Criteria The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following condi... The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following conditions: On permanent assignment within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater; or, For service in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service in active combat in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat. MoreHide
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Go to this link to see information on the USS Lowndes. http://www.dobrinkman.net/lowndes/index.shtml
Other Memories
USS Lowndes (APA-154), 1944-1983
USS Lowndes, one of 117 Haskell-class attack transports, was built to a modified Victory ship design at Portland, Oregon, and was commissioned in September 1944. After shakedown training on the West Coast, in October she moved to Hawaii to prepare for upcoming amphibious operations. Lowndes was off Iwo Jima on D-day in February 1945 and remained offshore for eight days supporting the landings. Moving to Saipan to reload, at the begining of April the transport arrived off Okinawa as U.S. forces began their invasion. She waited twelve days in the retirement area, then landed her troops and cargo. Following a series of voyages in the central and southwest Pacific Lowndes left Guam in mid-July 1945 for San Francisco.
After the Japanese surrender, Lowndes carried troops and cargo to the Philippines and Japan for occupation duty. In October 1945 she commenced a voyage under Operation "Magic Carpet," returning veterans from Saipan to the West Coast. In February 1946 she moved to the East Coast. Decommissioned at Norfolk and returned to the Maritime Commission in April, USS Lowndes was stricken from the Navy List in May and placed in the Maritime Commission's reserve fleet. She was sold for scrapping in 1983.U.S.S. LOWNDES (APA 154)
WAR DIARY February 1945
18 February 1945
0500 Changed course to 048 (t). 0410 Changed course to 010 (t). 0435 Changed course to 340 (t). 0600 Commenced zig-zagging. 0827 Ceased zigzagging and resumed base course. 0835 Changed course to 351 (t). Commenced zigzagging,. 0906 Possible submarine contact, commenced emergency maneuvers. 0939 Increased speed to 14 knots. 1001 Contact evaluated as non-sub, resumed zigzagging 1515 Commenced approach to Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, in accordance with ComPhibsPac's Operation Order A25-44. 1622 Ceased zigzagging, resumed base course. 1635 Changed course to 006 (t). 1641 Commenced zigzagging. 2100 Ceased zigzagging and resumed base course. Position: 0800 20° 28' N 142° 38' E
GEORGE ALMOST FOR CERTAIN WAS INVOLVED IN THE FOLLOWING OPERATIONS:
19 February 1945 (D-day)
0031 Changed course to 330 (t) .' 0245 Ships left to course 320 (t) . 0335 Ships right to Course 330 (t). 0408 Changed course to 285 {t). 0457 Increased speed to 14.5 knots. 0604 Formed cruising disposition DOG Form ONE. 0612 Changed course to 325 (t). 0622 Changed course to 315 (t). 0637 Arrived in transport area of Southeast coast of Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands. Task Group designation changed to 53.2. ComTaskGroup 53.2, Commodore H. C. FLANAGAN in USS BAYFIELD. Commenced lowering boats and debarking troops. At HOW-Hour minus 25 {HOW-Hour 0900), six waves consisting of Reserves of the 23rd RCT, 4th Marines, were dispatched to the line of departure. 1157 Received aboard the first group of casualties from the beach. 1555 LSM 48 came alongside to receive cargo. 1720 LSM away from alongside, hoist all boats aboard. 1836 Underway with Task Group 53.2 on night retirement to the east to arrive in the transport area the following morning.
20-28 February 1945
The Beach Party of this ship was landed on BLUE Beach ONE on the morning of DOG day plus one for services on YELLOW Beach TWO. Upon arrival relieved the Beach Party of the USS MIFFLIN. The Beach Party remained on YELLOW Beach TWO for a period of four days and nights attending and evacuating casualties, salvaging broached boats and attempting to clear the beach for the landing of boats. Due to the surf conditions and nature of the terrain, little progress could be effected in clearing the beach for use by landing boats. The beach at the water's edge was almost completely blocked with bogged down amphibious tanks, LVT's, vehicles, and broached boats. By the fourth day clearing had been effected to permit a slow flow of cargo to be landed. The entire four days on the beach were spent under enemy mortar and artillery fire, resulting in 1/3 (16) of the beach party becoming casualties (13 wounded, 2 dead, 1 missing).
During the operation twenty-two LCVP's, two LCM's. one LCP(R) equipped as a salvage boat, and one LCP (L) equipped as boat group commander and control boat, were used. Ship's boats which were loaded with cargo were not allowed to land. This was high priority cargo and cargo called for from the beach as being urgently needed. Some of the boats were in the water with a load of urgently needed cargo for four days before finally being permitted to land.
