Podcasts about uss independence

Last time we spoke about the conquest of Angaur and the Japanese Triumph in China. By October 18th, the remaining Japanese on Angaur were compressed into a small area, and by the 21st, resistance had ceased. The Americans suffered 264 killed and 1,355 wounded, while approximately 1,300 Japanese were killed. Over in China, Hara's forces suffered heavy losses during a delaying action at Momauk, with troops joining Bhamo's defense by November 16. The 113th Regiment maneuvered to encircle Bhamo from the south, while the 114th Regiment approached from the north, creating a loose encirclement. The 22nd Division's movement prompted concerns of severing key rail lines, leading Japanese forces to reposition defensively. Despite intense fighting, including a strong Chinese offensive on November 19, the Japanese withdrew from key positions, allowing Chinese forces to capture Mangshi and secure a strategic airfield for resupply, significantly impacting the campaign's dynamics. This episode is the Formosa Air Battle Welcome to the Pacific War Podcast Week by Week, I am your dutiful host Craig Watson. But, before we start I want to also remind you this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Perhaps you want to learn more about world war two? Kings and Generals have an assortment of episodes on world war two and much more  so go give them a look over on Youtube. So please subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry for some more history related content, over on my channel, the Pacific War Channel you can find a few videos all the way from the Opium Wars of the 1800's until the end of the Pacific War in 1945.  As we last saw on Peleliu, General Rupertus' 1st Marine Division, bolstered by Colonel Dark's 321st Regiment, successfully secured the island after approximately two weeks of intense fighting. However, Colonel Nakagawa's isolated and outnumbered garrison continued to resist in the Umurbrogol Pocket. As left by nature, the Umurbrogol Pocket was much like the Ibdi Pocket on Biak Island, but larger and rougher. Like Ibdi, the Umurbrogol originally had a thick cover of tropical trees and dense jungle undergrowth which, as the result of continued air, naval, and artillery bombardment (including extensive employment of aerial napalm strikes), was gradually knocked down or burned away. Again, as on Biak, the Japanese had improved upon nature. There were many artificial or semi-artificial caves which had been constructed to protect approaches to the inner sections of the pocket, and the Japanese had improved almost every natural cave. Where no caves were available or could be constructed, the defenders employed rock faults and crevices for defensive positions. Digging new entrances to existing caves or even cutting new levels within some caves, the Japanese were well prepared to execute a long and bloody holding action along the many ridges. These ridges, with the exception of the Five Sisters group at the southern side of the pocket, were generally parallel and oriented north-northeast to south-southwest. Steep-sided and fissured, many of them had razor-back summits upon which no cover could be found. The ridges were separated by deep draws, gullies, and wider valleys, the floors of which were strewn with coral boulders or coral outcroppings similar to stalagmites. Steep as they were, the sides of some ridges also were covered with such chunks and outcroppings. In late September, the exhausted infantrymen, who were tasked with containing the pocket while the Marines cleared northern Peleliu, made several heavy assaults. They only managed to reach the X-ray phase line, marking what was believed to be the northern edge of the core Japanese defenses, before being relieved by the 7th Marines. With Colonel Hanneken's 1st and 3rd Battalions now holding the X-ray line, Rupertus planned a strong attack southward while other Marine units maintained their positions on the western and southern sides of the pocket. On the morning of September 30, the attack was launched. However, fierce Japanese resistance, heavy rain, fog, and sickness hindered the 7th Marines' progress southward by October 2. On the following day, Hanneken's 2nd Battalion, supported by tanks, secured a foothold along the eastern side and top of Walt Ridge, while the 3rd Battalion finally captured the eastern slope of Boyd Ridge. By October 4, however, the 7th Marines had suffered such heavy losses and were so depleted that Rupertus was left with no choice but to relieve them as well. As a result, Colonel Harris's 5th Marines were once again thrust into action. On October 7, following an hour-long artillery and mortar barrage, the 3rd Battalion, along with six tanks, advanced into Mortimer Valley. However, Nakagawa's determined defenders continued to resist fiercely, successfully repelling two powerful tank-infantry assaults, causing heavy American casualties. Our old friend Eugene Sledge with K Company, 3d Battalion, 5th Marines, wrote about fighting in this area, it is as follows  “Johnny led us on up through a jumble of rocks on Hill 140. Company K's line was emplaced along a rock rim, and we set up the mortars in a shallow depression about twenty yards behind it. The riflemen and machine gunners in front of us were in among rocks along the rim of Hill 140 facing east toward Walt Ridge and the northern end of the infamous Horseshoe. We had previously attacked that valley from its southern end. From the rim of Hill 140 the rock contours dropped away in a sheer cliff to a canyon below. No one could raise his head above the rim rock without immediately drawing heavy rifle and machine-gun fire. The fighting around the pocket was as deadly as ever, but of a different type from the early days of the campaign. The Japanese fired few artillery or mortar barrages, just a few rounds at a time when assured of inflicting maximum casualties. That they usually did, and then secured the guns to escape detection. Sometimes there was an eerie quiet. We knew they were everywhere in the caves and pillboxes. But there was no firing in our area, only the sound of firing elsewhere. The silence added an element of unreality to the valleys. If we moved past a certain point, the Japanese opened up suddenly with rifle, machine-gun, mortar, and artillery fire. It was like a sudden storm breaking. More often than not we had to pull back, and not a man in the company had seen a live enemy anywhere. They couldn't hope to drive us off by then or to be reinforced themselves. From that point onward, they killed solely for the sake of killing, without hope and without higher purpose. We were fighting in Peleliu's ridges and valleys, in terrain the likes of which most Americans could not even visualize, against an enemy unlike anything most Americans could imagine”. In response to this setback, Rupertus halted further offensive operations and ordered his forces to maintain pressure on the Japanese stronghold through sustained artillery fire and aerial bombardments. Over the next two days, this relentless bombardment cleared so much foliage and undergrowth that visibility across the ridges improved significantly. This allowed the attacks to resume on October 9, and although no ground was gained initially, Harris's 2nd Battalion succeeded in securing Wattie, Baldy, and 120 Ridges on October 10. They then pushed south to capture the tactically vital Hill 140. From this position, a Marine howitzer provided critical support to the 5th and 7th Marines as they cleared an area approximately 700 yards long and up to 200 yards east beyond the previous containment lines along West Road. However, on October 14, Dark's 321st Regiment began moving up to relieve the Marines, as General Geiger had decided to end Marine participation in the Battle of Peleliu.  Just before they were relieved, Eugene Sledge wrote a passage about moving through positions in October, finding numerous dead, stinking in the hot sun. One corpse he found made a significant impact on him, here is the passage. “As we moved past the defilade, my buddy groaned, “Jesus!” I took a quick glance into the depression and recoiled in revulsion and pity at what I saw. The bodies were badly decomposed and nearly blackened by exposure. This was to be expected of the dead in the tropics, but these Marines had been mutilated hideously by the enemy. One man had been decapitated. His head lay on his chest; his hands had been severed from his wrists and also lay on his chest near his chin. In disbelief I stared at the face as I realized that the Japanese had cut off the dead Marine's penis and stuffed it into his mouth. The corpse next to him had been treated similarly. The third had been butchered, chopped up like a carcass torn by some predatory animal. My emotions solidified into rage and a hatred for the Japanese beyond anything I ever had experienced. From that moment on I never felt the least pity or compassion for them no matter what the circumstances. My comrades would field-strip their packs and pockets for souvenirs and take gold teeth, but I never saw a Marine commit the kind of barbaric mutilation the Japanese committed if they had access to our dead. When we got back to the gun pit, my buddy said, “Sledgehammer, did you see what the Nips did to them bodies? Did you see what them poor guys had in their mouths?” I nodded as he continued, “Christ, I hate them slant-eyed bastards!” “Me too. They're mean as hell,” was all I could say.” About mid-October, a number of command changes occurred in the Palaus area. On the 12th, for instance, the 1st Marine Division was relieved of all responsibilities other than continuing the fight in the Umurbrogol Pocket. The 321st Infantry took over the defenses along the eastern arm, while the Island Garrison Force assumed responsibility for the area south of the pocket. On the morning of October 12, the command post of the 3rd Amphibious Corps moved ashore and General Geiger, the corps commander, declared that the assault and occupation phase of operations on Peleliu was ended. The exact meaning of this announcement is not clear, especially in relation to Admiral Fort's somewhat similar declaration of September 30, stating that Angaur, Peleliu, Ngesebus, and Kongauru had been captured and occupied. However, General Geiger's announcement seems to have been made in preparation for the 1st Marine Division's imminent departure from the Palaus. The statement also bears relation to the passing of control of operations in the Palaus from the 3rd Fleet and Admiral Halsey (as then represented by Admiral Fort's Western Attack Force headquarters) to the Headquarters, Forward Area Central Pacific (Task Force 57), under Admiral Hoover. On the 13th General Geiger issued orders alerting the 321st Regimental Combat Team to relieve the 1st Marine Division elements still at the Umurbrogol Pocket. The next day, control over all operations in the Palaus passed from Admiral Fort to Admiral Hoover's command. With the relief of the Marines at the Umurbrogol, the remainder of the battered 1st Marine Division then began preparations for leaving the Palaus. At the same time, the 1st Battalion, 323rd Regiment, fresh from operations at Ulithi Atoll, started preparations to relieve Marine units in the southwest corner of the pocket, with the rest of the regiment to follow. Consequently, the Marines prepared to depart from the Palaus, with Dark taking over responsibility for the reduction of Umurbrogol. Since September 29, the Marines had endured an additional 1,000 casualties, bringing their total to 1,252 killed and 5,274 wounded. In return, they estimated having killed between 850 and 1,000 Japanese soldiers, leaving roughly 1,000 defenders in the shrinking pocket as the 321st moved back in. After a failed local attempt to capture the northernmost peak of the Five Brothers Ridge on October 16, Dark launched a general attack the next day, which resulted in a modest gain of about 125 yards and the neutralization of some caves to the east. On the morning of October 18, the attack resumed, with Dark's 2nd Battalion successfully capturing three peaks of the Five Brothers, thanks to support from mortars, tanks, and LVT-mounted flamethrowers. However, undeterred by this overwhelming firepower, the Japanese immediately counterattacked and reclaimed the three peaks by nightfall. On the southwest side of the pocket, Nakagawa had also sent infiltrators through tunnels and connecting caves to raid the enemy lines, forcing Geiger to redirect elements of the 7th Marines and 323rd Regiment to address this new southern pocket. After much effort, most