[Bubblehead1980]

War Patrol Report
USS CISCO SS-290
Fourth War Patrol
March 5-April 9, 1944



PROLOGUE
--------------

Arrived Brisbane, Australia from THIRD War Patrol on January 31, 1944. Normal refit was conducted by base personnel.
APR-1 Radar Warning Receiver installed. CISCO was dry docked on 10 February in order to apply new Measure 32 paint scheme
for reduced visibility. Painting completed on 23 February.

Executive Officer, LCDR A.F. Weinel, USN, detached. LCDR J.D. Miller, USN, designated as Executive Officer.
Ensign C.D. Calder, USNR, and Ensign W.F. Henderson, USNR, reported aboard 24 February.

Training period conducted in Moreton Bay area 26 February-1 March.
Twenty four MK 23-1 torpedoes and all provisions loaded 2-4 March.
Ready for sea 5 March 1944.




NARRATIVE
----------


0800 Departed Brisbane, Australia in company with HADDO per CTF Operation Order 36-44. Assigned to conduct patrol operations South of Palau
through 29 March and then unless otherwise instructed, assume lifeguard
station in support of airstrikes scheduled for 30 March.



0914 APR-1 detected radar emissions of escort bearing 005.


0942 Rendezvoused with escort.


0950 Proceeded through minefield with escort and HADDO.


1400 Escort detached. Continued on with HADDO. Course 005 for
Milne Bay en route assigned area. Conducted sighting drills and tuning of
SJ radar with HADDO. APR-1 detected HADDO's SJ signals.


1508 Trim Dive.


1530 Surfaced.


2100 Conducted night sighting drills as HADDO also sporting newly applied
MS 32. Difficult to visually spotted HADDO at 2000+ plus yards with
small AOB.

2300 Upon conclusion of sighting drills. Formed patrol line with HADDO
10 miles apart en route Milne Bay.


March 6
----------

En route Milne Bay.

1532 APR-1 detected radar signals bearing 160.


1534 SD contact made at 21000 yards. (Aircraft Contact No.1)


March 7
----------

2226 Parted company with HADDO, set course for Jomard Pass en route
Milne Bay.


March 8
----------

En route Milne Bay.


March 9
----------

1100 Docked at tender U.S.S. Fulton, Milne Bay. Topped off
fuel and provisions.


1630 Departed Milne Bay for assigned area.



March 10
-----------

En route area.


March 11
---------

0754 SJ contact 28250 yards bearing 002. (Ship Contact No.1)
Likely friendly patrol in Vitiaz Strait. Avoided.


March 12-14
------------

En route area.

March 15
---------

0000 Entered patrol area 175 NM SE of Palau.


March 16
----------

0630 Dawn rain showers, heavy fog, choppy seas.

1200 Storms cleared. Calm seas, clear visibility.

1251 APR-1 detected radar emissions bearing 125.

1252 SD contact 14000 yards closing. Dive! (Aircraft Contact No.2)

1254 CISCO at 150 ft. Two large explosions forward, not close.

1719 APR-1 detected radar emissions bearing 280. No SD contact. Submerged
to avoid likely aircraft searching area.

2000 Surfaced.


March 17
---------

Patrol in area.


March 18
---------

Patrol in area.

Heavy seas, overcast, moderate do. Winds
30 knots direction 260.

1320 SD contact 21500 yds.(Aircraft Contact No.3)
Dive.

1554 Surfaced.




March 19
---------

Patrol in area.


March 20
---------

Patrol in area.


March 21
----------

Patrol in area.


0300 Received ULTRA regarding enemy submarine departing Southern entrance Palau
lagoon 23 March.


March 22
----------

Set course to take position South of Palau.

1124 Submerged for patrol 25 miles West of Angaur Island.


2030 Surfaced.



March 23
------------

TORPEDO ATTACK NO.1
----------------------------

0505 SJ contacts bearing 013 29000 yards. (Ship Contact No.2)
Turned to intercept.

0507 Contacts appeared to be convoy approaching Southern entrance to Palau.


0509 GENERAL QUARTERS-TORPEDO-SUBMERGED.


0513 Submerged for attack at dawn before convoy entered lagoon.


0604 One AK leading a AO, one DE escorting, course 070 10 kts.


0616 Fired tubes 1,2,3 at AO. Fired tubes 4,5,6 at AK.

0617 Torpedo impact! Torpedo impact! Torpedo impact!

AO burning, keel busted.

