USS San Diego (CL-53) docking at Yokosuka Naval Base on August 30, 1945

USS San Diego (CL-53), flagship of Task Force 31, the Yokosuka Occupation Force, docking at Yokosuka Naval Base for the surrender ceremony of the base and its garrison on August 30, 1945. Note the Japanese battleship Nagato in the background of the opening shot; earlier this morning San Diego covered the landing party that boarded her. On August 27, San Diego had the distinction of being the first major Allied warship to enter Tokyo Bay. However, she was not present for the surrender ceremony as she was detached on September 1, 1945, immediately after the commander of Task Force 31, Rear Adm. O.C. Badger, had set up his headquarters ashore. His parting speech to her crew ended with, "Goodbye! Good luck! God bless you! May you have as much success in the Battle of Market Street as you've had in the Pacific War." San Diego fought from Guadalcanal to the coast of Japan and ended the war with 18 battle stars.

Footage (428-NPC-14536): https://catalog.archives.gov/id/79790
USS SAN DIEGO War Diary, 8/1-31/45: https://catalog.archives.gov/id/83551...
USS SAN DIEGO War Diary 9/1-30/45: https://catalog.archives.gov/id/77554260
COMTASKFOR 31 Rep of opers in the initial landings, occupation & securing of the Yokosuka Area, Honshu, Japan, 8/19/45-9/8/45, including seizure of HIJMS NAGATO on 8/30/45: https://catalog.archives.gov/id/77801...