of the infiltrators were finally pushed north on October 23, though mopping up in the Southern Pocket wasn't completed until November 3. Meanwhile, on October 19, following a deadly napalm strike, Dark's 1st Battalion advanced up to 50 yards along the ridges west of Hill 140 with the help of howitzers and much-needed sandbags. The battalion's men, lying prone on the ground, inched their sandbags forward with rifle butts or sticks, laboriously expanding their hold and almost realizing the infantrymen's dream of portable foxholes. The next day, General Mueller formally assumed command of the Peleliu campaign. Following some reconnaissance and a napalm strike, the 321st resumed its assault on October 21, making significant progress by advancing over 100 yards and capturing the northernmost peak of the Five Brothers. On the subsequent day, Dark launched a coordinated attack with his 2nd Battalion securing the first three Brothers, the reinforced 1st Battalion struggling to breach Death Valley, and the 3rd Battalion sweeping through Mortimer Valley with tank support. After this achievement, while Colonel Watson was bringing the remaining 323rd Regiment to the Umurbrogol area, the only major progress was the capture of the fourth Brother on October 23. Two days later, the 323rd began relieving the weary 321st Regiment. By this time, Dark had lost 146 men killed and 469 wounded on Peleliu. As Watson took over, Nakagawa's forces had been reduced to about 700 effective troops, including those lightly wounded. The pocket's dimensions had also been compressed to an average north-south length of about 600 yards. Fortunately for the defenders, heavy rains, fog, and poor visibility significantly hampered Watson's operations in the Umurbrogol Pocket from October 26 to November 1. This period was used mainly for mortar barrages, napalm strikes, defense enhancements, and extending sandbag fortifications. Despite this pause, Nakagawa launched near-nightly counterattacks over the six days, primarily targeting the Five Brothers, which mostly resulted in further casualties for the defenders. To understand the eventual reduction of the Umurbrogol Pocket, we will need to shift our focus to the plans and preparations for General MacArthur's grand return to the Philippines. Previously, General MacArthur, along with Admirals Nimitz and Halsey, decided to abandon the preliminary operations for Mindanao and Yap in favor of a direct assault on Leyte. To be much more frank General MacArthur was having a turf war with Admiral Nimitz. After the Marianas campaign, the endgame of Nimitz island hoping across the Pacific forced the Joint Chiefs of staff to make a choice, to invade the Philippines, or leave it to wither on the vine and instead invade formosa. Admiral King, the joint chiefs of staff, Admiral Leahy and General Hap Arnold all favored the Formosa option. For quite awhile Nimitz got everyone onboard with this plan as Formosa was a logical choice being only 900 kms away from Japan and its seizure would cut off southeast asia from the home islands. With Formosa the Americans could even begin an invasion of southern CHina to aid their allies there and toss plenty of B-29s at the home islands from a much closer location. But then there was the force of nature that was Douglas MacArthur. MacArthur argued Formosa would be “a massive operation, extremely costly in men and shipping, logistically precarious and time consuming.” And he was willing to take his case straight to Washington. In July of 1944 he along with Nimitz went to Honolulu to meet with FDR. MacArthur bitterly protested the meeting, as he knew full well FDR was trying to get re-elected for a fourth term “humiliation of forcing me to leave my command to fly to Honolulu for a political picture taking junket.” So not to be outdone by FDR, MacArthur showboated, by landing early with. He went to a local shop in a limousine he borrowed, and had his staff place a 4 star general insignia upon. He wore khaki trousers a brown leather air force jacket and the cap of a Filipino Field Marshall, going out into public waving at crowds gathering to see the president. When he moved into a cabin to meet with FDR he refused to change into cooler attire stating to FDR , “you haven't been up there where I came from, and it's cold up there in the sky.” MacArthur then pretended Nimitz was not in the room and dominated the strategic discussions and attempted at every possible moment to impose his will on the rather ailing and sickly president, whose physical decline had become more apparent. During a private meeting between the two MacArthur said this to FDR “Mr. President, the country has forgiven you for what took place on Bataan. You hope to be re-elected president of the United States, but the nation will never forgive you if you approve a plan which leaves 17 million Christian American subjects to wither in the Philippines under the conqueror's heel until the peace treaty frees them. You might do it for reasons of strategy or tactics, but politically, it would ruin you” Rather ironic given it was his responsibility to defend those he was now blackmailing FDR to save. But the truth of the matter was, MacArthur had stolen the American press and American peoples hearts, his grand statement to return to the Philippines was a huge issue. There of course was the other issue, MacArthur could run on the Republican ticket against FDR. Some would allege FDR was bullied into an invasion of the Philippines because of this. To twist FDR's arm, MacArthur assured him the losses in retaking Luzon would be minimal “Mr. President, my losses would not be heavy, any more than they have been in the past … your good commanders do not turn in heavy losses.” Despite it being a slight against Nimitz, MacArthur's arguments did twist his wrist. That evening FDR spoke to his doctor Ross McIntire stating this “Give me an aspirin before I go to bed. In fact, give me another aspirin to take in the morning. In all my life nobody ever talked to me the way MacArthur did.” When leaving back on his plane, MacArthur turned to his aide and boasted, “We've sold it.” and when he returned to his South West Pacific Area Command HQ in Brisbane, MacArthur informed his staff, “the President has accepted my recommendations and approved the Philippines plan.” MacArthur was a bit too optimistic, although FDR agreed to invade the Philippines he did not do so without recommendations of his joint chiefs of staff. The Navy was to bear the brunt of furnishing air support in the early stages of the campaign. By arrangement with Admiral Nimitz, the Carrier Task Force from Admiral Halsey's 3rd Fleet was to strike northern Luzon and Okinawa or Formosa, or both, from A Day minus 10 to A minus 7. From A minus 4 through A Day, strikes were to be made on Luzon, the Cebu-Negros area, and the Leyte area in support of the landings. As soon as the Palau air base facilities would permit, shore-based air forces from the Central Pacific were to operate in the Bicol area. The Allied Naval Forces was to furnish carrier aircraft as protection for convoys and naval task forces and, supplemented by aircraft of the 3rd Fleet and the Allied Air Forces, to provide direct air support for the landings. In addition, it was to furnish protective air support and cover by carrier aircraft prior to A Day for the preliminary landings in Leyte Gulf and for the mine sweeping. On September 24, General Kenney issued his order for the Leyte operation and assigned missions to the Allied Air Forces. He designated General Whitehead's 5th Air Force as the Air Assault Force. It was to support the operation by intensified air activities against enemy installations, destroy hostile air and surface forces in the Celebes Sea and assigned areas in the Philippine Archipelago, and provide air defense for existing bases and forces in transit to Leyte within range of its capabilities. It was also to be prepared to establish, on order, land-based air forces on Leyte. The 13th Air Force was to support the missions of the 5th Air Force, while the Royal Australian Air Force Command was to destroy Japanese installations and sources of raw materials in the Netherlands Indies. Additionally, Halsey's 3rd Fleet was to be on standby to support the Leyte operation, with the objective of "destroying enemy naval and air forces in or threatening the Philippine Area." Submarines from both the Southwest and Central Pacific Areas would provide support through offensive reconnaissance of likely Japanese routes, maintaining observation and lifeguard services, and offering weather reports and strategic patrols. On the ground, General Krueger's 6th Army would lead the Leyte assault, taking over the operation after the disbandment of Alamo Force on September 25. With this force moving to the Philippines, General Eichelberger's 8th Army was assigned garrison duties in New Guinea, New Britain, the Admiralties, and Morotai. For King II, Krueger's forces included General Sibert's 10th Corps, consisting of the 1st Cavalry and 24th Infantry Divisions, totaling 53,000 men, and General Hodge's 24th Corps, comprising the 7th and 96th Divisions, totaling 51,500 men. The corps originally designated for the canceled Yap operation was reassigned to the 6th Army, replacing the 14th Corps, which was meant to carry out the initial Leyte landings after securing Mindanao. However, the 14th Corps was still in the process of being relieved at Bougainville. To further support the operation, Krueger kept the 32nd and 77th Divisions in reserve, totaling approximately 28,500 troops. Krueger's plan involved an advance team landing Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Mucci's 6th Ranger Battalion on the islands guarding the approaches to Leyte Gulf on October 17. As the Rangers took control of these small islands, Admiral Oldendorf's Fire Support Group would initiate a comprehensive bombardment campaign in preparation for the landings. Minesweepers and underwater demolition teams would also begin clearing natural and man-made obstacles from the gulf. On October 20, Admiral Barbey's Task Force 78 was to transport and land the 10th Corps, while Admiral Wilkinson's Task Force 79 was tasked with landing the 24th Corps. The reinforced 21st Regiment was scheduled to land at 09:30 near Panaon Strait, at the southeastern tip of Leyte, to secure control of the entrance to Sogod Bay. Further north, the 10th Corps was to land two divisions abreast in the Marasbaras and Palo areas at 10:00, while the 24th Corps would simultaneously land two divisions abreast in the Dulag area, about 15 miles to the south. Major-General Verne Mudge's 1st Cavalry Division was to capture Tacloban and its airfield and secure control of San Juanico Strait, while Major-General Frederick Irving's 24th Division seized Palo and advanced northwest through the Leyte Valley. The two divisions would then converge on Carigara at the northern end of the valley. Hodge's strategy involved Major-General James Bradley's 96th Division landing between Dulag and San Roque to secure a segment of Highway 1 within its operational zone, as well as Catmon Hill and the Dagami-Tanauan area. Since Bradley's task was relatively easier, the 381st Regiment was designated as Krueger's floating reserve. At the same time, Major-General Archibald Arnold's 7th Division was tasked with coming ashore in the Dulag area. One part of this division was to move south to capture the Highway 1 bridge and the Daguitan River crossings at Dao, while the main force advanced along the Dulag-Burauen road to take Burauen and then push on to Dagami. From there, Arnold's troops were expected to be ready to seize Abuyog and Baybay, eliminating enemy forces on the west coast and in southern Leyte. With the successful completion of these objectives, Krueger aimed to break the backbone of Japanese resistance. Consequently, with Leyte Valley and its airfields and base sites secured by the 6th Army, the 10th Corps would then advance south through the Ormoc Valley towards Ormoc, while the 24th Corps would move north from Baybay along the Ormoc Bay coast to link up with Sibert. Meanwhile, General Yamashita relied on General Suzuki's 35th Army, which consisted of four divisions and two independent mixed brigades dispersed across the central and southern Philippines. Specifically, Leyte was defended by Lieutenant-General Makino Shiro's 16th Division, experienced veterans of the initial Japanese invasion of the Philippines. Aside from minor forces left on Luzon and Samar, Makino commanded the full combat strength of the 16th Division, supplemented by 4th Air Division ground