0618 Torpedo impact on AK bow! Other two missed ahead as AK slowed.


0620 Pinging. DE closing. Rigged for Silent Running and Depth Charge.
Ordered 450 ft.


0624 DE overhead. CISCO AT 350 FT. Splashes! (Depth Charge Attack No.1)

0625 DC explosions. Two close. Boat shaken.
Damage reported (See DAMAGE AND DEFECTS)

0627 Close DC.

0641 Close DC.

0646 DE crossed off bow of CISCO. Many splashes heard.


0648 Close DC. Boat Shaken. Depth 575 ft.


0654 After going "silent for several minutes, enemy began
to ping and close from astern.

0656 DC explosions, not close.


0700 Pinging. More DC explosions, not close.

0701 Pinging.

0704 Pinging ceased.

0706 Pinging resumed.


0707 CISCO at 580 ft.

0709 DD above, splashes.

0711 Many DC explosions.

0715 DD above, from astern.

0716 Many splashes and explosions.

0717 Many DC explosions.

0722 DE above. CISCO at 600 ft.

0723 Splashes.

0724 DC explosion, close. Boat shaken.

0737 More DC explosions, astern.

0840 Lost contact with enemy. CISCO at 650 ft.

0943 Secured Silent Running. Ordered bow tubes reloaded.

1023 Many prop noises bearing 302 long range. Ordered periscope depth.

1035 Periscope depth. Sighted convoy bearing 234 8 miles. Convoy
departing Palau. Two AO, four AK, two DE. Course 270 9 kts.
Contact Report sent to CTF 72. (Ship Contact No.3)

Due to battery limitations unable to close for attack submerged.
Waited for convoy clear area for end around. Secured GQ.


1118 Received orders from CTF-72 not to engage convoy,
other assets will be directed to intercept.


1201 Lost visual and sound contact with convoy.
Set course to return for intercept of enemy sub
due to depart Palau, although it is likely sub
rerouted after attack.


1204 Enemy DE from Torpedo Attack No.1 still in area, hunting.


1453 Periscope depth. Spotted Aircraft(MAVIS) bearing 055 16200 yards,
circling above scene of morning attack, where DE still present.
(Aircraft Contact No.4)



2000 Surfaced.


2109 Stopped to listen with hydrophones.


2111 Sound contact, faint, bearing 347.
Turned to investigate. (Ship Contact No.3)


TORPEDO ATTACK NO.2
-----------------------------
2114 Submarine spotted! Bearing 357 9000 yards.
No SJ contact. GENERAL QUARTERS-TORPEDO-SURFACE.


2117 Contact zigging on base course 195. 10 kts.

2135 Readied tubes 7,8,9,10 to fire.

2136 Solution plotted to fire torpedoes on individual
bearings aimed at middle of target, Aft and forward
to cover the sub during zigs.

2140 Fired tubes 7,8,9,10 at I Class Submarine. 3050 yds.


2142 Torpedo impact on stern as target zigged to starboard(away) from
CISCO. Large explosion, followed by two more
large secondary explosions, likely torpedoes cooking off from impact.
Submarine sunk in 43 seconds.


2144 Three other torpedoes missed, reached end of run.


2200 Secured GQ. Departed area to allow it to "cool down."


March 24
------------

0725 Submerged for the day to rest, repair, an avoid storms.


2000 Surfaced.


March 25
---------

0400 Weather cleared. Calm seas.

0954 Radar emissions detected bearing 350 15000+ yards. Judged to be likely
aircraft due to rapid bearing change. Submerged to avoid.




March 26
----------

Patrol in area.



March 27
----------

1634 SD Contact 10000 yards, closing!. Dive! (Aircraft Contact No.5)

1635 Explosions, above. CISCO at 145 ft.


2100 Surfaced.


March 28
----------

1524 Aircraft spotted! bearing 085 7500 yards. Dive! (Aircraft Contact No.6)
Dive! SD did not detect AC.

1525 As passed 84 feet, several large explosions, close. Only damage
was a few broken light bulbs and glass fixtures.


2000 Surfaced. Overcast, light fog. Winds 11 knots, direction 020.
Light chop.



March 29
----------

Patrol in area.

