THE THIRD FLEET

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 88, Issue 145, 19 June 1944, Page 4

THE THIRD FLEET

ADMIRAL HALSEY’S NEW COMMAND GROWTH OF U.S. NAVAL FORGES Reed. 8 p.m. Washington, June 17. “As the South Pacific has become relatively quiet. Admiral W. F. Halsey has been relieved of the command of the South Pacific area and South Pacific force and will henceforth command the Third Fleet, which will operate in the Pacific in the same way as the Fifth Fleel, operating under the command of Admiral Spruance, says a Pacific Fleet press release. The United Press Pearl Harbour correspondent says Admiral Halsey's new command means that the Pacific Fleet h"as now grown to such-propor-tions that it is possible to divide it into .two armadas, each containing all the offensive weapons necessary to accomplish any mission. Admiral Halsey was appointed to the command of the South Pacific area in October, 1942. It included New Zealand. With the improved situation, resulting from the driving back of the Japanese from the lower regions, of their southward drive, and the building up ot the United States forces to a strength capable of an offensive role, Admiral Halsey was relieved of his command, and given his new post to afford scope for his talents. He is to be succeeded in the South Pacific by Vice-Admiral John H. Newton. ViceAdmiral Newton is described as a capable organiser and an authority on the employment of light naval forces. Aged 63. he commanded a destroyer in the last war. Following the Armistice he commanded a destroyer division in the Mediterranean and Adriatic. Prior to Pearl Harbour he commanded a force of heavy cruisers.