units, 35th Army service units in the area, and elements of the 36th Naval Guard Unit stationed at Ormoc and Tacloban. Anticipating that enemy landings would most likely occur in the Dulag-Tarragona-Abuyog sector, Makino strategically positioned the majority of his troops in fortified coastal positions between Abuyog in the south and Palo in the north, with the densest concentration around Dulag. By October, the 16th Division had completed three lines of trenches along the shoreline, but these defenses were weak and inadequately placed. The field positions were old-type long connecting trenches prepared in three echelons. These were difficult to defend and easily discovered from the air since camouflage was lacking. The only effective positions were the cave emplacements for artillery, which had been constructed on Catmon Hill. About 60% of the defenses constructed were completed by the time of the invasion. In the event of an enemy invasion, Suzuki kept the 30th Division and three battalions of the 102nd Division as a mobile reserve, ready to be deployed to destroy the enemy wherever they landed. This strategy was known as the Suzu Plan: if the enemy landed at Davao, the mobile reserve would reinforce the 100th Division; if they landed on Leyte, the main force of the 30th Division and three battalions of the 102nd Division were to land at Ormoc to support Makino's defenders. Meanwhile, back in September, Mitscher's fast carriers had conducted several strikes against the Philippines, leading to the near destruction of Japanese air forces and shipping in the region. To prevent air reinforcements to the Philippines, Halsey ordered Admiral Sherman's carrier-based aircraft to launch strikes against enemy aircraft staging areas in the Ryukyus, particularly Okinawa, on October 10. These strikes successfully destroyed an estimated 111 planes and sank or damaged 34 ships. Simultaneously, a cruiser force under Rear Admiral Allan Smith shelled Minami Torishima. The following day, the carriers under Admirals McCain and Davison carried out a feint attack on northern Luzon, sinking two more ships off Aparri. As the attack on the Ryukyus began, Admiral Toyoda was at Shinchiku in northern Formosa, returning to Tokyo after a command inspection in the Philippines intended to boost morale. Upon learning of the strikes, Toyoda believed that the American carriers in the northern Philippine Sea were vulnerable to his powerful land-based air forces. Over 1,800 aircraft were allocated for Sho in total, but they were widely dispersed across the four operation regions. About one third of them were not battle-ready due to casualties and a lack of parts or trained pilots. When the fighting began, Vice-Admiral Fukudome Shigeru (commander of the 2nd Air Fleet based in the Kyūshū-Okinawa-Formosa district) had approximately 700 planes ready in Formosa and Kyushu. 100 or so aircraft in the Seto Inland Sea was later added to his command. Over the next four days, an additional 690 or so planes flew in from bases in Japan and China. Toyoda saw this as a prime opportunity to deal a crippling blow to the enemy fleet and disrupt the Allied invasion timeline. Consequently, he decided to risk all available naval air power in a determined effort to destroy Mitscher's carrier forces, taking personal command of the battle operations in Formosa on October 10. As anticipated, Halsey planned to launch strong carrier-based strikes against Formosa on October 12 and 13. Mitscher's four task groups were assigned targets in southern, northern, and central Formosa, as well as the Takao area. Additionally, General LeMay's first two B-29 strikes of October were scheduled to support the attack, targeting the Okayama aircraft repair and assembly facility in Takao with 170 sorties. Originally set for October 11 and 14, these strikes were postponed to October 14 and 16 due to unfavorable weather forecasts. After a rapid overnight approach on October 11, Mitscher's carriers reached their positions off Formosa the next morning. All four task groups completed launch of predawn fighter sweeps by around 06:00 hours. Because the Japanese were on alert, Grumman F6F Hellcat fighters from all four groups were intercepted by enemy aircraft and moderate to intense anti-aircraft fire was universally reported. Air-to-air engagements were fiercest over northern and central Formosa, where aircraft from Rear Admiral Gerald F. Bogan's TG 38.2 and Rear Admiral Frederick C. Sherman's TG 38.3 operated. Sherman's USS Lexington and USS Essex claimed almost 50 enemy aircraft shot down between them. Bogan's task group contained three Essex-class carriers – USS Intrepid, USS Bunker Hill and USS Hancock. Intrepid and Bunker Hill claimed over 50 Japanese aircraft destroyed, making the combined claims for the two groups around 100. Many of Japan's more experienced pilots were killed during the first wave of American air raid. American carrier air groups had suffered minimal personnel losses with nine U.S. aircraft shot down with three pilots subsequently recovered by nearby ships or submarines. These lopsided results were in part due to a lack of experience among Japanese pilots. IJAAS fighters stationed to the north of the Philippines were still in training. The bulk of enemy fighter aircraft reported by U.S. aviators were Japanese Army types, primarily the Nakajima Ki-44 (Allied reporting name "Tojo"), Kawasaki Ki-61 ("Tony") and Nakajima Ki-43 ("Oscar") models. Even though there were some experienced Japanese naval aviators operating at this time, IJNAS Mitsubishi A6M Zero fighter units reconstituted after the Battle of the Philippine Sea were still learning to work together and did not execute the kind of section or division flying that yielded tactical advantage. By the third strike, the Hellcats had established air dominance over Formosa, with Admirals Bogan and Sherman each claiming over 50 Japanese aircraft destroyed at the cost of nine American planes shot down. This enabled the Americans to carry out four strikes during the day preceded by a fighter sweep. The Hellcats quickly gained air control over Formosa against the 230 Japanese fighters on the island. By the third strike of the day, the Americans faced no air opposition. A total of 1400 sorties were carried out on this day, sinking or damaging 24 vessels off the Pescadores and Takao.  This led Toyoda to order the activation of the air component of Operation Sho-Go at 10:30 on October 12. Although over 1,900 dispersed aircraft were assigned to Sho-Go, most did not arrive in the forward area for several days. Consequently, Vice-Admiral Fukudome Shigeru's 2nd Air Fleet began preparing up to 800 planes in southern Kyushu for an attack, supported by Admiral Ozawa's newly-reconstituted flying groups from the 3rd and 4th Carrier Divisions. Though the day's remaining carrier strikes by Hellcat fighters, Curtiss SB2C Helldiver dive bombers, and Grumman TBF Avenger torpedo bombers did significant damage to military installations on Formosa, they failed to completely neutralize Japanese air power based on the island. Lead aircraft on 14 October had made photos revealing Navy damage which included four buildings destroyed and nine damaged out of eighty at the assembly plant, and five hangars destroyed at the air base. Many surviving structures would be destroyed by B-29 raids during the later days of the battle, however.  The only Japanese attack that day involved about 45 torpedo bombers, which mistakenly reported two carriers as damaged. Meanwhile, the T Attack Force, a special unit for operations in adverse weather, conducted a strike within a sudden typhoon from 19:00 to 20:20 before landing on Formosan bases. Their efforts were largely ineffective as American ships used smoke screens and evasive maneuvers to avoid damage. Eight Japanese aircraft were shot down by ships' guns during the night, and three Mitsubishi G4M "Betty" bombers were claimed by night fighters from the USS Independence. USS Pritchett suffered damage from friendly fire, but no damage from enemy aircraft was incurred. On October 13, Mitscher's forces resumed strikes against Formosa and the Pescadores with up to 600 aircraft, encountering less opposition but achieving only minor damage due to poor weather. Despite this, Halsey reported the destruction of 520 Japanese aircraft, the sinking of 37 ships, and 74 probable sinkings over the two days. At dusk, the carriers came under attack from 32 planes of the T Attack Force. Despite Belleau Wood's combat air patrol shooting down 16 enemy aircraft, six G4M bombers managed to evade the interceptors and launched a series of determined attacks on Davison's carriers, releasing four torpedoes before all six were eventually downed by shipboard anti-aircraft guns. Fortunately, the torpedoes missed their targets. One torpedo ran just ahead of the USS Franklin, and another ran too deep and passed beneath the carrier. One of the Bettys attempted to crash into Franklin on its way down but glanced off the flight deck and slid over the starboard edge of the ship into the water. However, McCain's carriers faced more challenges as eight B6N2 bombers, evading radar by flying low, attacked the group. While six of the bombers were shot down by anti-aircraft fire, one successfully torpedoed the cruiser Canberra, killing 23 crew members and causing severe damage. The torpedo struck the cruiser in a vulnerable spot—under the main armor belt between both firerooms. The ship lost all power, laying just 90NM off Formosa. As a result, Halsey organized a unit to tow Canberra to safety, necessitating an additional day of protection for the damaged cruiser. On October 14, Mitscher launched early morning fighter sweeps to suppress enemy air power over Luzon and Formosa, while the newly-formed unit escorted Canberra. Japanese reports claimed two carriers were sunk and one was burning, leading Toyoda to believe the enemy retreating east had been severely damaged. Consequently, Fukudome ordered his full strength of 450 planes to launch from southern Kyushu, and Vice-Admiral Shima Kiyoshide's 2nd Striking Force was deployed to sweep the waters east of Formosa. However, before the Japanese could counterattack, 130 B-29s from Chengdu attacked Formosa in the afternoon, with 104 bombers successfully dropping about 650 tons of bombs on Okayama and 13 hitting secondary targets. A dozen planes made emergency landings at friendly fields in China, one crashed near Changteh whence its crew walked out, and one was listed as missing. This was a cheap price to pay for very severe damage done to Okayama installation. At 15:25, Fukudome's initial wave of 124 planes attacked Bogan's carriers. A formation of 25 Yokosuka D4Y "Judy" dive bombers, using cloud cover to evade detection, was intercepted by the group's combat air patrol. Only a few Japanese planes made it past the American fighters. The surviving bombers were able to put two bombs in the vicinity of the Hancock, and one hit the forward port side gun tube without detonating on impact. No serious damage was inflicted by this attack. At around 17:00 a large formation of enemies showed up on radar headed towards TG 38.3. As before, a great many of these were shot down by combat air patrol. The surviving enemy planes flew down to the water level to evade further radar detection. These planes – torpedo bombers and fighters – successfully ambushed the formation just minutes later. Evasive maneuvers, squall weather, and poor fighter cover on the part of the Japanese helped TG 38.3 escape without suffering any significant damage. The only bright spot for the Japanese was another twilight attack by the T Force by 52 aircraft against TG 38.1. Four Jills broke through to attack light cruiser Houston. Three were shot down, but the last succeeded in placing a torpedo in another vulnerable spot that flooded the engineering spaces and caused all power to be lost. As a result, Halsey was left needing to tow two cruisers to safety. I would like to take this time to remind you all that this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Please go subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry after that, give my personal channel a look over at The Pacific War Channel at Youtube, it would mean a lot to me. By hook or by crook, General MacArthur bullied FDR into allowing an invasion of the Philippines. To soften up the new targets, strikes were unleashed against Luzon, Formosa and Okinawa. Despite a strong Japanese defense, American air superiority was achieved through aggressive carrier strikes, leading to the destruction of numerous Japanese aircraft and ships.

