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| ANZAC Squadron | |
|---|---|
| Active | February 12 – March 30, 1942 |
| Country |  Australia New Zealand United States |
| Allegiance | Allies of World War II |
| Type | Cruiser/destroyer force |
| Role | Defense of Australia andCommonwealth territories |
| Engagements | World War II |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders | John Gregory Crace |
TheANZAC Squadron, also called theAllied Naval Squadron, was anAlliednavalwarshiptask force that was tasked with defending northeast Australia and surrounding area in early 1942 during thePacific Campaign ofWorld War II. The squadron, consisting ofcruisers anddestroyers from the navies of Australia, New Zealand, and the United States, was formed on February 12, 1942, under the command ofRoyal NavyRear AdmiralJohn Gregory Crace. The squadron was the primary fleet element operating in theANZAC Area under the overall command ofUnited States NavyVice AdmiralHerbert Fairfax Leary.
On 9 March, the squadron, as part ofTask Force 11 known as Task Group 11.7, covered theLouisiade Archipelago, securing the right hand flank of Task Force 11 andTask Force 17 for theattack on Lae and Salamaua due to the Imperial Japaneseinvasion of Lae-Salamaua,New Guinea, and also covering aPort Moresby reinforcement convoy. On April 22, 1942, the ANZAC Force was absorbed by theSouth West Pacific Area (command) underUnited States ArmyGeneralDouglas MacArthur and theANZAC Squadron was redesignated asTask Force 44. The New Zealand cruisers passed to the control of theSouth Pacific Area.
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| National | |
