I have a social function to attend for a couple of hours, so I figured why not take the Yolo into Tokyo Bay right now. Back to Homer Bast on board the USS Yolo.
September 15, 1945
The day broke clear but rain clouds scuttled in bringing with them an overcast sky that remained with us most of the day. Again I remained on the bridge except to run to the wardroom for something to eat. It was not until noon that the low hills of Nojima Saki, tucked away in the mists on the starboard beam, became visible. Shortly thereafter, the peak of Mt. Fuji was sighted ahead. Banks of clouds obscured most of it. From this distance a giant hand seemed to suspend the dark blue cone shaped peak. This wondrous scene was followed by a bewildering array of course changes en route to the anchorage. At the harbor entrance a floating mine, 100 yards to the starboard, was passed. An escort destroyed it.
In the midst of the convoy's movements, hazy shapes of ships of a unit of TF 38 steamed well clear and out to sea. Composed of 19 ships, this unit, as it swept past, was truly naval might at first hand - it was a magnificent sight - the first time we had ever seen TF 38/58 at close range.
During the afternoon one course change was so severe that the eight column front merged into two. Stretching for miles the ships of the convoy became entangled and signals eventually were passed forming the convoy into a column. By this time it was dark! As Yolo's section was the last to enter the bay, we steamed off Sunno Saki (the light to starboard upon entering the bay) waiting to find our place in the 70 ship column. The ships created quite an impression moving up Tokyo Bay. By 2000 all vessels anchored as best they could. Accomplished at night with the moon obscured by a thick blanket of clouds, the an¬chorage was made, even though the many lights on the western side of the bay made piloting difficult. With the darkness a cold front moved through. A long and exhausting day finally ended when the word to secure was passed.
September 16, 1945
At daybreak I was on deck where I was impressed with the order¬liness, neatness and greenness of the landscape. Hundreds of ships were anchored in the bay. But its vastness was such that the ships seemed lost. As most of the convoy's COs were unable to find their proper berths in the darkness of last night, this morning an unending number of LSTs were underway preparatory to anchoring in their assigned berths. I was as bad, for I had Yolo anchored in battleship row. Mr. Kinley moved the ship outside the breakwater at Yokohama, while Mr. Davis and I rode to the docks in the duty boat.
Rear Admiral J. L. Hall's flag, the Teton (AGC-14), was moored to the dock. Climbing aboard, I called on opts, supply, and logistic officers in that order. After greeting me quite cordially, for we were at Okinawa, they told of a penciled note from the admiral asking about the Yolo's whereabouts. Assigning us a dockside berth at Yokohama, we were now officially designated the barracks ship for barge crews and the headquarters of the Yokohama shore patrol. When the APB 44, Presque Isle, reported later she was dispatched to northern Honshu. I like to think that it was the outstanding contri¬bution at Okinawa that won us this assignment, which is a plum.
Returning to the ship, I conned her between the double breakwaters and anchored for the night some distance off the piers. Immedi¬ately a PCS came alongside for provisions and water. Yolo was in business once again after a two month hiatus. For most of the afternoon I sat on the bridge and with binoculars observed the scene from the ship. In the harbor the gleaming white of four hospital ships alongside one of the docks is readily visible. They are taking the internees back to the States.
Visible on the starboard side and curving for several miles along the bay were acres of burned out factories, interspersed with large intact storage tanks. The docks surrounding the inner harbor were untouched by bombs. A landing beach was constructed in the harbor shoreline where, day and night, LSTs beached and discharged cargo. The center of Yokohama is flat, apparently filled in and lying slightly below the surrounding area which is a 100 foot high bluff, the whole a horseshoe. Buildings of six to eight stories are in evidence, while tied up to the piers are Japanese ships in various stages of construction. Some ves¬sels swing at anchor near Yolo. Over the whole is an air of silence. Yokohama is a motionless place where time has stopped.
The Japanese fishing fleet here goes about its business of trying to feed the people. The boats are odd 25 foot wooden craft held together by pegs, unpainted except for the bottom. They are powered by "one lung" engines. Atop sit three pole like masts. Reaching the limits of the fishing grounds, engines are stopped, the square like sails hoisted and their nets cast. They sail broadside before the wind until they reach the limit of the fishing grounds. The two men aboard are hard working, unemotional and unkempt with interest only in the catch. Fishing ceases at sunset for after dark the Japanese are not allowed on the bay.
Around the docks young and seemingly happy groups of Japanese, men in non-descript clothes, half uniform, half civilian, clean and store American equipment and gear in the huge warehouses next to the docks.
Dinner was served at the usual time after which two movies were shown, the first in some days. As a special celebration the watch broke out two bottles of beer for each member of ship's company. How they appreciated that bonus! Tonight the clouds cover the moon. All ships have their anchor and warning lights aglow. Here darkened ships are a thing of the past. Lights blaze from the ports, hatches and on deck. Finally the post office was found. It is a LST, but she is anchored five miles away off the base at Yokosuka. This will be choice duty before very long.
September 17, 1945
I was up at dawn, set the special sea detail and was underway at 0800 to moor alongside the LST 848 at the Yokohama pier. With her departure, Yolo later moored starboard side to the dock. The 607 enlisted men and six officers of the Yokohama Shore Patrol had their gear stacked, ready for easy boarding. Jeeps, trucks, motorcycles and cars are parked on the pier beside the ship. We gave their CO, a full commander, a stateroom in officers' country. All LSTs in our convoy have launched their barges so during the day Seabee crews come on board for messing and berthing. Mr. Ambrogi took advantage of a fresh water connection on the dock and hooked up. After making water for months the evaporators were secured.
Liberty is limited. Ships may send five per cent of their complement ashore, but an officer must accompany the men. As soon as Yolo docked, Mr. Cardin and 11 men went ashore until noon then another group departed. Liberty parties must be kept in groups. The exchange rate is 15 yen to the dollar, but there is nothing to purchase. Several officers boarded a train for the 15 mile ride to Tokyo. On their return they reported bombs destroyed most of the industrial and residential parts of the city. While no fraternization is the rule, it is not followed. Parks are the favorite trading areas and cigarettes and matches are worth more in trade than the exchange rate. Pom-pom can be had for $5.00. No bombing victims are seen. Children are happy and greet the crew with "Hi Joe". Older people are indifferent.
