US Marine Corps - The Black Vault

466 Amphibians Came To Conquer
(PTs) of Torpedo Boat Squadron Two, and twelve LCTS of Landing Craft
Tank Flotilla Five.
The TF 61 Operation order for CLEANSLATE indicates that the 12
LCTS were from LCT Group 13, but as a matter of fact there were seven
LCTS from Group 13, four LCTS from Group 14, and one from Group 15,
all temporarily assigned to LCT Group 13 for operational control.
Of the 16 ships, 108 large and small landing craft and 8 motor torpedo
boats in the spit kit amphibious force and CLEANSLATE, only the fast
minesweepers Hopkins, Trever, Southward, and Zane, and the destroyer
IYihon of the ships in the original WATCHTOWER invasion task force
shared with Rear Admiral Turner the satisfaction of participating in the
initial phase of the first forward island jumping movement of the South
Pacific Area. The Hovey (DMS- 11 ) lost out on this high honor when she
did not arrive at Guadalcanal in time to load and the GridIey (DD-380)
was substituted for her in the initial phase of CLEANSLATE.
In addition to the 43rcl Infantry Division (less its 172nd Regimental
Combat Team) the major units named to participate in the operation were
the Marine Srd Raider Battalion, anti-aircraft elements of the Marine
1 lth Defense Battalion, half of the 35th Naval Construction Battalion and
ACORN Three, and the naval unit designated to construct, operate, and
maintain the planned aircraft facilities on Banika Island. An ACORN was
an airfield assembly designed to construct, operate, and maintain an advanced
land plane and seaplane base and provide facilities for operation. Marine
Air Group 21 and the loth Marine Defense Battalion were enroute to
the South Pacific Area and were to be assigned to the Russells upon arrival.
CLEANSLATE was the first major amphibious island jumping operation
where radar-equipped planes, “Black Cats,” were used to cover all of the
night movements of our own ship and craft against the approach of enemy
surface and air forces.
SUPPORTING FORCES
CTF 63, COMAIRSOPACFOR, Vice Admiral Fitch, was ordered to provide
long-range air search, anti-aircraft cover, anti-submarine screen and
air strikes. If needed, he would supply direct air support during the landing
and advance from the beaches.
Cruiser Division 12, at the moment commanded by Captain Aaron S. (Tip)
Merrill, about to be elevated to Flag rank, was ordered to provide immediate