The reinforced aviation bases at Munda and Vila Stanmore threatened further American expansion. Halsey selected Aaron Merrill and assigned more firepower than earlier shelling missions. Montpelier, Cleveland, Denver, Conway, Waller, and Cony formed the Vila group, while Fletcher, O'Bannon, Nicholas, and Radford formed the Munda detachment. The ships refuelled at sea, refreshed at Espiritu Santo, staged through the Russell Islands, and aimed for a 01:30 bombardment on 6 March. The two Japanese destroyers had already unloaded supplies and were returning through Kula Gulf. Their presence was routine logistics traffic rather than a deliberate attempt to intercept the Americans.
Chapter · 2:17:49-2:27:13
Halsey builds two bombardment groups for Munda and Vila Stanmore
Halsey gave Merrill two fast groups, extra firepower, and a synchronized schedule for striking Munda and Vila Stanmore.