American use of the deck gun was different to German. From day one of the war, may skippers wanted a larger deck gun (as well as more automatic weapons, etc 20mm and 40mm) as there were plenty of targets that weren't worth a torpedo (and many that got away when they couldn't get them to explode). The main target of deck guns were picket boats, sampans, junks and fishing boats.
Larger ships were targeted when it was safe to, and the deck gun was also used for bombardment duty (cover fire for rescues of downed flyers, beach assults (yes it did happen) and targets of oppertuity)
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