Security· World War II
Yokosuka L-Day landing
The seizure of the Yokosuka Naval Base was the first landing on the Japanese home islands after the surrender, and the spearhead of the occupation.
Admiral Halsey's Third Fleet formed Task Force 31 to clear the entrance to Tokyo Bay, occupy the sprawling base with its airfields and shipyards, and free Allied prisoners. The Fleet Landing Force, built around the reinforced 4th Marines under Brigadier General William T. Clement, drew the main role, with naval landing battalions, a British contingent, and nucleus crews to take over Japanese warships. While the airborne division landed inland at Atsugi, the Marines went ashore at the naval base, one battalion first neutralizing the coastal guns on Futtsu Saki. There was no resistance; white flags flew over the gun positions. The Marines secured the base, raised their division's colors over the headquarters, and set a perimeter, proving the occupation could proceed peacefully.
Podcast episodes on World War II
Record no. 597