Rear Admiral "Ziggy" C.A.F. Sprague commanded Taffy III from FANSHAW BAY. Shortly before contact with Centre Force, Japanese voice transmissions were heard on the flagships' inter-fighter direction network. This was the first indication the Americans had something was awry. Next, an aircraft on anti-submarine patrol spotted the Japanese ships closing on Taffy III and soon thereafter, battle was unexpectedly joined. FANSHAW BAY was straddled by 14-inch shells almost immediately, however, the quick response by RADM Sprague placed the CVE in a rain squall and temporary sanctuary.