During this time they returned to the ship each morning for fuel and a change of crew and went immediately back to the beach. Three LCT's and one LSM were employed at various times after DOG plus four in unloading general cargo. In this connection, it is recommended that a sufficient number of LCT's and LSM's be provided to unload all cargo. Twelve LCVP's were launched from Welin davits, all other boats were lowered by cargo booms. As much cargo as possible was preloaded. All davit boats were loaded at the rail, main deck, with debarking troops. All boat engines were Gray marine and operated without failure. The LCM(3) ramp winches failed frequently, necessitating time out for repairs. Eight LCVP's were lost, one due to gun fire, three were flooded and sunk at the beach and four broached.
Of the seven beaches, the right flank marker of RED Beach TWO was the only beach limit marker visible for ten days. This caused unnecessary confusion among boat coxswains, and resulted in some cargo being landed on the wrong beaches. BLUE Beach ONE had cargo unloading point markers until DOG plus nine.
Preparation for handling casualties consisted of the following {1 ) A reception center was set up in the troop officer's berthing compartment with facilities for cleansing and minor surgery. (2) The wardroom was used as a cleansing and shock treatment center. (3) The main sick bay was used for maj or surgery and major dressings where anesthetics were required. The majority of bed patients were cared for in the troop officer's berthing compartment, the more serious cases in sick bay, and the ambulatory in the forward troop berthing compartment on the main and third decks. Casualties were brought aboard one at a time by a six foot boom rigged amidships main deck. This method proved highly satisfactory both from a standpoint of speed and of causing least discomfort to casualties. Of the 365 casualties treated, 6 died, 27 were transferred to hospital ships, and 12 were returned to duty. The remainder were transferred to US Naval Hospital No. 111 at Guam.
With the exception of two nights spent at the objective, the LOWNDES took part in night retirement to the east, returning to the transport area each morning. At about 2130 on the night of 27 February 1945, while anchored near the beach to unload cargo, about eight bursts of mortar fire from the island fell about 25% off the starboard bow at about 600 yards distant, but the ship was not hit.
29 February 1945
1846 In accordance with orders received from ComTaskForce 51 , the USS LOWNDES with Task Unit 51.16.10 departed Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, for Saipan, Marianas Islands, on base course 204 (t}, steaming at standard speed 12 knots. ComTaskUnit 51 .1,6.10 (Commodore MC GOVERN) in USS CECIL. 2141 Changed course to 174 (t). 2201 Changed speed to 13 knots
Criteria The Combat Action Ribbon is a personal decoration awarded to members of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard (when operating under the control of the Navy) in the grade of captain (or colonel in th... The Combat Action Ribbon is a personal decoration awarded to members of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard (when operating under the control of the Navy) in the grade of captain (or colonel in the Marine Corps) and below who have actively participated in ground or surface combat. MoreHide
Criteria The Navy Unit Commendation may be awarded by the Secretary of the Navy to any unit of the Navy or Marine Corps that distinguishes itself by outstanding heroism in action against an enemy (but not suff... The Navy Unit Commendation may be awarded by the Secretary of the Navy to any unit of the Navy or Marine Corps that distinguishes itself by outstanding heroism in action against an enemy (but not sufficiently to justify the award of the Presidential Unit Citation). It may also be awarded to a unit that distinguishes itself by extremely meritorious service not involving combat (but in support of military operations), which renders that unit outstanding when compared to other units performing similar service. MoreHide
Criteria The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following condi... The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following conditions: On permanent assignment within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater; or, For service in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service in active combat in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat. MoreHide
Criteria Occupation duty in the European-African-Middle Eastern area may be credited to organizations for duty performed on and subsequent to May 8, 1945. Terminal dates for eligibility periods and occupation ... Occupation duty in the European-African-Middle Eastern area may be credited to organizations for duty performed on and subsequent to May 8, 1945. Terminal dates for eligibility periods and occupation territories in this area are as follows: Italy: November 8, 1945 to December 15, 1947, Trieste: May 9, 1945 to October 25, 1954, Germany (exclusive of Berlin): May 9, 1945 to May 5, 1955, Berlin: May 9, 1945 to October 2, 1990, Austria: May 9, 1945 to October 25, 1955, Asiatic-Pacific Area: September 2, 1945 to April 27, 1952. Units performing service in the Korean area during the period of June 27, 1950 to April 27, 1952, inclusive, and which are eligible for the Korean Service Medal, will not be credited with eligibility for the Navy Occupation Service Medal for the same period. MoreHide
Description The Battle of Iwo Jima (19 February – 26 March 1945), or Operation Detachment, was a major battle in which the United States Armed Forces fought for and captured the island of Iwo Jima from the JapaneThe Battle of Iwo Jima (19 February – 26 March 1945), or Operation Detachment, was a major battle in which the United States Armed Forces fought for and captured the island of Iwo Jima from the Japanese Empire. The American invasion had the goal of capturing the entire island, including its three airfields (including South Field and Central Field), to provide a staging area for attacks on the Japanese main islands. This five-week battle comprised some of the fiercest and bloodiest fighting of the War in the Pacific of World War II.
