Diary of John C. Miller A.R.M. 1/c (Aviation Radio Man First Class)

C.A.C. (Combat Air Crewman)

SB2C - 3C Bombing Squadron 15

Commander McCampbell, Commander Mini, and Commander Riggs.

USS Hornet, USS Essex, Admiral Sherman, Admiral Halsey on New Jersey

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Assigned to CASU at Norfolk, Virginia. Not much to do but fly Links Trainer. I still get very confused at Nav Dits and Dots - sound so much alike. Am assigned to USS Hornet for shake down with squadron - VB- 15. Have been practicing radar homling at sea. New planes are on board - SB2C not SBDs.

 

Weather very rough at Cape Hatteras. No flights. Got briefed on short take off. The carrier's skipper demands 400 feet and no more- with flight deck wind not bad but we are waiting to see calm days. 0600 - VFs (Fighter), TBs (bomber), and DDs(destroyer) to fly to Cuba. I have 1st hop. Landed at 0920 with no problems. Lost one VF in drink but pilot ok. On way to Panama, no flying for me today. Had routine anti sub patrol (ASP) at 1500. Landed at 1700 ok. Two Jeep carriers joined plus DDs.

 

Now have 15 ships in Task Force. Was briefed by skipper and all gunners must pass in flight flying. Have ground school every day when not flying. It seems too much for me but I'm not at bottom of class.

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 Read Jack Miller's War Dairy

April - May 1944    June - July 1944

August - September 1944     October - December 1944