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Post by keyboy on Dec 4, 2017 15:20:44 GMT
Patrol After Action Reports are due no later than December 10th, 2017. May 3rd 1944Good morning gentlemen, I won't take up much of your time, as I know that you are preparing to get underway. We have most patrol areas covered this month; but please just ensure that if your patrol is in the China Sea, then you will need to remember that you will be in shallow waters and as a result, you will not be able to dive towards or below test depth.
With the Japanese losing the Hill 700, Tokyo would like a trophy from the US. Make sure it isn't you and your crew. Usual China Seas reminder, but above all remember your training and use the experience of your last patrol to guide you and your crew back home next month. God speed. - Captain Lyndon Woodbury - SUBRON Commander ALL Boats have been upgraded with: SJ Radar - July 1942 and Modified MK 14 and Mk 18 Torpedoes (Dud 1) - January 1944
Torpedo Loads as of September 1943: Maximum Load of 24 Torpedoes - 16 x Mk14 and 8 x Mk18 - May adjust the mix by +/- 4
Some Patrol Areas will now have ships that have Limited Escorts [14.9]. Please check out your patrol area below.
Ships on PatrolUSS Rover - silentshark USS Defiant - wsmithjr USS Grunt - crushedhat USS Catfish - cajun USS Blackfish - keyboy USS Atule - tamari Currently at Sea
USS Redfin - captbridge USS Haddock - keyboy RefitUSS Flasher - lars - June 1944 USS Clownfish - s1cjwmccartney - June 1944 --------------------------------- Special Instructions: None --------------------------------- [P1a]Patrol Assignment 1944 Jan-Jun Patrols
China Sea ( Shallow Water - Cannot exceed test depth)USS Grunt - crushedhat USS Catfish - cajun Java Sea (M)None Java Sea (L)USS Atule - tamari Java Sea None Marshalls (Limited Escorts)None Philippines (W)None Indochina (Limited Escorts)None Marianas (L)USS Blackfish - keyboy MarianasUSS Rover - silentshark USS Defiant - wsmithjr Philippines (W) (Limited Escorts)None Important Information needed in Patrol Report
Boat Name and ID: Commanders Name: Patrol Assignment: Successful Patrol: Yes or No Number of Freighters or Tankers Sank: (Include ship name) Number of War Ships Sank: (Include ship name) Capital Ships Sunk: (Include ship name) Total Tonnage Destroyed: Special Assignment Completed: Yes, No, or N/A Refit Time: Awards Requested:
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Post by crushedhat on Dec 5, 2017 4:35:49 GMT
23 June 1944USS Grunt enters the Brisbane harbor, tying up alongside USS Griffith. Standard Report FormatBoat ID: USS Grunt Successful Patrol: Yes Number of Freighters or Tankers Sank: 3 Number of Non-Capital Warships Sank: 0 Capital Ships Sank: 0 Total Tonnage Destroyed: 14,600 Special Assignment Completed: NA Refit Time: 2 months, ready Sep 44 Awards Requested: Bronze Star, 1st Gold Star for Cdr Neil Balaton Silver Star to Combat Patrol Insignia for entire crew Battle Star for Submarine Narrative:Grunt left Brisbane on its ninth war patrol on 3 May, proceeding up the east coast of Australia, through the Torres Strait and then transiting the Arafura, Banda, and Ceram Seas. We had entered the Philippine Sea and were off Davao when the lookouts sighted darker shapes against the backdrop of the night sky. Moving in to investigate we found two freighters (5,300 and 1,900 tons) under escort. I chose to make a submerged attack from medium range, firing all six bow tubes, four fish at the larger Maru and two at the smaller one. Of the six torpedoes fired, five missed and the sixth was a dud! The Jap escort had better luck, permanently taking our #2 electric engine off line before finally moving to rejoin his charges. Doing likewise, I made another submerged attack around midnight, repeating the firing pattern, and almost the same results; this time one of the fish did hit the smaller Maru. While slowing her down, it wasn’t enough to sink her. We almost sank ourselves, one of the fish circling back. This time the escort didn’t find us and, as we hurried in pursuit, we caught up to the injured freighter, now on its own. Moving into close range, the vessel was finished off with the deck gun. We arrived in the East China Sea on 24 May, remaining to patrol there until 7 Jun. Our only encounter was a radar contact the night of the 31st. However, the target was able to Shanghai before we could close to firing range. Heading back for Brisbane, we encountered a large troopship (6,800 tons) and a large freighter (5,900 tons) transiting the Bashi Channel under escort the night of 9 June. The last four bow torpedoes were fired at the larger of the two vessels. Despite a miss and a dud, the other two fish were enough to send the troopship to the bottom. The escort, a Kuri class DE subjected us to several depth charge passes. By the time her captain gave up he had damaged the SJ Radar the Hydrophones, the #1 Electric, #3 Diesel, Forward Torpedo Doors, and Deck Gun. Lt Almay, Grunt’s engineer, is to be commended for bringing all but the #1 Electric and Hydrophones