USS LSM(R) 197 lets rip on Okinawa, Spring, 1945.  Twelve of these floating rocket batteries were produced late in the war, on the basis of experience.  Their purpose was to supply fire support (by means of free-fire rocket) at a range of about 4,000 yards,  to landing forces in the Pacific, and to provide harassment and general targeting duties in the event of the projected invasion of the Japanese mainland. 

These vessels could deliver a heavy, terrifying bombardment on land targets when used appropriately.  Their impact was somewhat reduced by their initial use by some commanders in anti-air raid picket line duties for which, as an official appraisal indicated, they were not at all suitable.  Best regards, JR.

Seaborne "Katyusha" - LSM(R).

US Navy bombers attack installations at Rabaul harbor, New Britain, early November, 1943.  New Britain was an Australian territory at the time.  Its small Australian garrison was overcome by greatly superior Japanese forces in January/February, 1942.  The harbor at Rabaul was the major strategic objective of the Japanese, as it could form an important link in the chain of supply of the Japanese fleet.

By late-1943, Rabaul's position was increasingly threatened by the advance of the Allies in the region.  The port was subject to heavy aerial attack by US Navy bombers through the first week of November; after the raids of 5 November, the port was effectively disabled and virtually isolated.

New Britain was partially re-occupied by Australian and US troops in the aftermath, although substantial Japanese forces were "bottled up" there to the end of the war.  Best regards, JR.

Attack on Rabaul, November, 1943.

The USS Astoria (CA-34) was a United States Navy New Orleans class heavy cruiser that participated in both the Battle of the Coral Sea and the Battle of Midway, but was then sunk in August 1942 at the Battle of Savo Island. 