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  USN June 9, 1942 |
Location Indispensable Reef is a chain of three coral reef located in the Indispensable Strait. Also known as Indispensable Reefs. To the north is Rennell Island and Bellona Island to the northwest. Indispensable Reef is divided into three areas: Indispensable Reef North, Indispensable Reef Middle and Indispensable Reef South. Previously, Rennell and Bellona were part of Central Province. Since 1993, part of Rennell and Bellona Province in the Solomon Islands. Wartime History On May 7, 1942 during the Battle of the Coral Sea a pair of planes B5N Kate EI-306 and B5N Kate EI-302 ditched onto Indispensable Reef. Both crews survived and were later rescued by destroyer Ariake. During the middle of September 1942 until the middle of Noember 1942 Japanese submarines operated from Indispensable Reef to refuel E13A Jake floatplanes to search for U.S. warships and convoys in "Torpedo Alley" southeast of San Cristobal bound for Guadalcanal. Quickly, the U.S. detected the Japanese presence and increased patrols by planes and warships to deprive the Japanese from operating in the area. September 14, 1942 I-122 arrives at Indispensable Reef. October 12, 1942 Japanese submarine I-15 arrives at Indispensable Reef and refuels an E13A1 Jake from the R Area Air Force. The next day spots a task force including USS Hornet (CV-8) east of Malaita. October 14, 1942 I-15 refuels an E13A1 Jake from Chitose. October 16, 1942 I-15 refuels an E13A1 Jake that later spots USS Hornet (CV-8). October 18, 1942 I-15 departs Indispensable Reef. Meanwhile, I-26 arrives Indispensable Reef. In the early morning, two Aichi E13A1 Jakes arrive. After one E13A1 departs, an enemy patrol aircraft flies over the reef. Immediately, the second Jake takes off while I-26 crash dives and damages her three lower torpedo tubes on the reef, but manages to float free. October 22, 1942 In the early morning, Japanese Submarine I-26 refuels three E13A1 Jakes at Indispensable Reef. One of the planes later spots USS Washington (BB-56) heading north. October 23, 1942 In the early morning the I-26 refuels another E13A1 Jake at Indispensable Reef that spots an American convoy. October 25, 1942 A B-17 Flying Fortress is spotted over Indispensable Reef. The I-26 dives and cannot refuel aircraft that day. October 26, 1942 I-26 departs Indispensable Reef. Meanwhile, I-122 arives at Indispensable Reef. October 27, 1942 I-122 departs Indispensable Reef bound for Guadalcanal. November 8, 1942 I-122 returns to Indispensable Reef and operates in the area for the next several days. November 12, 1942 I-22 departs Indispensable Reef. Contribute
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