Navy Department Communique No. 9

DECEMBER 16, 1941

Two islands in the Hawaiian area have been shelled by Japanese war vessels within the last 24 hours. The naval outpost of Johnston Island figured for the first time in Pacific action. It was bombarded by ships of the enemy at dusk. On the northeastern coast of the island of Maui, the shipping center of Kahului was shelled by an enemy submarine at about the same time. Damage in both instances is believed to be slight. Naval operations are continuing against the enemy.
Wake Island has sustained two additional bombing attacks. The first occurred in the afternoon, the second in the evening. The first attack was light, the second heavy.
Wake and Midway are countering the blows of the enemy.