After the heavy losses incurred in the battle, the strategic value of the island became controversial. It was useless to the U.S. Army as a staging base and useless to the U.S. Navy as a fleet base. However, Navy SEABEES rebuilt the landing strips, which were used as emergency landing strips for USAAF B-29s.
The Imperial Japanese Army positions on the island were heavily fortified, with a dense network of bunkers, hidden artillery positions, and 18 km (11 mi) of underground tunnels. The Americans on the ground were supported by extensive naval artillery and complete air supremacy over Iwo Jima from the beginning of the battle by U.S. Navy and Marine Corps aviators.
Iwo Jima was the only battle by the U.S. Marine Corps in which the Japanese combat deaths were thrice those of the Americans throughout the battle. Of the 22,000 Japanese soldiers on Iwo Jima at the beginning of the battle, only 216 were taken prisoner, some of whom were captured because they had been knocked unconscious or otherwise disabled. The majority of the remainder were killed in action, although it has been estimated that as many as 3,000 continued to resist within the various cave systems for many days afterwards, eventually succumbing to their injuries or surrendering weeks later.
Despite the bloody fighting and severe casualties on both sides, the Japanese defeat was assured from the start. Overwhelming American superiority in arms and numbers as well as complete control of air power — coupled with the impossibility of Japanese retreat or reinforcement — permitted no plausible circumstance in which the Americans could have lost the battle.
The battle was immortalized by Joe Rosenthal's photograph of the raising of the U.S. flag on top of the 166 m (545 ft) Mount Suribachi by five U.S. Marines and one U.S. Navy battlefield Hospital Corpsman. The photograph records the second flag-raising on the mountain, both of which took place on the fifth day of the 35-day battle. Rosenthal's photograph promptly became an indelible icon — of that battle, of that war in the Pacific, and of the Marine Corps itself — and has been widely reproduced. ... More
Description On 10 March 1945, the U.S. Eighth Army—under Lt. Gen. Robert L. Eichelberger—was formally ordered by Gen. Douglas MacArthur to clear the rest of Mindanao, with the start of Operation VICTOR V, with exOn 10 March 1945, the U.S. Eighth Army—under Lt. Gen. Robert L. Eichelberger—was formally ordered by Gen. Douglas MacArthur to clear the rest of Mindanao, with the start of Operation VICTOR V, with expectations that the campaign would take four months. Eichelberger had misgivings about the projected timetable for the operation, but nonetheless, his Eighth Army staffers came up with a more effective plan.
Instead of the expected headlong frontal assault on the Japanese defenses, the plan called for securing a beachhead at Illana Bay in the undefended west, then a drive eastward more than a 100 mi (160 km) through jungle and mountains to strike from the rear. The objective, which called for achieving surprise and pressing forward quickly and aggressively by the invading forces, deemed Eichelberger, could unhinge the Japanese both physically and psychologically. The key to the operation's success involved the beachhead performance of the landing force and the ability of the participating units to maintain the momentum of their attack, preempting Japanese reactions, and hopefully before the rainy season started which would complicate movement in the island.
Ground operations were assigned to X Corps under Maj. Gen. Franklin C. Sibert, with Maj. Gen. Roscoe B. Woodruff's 24th Infantry Division and Maj. Gen. Clarence A. Martin's 31st Infantry Division as principal combat units. Amphibious Task Group 78.2 (TG 78.2)—under Rear Adm. Albert G. Noble—was tasked to carry the 24th Division and X Corps headquarters to the assault beaches near Malabang by 17 April to secure a forward airfield. Five days later, the 31st Division was expected to be in Parang, 20 mi (32 km) south, located near Highway 1, the route to Davao.... More
Description The Battle of Okinawa, codenamed Operation Iceberg. was fought on the Ryukyu Islands of Okinawa and was the largest amphibious assault in the Pacific War of World War II. The 82-day-long battle lastedThe Battle of Okinawa, codenamed Operation Iceberg. was fought on the Ryukyu Islands of Okinawa and was the largest amphibious assault in the Pacific War of World War II. The 82-day-long battle lasted from early April until mid-June 1945. After a long campaign of island hopping, the Allies were approaching Japan, and planned to use Okinawa, a large island only 340 mi (550 km) away from mainland Japan, as a base for air operations on the planned invasion of Japanese mainland (coded Operation Downfall). Four divisions of the U.S. 10th Army (the 7th, 27th, 77th, and 96th) and two Marine Divisions (the 1st and 6th) fought on the island. Their invasion was supported by naval, amphibious, and tactical air forces.
