U.S. Navy Department (February 20, 1944)
CINCPAC Communiqué No. 37
The Pacific Fleet has returned at Truk the visit made by the Japanese Fleet at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, and effected a partial settlement of the debt. Initial approach was undetected.
During attacks on February 16 and 17 (West Longitude Date), our carrier planes destroyed at least 201 enemy aircraft, 127 of which were shot down in combat. More than fifty additional enemy aircraft were damaged on the ground. There was no enemy air opposition on the second day of the attack.
Enemy surface ships sunk included two light cruisers, three destroyers, one ammunition ship, one seaplane tender, two oilers, two gunboats, and eight cargo ships. Additional enemy ships probably sunk included one cruiser or large destroyer, two oilers, and four cargo ships.
Shore facilities on the principal islands, including airdrome runways and installations, were thoroughly bombed and strafed.
Our losses were 17 planes. None of our ships was lost, but one sustained moderate damage.
Adm. R. A. Spruance, USN, was in overall command of the operation and RAdm. Marc A. Mitscher, USN, former commanding officer of the HORNET (CV-8), directed the carrier air attack.
CINCPAC Press Release No. 274
For Immediate Release
February 20, 1944
Aircraft of the 7th Army Air Force and Navy search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two continued bombing attacks on enemy positions in the Marshall and Caroline Islands during February 18 (West Longitude Date).
Army Liberators bombed docks and shipping at Kusaie, sinking a small ship.
Army Warhawks and Navy Ventura and Liberator search planes attacked four Marshall atolls, scoring hits on ground installations, an airfield and a radio station.
None of our planes was lost.