back on line. Setting off after the other Maru, we caught up to her and her escort shortly before daybreak, Conducting a submerged attack from medium range I fired the four aft tubes, the forward torpedoes having all been expended. Three of the four fish hit and the Maru broke in half and sank. The DE was unable to find us and we slipped away. The rest of the patrol and trip home was uneventful, except for the news about the landings on Saipan on the 15th and the destruction of three Jap CVs on the 19th-20th. Grunt entered port on 23 June, tying up alongside Griffith. With the damage to the #2 electric, SJ Radar, and Hydrophones, she’ll require an extra month in refit, ready for patrol in September. Respectfully submitted, Neil Balaton, Cdr, USN, commanding USS Grunt
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Post by wsmithjr on Dec 5, 2017 5:30:23 GMT
Boat Name and ID: USS Defiant SS-1764 (Gar class) Commanders Name: Benjamin Sisko Patrol Assignment: Marianas Successful Patrol: Yes Number of Freighters or Tankers Sank: 4 (Arima-7400, Rashin-5500, Kinrei-900, Taifuku-3500) Number of War Ships Sank: 1 (SS I-24 -2200) Capital Ships Sunk: 0 Total Tonnage Destroyed: 19,500 Special Assignment Completed: N/A Refit Time: 2 month (+1 hull damage) Awards Requested: SCPI Gold Star, Battle Star, Navy Cross Notes:
Report:
The transit up past the Caroline Islands was quite, as was the first week of our patrol. Shortly into the second week, we were quite shocked to detect a Japanese submarine. I'm not sure what they were doing here ... looking for us, I suppose. Fortunately, luck was on our side and we detected them before they detected us. Not taking any chances at being detected first, we launched 4 Mk14 torpedoes. We achieved total surprise and 3 explosions were registered and sank her before she could respond and fire back. Buoyed by our success, the crew was in high spirits. It wasn't a capital ship, but a Japanese submarine is a nice badge of honor for the crew of the Defiant.
Several days later, we came across 2 escorted large freighters. Freighters larger than 5000 tons are becoming rare, so we knew we needed to sink both of them if possible. Contact was made during daylight, but we could not risk losing contact to wait for nightfall, so we commenced our attack at medium range and launched all 4 aft Mk18 torpedoes. 1 was launched at the 5500 ton Rashin and 3 at the 7400 ton Arima. The single Mk18 mortally damaged the Rashin and it began rapidly sinking. Two Mk14s appeared to be on target to the Arima but only 1 explosion was detected and only lightly damaged her. Knowing she was damaged and could easily be found and re-engaged at a time of our choosing, we immediately evacuated the area before the escort could track us. We tracked and re-engaged the Arima at nightfall and launched 3 Mk18 torpedoes from medium range. Luck was once again temporarily on their side. Only a single explosion was registered and still the Arima refused to go down. Yet again, we escaped before her escort could locate our position. I guess luck wasn't with the Arima after all as the next night we found her dead in the water and he escort having abandoned her. We approached on the suface to close range and finished her with the deck gun.
A week later, luck was once again with us as we came upon an unescorted freighter. It was only a small one, estimated at 3500 tons. The deck gunners did their job well and she begin to sink. We felt bad there was no escort to rescue the crew, but we were not about to take on prisoners while an escort might have been bearing down on our location.
Eight days later, once again the SJ Radar proved its worth and we were able to detect two small freighters and their escort. Without the cover of darkness, we again relied on the aft Mk18 torpedoes. 2 were launched against the 2100 ton Otori. Something, however, was wrong with these torpedoes as they were confirmed to be on target but no explosions were registered. Fortunately, 1 of the last 2 Mk18s fired at the 900 ton Kinrei successfully hit and detonated against her, sinking her quickly. Again, luck was on our side and this escort proved no more capable than any of the others in detecting us. Even better, 2 days later we were able to re-engage the Otori but still only during the daylight. Having no more Mk18 torpedoes left, we launched our Mk14s from long range to give us more time to more distance from the telltale trail of the torpedoes. I suppose our run of good luck had to end at some point. While 1 of the 4 Mk18 appeared to be direclty on target, no explosions were detected. Also, this time the escort found us and launched depth charges. Their accuracy was not especially good and we only suffered minor damage to one of the diesel engines. To help ensure our escape, we exceeded the test depth of the sub. We maneuver caused minor hull damage but no more depth charges were detected and eventually the escort gave up the hunt. However, the window of opportunity had closed and we were not able to track and re-engage the Otori.
