John Livingstone McCrea, USN
| Born | 29 May 1891 |
| Ranks
Decorations |
Warship Commands listed for John Livingstone McCrea, USN
| Ship | Rank | Type | From | To |
| USS Iowa (BB 61) | T/R.Adm. | Battleship | 22 Feb 1943 | 16 Aug 1944 |
Career information
We currently have no career / biographical information on this officer.
Events related to this officer
Battleship USS Iowa (BB 61)
24 Mar 1943
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) shifted from the New York Navy Yard to Bayonne, New York where she was docked.
29 Mar 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) was undocked. She then shifted to Gravesend Bay where she anchored.
12 Apr 1943
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) departed Gravesend Bay, New York to begin her sea trials. She was escorted by USS Gillespie (Cdr. C.C. Clement, USN), USS Dyson (Cdr. R.A. Gano, USN) and USS Brownson (Lt.Cdr. J.B. Maher, USN).
13 Apr 1943
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) conducted sea trials off New York. She was escorted by USS Gillespie (Cdr. C.C. Clement, USN), USS Dyson (Cdr. R.A. Gano, USN) and USS Brownson (Lt.Cdr. J.B. Maher, USN).
14 Apr 1943
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) departed New York for Hampton Roads, Virginia. She was escorted by USS Gillespie (Cdr. C.C. Clement, USN), USS Dyson (Cdr. R.A. Gano, USN) and USS Brownson (Lt.Cdr. J.B. Maher, USN).
15 Apr 1943
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) arrived at Hampton Roads, Virginia.
19 Apr 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) conducted trials and exercises in Chesapeake Bay.
23 Apr 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) conducted trials and exercises in Chesapeake Bay.
29 Apr 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) conducted trials and exercises in Chesapeake Bay.
30 Apr 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) conducted trials and exercises in Chesapeake Bay.
3 May 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) conducted trials and exercises in Chesapeake Bay.
4 May 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) conducted trials and exercises in Chesapeake Bay.
5 May 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) conducted trials and exercises in Chesapeake Bay.
6 May 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) conducted trials and exercises in Chesapeake Bay.
7 May 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) conducted trials and exercises in Chesapeake Bay.
8 May 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) conducted trials and exercises in Chesapeake Bay.
9 May 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) conducted trials and exercises in Chesapeake Bay.
10 May 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) conducted trials and exercises in Chesapeake Bay.
11 May 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) conducted trials and exercises in Chesapeake Bay.
12 May 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) conducted trials and exercises in Chesapeake Bay.
19 May 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) conducted trials and exercises in Chesapeake Bay.
20 May 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) conducted trials and exercises in Chesapeake Bay.
23 May 1943
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) departed Hampton Roads, Virginia for New York. She was escorted by USS Stevenson (Lt.Cdr. F.E. Wilson, USN), USS Stockton (Lt.Cdr. R.E. Braddy, Jr., USN) and USS Ringgold (Cdr. T.F. Conley, Jr., USN).
24 May 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) arrived at Bayonne, New York where she was immediately docked.
28 May 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) was undocked. She then anchored in Gravesend Bay.
31 May 1943
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) departed Gravesend Bay for Casco Bay, Maine. She was escorted by USS Hobby (Cdr. E. Blake, USN), USS Kalk (Cdr. C.T. Singleton, Jr., USN) and USS Gillespie (Cdr. C.C. Clement, USN).
1 Jun 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) arrived at Casco Bay, Maine.
3 Jun 1943
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) conducted trials and exercises off Casco Bay, Maine. She was escorted by USS Kidd (Lt.Cdr. A.B. Roby, Sr., USN) and USS Abbot (Cdr. C.E. Carroll, USN).
4 Jun 1943
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) conducted trials and exercises off Casco Bay, Maine. She was escorted by USS Kidd (Lt.Cdr. A.B. Roby, Sr., USN) and USS Abbot (Cdr. C.E. Carroll, USN).
5 Jun 1943
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) conducted trials and exercises off Casco Bay, Maine. She was escorted by USS Kidd (Lt.Cdr. A.B. Roby, Sr., USN) and USS Abbot (Cdr. C.E. Carroll, USN).
6 Jun 1943
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) conducted trials and exercises off Casco Bay, Maine. She was escorted by USS Kidd (Lt.Cdr. A.B. Roby, Sr., USN) and USS Abbot (Cdr. C.E. Carroll, USN).
10 Jun 1943
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) conducted trials and exercises off Casco Bay, Maine together with USS Texas (Capt. R. Pfaff, USN). They were escorted by USS Terry (Cdr. G.R. Phelan, USN), USS Walker (Cdr. O.F. Gregor, USN), USS Bulmer (Lt.Cdr. L.F. Volk, USN) and USS Barker (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Miller, USN).
15 Jun 1943
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) conducted trials and exercises off Casco Bay, Maine. She was escorted by USS Hobby (Cdr. E. Blake, USN), USS Kalk (Cdr. C.T. Singleton, Jr., USN) and USS Gillespie (Cdr. C.C. Clement, USN). Upon completion of these trials and exercises she departed for New York.
16 Jun 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) arrived at Gravesend Bay, New York. She then started disembarking all aircraft and ammunition.
17 Jun 1943
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) completed de-ammunitioning and then proceeded to the New York Navy Yard for a post shakedown overhaul.
2 Jul 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) was docked at the New York Navy Yard.
5 Jul 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) was undocked.
10 Jul 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Having completed her post shakedown overhaul, USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN), shifted from the New York Navy Yard to Gravesend Bay.
15 Jul 1943
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) conducted a full power trial off New York. During this trial run she was escorted by USS Stevens (Cdr. F.H. Ball, USN), USS Hudson (Cdr. W.R. Smedberg III, USN) and USS Ringgold (Cdr. T.F. Conley, Jr., USN).
16 Jul 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) arrived at Casco Bay, Maine. Upon arriving there she struck a rock causing some damage to the ships bottom.
20 Jul 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) shifted from Casco Bay to the Boston Navy Yard.
25 Jul 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) was docked at the Boston Navy Yard.
16 Aug 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
With the repairs to the hull completed, USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN), was undocked.
28 Aug 1943
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) departed Boston for Argentia, Newfoundland. She was escorted by USS Ellyson (Lt.Cdr. E.W. Longton, USN), USS Rodman (Cdr. J.F. Foley, USN) and USS Emmons (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Billingsley, USN).
For the daily positions of USS Iowa during this passage see the map below.
30 Aug 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) arrived at Placentia Sound, Argentia, Newfoundland.
6 Sep 1943
During 6 and 7 September 1943, USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN), conducted exercises off Placentia Bay, Newfoundland. She was escorted by destroyers from DesRon 10; USS Ellyson (Lt.Cdr. E.W. Longton, USN), USS Rodman (Cdr. J.F. Foley, USN) and USS Emmons (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Billingsley, USN).
16 Sep 1943
From 16 to 20 September 1943, USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN), conducted exercises off Placentia Bay, Newfoundland. She was escorted by destroyers from DesRon 10; USS Ellyson (Lt.Cdr. E.W. Longton, USN), USS Rodman (Cdr. J.F. Foley, USN) and USS Emmons (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Billingsley, USN).
28 Sep 1943
During 28 and 29 September 1943, USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN), conducted exercises off Placentia Bay, Newfoundland. She was escorted by destroyers from DesRon 10; USS Ellyson (Lt.Cdr. E.W. Longton, USN), USS Rodman (Cdr. J.F. Foley, USN) and USS Emmons (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Billingsley, USN).
