Chapter XLI
Training Exercises
AGCs, APAs, AKAs, APs, AKs, LSDs, LSVs, LSTs, LSMs
Landing Craft and Landing Boats

Exercise Title Page No
T1 Landing and Retracting Test for Landing Boat Crews and Boat Operating Mechanism and Controls. XLI-3&4
T2 Landing Boat Tactics and Formation Signal Drill. XLI-5
T3 Boat Group and Control Vessel Ship to Shore Movement Without Troops XLI-6&7
T4 Boat Group and Control Vessel Ship to Shore Movement Without Troops (Boats Land and Retract). XLI-8
T5 Landing Boat Cargo Handling. XLI-9
T6 Boat Group and Control Vessel Ship to Shore Movement With Troops Less Their Equipment and Without Landing. XLI-10&11
T7 Boat Group and Control Vessel Ship to Shore Movement With Troops and Their Equipment. XLI-12&13
G8 Combat Information Center Problem ABLE. XLI-14
G9 Combat Information Center Problem BAKER. XLI-15
G10 Optical Rangefinder - Radar Tracking Drill. XLI-16
G11 Estimation of Target Angle, Range and Speed. XLI-17
G12 Day Spotting Practice -- Firing. XLI-18
G13 Night Spotting Practice -- Firing. XLI-19
G14 Modified Short Range Practice "BAKER" Firing. XLI-20
G15 Surface Practice, Improvised Target Firing. XLI-21
G16 Modified Anti-Aircraft Practice "GEORGE", "HOW", "TARE" or "COMBINED" Firing XLI-22&23
G17 Landing Boat Machine Gun Exercises, Beach Target -- Firing. XLI-24
G18 Landing Boat Machine Gun Exercises, Floating Target -- Firing. XLI-25
G19 Close Support Craft -- Assault Firing. XLI-26,27,28
G20 Boats Laying Smoke. XLI-29

»XLI-1«

  1. The Training exercises prescribed herein are designed to facilitate training of Vessels, Landing Craft and Landing Boats of this Force and their personnel. U.S. Pacific Fleet Orders and Instructions shall be followed, where applicable, unless specific exceptions are made by the officer conducting the exercises.

  2. To prescribe any exercise by general signal, the general signal meaning "Carry out exercise indicated" followed by the designation of the exercise such as T1, G20, etc., will be used. If no time is designated, the exercise will commence upon the execution of the signal "Carry out exercise indicated".

  3. Ships will man batteries and stations or assume conditions prescribed without further signal.

  4. These exercises supplement those issued by the Current Tactical Orders and Doctrine, U.S. pacific Fleet. (USF-10A).

»XLI-2«

Exercise T1
Landing and Retracting Test for Landing Boat Crews and Boat Operating Mechanism and Controls

PROCEDURE:--

  1. The officer conducting the exercise will:

    1. Designate vessel whose boats and lighters are to be tested.

    2. Designate beach for conducting tests.

    3. Send preparatory signal for the exercise giving time when landing boats are to be off the designated beach.

    4. Designate vessel to furnish salvage boat. This will generally be the flagship of the officer conducting the exercise.

  2. Vessel designated to furnish salvage boat will:

    1. Equip a landing boat for salvage and traffic control duty. Equipment and personnel will be:

      1. Boat Officer.
      2. One radioman with an ultra-portable radio set.
      3. One signalman with semaphore flags and blinker tube.
      4. One four inch manila line fitted with eye for towing.
      5. Two heaving lines.

    2. Provide a skeleton beach party consisting of the following personnel and equipment:

      1. One radioman.
      2. One boatswain's mate.
      3. Three seamen.
      4. One signalman.
      5. One ultra-portable radio set.
      6. One pair semaphore flags.
      7. One blinker tube.
      8. Four white flags for marking beach area where tests are to be conducted.

    3. The Salvage Boat will embark inspecting party from staff of officer conducting the exercise (or from an assisting ship) and will land them on designated beach prior to the time set for conducting the test.

    4. After landing the inspecting party, the Salvage Boat will lie-to off designated beach; control traffic; maintain visual and radio communication with inspection party on beach.

»XLI-3«

  1. The vessel whose boats and lighters are to be tested will:

    1. At the time designated, have all landing boats, and tank lighters lying-to off the designated beach.

    2. Embarked in one boat will be the maximum number of men which the boat is designated to carry. If sufficient personnel are available, two landing boats will be loaded to capacity to speed the tests.

    3. When directed by the inspection party, the loaded boat will carry out the following:

      1. Land on designated beach.
      2. Disembark passengers.
      3. Retract boat from beach.
      4. Land on designated beach.
      5. Reembark from beach.
      6. Transfer passengers to next boat to be tested.
      7. Return to parent vessel.

    4. The inspection party will be embarked initially in the Traffic Control Boat and the loaded boat scheduled to make the first landing will obtain them from the Traffic Control Boat prior to making the initial landing.

