2/17/44: "Air Coordinator", "Blue" beach landing

17 FEB 44

The invasion of ENIWETOK atoll commenced at dawn as U.S. Navy surface combatants fired salvo after salvo from previously planned Fire Support Areas (see dashed areas on map) against Japanese positions on islands flanking the deep passage at the southern entrance to the atoll.

Princeton launched 12 fighters just prior to sunrise as CAP (Combat Air Patrol - defense against enemy air attack) and one camera-equipped bomber. At 0902 a single fighter was launched "to act as Air Coordinator for landings on small islands adjacent to Engebi Island by amphibious forces of Task Group 51.11." These troops would be from the 22nd Marine Regiment.

This being the first instance since leaving Bremerton of Princeton's Air Group supporting an amphibious landing, it was also the first mention of the "Air Coordinator" mission. Today, this critical mission is done by what is called a "FAC(A)" or Forward Air Controller (Airborne). The FAC(A) mission is incredibly complex and demanding, as is the Close Air Support mission of the attack aircraft themselves, known as "CAS." CAS aircraft are under the direction of the FAC(A) and to the smoke, chaos and confusion of battle is added the life or death responsibility of each pilot to avoid bombing friendly forces, who will more often than not be in close proximity to the enemy.

While operating in combat conditions was never easy, the challenge of actually operating from a boat was ever present:

"At 1017 plane VF-24 crashed into first barrier wire, suffering minor damage to plane; pilot uninjured."

In addition, recall our previous discussion of the requirement for leadership to make quick but sound decisions based on real time events:

"At 1145 received radio report from an A/S (Air Search) patrol plane from the USS CHENANGO which had sighted a submarine bearing 140˚, distance 15 miles, from Parry Island. Intercepted transmission directing USS FARRAGUT to proceed to scene to conduct hunter-killer operations."

"Hunter-killer operations." Heck yes.

Throughout the day, ships of the Task Group were entering the lagoon of the atoll itself to be in position for the major landing effort schedule for D+1, 18 February.

Princeton was tasked with taking more photos of several islands and islets, "prints to be dropped on the USS CAMBRIA inside the lagoon."

"At 1844 plane VF-10 with pilot Ensign C.S. PUPILLO, A-V(N), USNR, missed all the arresting wires and crashed through all three barrier wires into the plane parking area. This was the last plane aboard. The crashed plane suffered damaged (sic) to propeller and engine and one VF which was struck had the after part of its fuselage telescoped and broken. There were no injuries to personnel."

Shortly after sunset Princeton received the air plan for the following day:

"Target designated for USS PRINCETON strike is "Blue" landing beaches on Engebi Island, with directions to bomb parallel to the beaches and hit defense installations."

The Graybook summary for 17 February notes “…natives stated that Jap forces on the 3 main islands of the atoll were reinforced last month.”

The Marines of the 22nd Regiment would be counting on Princeton's fliers.

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