In episode 97 of "So There I Was," Mooch, a former F-14 Rio Extraordinaire, shared gripping aviation experiences from intercepting Iranian P3s to near collisions over Morocco. From Naval Academy training to missions aboard the USS Independence, Mooch's journey showcased the camaraderie within the aviation community. The discussion included anecdotes of aerial refueling, humorous incidents in flight, and technological advancements in carrier aviation. The interview also delved into Mooch's time as VF-102 department head, deployments during the Bosnian War, and transition to teaching at the Naval Academy, along with personal projects like the Punk's Trilogy and involvement in digital media. This episode draws to a close with a brief solemn tribute to Marine Captain Jack Casey, who, in the line of duty, made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation just a week before we recorded. We extend our deepest gratitude to the courageous souls who pledge their lives to our country—a commitment that, for some, exacts the highest price, leaving behind a legacy of bravery and families who bear their loss with dignity. Buy Ward's books here on Amazon!And visit his YouTube Channel here!

Less than 0.002% of the deep ocean has been explored. Diving miles beneath the waves usually requires access to specialized and scarce technology, time on one of a handful of large research ships, and the funds to afford it all. In this episode of Ocean, Kate Wing opens a conversation with scientist Dr. Jessica Sandoval about her work with underwater robotics and how low-cost sensors can give everyone a view of the ocean's depths.  Jessica is the director of sensors and systems with the Ocean Discovery League, a nonprofit that puts deep sea technology into the hands of coastal communities around the world They've codesigned platforms like the Maka Niu, which can carry a mix of off-the-shelf imaging and ocean monitoring sensors 4500 feet deep. The resulting data can  inform local environmental decision-making and power AI to map global ocean biodiversity.. A Robotics Engineer and pilot of Remote Operated Vehicles (ROVs),  Jessica has a unique perspective on the deepest parts of our ocean planet. Tune in to hear more about becoming an ocean explorer along with some Jessica's favorite sights, from hydrothermal vents to the life encompassing the USS Independence shipwreck. Host Kate Wing and Jessica talk about the delicate work of using robotics to examine sea life and how ocean creatures themselves often provide the solutions to technical challenges.. Tune into Ocean and subscribe to our Better Worlds YouTube Channel to see all of our shows, from Ocean to Green Planet Blue Planet with Julian Guderley, to Restore-A-Thon™ where we explore solutions for restoring the environment in the aftermath of environmental disasters such as the recent Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio.. Hit the “bell” button to be notified of new episodes.  #deepsea #exploration #robotics #ocean #science #biomimicry #submersibles