    5. Tank lighters will normally be tested first.

    6. Boat Group and Boat Division Commanders under test will land on the designated beach and witness the test of all boats and lighters.

»XLI-4«

Exercise T2
Landing Boat Tactics and Formation Signal Drill

OBJECT:

PROCEDURE:

  1. The officer conducting the practice will:

    1. Designate vessel which is to conduct this training.

    2. Send preparatory signal for the exercise giving time when exercise is to commence.

  2. Vessel designated to conduct exercise will:

    1. Commencing hoisting out all landing craft at time specified following procedure set forth in Chapter III, FTP 211, Ship to Shore Movement. Should sea conditions require it, vessel concerned will be underway with lee to port at time specified to commence exercise. If sea conditions do not require a lee, boats will be lowered while vessel remains at anchor.

    2. Report time required to hoist out all landing craft to officer conducting the practice.

    3. The Boat Group Commander will be in general charge of the training.

    4. Boats will be organized into boat division of not more than five boats.

    5. Training of each boat division will be conducted by a boat division commander.

    6. The provisions of Chapter IV, Section VII, FTP 167, govern boat formations and signals to be used.

    7. Day signals will be made by standard semaphore flags.

    8. Night signals will be made by flashlight.

    9. Distance between individual boats is highly important. Following considerations govern:

      1. When boats land, distance between individual boats should not be less than fifty nor more than seventy-five yards in order to minimize damage to them from hostile fire.

      2. Boats must maintain sight contact during darkness.

»XLI-5«

Exercise T3
Boat Group and Control Vessel Ship to Shore Movement Without Troops

OBJECT:--

PROCEDURE:--

  1. The officer conducting the exercise will:

    1. Designate the APAs and AKAs to take part in the exercise.

    2. Designate the Assault APA.

    3. Promulgate Boat Employment Plan.

    4. Designate location of Transport Area.

    5. Designate location of line of Departure.

    6. Designate Control Vessel.

    7. Specify the time of commencing the exercise.

  2. Ships conducting the exercise will:

    1. At start of the exercise, have as many boats as possible swung outboard as they would be when vessels arrive at the Transport Area.

    2. Assault APA make up Boat Assignment Plan and Landing Diagrams.

    3. When exercise begins Assault APA hoist out all landing craft and other APAs and AKAs those landing craft which are designated in the Boat Employment Plan.

    4. As boats are hoisted out send to Assault APA "Assembly Area".

    5. When ready, Assault APA proceed with simulated debarkation of Troops. Call boats from "Assembly Area" to debarkation Stations as in actual landing, fit them out with Wave or Division and Boat numbers and have them assemble by WAVES, and/or Divisions and groups at Assault APA "Boat Rendezvous Area".

»XLI-6«

    1. Boat Group, Wave and/or Division Commanders embark and carry out their duties.

    2. Man support boat if carried.

    3. Control Vessels carry out duties laid down in Chapter V, Ship to Shore Movement, FTP 211. While in "Rendezvous Area" primarily Control Vessel keep on line between Assault APA and the Center of the Line of Departure. (See landing boat formation diagrams Chapter IV).

    4. Each Boat Wave will discontinue the exercise and haul out to the right after proceeding about half way from the Line of Departure to the Landing Beach. (Boats will not be beached). Control Vessels will discontinue the exercise after the last wave has been despatched towards the beach.

    5. Report time required to hoist out all boats and recommendations for improvement in this operation. Submit Boat Assignment Plans and Landing Diagrams to officer conducting the exercise.

Note:--

»XLI-7«

Exercise T4
Boat Group and Control Vessel Ship to Shore Movement Without Troops (Boats Land and Retract)

OBJECT:---

PROCEDURE:--

    Ships conducting the exercise will:--

  1. Carry out the evolution set forth in subparagraph 1 to 12 of exercise T6 except that no troops will be embarked.

  2. Normally the minimum beaching interval between landing boats will be 50 yards; the maximum interval will be 150 yards; the usual interval 75 yards. To insure that landing boat coxswains become accustomed to landing at the assigned beaching interval, beaches should be marked off at 50, 75, 100 and 150 yard intervals, and boats required to beach at these intervals as directed.

  3. Upon beaching, boats will lower ramps speedily, raise them, retract, keeping clear of incoming boats by moving to the nearest flank and depart the beach area in an orderly manner.

  4. See landing boat formation diagrams in Chapter IV.

»XLI-8«

Exercise T5
Landing Boat Cargo Handling

OBJECT:--

    1. Training of landing boat crews with a troop unit in:--

    2. loading landing boats with typical loads at debarkation and unloading stations.

    3. speedily discharging cargo on beach, and

    4. rapid raising of boat ramp and retraction.