2214 Arrived at Lifeguard station 10 NM East of Palau for DESECRATE I.



March 30
----------

Torpedo Attack No.3
--------------------


0006 SJ contacts bearing 334 24000 yds. (Ship Contact No.4)


0025 GENERAL QUARTERS-TORPEDO-SURFACE


0034 APR-1 detected radar emissions. Contact range 4200 yards.


0034: Shell splashes! 35 yards, astern!. Dive!
51

0035 Passed 80 ft, rigged for silent running and depth charge.


0042 500 ft. Turned to closest escort to minimize profile to beam.


0043 Pinging began (Depth Charge Attack No.2)

0044 Enemy passed above. Did not drop DC as expected.

0045 Pinging from second escort. Turned to minimize profile.

0046 Enemy above. Many splashes.

0047 Many DC explosions. Boat shaken.

0050 Enemy above splashes.

0051 DC explosions.

0052 Many DC explosions astern.

0056 Enemy astern closing fast. Short scale pinging.

0057 Splashes. Enemy above.

0059 Explosions. Boat shaken.

0100 Second enemy above. Splashes.

0101 Explosions.

0102 Many more splashes ahead.

0102: Many explosions. Close. Boat shaken. Damage reported (
30 See DAMAGE AND DEFECTS).


0106 CISCO at 600 ft. Enemy passed above. Splashes.

0109 Explosions above. CISCO at 675 ft.

0126 A loss of control of boat led us to 730 feet before gained control.

Enemy seemed to be unable to track us at this depth.
They continued to unload depth charges at last contact location
and along estimated course. All charges were above.


0140 Splashes above.

0142 Explosions, above somewhat close. Boat shaken. Leaks in conning tower, forward control room.

0144 Leaks under control. (See DAMAGE AND DEFECTS)

0146 More explosions, not close.

0211 Enemy seemed to finally lose contact. Many DC explosions astern
continued for some time.

0330 Last DC explosion heard astern, distant.


0335 SJ sweep at radar depth.


0340 Surfaced


0345 Secured GQ. Recharge batteries, repair damage.
Set course for lifeguard station.


0817 SD contacts 14000 yards. (Aircraft Contact No.7)

0819 Spotted friendly air strikes inbound. TBF, SB2C, SBD, F6F.

0820 Witnessed midair collision parachutes observed, splashed in water.
Smoke marker visible. Set course to pick up at flank speed.

0823 Second smoke marker observed.


0832 SD contact 12000 yards closing. Simultaneously spotted downed aviator
021. Dive! Spotted a MAVIS bearing 270.(Aircraft Contact No 8)

0834 Explosions, astern.


0840 GENERAL QUARTERS. Standby for rescue and Anti-Aircraft.


0845 Periscope depth. Spotted raft with downed aircrew bearing 061 4000 yds.
Surfaced.

0850 Rescued aircrew in raft. (Rescue No.1)

0908 Rescued downed aviator. (Rescue No.2)

1304 Rescued downed aviator. (Rescue No.3)


1900 Last strike concluded. Per operation order, set course
for Yap in support of strikes on 31 March.


March 31
---------


0425 Arrived at Lifeguard Station 10 NNE of Yap.

0600 Submerged.

0700 Sound contact: Warship bearing 358 long range, medium speed,
moving away.(Ship Contact No.5)


0840 Raised SD antenna to detect strike.

0846 Observed air strike on harbor. One AK one SC sunk by dive bombers.

0851 Parachutes spotted, landed inland, not near shore.


1900 Spotted raft with aircrew and downed aviator in water.
Surfaced.Rescue stations manned.

1905 Rescued up TBF aircrew in raft. (Rescue No.4)

1915 Rescue downed SBD pilot in water. (Rescue No.5)

1920 Spotted smoke marker bearing 015.

1950 Spotted two men in water.
Assumed rescue stations.

2001 Rescued two downed aircrew. (Rescue No.6)


2002 Continued to search area of Yap down downed
aircrews.


April 1
--------

0000 Released from Lifeguard Station per CTF-72.
Ordered to new patrol area SSW of Guam.
Set course at standard speed.

0701 Dawn. Aircraft spotted bearing 190 6000 yds, altitude 500 ft, closing! (Aircraft Contact No.9)
Dive! SD failed to detect low flying aircraft.


0702 As CISCO passed 67 ft, three large explosions, boat shaken severely,
damaged reports piled in (See DAMAGE AND DEFECTS).

