01 January thru 17 January 1944
Anchored Havanah Harbor, Efats Island, Berth#6

13 January 1944
Change of Command, Captain James Mortimer Steele, USN relieved Captain William Morrow Fechteler, USN

18 January 1944
0800 Underway to Funafuti. USS LANG and USS SOUTH DAKOTA both lost a man overboard due to heavy weather

19 to 23 January 1944
0745 Underway for Flintlock Operations

1. All times herein are zone plus twelve.
2. In accordance with Commander, Southern Covering Group (Commander Task Group 58.1) Operation Order Number 1-44 and additional directives from Task Unit 58.1.3 (Serials 004 and 006 of 22 and 25 January 1944 respectively), INDIANA in company with WASHINGTON (Officer in Tactical Command), MASSACHUSETTS and Destroyers INGERSOLL, CAPERTON, COGSWELL and KNAPP, approached Kwajalein Island from the southeast on the morning of 30 January 1944 for bombardment. The three battleships were in column, with INDIANA the second ship in column.
3. Prior to 0915 there was a heavy rain with poor visibility, winds were northeasterly at 25 knots. However, the weather cleared shortly, and throughout the morning and afternoon bombardment, visibility was good, sky partly cloudy, with northeasterly surface wind of 20 knots . Barometric pressure was 29.88 inches, temperature 85 degrees F. The sea was almost calm with slight swells coming from the northeast.
4. At 0910 one INDIANA plane was catapulted for air spotter observation.
5. At 0915 the ship went to General Quarters.
6. B Hour, was originally set at 1000, but was delayed until 1015.
7. During the approach to the firing track, at 0956, a six gun 16" salvo was fired at area 110, range 19,000 yards, using service charges. This salvo fell short. A second salvo was fired at the same target at 1909, using reduced charges, at a range of 11,200 yards. This also fell short.
8. The initial point of phase one of the bombardment bore 090*(T), distance 10,500 yards from Byron. This point was reached at 1015 with the ship on course 355*(T).
9. At B+05 hour (1020) fire was opened with the main battery on target area on the north and later on the center of the porcelain. During this firing only turrets one and two fired, as one plane had been left on the catapult in accordance with orders from the Task Unit Commander.
10. At B+15 hour checked fire and changed course to 165*(T) having expended 48 rounds of 16"/45 H.C.
11. At B+19 hour resumed firing with turrets one and two at the same targets and ceased firing at B+35 having expended 60 rounds of 16"/45 H.C.
12. During the firing, salvos appeared to be short. Several spots up-100 and up-200 were applied, some shots continued to be short and in the water, but the greater part of all salvos appeared to land in the target area.
13. Between B-03 and B+19 the port 5" battery took enemy small craft in the lagoon. North Point and one on the southeast point of Kwajalein opened fire on this ship. These enemy batteries were taken under fire by the port 5" battery at B+21 and were continued under fire until B+36 at which time they were silenced. The enemy shots, some passed overhead, others had fallen short and some landed astern of us. 605 rounds of 5"/38 common were expended.
14. At B+36 changed course to 335*(T).
15. At B+43 the secondary battery opened fire on the center of Kwajalein which was continued until B+68 except while changing course to 155*(T) at B+48. During this firing, 521 rounds of 5"/38 AA common were expended . This fire is believed to have been fairly effective as most shots landed in the target area.
16. From 1115 to 1143 the ship on various courses recovering the spotting plane, refueling and servicing it, and the launching of the two planes.
17. The plan called for the ship being at a point bearing 088*(T) distant yards from the north tangent of Burton at the commencement of phase Two, X time (1200), then to proceed north for eight minutes, change course to 020* (T) at X+18 and change course to 200*(T) at X+18. As the ship could not reach the initial point on time, due to delays in recovering and launching aircraft, the track was not reached until X+18. However, fire was opened with the main battery at X hour on Berlin and was continued until X+30. 81 rounds of 16"/45 H.C. were expended although the ship was scheduled to shoot only 63 rounds the two extra salvos were fired because the hitting range had been established and excellent targets appeared. Fire at Berlin appeared to be very effective.
18. From X+30 to X+60 no firing was scheduled. Course 200*(T) was held until X+35 then changed to 090*(T) and held from X+45. From X+45 to X+60 this ship maneuvered to reach a point bearing 078*(T) a distance of 8,000 yards from north tangent Kwajalein,
19. At X+60 firing was resumed by the main battery. the center and west of Kwajalein. At X+60 the course was 180*(T). At X+70 changed course to 120*(T). At X+86 course was changed to 030*(T). At X+114 changed course to 000*(7) which was held until X+140.
20. 109 rounds of 16"/45 H.C. were expended during main battery firing period. The last part of phase two was an enfilade fire at the extreme western end of Kwajalein. Indirect fire was used. The entire area was on fire and covered with smoke and spotting was difficult. Since the ship had fired 18 16"/45 rounds more on Berlin than scheduled it was decided to reduce the number of rounds fired at Kwajalein.
21. During this firing, fall of shot could not be observed by the ship, but the airplane spotter reported very effective fire, with most salvos landing in their assigned areas. He reported that it was difficult to see the effectiveness of the firing due to smoke from fires caused by our other ships bombardment.
22. From X+122 to X+140 the port battery fired 579 rounds of 5"/38 AA common into Burton. Results appeared to be excellent. A large fire was started on the island and flames were unchecked when last seen.
23. At X+140 the ship changed course to 180*(T), which was held until X+155, at that time course was changed to 165*(T), which was held for the remainder of the bombardment.
24. The schedule called for the starboard 5" battery to fire on Burton from X+144 to X+160. This firing was canceled as it was necessary to finish firing prior to the scheduled end or phase two, X+180. Fire was opened on the center and west of Kwajalein at X+144 and continued until X+168, at which time all firing ceased. 376 rounds of 5"/38 AA common was expended.
25. A speed of 12 knots was maintained throughout the bombardment.
26. The last of the 5"/38 firing was the only poor shooting of the entire bombardment. About eight salvos landed in the lagoon in approximately the same area. The air spotter reported the fall of shot and gave the corrections, but they were not applied. It is believed that the director officer became confused by the fall of shot of a destroyer which was firing at the South East corner of Kwajalein.
27. In general it is believed that the batteries performed very well and inflicted considerable damage to shore installations.