PROCEDURE:--

  1. The officer conducting the exercise will:--

    1. Designate the landing boats to take part in the exercise.

    2. Designate the beach to be used for unloading.

    3. Designate debarkation and unloading stations and unloading officers.

    4. Determine and provide type loads of supplies, vehicles and equipment.

    5. Determine whether or not cargo will palletized.

    6. Embark tank and vehicle crews with vehicles and tanks as they are loaded into landing boats. The crews will assist boat crews in loading.

  2. Landing boats participating in the exercise will:

    1. Form in assembly area.

    2. Report to unloading station upon signal.

    3. Proceed to beach when loaded and dispatched by unloading officer.

    4. Land on designated beach and discharge cargo.

    5. Speedily raise ramp, retract from landing beach, keeping clear of incoming loaded boats by turning to the nearest flank and depart beach area in an orderly manner.

  3. Vehicles and tanks will be:

    1. Loaded heading toward bow of the landing boats.

    2. Placed in center of landing boats to insure stability.

    3. Made secure in landing boats to prevent shift of center of gravity.

    4. Trailers loaded in boats will be attached to vehicles possessing mobile power, when practicable.

»XLI-9«

Exercise T6
Boat Group and Control Vessel Ship to Shore Movement
With Troops Less Their Equipment and Without Landing

OBJECT:--

PROCEDURE:--

  1. The officer conducting the exercise will:

    1. Designate the APAs and AKAs to take part in the exercise.

    2. designate the Assault Transport to disembark troops.

    3. Promulgate Boat Employment Plan.

    4. Designate location of the Transport Area.

    5. Designate location of Line of Departure.

    6. Designate Control Vessels.

    7. Specify time of commencing the Exercise.

  2. Ships conducting the exercise will:

    1. At start of the exercise, have as many boats as possible swung outboard as they would be when vessels arrive at the Transport Area.

    2. Assault APA and embarked Troops make up Boat Assignment Plan and Landing Diagrams.

    3. When exercise begins Assault APA hoist out all Landing Craft and other APAs and AKAs those landing craft which are designated in the Boat Employment Plan.

    4. As boats are hoisted out send to Assault APA "Assembly Area".

    5. When ready, Assault APA proceed with debarkation of troops without equipment. Call boats from "Assembly Area" to Debarkation Stations, load and have them assemble by waves and/or Division and Groups at Assault APA "Boat Rendezvous Area".

    6. Tank Lighters will simulate vehicle loading and only take vehicle crews.

    7. Boat Group, Wave and/or Division Commanders embark in their boats and carry out their duties.

    8. Man Support Boat if carried.

»XLI-10«

    1. All boats to remain formed up in WAVES and/or Divisions in "Rendezvous Area" until time of departure designated. At night no boats will leave Rendezvous Area until all the first trip waves and/or Divisions are formed up.

    2. Control Vessel carry out duties laid down in Chapter V, FTP 211. While in "Rendezvous Area" primary Control Vessel keep on line between Assault APA and the Center of the Line of Departure. See Landing Boat Formation Diagram attached to Exercise T3.

    3. All landing boats of each wave land troops on the beach retract, and turn towards the nearest flank and depart beach in orderly manner keeping clear of incoming loaded boats. When last wave has landed, the first wave boats proceed to the beach and reembark troops then return to ships and discontinue the exercise. Troops form on the Beach clear of landing area awaiting reembarkation.

    4. Report time required to hoist out all boats and time last boat arrived at "Rendezvous Area" and time each wave landed. Submit copy Boat Assignment Plan and Landing Diagrams.

NOTE:--

»XLI-11«

Exercise T7
Boat Group and Control Vessel Ship to Shore Movement
With Troops and Their Equipment

OBJECT:--

PROCEDURE:

  1. The officer conducting the exercise will:

    1. Designate the APAs and AKAs to take part in the exercise.

    2. Designate the Assault Transport to disembark troops.

    3. Promulgate Boat Employment Plan.

    4. Designate location of Transport Area.

    5. Designate location of Line of Departure, and Landing Beaches.

    6. Designate Control Vessel.

    7. Specify time of commencing the Exercise and H-Hour.

  2. Ships conducting the exercise will:

    1. At start of the Exercise, have as many boats as possible swung out and pre-loaded as they would be when vessels arrive at the Transport Area.

    2. Assault APA and Embarked Troops make up Boat Assignment Plan, Embarkation and Approach Plan and Landing diagrams.

    3. When exercise begins Assault APAs hoist out all Landing Craft and other APAs and AKAs those landing craft which are designated in the Boat Assignment Plan.

    4. As boats are hoisted out send to Assault APA "Assembly Area".

    5. When ready, Assault APA proceed with debarkation of Troops and their equipment. Call boats from "Assembly Area" to Debarkation Stations, load and fit out with Wave, Division and Boat Numbers and have them assemble by waves and/or Divisions and Boat Group at Assault APA "Boat Rendezvous Area".

