10-23-14
By the 18th, Task Unit 30.3.1 had morphed into TU 30.3.2 as all the capital ships were redeployed back into their respective task groups. The Boston, flagship of Cruiser Division 10, was now the only capital ship protecting the two crippled cruisers on their long journey to Ulithi. Twenty miles away, the carrier Cabot remained until the 20th, when she rejoined TG38.2. TU 30.3.2 (made up of two fleet tugs, two damaged cruisers, five destroyers and the Boston) was joined on the 19th by two more fleet tugs and a rescue ship.
On the 20th, Boston got orders to rejoin Task Group 38.1, and they head west at full speed. The Japanese Navy is heading towards the Philippines, intending to break up the American invasion at Leyte Gulf. On the 21st, the ship rejoins TG38.1. The Group is ordered to refuel the next day, and later that evening they got orders to turn east to Ulithi for reprovisioning. The group is still heading for Ulithi on the 24th, when they are ordered to reverse course AGAIN and proceed at full speed towards the Sibuyan Sea. The Combined Japanese fleet has been spotted. They are heading toward Leyte.
Next: The Battles for Leyte Gulf (also known as the Second Battle of the Philippine Sea)