TASK GROUP 52.2 (TG 52.2), the Amphibious Support Carrier Group, consisted of the following escort aircraft carriers (CVEs):
Task Unit 52.2.1 (TU 52.2.1)
USS Natoma Bay (CVE-62) with Composite Squadron Eighty One (VC-81)
USS Petrof Bay (CVE-80) with VC-76
USS Sargent Bay (CVE-83) with VC-79
USS Steamer Bay (CVE-87) with VC-90
USS Wake Island (CVE-65) with Composite Spotting Squadron One (VOC-1)
TU 52.2.2
USS Bismarck Sea (CVE-95) with VC-86
USS Lunga Point (CVE-94) with VC-85
USS Makin Island with (CVE-93) VC-84
TU 50.7.1 (Antisubmarine Hunter-Killer Unit)
USS Anzio (CVE-57) with VC-82
A "typical" VC has 20 Eastern Aircraft FM Wildcats and 12 Eastern Aircraft TBM Avengers.
Off Iwo Jima in the Bonin Islands, fire support ships, minesweeping units, and underwater demolition teams (UDT) arrive and encounter fire from shore batteries. UDT reconnaissance discloses that no underwater obstacles exist, and that the surf and beach conditions are suitable for landings. Infantry landing craft (gunboat) USS LCI(G)-474 is sunk by shore battery, while supporting UDT operations. Japanese guns also account for damage to the battleship USS Tennessee (BB-43); heavy cruiser USS Pensacola (CA-24) and destroyer USS Leutze (DD-481); as well as to infantry landing craft (gunboats) USS LCI(G)-346, USS LCI(G)-348, USS LCI(G)-438, USS LCI(G)-441, USS LCI(G)-449, USS LCI(G)-450, USS LCI(G)-457, USS LCI(G)-466, USS LCI(G)-469, USS LCI(G)-471, and USS LCI(G)-473. On board the damaged USS LCI(G)-449, her commanding officer, Lieutenant Rufus G. Herring, although badly wounded, cons his crippled ship himself, maintaining her position in support of the unfolding UDT operations until she is able to move to safety. For his heroism, Herring is awarded the Medal of Honor.