    6. Tank Lighters to be loaded if taking part in first trip landings.

    7. Boat Group, Wave and/or Division Commanders embark in their boats and carry out their duties.

    8. Man Support Boat if carried.

»XLI-12«

    1. Control Vessel carry out duties laid down in Chapter V, Ship to Shore Movement, FTP 211. While in "Rendezvous Area" primary Control Vessel keep on line between Assault APA and the Center of the Line of Departure.

    2. All boats to remain formed up in WAVES and/or Divisions in "Rendezvous Area" until time of departure designated. At night no boats will leave Rendezvous Area until all the first trip waves and/or Divisions are formed up. See Landing Boat Formation Diagrams under exercise T7.

    3. Land on beaches at H-Hour in accordance with the Approach Schedule and at the interval designated in the Landing Diagram. Normally, the minimum beaching interval between landing boats will be 50 yards; the maximum interval will be 150 yards; the usual interval 75 yards. Unless otherwise directed by the Landing Force Commander, the 75 yard interval shall be used.

    4. Upon discharging troops and cargo, landing boats raise ramps, speedily retract and turn towards the nearest flank and depart beach area in an orderly manner, keeping clear of incoming loaded boats. Reembark troops as directed.

    5. Discontinue exercise after troops and equipment have landed. Reembark troops and equipment and return them to ship when directed.

    6. Report time required to hoist out all boats, time of first boat alongside a debarkation station, time to load each wave of division, time last boat arrived "Boat Rendezvous Area" and time first and last boats or tank lighters of Assault Waves landed on the Beach. Submit copies of Boat Assignment Plans and Landing Diagrams.

NOTE:--

»XLI-13«

Exercise G8
Combat Information Center Problem ABLE

OBJECT:

PROCEDURE:

  1. The officer conducting the practice will:

    1. Arrange for four planes to operate, one in each sector, Sectors north to east, east to south, south to west, west to north. Commence operations at Zero-Hour.

  2. Planes will:

    1. Operate from about 25,000 yards from center of transport group and attack at about 15 minute intervals irregularly. Operate at low altitude and simulate Japanese torpedo plane tactics.

  3. Ships will:

    1. Keep radar track of planes. Supply no visual information to CIC.

    2. CIC keep batteries informed of approaching attacks.

    3. Fire control party exercises at discretion of Commanding Officer.

  4. General:

    1. OTC may maneuver convoy by TBS or flag hoist emergency turns.

»XLI-14«

Exercise G9
Combat Information Center Problem BAKER

OBJECT:

PROCEDURE:

  1. The Officer conducting the practice will:

    1. Arrange for four planes to be on station about 25,000 yards from center of transport group.

    2. Designate one DD of screen to take station about 18,000 yards on either bow.

  2. Destroyer:

    1. Make torpedo run on ships so timed as to be in firing position at approximately zero hour.

  3. Planes:

    1. Coordinate attack, so as to make air strike on ships at zero hour.

    2. After initial attack, proceed as in CIC Problem ABLE.

  4. Other Ships:

    1. Keep radar track of attacking destroyer and planes. Supply no visual information to CIC.

    2. CIC keep batteries informed of approaching attacks.

    3. Fire control party exercises at discretion of Commanding Officer.

  5. General:

    1. OTC may maneuver convoy by TBS or flag hoist emergency turns.

»XLI-15«

Exercise G10
Optical Rangefinder -- Radar Tracking Drill

OBJECT:

PROCEDURE:

  1. The officer conducting the practice will:

    1. Set time of starting and ending exercise.

    2. Designate a target vessel.

    3. Note: Convoy must either be formed in one column, or in two columns with two target ships.

  2. Target Vessel:

    1. Take station on flank of formation and maneuver to vary range between 3,000 and 6,000 yards.

    2. Keep time-range and time-bearing plot from guide of exercise group.

    3. Record courses and speeds.

    4. On completion of exercise be prepared to send this information to ships of exercise group.

  3. Exercise Group:

    1. Form disposition as directed by OTC.

    2. If in one column, use single target vessel. If in two columns, each column use target vessel on its outboard flank.

    3. Exercise rangefinder and radar tracking parties to record:

      1. Time-range plot of target vessel.
      2. Time-bearing plot of target vessel.
      3. Courses and speeds of target vessel.

    4. On receipt of data from target vessel(s), each ship analyze tracking data to determine accuracy.

  4. General:

    1. Exercise Group submit report of accuracy as required.

    2. Exercise should normally last from 30 minutes to 1 hour.

»XLI-16«

Exercise G11
Gunnery Drills Conducted by Individual Ships

OBJECT:

PROCEDURE:

  1. Air Targets. All officers shall take every opportunity to conduct tracking drills on friendly aircraft, by condition gun crews as well as general quarters crews.

  2. Surface Targets. Training may be given on surface guns by using other ships in the convoy as a target. Pointer and trainer drills, sight setting drills should be given as well as drills for estimating target angle, speed and course.

