Santa Fe (CL 60) - Naval Cruise Book

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Iwo fima getsfrsl taste fy' naval bombardment. Overall slrategic plan callsfor the denial of Iwo as slaging centerfor mainland aircraft. Ml ll H' no its With the Jap Heet out of action, the carrier and surface fleet steamed back to Eniwetok for a breather. On 30 June Task Force 58 sortied out, bound for the Fourth of July fireworks at Iwo Jima. The tremendous bombard- ment that day demolished over 75fZ,of the enemy installa- tions on the island and neutralized all enemy aircraft. During this action our spotting plane was attacked by 3 Zeros. The radioman-gunner shot down oneaof the three before the SANTA FE's riddled plane was forced to land. A rescue destroyer picked the plane's lucky, unhurt crew from the water. On 5 July a small strike was launched at Pagan as the task force steamed south for a fueling rendezvous. From 6 July, when fueling was completed, until 21 July the Ammunition dumpjust hi! sends up column of tlnek gray smoke. Blan- ket :yt such smoke makes air and surfaee spotting all bu! impossible. 53 EWPZUHVHZ Jblflls from SANTA FE's guns produce angry white pzfs. Smoke from burning planes and fuel tanks proves jfring aceurary.

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11-q Iwo 7ima's beach between bombardment smoke and Mt. Saribaehi, unknown at the time, is destined to beeome Paeyids bloodiest beaelzlzead. carriers launched daily air strikes, alternating between Guam and Rota. The force next moved farther south for more air strikes-this time against Yap, VVoleai, Ulithi and Palau. A few enemy planes intercepted by our CAP on 25 July constituted the sole enemy attack. VVhen the operation was completed, 28 July, the SANTA FE steamed back to the Marianas with the carriers, anchoring briefly off Saipan for the morning of 2 August. Afternoon of the same day found the task force enroute to the Bonins. Early 4 August search planes spotted a Jap convoy leaving Chichi Jima. Planes Were immediately launched from TG 58's carriers and CruDiv 13 was ordered to take Palau, a eomplieated group of small isiands, eoves and bays is diversionary target of Task Groups 58.1, 58.2 and 58.3for three days beginning Z5 fzzly. Primary responsibility of seapower is safeguarding amphibious troops now landing on Guam. 59