1 February 1944
Steaming as before in Task Group 58.1, Southeast of Kwajalein Island, on base course 090*, Fleet axis 060*, Cruising disposition SR, speed 09 knots, conducting fueling operations, WASHINGTON had been designated as guide, destroyer COGSWELL was along side.

The Task Group was engaged in Flintlock operations and operating in accordance with Commander Central Pacific Op Plan Cen 1-44, Task force 58 Op Plan 1-44, and Commander Task Group 58,1 Op Plan 1-44. Having completed our bombardment of Kwajalein, we were now engaged in providing support for the Southern Attack force.

The COGSWELL completed fueling at 0055 and cast off, by 0220 night fueling had been completed and the destroyers resumed their station in the screen. The ENTERPRISE assumed guide and increased speed to 19 knots.
At 0415 the Group course was changed to 340*, axis was still 060'. At 0420, in accordance with previous orders, INDIANA commenced maneuvering independently to leave the formation for the purpose of refueling destroyers. While coming right and when on approximately 150*, sighted WASHINGTON about 25* on our starboard bow, target angle about 350*, distant approximately 1500 yards. INDIANA maneuvered to avoid her, but collided with her at 0428 +/-.
Material condition ZEBRA was set immediately, and all engines were stopped; six minutes later all engines were ordered ahead at 5 knots. Went to collision quarters at 0440 during which time, a sight muster of all hands was held. Injury report of personal as a result of the collision was:

The destroyers COTTEN, GATLING, CAPERTON, and HEALY were ordered to remain with the WASHINGTON and INDIANA
At 0612 went to General Quarters. (morning alert). INDIANA took station 2000 yards ahead of WASHINGTON, unit speed 6.5 knots, course 180*. Burial services for the two dead men were held this afternoon. The WASHINGTON refueled three destroyers during the afternoon (CAPERTON, COTTEN AND HEALY) operation completed by 1700.
Various speeds were used throughout the afternoon and evening, but at 2249 speed was increased to 12 knots and the INDIANA took station 10* on the starboard quarter of the WASHINGTON, distance 1500 yards, steering course 080*.
 