  3. General Drills. Ships will take advantage of general quarters drills to exercise gun crews and fire control parties. The Gunnery Officer and various Battery Officers will supervise and direct drills which should include:

    1. Pointer and trainer drills.
    2. Sight setting drills.
    3. Matching pointers.
    4. Shifting targets.
    5. Gun and fire control casualties.
    6. Talker drills.

»XLI-17«

Exercise G12
Day Spotting Practice - Firing

OBJECT:--

PROCEDURE:--

  1. The officer conducting the practice will:

    1. See that arrangements are made for a tug and battle raft or sled target. (Series 40 to 60 sled). Tug to steam at steerageway.

    2. Form ships in column on course to pass target abeam at about 5,000 yards, speed 5 knots.

  2. Suggested Ammunition Allowance:

    1. Six rounds per gun.

  3. General:

    1. Ships will fire from van to rear in succession as they pass the target.

    2. Ships will fire either 5"/51 or 5"/38 guns if so armed. Otherwise they will fire 4"/50 or 3".50. Only one gun per ship will be used.

    3. When ship ahead has completed firing, increase speed to 10 knots and commence firing when target bears 70° on the bow.

    4. When six rounds have been fired, sheer out of column away from target and join rear of column.

    5. In each case, next shot will not be fired until spot has been applied.

    6. All available line officers and all 3" (4" or 5") gun captains will spot each shot and performances will be recorded.

    7. Commanding Officer will designate a separate officer whose spot will control a single shot.

    8. Detailed reporting procedure:

      (a) First shot - Deliberately off target by at least 500 yards in range and one target width in deflection.
      (b) Second shot - Line up in deflection.
      (c) Third shot - Spot in range to hit.
      (d) Fourth shot - (if a hit seems probable) deliberately off target as for first shot.
      (e) Fifth shot - Spot on in deflection and range.
      (f) Sixth shot - Spot to hit.

»XLI-18«

Exercise G13
Night Spotting Practice - Firing

OBJECT:--

PROCEDURE:--

    Same as for exercise G54 [sic], except:

  1. Range of target from track line to be about 3,000 yards.

  2. When "Commence Firing" is given, illuminate target with searchlight or starshell as determined by Officer Conducting Practice. If starshell is used, second gun may fire.

»XLI-19«

Exercise G14
Modified Short Range Practice "BAKER" - Firing

OBJECT:--

PROCEDURE:--

  1. This practice is modification of that shown in O.G.E., FTP 191, Section 1 G 3. It is desirable to have not more than five ships firing on a given run.

  2. The officer conducting the practice will:

    1. Arrange for firing area and towing services with Series 60 sled.

    2. Designate the time and place for rendezvous with the vessel.

  3. Towing vessel steam on base course at speed of 12 knots.

  4. Firing Vessels will:

    1. Form column.

    2. Steam on course converging at least 15 degrees with base course, at 15 knots.

    3. When within limiting safety bearings of 60° and 120° to the right or left of base course, and within the range band of 2,000 to 5,000 yards, engage targets as follows:

      1. First ship sound whistle, two-block Baker, and Commence firing.

      2. When firing for that ship, for the engaged side, is completed, haul down baker. This is signal for second ship to sound whistle, two-block Baker, and commence firing. Etc.

      3. If there is insufficient time to permit all ships to fire all guns that will bear on a given run within the limiting safety bearings, another run may be made.

    4. Only 3", 4" and 5" guns will fire. Only one gun at a time will fire.

    5. It is desirable that two sets of pointers and one officer's string be fired at each gun.

    6. Ships with guns not mounted on centerline will make runs so as to engage both sides.

    7. Ammunition allowance: 12 rounds per gun, (4 rounds per set of pointers, 4 rounds for officer's string).

    8. Time allowance: One minute and 30 seconds per set, 1 minute for shifting pointers.

    9. Rakes: should be requested from towing vessel.

»XLI-20«

Exercise G15
Surface Practice, Improvised Target, Firing

OBJECT:

PROCEDURE:

  1. The officer conducting the practice will:

    1. Designate ship to construct floating pyramid target of available material. Size of a 15' square base is suggested, although anything providing suitable point of aim is satisfactory.

    2. Conduct approach of ships in column on course to pass target abeam at 3,000 yards. Speed 10 knots.

  2. Firing ships will:

    1. Commence firing with 3", 4" or 5" gun when target bears 080° or 280° relative.

    2. Spot each shot deliberately.

  3. Ammunition Allowance:

    1. Five rounds per gun. Only one gun per ship will fire.

»XLI-21«

Exercise G16
Modified Anti-Aircraft Practice
"HOW", "UNCLE", "GEORGE", "CHARLIE-TARE" and "BAKER" Firing

OBJECT:

    To train gun's crews and fire control parties in anti-aircraft firing and fire control against:

  1. Strafing Planes (HOW).
  2. Parallel Attacks (UNCLE).
  3. Glide or Dive Bombers (GEORGE).
  4. Torpedo Planes (CHARLIE-TARE).
  5. High Level Bombing (BAKER).