0703 Flooding in multiple compartments.


0704 Damage Control Party formed.


0706 Boat sunk to 180 ft. Two more large explosions, above.


0707 Flooding controlled in Forward torpedo, Aft torpedo, and both Engine rooms.
Flooding in conning tower and control room continued, most serious in conning
tower.

0709 Flooding in conning tower and control room contained.
Boat heavy and trim pump severely damaged, unable to maintain exact
depth bounced between 190 and 250 ft.


0710 Engineering reported battery capacity at just 30 percent, aft batteries damaged
severely.

0730 Boat began to sink at uncontrolled rate due flooding
and loss of power and trim pump, inability to compensate

Ordered standby for Battle Surface-Anti-Aircraft.

0731 Blew ballast tanks for emergency surface!


0733 Surfaced. AA guns manned. No aircraft in sight.


0734 Set course to South with guns manned while emergency repairs continued.


1101 Water pumped from all compartments. Trim pump reported damaged beyond repair.


1120 Inspection revealed hull damage, with trim and hydraulic pumps damaged beyond repair. Batteries no holding full charge. JP sonar inoperative. Repairs continued.


1301 APR-1 detected radar emissions bearing 200. Submerged
to avoid likely aircraft. Struggled to maintain depth between 100-150 feet.

1430 Surfaced.


2300 Considering heavy damage to CISCO, sent report to CTF-72 and set
course for Brisbane.

April 2-3
---------

En route Brisbane.


April 4
---------

1800 SJ contact 27000 yards. (Ship Contact No. 6)

1835 Exchanged recognition signals with two US DD.
Patrol in Vitiaz Strait.


April 5-8
---------

En route Brisbane.


April 9
----------

1035 Docked at Brisbane, Australia. Terminated war patrol.



WEATHER
--------------


Weather in area was overall pleasant, with squalls quickly arriving and departing,
quite normal for the area.



NAVIGATIONAL AIDES
----------------------------

Lights on Palau, Angaur, Peleliu, and Yap Islands
all provided aides in navigation.



CONTACTS
----------------


Aircraft
---------


NO.1
DATE 1944/03/06
TIME 1534
LAT 22-2S
LOG 153-51E
BRG 160*
RNG 21000 yards.
ALT --
CRS --
SPD --
HOW SJ,APR-1
TYPE --
REMARK
*Bearing based on APR-1 RWR bearing.


NO.2
DATE 1944/03/16
TIME 1252
LAT 5-30N
LOG 134-40E
BRG 125*
RNG 14000 yds
ALT --
CRS --
SPD --
HOW SD,APR-1
TYPE --
REMARK
* Based on APR-1 RWR bearing.



NO.3
DATE 1944/03/18
TIME 1320
LAT 4-50N
LOG 134-50E
BRG --
RNG 21500 yds
ALT --
CRS --
SPD --
HOW SD
TYPE --
REMARK


NO.4
DATE 1944/03/23
TIME 1320
LAT 7-03N
LOG 134-07E
BRG 055
RNG 16200 yds
ALT 1200 ft
CRS --
SPD 125 kts
HOW Visual
TYPE MAVIS
REMARK
Contact circled scene of Torpedo Attack No.1



NO.5
DATE 1944/03/27
TIME 1634
LAT 4-50N
LOG 134-40E
BRG --
RNG 10000 yds
ALT --
CRS --
SPD --
HOW SD only
TYPE --
REMARK
Bombed by contact.



NO.6
DATE 1944/03/28
TIME 1524
LAT 5-10N
LOG 132-50E
BRG 085
RNG 7500 yds
ALT 2000
CRS 200
SPD 200 kts
HOW Visual
TYPE KATE
REMARK
Bombed by contact.



NO.7
DATE 1944/03/30
TIME 0817
LAT 7-13N
LOG 134-32E
BRG 040
RNG 14000 yds
ALT 12000 ft
CRS 310
SPD 200 kts
HOW SD-Visual
TYPE TBF,SB2C,SBD,F6F
REMARK



NO.8
DATE 1944/03/30
TIME 0832
LAT 7-13N
LOG 134-32E
BRG 270
RNG 12000 yds
ALT 2000
CRS 100
SPD 150 kts
HOW SD,Visual
TYPE MAVIS
REMARK
Bombed by contact during rescue attempt
of downed aviator.




