RTB
 

Not a 'new' topic, I'm sure. I left Melbourne, dropped off supplies in Luzon, sank 114,000 tons north of that island, radioed a convoy sighting, and got "RTB at your discretion" - only when I got to Melbourne I couldn't dock! I'd have thought I deserved that after a particularly good mission, and having spent over a month at sea.
Is this a problem with the game? I had permission to return.

welcome aboard!
 

Are you sure you didn't receive notification of a base change?

Welcome to SubSim :sunny:

Exact same thing happened to me last night - turns out my base was changed mid-patrol.

When you go to the plotting map, look for the tilted anchor icon - that is your new home base. Rearm/refuel at Melbourne and head home!

I was stationed at Fremantle, did my supply drop and was told I had autonomy, so I ended up over by Guadalcanal when I was low on fuel. I went to Brisbane to refuel/rearm and then sailed BACK to Fremantle via south Australia. I get to Fremantle only to find the same thing - my home port was changed - and it was changed to Pearl Harbor. lol So, rearm/refuel and set off for Pearl. Longest patrol I've ever had. :)

It has happened to more than just you. That is why reading flash alerts and Operational Order are so important.

It happens as the japanese move all the way down to New Guinea and japanese air umbrella reaches the Northern Australian coast. You will get bases back and move closer as the Island hopping campaign gets going at the end of 42 and start of 43!