Supplementing Pacific Ocean Areas communiqué Number 46, the following information is now available concerning operations of Pacific Fleet Forces against enemy installations at Guam, Saipan, Tinian, and Rota Islands in the Marianas. These objectives were attacked by carrier aircraft on June 10 and 11 (West Longitude Dates).
On June 10 our fighter planes swept the objectives in force and destroyed 124 enemy aircraft. A large majority of these were destroyed in the sir. Our losses were 11 Hellcat fighters and eight pilots.
On June 11 our attacks were continued, resulting in the destruction of 16 enemy aircraft, two small cargo ships at Saipan, and a small oiler northwest of Saipan.
A formation of enemy ships apparently attempting to escape from Saipan was brought under attack on June 11. One large oiler, one destroyer, three corvettes, one large cargo ship, one medium cargo ship, and three small cargo ships were sunk; five medium cargo ships and five escort vessels were damaged.
A second formation of enemy ships several hundred miles away was attacked and heavily damaged by our aircraft on June 12. These were: three destroyers, one destroyer escort, and two cargo ships.
In the operations on June 11 our losses were four aircraft and seven flight personnel.
On the night of June 10 several enemy planes approached our force, but failed to drive home an attack, and one of them was shot down by antiaircraft fire.
CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 442, JUNE 13, 1944
Truk Atoll was bombed by Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force before dawn on June 12 (West Longitude Date). Thirty‑eight tons of bombs were dropped on airfields and the seaplane base. Three enemy fighters Intercepted our force, and damaged one Liberator. Antiaircraft fire was meager. All of our planes returned.
Ventura search planes of Group One, Fleet Air Wing Two, bombed Nauru and Ocean Islands on June 11. Gun positions and barracks were attacked. Moderate antiaircraft fire was encountered.
Ponape Island was bombed by Seventh Army Air Force Mitchells on June 11, meeting light antiaircraft fire.
In the Marshalls Navy and Marine fighters and dive bombers attacked Maloelap and Wotje Atolls on June 11.
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