The final week of the patrol and the transit home were uneventful but we returned to Brisbane in high spirits for a very successful patrol.
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cajun
Lieutenant Commander
Posts: 13
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Post by cajun on Dec 11, 2017 3:25:38 GMT
Boat Name and ID: USS Catfish Commanders Name: CDR Barbier Patrol Assignment: China Sea Successful Patrol: Yes Number of Freighters or Tankers Sank: 5 (2,700: Nipponkai Maru, 4,300: Fushimi Maru, 10,000: Nampo Maru, 4600: Sanju Maru, 3100: Seikai Maru) Number of War Ships Sank: 0 Capital Ships Sunk: 0 Total Tonnage Destroyed: 24,700 tonnes Special Assignment Completed: N/A
Refit Time: standard Awards Requested: Navy Cross, Battle Star, SCPI
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tamari
Lieutenant Commander
Posts: 38
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Post by tamari on Dec 11, 2017 4:29:30 GMT
Boat Name and ID: USS Atule SS-403 Commanders Name: Oscar Garrard Patrol Assignment: Java Sea Successful Patrol: Yes Number of Freighters or Tankers Sunk: 1 freighter (POW ship, 10500 tons) Number of War Ships Sunk: 1 DD (Shirakumo, 2100 tons) Capital Ships Sunk: 0 Total Tonnage Destroyed: 12,600 Special Assignment Completed: Yes, six airmen rescued Refit Time: -1 month (No damage, Returned to Base early) Ready in July 1944 Awards Requested: Battle Star, SCPI, Navy Comm. Ribbon
Expert Executive Officer roll needed Request for a second 5-inch deck gun (Rule 11.6.2)
No issues en-route to the patrol area in the Java Sea with our new boat.
We eventually fished out six aviators from the water during our lifeguard mission.
Released for patrol duty, we encountered a lone destroyer on its own patrol mission at night. I took a shot on the surface with 3 Mk 14's from the bow at medium range. One torpedo found its target, causing severe damage and the DD sank quickly.
Near the end of May, a convoy was encountered and Atule sank a large freighter in the middle of the night. After evading the escort vessels, we had planned to pursue the convoy. But we found a lot of men in the water, apparently abandoned by the convoy. We soon discovered that they were POW's. After radioing our location back to base, we picked up as many men as we could hold, and set a course back to Brisbane.
We had no problems on the way back, and transferred our guests to a waiting transport as soon as we arrived at port. In total, 80 airmen and ex-prisoners were rescued.
With our patrol being cut short, and only needing supplies, we will be ready for our next mission in July.
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Post by keyboy on Dec 14, 2017 9:02:17 GMT
Boat ID: USS Rover Commanders Name: Robert Plant Patrol Assignment: Marianas Special Assignment Completed: NA Successful Patrol: Yes
Number of Freighters or Tankers Sank: 2 Number of War Ships Sank: 0 Capital Ships Sunk: 0 Total Tonnage Destroyed: 9,200 (43,900)
Ships Sank: May 23rd, 1944 - Manko Maru (P) 4,500t June 2nd, 1944 - Shiroganesan Maru (F) 4,700t
Ships Damaged: NA
Refit Time: 2 months, ready for patrol September 1944
Awards Requested: Battle Star for Sub Submarine Combat Patrol Insignia for crew Promotion for LCDR Robert Plant
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Post by keyboy on Dec 14, 2017 10:21:45 GMT
Boat Name and ID: USS Blackfish Commander's Name: Kurtis Mayfield Patrol Assignment: Marianas (Lifeguard Mission) Successful Patrol: Yes Number of Freighters or Tankers Sank: 4 - Nittai Maru (6500t), Kinai Maru (8400t), Nanyo Maru (3600t) and Natori Maru (5700t) Number of War Ships Sank: 0 Capital Ships Sunk: 0 Total Tonnage Destroyed: 24,200t Special Assignment Completed: Yes Refit Time: Standard
Award Requests: Silver Star and Navy Commendation Ribbon for CDR Kurtis Mayfield Battle Star for Sub Submarine Combat Patrol Insignia for crew
Crew Names: Crew Skill: VETERAN CDR Kurtis Mayfield Chief Engineer: Lt Larry Wilson, USN Pharmacist's Mate: PhM1c Earl Coleman, USN Executive Officer: Lt Christopher White, USN 3rd Officer: Lt (jg) Bobby Bryant, USN 3rd Officer: EXPERT
May 4th 1944 Having left Brisbane and out to sea, we headed for the Marianas.
