Task Unit 132.32.5

TG 132.3 Underwater Detection Unit

Task Element 132.32, Escort Destroyer Division ELEVEN (USS CARPENTER
(DDE-825), USS FLETCHER (DDE~445), USS RADFORD (DDE~,46), and USS O*BANNON
(DDE~,50) ), arrived in company vith the CURTISS.

Task Unit 132.3.1 Patrol

Squadron TWO was at Kwajalein and reported to the Task Group on 12 September.

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On arrival at Eniwetok, the Task Group Commander assumed functions of

Senior Officer Present Afloat (SOPA) in the Northern End of the Lagoon where
the flagship was moored to buoy.

CouTaskElement 132.32 (Commanding Officer,

USS OAK HILL) continued to carry out SOPA functions in the South End of the

‘Lagoon as SOPA Administration in that Area. On 18 September it was deemed
essential that the Task Group Administration arrive in the Forward Area at
the earliest and the Task Group Commander ordered 8 officers, including the
Chief of Staff, and 7 enlisted men of the Flag Allowance to leave the RENDOVA

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on arrival et Pearl Harbor and proceed by air to Eniwetok. ‘This group
departed Oabs on 22 September and arrived at Eniwetok on 24 September.
Meanwhile, on 20 September, the Task Group Commander had shifted his
flag and moved his cperational staff to the USS ESTES.

With the move by

’ the Chief of Steff ani other personnel from the RENDOVA on 22 September, the
Task Group Administration was shifted te the USS ESTES.
On 22 September, firm SOPA Instructions were issued to the Task Group to
be made effective on a signal at a later date.

On moving from the CURTISS to

the ESTES, the Commanding Officer cf the CURTISS was directed to assume
functions of SOPA Administration in the North End of the Lagoon.

ignal was made on 26 September making SOPA Instructions effective

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