PROCEDURE:

  1. General: For this practice, all anti-aircraft weapons which can bear may fire on each run made by the towing planes. Towing planes may make a series of one type of runs over the formation for a given period, followed by a series of another type of runs. The officer scheduling the practice may make the necessary arrangements prior to the firing, but if he doesn't it becomes the responsibility of the officer conducting the practice as shown below.

  2. The officer conducting the practice will:

    1. Obtain a firing area.

    2. Arrange for the services of a towing plane or planes: (Including a time and place of rendezvous and a communication channel and calls).

    3. Take suitable formation to expedite the firing.

    4. Meet the rendezvous, and establish a communication watch to guard the assigned frequency.

    5. Signal "Commence Scheduled Exercises" immediately upon arrival of towing services.

    6. Insure that the firing group remains within the assigned firing area.

  3. Each firing ship will:

    1. Exercise at repelling glide bombers, low horizontal bombers and strafers, and torpedo planes using standard anti-aircraft fire control procedure.

    2. May fire all anti-aircraft weapons that will bear on a given run. Consideration should be given to the control party designating only certain guns to fire on each run, thereby permitting more practice with less ammunition expenditures.

»XLI-22«

    1. Open fire in accordance with Para. 1-H-1-3 of FTP 191. It is suggested that for George and How runs, "open fire" is not ordered until the plane has passed over the ship and for Tare runs when sleeve bears between 90° and 100° to the right (or left) of base course. For George and How runs, cease fire when sleeve reaches 80° position angle, and for Tare runs when sleeve bears 50° to right (or left) of base course.

    2. Suggested ammunition allowances are:

      1. 5"/38 and 3"/50
        Five rounds per gun per run not to exceed 15 rounds per gun.

      2. 40MM and 1.1"75
        Twelve rounds per barrel, per run not to exceed 35 rounds per barrel.

      3. 20MM
        Forty rounds per gun per run, not to exceed 120 rounds per gun, (Note: This should be loaded in two magazines for each run to provide practice in shifting magazines.)

      4. 50 Cal.
        75 to 100 rounds per gun per run not to exceed 300 rounds per gun.

  1. Towing Planes will make the following types of runs:

    1. How run:--plane approaches in level flight with sleeve on 3000 foot towline and sleeve passes over ship at about 800 feet altitude. Commence firing when plane passes over ship. Cease firing when position angle of sleeve is 85°. Effective for 40MM, 1.1", 20MM, and .50 Cal. Simulates strafing attack. (See diagram, page 23(b).)

    2. Uncle run:--plane makes run parallel to ship's course at 1000 feet altitude. At range of 1000 yards effective for 40MM, 20MM, 1.1", and .50 cal. (sleeve on 3500 foot towline). At range of 5000 to 6000 feet effective for 5"/38 and 3".50 (sleeve on 7000 foot towline). Commence firing will be given for after guns when plane is on the beam. Commence firing will be given forward guns when plane has passed bow of the ship. If plane makes run approaching from the bow the procedure will be reversed. Cease firing will be given when sleeve is abeam. THERE WILL BE NO FIRING BY ANY GUNS AFTER THE SLEEVE HAS PASSED ABEAM. NEVER FIRE AT A RECEDING TARGET. (See diagram, page 23(c).)

    3. George run:--plane glides in from 7000 feet altitude to 2000 feet altitude over firing ship with sleeve on 7000 foot towline. Commence firing when plane is overhead. Cease firing when position angle of sleeve is 85°. Effective for 5"/38, 3"/50, 40MM, 1.1", and 20MM. Simulates glide or dive bombing attacks. (See diagram, page 23(d).)

»XLI-23«

    1. Charlie-Tare run:--tow planes come in simultaneously on one beam in a glide, passing over the ship at about 1200 feet altitude. Sleeves are on 7000 foot towline and pass over ship at about 800 feet. Commence firing when plane passes over ship. Cease firing when position angle of sleeve is 85°. Effective for 40MM, 1.1", 20MM, and .50 cal. Simulates torpedo attack. (See diagram, page 23(e).)

    2. Baker run:--plane passes over ship at 5000 to 6000 feet altitude with sleeve on 7000 foot towline. Commence firing when plane passes over ship. Cease firing when position angle of sleeve is 85°. Effective for 5"/38 and 3"/50. Simulates high level bombing attack. (See diagram, page 23(f).)

»XLI-23a«

A.A.--HOW Run

Diagram: A.A. HOW Runl

»XLI-23b«

A.A.--UNCLE Run

Diagram: A.A. UNCLE Runl

»XLI-23c«

A.A.--GEORGE Run

Diagram: A.A. GEORGE Runl

»XLI-23d«

A.A.--CHARLIE Type TARE Run

Diagram: A.A. CHARLIE Type TARE Runl

»XLI-23e«

A.A.--BAKER Run

Diagram: A.A. BAKER Runl

»XLI-23f«

Exercise G17
Landing Boat Machine Gun Exercise -- Beach Target -- Firing

OBJECT:--

PROCEDURE:--

  1. The officer conducting the practice will:

    1. Designate and clear a suitable firing area on the beach. Not necessary to have a beach suitable for landing. Area behind beach must be cleared to a distance of 4,000 yards if a flat area, otherwise to the top of the ridge line if a sharp slope.

