Biographical/historical information

Thomas Hamilton Lokey (b. 1910) served in the U.S. Naval Reserve during World War II, 1942-1946, as an Air Combat Intelligence Officer aboard the carrier USS NATOMA BAY in the Pacific Theatre. He was recalled to service during the Korean Conflict, serving as a Strategic Intelligence Officer in a Joint Navy-Air Force Operation, 1950-1951. He retired with the rank of commander, USNR.

Scope and arrangement

The collection contains a speech, "The Battle for Leyte Gulf." This speech recounts his experiences aboard the escort aircraft carrier USS NATOMA BAY (CVE 62). As an Air Combat Intelligence Officer he was responsible for briefing the captain and squadron on operations and missions, debriefing the squadron after its missions, and then writing after-action reports based on the information he gathered. His battle station was on the open bridge of the NATOMA BAY which gave him a great view of the battle.

Lokey begins with describing the ship he was on, its armament, and organization of the various carrier groups with supporting destroyers and destroyer escorts. He then outlines the mission of his ship in relation to the amphibious landings in the Philippines. The remainder of the speech discusses actions during the battle involving destroyers, aircraft carriers, fighters, torpedo bombers, cruisers, and other vessels in the effort to stop the Japanese naval forces with the YAMATO. Lokey includes details such as direction, speed, weather, and time; his personal reflections; and information concerning Admiral Felix B. Stump--whom he reported to--and Admirals Halsey, Kinkaid, and Olendorf.

The other item in the collection is a photocopy of Lokey's military identification with a brief biographical account.

Administrative information

Custodial History

January 15, 1997, 17 pages, typescript; Account of battle of Leyte Gulf by Air Combat Intelligence Officer aboard the USS NATOMA BAY. Gift of Captain Enders P. Huey, USN (Retired), of Orlando, FL.

Source of acquisition

Gift of Enders P. Huey

Processing information

Encoded by Apex Data Services

Copyright notice

Literary rights to specific documents are retained by the authors or their descendants in accordance with U.S. copyright law.

Metadata Rights Declaration

Key terms

Personal Names

Lokey, T. Hamilton

Corporate Names

Natoma Bay (Aircraft carrier)

Topical

Leyte Gulf, Battle of, Philippines, 1944
World War, 1939-1945--Naval operations, American