadron and division flagships will keep an "intermittent continuous" NAN watch. Individual ships may call them directly at any time except when an "all ships" message in being transmitted.

    3. Part IV, Annex (F) CENTCOM TWO lists special signals covering orders to and reports from transports. These will be used.

    4. For recognition system for barges, LCM's and small craft see attached illustration.

 

CODING BOARD WATCHES

1. The Communication officer and the senior coding officer will arrange a coding watch schedule which will ensure that a coding officer will be on watch at all times while underway, and while at the target area.

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR BOAT OFFICERS AND BOAT COXSWAINS

1. Attached herewith are the following tables, diagrams and sketches.

   1. Tide tables.
   2. Diagrams showing position of the transport area, line of departure, etc.
   3. Sketch of beach markers, obstruction markers and channel markers to be used.
   4. Sketch showing traffic control off beach during cargo phase.
   5. Sheet of information regarding use of cargo ticket.

2. Boat officers and coxswains must be sure that standard boat equipment is in the boat prior to its being put into the water and that the boat is equipped with multi-purpose stern lines.

3. Coxswains must call the attention of loading officers to any condition of overloading, or of the condition of a poorly trimmed boat before leaving the ship.

4. Boat crews must place chocks fore and aft when vehicles are loaded in their boat to prevent movement. Be sure the drivers for each vehicle go in the boat, and they have vehicles tested and running prior to hitting the beach.

5. All boats must report to control vessels off the beach, where they are to deliver one copy of the cargo ticket and receive orders. If ordered to beach, beach promptly and only at the place ordered. If ordered to a cargo rendezvous circle, go there until ordered to beach by control officer. Straying from the area, nesting boats or conduct contrary to good order will not be tolerated, and offenders will receive serious disciplinary action.

WHEN ON THE BEACH

1. Do not drop ramps until you are sure you are as far up on the beach as it is possible to get and are firmly beached, nor until the shore party is ready to unload your boat. Raise ramps completely before retracting from beach.

2. Be prepared to get out lines to the beach party if necessary.

3. If boat broaches, render all assistance possible to salvage crews and beach party.

4. Do not abandon a broached or swamped boat without orders from the beachmaster. Crews of all abandoned boats shall report to the beachmaster for orders.

5. If your boat is under fire, lie down on the floor boards; it is as safe as a foxhole.

6. Coxswains and boat crews must be alert at all times, and especially so when in cargo rendezvous circles and beached. Coxswains shall not leave their posts and shall make every possible use of rudder and engines to keep boats normal to the beach.

7. Loaded boats have right of way.

8. Slow down and exercise great care when in vicinity of LVT's and DUKW's to avoid damage to boats or swamping of amphibious craft with your wash.

9. Boat crews shall be in proper uniform and wear kapok life jackets and helmets. No articles of army uniform shall be worn.

10. Keep a sharp lookout for reefs and obstructions, reporting all that are not marked to salvage officers or beachmasters.

11. All swimming, aquaplaning or skylarking is strictly forbidden.

12. Run engines at reduced speeds (1500 r.p.m.) and keep bilges clean and dry.

13. Attention is directed to Chapter XXXI, Transport Doctrine, Amphibious Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet. Paragraph 3113 is quoted herewith: "Commanding Officers will institute a program of indoctrination bringing forcibly to the attention of the personnel under their command the importance of prevention of straggling, pilfering and looting."

14. Past experience has shown that crews of all types of landing craft and boat officers who have no business whatsoever on the beach are inclined to go ashore on sight seeing or souvenir hunting tours. This practice is to be stopped. No one is to set foot on the beach unless he has business there. Ample provision has been made to see that this order is complied with. Violators will be subject to sever penalties.

15. It is the duty of all officers to make a complete investigation of all violations of rules covering beach and boat discipline and made a detailed report immediately. Those who fail to do so shall themselves be subject to disciplinary action.

BOAT POOL PLAN

This ship will supply the boat pool with two LCM3's. Each of these boats will be thoroughly inspected by Lt. Caskey and Lt.(jg) Sanderson, and likewise by boat pool personnel, when delivered, to insure the boat is in excellent operating condition and completely equipped. Boat crews will NOT be supplied with these boats. When orders are received to "Transfer the Boat Pool", this ship will send above mention boats to the OAKHILL, LSD7. Spare parts and equipment will be transferred to the OAKHILL or landed in the vicinity of Yellow Beach Three as ordered. If for any reason this ship cannot furnish the two LCM's to the boat pool as ordered, Commander Transport Group ABLE must be notified immediately of our inability to comply.