1 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN), conducted exercises off Placentia Bay, Newfoundland. She was escorted by destroyers from DesRon 10; USS Ellyson (Lt.Cdr. E.W. Longton, USN), USS Rodman (Cdr. J.F. Foley, USN) and USS Emmons (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Billingsley, USN).
3 Oct 1943
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) proceeded to sea to ride out a gale at sea. She was escorted by destroyers from DesRon 10; USS Ellyson (Lt.Cdr. E.W. Longton, USN), USS Rodman (Cdr. J.F. Foley, USN) and USS Emmons (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Billingsley, USN).
4 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) returned to her anchorage at Little Placentia Bay, Newfoundland.
5 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
During 5 and 6 October 1943, USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN), conducted exercises off Placentia Bay, Newfoundland. She was escorted by destroyers from DesRon 10; USS Ellyson (Lt.Cdr. E.W. Longton, USN), USS Rodman (Cdr. J.F. Foley, USN) and USS Emmons (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Billingsley, USN).
11 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN), conducted exercises off Placentia Bay, Newfoundland. She was escorted by destroyers from DesRon 10; USS Ellyson (Lt.Cdr. E.W. Longton, USN), USS Rodman (Cdr. J.F. Foley, USN) and USS Emmons (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Billingsley, USN).
12 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN), conducted exercises off Placentia Bay, Newfoundland. She was escorted by destroyers from DesRon 10; USS Ellyson (Lt.Cdr. E.W. Longton, USN), USS Rodman (Cdr. J.F. Foley, USN) and USS Emmons (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Billingsley, USN).
13 Oct 1943
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN), conducted exercises off Placentia Bay, Newfoundland. She was escorted by destroyers from DesRon 10; USS Ellyson (Lt.Cdr. E.W. Longton, USN), USS Rodman (Cdr. J.F. Foley, USN) and USS Emmons (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Billingsley, USN).
21 Oct 1943
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) departed Placentia Bay, Newfoundland for Hampton Roads, Virginia. She was escorted by destroyers from DesRon 10; USS Ellyson (Lt.Cdr. E.W. Longton, USN), USS Rodman (Cdr. J.F. Foley, USN) and USS Emmons (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Billingsley, USN).
For the daily positions of USS Iowa during this passage see the map below.
24 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) arrived at Hampton Roads, Virginia.
25 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) shifted to Naval Operating Base, Norfolk, Viginia.
6 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) shifted to Hampton Roads, Viginia.
7 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) conducted exercises in Chesapeake Bay.
8 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) conducted exercises in Chesapeake Bay.
11 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) conducted exercises in Chesapeake Bay.
13 Nov 1943
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) departed Chesapeake Bay for Mers El Kebir, Algeria. She is escorted by USS Cogswell (Cdr. H.T. Deutermann, USN), USS William D. Porter (Cdr. W.A. Walter, USN) and USS Young (Cdr. G.B. Madden, USN).
Iowa had on board President Roosevelt, Secretary of State Cordell Hull, Chief of Staff Admiral William D. Leahy, Chief of Staff of the Army General George C. Marshall, Chief of Naval Operations Ernest King, Commanding General of the U.S. Army Air Forces Henry Arnold, Harry Hopkins to Mers El Kébir, Algeria, This was the first leg of their journey to the Tehran Conference.
For the daily positions of USS Iowa during this passage see the map below.
15 Nov 1943
Around 0900 hours, USS Hall (Cdr. J.F. Delaney, Jr., USN), USS Halligan (Cdr. C.E. Cortner, USN) and USS Macomb (Cdr. J.C. South, USN) took over the escort of USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN).
17 Nov 1943
Around 1345 hours, USS Ellyson (Lt.Cdr. E.W. Longton, USN), USS Rodman (Cdr. J.F. Foley, USN) and USS Emmons (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Billingsley, USN) took over the escort of USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN).
19 Nov 1943
Around 1100 hours, USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) and her escort; USS Ellyson (Lt.Cdr. E.W. Longton, USN), USS Rodman (Cdr. J.F. Foley, USN) and USS Emmons (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Billingsley, USN) joined USS Brooklyn (Capt. R.W. Cary, Jr., USN) and her escort; USS Trippe (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Williams, USN), USS Edison (Lt.Cdr. H.A. Pearce, USN), HMS Troubridge (Capt. C.L. Firth, MVO, RN), HMS Teazer (Lt.Cdr. A.A.F. Talbot, DSO and Bar, RN) and HMS Tyrian (Cdr. C.W. Greening, RN). In the afternoon USS Ellson, USS Rodman and USS Emmons were detached.
20 Nov 1943
The battleship USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) arrived at Mers El Kebir where her 'passengers' left the ship.
She departed Mers El Kebir later the same day to proceed to Bahia, Brazil.
At sea she (re-)joined the light cruiser USS Brooklyn (Capt. R.W. Cary, Jr., USN) and the destroyers USS Trippe (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Williams, USN), USS Edison (Lt.Cdr. H.A. Pearce, USN), HMS Troubridge (Capt. C.L. Firth, MVO, RN), HMS Teazer (Lt.Cdr. A.A.F. Talbot, DSO and Bar, RN) and HMS Tyrian (Cdr. C.W. Greening, RN). The light cruiser HMS Sheffield (Capt. C.T. Addis, RN) had also departed Mers-el-Kebir and joined them.
21 Nov 1943
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) passed Gibaltar Straits westbound into the Atlantic.
Around 0540 hours, HMS Sheffield, departed the formation.
Around 0820 hours, USS Ellyson (Lt.Cdr. E.W. Longton, USN), USS Rodman (Cdr. J.F. Foley, USN) and USS Emmons (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Billingsley, USN) arrived to take over the escort of USS Iowa and USS Brooklyn (Capt. R.W. Cary, Jr., USN) and her escort; USS Trippe (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Williams, USN), USS Edison (Lt.Cdr. H.A. Pearce, USN), HMS Troubridge (Capt. C.L. Firth, MVO, RN), HMS Teazer (Lt.Cdr. A.A.F. Talbot, DSO and Bar, RN) and HMS Tyrian (Cdr. C.W. Greening, RN) departed the formation and set course for Gibraltar.
25 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) refuelled her escorting destroyers at sea.
29 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) arrived at Bahia, Brazil.
30 Nov 1943
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) departed Bahia, Brazil for Freetown, Sierra Leone. Again she was escorted by ComDesRon 10; USS Ellyson (Lt.Cdr. E.W. Longton, USN), USS Rodman (Cdr. J.F. Foley, USN) and USS Emmons (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Billingsley, USN).
For the daily positions of USS Iowa during this passage see the map below.
3 Dec 1943
Around 1500 hours, USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) and her escort, was joined by ComDesRon 51; USS Hall (Cdr. J.F. Delaney, Jr., USN), USS Halligan (Cdr. C.E. Cortner, USN) and USS Macomb (Cdr. J.C. South, USN).
4 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) arrived at Freetown, Sierra Leone.
6 Dec 1943
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) departed Freetown, Sierra Leone for Dakar, Senegal, French West Africa. Yet again she was escorted by ComDesRon 10; USS Ellyson (Lt.Cdr. E.W. Longton, USN), USS Rodman (Cdr. J.F. Foley, USN) and USS Emmons (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Billingsley, USN).
