Merrill's group entered Kula Gulf six minutes ahead of schedule and slowed in accordance with the plan. Waller maintained an advanced sweep 6,000 yards ahead while Conway took station 2,000 yards before the flagship. Cony dropped back off Denver's port quarter to guard against motor torpedo boats emerging from indentations in the eastern shore. The disposition shows how a cruiser column used separate destroyer positions for route clearance, close screening, and defense against a littoral surprise.
Notable Point · 1:12:19-1:13:34
The bombardment group enters behind a layered screen
Waller swept 6,000 yards ahead, Conway screened directly before the cruisers, and Cony guarded the port quarter against motor torpedo boats hidden among coastal coves.