Taffy 3 (Task group 77.4)

Taffy 3, one of three task units in the U.S. Navy during the Battle of Leyte

Gulf, played a pivotal role in protecting the invasion fleet and supporting

U.S. forces in the Philippines. Despite facing overwhelming odds, Taffy 3

courageously engaged the Japanese Center Force in a dramatic battle.

The US Fleet Consisted of:

6 escort carriers (512 feet long)

3 destroyers (376 feet long,)

4 destroyer escorts (306 feet long)

400 aircraft from Taffy 1, 2, and 3

In stark contrast, the Japanese Center Force fielded significantly larger and more powerful vessels. The Yamato and Musashi were in a class of their own, with the Musashi having been sunk the day before. The remaining battleships, while slightly smaller, were still

formidable.

The Japanese fleet included:

4 battleships (862 feet long)

6 heavy cruisers (660-700 feet long)

2 light cruisers (500-600 feet long)

11 destroyers (typically 400+ feet long)

30 aircraft

Taffy 3, patrolling the northern invasion fleet in Leyte Gulf, which consisted of six lightly armed, slow escort carriers (Jeep Carriers). Built on commercial hulls, they carried

around 25 fighter/light attack planes. Despite lacking armor, these ships bravely provided air cover and anti-submarine defense, using limited gunnery, depth charges, and bombs for strafing and shore attacks. Though outmatched by heavily armored battleships and

cruisers, they fought with determination and courage.

To provide vital anti-air and anti-submarine screening, Taffy 3 deployed three destroyers (DDs) and four destroyer escorts (DEs). These vessels were armed with 5-inch gun mounts,

effective up to 8 miles, along with 20mm and 40mm anti-aircraft machine guns, Mk. 15 anti-ship torpedo launchers, and depth charges.

The destroyers, faster than 30 knots, carried more guns and torpedoes than the slower destroyer escorts, which traveled at 21 knots and protected merchant convoys from

submarines and air attacks.