Navy Department Communique No. 36

FEBRUARY 1, 1942

The Navy Department issued the following communiqué on the naval situation based on reports received up to noon (e. s. t.) today:

Central Pacific.
A surprise attack has been made upon Japanese naval and air bases in the Marshall and Gilbert Islands. The attack was executed by surface and air units of the United States Pacific Fleet.
In the Marshalls, bases on the Islands of Jaluit, Wotje, Kwajalein, Roi (in the Kwajalein Atoll), and Taroa (in the Maloelap Atoll) were raided.
Makin Island, occupied by the Japanese since December 7, 1941, also was attacked.
Admiral Nimitz reports that while no large enemy combatant vessels were found many enemy fleet auxiliaries were sunk, beached or otherwise damaged extensively.
Japanese military installations on shore were hit hard by naval aviation units and shell fire. Many enemy airplanes were destroyed both on the ground and in the air.
Our naval aircraft struck the enemy positions and ships with bombs, torpedoes and guns.
Our surface ships meanwhile heavily bombarded several of the enemy’s key shore positions.
Two of our surface vessels received minor damage from near bomb misses.
Eleven American aircraft failed to return from the attack. Our total personnel losses are not yet known, but are believed to have been slight.
There is nothing to report from other areas.