FULL Komandor Designer 6.4 HOT!

Following his completion of Alpha-17's ARC program, Bacara instituted his own tough training program for the soldiers under his command. Under his leadership and direction, the Galactic Marines were eventually trained into a highly efficient, and elite, quick reaction force. His leadership was again demonstrated on the world of New Bornalex which saw a fierce battle erupt against the Separatist forces and the Galactic Marines under Bacara's command. During the battle the Marines found that their prototype weapons had malfunctioned, and were left with only their suit-enhanced strength to fight with. Refusing to surrender or retreat, Bacara issued the order to advance, knowing full well that that order may have resulted in the destruction of the soldiers under his command. Bacara and the Marines, however, demonstrated their bravery and dedication by fighting and destroying the enemy droids with only their hands.[1]

During training, Neyo and the other clone cadets began to develop a personality of their own, which was a phenomenon that was fostered by the unusual methodology of the program. Its designers saw this as a positive trait, as it gave the clones greater independent thought and greater freedom of expression compared to conventional clones.[9] Despite this, Neyo developed a cold personality,[6] and was considered to be one of the most aloof and oddball members of the program, failing to bond with his comrades. Another clone, CC-1138, was also considered brooding and the two clones eventually collaborated on the development and field trials of tactics that used the newly produced BARC speeders. Neyo was one of the first one hundred graduates of the ARC program, and was given the military rank of Clone Commander. Shortly after his promotion, Neyo was placed as the commanding officer of the 91st Mobile Reconnaissance Corps.[9]

The problem of being underweight was now fully understood and measures were taken while the side protection of the magazines asked for was raised to 5.75 in, still possible as they laid low into the hull. Although still not fully immune to 8 inches shells, this seriously decreased the chance of a lucky hit. The side belt (2.25in) was thought to be increased by adding a layer, but later dropped due to cost issues, and still adding weight.

Like the previous ships, the Portland still featured the same 8-in triple turrets, completed by eight 5-in/25 DP guns and two QF 3 pounder Hotchkiss guns use dmore for saluting than AA purposes. Woefully obsolete, this was improved in 1941 by the addition of eight single Browning 0.5 in (12.7mm/90) heavy machine guns for AA defence.

Indianapolis followed soon with twelve 20mm/70; two extra quadruple 40mm/56 Mk 1.2, then eight twin 20mm/70 Mk 4, and a full displacement reaching in excess of 15,000 tons. Not to be undone, USS Portland at the end of the war had four quadruple 40mm/60 Mk 2 and four twin 40mm/60 Mk 1 AA guns, plus seventeen 20mm/70 Mk 10 AA guns.

Higgins boats a YP minesweeper and a tug helped her to reach Tulagi on 14 November, for further repairs until she was able to proceed to Sydney under tow by USS Navajo, escorted by USS Meade and Zane. Sh arrived on 30 November but stayed out of the busy drydock until 24 December. Chester and New Orleans were still in repairs there; The crew was given extended leave meanwhile. After preliminary repairs she was able to steam at full speed back to the US, at first escorted by HMAS Warramunga. She refuelled at Samoa and Pearl Harbor, and made it into Mare Island Navy Yard on 3 March 1943 for a welcome refit and modernization in addition.

She was part of Cruiser Division 4, steaming off Leyte on 17 October, and entering the Gulf on the 18th, starting a 18h shore bombardment before the landings. On the night of 24 October, a large japanese force was spotted entering the Surigao Strait, advancing in a column in full darkness, before encountering the ambuishing US force, of which Portland was a part of. She steamed across the strait to cross the T of the Japanese, already shaked by PT boats attacks, then destroyers, until caught by a withering textbook fire. USS Portland targeted herself the cruiser IJN Mogami hitting her four times at around 04:02 and battering her for ten minutes, then until 05:30. One such hit devastated her bridge, killing the captain and executive officer. This concluded her Battle of Surigao Strait, part of the larger confrontation of Leyte. 2b1af7f3a8