Hamlin (AV 15) - Naval Cruise Book

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sw-am wx N W s,44M4YI?Q .1 A YQ j X NASE: cs Qwvgxwmxfz., 42 ,V g X ..,., ..,.sw.a. On constant patrol over enemy waters, the planes of our squadron daily encountered picket boats, luggers and fishing vessels. These srnall craft formed a protective ring about the hcrne islands of Japan. Acting as advance reconnaisance, these vessels could obtain information cf our fleet move- ments and radio warnings of approaching raids. For our own security, they had to be destroyed. Though the fire-control of most of these ships was famous for its inaccuracy, our planes did not al- ways escape unscathed. The PBM is nct speedy nor built for maneuverability. Making a borrber run on a ship Cupper leftl which was ready and able, proved almost disastrous for this plane and crew. After being downed at sea, the crew members were rescued by one of their own Dumbo flights while the loss of the planes was listed under expendable, Page 39 IHIW A'I' EA if CREW K

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xii 'llllllll Radio-radar stations pictured above and at left, were an added menace to the secrecy which must surround the loca- tion and movements of allied shipping. By radar, these stations could pick up our planes or ships many miles out, giving themselves precious minutes in which to man their fighters or dispatch a superior force ot ships. Many of our radio transmissions were intercepted at these advanced posi- tions endangering our security of communications. Such stations were decommissioned by the versatile Martin Mariner using machine-gun tire' or bombs, paving the way for our fleet. Page 38 'H rx si af if qw. .37 wlzfv I f9f iI'E A 1

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