Open seas! In the previous episode Tejon Ranch founder Edward Fitzgerald Beale was on board the USS Independence exploring the seas. In this episode, we find Beale continuing his naval journey to the Mediterranean and eventually to the Pacific under the helm of none other than Commodore Robert Stockton. 

Season 3 focuses on the life of Tejon Ranch founder Edward Fitzgerald Beale: explorer, rancher, naval officer, humanitarian, politician, businessman, and diplomat. In this episode, we find a young Beale in Boston, on board the USS Independence, an old frigate built in 1814 (with its own story to tell), and on the open seas.

Antonio Mickel stops by the podcast to discuss serving the Rock Hill community, solutions for our troubled youth, his current projects and more! Antonio Mikel is a technologist, former educator, political consultant, strategist, analytics, community leader and a servant leader. He is a native of Rock Hill, SC. A proud graduate of Rock Hill High School. A veteran of the United States Navy where he served aboard the USS Independence. He holds a bachelors of science degree in Computer Information Systems from Strayer University. Antonio is a Member of the Knowledge Park Development Action Team Helped plan development for key sites in the downtown area of Rock Hill. He is a Former Candidate for Rock Hill City Council Ward 1 York County's Liaison for Voter Suppression for the South Carolina Democratic Party in 2020. He is an original member of the Clinton Connextion Leadership Team. Member of the Rock Hill Tourism Commission Board. Helped create the Clinton Connextion Action Plan Board Member of the Clinton College Community Development Corporation Member of the York County SC Planning Commission Board. Chairperson of the Emmett Scott Advisory Board. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/newsoulmusicradio/support

¡Nueva temporada! La arrancamos con noticias navales con Francisco. Por cierto pequeño lapsus, no es 27 de septiembre miércoles, es 21 de septiembre martes. Recordad que tenemos abierto un Patreon para apoyar el crecimiento de la comunidad: https://www.patreon.com/portierramaryaire .​ Tras el corte, el guión y minutado: Inicio: (0:00:00) Una fragata primer buque portador de misiles hipersónicos: (0:29:06) Adíos al Almirante Lazarev: (0:33:52) Lanchas de seguridad interior: (0:36:24) Entregado un dragaminas: (0:38:58) Nuevo LPD: (0:42:54) Submarinos en Mediterraneo: (0:45:59) Sistemas españoles Sentinel en Peru: (0:50:32) Barcos iranies en San Petesburgo: (0:51:04) OPV para Filipinas: (0:52:44) DDH Izumo opera F35B: (1:01:06) MLU para las MEKO turcas: (1:02:05) Buque de apoyo para Grecia: (1:04:03) Portugal desplaza un buque a las islas Desertas: (1:07:12) Felicitación Noruega a Navantia: (1:08:57) Clase Jan Mayen: (1:12:30) Tercer buque tipo LST, el PT Teluk Youtefa 522: (1:15:40) FPB fast patrol boat clase Klewang KRI Golok: (1:24:38) dos OPV de 60 y 90 m: (1:33:40) Nuevo uso de misiles por los Marines: (1:40:21) cañones AU-220M de 57 mm: (1:53:23) Finncantieri quiere comprar de Leonardo la division de cañones navales : (1:57:29) Tres fragatas para Polonia: (1:59:03) primera corbeta clase Jinnah : (2:06:59) Nuevo avión MPA: (2:11:51) nueva Clase Reshef: (2:23:25) Fragata brasileña al golfo de guinea: (2:26:48) Nuevos patrulleros de Ucrania: (2:27:54) cinco nuevas patrulleras para Rumania: (2:30:31) botadura de la 4ª corbeta saudí, Jazan: (2:31:12) Pruebas de mar de la primera: (2:32:23) Entrega del primer buque escuela para Qatar: (2:34:38) corbetas chinas para Argelia: (2:36:16) Puesta en servicio submarino: (2:38:22) Lanzamiento SLBM desde submarino: (2:38:59) Entrega de fragata DAEGU II: (2:43:10) Decimo P8 para la India: (2:45:09) Terminada la primera evaluación en el mar del CV de la India: (2:48:05) Entregado nuevo OPV para guardia costera: (2:53:07) Entrega de buque de inteligencia para la India: (2:54:29) Corbeta para Turkmenistán: (2:56:18) Mantenimiento type 45: (2:59:48) Baja de 2 dragaminas: (2:59:54) contrato para desarrollar ofertas de los nuevos FSS: (3:00:08) Readmitido al servicio un OPV clase River: (3:02:30) Reducción fragatas type 23: (3:09:53) Baja LCS-2 USS Independence: (3:12:13) Primer despliegue operativo USS Carl Vinson: (3:13:36) Bautizo del LPD 28: (3:14:10) Empieza la construcción del cuarto CVN clase Ford: (3:14:12) Primer submarino clase Virginia Block IV: (3:14:34) Tercer clase Zumwalt en pruebas de mar: (3:14:39) Lanzamiento de misiles desde un USV: (3:15:02) Otro USV coreano en el mercado: (3:20:35) Lancha blindada para los fusileros marinos franceses: (3:21:18) Primer reabastecimiento de HMAS Supply: (3:22:08) Baja del AOR HMAS Stalwart: (3:23:41) Good by SSK, hello SSN: (3:23:42)

We sit down with Felice Manzi and discuss his experience during the Vietnam War. Mr. Manzi discusses his time in the Navy aboard the USS Independence and his travels throughout that period.

Today we welcome back Tony Russo to discuss chapter 4 in his book, 'Wrestling with the Devil; A Story of Sacrifice, Survival, and Triumph, From the Hills of Naples to the Hall of Fame.' Chapter 4 is appropriately titled; 'Brooklyn.' Between 1950-1970 there were huge waves of Italian immigrants settling in Brooklyn, New York and young Tony was one of them. Although for him Brooklyn, was tumultuous, fast, and Furious. After stepping off the USS Independence straight from Naples amidst a sea of travelers young Tony sets out to look for his uncle. Tune in to find out how Tony's life in Brooklyn plays out.