    2. Erect suitable targets on the beach simulating machine gun emplacements, pill boxes, dugouts, etc. These may be small canvas flags.

    3. Insure the range is clear prior to the firing by a detailed reconnaissance of the entire possible impact area. Detail safety officers in each firing boat and other places as necessary, to control the fire and to permit firing only when the range is clear.

  2. Firing ships will:

    1. Arrange a schedule of firing which will provide for demonstration by qualified personnel followed by firing by crews to be trained. Stress the following:

      1. Controlled fire.
      2. Fire in bursts.
      3. Learn arc of fire possible on each landing boat, and importance of cross fire.
      4. Learn cooperation between boats in a wave.
      5. Cal. 50 hold fire until 1000 yards, cal. 30 until 700 yards, however, beyond 600 yards the chance of hitting is materially reduced.

    2. Each set of gunners should fire on one run.

    3. Suggested ammunition allowance:

      1. Cal. 50 -- 200 rounds per mounted gun per run.
      2. Cal. 30 -- 250 rounds per mounted gun per run.

»XLI-24«

Exercise G18
Landing Boat Machine Gun Exercise -- Floating Target -- Firing

OBJECT:

PROCEDURE:

  1. The officer conducting the practice will:

    1. Designate and clear a suitable firing area. Range must be clear to 7,500 yards (maximum range of cal. 50).

    2. Have suitable targets prepared, (truncated pyramids 6' on a side at the base, 6' high, 2' on a side at the top are suggested). Anchor a sufficient number of these in a line.

    3. Insure the range is clear prior to the firing.

  2. Firing ships will:

    1. Arrange for demonstration guns by qualified personnel, followed by firing crews to be trained. Stress the following:

      1. Controlled fire.
      2. Fire in bursts.
      3. Learn arc of fire possible on each landing boat, and importance of cross fire.
      4. Learn cooperation between boats in a wave.
      5. Cal. 50 hold fire until 1000 yards, cal. 30 until 700 yards, however, beyond 600 yards the chance of hitting is materially reduced.

    2. Each set of gunners should fire on one run.

    3. Suggested ammunition allowances:

      1. Cal. 50 -- 200 rounds per mounted gun per run.
      2. Cal. 30 -- 250 rounds per mounted gun per run.

»XLI-25«

Exercise G19 -- Revision 1
Fire Support Craft -- Assault Firing

OBJECT:

PROCEDURE:

  1. Outline of Practice:

    1. This practice presupposes a tactical situation including the landing of an assault boat group or LVT group. It also presupposes an LCI-G and an LCSL-3 armed with 3 - 40mm(S), 4 - 20mm, and 10 - Mark 7 rocket projectors.

    2. Prior to the departure of the assault waves for the beach, Close-in Fire Support Craft are on patrol in the immediate vicinity of the Line of Departure.

    3. When the assault wave leaves for the beach Fire Support Craft (or Gunboats) accompany it on each flank as shown in diagram entitled "LCIL Gunboats, Assault Firing Run" at end of Chapter XXVII, Transport Doctrine. It is this run which this exercise simulates.

    4. The speed of the Fire Support Craft must be so regulated that they accompany and render fire support to the assault boat and LVT waves during their run from the Line of Departure to the Beach. Furthermore, the speed of advance of the Fire Support Craft must be so regulated that the first waves of Boats or LVTs land immediately after the final rocket salvo lands on the beach -- and yet not so close as to be within the area of landing of possible erratic short rockets.

    5. Considerable training is necessary to ensure that officers manning these Close-in Fire Support Craft are able to:

      1. Pour a heavy volume of continuous automatic weapons fire on the beach defenses in the immediate landing area. This includes a strip the width of the beach landed on about 100 yards inland.

      2. Operate all weapons simultaneously on their craft without undue confusion and without interference between weapons.

      3. Place their rocket salvos on the immediate beach area, not in the water, and not behind the beaches. They must learn the technique of ranging salvos.

      4. Pick up a target of opportunity quickly which opens fire on it and immediately direct a heavy volume of fire upon it.

      5. To place 20mm and 40mm fire accurately on point targets on the beach.

      6. In a word -- control the fire of their weapons.

»XLI-26«

    1. In order for LCI-G's and LCSL-3's to fire 4.5" BR's at 45° QA navigation must be possible to within 800 yards of the beach, and at 30° QA to within 750 yards.

