USS Montpelier, Cleveland, Columbia, and Denver formed the cruiser force, supported by eight Fletcher-class destroyers in two divisions. Similar designs simplified coordination because commanders could expect broadly similar speed and fighting capabilities. Individual yards and crews still introduced differences: galley equipment, for example, could come from different manufacturers while meeting the same requirements. The cruisers carried heavy batteries of six-inch and five-inch/38 guns. Aaron Merrill commanded the cruisers, while Arleigh Burke and Bernard Austin led the destroyer divisions. Technically minded commanders and supporting infrastructure also helped torpedo corrections reach the force.
Chapter · 44:04-53:20
Four Clevelands and eight Fletchers
Task Force 39 paired four radar-equipped Cleveland-class cruisers with eight Fletcher-class destroyers in two practiced, largely homogeneous formations.