8 FEB 44
Roi Anchorage, Kwajalein Atoll was a mass of gray and blue activity as Captain's Gigs (see photo below), motor whaleboats, tugs, fuel barges and camels maneuvered the protected waters of the lagoon, shuttling men, equipment and supplies to and from all vessels of Task Group 58.4.
With Major General Lloyd Brown US Army, and an unidentified Navy captain, in the gig of USS CLARENCE K. BRONSON (DD-668) off the Atlantic coast, 9 September 1943. (CLARENCE K. BRONSON in the background)
Notice was received from O.T.C that a conference of all unit commanders and commanding officers would be held on board Saratoga at 1430 along with the notification that Princeton should be prepared weigh anchor and depart approximately 1200 on February 9th.
Proving that staff work is never-ending, "At 2140 received order from ComTaskGroup 58.4 to send pilots for replacement aircraft to the USS WHITE PLAINS as follows: USS PRINCETON send 2 VT pilots and 1 VF pilot, USS SARATOGA send 8 VF pilots, USS LANGLEY send 1 VF pilot. Rendezvous point for aircraft will be 7 miles distant, bearing 320˚ from Mellu Pass, at time to be designated later."
USS White Plains (CVE-66) in San Diego harbor, California, circa April 1944. She is being assisted by the harbor tug Wenonah (YT-148). White Plains is painted in Camouflage Measure 33, Design 10A. Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), #80-G-302258.
Princeton would be headed back to ENIWETOK with the Afternoon Watch.
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