NIGHT OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS AND DEFENSES

1. Enemy attacks on the ship at the objective by small boats, swimmers and midget submarines may be expected during this operation. Therefore, it is incumbent upon all hands to maintain an alert and competent watch, and the same type of alertness and competence must be displayed by picket boats, lookouts and deck patrols. This is particularly necessary at night. While in the traffic area this ship must maintain an all around lookout day and night from lookouts regularly assigned Condition 1-A stations as such. They must be particularly alert during daylight for mines, torpedoes, evidence of submarines and any type of enemy submerged attack. During darkness the troop deck guards must be armed with rifles and must continually patrol the topside decks of this ship, alert and ready for action. The Junior Officer of the Deck will be the officer directly in command of these watches and must be ever alert to see that they are active, properly armed and know the duties of their station. Each member of this deck guard will be equipped with a red flashlight and must be familiar with small craft recognition signals. These guards must be instructed to alert the ship through immediate report to the Officer of the Deck if any suspicious movements are observed.

2. The "E" Division will maintain a watch on the ship's searchlights during darkness and while in the transport area. The lights must be ready for instant use and they shall be used to illuminate promptly any such craft and all swimmers except during flash red and blue alerts.

3. If this ship is left in the transport area during darkness, one boat, in addition to the smoke boat, will be on picket duty. The regular smoke boat on the port side, the additional boat on the starboard side, and one boat officer to be appointed by Lt. Caskey will be in charge of both boats and embarked in one of them. Each of these boats will be equipped with a small smoke generator and should be ready to make smoke upon order. These boats will maintain constant patrol at a mean distance of three hundred yards from the ship. The starboard boat will patrol from 000° relative to 180° relative, and the port boat from 180° relative through 360° relative. The duties of these boats, in addition to standing by to make smoke, are to detect or challenge the approach of, or investigate, boats, swimmers or other forms of submerged or semi-submerged attacked.

4. Each coxswain must receive this paragraph and the Boat Group Commander must impress its message upon them. During darkness only essential trips to transport areas will be made by landing craft. Boats moving through the landing area at night will show dimmed running lights except during red and blue alerts, and will always be instantly ready to reply to challenges from ships or boat patrols. Boats proceeding through the transport areas at night will keep well clear of vessels unless intending to go alongside. When intending to go alongside vessels, make proper challenge and approach carefully. Each boat must be furnished with a red flashlight or other suitable hand-carried red light and must be tested frequently to see they are in working order.

SMALL BOAT RECOGNITION SIGNALS

1. Standard effective recognition signals will be used when necessary by ships holding same. Pontoon barges, LCM, and smaller craft such as ships boats will not hold standard war vessel recognition signals. Such Small craft will use the following recognition signals.

   1. A red light will be used.

   2. Signals shall consist of vertical sweeps, horizontal sweeps, and circular sweeps.

   3. One sweep is a complete circuit, from start to extreme opposite position and back again, and may start in either direction:

      Either		or		Is one vertical sweep.
      Either		or		Is one horizontal sweep.
      Either		or		Is one circular sweep.

2. The Challenge and counter challenge will consist of any number of sweeps of the same kind. Normally not more than four sweeps should be used in the challenge. Both large vessels and patrol boats may challenge small craft.

3. The Reply will consist of three parts: First, the challenge sweep given once; second, either of the other two types of sweep, given once; third, the challenge sweep, given once.

4. Either a second challenge or a counter challenge is optional. It is made and replied to in the same manner as if it were an original challenge.

   Example:

   Challenge:
   Reply		or
   Second or counter challenge
   Reply		or

EASY RULE TO REMEMBER

A. When challenging:	Make the same motion several times.
B. When replying:	Do what the challenger did; do something different; do what the challenger did.

IDENTIFICATION FLAGS AND LIGHTS IN TRANSPORT AREA

1. Ships shall fly identification flags from triatic stay or equivalent visible place not interfering with halyards, at all times during daylight while in transport area. Night transport area identification lights shall be rigged ready for use, but shall only be turned on at order of Commander Transport Group ABLE. Boat coxswains shall be given copies of these signals and instructed so they may use them to locate any ship. Signals are shown in the following table:

   Ship	Identification Flag			Identification Lights
   CLAY		Charlie		Red over Green
   ARTHUR MIDDLETON		Dog		Red over Green over Red
   LEON		Easy		Red over Green over Green
   CATRON		Fox		Green over Green over Green
   GEORGE CLYMER		George		White over Green over Green
   DEVOSA		How		Red over Green over White
   CASWELL		Jig		Green over Green over Red
   NOBLE		King		Red over Red over Red
   CASA GRANDE		Love		Red over Red over White
   CAMBRIA		Mike		Red over Red over Green
   ADAIR		Queen		Green over Red over Green
   GILLIAM		Roger		White over Red over Red
   M.H. McINTYRE		Sugar		Green over Red over White
   GAGE		Tare		Green over Red over Red
   SHELIAK		Uncle		Red over White
   HYDRUS		Victor		Red over White over Green
   CATSKILL		William		Red over White over Red
   MONROVIA		Oboe		Green over White over Green
   WAYNE		Yoke		White over White over White
   SUMTER		One		White over White over Green
   FULLER		Two		White over White over Red
   MENIFEE		Three		White over Red over White
   AQUARIUS		Four		White over Green over White
   CIRCE		Six		White over Red over Green

   Lights shall be rheostated so as not to be visible over 2000 yards.