Bullets, Beans and Black Oil - The Story of Fleet Logistics Afloat in the Pacific During World War I

Victory is won or lost in battle, but all military history shows that adequate logistic support is essential to the winning of battles. In World War II, logistic support of the fleet in the Pacific became a problem of such magnitude and diversity, as well as vital necessity, that all operations against Japan hinged upon it. The advance against the enemy moved the fleet progressively farther and farther away from the west coast of the United States, from Pearl Harbor, and from other sources of supply, to support the fleet that was constructed as temporary bases for various uses, and formed floating mobile service squadrons and other logistic support groups. These floating organizations remained near the fighting fleet, supplying food, ammunition, and other necessities while rendering repair services close to the combat areas. This support enabled the fleet to keep unrelenting pressure upon the enemy by obviating the return of the fleet to home bases. Because of the knowledge gained during his South Pacific service and particularly from his experience as Commander of Service Squadron Ten, the largest of the mobile squadrons, Rear Admiral W.R. Carter was chosen to write this history of logistics afloat in the Pacific. The opinions expressed and the conclusions reached are those of the author.