I have:
2 Radar guys
4 Torpedo
2 Machinist
1 watch officer
1 medic
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from commanders:
1 - (in tower) - Flak/Gun/Watch
2-4 Helm station, plus a repair skill on one of them
5 - Machinist/Repair/Torpedo
I have a Gold Cross medal for Machinist and one of Helmsman - to always make sure my boat keeps going.
I'm in 8th patrol, so I intend to get much more torpedo guys and machinist.
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About the flak gunner :
I anticipate yuo lose the gun towards the end of the war - so no point wasting skills on the gunner.
Also, the watch officer with 3 skills (number 1 on my list) is the best combo - you get him on top, and reload is very quick. IF you put more skilled gunners - it won't speed up the process, just make them more expensive cannon fodder. Don't bother. :hmm: