US Marine Corps - The Black Vault

CACTUS Bound 317
already in the South Pacific Area. The attack objective of their submarines
was not changed to the amphibious and logistic support forces, as had been
anticipated by Rear Admiral Turner.zi
On the run from Wellington to Koro in the Fijis, there were only two
submarine alarms, but as the COMPHIBFORSOPAC Staff Log indicates
“contact could not be developed, presumed non-submarine.”
On the first days of the six-day run from the Fijis to Guadalcanal, there
were no submarine alerts within Task Force 62, a most unusual occurrence
for a large task force at sea, and indicative that the submarine menace in the
South Pacific had a low evaluation in the minds of the hundreds of alert
sailormen who manned the submarine detection gear.
A WORD OF CONFIDENCE
Just before dark, on the night before the assault landing, Rear Admiral
Turner sent out the following personally written message to Task Force 62.
PUBLISH TO ALL HANDS,
On August seventh, this Force will recapture Tulagi and Guadalcanal
Islands, which are now in the hands of the enemy.
In this first step forward toward clearing the Japanese out of conquered
territory, we have strong support from the Pacific Fleet, and from the air,
surface and submarine forces in the South Pacific and Australia.
It is significant of victory that we see here shoulder to shoulder, the U. S.
Navy, Marines and Army, and the Australian and New Zealand Air, Naval
and Army Services.
I have confidence that all elements of this armada will, in skill and cour-
age, show themselves fit comrades of those brave men who already have dealt
the enemy mighty blows for our great cause.
God bless you all.
R. K. TURNER, Rear Admiral, U. S. N~vy, Commanding
Rear Admiral Turner thought enough of this message to retain it in his
personal files. This was the only one of the many he sent prior to an
operation that he so retained. It was neither a public relations office blurb,
nor a football pep rally speech, but a subdued and serious statement by
a very serious-minded man.
n FromAugustthroughNovember1S142in SOPACAr~ two U.S. carriers,one battleshipand
one anti-aircraftcruiserwere torpedoed:Sdr’aloga(CV-3), 31 Augustby 1–26;lP’tifjJ(cV–7),
15 septemberby 1-19; ~ortb Carolina(BB-55) 15 Septemberby 1–15;Jtmeau (CL–1 19), 13
November by I–26. Juneaz was sunk, and lVu~P disabled was then actually sunk by U. S. forces.
Others were damaged.