NO.9
DATE 1944/03/31
TIME 0701
LAT 11-0N
LOG 139-0E
BRG 190
RNG 6000 yds
ALT 500 ft
CRS 200
SPD 250 kts
HOW Visual only
TYPE BETTY G4M
REMARK
Bombed by contact at dawn. Heavy damage.
SD did not detect low flying contact.
APR-1 detected no radar emissions.

Ships
------

NO.1
DATE 1944/03/11
TIME 0754
LAT 5-50N
LOG 147-30E
BRG 002
RNG 28250 yds
CRS --
SPD --
HOW SJ
TYPE --
REMARK

Patrol in Vitiaz Strait. Likely friendly. Avoided.


NO.2
DATE 1944/03/23
TIME 0505
LAT 7-03N
LOG 134-07E
BRG 013
RNG 29000 yds
CRS 070
SPD 10 kts
HOW SJ-Visual
TYPE AK,AO,DE
REMARK
TORPEDO ATTACK NO.1



NO.3
DATE 1944/03/23
TIME 1035
LAT 7-03N
LOG 134-07E
BRG 302
RNG 16200 yds
CRS 070
SPD 10 kts
HOW Sound(JP)-Visual
TYPE AK,AO,DE
REMARK
Contact Report sent to CTF-72
Serial 03234411.


NO.3
DATE 1944/03/23
TIME 2111
LAT 6-52N
LOG 134-0E
BRG 347
RNG 13000 yds*
CRS 195
SPD 10 kts-zigging
HOW Sound-Visual
TYPE SS
REMARK
Torpedo Attack No.2
* Estimated range at time of sound contact.
Visual contact established at 9000 yds



NO.4
DATE 1944/03/30
TIME 0006
LAT 7-9N
LOG 134-35E
BRG 334
RNG 24000 yds
CRS 040
SPD 15 kts
HOW SJ,Visual, APR-1
TYPE DE,SC
REMARK
ASW patrol.
Depth Charge Attack No.2




NO.5
DATE 1944/03/31
TIME 0700
LAT 9-39N
LOG 138-4E
BRG 358
RNG 15000+ yds
CRS --
SPD 11 kts
HOW Sound only (JP)
TYPE Warship-Unknown. Likely PC.
REMARK


NO.6
DATE 1944/04/04
TIME 1800
LAT 5-52S
LOG 147-41E
BRG 358
RNG 27000 yds.
CRS 004
SPD 16 kts
HOW SJ-Visual
TYPE DD,DD
REMARK
USN patrol in Vitiaz Strait. Exchanged recognition
signals.




ATTACKS
--------------


USS CISCO SS-290 TORPEDO ATTACK NO.1
WAR PATROL NO.4 DATE: March 23, 1944 TIME: 0616
LAT:7-03N LOG: 134-07E

------------------------------------------------

TYPE OF ATTACK Submerged-Periscope-Dawn

SHIPS SUNK

AO ARARE MARU 2800 tons

Verification:

Observed three torpedoes hit target. Turned burned profusely,
keel split in two.

SHIPS PROBABLY SUNK

SHIPS DAMAGED

AK SURABAYA MARU 5186 tons

Verification:

Observed torpedo hit bow. Bow severely damaged.

SHIPS PROBABLY DAMAGED



TARGET DATA (at firing)
--------------------------------

CLASS AO
NAME ARARE MARU
TONS 2800
DRAFT 14.8 ft
MAST 90.9 ft
CRS 070
SPD 10 kts
AOB 78 P
RNG 2280 yds
BRG 026
TRUE BRG 185
REMARK
Target No.1


CLASS AK
NAME SURABAYA MARU
TONS 5186
DRAFT 15.7 ft
MAST 94.5 ft
CRS 070
SPD 10 kts
AOB 93 P
RNG 1986 yds
BRG 355
TRUE BRG 155
REMARK
Target No.2



TORPEDO FIRE CONTROL DATA (at firing)
-------------------------------------

TUBE NO.1
TYPE MK 23-1
SERIAL NO.46500
EXPLODER MK 6-4
SERIAL NO.17500
GYRO 016 L
COURSE 175
TRACK 78 P
METHOD Single Bearing
SPREAD Divergent
INTERVAL 5 seconds
POWER Standard
DEPTH 6 ft
POA MOT
ACTUATION Contact
ACTUAL ACTUATION Contact
HIT Yes
POI MOT
ERRATIC
MALFUNCTION
REMARK