 

1 February 1944

From:         The Commanding Officer.
To:            Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet,
Via:           (1) Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.
                 (2) Commander Battleship, U.S. Pacific Fleet,
                 (3) Commander Battleship Division Eight.
Subject:      Collision with U.S.S. WASHINGTON (BB-56), Report of
Reference: (A) Article 840, U.S. Navy Regulation, 1920.
Enclosure:  (A) Formation at 0420 (local)
                 (B) Estimated tracks,
                 (C) Casualties,
                 (D) Damage sustained.
 

1. At about 0429 (all times herein Zone Plus 12) 01 February 1944 this vessel was in collision with the U.S.S. WASHINGTON at latitude 07-50.2 North, longitude 167-28.5 East.

The Situation:
2. The situation prior to the collision was;

(A) This vessel was operating with carrier Task Group One (TG 58.1) in support unit (TU 58.1.3) in accordance with Carrier Task Group One operation order No. 1-44 dated 13 January 1944 (Flintlock) and other pertinent directives included below,

(B) During the night of the collision, Task Group 58.1 was in cruising disposition 5R with major units assigned the following stations:
(circle spacing 1000 yards).
U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (GUIDE) 0000
U.S.S. INDIANA 3300
U.S.S. WASHINGTON 3060
U.S.S. MASSACHUSETTS 3180
U.S.S. YORKTOWN 2240
U.S.S. BELLEAU WOOD 2120
U.S.S. OAKLAND 6000
Nine destroyers were equally spaced on circle six.
(C) The task group axis was 060*
(D) The damage control readiness was Yoke and the engineering readiness was 33
(E) All boilers were cut in on the main steam line,
(F) The radars were operating:
3. At 0400 the weather was as indicated below, and no significant change was noted up to the time of collision.
Wind direction 062*, force 16 knots, low cumulus clouds about seven tenths, visibility 1500 to 6000 yards depending on direction, slight from 045*.
4. The following messages were received bearing or prospective moves of this vessel.
(A) Commander Task Unit 58.1.3.
"When directed about twenty one hundred to night one destroyer will fuel from each battleship in present disposition X if weather permits second destroyer may be ordered along side each battleship for simultaneous fueling X about daylight and rejoin in the afternoon.
(B) Commander Task Group 58.1 010650 to Commander Task Group 58.1,3 and retransmitted to INDIANA " If circumstances permit desire to fuel five DD's tonight X remaining four and INDIANA will be detached at about 0400 in latitude 7-41 N, longitude 166-35 E, X two DD's screen while others fuel beginning about 0630 in latitude 7-55 North, longitude 166-56 East while ASP will join groups estimated position at 1200, latitude 8-33 N longitude 161-19 East."
(C) Commander Task Group 58.1 by TBS at 0045, "third team proceeded with mission without further orders at 'XFD' in accordance with previous instructions ,"
5 At 0221 the Task Group speed was set at 19 knots and was not changed by the Task Group prior to the collision. At 0232 the Task Group base was set. At 0307 commenced ZIG-ZAG in accordance with plan six.
6 The Commanding Officer was in the Chart House from about 0348 until 0355 when he went to the Bridge.
7 At 0355 "emergency turn NINE" was received from Commander Task Group 58.1 was executed immediately by this vessel , steady on 042*
8 About 0410 the Commanding Officer directed that signal "My course 280*, speed 15" be transmitted by TBS at 0420 to U.S.S. HEALY, U.S.S. CAPERTON and U.S.S. COTTEN who had been designated to accompany the U.S.S. INDIANA. The 0630 fueling rendezvous for this vessel was then about 30 miles distant bearing 208*.
9 At 0415 "340* turn" was executed by Task Group Commander, this vessel complying.