For the daily positions of USS Iowa during this passage see the map below.
9 Dec 1943
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) arrived at Dakar where the President of the United States and his party joined for passage back the U.S.A.
Iowa departed later the same day with her destroyer escort.
For the daily positions of USS Iowa during this passage see the map below.
11 Dec 1943
Around 2230 hours USS Hall (Cdr. J.F. Delaney, Jr., USN), USS Halligan (Cdr. C.E. Cortner, USN) and USS Macomb (Cdr. J.C. South, USN) took over the escort of USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) from USS Ellyson (Lt.Cdr. E.W. Longton, USN), USS Rodman (Cdr. J.F. Foley, USN) and USS Emmons (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Billingsley, USN) which were then detached.
13 Dec 1943
Around 1715 hours USS Halsey Powell (Cdr. W.T. McGarry, USN), USS Marshall (Cdr. J.D. McKinney, USN), USS Wadleigh (Cdr. W.C. Winn, USN) took over the escort of USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) from USS Hall (Cdr. J.F. Delaney, Jr., USN), USS Halligan (Cdr. C.E. Cortner, USN) and USS Macomb (Cdr. J.C. South, USN) which were then detached.
16 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) arrived at Hampton Roads, Virginia where the President and his party left the ship.
18 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) shifted to Naval Operating Base Norfolk.
20 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) shifted to the Norfolk Navy Yard.
24 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) is docked at the Norfolk Navy Yard.
30 Dec 1943
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) is undocked and then proceeded to Hampton Roads.
2 Jan 1944
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) departed Hampton Roads, Virginia for the Panama Canal Zone. Iowa is proceed to the Pacific.
Passage was made together with sister ship USS New Jersey (Capt. C.F. Holden, USN). The battleships were escorted by ComDesDiv 38; USS Welles (Cdr. D.M. Coffee, USN), USS Gillespie (Cdr. J.S. Fahy, USN), USS Hobby (Cdr. G.W. Pressy, USN) and USS Kalk (Lt.Cdr. H.D. Fuller, USN).
For the daily positions of USS Iowa during this passage see the map below.
6 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) arrived in the Panama Canal Zone. She passed the Gatun Locks and then anchored in Gaton Lake.
7 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) completed the transit of the Panama Canal and arrived at Balboa.
8 Jan 1944
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) departed Balboa for the South Central Pacific Operating Area. She was still in company with USS New Jersey (Capt. C.F. Holden, USN) and still escorted by ComDesDiv 38; USS Welles (Cdr. D.M. Coffee, USN), USS Gillespie (Cdr. J.S. Fahy, USN), USS Hobby (Cdr. G.W. Pressy, USN) and USS Kalk (Lt.Cdr. H.D. Fuller, USN).
For the daily positions of USS Iowa during this passage see the map below.
12 Jan 1944
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) and USS New Jersey (Capt. C.F. Holden, USN) refuelled their escorting destroyers at sea.
16 Jan 1944
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) and USS New Jersey (Capt. C.F. Holden, USN) refuelled their escorting destroyers at sea.
20 Jan 1944
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) and USS New Jersey (Capt. C.F. Holden, USN) refuelled their escorting destroyers at sea.
22 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) arrived at Funafuti Atoll.
23 Jan 1944
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) departed Funafuti Atoll for operation FLINTLOCK, the invasion of the Marshall Islands.
Iowa was part of the cover force for the attacks / landings and was part of Task Force 58 which was made up of the following ships;
Task Group 58.1 Aircraft carriers USS Enterprise (Capt. M.B. Gardner, USN), USS Yorktown (Capt. J.J. Clark, USN), light carrier USS Belleau Wood (Capt. A.M. Pride, USN), battleships USS Massachusetts (Capt. T.D. Ruddock, Jr., USN), USS Indiana (Capt. J.M. Steele, USN), USS Washington (Capt. J.E. Maher, USN), light cruiser USS Oakland (Capt. W.K. Phillips, USN) and the destroyers USS Clarence K. Bronson (Lt.Cdr. J.C. McGoughran, USN), USS Cotten (Cdr. F.T. Sloat, USN), USS Dortch (Cdr. R.C. Young, USN), USS Gatling (Cdr. A.F. Richardson, USN), USS Healy (Cdr. J.C. Atkeson, USN), USS Cogswell (Cdr. H.T. Deutermann, USN), USS Caperton (Cdr. W.J. Miller, USN), USS Ingersoll (Cdr. A.C. Veasey, USN), USS Knapp (Cdr. F. Virden, USN).
This task force attacked Maloelap on 29 January 1944 and Kwajalein from 30 January to 3 February 1944.
Task Group 58.2 Aircraft carriers USS Essex (Capt. R.A. Ofstie, USN), USS Intrepid (Capt. T.L. Sprague, USN), light carrier USS Cabot (Capt. M.F. Schoeffel, USN), battleships USS South Dakota (Capt. A.E. Smith, USN), USS Alabama (Capt. F.D. Kirtland, USN), USS North Carolina (Capt. F.P. Thomas, USN), light cruiser USS San Diego (Capt. L.J. Hudson, USN), destroyers USS Owen (Cdr. R.W. Wood, USN), USS Miller (Cdr. T.H. Kobey, USN), USS The Sullivans (Cdr. K.M. Gentry, USN), USS Stephen Potter (Cdr. C.H. Crichton, USN), USS Hickox (Cdr. W.M. Sweetser, USN), USS Hunt (Cdr. H.A. Knoertzer, USN), USS Lewis Hancock (Cdr. C.H. Lyman, 3rd, USN), USS Sterett (Lt.Cdr. F.J.L. Blouin, USN) and USS Stack (Lt.Cdr. P.K. Sherman, Jr., USN).
This task force attacked Roi from 29 January to 3 February.
Task Group 58.3 Aircraft carrier USS Bunker Hill (Capt. J.J. Ballentine, USN), light carriers USS Monterey (Capt. L.T. Hundt, USN), USS Cowpens (Capt. R.P. McConnell, USN), battleships USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN), USS New Jersey (Capt. C.F. Holden, USN), heavy cruiser USS Wichita (Capt J.J. Mahoney, USN), destroyers USS Izard (Cdr. E.K. van Swearingen, USN), USS Charrette (Cdr. E.S. Karpe, USN), USS Conner (Cdr. W.E. Kaitner, USN), USS Bell (Cdr. L.C. Petross, USN), USS Burns (Cdr. D.T. Eller, USN), USS Bradford (Cdr. R.L. Morris, USN), USS Brown (Cdr. T.H. Copeman, USN), USS Cowell (Cdr. C.W. Parker, USN), USS Wilson (Lt.Cdr. C.K. Duncan, USN).
This task force attacked Eniwetok from 30 January to 2 February.
Task Group 58.4 Aircraft carrier USS Saratoga (Capt. J.H. Cassady, USN), light carriers USS Princeton (Capt. G.R. Henderson, USN), USS Langley (Capt. W.M. Dillon, USN), heavy cruisers USS Boston (Capt. J.H. Carson, USN), USS Baltimore (Capt. W.C. Calhoun, USN), light cruiser USS San Juan (Capt. G.W. Clark, USN), destroyers USS Maury (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Koenig, USN), USS Craven (Lt.Cdr. R.L. Fulton, USN), USS Gridley (Cdr. J.H. Motes, Jr., USN), USS McCall (Cdr. E.L. Foster, USN), USS Dunlap (Cdr. C. Iverson, USN), USS Fanning (Cdr. R.M. MacKinnon, USN), USS Case (Cdr. C.M. Howe, 3rd, USN) and USS Cummings (Cdr. P.D. Williams, USN).
This task force attacked Wotje on 29 January, Maloelap on 30 and 31 January and Eniwetok from 3 to 6 February.
For the daily positions of USS Iowa during this operation see the map below.
25 Jan 1944
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) fuelled at sea from USS Platte (Cdr. C.H. Cigel, USNR).
4 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) arrived at Majuro Atoll.
12 Feb 1944
Task Force 58 departed Majuro Atoll for operation HAILSTONE, a raid against the Japanese base at Truk Atoll.
Task Force 58 was made up of the following ships;
Task Group 58.1 Aircraft carriers USS Enterprise (Capt. M.B. Gardner, USN), USS Yorktown (Capt. R.E. Jennings, USN), light carrier USS Belleau Wood (Capt. A.M. Pride, USN), light cruisers Santa Fé (Capt. J. Wright, USN), Mobile (Capt. C.J. Wheeler, USN), Biloxi (Capt. D.M. McGurl, USN), USS Oakland (Capt. W.K. Phillips, USN) and the destroyers USS Clarence K. Bronson (Lt.Cdr. J.C. McGoughran, USN), USS Cotten (Cdr. F.T. Sloat, USN), USS Dortch (Cdr. R.C. Young, USN), USS Gatling (Cdr. A.F. Richardson, USN), USS Healy (Cdr. J.C. Atkeson, USN), USS Cogswell (Cdr. H.T. Deutermann, USN), USS Caperton (Cdr. W.J. Miller, USN), USS Ingersoll (Cdr. A.C. Veasey, USN), USS Knapp (Cdr. F. Virden, USN).
Task Group 58.2 Aircraft carriers USS Essex (Capt. R.A. Ofstie, USN), USS Intrepid (Capt. T.L. Sprague, USN), light carrier USS Cabot (Capt. M.F. Schoeffel, USN), heavy cruisers USS Wichita (Capt J.J. Mahoney, USN), USS Baltimore (Capt. W.C. Calhoun, USN), heavy cruiser USS San Francisco (Capt. H.E. Overesch, USN), light cruiser USS San Diego (Capt. L.J. Hudson, USN), destroyers USS Owen (Cdr. R.W. Wood, USN), USS Miller (Cdr. T.H. Kobey, USN), USS The Sullivans (Cdr. K.M. Gentry, USN), USS Stephen Potter (Cdr. C.H. Crichton, USN), USS Hickox (Cdr. W.M. Sweetser, USN), USS Hunt (Cdr. H.A. Knoertzer, USN), USS Lewis Hancock (Cdr. C.H. Lyman, 3rd, USN), USS Stembel (Cdr. W.L. Tagg, USN) and USS Stack (Lt.Cdr. R.E. Wheeler, USN).
Task Group 58.3 Aircraft carrier USS Bunker Hill (Capt. T.P. Jeter, USN), light carriers USS Monterey (Capt. L.T. Hundt, USN), USS Cowpens (Capt. R.P. McConnell, USN), battleships USS North Carolina (Capt. F.P. Thomas, USN), USS Massachusetts (Capt. T.D. Ruddock, Jr., USN), USS South Dakota (Capt. A.E. Smith, USN), USS Alabama (Capt. F.D. Kirtland, USN), USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN), USS New Jersey (Capt. C.F. Holden, USN), heavy cruisers USS Minneapolis (Capt. R.W. Bates, USN), USS New Orleans (Capt. S.R. Shumaker, USN), destroyers USS Izard (Cdr. E.K. van Swearingen, USN), USS Charrette (Cdr. E.S. Karpe, USN), USS Conner (Cdr. W.E. Kaitner, USN), USS Bell (Cdr. L.C. Petross, USN), USS Burns (Cdr. D.T. Eller, USN), USS Bradford (Cdr. R.L. Morris, USN), USS Brown (Cdr. T.H. Copeman, USN), USS Cowell (Cdr. C.W. Parker, USN), USS Wilson (Lt.Cdr. C.K. Duncan, USN), USS Sterett (Lt.Cdr. F.J.L. Blouin, USN) and USS Lang (Cdr. H. Payson, Jr., USN).
12 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
For the daily positions of USS Iowa during operation HAILSTONE see the map below.
16 Feb 1944
The first airstrikes were launched against Truk by Task Force 58. They did quite some damage but also reported that four enemy cruisers were making an escape to the north.
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) together with sister ship USS New Jersey (Capt. C.F. Holden, USN), heavy cruisers USS Minneapolis (Capt. R.W. Bates, USN), USS New Orleans (Capt. S.R. Shumaker, USN), destroyers USS Charrette (Cdr. E.S. Karpe, USN), USS Burns (Cdr. D.T. Eller, USN), USS Izard (Cdr. E.K. van Swearingen, USN) and USS Bradford (Cdr. R.L. Morris, USN) were detached to intercept and engage these ships.
They did not find the reported enemy cruisers but engaged a Japanese convoy instead.
This convoy had just departed Truk of Yokusuka and was made up of the Japanese armed merchant cruiser Akagi Maru (7366 GRT, built 1936). She was escorted by light (training) cruiser Katori, destroyers Maikaze and Nowaki and minesweeping trawler Shonan Maru No.15.
Akagi Maru was sunk by aircraft from the carriers. The aircraft also torpedoed and damaged Katori. Destroyer Maikaze was also damaged.
Early in the afternoon the American ships came across Katori, Maikaze and Shonan Maru No.15. They take the Japanese ships under fire. Katori meanwhile fired torpedoes against USS Iowa but missed. Maikaze also fired torpedoes but these passed between USS Iowa and USS New Jersey. Iowa then sank Katori with gunfire and New Jersey did the same with Shonan Maru No.15. USS Minneapolis and USS New Orleans meanwhile took care of Maikaze and sent her to a watery grave.
After the action all ships re-joined Task Group 58.3 the following morning.
The following is an extract from the action report of USS Iowa. 1118 hours - Detached with the ship mentioned above to destroy crippled enemy vessels reported to be escaping to sea from Truk through North Pass.
1205 hours - The group was now in position 08°10'N, 152°56'E.
1318 hours - While Iowa was under a heavy black cloud when suddenly a Japanese Zeke plane dove towards and dropped a light bomb which hit the water about 100 to 200 feet from the starboard side of the ship abreast turret 1. No casualties or damage resulted. The plane then attacked again stafing the ship but again no damage was caused. After this second attack the attacker was shot down by American fighters.
1414 hours - Sighted an unidentified burning ship bearing 270°(T).
1449 hours - USS New Jersey reported two light cruisers and one destroyer bearing 270°(T) at a range of 25 nautical miles. A plane reported that one of the cruisers was dead in the water and that there was an additional target between our formation and those enemy ships.
1452 hours - USS Izards reported smoke on the horizon dead ahead.
1500 hours - By now three targets were visible, a cruiser bearing 233°(T), range 33000 yards, a cruiser (or destroyer) bering 260°(T) and a small ship bearing 270°(T), range 22000 yards.
1510 hours - Our destroyers on both bows opened fire on the small vessel which was thought to be an auxiliary but later was thought to be a minelayer.
1512 hours - Went to 30 knots.
1516 hours - The light cruiser (or destroyer) ahead, now bearing 260°(T) at a range of 28800 yards was observed to stand away to the westward at high speed. The main battery was trained on her and was reported ready. The enemy made off on course 318°(T) at a speed of 24 knots.
A fourth target was now sighted near the position the cruiser had been lying to. This was thought to be a Fubuki class destroyer dead in the water and smoking.
1530 hours - Fire was now opened on the cruiser with 16" and 5". This cruiser was already under fire from USS Minneapolis and USS New Orleans.
Iowa fired 8 salvos with the main battery. All were straddles. After the fourth salvo the cruiser was suddenly seen to take a heavy list to port.
1541 hours - The bow of the cruiser rose about 30 feet out of the water and she sank stern first.
While Iowa fired her first salvo torpedo wakes were seen heading towards Iowa. One of the torpedoes passed close aboard the port side.
1547 hours - Iowa now opened fire on a destroyer that was seen retiring from the scene. Five main battery salvos were fired from a opening range of of 35700 yards. Fire was ceased when the range was 39000 yards.
26 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) returned to Majuro Atoll.
17 Mar 1944
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) departed Majoro Atoll as part of Task Group 50.10 which was to bombard Milli Island. The other ships of the task force were battleship USS New Jersey (Capt. C.F. Holden, USN) and destroyers USS Dewey (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Copeland, USN), USS Hull (Lt.Cdr. C.W. Consolvo, USN), USS MacDonough (Cdr. J.W. Ramey, USN) and USS Phelps (Lt.Cdr. D.L. Martineau, USN). Air cover was provided by fleet carrier USS Lexington (Capt. F.B. Stump, USN) escorted by destroyers USS Bancoft (Cdr. R.M. Pitts, USN), USS Meade (Cdr. J. Munholland, USN) and USS Edwards (Cdr. P.G. Osler, USN).
For the daily positions of USS Iowa during this operation see the map below.
18 Mar 1944
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) bombarded Milli Atoll. During this bombardment Iowa was hit twice by enemy gunfire from shore batteries but damage was not severe.
The following is an extract from the action report of USS Iowa.
0540 hours - Went to action stations.
0554 hours - Milli Atoll was now 40000 yards away bearing 001 degrees.
0704 hours - Opened fire with the main battery from a range of approximately 20000 yards. During the period 0704 - 0906 hours USS Iowa and USS New Jersey alternately bombarded targets on Milli Atoll. Range had been closed to approximately 15000 yards and now also the 5" battery was used for the bombardment.
0907 hours - Enemy coast defence guns now opened fire on the battleships and their screen. Counter fire employing both main battery and the 5" battery was immediately started.
0940 hours - Iowa was hit by enemy gunfire about 18" above the top of the barbette on the left side plate of No.2 turret. The enemy gunfire was believed to be 6" caliber.
0956 hours - Iowa was hit again, this time in the hull, port side, near frame 134, about four feet below the main deck. No fires resulted from either hit.
1000 hours - Ceased firing as the air groups began their first strike. The Task Unit now retired from the area.
1120 hours - New Jersey reported a periscope and wake about 4000 yards off her port beam. The task Unit commenced an emergency turn to the right and at 1136 hours commenced zig-zagging.
In all a total of 180 rounds of 18" and 852 rounds of 5" had been expended.
19 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) returned to Majoro Atoll.
22 Mar 1944
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) departed Majuro Atoll for operation DESECRATE, a raid against the Japanese bases at Palau (30 and 31 March), Yap (31 March) and Woleai (1 April).
Iowa was part of Task Force 58 which was made up of the following ships;
Task Group 58.1 (that sailed from Esperitu Santo) Aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (Capt. M.B. Gardner, USN), light carriers, USS Belleau Wood (Capt. A.M. Pride, USN), USS Cowpens (Capt. R.P. McConnell, USN), light cruisers USS Santa Fe (Capt. J. Wright, USN), USS Mobile (Capt. C.J. Wheeler, USN), USS Biloxi (Capt. D.M. McGurl, USN), USS Oakland (Capt. W.K. Phillips, USN), destroyers (DesRon 50), USS Clarence K. Bronson (Lt.Cdr. J.C. McGoughran, USN), USS Cotten (Cdr. F.T. Sloat, USN), USS Dortch (Cdr. R.C. Young, USN), USS Gatling (Cdr. A.F. Richardson, USN), USS Healy (Cdr. J.C. Atkeson, USN), USS Cogswell (Cdr. H.T. Deutermann, USN), USS Caperton (Cdr. W.J. Miller, USN), USS Ingersoll (Cdr. A.C. Veasey, USN), USS Knapp (Cdr. F. Virden, USN).
Task Group 58.2 Aircraft carriers, USS Bunker Hill (Capt. T.P. Jeter, USN), USS Hornet (Capt. M.R. Browning, USN), light carriers USS Monterey (Capt. L.T. Hundt, USN), USS Cabot (Capt. M.F. Schoeffel, USN), battleships USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN), USS New Jersey (Capt. C.F. Holden, USN), heavy cruisers USS Wichita (Capt J.J. Mahoney, USN), USS San Francisco (Capt. H.E. Overesch, USN), USS Minneapolis (Capt. R.W. Bates, USN), USS New Orleans (Capt. S.R. Shumaker, USN), destroyers (DesRon 52) USS Owen (Cdr. R.W. Wood, USN), USS Miller (Cdr. T.H. Kobey, USN), USS The Sullivans (Cdr. K.M. Gentry, USN), USS Hickox (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Wesson, USN), USS Hunt (Cdr. H.A. Knoertzer, USN), USS Lewis Hancock (Cdr. W.M. Searles, USN), USS Marshall (Cdr. J.D. McKinney, USN), (DesRon 1) USS Dewey (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Copeland, USN), USS Phelps (Lt.Cdr. D.L. Martineau, USN), USS MacDonough (Cdr. J.W. Ramey, USN), USS McDermut (Cdr. P.L. Wirtz, USN), USS Farragut (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Ferguson, USN), USS Monaghan (Lt.Cdr. W.F.A. Wendt, USN), USS Dale (Cdr. C.W. Aldrich, Sr., USN), USS Aylwin (Cdr. R.O. Strange, Sr., USN).
Task Group 58.3 Aircraft carriers USS Yorktown (Capt. R.E. Jennings, USN), USS Lexington (Capt. F.B. Stump, USN) light carriers USS Princeton (Capt. W.H. Buracker, USN), USS Langley (Capt. W.M. Dillon, USN), battleships USS Massachusetts (Capt. T.D. Ruddock, Jr., USN), USS North Carolina (Capt. F.P. Thomas, USN), USS South Dakota (Capt. R.S. Riggs, USN), USS Alabama (Capt. F.D. Kirtland, USN), heavy cruisers USS Louisville (Capt. S.H. Hurt, USN), USS Portland (Capt. T.G.W. Settle, USN), USS Indianapolis (Capt. E.R. Johnson, USN), USS Canberra (Capt. A.R. Early, USN), light cruiser USS San Juan (Capt. G.W. Clark, USN), destroyers (DesRon 6) USS Maury (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Koenig, USN), USS Craven (Lt.Cdr. R.L. Fulton, USN), USS Gridley (Cdr. J.H. Motes, Jr., USN), USS McCall (Cdr. E.L. Foster, USN), USS Case (Cdr. C.M. Howe, 3rd, USN), (DesDiv 28) USS Bancroft (Cdr. R.M. Pitts, USN), USS Caldwell (Lt.Cdr. G. Wendelburg, USN), USS Edwards (Cdr. P.G. Osler, USN), USS Frazier (Cdr. E.M. Brown, USN), USS Meade (Cdr. J. Munholland, USN) (DesRon 23) USS Stanly (Lt.Cdr. J.B. Morland, USN), USS Charles Ausburne (Lt.Cdr. L.K. Reynolds, USN), USS Dyson (Lt.Cdr. J.D. Babb, USN), USS Converse (Cdr. J.B. Colwell, USN), USS Spence (Cdr. H.J. Armstrong, Jr., USN), USS Thatcher (Cdr. L.R. Lampman, USN).