    2. The target area for 4.5" rockets is considered to be an area from the water's edge about 100 yards inland. thus the MPI [Mean Point of Impact] should land about 50 yards inland. With the Mark 137 fuse, water contact will produce detonation and no great underwater countermining. Therefor water shots are wasted. Depending on the tactical situation, hydrographic conditions, and prior intelligence, the MPI of the rocket salvos may be ordered further inland or closer to the water's edge. With LCIL's it must be remembered that the pattern produced (the 50% area) by 10 - Mark 7 projectors on a single ship fired at a Quadrant Angle of 45° is probably about 80 yards in range and 110 yards in deflection.

    3. Further instructions are necessary when LCI-G's or LCSL-3 mount a 3"/50 gun, or their armament differs in other ways.

    4. Attention is further directed to Chapter XXVII in Transport Doctrine on "Gunfire Support" and to Chapter XXIX in Transport Doctrine on "Rockets".

  1. The Officer conducting the practice will:

    1. Clear a suitable firing area on the shore. Unnecessary to have a good landing beach.

    2. Designate the times of successive H-Hour, depending on the number of runs desired, as H-Hour Run One 0800, H-Hour Run Two 0900, H-Hour Run Three 1000, etc.

    3. Designate the Close Support Craft to participate at a given beach, and the beach to which they will be assigned.

    4. Establish the number of runs to be made. Generally the last run will be a full dress rehearsal with all guns and rocket projectors firing.

  2. The officer in charge of Close Fire Support Craft will:

    1. Insure that the beach area is clear and safe to fire upon by personal reconnaissance.

    2. Take up patrol stations at a simulated Line of Departure about 3,000 yards offshore.

    3. Order rocket projector quadrant angles set as desired. The following is suggested.

      1. LCSS -- About 50% of the total projectors set at 45° and 50% and 30°.

      2. LCIL-G, and LCSL-3 -- About 40% of the projectors (i.e. the forward 4) set at 30° and 60% at 45°.

    4. Leave these patrol stations and make runs on beach in formation of line abreast -- one half the boats or craft on one flank of the (constructive) wave and one half on the other flank. Leave about 100 yards for boat group.

»XLI-27«

    1. Fire such of the following runs as are ordered:

      1. Run 1 -- (For LCIL-G and LCSL-3 only) 20mm firing run. Suggested allowance 120 rounds per gun.

      2. Run 1 -- (For LCSS only) -- Machine gun firing run. Suggested allowance 200 rounds per 50 cal. MG.

      3. Run 2 -- (For LCIL-G and LCSL-3) 40mm firing run. Suggested allowance -- 16 rounds per gun.

      4. Run 3 -- 4.5" BR first range estimate training run. Suggested allowance: for LCIL-G and LCSL-3 16 rounds; for LCSS - 8 rounds.

      5. Run 4 -- 4.5" BR second training run. Suggested allowance: for LCIL-G and LCSL-3 16 rounds; for LCSS 8 rds.

      6. Run 5 -- Assault Firing Run. Suggest allowances:

          For LCIL-G and LCSL-3:
          Rockets -   16 rds 4.5" HE, 4 rds 4.5" FS.
          40mm -   24 rds per gun.
          20mm - 120 rds per gun.

          For LCSS:
          Rockets -       8 rds. 4.5" HE, 2 rds 4.5" FS.
          50 Cal. - 200 rds. per gun.

    2. This will result in the following ammunition expenditure for the complete practice:

      1. For LCIL-G and LCSL-3:

          48 rds. 4.5" Barrage Rockets, HE.
          4 rds. 4.5" Barrage Rockets, FS.
          40 rds. 40mm per gun (usually 120 rds. per ship.)
          240 rds. 20mm per gun (usually 960 rds. per ship.)

      2. For LCSS.

          24 rds. 4.5" Barrage Rockets, HE.
          2 rds. 4.5" Barrage Rockets, FS.
          400 rds. 50 Cal. per gun (usually 800 rds per boat).

»XLI-28«

Exercise 20
Boats Laying Smoke

OBJECT:

PROCEDURE:

  1. The officer conducting the practice will:

    1. Designate the ships to participate.

    2. Indicate an approximate time of exercise, such as a given morning, etc.

    3. When smoke is desired, and after careful consideration of the wind effect order a screen to be laid as follows:

      1. "MONROVIA and WOODS boats lay screen, origin 20° 45.5' N, 156° 31' W, direction 180°, distance 8,000 yards. CALVERT and LEE's boats lay screen, same origin direction 270°, distance 4,000 yards. Commence immediately."

      2. After short period of time, order "Cease Smoke" by whistle ("Victor").

  2. The designated ships will:

    1. At designated time, maintain two boats equipped to lay and maintain smoke (for an APA, AKA, AP, AK, AGC) using Smoke Pots, M-1 or Mark 3 and Smoke Floats, M-4.

    2. On receipt of order, dispatch boats to designated position with instructions.

    3. Cease on signal.

»XLI-29«

Table of Contents  *  Previous Chapter (39) *  Next Chapter (42)


Transcribed and formatted for HTML by Patrick Clancey, HyperWar Foundation