Missouri (BB 63) - Naval Cruise Book

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Carrying Admiral Halsey, the flagship of the Third Fleet, sailed into Sagami Wan on August 27 for a rendezvous with a Japanese destroyer carry- ing Nipponese naval officers and pilots. The U.S.S. Nicholas, a destroyer, moving ahead of the flagship, took aboard eighteen Japanese by small boat transfer. Over their bitter protests, the Japanese were relieved of their beloved samurai swords and daggers. The Nicholas then moved alongside the Missouri and transferred the Japanese by boatswains chair. A r apanese naval officers Peering from the bridge, Admiral Halsey grinned as he watched their arrival and his smile grew wider as each glum-faced Jap was swung aboard. The Admiral did not meet the visitors but entrusted that duty to his Chief of Stali, Rear Admiral Carney. The Japanese, searched again by Marine Guards, were led to the Captainis cabin where they were rigorously cross-examined by Rear Admiral Carney and other staff oliicers. Charts of Sagami and Tokyo Wan, as well as other Japanese waters, were scrutinized and the enemy called upon to specify the location of his minefields. The information thus obtained proved accurate, after thorough checking and re-checking. The Fleet was able to move into Tokyo Bay for the surrender ceremonies without incident., ,f

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The Missouri was in the dead center of the wind-up of this war. Aboard the Missouri, first Contact was made between United States and Japanese oiiicials. Seven days before the surrender ceremonies, the Missouri took aboard Japanese ernissaries and pilots to obtain vital information on ininehelds and harbor conditions in Sagami Wan and Tokyo Bay, where the United States ships were to enter. x,,,,,,.-.--H apanese at entrance to tunnel--Yokosuka Naval Base

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