TUBE NO.2
TYPE MK 23-1
SERIAL NO.46501
EXPLODER MK 6-4
SERIAL NO.17501
GYRO 016 L
COURSE 175
TRACK 78 P
METHOD Single Bearing
SPREAD Divergent
INTERVAL 5 seconds
POWER Standard
DEPTH 6 ft
POA MOT
ACTUATION Contact
ACTUAL ACTUATION Contact
HIT Yes
POI MOT
ERRATIC
MALFUNCTION
REMARK


TUBE NO.3
TYPE MK 23-1
SERIAL NO.46502
EXPLODER MK 6-4
SERIAL NO.17502
GYRO 016 L
COURSE 175
TRACK 78 P
METHOD Single Bearing
SPREAD Divergent
INTERVAL 5 seconds
POWER Standard
DEPTH 6 ft
POA MOT
ACTUATION Contact
ACTUAL ACTUATION Contact
HIT Yes
POI MOT
ERRATIC
MALFUNCTION
REMARK



TUBE NO.4
TYPE MK 23-1
SERIAL NO.46503
EXPLODER MK 6-4
SERIAL NO.17503
GYRO 341 L
COURSE 141
TRACK 108 P
METHOD Single Bearing
SPREAD Divergent
INTERVAL 5 seconds
POWER Standard
DEPTH 7 ft
POA MOT
ACTUATION Contact
ACTUAL ACTUATION Contact
HIT Yes
POI Bow
ERRATIC No
MALFUNCTION No
REMARK



TUBE NO.5
TYPE MK 23-1
SERIAL NO.46504
EXPLODER MK 6-4
SERIAL NO.17504
GYRO 341 L
COURSE 141
TRACK 108 P
METHOD Single Bearing
SPREAD Divergent
INTERVAL 5 seconds
POWER Standard
DEPTH 7 ft
POA MOT
ACTUATION Contact
ACTUAL ACTUATION --
HIT No
POI --
ERRATIC No
MALFUNCTION No
REMARK
Missed ahead when target slowed after impact
on Target No.1 alerted.



TUBE NO.6
TYPE MK 23-1
SERIAL NO.46505
EXPLODER MK 6-4
SERIAL NO.17505
GYRO 341 L
COURSE 141
TRACK 108 P
METHOD Single Bearing
SPREAD Divergent
INTERVAL 5 seconds
POWER Standard
DEPTH 7 ft
POA MOT
ACTUATION Contact
ACTUAL ACTUATION --
HIT No
POI --
ERRATIC No
MALFUNCTION No
REMARK
Missed ahead when target slowed after impact
on Target No.1 alerted.





OWN SHIP DATA (at firing)
--------------------------

DEPTH 64 ft
COURSE 168
SPEED 2.5 kts
ANGLE 1-down
SEA STATE Light Chop
REMARK
Pre-dawn, half moon.



__________________________________________________ ___________


USS CISCO SS-290 TORPEDO ATTACK NO.2
WAR PATROL NO.4 DATE: March 23, 1944 TIME: 2140
LAT:6-52N LOG:133-56 E

------------------------------------------------

TYPE OF ATTACK Night-Surface-Torpedo

SHIPS SUNK
I-Class Submarine 1800 tons

12.5 miles West of Angaur Island, Palau.


Verification:

Observed torpedo hit target in stern as target
zigged to starboard away from two other torpedoes. Hit caused massive explosion,
followed by two larger secondary explosions. This is likely as a result of
hit on aft torpedo room, igniting torpedoes. Submarine burned profusely and sunk
in 43 seconds.


SHIPS PROBABLY SUNK
None

SHIPS DAMAGED
None

SHIPS PROBABLY DAMAGED
None



TARGET DATA (at firing)
--------------------------------

CLASS SS
NAME I-Class Submarine
TONS 1800
DRAFT 16.9 ft
MAST --
CRS 195
SPD 10 kts
AOB 70 P
RNG 3050 yds
BRG 188
TRUE BRG 292
REMARK
Target zigging on base course.