10 From 0420 to 0430 the time of events were not recorded with sufficient accuracy to permit precise record of all events. The pit log was not recorded during this period. Thus, reconstruction of the ships track during this period is in approximation, All orders to the engines and helm during this time are, therefore, set forth in detail below.
11 At 0420, just prior to bring the ship to the easterly course, the Commanding Officer ordered a change of course to 280* and speed reduced to 15 knots within a few seconds the helm was ordered shifted from left to right. At about 0423 (local) this vessel was steady on course 340* and at about 0420 (local) the CIC reported this vessel "in position." However, the net result was some reduction in ships speed through the water, and probably a small change in bearing of the U.S.S. ENTERPRISE.
12 At 0420 the U.S.S. YORKTOWN, U.S.S. ENTERPRISE, AND U.S.S. BELLEAU WOOD were already visible to port, and were seen by the Commanding Officer and Commander F.W. Brumby, Jr. U.S. Navy (Senior duty Officer on the Bridge).
13 At about 0420 the Officer of the deck was ordered by the Commanding Officer to change to course to the right to 180*, followed by orders from the Commanding Officer to steady up on 090*,
14 By about 0426, the ship steadied on 090*,
15 Shortly after steading on 090*, The Commanding Officer ordered "come to 180*" and as the ship started to swing the Commanding Officer ordered "steady on 150" at this instant and about 0427, The U.S.S. WASHINGTON was sighted on the starboard bow, distance estimated at 150 yards, The rudder was immediately ordered "HARD LEFT" with orders to come to 090* also at about this time the CIC, reported the U.S.S. WASHINGTON bearing 348* distance 1700 yards.
16 Collision seemed inevitably by about this 0428 when the rudder was hard left and emergency full speed was ordered. One engine room bell sheet indicates that increase of speed was ordered at 0427. It was noted that the U.S.S. WASHINGTON was swinging hard left.
17 At the moment of collision this vessel was on 100*. The estimated course of the U.S.S. WASHINGTON on impact was 325",
18 The blow was a glancing one. The U.S.S. WASHINGTON swinging left very rapidly, and U.S.S. INDIANA either steady or swinging slowly right.

19 As it may serve to throw further light on the collision, the intention of the Commanding officer, U.S.S. INDIANA are included. He intended to make a very slow turn to the right, eventually ending up on course 280* and thereby gaining enough ground to the Eastward to clear the heavy ships, then gradually coming around to the South, avoiding the screen by keeping inside of circle six, and after passing clear of the U.S.S. WASHINGTON , to come to course 280' or the appropriate relative course in case zig-zag was resumed before clearing the screen, There was sufficient visibility to make this rather radial maneuver rather than an initial change to say, right to 040* and maneuvering by radar alone.
20 The Commanding Officer regrets the necessity of reporting casualties.
21 Immediately after the collision, the vessel took a list of 4* to the starboard, which was corrected promptly by counter flooding,
22 Except for the loss of automatic weapons the starboard quarter of the main deck and damage to turret three rangefinder, the fire power of this vessel was not affected. There was no damage to the main engines or boilers.
23 During the emergency all officers and men conducted themselves in accordance with the best traditions of the Naval service. No confusion or excessive noise was noted, and all hands acted promptly and intelligently to localize the damage and to effect repairs within the capacity of the ships force.

