USS PICKING WORLD WAR II LOG

May 18, 1945.                        Zone description (-) 9 (Continued)

them in grid area 7071, four hundred yards north of the airstrip and 300 yards in from the beach. The gig was put into the water and sent to pick up survivors. The whaleboat had gone to the MISSISSIPPI with a stores working party earlier in the morning, and it was recalled to be used for the same purpose. Six LCI’s were sent by C.T.G. 54.1 for rescue work. L.C.I. 355 went alongside the starboard quarter of the burning LONGSHAW to take aboard survivors. At 1155, L.C.I. 352 was hit on the bow. The PICKING gig was alongside her at the time transferring survivors. Many of the survivors jumped back into the water and had to be recovered again. Those still aboard the LONGSHAW were jettisoning powder and projectiles from the fantail. A systematic counter-battery fire plan was set up by C.T.G. 54.1 which insured harassing all possible gun emplacements by assigning fire support ships definite target areas of responsibility. This plan was put into effect at 1158 with ships using slow deliberate fire. According to reports by a signalman survivor and a fire and rescue party from the tug, all classified publications and special equipment were destroyed.

 

It was evident that the LONGSHAW was beyond salvage and it was decided by C.T.F 54 to completely destroy her by torpedo fire. PICKING was assigned the task by C.T.G. 54. Took station 2100 yards northwest of the LONGSHAW to give a target angle as close to 270 as possible and permit the

torpedo track to clear all shoals. The first torpedo crept to the right, missed the stern by less than 25 yards and exploded on the shoal beyond. The second run was identical to the first. A third run looked good-possibly a little to the left - but it appeared to strike a shoal, glance off to the left and detonated underwater before reaching the target. The track of the fourth shot went directly to the center of the hull, but it failed to explode. The EDWARDS now tried two torpedo shots. The first missed and exploded on the shoal just beyond; the second failed to explode. The EDWARDS then commenced firing 5”/38 projectiles. One of these caused a violent explosion in the LONGSHAW. However, she still remained above water and fairly intact. PICKING fired her fifth torpedo from a position to the southwest to ensure that the torpedo would miss any shoals. It struck on the starboard quarter of the LONGSHAW causing a terrific explosion, blowing away large pieces of metal. The hull now settled and took on a 15° starboard list. There could have been nothing left of value on the LONGSHAW. But it was battered further with 5”/38. One of these caused another large explosion. There were now only two twisted pieces of wreckage projecting 3 and 4 feet above water. PICKING ceased fire and moved out to join the SALT LAKE CITY which was lying to observing the operation of destroying the LONGSHAW. Released at 1825 by COMCRUDIV 5 to proceed on assigned duty. Steamed northward to HAGUSHI ANCHORAGE and reported to C.T.G. 54.2, CONBATDIV 4 in the WEST VIRGINIA. Assigned an anchorage for the night at HAGUSHI. Enemy planes were around OKINAWA in moderate force during the night commencing at 1915. PICKING effectively hidden in smoke screen. DRAKE FIELD was reported bombed three times. Night fighters shot down 12 of the raiders.

Positions:

             0800 - Latitude - 26°-l0.6’ N;    Longitude - 127°-36.8’ E.

             1200 - Latitude - 26°-l0.5’ N;    Longitude - l27°-36.2’ E.

             2000 - Latitude - 26°-28.0’ N;    Longitude - 127°-54.5’ E.

 

May 19 , 1945 .                      Zone description ( -) 9

Underway at 0445 proceeding from HAGUSHI to KERAMA RETTO in company with units of TASK GROUP 54.3, the logistics group. Fuel and ammunition replenished, returned to HAGUSHI and anchored for the night as a unit of TASK GROUP 54.2.

Positions:

0800 - Latitude - 26°-11.l’ N; Longitude - l27°-20.2’ E.

1200 - Latitude - 26°-l9.9’ N; Longitude - l27°-20.l’ E.

2000 - Latitude - 26°-19.9’ N; Longitude - l27°-44.1’ E.

 

May 20, 1945.                        Zone description (-) 9

Remained at HAGUSHI ANCHORAGE during the day; computer out of Commission, ships force attempting repairs. A small air raid at dusk failed to do any damage to ships in the anchorage.

Positions:

              0800 - Latitude - 26°-19.8’  N;  Longitude - 127°-44.O’ E.

              1200 - Latitude - 26°-19.9   N;  Longitude - 127°-44.l’ E.

              2000 - Latitude - 26°-19.9’  N;  Longitude - l27°-44.l’ E.

 

May_21, 1945.                            Zone description (-)9

Underway for KERAMA RETTO at 1140 in accordance with orders of C.T.F. 52 for tender availability to affect repairs to Mk one computer. Anchored in EASTERN ANCHORAGE.

Positions:

0800 - Latitude - 26°-19.l’ N; Longitude - 127°-44.l’ E.

1200 - Latitude - 26°-19.l’ N; Longitude - l27°-38.2’ E.

2000 - Latitude - 26°-l2.l’ N; Longitude - l27°-l9.8’ E.

 

May_22, 1945.                            Zone description (-)9

Remained anchored at EASTERN ANCHORAGE, KERAMA RETTO while computer was being repaired with tender assistance. Received 5 Mk 15 torpedoes to replace those expended on destruction of LONGSHAW.

Positions:

              0800 - Latitude - 26°-l2.l’ N;  Longitude - l27°-l9.8’ E.

              1200 - Latitude - 26°-l2.l’ N;  Longitude - l27°-l9.8’ E.

              2000 - Latitude - 26°-13.l’ N;  Longitude - l27°-20.l’ E.

 

May_23, 1945.                            Zone description (-)9

Repairs to computer nearly completed in the morning, topped off and at 1055 proceeded to HAGUSHI. Assigned to TASK GROUP 54.2 by C.T.F. 51. Anchored in HAGUSHI ANCHORAGE. Rain prevented extensive enemy air operations; two snoopers approached from the north during the night.

Positions:

0800 - Latitude - 26°-l2.l’ N; Longitude - l27°-l3.l’ E.

1200 — Latitude - 26°-l9.8’ N; Longitude - l27°-41.O’ E.

2000 - Latitude - 26°-2l.3’ N; Longitude - l27°-42.O’ E.

 

May_24, 1945.                            Zone description (-)9

Underway from HAGUSHI at 0515 to relieve the LEARY on call fire station off NAHA at 0600. Bombarded from 1000 to 1600 using plane spot. Expended 226 rounds of 5”/38 AA common and 5 rounds of white phosphorous neutralizing areas containing caves and gun emplacements. Commenced night firing assignment at 2015 harassing areas assigned by C.T.G. 51.22. Enemy planes in small numbers were in the area at various intervals commencing at 2040. One was observed shot down. Others were illuminated by shore based searchlight. There was no reported damage to our vessels, although one enemy plane was reported to have landed, wheels up on Yontan, disgorging enemy troops who did considerable damage to planes and gasoline supplies with hand grenades.

Positions:

0800 - Latitude - 26°-l6.8’ N; Longitude - 127°-40.O’ E.

1200 - Latitude - 26°-l4.O’ N; Longitude - 127°-38.5’ E.

2000 - Latitude - 26°-17.5’ N; Longitude - l27°-42.O’ E.