CinC File No. A16-1/A4-1/VZ/(0178)
UNITED STATES FLEET,
U. S. S. PENNSYLVANIA, Flagship,
Pearl Harbor, T. H., Jan. 31, 1941.
CONFIDENTIAL.
SECOND ENDORSEMENT to CPW2 Conf. ltr. PW2/A16-3/(022) of 1/16/41.
From: Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
To: The Chief of Naval Operations.
Subject: Patrol Wing TWO-Readiness of.
1. Forwarded, concurring with the basic recommendation and with the first endorsement by Commander Scouting Force.
2. The Commander-in-Chief appreciates the spirit in which the basic letter, urging action toward effective readiness for missions that may be demanded of Patrol Wing TWO, has been written. He also appreciates the fact that action has already been initiated or, in some cases, is not readily practicable at this time with respect to a number of the basic recommendations; and that separate correspondence with respect to much of this material is already in circulation.
3. It is the Commander-in-Chief's opinion, however, that the basic letter, summarizing as it does the entire patrol plane situation in the Hawaiian area, presents a very valuable picture of the overall requirements that are urgently needed if the potentialities expected of patrol planes are to be even approximately realized. Therefore, full review of the subject, accompanied by appropriate action toward expediting or initiating needed developments, is urged.
4. Attention is particularly invited to:
(a) The desirability of better priority in the delivery of improved patrol planes to Patrol Wing TWO.
(b) The great importance of increased bomb and torpedo supply, including not only bulk storage, but also ready storage at Naval Air Station Pearl Harbor, together with suitable handling and loading equipment at the Air Station, and improved transportation from bulk storage. In this connection, provision at the Naval Air Station should include two "fills" for five patrol plane squadrons and one aircraft carrier group.
(c) The vital necessity of expediting the readiness at outlying island developments of the basic essentials: gasoline and oil storage, bomb and ammunition storage, parking area, ramps and dredged approaches thereto. This latter subject has been discussed informally with representatives of the Commandant Fourteenth Naval District and is understood to be receiving full consideration. Departmental support, if and as needed, is urged.
J. O. Richardson.
J. O. RIcHARDsoN.
Copy to:
Comscofor
Comairscofor
Compatwing-2
Com-14
NAS P. H.
NAS Kaneohe