The battle has been referred to as the "typhoon of steel" in English, and tetsu no ame ("rain of steel") or ("violent wind of steel") in Japanese. The nicknames refer to the ferocity of the fighting, the intensity of kamikaze attacks from the Japanese defenders, and to the sheer numbers of Allied ships and armored vehicles that assaulted the island. The battle resulted in the highest number of casualties in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Based on Okinawan government sources, mainland Japan lost 77,166 soldiers, who were either killed or committed suicide, and the Allies suffered 14,009 deaths (with an estimated total of more than 65,000 casualties of all kinds). Simultaneously, 42,000–150,000 local civilians were killed or committed suicide, a significant proportion of the local population. The atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki together with the Soviet invasion of Manchuria caused Japan to surrender less than two months after the end of the fighting on Okinawa.... More
Criteria The Combat Action Ribbon is a personal decoration awarded to members of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard (when operating under the control of the Navy) in the grade of captain (or colonel in th... The Combat Action Ribbon is a personal decoration awarded to members of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard (when operating under the control of the Navy) in the grade of captain (or colonel in the Marine Corps) and below who have actively participated in ground or surface combat. MoreHide
Criteria The American Campaign Medal was awarded for For thirty days service outside the Continental United States but within the American Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946; or,... The American Campaign Medal was awarded for For thirty days service outside the Continental United States but within the American Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946; or, an aggregate service of one year within the Continental United States during the same period under the following circumstances: On permanent assignment outside the continental limits of the United States; or, On permanent assignment as a member of a crew of a vessel sailing ocean waters for a period of 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service outside the continental limits of the United States in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non consecutive days; or, For service in active combat against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat; or, For service within the continental limits of the United States for an aggregate period of one year. MoreHide
Criteria The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following condi... The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following conditions: On permanent assignment within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater; or, For service in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service in active combat in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat. MoreHide
Go to this link to see information on the USS Lowndes. http://www.dobrinkman.net/lowndes/index.shtml
USS Lowndes (APA-154), 1944-1983
USS Lowndes, one of 117 Haskell-class attack transports, was built to a modified Victory ship design at Portland, Oregon, and was commissioned in September 1944. After shakedown training on the West Coast, in October she moved to Hawaii to prepare for upcoming amphibious operations. Lowndes was off Iwo Jima on D-day in February 1945 and remained offshore for eight days supporting the landings. Moving to Saipan to reload, at the begining of April the transport arrived off Okinawa as U.S. forces began their invasion. She waited twelve days in the retirement area, then landed her troops and cargo. Following a series of voyages in the central and southwest Pacific Lowndes left Guam in mid-July 1945 for San Francisco.
After the Japanese surrender, Lowndes carried troops and cargo to the Philippines and Japan for occupation duty. In October 1945 she commenced a voyage under Operation "Magic Carpet," returning veterans from Saipan to the West Coast. In February 1946 she moved to the East Coast. Decommissioned at Norfolk and returned to the Maritime Commission in April, USS Lowndes was stricken from the Navy List in May and placed in the Maritime Commission's reserve fleet. She was sold for scrapping in 1983.U.S.S. LOWNDES (APA 154)
WAR DIARY February 1945
18 February 1945
0500 Changed course to 048 (t). 0410 Changed course to 010 (t). 0435 Changed course to 340 (t). 0600 Commenced zig-zagging. 0827 Ceased zigzagging and resumed base course. 0835 Changed course to 351 (t). Commenced zigzagging,. 0906 Possible submarine contact, commenced emergency maneuvers. 0939 Increased speed to 14 knots. 1001 Contact evaluated as non-sub, resumed zigzagging 1515 Commenced approach to Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, in accordance with ComPhibsPac's Operation Order A25-44. 1622 Ceased zigzagging, resumed base course. 1635 Changed course to 006 (t). 1641 Commenced zigzagging. 2100 Ceased zigzagging and resumed base course. Position: 0800 20° 28' N 142° 38' E
GEORGE ALMOST FOR CERTAIN WAS INVOLVED IN THE FOLLOWING OPERATIONS:
19 February 1945 (D-day)
0031 Changed course to 330 (t) .' 0245 Ships left to course 320 (t) . 0335 Ships right to Course 330 (t). 0408 Changed course to 285 {t). 0457 Increased speed to 14.5 knots. 0604 Formed cruising disposition DOG Form ONE. 0612 Changed course to 325 (t). 0622 Changed course to 315 (t). 0637 Arrived in transport area of Southeast coast of Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands. Task Group designation changed to 53.2. ComTaskGroup 53.2, Commodore H. C. FLANAGAN in USS BAYFIELD. Commenced lowering boats and debarking troops. At HOW-Hour minus 25 {HOW-Hour 0900), six waves consisting of Reserves of the 23rd RCT, 4th Marines, were dispatched to the line of departure. 1157 Received aboard the first group of casualties from the beach. 1555 LSM 48 came alongside to receive cargo. 1720 LSM away from alongside, hoist all boats aboard. 1836 Underway with Task Group 53.2 on night retirement to the east to arrive in the transport area the following morning.
