shortly after dawn on 25 october, "samuel b. roberts" was protecting taffy 3's small escort carriers. these were serving as bases for small bombers and fighters that were supporting the army assault. these warships were steaming off the eastern coast of samar when the japanese center force—a 23-ship task force under the command of vice admiral takeo kurita—suddenly appeared on the horizon and opened fire. at 07:35, "roberts" turned and headed toward the battle. she charged toward the heavy cruiser . the commanding officer, copeland, announced "we're making a torpedo run. the outcome is doubtful, but we will do our duty." with smoke as cover, "roberts" steamed to within of "chōkai", coming under fire from the cruiser's forward guns.