"Best speed" from a fuel conservation point of view is about 10 kts. in any American sub. Flank speed will run you dry in a hurry, and Full is not much better. Need to monitor Range at Present Speed, especially when you are below 50% fuel. And don't take statements like "at best speed" in the orders too literally. They expect you to figure out how to get back.
And, as you noticed, the situation in the Philipines in the first few months of the war is, as they say, "fluid." Always expect to have to shift base farther south, until you eventaully find yourself based in Australia. Keep fuel in hand.
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