US Naval forces numbering question

[Andy H]

Can anyone explain the numbering system or logic to American Naval TFs or TGs during WW2?

Andy from the Shire

[Andy H]

Come on Yanks I simply cant believe that not a single person has any idea on this

Andy from the Shire

[Galahad]

That's an easy one. Task Forces were first numbered according to the fleet they were part of. Example, Task Force 38, Third Fleet. Then they were numbered as to the individual sections.....TF 38.1. Then further subunits.....TF 38.1.1.

[Andy H]

Galahad-Thank you

[Jack Nisley]

Divided task force/task group/task unit/task element, i.e.
Fifth Fleet
TF58 = Fast Carrier Force
TG58.2 = Second Carrier Group
TU58.2.4 = Fouth subunit in group, perhaps Destroyer Squadron that is part of screening ships.
TE58.2.4.2 = Element in Fourth subunit, perhaps Destroyer Division within Squadron
No special rhyme or reason to TF numbering. General practice in Third/Fifth Fleet (Central Pacific Force under Halsey/Spruance) was TF 38/58 = Fast Carriers, TF 34/54 was Fast Battleships when operating separately, TF 37/57 = British Fast Carrier Force, low 30/50's were Amphibious Force/Expeditionary Troops/Amphib Support Force for invasions.
Single digit or teens usually directly under CINCPACFLEET, i.e. Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.

[Andy H]

Jack

Many thanks for your input, I had an idea that there was no particular rule over TF numbering.

Again Thank You

Andy