DEAD
Mc Clanahan, Paul Robert Coxswain, 342-10-50 USN
Gerou, John Francis Seaman Second Class, 238-84-61 USN

MISSING
Neville, Lawrence Hilton Seaman Second Class, V-6, 867-46-51 USNR

INJURED
Kelly, William Martin Fireman First Class, V-6, 710-21-13 USNR
Pattenaude, Milton Lee Seaman Second Class, V-6, 862-01-34 USNR
Stafford, Morris LaVaughn Fireman Second Class, V-6, 645-92-53 USNR
Thompson, Dan Victor Private First Class, 818-999 USMC
Eucke, Robert Frank Seaman First Class, 300-79-77 USN
Trouiller, John Alvin Seaman Second Class, V-6, 846-63-77 USNR

0300-0730
At 0307 Commenced zigzagging in accordance with plan #6 on base course 292*(T). At 0355 changed group course right to 042*(T) upon receipt of emergency turn 9 signal from OTC. At 0415 changed group course left to 340*(T) on signal from OTC. At 0420 commenced maneuvering independently to leave formation for purpose of refueling destroyers; Captain took the conn. Changed course left to come to 280*(T) and changed speed to 15 knots (089 RPM), After swinging approximately five degrees, when ship's head was about 335* (T). shifted the rudder and steadied up an 340*(T). At this time ship was in position. At 0424 changed course right to 090*(T), At about 042 ½ changed course right to 180*(T), but during the swing, at 0427, ordered the helmsman to steady an 150*(T) . At about 0427 when on approximately 150*(T) sighted U.S.S. WASHINGTON about 25* on the starboard bow. Target angle about 350*, distance approximately 1500 yards. Brought the ship left with full rudder to course 100*(T), and at 0428 with the U.S.S. WASHINGTON distance about 500 yards ordered full rudder to swing stern away from U.S.S. WASHINGTON, which was heading for the starboard quarter at an angle of about 45* with this ship; ordered emergency full speed ahead. At 0428 +/- collided with U.S.S. WASHINGTON. At 0429 set material condition Zebra. At 0430 stopped all engines. At 0432 changed course to 090*(T). At 0436 all engines ahead 5 knots (029 RPM). At 0440 went to collision quarters. At 0441 U.S.S. COTTEN, GATLING, CAPERTON, and HEALY ordered to remain with U.S.S. WASHINGTON and U.S.S. INDIANA. At 0450 changed course to 270*(T). At 0450 held sight muster of all hands; one man missing: Neville, L.H., S2c, V6-SV, USNR. At 0602 changed course to 180*(T) . At 0612 went to air defense for morning alert. At 0622 changed course to 000*(T). At 0623 changed standard speed to 15 knots. at 0635 changed course to 279*(T). At 0657 changed speed to 10 knots (059 RPM). Commenced maneuvering on various courses to take position 2000 yards ahead of U.S.S. WASHINGTON. At 0710 lighted ship, set regular war watch on the anti- aircraft battery. At 0712 sunrise, injury report of personnel due to the collision. The below named men are casualties; Kelly, V.M., Flc, laceration forehead, fuel oil; Pattenude, M.L., S2c, fuel oil; Stafford, M.L., F2c, laceration, forehead, left arm, fuel oil; Martinez, B.E., S2c, head injury, possible fracture; Thompson, O.V., Pvt., USMC, fracture, right leg and left arm; Eucke, R. F., S2c, laceration left foot, and fuel oil; McClanahan, P.R., Cox, injuries, multiple and extreme (deceased); Gerou, J.F., S2c, injuries, multiple extreme (deceased); Napier, A.N., S2c, laceration left leg. Preliminary report of damage: below water damage between frames 103-150. Ten wing damage control voids 103-136 and outboard fuel tanks flooded. Fuel lost approximately 75,0006 gallons; ship took four(4) degree list to starboard which was corrected by counter-flooding out board frames 36-73 port. Second deck damage, plating holed B-213 just below main deck level., C-204 L holed at second deck level, frames 129-136. Main deck scraped from frames 115 aft. Heavy mounts 9 and 11 damaged beyond repair. Five 20mm guns damaged or lost over the side. Turret III rangefinder and sight-hood scraped off, with damage to rangefinder and sights. Main deck holed in several places. Starboard catapult and plane lost over the side.

