U. S. Pacific Fleet, Third Amphibious Force Command History
Abstract
Throughout its existence the Third Amphibious Force has been fortunate in that it has enjoyed the benefit of close proximity of its headquarters with those of coordinate and cooperating commands. Thus in the South Pacific immediately upon the final elimination of the Japanese from Guadalcanal, Rear 'Admiral Turner established his headquarters at Koli Point on that island. Coramander Aircraft South Pacific was shortly thereafter located there and the Commanding General XIV Corps as well, and eventually the headquarters of the Third Marine Amphibious Corps were likewise established there. Thus all plans could be developed for the work of the landing forces, whether Army or Marinos, and for the vital cooperation of the shore-based air forces, in concert with those for the amphibious Forces proper. Personal contact between all echelons of the Staff could be and was maintained and a thorough understanding and completely integrated plans achieved in a rainimum of time. Initially the headquarters of the principal subordinate commands of the Third Amphibious Force, the Transport Group and the Landing Craft, were at Noumea and in the Russells Islands, not far from Guadalcanal, respectively, but these two headquarters were also eventually set up at Koli Point, with consequent benefits. The final desideratum would have been the presence of the high cormmand, the Comrmander South Pacific, in immediate proximity, but his headquarterswere at Noumca, readily reached by a six-hour flight from Guadalcanal, and complete liaison was not difficult. In the Central Pacific, in preparation for the Palau and Yap operation the headquarters of the Force were maintained at Pearl Harbor until departing for the operation, and were there in close contact with those of the Commlander-in-Chief and of the Cormmander Third Fleet and also with those of the designated Commander Expeditionary Forces, Major General Julian Smith, USIIC, and of the LXIV Corps.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1943
- Accession Number
- ADA637630