Patrolling for Submarines in New Guinea

The USS Hughes would spend the entire month of August patrolling for enemy submarine or aircraft activity off the shores of New Guinea.  In order for the Allies on the ground in New Guinea (mostly Americans and Australians) to fully secure the islands, it was vital that the Navy kept control of the seas.  These patrols in August 1944 by the USS Hughes and other ships of Task Force 77 played a vital role in the Allies success in New Guinea.

Between patrols, the Hughes also participated in several bombardment drills with live ammunition on areas of shore known to be deserted or potentially contain enemy combatants.