May 14th 1944 Arrived at patrol point and had zero contact with the enemy since leaving Brisbane.
May 17th 1944 After three days of searching for the crashed bomber, a life raft was spotted off the starboard bow, which we retrieved. Unfortunately, only one crew member had survived in the elements for the three days and was in very poor shape. Coleman organised the transit of the airman to the sub and his team got to work straight away.
May 24th 1944
Just over a week later, during the morning of the 24th, smoke was observed off the starboard bow and after investigation a large escorted freighter was identified. Remaining submerged at long range, four fish headed towards the freighter and two towards one of the escorts. Only two of the four torpedoes hit and exploded under the hull of the Nittai Maru, but a short time passed before she was no more. The escort only suffered a single detonation, which did enough damage to bring it to a full stop. Whilst the bubble trails could be seen during the day, we were far enough away for the escorts to miss with their detection and so we managed to slip away.
June 4th 1944 Early evening on the 4th, contact was made with two escorted ships; a large passenger ship and a small freighter. I gave the order to get within medium range, surface, fire all torpedoes from the bow tubes and then sink beneath the waves to make our escape. Three out of the four MK14's hit the Kinai Maru and with two detonating , the back of the passenger ship was broken. Both steam torpedoes hit the Nanyo Maru and detonated, causing the freighter to initially list to port and then slowly sink. I ignored the escorts in the attack and that action was reciprocated when the escorts failed to detect us and so we made our way into the night.
June 11th 1944 Just over a week later, during the morning of the 11th, the enemy was observed off the starboard bow and after investigation, a cargo ship was followed. As we surfaced at close range, the deck gun crew jumped into action and unloaded with full salvoes. This was a very accurate attack, since it was finished quickly and the Natori Maru was no more.
1LT Jed Hopkirk was up and about on his feet and had a much better colour, so we continued our patrol for a further two days before we headed for home.
June 23rd 1944 Arrived in Brisbane, Australia, after traversing the rest of the Arafura Sea and finally getting to the Coral Sea, with no enemy contact on our way to the mainland.
USS Blackfish will be ready for the August patrol
Patrol report submitted by Commander Kurtis Mayfield, commanding the USS Blackfish, Subron 9, Pacific Fleet.
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Post by keyboy on Dec 14, 2017 11:00:39 GMT
30th June 1944
To: Vice Admiral Thomas T. Tompkins
Submarine Squadron 9 (SUBRON 9) Report: Six US submarines set sail from Brisbane from the 1st May 1944 onwards. I submit the following results.
Submarine | Freighters Sunk | Tankers Sunk | Warships Sunk | Capital Ship Sunk | Total Sunk | Status | USS Rover
| 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 9,200 tons | Refit
| USS Blackfish | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 24,200 tons | Refit
| USS Catfish | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 24,700 tons | Refit | USS Grunt | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 14,600 tons | Refit | USS Defiant | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 19,500 tons | Refit
| USS Atule | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 12,600 tons | Refit
| Totals
| 18 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 104,800 tons |
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All six submarines completed a successful patrol and each will receive a Battle Star.
All six Captains completed a successful patrol and each will receive the Submarine Combat Patrol Insignia.
US Submarines Lost: NonePROMOTIONSNoneAWARDS AND DECORATIONS MEDAL OF HONORNone------------------------------ NAVY CROSSCDR Barbier of the USS Catfish CDR Benjamin Sisko of the USS Defiant----------------------------- SILVER STAR
CDR Kurtis Mayfield of the USS Blackfish---------------------------- BRONZE STARCDR Neil Balaton of the USS Grunt-------------------------------- NAVY COMMENDATION RIBBON CDR Oscar Garrard of the USS Atule------------------------------- PURPLE HEARTNone------------------------------- UNIT AWARDS NoneSincerely yours
Captain Lyndon Woodbury, Submarine Squadron 9 Commanding
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