TORPEDO FIRE CONTROL DATA (at firing)
-------------------------------------

TUBE NO.7
TYPE MK 23-1
SERIAL NO.46517
EXPLODER MK 6-4
SERIAL NO.17517
GYRO 357 L
COURSE 101
TRACK 98 P
METHOD Constant Bearing
SPREAD Divergent
INTERVAL 5 seconds
POWER Standard
DEPTH 5 ft
POA MOT
ACTUATION Contact
ACTUAL ACTUATION --
HIT No
POI --
ERRATIC No
MALFUNCTION No
REMARK
Missed


TUBE NO.8
TYPE MK 23-1
SERIAL NO.46518
EXPLODER MK 6-4
SERIAL NO.17518
GYRO 357 L
COURSE 101
TRACK 98 P
METHOD Constant Bearing
SPREAD Divergent
INTERVAL 5 seconds
POWER Standard
DEPTH 5 ft
POA MOT
ACTUATION Contact
ACTUAL ACTUATION --
HIT No
POI --
ERRATIC No
MALFUNCTION No
REMARK
Missed


TUBE NO.9
TYPE MK 23-1
SERIAL NO.46519
EXPLODER MK 6-4
SERIAL NO.17519
GYRO 357 L
COURSE 101
TRACK 98 P
METHOD Constant Bearing
SPREAD Divergent
INTERVAL 5 seconds
POWER Standard
DEPTH 5 ft
POA Stern
ACTUATION Contact
ACTUAL ACTUATION Contact
HIT Yes
POI Stern
ERRATIC No
MALFUNCTION No
REMARK

Torpedo impacted as "up the pipe" as target turned away avoiding first two torpedoes.
Massive explosion and secondary explosions likely from impact in aft torpedo room.



TUBE NO.10
TYPE MK 23-1
SERIAL NO.46520
EXPLODER MK 6-4
SERIAL NO.17520
GYRO 357 L
COURSE 101
TRACK 98 P
METHOD Constant Bearing
SPREAD Divergent
INTERVAL 5 seconds
POWER Standard
DEPTH 5 ft
POA Bow
ACTUATION Contact
ACTUAL ACTUATION --
HIT No
POI --
ERRATIC No
MALFUNCTION No
REMARK
Missed forward, after torpedo impact (Tube 9) sunk target.



OWN SHIP DATA (at firing)
--------------------------

DEPTH Surfaced
COURSE 295
SPEED 5 kts
ANGLE 0-Up/Down
SEA STATE Calm
REMARK
Backed down to close range on zigging submarine.
Timed the zigs fired each torpedo on individual bearings for coverage
,expected one would hit as target zigged along base course.




ANTI-SUBMARINE COUNTERMEASURES AND EVASION
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Enemy ASW was much improved over previous encounters,
with apparent improved sound equipment and depth charges.


Depth Charge Attack No.1
--------------------------------------------
1944-03-23


After Torpedo Attack No.1, the
escorting Momi Class Destroyer (now a DE) conducted a aggressive
and persistent attack, headed by a skilled Captain and crew.

Almost immediately after torpedo impact revealed CISCO's presence,
the escort pinged and located CISCO, rushing in. This prevented CISCO
from obtaining desired deep submerged prior to first salvo of depth charges,
forcing her to endure the barrage at "shallow" depth of 350 ft.

Attack continued for several hours, with CISCO reaching depth of 675 ft in order
to escape. Enemy remained in area throughout the day, with air patrols assisting. This
prevented CISCO operating in area as planned.

Depth Charge tally for this attack: 105


Evasion was fairly standard for CISCO was depth, course, speed changes,
and "bursts" of speed when enemy was above or nearby conducting depth charge run.
Depth of 675 ft in this instance seemed to cause enemy to lose sonar contact.

Enemy vessels are absolutely believed to now be equipped with
a more advanced and powerful depth charge.




Depth Charge Attack No.2
-----------------------------------
1944-03-30

Two contacts tracking east of Palau turned out to be a patrol of one DD and one
Subchaser. As APR-1 did not detect enemy radar signals during entire approach, it is believed enemy
had radar set switched off. Low visibility due to clouds and fog at night
prevented timely visual identification.

When Cisco was at 4500 yards roughly from lead vessel, APR-1 detected radar emissions
from the contacts bearing. Suddenly, gunfire erupted with shell splashes landing close
to CISCO. This prompted a quick dive to avoid.


Enemy pinging and attack began soon after. As a dedicated ASW patrol,
both vessels were obviously manned by skilled crews with best equipment, making evasion
a challenge. CISCO went to 675 ft once again to escape.

While enemy active sonar ceased, it appeared they maintained some type of hydrophone contact
as stayed quite close to CISCO dropping many charges. Most detonated well above, but
boat was shaken and some minor damage occurred from shockwaves at such depth.