20-28 February 1945
The Beach Party of this ship was landed on BLUE Beach ONE on the morning of DOG day plus one for services on YELLOW Beach TWO. Upon arrival relieved the Beach Party of the USS MIFFLIN. The Beach Party remained on YELLOW Beach TWO for a period of four days and nights attending and evacuating casualties, salvaging broached boats and attempting to clear the beach for the landing of boats. Due to the surf conditions and nature of the terrain, little progress could be effected in clearing the beach for use by landing boats. The beach at the water's edge was almost completely blocked with bogged down amphibious tanks, LVT's, vehicles, and broached boats. By the fourth day clearing had been effected to permit a slow flow of cargo to be landed. The entire four days on the beach were spent under enemy mortar and artillery fire, resulting in 1/3 (16) of the beach party becoming casualties (13 wounded, 2 dead, 1 missing).
During the operation twenty-two LCVP's, two LCM's. one LCP(R) equipped as a salvage boat, and one LCP (L) equipped as boat group commander and control boat, were used. Ship's boats which were loaded with cargo were not allowed to land. This was high priority cargo and cargo called for from the beach as being urgently needed. Some of the boats were in the water with a load of urgently needed cargo for four days before finally being permitted to land.
During this time they returned to the ship each morning for fuel and a change of crew and went immediately back to the beach. Three LCT's and one LSM were employed at various times after DOG plus four in unloading general cargo. In this connection, it is recommended that a sufficient number of LCT's and LSM's be provided to unload all cargo. Twelve LCVP's were launched from Welin davits, all other boats were lowered by cargo booms. As much cargo as possible was preloaded. All davit boats were loaded at the rail, main deck, with debarking troops. All boat engines were Gray marine and operated without failure. The LCM(3) ramp winches failed frequently, necessitating time out for repairs. Eight LCVP's were lost, one due to gun fire, three were flooded and sunk at the beach and four broached.
Of the seven beaches, the right flank marker of RED Beach TWO was the only beach limit marker visible for ten days. This caused unnecessary confusion among boat coxswains, and resulted in some cargo being landed on the wrong beaches. BLUE Beach ONE had cargo unloading point markers until DOG plus nine.
Preparation for handling casualties consisted of the following {1 ) A reception center was set up in the troop officer's berthing compartment with facilities for cleansing and minor surgery. (2) The wardroom was used as a cleansing and shock treatment center. (3) The main sick bay was used for maj or surgery and major dressings where anesthetics were required. The majority of bed patients were cared for in the troop officer's berthing compartment, the more serious cases in sick bay, and the ambulatory in the forward troop berthing compartment on the main and third decks. Casualties were brought aboard one at a time by a six foot boom rigged amidships main deck. This method proved highly satisfactory both from a standpoint of speed and of causing least discomfort to casualties. Of the 365 casualties treated, 6 died, 27 were transferred to hospital ships, and 12 were returned to duty. The remainder were transferred to US Naval Hospital No. 111 at Guam.
With the exception of two nights spent at the objective, the LOWNDES took part in night retirement to the east, returning to the transport area each morning. At about 2130 on the night of 27 February 1945, while anchored near the beach to unload cargo, about eight bursts of mortar fire from the island fell about 25% off the starboard bow at about 600 yards distant, but the ship was not hit.
29 February 1945
1846 In accordance with orders received from ComTaskForce 51 , the USS LOWNDES with Task Unit 51.16.10 departed Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, for Saipan, Marianas Islands, on base course 204 (t}, steaming at standard speed 12 knots. ComTaskUnit 51 .1,6.10 (Commodore MC GOVERN) in USS CECIL. 2141 Changed course to 174 (t). 2201 Changed speed to 13 knots