0730-1230
At 0757 changed course to 180*(T). Took up position 2000 yards ahead of the U.S.S. WASHINGTON, unit speed 6.5 knots. At 1015 made daily inspection of all magazines and smokeless powder samples; conditions normal. At 1120 secured boilers # 1, 4, 5 and 8.

1230-1730
At 1240 U.S.S. WASHINGTON commenced fueling U.S.S. CAPERTON. At 1316 took station 2012 on U.S.S. WASHINGTON, Unit Axis 180*(T). At 1345 lowered the colors to half mast and held services for Mc Calanahan, P.R., Cox, USN and Gerou, J.F., S2c, USN, at 1400. At 1415 two blocked the colors. At 1417 U.S.S. COTTEN commenced fueling from U.S.S. WASHINGTON. At 1555 U.S.S. HEALY commenced fueling from U.S.S. WASHINGTON. At 1700 lowered the colors to half mast during burial services on the U.S.S. WASHINGTON. At 1710 all fueling operations completed. At 1702 cut in #8 boiler on the main steam line. At 1713 secured #7 boiler. At 1720 changed unit speed to 10 knots. At l730 two blocked the colors.

1730-2230
At 1842 noticed severe vibration while indicating (083 RPM); reduced speed to 12.3 knots (073 RPM), making 10.7 knots through the water. At 1830 received injury reports as follows; Kasbe, F.A., Pfc, USMC, reported to sick bay at 1630 with a laceration of the left elbow. He states that he struck his elbow on a glass coffee pot when he turned around suddenly. The wound was cleansed with mild soap and water, one suture taken, dusted with sulfadiazine powder, the man returned to duty; Chipman, R.D., SC2c, USNR, reported to sick bay with a laceration of the tips of the first, second and third fingers of the left hand. He states that while he was breaking out meat, the wire on the meat broke and cut his fingers. The wound was washed with mild soap and water, three sutures were applied, dusted with sulfadiazine powder, a sterile dry dressing applied, and the man returned to duty; Lown, G.N., SF3c, USN, reported to sick bay at 1745 with flash burns of both eyes suffered while using an acetylene burner. He states that he did not have his head set on at the time. Cold compresses applied followed by application of butyl sulphate ointment to both eyes, and man admitted to binnacle for observation. Addenda to collision casualty list: Beversdorf, R.W., S2c, USNR, wound. lacerated nose; Gieber, C.A., F2c, USNR, fracture toe, right; Walskalich, M., S1c, USNR, abrasion, top right hand. At 1859 sunset darkened ship. Set full war watch. At 1915 changed unit course and axis left slowly to 140*(T). At l943 changed unit course and axis left slowly to 080*(T). At 2222 changed course right to 090*(T). Commenced taking station 10* on starboard quarter of U.S.S. WASHINGTON. Distance 1500 yards.

2230-2400
At 2230 changed speed to 7 knots (041 RPM). Came to course 080*(T). At 2249 changed speed to 12 knots (072 RPM). Took station 10* on the starboard quarter of U.S.S. WASHINGTON distance 1500 yards.

02 February 1944
Steaming as before, en route for Majuro, Marshall Islands. 0600 went to General Quarters for morning alert. Majuro Atoll was sighted at 1516 and preparations for entering port were made at 2045. INDIANA anchored in Majuro Atoll berth C-2.
As a result of injuries received in the collision on February 01 1944, one of the injured died at 1700 to-day (See additional sheet for injured, dead, and missing)

03 February 1944
Anchored in Marshall Islands. Funeral services for Marine that died last night. Buried him ashore.

04-06 February 1944
Anchored in Marshall Islands

07 February 1944
Underway for Pearl Harbor.

13 February to 13 April 1944
In Pearl Harbor for repairs from collision.

17 March 1944
Change of Command, Captain Thomas Joseph Keliher, USN relieved Captain James Mortimer Steele, USN

Last Updated 22 October 1999

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