At a time before public relations operatives were allowed to name military operations, code names were intended to conceal the purpose being undertaken.
In June of 1942, the United States Joint Chiefs of Staff created a new command, the South Pacific Theater, commanded by Vice Admiral Robert V. Ghormley. Objective: offensive operations against Japanese forces in the Solomons. Code name: Operation Watchtower.
Seventy-five warships and transports gathered near Fiji on July 26, held one rehearsal landing, and departed July 31 for the objective area.
Targets: Florida Island, Tulagi and Guadalcanal. Officer in Tactical Command: Vice Admiral Frank Jack Fletcher, embarked in USS Saratoga (CV-3); Amphibious Force Commander: Rear Admiral Richmond Kelly Turner; Commander of the Landing Force: Major General (Marines) Alexander Vandegrift.
D-day: August 7, 1942.
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