China’s Rise And Prospects For Security And Stability In The Indo-Pacific Region | 2020 Conference on Taiwan in the Indo-Pacific Region | Panel 6Thursday, October 29, 2020Hoover InstitutionPanel 6: Thursday, October 29, 4-5:30pm PDT and focuses on China’s Rise And Prospects For Security And Stability In The Indo-Pacific Region.CHAIR: H.R. McMaster (Hoover Institution)    DISCUSSANT: Larry Diamond (Hoover Institution)Michael Auslin, Hoover InstitutionElizabeth Economy, Hoover InstitutionJames Ellis, Hoover InstitutionThomas Fingar, Stanford UniversityOrville Schell, Asia SocietyMEET THE PANELISTSDr. Michael Auslin is Payson J. Treat Distinguished Research Fellow in Contemporary Asia at the Hoover Institution. A historian of U.S. policy in Asia, he is the author of Asia’s New Geopolitics: Essays on Reshaping the Indo-Pacific.Dr. Larry Diamond is a Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution. He chairs Hoover’s projects on Taiwan in the Indo-Pacific Region and China’s Global Sharp Power. A renowned expert on democracy, he is the author of Ill Winds: Saving Democracy from Russian Rage, Chinese Ambition, and American Complacency.Dr. Elizabeth Economy is a Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution and Senior Fellow for China Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations. She is an expert on Chinese domestic and foreign policy and author of The Third Revolution: Xi Jinping and the New Chinese State.ADM James Ellis (Ret.) is an Annenberg Distinguished Visiting Fellow at the Hoover Institution. He led United States Strategic Command and commanded the USS Independence carrier battle group during the Third Taiwan Strait Crisis in 1996. He is also the former president and CEO of the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations (INPO).Dr. Thomas Fingar is a Shorenstein APARC Fellow in the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies at Stanford University. Formerly, he was first deputy director of national intelligence and chairman of the U.S. National Intelligence Council. Most recently, he co-edited Fateful Decisions: Choices that Will Shape China’s Future.LTG H.R. McMaster (Ret.) is Fouad and Michelle Ajami Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution. He was the 26th U.S. national security advisor. McMaster is the author of Battlegrounds: The Fight to Defend the Free World.Orville Schell is Arthur Ross Director of the Center on U.S.-China Relations at the Asia Society. A long-time China observer, Schell is former dean of the Graduate School of Journalism at the University of California, Berkeley.

Security and Defense Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific | 2020 Conference on Taiwan in the Indo-Pacific Region - Panel 1October 12, 2020Panel 1 on Monday, October 12 from 4:00pm-5:30pm PDT, focuses on Security and Defense Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.CHAIR: James Ellis (Hoover Institution)DISCUSSANTS: Joseph Felter (Hoover Institution), Che-chuan Lee (INDSR)The changing balance of military power in the Indo-Pacific Region Phillip Saunders, National Defense UniversityIndo-Pacific strategies: The perspectives of key U.S. allies and partners Tetsuo Kotani, Japan Institute of International AffairsMEET THE PANELISTS ADM James Ellis (Ret.) is an Annenberg Distinguished Visiting Fellow at the Hoover Institution. He led United States Strategic Command and commanded the USS Independence carrier battle group during the Third Taiwan Strait Crisis in 1996. He is also the former president and CEO of the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations (INPO).Dr. Joseph Felter is a research fellow at the Hoover Institution. He is former US deputy assistant secretary of defense for South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Oceania, and co-directs the Empirical Studies of Conflict Project at Stanford’s Center for International Security and Cooperation.Tetsuo Kotani is a senior fellow at the Japan Institute of International Affairs (JIIA) and a professor at Meikai University. He was a visiting scholar, Japan Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). His research focuses on the US-Japan alliance and maritime security.Dr. Che-chuan Lee is the chief of the national security and decision-making division at the Institute for National Defense and Security Research in Taiwan. Formerly, he served on Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council, National Security Council, and in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.Dr. Phillip Saunders is director of the Center for the Study of Chinese Military Affairs, and a distinguished research fellow at the Institute for National Strategic Studies at National Defense University. He is co-author of The Paradox of Power: Sino-American Strategic Restraint in an Era of Vulnerability.

Recorded on the 31st of August, 2020 On Episode 54 of Squawk Ident, Tomcats, Top Gun, & Recurrent Sim Rides, we have much to cover. Since our last show a litany of events have filled each day with a rollercoaster of anxiety and emotional pitfalls. We will dive into what has transpired in our industry and how it has added to these stressful times. We also explain how it all occurred while I was in the middle of my recurrent training cycle, and what it all means for the future of the pilot profession. Also, joining us on today’s show RobD and Captain Roger help introduce a phenomenal pilot and more recently my sim partner. We discuss how his journey in aviation has allowed him to experience the trill of being an F14-Tomcat driver, a Top Gun graduate, a Cargo Operator Flight Engineer and Pilot, a corporate pilot, and currently a Legacy Airlines Captain on the A320F. He holds multiple type ratings on the A4 Skyhawk, F14 Tomcat, B-757/767, A-320, B-777, G-200, Falcon 2000, & 900EX. He joins us today from his home in Phoenix, AZ…Captain Paul. reference: Beechcraft T34 NorthAmerican T2 Grumman F14 USS Independence Vince Lombardi on Excellence (link) Imperial March on the Kazoo (link) chapters: [00:34] Opener [07:41] Captain Paul's introduction [13:03] The 6 P's [19:25] The Needs of the Navy [25:08] Drinking Off the Fire Hose [27:30] Single Engine Approaches to the USS Independence [33:40] It's a Small World, Don't Burn Bridges [41:41] Top Gun & Rubber Dog Sh*t [47:44] Legacy Airline Transition [53:38] Adrenaline Release [1:03:50] (break) [1:05:33] Recurrent Training Prep [1:17:50] Travel to the School House [1:21:45] Stress Reductions [1:28:09] Rob's Aborted Takeoff [1:36:17] "Just a Pilot" [1:37:00] Furlough Call While at the School House [1:40:25] Recurrent Flight Training @ Legacy Airlines [1:07:01] Slow it Down! [1:12:00] Aviate, Navigate, Communicate Thank You for Listening! Don't forget to Subscribe, Like, Support, and Share Please visit Av8rtony.com for more show content, audio archives, cover art, Squawk Ident gear, audio feedback, and more. Intro and transition music & cover art by Av8rTony and produced at Av8r Sound Studios of Southern California You can also follow Av8rTony and Squawk Ident Podcast on Twitter & YouTube. Facebook and Instagram user search @Squawk Ident Podcast Squawk Ident can now be heard on iHeart Radio, Spotify, Anchor.FM, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Breaker, Overcast, PocketCasts, RadioPublic, and more. Copyright © Squawk Ident 2020, All Rights Reserved Copyright © Av8r Sound Studios 2020, All Rights Reserved Squawk Ident by Av8rTony is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution - 4.0 International License --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/squawkident/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/squawkident/support

Born in 1926, Emmet Charles Guderian, Jr. was raised in the heart of New Orleans, carrying a legacy of early Louisiana history with his ancestors arriving from Alsace-Lorraine in 1751. Emmet was one of nine children and attended the local Catholic schools through his high school years. Upon learning that Pearl Harbor had been attacked, Emmet, at seventeen years of age, signed up with the Navy. Through Basic Training, he was assigned to be a Radar Operator, with the Controlled Information Center, on the USS Independence. They were involved in several battles in the Asian Theater, including the Battle of Leyte and in Okinawa, where many American lives were lost by the Japanese Kamikaze pilots. Emmet left the service having achieved the title of Petty Officer, Third Class, Radar Man After the War, Emmet married Gwendolyn Marie Bourg, returned to Louisiana and had successful business experience in oil and gas. Emmet has lived on the Northshore for many years with his wife, now deceased.

