S E C R E T As of January 1, 1944 the U. S. Navy will have 714 combat air. craft of all types (exclusive of carrier-based), deployed for special assignment by CINCPAC. Required air- craft should be available for this operation. c. Naval (MARSHALLS) The situation in cruisers to mount the MARSHALL ISLANDS 12 16 operation ( 8 CL plus 8 CA) will be tight until early in 1944. As of January 1, 1944, there will be 9 CA, 12 CL, and 4 0CL in the PACIFIC. If all cruisers which become available for assignment in the first quarter of 1944 (1 CA and 4 CL) are assigned to the PACIFIC and assuming no attrition after January 1, 1944, there would be available on April 1, 1944, 10 CA, 12 CL, and 4 0CL. After meeting the requirements for this operation 2 CA, 4 CL, and 4 0CL would be available to meet all other requirements in the PACIFIC. One CL and one CA become available for assignment during the second quarter of 1944. d. Air (CAROLINES) (exclusive of carrier-based) Ass ault Garrison VSO 0 36 B (H) 96 48 B (M) 0 64 B (L/D) 0 96 Ftr 0 200 96 444 As of Janusry 1, 1944, the U. S. Navy will have 714 combat-aircraft of all types (exclusive of carrier-based) deployed for special assignment by CINCPAC. No deployments have been made for later, dates, but it is assumed that this figure of 714 will be increased after January 1, 1944, and that the CAROLINE operation is not likely to occur until - 26 - |