East China Sea

E A S T C H I N A S E A

wave on turret 2

A huge wave crashes over the forecastle and send water as high as Turret 2. Typhoons were frequent in the China Sea and were the cause of a great deal of damage to ships. The storm pictured is not as violent as the typhoons later on.

Minesweepers were operating in the East China Se in July and August of 1945, clearing the area of north of Formosa and between the Japanese home islands and the Asiatic mainland for the United Nations traffic. A force of battleships, cruisers, escort carriers and escorting craft was directed to cover the operation against any type of attack, protect sea lanes to Okinawa and intercept any enemy craft. The Nevada joined this force June 30 and, except for brief stops into Okinawa's Buckner Bay and Kerama Retto, she steamed iwth her consorts back and forth until August 7. The Nevada hit the fringe of several typhoons and in one of these a huge wave broke over the bow, injuring 12 men and an officer engaged in securing refueling gear.

During heavy weather in the East china Sea, July, 1945, the Nevada covered her guns, secured all hatch covers, and rode out the storm at five knots.

heavy weather

The Nevada was relieved from the china Sea operation August 7 and ordered to Leyte Gulf, Philippine Islands. Peace talk filled the air as the Nevada pulled into Leyte Gulf. The crew touched earth for the first time in seven weeks when they obtained recreation on Samar Island. The Japanese surrender became official.