Quote: “Nobody wants to destroy the image of San Francisco.” —James Baldwin About: Whereas Part One looks into the origin of San Francisco’s F-word, and Part Two looks at the buildup and fallout of urban renewal in neighborhoods like Bayview-Hunters Point, Part Three looks at a far more sinister force and questions just how liberal and progressive this city really is. Show Notes: [00:30] “The Layers of Heaven” by Jovica [01:00] Allston Night Owl by The Blue Dot Sessions [03:00]    Short bio of Lena Miller [04:00] “Rethinking San Francisco’s War on Drugs” (SF Weekly) [04:10] Some background on 94124 [04:15] Health data on Bayview-Hunters Point (San Francisco Department of Health) [05:25] Flashing Runner by The Blue Dot Sessions [06:30] Light reading on Dr. Raymond Tompkins (SF Bayview Newspaper) [10:30] Light reading on Bayview-Hunters Point’s 14-year life expectancy gap (SF Gate) [11:35] Related: A local push for more air monitoring in Bayview-Hunters Point (SF Examiner) [13:05] “Said I Wasn’t Gonna Tell Nobody” by The Abyssinian Baptist Gospel Choir [13:30] Short except from Take This Hammer, a film by James Baldwin [15:20] Short bio on Dr. Rachel Brahinsky [15:45] “Milkwood” by The Blue Dot Sessions  [16:20] Light reading on Bayview-Hunters Point history [17:30] “Order of Entrance” by The Blue Dot Sessions  [17:45] San Francisco’s 49-square mile myth (SF Gate) [17:50] Size of Bayview-Hunters Point [17:55] Map of San Francisco’s Public Utilities [18:05] Light reading on San Francisco’s Southeast Water Treatment Plant (San Francisco Chronicle) [18:45] “The Snowgarden” by The Blue Dot Sessions [19:20] Light reading on the: PG&E Power Plant (FoundSF) Its health impact (Grist) Its closure (SFGate) Its environmental impact (EPA / Greenaction) Its relation to the high asthma rates in the neighborhood (SFGate) The activists behind its closure (SFGate) Its demolition (ABC News) Video here [19:30] List of other sources of pollution in Bayview Hunters Point (Greenaction) [20:10] “Building the Sled” by The Blue Dot Sessions [20:20] Short bio on Marie Harrison (SF Gate) [21:45] Brief history on the Hunters Point shipyard (US Navy) [22:00] Light reading on America’s Great White Fleet (ThoughtCo) [22:05] Light reading on the history of the shipyard according to its current developers (FivePoint) [22:10] General reading on the Hunters Point shipyard [22:20] A much deeper dive on the history of the Hunters Point shipyard and surrounding community [22:35] President Franklin D. Roosevelt declares war on Japan [22:40] Light reading on the Navy’s acquisition of the shipyard  [22:45] Short video on the shipbuilding in the Bay Area during World War II And a mucher shorter video [23:15] A recap of worker life at at the Hunters Point Shipyard during World War II (FoundSF) [23:35] A deeper dive on the Hunters Point community following the drawdown after World War II [23:40] Footage from Operation Crossroads [24:05] The impact of studying the impact of nuclear weapons on naval warships (Stanford University) [24:10] Light reading on the USS Independence [24:35] Light reading on Operation Crossroads [25:05] Light reading on radiation cleanup at the shipyard US Navy’s Historical Radiological Assessment of the shipyard And a recent article on how radiological remnants are still being discovered (San Francisco Chronicle) [25:55] “Vik Sahder” by The Blue Dot Sessions [26:25] A photo of Building 815 (TelstarLogisitcs) Related work done by the US Naval Radiological Defense Laboratory First-hand accounts of working on and near the site (SF Gate) [28:10] Meet Ace Washington, who has been on the case [29:35] Light reading on the effects of post-war deindustrialization [29:40] Light reading/listening on the history of red-lining (NPR) [29:45] How home loans are still difficult to get for Blacks and Latinos (KQED) [29:50] Light reading on the segregation of San Francisco (FoundSF) [30:45] Willie Brown Inc. (San Francisco Chronicle) More reading on Willie Brown (The New York Times) And about his role as Mayor of San Francisco (The New York Times) And about him being a power broker (The New York Times) [31:20] Interview clip of Willie Brown on the 70s [31:50] That one time Willie Brown got pied in the face (KTVU) [32:20] Light summary on the Shipyard post-decommissioned days  [32:30] Then San Francisco Mayor, now Senator, Diane Feinstein’s attempt to bring a warship to San Francisco (FoundSF) [33:30] The Hunters Point Redevelopment Plan More reading on the development plan here and here And an analysis on redeveloping the area (UC Berkeley) Related: Why the 49ers left San Francisco (Slate) [34:30] Light reading on the Navy transfer of the shipyard (San Francisco Chronicle) [34:40] Fallout by Lisa Davis (SF Weekly) And a followup piece (SF Weekly) [35:00] Light reading on Tetra Tech [35:20] Light reading on Lennar An op-ed on Lennar A 2018 report of Lennar’s outreach to the Bayview-Hunters Point community  [35:35] Related reading on racial diversity on contract jobs around the shipyard (SF Bayview Newspaper) [35:40] Lennar’s plan for the Shipyard (San Francisco Business Times) The company’s approach to urban design [36:00] Lennar at the SF Shipyard [36:15] California emcee Cobe Obeah sharing his thoughts [36:40] “True Blue Sky” by The Blue Dot Sessions [37:00] Construction begins at the shipyard (San Francisco Business Times) And another story about the parcel transfer (San Francisco Chronicle) Scope of the original project (San Francisco Chronicle) [37:20] Light reading on Minister Christopher Muhammad A deeper dive here (SF Weekly) [38:00] Backstory behind the Nation of Islam school and the Shipyard construction sites (SFGate) And another read (SFGate) [38:30] Minister Christopher Muhammad’s public testimony back in 2007  [38:40] Related, not the same, but related findings [39:45] Community complaints of Lennar’s construction sites (San Francisco Chronicle) A federal response to those complaints (San Francisco Chronicle) [39:50] When Lennar was fined half a million dollars (SF Bay Guardian) Related protests that followed in following years (SF Public Press) An op-ed on Lennar by Marie Harrison (San Francisco Examiner) [40:20] Foreshadowing of what’s ahead (NBC Bay Area) [41:15] Don Wadsowrth’s full testimony Tetra Tech’s response to Wadsworth’s skepticism [41:50] More on the Tetra Tech whistelblowers  (San Francisco Chronicle) [42:15] More on Steve Castelman (SF Gate) and the Golden Gate Law Clinic and the work of his students [43:40] Short bio on Preston Hopson, the General Counsel of Tetra Tech [44:30] Light reading on Tetra Tech being kicked out of the Supervisor’s hearing (NBC Bay Area) [44:40] Light reading on Sam Singer… Here (San Jose Mercury News) And here (Oakland Magazine) [45:55] Light reading on the two Tetra Tech employees responsible for the falsification of soil records (KTVU) [45:50] The US Government’s lawsuit that was filed against Tetra Tech [45:50] Light reading on the $27 billion class-action suit filed against Tetra Tech [46:10] Light reading on state report that found no radiological health hazards in key parts of the shipyard (NBC Bay Area) And the criticism of that report (San Francisco Chronicle) More recent developments on the shipyard (San Francisco Chronicle) Related: FOLLOW CurbedSF’s Chris Roberts, NBC Bay Area’s Liz Wagner and the San Francisco Chronicle’s Jason Fagone who have been aggressively covering, breaking news and fully reporting out this story and all of its developments [49:20] Marie Harrison’s obituary (Mission Local) [53:00] “Cicle Deserrat” by The Blue Dot Sessions [55:25] “Tumblehome” by The Blue Dot Sessions  [58:55] “A Rush of Clear Water” by The Blue Dot Sessions [60:00] “The Yards” by The Blue Dot Sessions [60:15] More at thisissomenoise.com/ep-25

Video 84 in the series "A History of the Navy in 100 Objects" presented by the United States Naval Academy. This is about a 12-foot-long, 1:12 scale, model of the USS Forrestal.

