[seafarer]

There's also nothing that limits you to doing just what the orders say. Even if you get orders to go somewhere else, your route there is of your own choosing (fuel permitting of course). Once you've done that photo recon, or patroled your sector long enough to complete the mission requirements, go off and do what you like. Sail somewhere you've never been, try a sneak harbor attack on a port of your choice, read up on your history and go hunting for a big historical fleet (the Midway campaign, or an invasion fleet).

Personally, I like to go off on ludicrously distant voyages, just to see how far I can push my fuel (shortly after SHIII came out, I took my IXC to the Seychelles from Lorient, just because I could!).

The orders you receive are just the minimum required to successfully complete the patrol or misssion and continue your career - but beyond that, the ocean is yours! (well, until you get sunk and killed - the IJN have their own funny idea that the ocean is theirs, not yours)