Navy Department Communique No. 282

FEBRUARY 16, 1943

The following is a summary of naval operations in the South Pacific from January 29 to February 4. (All dates are east longitude):

1. During the latter part of January, U. S. reconnaissance planes located heavy Japanese fleet units, including battleships and aircraft carriers, in the waters between Truk and the Solomon Islands. Simultaneously reports were received of large groups of enemy destroyers in the Solomon Islands and an unusually heavy concentration of enemy aircraft at all of the Japanese bases in the Solomon Islands-New Britain area.
2. It appeared possible that the Japanese Fleet might accept a decisive battle. Subsequent events indicate however that the enemy was solely concerned with evacuation of troops from Guadalcanal and interference with the movements of U. S. troop transports which were landing soldiers Guadalcanal shortly before the collapse of enemy resistance on the island. There were no actions between heavy forces. Active operations of enemy surface forces were confined mainly to movements of destroyer detachments under heavy air cover between Guadalcanal and enemy bases in the northern Solomons.
3. During the evening of January 29th, a force of U. S. cruisers and destroyers, which was covering transport movements and operating about 70 miles to the south of Guadalcanal in the vicinity of Rennell Island, was attacked by enemy torpedo planes. The U. S. S. Chicago was hit by torpedoes and severely damaged. The damaged cruiser was taken in tow by another cruiser and later was turned over to a tug for towing.
4. The following day, January 30th, in the afternoon, the Chicago was again attacked by 13 enemy torpedo planes and as a result of this attack was sunk. U. S. aircraft shot down 12 of the 13 enemy planes, but not in time to ward off the attack on the Chicago. Personnel casualties were not large and the next of kin of those killed, wounded, and missing, have been notified. On January 31st, a force of U. S. bombers and fighters attacked an enemy formation of one destroyer, one corvette and one large cargo vessel in the Vella Gulf. The three enemy vessels were left dead in the water, burning and listing.
5. On February 1st, a force of U. S. dive bombers, torpedo planes and fighters attacked an enemy formation of four destroyers in the northern Solomons area. Two of the destroyers were believed sunk and a third was left burning.
6. U. S. aircraft were attacked by 10 Zeros, 2 of which were shot down. Two U. S. fighter planes were lost in the attack.
7. In air combat at least 20 planes were destroyed in the Guadalcanal area during the day. Ten U. S. planes were lost.
8. During the afternoon of February 1st, a force of enemy dive bombers, escorted by Zeros, attacked and sank a U. S. destroyer between Cape Esperance and Savo Island. The next of kin of casualties will be notified by telegram as soon as information is received.
9. During the night of February 1st-2d, an enemy force of about 20 destroyers approached Guadalcanal. They were attacked by U. S. motor torpedo boats and at least 1 destroyer was sunk and 2 others are believed to have been sunk. Three U. S. motor torpedo boats were lost.
10. On the morning of February 2d, a force of Dauntless dive bombers and Avenger torpedo planes attacked 16 enemy destroyers northeast of Kolombangara in the New Georgia group. One bomb hit was scored on an enemy destroyer and a near hit on another. One Avenger was damaged by antiaircraft fire.
11. During the evening of February 2d, a force of Flying Fortresses, escorted by Lightnings and Warhawks, scored hits on a large enemy cargo ship off Shortland Island. The vessel was left burning and listing. Our planes were attacked by 20 enemy fighters. Nine or Possibly 10 enemy planes were shot down. All U. S. planes returned.
12. During the afternoon of February 4th, a force of U. S. torpedo planes, dive bombers, and fighters attacked an enemy formation of 20 destroyers about 200 miles northwest of Guadalcanal. One destroyer was sunk and another was badly damaged. An enemy destroyer was later observed burning. In this attack 7 Zeros were shot down and 5 others were probably destroyed. Four U. S. torpedo planes, one bomber and one fighter were lost. In a second attack, Dauntless dive bombers, escorted by Wildcats and Warhawks, attacked 18 enemy destroyers which were covered by 25 Zeros. Two hits were scored on 1 destroyer and 1 hit on another. Ten enemy Zeros were shot down and 2 others were probably destroyed. Three U. S. fighters and 1 dive bomber were lost.
13. The above account includes all known U. S. and Japanese losses.
14. Events subsequent to February 4th centered around the collapse of Japanese resistance on Guadalcanal as has been announced in previous communiqués.

NOTE:

• (1) Partial accounts of some of the above described actions have appeared in press dispatches originating in the South Pacific but have not been announced previously in any Navy Department communiqué.