We have a very special show today with a special guest that is joining us to get some important thoughts on the record. Brian has been a guest and more importantly a tremendous supporter of our show. We appreciate his long time support, friendship and advice over the years. He is the kind of guy that helps make you appreciate every day that you wake up and can continue to affect positive change around you. Our Canadian friend will be joined by his friend and colleague Mr. Joe Kokinda from the great state of Ohio! Brian Baker is owner of Custom Vac Limited of Winnipeg, Manitoba. Mr. Baker has been in the HVAC and IAQ industry for almost 40 years and is a huge education advocate. His list of training and certifications is extensive as is his hands on experience in this industry. We got to know Brian through his passion for IAQ Radio and realized he has something special to offer our listeners. Knowledge of HVAC is vital to evaluating IAQ issues and very few have Mr. Baker's combination of experience and education. Brian taught HVACR related courses for the Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES) Winnipeg Chapter. In 2009 he opened Westech Energy Training Center where he currently teaches 5th Class Power Engineering, Preparation for Residential HVACR, Refrigerant Handling Certification, and manages the education/training for RSES Winnipeg Chapter via an on-line Internet delivery platform. Joseph Allan Kokinda, President/CEO of Professional HVAC/R Services Inc. of Avon, OH. Mr. Kokinda has 41 years of involvement in Marine, Industrial and Commercial Mechanical Trades. He is a licensed as a Master Refrigerant and/or Mechanical Contractor in six states. Joe started his mechanical career in 1975 with the US Navy on the USS Independence. Since then he has worked his way through various positions at several companies, in 2006 he opened Professional HVAC/R Services in Avon, OH. Professional has offered refrigeration and HVAC service for all Dollar Tree locations in Ohio, as well as other local restaurants and businesses. Since 2006 Professional has been installing pre-charged and remote refrigeration equipment for existing and new Dollar Tree stores, Family Dollar stores, and other entities throughout the Midwest. LEARN MORE this week on IAQ Radio!

We have a very special show today with a special guest that is joining us to get some important thoughts on the record. Brian has been a guest and more importantly a tremendous supporter of our show. We appreciate his long time support, friendship and advice over the years. He is the kind of guy that helps make you appreciate every day that you wake up and can continue to affect positive change around you. Our Canadian friend will be joined by his friend and colleague Mr. Joe Kokinda from the great state of Ohio! Brian Baker is owner of Custom Vac Limited of Winnipeg, Manitoba. Mr. Baker has been in the HVAC and IAQ industry for almost 40 years and is a huge education advocate. His list of training and certifications is extensive as is his hands on experience in this industry. We got to know Brian through his passion for IAQ Radio and realized he has something special to offer our listeners. Knowledge of HVAC is vital to evaluating IAQ issues and very few have Mr. Baker's combination of experience and education. Brian taught HVACR related courses for the Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES) Winnipeg Chapter. In 2009 he opened Westech Energy Training Center where he currently teaches 5th Class Power Engineering, Preparation for Residential HVACR, Refrigerant Handling Certification, and manages the education/training for RSES Winnipeg Chapter via an on-line Internet delivery platform. Joseph Allan Kokinda, President/CEO of Professional HVAC/R Services Inc. of Avon, OH. Mr. Kokinda has 41 years of involvement in Marine, Industrial and Commercial Mechanical Trades. He is a licensed as a Master Refrigerant and/or Mechanical Contractor in six states. Joe started his mechanical career in 1975 with the US Navy on the USS Independence. Since then he has worked his way through various positions at several companies, in 2006 he opened Professional HVAC/R Services in Avon, OH. Professional has offered refrigeration and HVAC service for all Dollar Tree locations in Ohio, as well as other local restaurants and businesses. Since 2006 Professional has been installing pre-charged and remote refrigeration equipment for existing and new Dollar Tree stores, Family Dollar stores, and other entities throughout the Midwest. LEARN MORE this week on IAQ Radio!

How many people out there have maintained a friendship for over 50 years? Pops and Uncle Frank (Frankie "Cheech" Farina) met on board the USS Independence during the Vietnam War becoming brothers from other mothers and adopted sons into each others families. We converse about movies, growing up in Brooklyn, the Navy, their bucket list and the question "pops up" as to whether or not Uncle Frank is taking Viagra. Ben Sturgell's Christmas song "1983" opens and closes the show. www.bensturgell.com Visit ken @ www.kencalcaterra.com Special Thanks to our sponsors who have helped to bring you this episode. Dr. Mark Holland of First Capitol Chiropractic www.chiroandrehab.com, www.mystlouischiropractor.com - 636.946.7777 Kevin Blomenkamp - Master Jeweler 314.346.6498 - ballpeen74@yahoo.com

Exploration Vessel (EV) Nautilus, led by ocean explorer Dr. Robert Ballard, is equipped with some of the latest technological systems, helping to advance the frontiers of ocean exploration. This beautiful vessel supports science class remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), high-resolution seafloor mapping, and real-time satellite communication systems to facilitate live streaming telepresence-enabled outreach and scientific collaboration to all who which to follow along and participate. We’ll take an interesting and fun tour of Nautilus with friend Samantha Wishnak, Science Communication Fellow at Nautilus Live and Digital Media Coordinator at the Ocean Exploration Trust with a cameo by Dr. Bob Ballard. Links to 360° views of the ship can be found below.Nautilus is currently heading out to study the cultural heritage and natural wildlife in the Greater Farallons National Marine Sanctuary (GFNMS). Recently expanded to protect 3,295 square miles, GFNMS contains over 400 shipwrecks and is largely unexplored in the deepest portions. Nautilus will survey the USS Independence, a World War II era naval ship and former aircraft carrier, once used in the atomic tests at Bikini Atoll in the Pacific. Independence was scuttled offshore of San Francisco in 1951, rediscovered as the deepest shipwreck in GFNMS, and acoustically mapped by NOAA in 2015 using autonomous underwater vehicles. NOAA Director of Maritime Heritage, James Delgado, who was part of the team that located the Independence in 2015, is onboard Nautilus to conduct the first visual survey of the ship since her sinking. Two other shipwrecks, the Ituna, which was an historic steam yacht from 1886, and the freighter Dorothy Windermote will also be explored. In addition to documenting and mapping these wrecks, the shipwrecks’ roles as artificial marine habitat for fish and invertebrates will be assessed. http://explorers.institute/podcast/Ocean_Exploration_Vessel_Nautilus_Tour.mp3Subscribe, follow, and like the Nautilus here: http://www.nautiluslive.orgMore about Dr. Robert Ballard here: http://www.nautiluslive.org/people/robert-ballardMore about Samantha Wishnak here: http://www.nautiluslive.org/people/samantha-wishnakWatch our chat with James Delgado here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i93c6Lpt5fsMore about Dr. James Delgado here: http://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/maritime/contact_us.htmlMore about Samantha Wishnak here: http://www.nautiluslive.org/people/samantha-wishnak360° views of the EV Nautilus: Hercules and Argus ROVs: https://theta360.com/s/b26ZoetEsqkzoJB2AvHeWp3nkHercules ROV in the hanger: https://theta360.com/s/frKzR6OMNIbccz06zJIwL8RtoThe shop: https://theta360.com/s/mjneWF381BRyUGyWSzLItR1n6The lab: https://theta360.com/s/qq1RSuqlzB0629SgNc0z2Q8MSMedia production: https://theta360.com/s/2wEMxvQpmMx8LoYglFeWaVPWK Mission Control: https://theta360.com/s/eiteahTc44UtSCJfoQhbDXeACThe ship's mess: https://theta360.com/s/hgWOU2yv3ttOJ0nho7p6kHmYi Communications: https://theta360.com/s/nkuejsMnsNCDWbbpJtQB2IxLEThe Bridge: https://theta360.com/s/3bXBDJX0naXbuBhAp8M8FB15kTopside: https://theta360.com/s/ckgchVUCIvNghgrF9gYx89KK0The bow: https://theta360.com/s/fMi14N1HFNYQw5HwywMj68I40

Today I had the opportunity to talk with a fellow podcaster and now friend Jeff Anderson the host of The CNO’s Rapid Innovation Cell podcast. Jeff is still currently serving in the United States Navy on the USS Independence as an Electronics Technician. He is also a member of the CNO’s Rapid Innovation Cell, a 15 member organization […] The post 041 – Jeff Anderson host of The CNO’s Rapid Innovation Cell podcast appeared first on Fire And Adjust with Ron Fugle.