For the daily positions of USS Iowa during this operation see the map below.
26 Mar 1944
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) fuelled at sea from USS Atascosa (Cdr. H.L. de Riviera, USN).
(The log of USS Atascosa mentions that she only fuelled destroyers on this day but the log of Iowa mentions that she fuelled from the Atascosa).
6 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) returned to Majoro Atoll.
13 Apr 1944
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) departed Majuro Atoll to provide cover for the following landing operations RECKLESS (Hollandia) and PERSECUTION (Aitape). These operations were completed in the evening of 28 April 1944.
Course was then set towards the Truk area for a two day raid agains this Japanese base. These air raids took place on 29 and 30 April 1945.
Also on 30 April 1945 heavy cruisers Louisville, Portland, Wichita, Baltimore, Boston, Canberra, New Orleans, Minneapolis, San Francisco and the destroyers Bradford, Conner, Izard, Boyd, Brown, Cowell, Charrette, Burns bombarded the Satawan Islands to the south-east of Truk.
The next day the battleships Iowa, New Jersey, North Carolina, Indiana, Massachusetts, South Dakota, Alabama and the destroyers Miller, Owen, The Sullivans, Stephen Potter, Tingey, Converse, Thatcher, Pritchett, Cassin Young, Bell bombarded Ponape.
Iowa was part of Task Force 58 which was made up of the following ships;
Task Group 58.1 Aircraft carrier USS Hornet (Capt. M.R. Browning, USN), light carriers, USS Belleau Wood (Capt. J. Perry, USN), USS Cowpens (Capt. R.P. McConnell, USN), USS Bataan (Capt. V.H. Schaeffer, USN), light cruisers USS Santa Fe (Capt. J. Wright, USN), USS Mobile (Capt. C.J. Wheeler, USN), USS Biloxi (Capt. D.M. McGurl, USN), USS San Juan (Capt. G.W. Clark, USN), USS Oakland (Capt. W.K. Phillips, USN), destroyers (DesRon 46) USS Izard (Cdr. E.K. van Swearingen, USN), USS Charrette (Cdr. E.S. Karpe, USN), USS Conner (Cdr. W.E. Kaitner, USN), USS Bell (Lt.Cdr. J.S.C. Gabbert, USN), USS Burns (Cdr. D.T. Eller, USN), USS Bradford (Cdr. R.L. Morris, USN), USS Brown (Cdr. T.H. Copeman, USN), USS Boyd (Cdr. U.S.G. Sharp, Jr., USN), USS Cowell (Cdr. C.W. Parker, USN), (DesDiv 28) USS Bancroft (Cdr. R.M. Pitts, USN), USS Caldwell (Lt.Cdr. G. Wendelburg, USN), USS Meade (Cdr. J. Munholland, USN), USS Edwards, (Cdr. P.G. Osler, USN), (DesRon 6, joined at sea on 18 April, DesRon 6 had been escorting the oilers of Task Group 50.17 and had left Majuro on 11 April) USS Maury (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Koenig, USN), USS Gridley (Cdr. J.H. Motes, Jr., USN), USS McCall (Cdr. E.L. Foster, USN), USS Craven (Lt.Cdr. R.L. Fulton, USN), USS Case (Cdr. C.M. Howe, 3rd, USN).
Task Group 58.2 Aircraft carriers, USS Bunker Hill (Capt. T.P. Jeter, USN), USS Yorktown (Capt. R.E. Jennings, USN), light carriers USS Monterey (Capt. S.H. Ingersoll, USN), USS Cabot (Capt. M.F. Schoeffel, USN), battleships USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN), USS New Jersey (Capt. C.F. Holden, USN), heavy cruisers USS Baltimore (Capt. W.C. Calhoun, USN), USS Boston (Capt. J.H. Carson, USN), USS Wichita (Capt. D.A. Spencer, USN), USS San Francisco (Capt. H.E. Overesch, USN), USS New Orleans (Capt. S.R. Shumaker, USN), USS Minneapolis (Capt. R.W. Bates, USN), destroyers (DesRon 52) USS Owen (Cdr. R.W. Wood, USN), USS Miller (Cdr. T.H. Kobey, USN), USS The Sullivans (Cdr. K.M. Gentry, USN), USS Hickox (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Wesson, USN), USS Hunt (Cdr. H.A. Knoertzer, USN), USS Lewis Hancock (Cdr. W.M. Searles, USN), USS Marshall (Cdr. J.D. McKinney, USN), USS Stephen Potter (Cdr. C.H. Crichton, USN), USS Tingey (Cdr. J.O. Miner, USN) (DesRon 1) USS Dewey (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Copeland, USN), USS MacDonough (Cdr. J.W. Ramey, USN), USS Farragut (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Ferguson, USN), USS Monaghan (Lt.Cdr. W.F.A. Wendt, USN), USS Dale (Cdr. C.W. Aldrich, Sr., USN), USS Aylwin (Cdr. R.O. Strange, Sr., USN), USS Hull (Lt.Cdr. C.W. Consolvo, USN).
Task Group 58.3 Aircraft carriers USS Enterprise (Capt. M.B. Gardner, USN), USS Lexington (Capt. E.W. Litch, USN), light carriers USS Princeton (Capt. W.H. Buracker, USN), USS Langley (Capt. W.M. Dillon, USN), battleships USS Massachusetts (Capt. W.W. Warlick, USN), USS North Carolina (Capt. F.P. Thomas, USN), USS South Dakota (Capt. R.S. Riggs, USN), USS Alabama (Capt. F.D. Kirtland, USN), heavy cruisers USS Louisville (Capt. S.H. Hurt, USN), USS Portland (Capt. T.G.W. Settle, USN), USS Canberra (Capt. A.R. Early, USN), destroyers (DesRon 23) USS Charles Ausburne (Lt.Cdr. L.K. Reynolds, USN), USS Albert W. Grant (Cdr. T.A. Nisewaner, USN), USS Dyson (Lt.Cdr. J.D. Babb, USN), USS Converse (Cdr. J.B. Colwell, USN), USS Spence (Cdr. H.J. Armstrong, Jr., USN), USS Thatcher (Cdr. L.R. Lampman, USN) (DesRon 50) USS Clarence K. Bronson (Lt.Cdr. J.C. McGoughran, USN), USS Cotten (Cdr. F.T. Sloat, USN), USS Dortch (Cdr. R.C. Young, USN), USS Gatling (Cdr. A.F. Richardson, USN), USS Healy (Cdr. J.C. Atkeson, USN), USS Cogswell (Cdr. H.T. Deutermann, USN), USS Caperton (Cdr. W.J. Miller, USN), USS Ingersoll (Cdr. A.C. Veasey, USN), USS Knapp (Cdr. F. Virden, USN). On 29 April 1944 battleship USS Indiana (Capt. T.J. Keliher, USN) and destroyers USS Cassin Young (Cdr. E.T. Schreiber, USN) and USS Prichett (Cdr. C.T. Caulfield, USN) joined Task Force 58.3 at sea.
