Rear Admiral Wilcox lost during Task Force 39's crossing

Task Force 39 sailed with Washington, Wasp, Wichita, Tuscaloosa, and eight destroyers to reinforce the British Home Fleet at Scapa Flow. On the second day, Rear Admiral John Wilcox disappeared from Washington's deck in heavy seas near Sable Island. Tuscaloosa saw a man struggling in the water and Livermore later sighted a body, but the weather prevented recovery. An inquiry questioned 43 witnesses and could not establish whether illness, seasickness, a wave, or another cause led to the fall. Robert C. Giffin, aboard Wichita, assumed command of the task force. The incident shows how quickly weather and a single loss could alter command arrangements during an ocean crossing.