ENCLOSURE "A" (Continued)
          On 19 Apri1 1945, LSM(R)'s 192, 196, 197, 198, 199, and LC(FF) 535 delivered rocket fire in support of demonstration landings on Southern Okinawa beaches. Numerous fires were started, one resulting in destruction of a small ammunition dump, but full extent of damage remains unknown.
PART VI - SPECIAL COMMENTS AND INFORMATION
    A. Surface gunnery operations.
          In order to satisfy the rocket concentration fire desired in the length h of time given for rocket attack during the attack on Ie Shima, it was necessary to prepare a new type of tactical rocket ship approach formation. Enclosure (F) shows the heavy: concentration target approach formation which was used at Ie Shima on 15 April and which will be used in the future where the firing time is less than ten minutes.
          During the night patrol assignment prior to the main attack on Ie Shima, a new function was discovered for LSM(R)'s.' Enclosure (B) gives the report of the night patrols with discussion and recommendations by this Command.
          LSM(R)'s of this Command have been assigned to act as radar picket fire support ships during the period of time covered by this report. It Is believed that these ships are not particularly suited for this duty. Since their primary function is to deliver rockets during invasion operations, it seems feasible that subjecting them to continual enemy air attack will allow a secondary duty to seriously effect their ability to perform their primary functIon due to mechanical damage. They have no great value in combating enemy air craft due to the absence of air search radar, adequate director control for the 5"/38 main battery, and director control for the 40mm guns single guns. The fact that they carry a considerable quantity of explosive rockets In their Magazines presents another hazard. In general, it is believed that assigning them to this duty should be avoided since it means risking the operation of a limited number of specialize ships for which could be performed by any number of other landing craft whose primary function is more closely coincident with screening operations.
PART VI (B) - SUPPLY
          In general the problem of logistics for vessels of this Group has not been a serious one.
          LST's, APA's and AKA's detailed to service these ships have given freely of everything they could spare.
          Inclement weather in many instances has delayed and in some cases made supplying ships impossible.
          Time allotted for logistics has been short due to the great demand for LSM(R)'s for patrol duties and other assignments.
          The delivery of mai1 both personal and official has been down-right disheartening. In some instances, official mail has been receive, so late that action required could not be taken.
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