For the daily positions of USS Iowa during these operations see the map below.
20 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
During the morning USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) topped off five destroyers with fuel.
24 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
During the morning the whole Task Force, including USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN), received fuel from the oilers from Task Group 50.17.
1 May 1944
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) was ordered to bombard Ponape. She was ordered to form Task Unit 58.7.1 together with her sister ship USS New Jersey (Capt. C.F. Holden, USN) and the destroyers (DesDiv 103) USS Owen (Cdr. R.W. Wood, USN), USS Miller (Cdr. T.H. Kobey, USN), USS The Sullivans (Cdr. K.M. Gentry, USN), USS Stephen Potter (Cdr. C.H. Crichton, USN) and USS Tingey (Cdr. J.O. Miner, USN).
The following is an extract from the action report of USS Iowa.
1400 hours - Formed up with the other ships of the Task Unit and set course towards Ponape.
1448 hours - Catapulted two aircraft for gunnery observation.
1532 hours - Opened fire with the 16" armament on the south-west slope of Tolen Palikir. Two 3-gun salvoes were fired from a range of 19600 yards. The spotting plane reported no evidence of enemy installations there so fire was shifted to airstrip number one at a range of 23000 yards. Two salvoes were fired in this area. The last one landing in the intersection area between two runways.
1557 hours - Two salvoes were then fired at the barracks and stores area near airstrip number one. The air spotter reported that five fires were started.
1614 hours - Fired six three-gun salvoes from 20000 to 22000 yards at Jakoj Island and Ponape town. The first of this group landed about 300 feet below the summit of Jokaj ridge, the second at the base of the ridge, the thrid straddled the ridge with one shot observed near the top of the ridge and one landing on the eastern shore of Jokaj Island. The last three landed in Ponape town and waterfrond area and stated several fires.
1630 hours - Fired nine salvoes at air strip number two butnot much damage was done.
1648 hours - The Task Unit retired to the northward. A total of 69 rounds of 16" had been fired in 23 salvoes.
4 May 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) returned to Majoro Atoll.
19 May 1944
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) departed Majoro Atoll for a two day exercise together with her sister ship USS New Jersey (Capt. C.F. Holden, USN), light carrier USS Belleau Wood (Capt. J. Perry, USN) and destroyers USS Izard (Cdr. M.T. Dayton, USN), USS Charrette (Cdr. E.S. Karpe, USN), USS Bell (Lt.Cdr. J.S.C. Gabbert, USN), USS Burns (Cdr. D.T. Eller, USN), USS Conner (Cdr. W.E. Kaitner, USN), USS Patterson (Lt.Cdr. A.F. White, USN) and USS Dorsey (Lt.Cdr. A.E. Teall, USN).
21 May 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) returned to Majoro Atoll.
6 Jun 1944
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) departed Majuro Atoll for operation FORAGER. She was to provide cover for the landings on Saipan.
The successfull landing on Saipan were then followed by landings on Tinian and Guam (Operation STEVEDORE).
Late July 1944 Task Force 58 carried out a raid against Palau.
Iowa was part of Task Force 58 which was made up of the following ships;
Task Group 58.1 Aircraft carriers USS Hornet (Capt. W.D. Sample, USN), USS Yorktown (Capt. R.E. Jennings, USN), light carriers USS Belleau Wood (Capt. J. Perry, USN), USS Bataan (Capt. V.H. Schaeffer, USN), heavy cruisers USS Boston (Capt. E.E. Hermann, USN), USS Baltimore (Capt. W.C. Calhoun, USN), USS Canberra (Capt. A.R. Early, USN), light cruiser USS Oakland (Capt. W.K. Phillips, USN) and the destroyers (DesRon 46) USS Izard (Cdr. M.T. Dayton, USN), USS Charrette (Lt.Cdr. G.P. Joyce, USN), USS Conner (Cdr. W.E. Kaitner, USN), USS Bell (Lt.Cdr. J.S.C. Gabbert, USN), USS Burns (Cdr. D.T. Eller, USN), USS Bradford (Cdr. R.L. Morris, USN), USS Brown (Cdr. T.H. Copeman, USN) and USS Cowell (Cdr. C.W. Parker, USN).
Task Group 58.2 Aircraft carriers USS Bunker Hill (Capt. T.P. Jeter, USN), USS Wasp (Capt. C.A.F. Sprague, USN), light carriers USS Monterey (Capt. S.H. Ingersoll, USN), USS Cabot (Capt. S.J. Michael, USN), light cruisers USS Santa Fé (Capt. J. Wright, USN), USS Mobile (Capt. C.J. Wheeler, USN), USS Biloxi (Capt. D.M. McGurl, USN), USS San Juan (Capt. G.W. Clark, USN) and the destroyers (DesRon 52) USS Owen (Cdr. R.W. Wood, USN), USS Miller (Cdr. T.H. Kobey, USN), USS The Sullivans (Cdr. K.M. Gentry, USN), USS Stephen Potter (Cdr. L.W. Pancoast, USN), USS Tingey (Cdr. J.O. Miner, USN), USS Hickox (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Wesson, USN), USS Hunt (Cdr. H.A. Knoertzer, USN), USS Lewis Hancock (Cdr. W.M. Searles, USN), USS Marshall (Cdr. J.D. McKinney, USN) and USS Tingey (Cdr. J.O. Miner, USN)
Task Group 58.3 Aircraft carriers USS Enterprise (Capt. M.B. Gardner, USN), USS Lexington (Capt. E.W. Litch, USN), light cariers USS San Jacinto (Capt. H.M. Martin, USN), USS Princeton (Capt. W.H. Buracker, USN), heavy cruiser USS Indianapolis (Capt. E.R. Johnson, USN), light cruisers USS Reno (Capt. R.C. Alexander, USN), USS Montpelier (Capt. H.D. Hoffman, USN), USS Cleveland (Capt. A.G. Shepard, USN), Birmingham (Capt. T.B. Inglis, USN) and the destroyers (DesRon 50) USS Clarence K. Bronson (Cdr. G. Scull, USN), USS Cotten (Cdr. F.T. Sloat, USN), USS Dortch (Cdr. R.C. Young, USN), USS Gatling (Cdr. A.F. Richardson, USN), USS Healy (Cdr. J.C. Atkeson, USN), USS Cogswell (Cdr. H.T. Deutermann, USN), USS Caperton (Cdr. W.J. Miller, USN), USS Ingersoll (Cdr. A.C. Veasey, USN) and USS Knapp (Cdr. F. Virden, USN).
