Montpelier illuminated the strait with star shells, confirmed that no other enemy ships were present, and ranged on the airfield. She shifted to continuous fire after the Black Cat reported hits. The cruisers divided runway, bivouac, plantation, dispersal, and shore-battery targets while their five-inch guns engaged the coastal batteries. Japanese muzzle flashes gave the ships and airborne spotters clearer aiming points, increasing the punishment delivered to the fixed defenses. The group then formed a retirement column and accelerated to thirty knots as the separate Munda bombardment began on schedule.
Chapter · 2:59:25-3:05:22
The force resumes its main task and bombards Vila Stanmore
Minutes after the destroyer action, the cruisers and destroyers use star shells, spotting aircraft, and concentrated gunfire against the airfield complex.