Navy Department Communique No. 42

FEBRUARY 21, 1942

The Navy Department issued the following communiqué, outlining the naval situation as of noon (e. w. t.) February 21, 1942:

Far East.
Six U. S. destroyers in company with Dutch warships attacked the Japanese landing force on the Island of Bali and sank two enemy destroyers. Our destroyers suffered only slight damage and minor loss of personnel.
In addition to the naval battalion composed of bluejackets and marines fighting with General MacArthur’s command considerable equipment salvaged from Cavite and other sources of naval supply has been used to good advantage in the defense of the Bataan Peninsula.
Rear Admiral Francis W. Rockwell, U. S. Navy, Commandant of the Sixteenth Naval District, the senior naval officer fighting with General MacArthur, reports that this equipment consists of 3-inch and 4-inch artillery as well as boat guns and machine guns of several types, with grenades, aircraft bombs and ammunition. A large number of hand depth charges have been available.
Stores of gasoline, Diesel oil and lubricating oil were saved and are being used in field operations. Motor launches, tugs and facilities for repair of artillery, tanks, and trucks have been provided in addition to electrical and ordnance supplies.
Personnel of the naval air base organization who were previously employed on Government contracts have constructed and repaired airfields and roads in the fighting area. Such heavy equipment as steam shovels tractors, cranes, trucks and graders have been operated by this organization to useful advantage on Bataan and Corregidor.
There is nothing to report from other areas.