Task Group 58.4 Aircraft carrier USS Essex (Capt. R.A. Ofstie, USN), light carriers USS Langley (Capt. W.M. Dillon, USN), USS Cowpens (Capt. H.W. Taylor, USN), light cruisers USS San Diego (Capt. L.J. Hudson, USN), Vincennes (Capt. A.D. Brown, USN), Houston (Capt. W.W. Behrens, USN), Miami (Capt. J.G. Crawford, USN) and the destroyers USS Lansdowne (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Maddox, USN), USS Lardner (Lt.Cdr. J.D. Parker, USN), USS McCalla (Lt.Cdr. E.K. Jones, USN), USS Lang (Cdr. H. Payson, Jr., USN), USS Sterett (Lt.Cdr. F.J.L. Blouin, USN), USS Wilson (Lt.Cdr. C.K. Duncan, USN), USS Case (Cdr. C.M. Howe, 3rd, USN), USS Ellet (Lt.Cdr. E.C. Rider, USN), USS Charles Ausburne (Lt.Cdr. L.K. Reynolds, USN), USS Stanly (Lt.Cdr. J.B. Morland, USN), USS Dyson (Lt.Cdr. J.D. Babb, USN), USS Converse (Cdr. J.B. Colwell, USN), USS Spence (Cdr. H.J. Armstrong, Jr., USN) and USS Thatcher (Cdr. L.R. Lampman, USN).
Task Group 58.7 Battleships USS Washington (Capt. T.R. Cooley, USN), USS North Carolina (Capt. F.P. Thomas, USN), USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN), USS New Jersey (Capt. C.F. Holden, USN), USS Indiana (Capt. T.J. Keliher, USN), USS South Dakota (Capt. R.S. Riggs, USN), USS Alabama (Capt. F.D. Kirtland, USN), heavy cruisers USS Wichita (Capt. D.A. Spencer, USN), USS Minneapolis (Capt. H. Slocum, USN), USS New Orleans (Capt. J.D.H. Kane, USN), USS San Francisco (Capt. H.E. Overesch, USN) and the destroyers USS Mugford (Lt.Cdr. M.A. Shellabarger, USN), USS Conyngham (Lt.Cdr. B. Taylor, USN), USS Patterson (Lt.Cdr. A.F. White, USN), USS Bagley (Lt.Cdr. W.H. Shea, Jr., USN), USS Selfridge (Lt.Cdr. L.L. Snider, USN), USS Halford (Lt.Cdr. R.J. Hardy, USN), USS Guest (Cdr. M.G. Kennedy, USN), USS Bennett (Lt.Cdr. P.F. Hauck, USN), USS Fullam (Cdr. W.D. Kelly, USN), USS Hudson (Lt.Cdr. R.R. Pratt, USN), USS Yarnall (Cdr. B.F. Tompkins, USN), USS Twining (Cdr. E.K. Wakefield, USN), USS Stockham (Cdr. E.P. Holmes, USN) and USS Monssen (Cdr. B.A. Feutsch, USN).
For the daily positions of USS Iowa during these operations see the map below.
8 Jun 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Task Group 58.7 was dissolved and USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) joined Task Group 58.2.
11 Jun 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
During the morning, the heavy ships including USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN), topped off the destroyers of the Task Group with fuel.
13 Jun 1944
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) joined Task Unit 58.7.4 for a bombardment of Saipan and Tinian Island.
Besides Iowa Task Unit 58.7.4 was made up of her sister ship USS New Jersey (Capt. C.F. Holden, USN) and the destroyers USS Mugford (Lt.Cdr. M.A. Shellabarger, USN), USS Patterson (Lt.Cdr. A.F. White, USN), USS Bagley (Lt.Cdr. W.H. Shea, Jr., USN) and USS Conyngham (Lt.Cdr. B. Taylor, USN).
The following is an extract from the action report of USS Iowa. 1015 hours - When north-west of Saipan, Task Unit 58.7.4, was detached to the bombardment area of Saipan.
1033 hours - Two aircraft were catapulted for gunnery observation purposes.
1100 hours - Commenced the bombardment according to the bombardment plan.
1315 hours - USS New Jersey retired to the west to recover and service her aircraft before catapulting them again.
1448 hours - USS New Jersey returned and now Iowa retired to the west to recover and service her aircraft before catapulting them again.
1634 hours - Iowa returned and resumed the bombardment.
1728 hours - Ceased fire and covered the retirement of the minesweepers.
1827 hours - Recovered our aircraft and then retired to the north-west. Iowa re-joined Task Group 58.2 early the following morning.
During the action Iowa had fired a total of 331 16" rounds and 1678 5" rounds.
14 Jun 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
During the day, the heavy ships including USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN), topped off the destroyers of the Task Group with fuel.
16 Jun 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
During the morning, the heavy ships including USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN), topped off the destroyers of the Task Group with fuel. Iowa herself also received fuel from an oiler.
18 Jun 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Battle of the Philippine Sea.
While USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) was about 100 nautical miles west of Tinian Island at 1006 hours the Task Group she was part of made radar contact with a large number of unidentified aircraft proceeding eastwards. It soon became appartent that the enemy was out in force with the objection of inflicting damage to the US Fifth Fleet. The carriers launched fighters to intercept which was successful but some individual aircraft got through. The ships of the Task Group Iowa was part of claimed to have shot down eight enemy aircraft. Iowa herself claimed to have shot down an enemy torpedo plane and assisted in the destruction of two other planes.
23 Jun 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
During the day all ships of the Task Group including USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) were fuelled by a group of oilers.
26 Jun 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
In the afternoon USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) topped off one of the destroyers of the Task Group with fuel.
27 Jun 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) topped off one of the destroyers of the Task Group with fuel.
29 Jun 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) topped off one of the destroyers of the Task Group with fuel.
1 Jul 1944
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) fuelled from the USS Caliente (Lt.Cdr. A.E. Stiff, USNR).
3 Jul 1944
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) topped off one of the destroyers of the Task Group, USS Clarence K. Bronson (Cdr. G. Scull, USN), with fuel.
7 Jul 1944
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) anchored off Saipan Island and fuelled the destroyers USS Lardner (Lt.Cdr. J.D. Parker, USN) and USS McCalla (Lt.Cdr. E.K. Jones, USN). She got underway again later the same day.
10 Jul 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
All ships of the Task Group including USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) were fuelled at sea from a group of oilers.
13 Jul 1944
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) anchored off Saipan Island and fuelled the destroyers USS Lardner (Lt.Cdr. J.D. Parker, USN) and USS McCalla (Lt.Cdr. E.K. Jones, USN). She got underway again later the same day.
20 Jul 1944
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) anchored off Saipan Island and fuelled the destroyers USS Caperton (Cdr. W.J. Miller, USN) and USS Cogswell (Cdr. H.T. Deutermann, USN). She got underway again later the same day.
22 Jul 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
During the day all ships of the Task Group including USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) were fuelled by a group of oilers.
25 Jul 1944
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) topped off four of the destroyers of the Task Group, USS Cotten (Cdr. F.T. Sloat, USN), USS Ingersoll (Cdr. A.C. Veasey, USN), USS Dortch (Cdr. R.C. Young, USN) and USS Sterett (Lt.Cdr. F.J.L. Blouin, USN), with fuel.
28 Jul 1944
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) topped off four of the destroyers of the Task Group, USS Hickox (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Wesson, USN), USS Dortch (Cdr. R.C. Young, USN), USS Hunt (Cdr. H.A. Knoertzer, USN) and USS Owen (Cdr. R.W. Wood, USN), with fuel.
30 Jul 1944
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) fuelled from the USS Caliente (Lt.Cdr. A.E. Stiff, USNR).
4 Aug 1944
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) topped off four of the destroyers of the Task Group, USS Morrison (Cdr. W.H. Price, USN), USS The Sullivans (Cdr. K.M. Gentry, USN), USS Laws (Cdr. L.O. Wood, USN) and USS Miller (Cdr. T.H. Kobey, USN), with fuel.
11 Aug 1944
USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) arrived at Eniwetok after over two months at sea.
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