Evasion consisted of course, speed, and depth changes, as well as submergence
to 675 ft.

Depth Charge tally for this attack was 171.


Airborne ASW
-------------------

Enemy aircraft in the Palau area were effective ASW patrols, forcing
multiple dives and bombing CISCO multiple times.

One low flying BETTY at dawn on 1 April, managed to fly in to just 6000 yards before detection,
dropping 3 depth charges/bombs along side CISCO as she submerged, causing heavy damage
and requiring return to port to terminate patrol.


Multiple enemy aircraft were equipped with radar and APR-1 typically detected
radar emissions before SD contact was made.


Some enemy aircraft appeared to turn radar on and off at intervals, likely
aware we may have radar detection equipment.



MAJOR DAMAGE AND DEFECTS
--------------------------------------

All damage repaired at sea unless otherwise noted.


Depth Charge Attack No.1
--------------------------------
1944-03-23

1. Compressor
2. Leaks in Forward Torpedo Room
3. Leaks in Control Room
4. Leaks in Conning tower.
5.Light bulbs
6.Glass fixtures
7.High Pressure Air Lines.



Depth Charge Attack No.2
--------------------------------
1944-03-30



1.Flooding-Forward Torpedo Room. 1 ft water.
Pumped out.

2.Forward Dive Planes Transmission

3.Torpedo Tube No.6

4.Compressor

5. Hydraulic Pump

6.No.2 Electric Motor

7. No.4 Electric Motor

8. Leak-Flooding Forward Engine Room. 1/2 ft water pumped out.

9. Stern Dive Planes Transmission-Temporarily disabled.

10. High Pressure Air line leaks in conning tower and control room.

11. Piping leaks in all compartments.

12. Light bulbs

13. Glass fixtures.



Bombing by Aircraft on 1 April 1944
-------------------------------------------


1.Flooding Forward Torpedo Room

2.Flooding Conning Tower

3. Flooding Control Room

4. Flooding Crew Berthing

5. Flooding Forward Engine Room

6. Flooding Aft Engine Room

7. Flooding Stern Torpedo Room.

8. Trim Pump Disabled-Unable to repair at sea.

9. Hydraulic Pump disabled temporarily.

10. Hull damage-Conning Tower and Control room compartments.
(Registered at 40 percent)

11. Aft Batteries severely damaged. Unable to completely repair at sea
Batteries would not recharge beyond 73 percent for duration of patrol.

12. JP Sonar disabled temporarily. Repaired, but did not
regain full function for duration of patrol.

13.No. 1 Diesel

14. No.3 Diesel

15. No.1 Electric Motor

16. No.2 Electric Motor

17.Rudder Transmission

18. High Pressure air line leaks in all compartments

19. Piping leaks in all compartments.

20. Lightbulbs

21. Glass fixtures.

22. Fuel leak. While capacity remained sufficient for trip to Brisbane
fuel was burned faster than should at given speed, a small, slow leak was discovered.



No material defects outside of battle damage.



MINES
-------

1944/04/06 0227
10-46S 152-5E
Spotted floating mine in Jomard Pass,
detonated with 20mm gunfire.



RADAR
-------

SJ

SJ radar performance was again overall excellent. Typical detection
range on contacts was 28000-29000 yards. PPI scope again proved a real asset.

A curious exception to the performance was failure to detect a surfaced enemy submarine
(Torpedo Attack No.2). Check of equipment showed performing well. Low profile of enemy
boat appeared enough to evade SJ detection.



SD

SD performance was normal, with typical detection range around 13000 yards.

As always, low flying aircraft were not always detected. This lead
to a bombing at dawn on1 April that caused heavy damage to CISCO and
termination of patrol.




RADAR COUNTERMEASURES
--------------------------------------

APR-1 typically detected enemy radar emissions around
10-12 nautical miles, depending on conditions.




SOUND GEAR AND SOUND CONDITIONS
-------------------------------------------------

Performance of JP listening gear was overall excellent with contacts
detected at 15,000 plus yards, and precise tracking possible in most conditions
at 10000 yards or less.

Performance declined for duration of patrol after damaged by aircraft attack.



THERMAL LAYERS
--------------------------

One thermal layer was detected during Depth Charge Attack No.1 at 201 ft.



RADIO
--------

Radio performance was normal and satisfactory.



TORPEDO PERFORMANCE
---------------------------------

Performance of the new MK 23 torpedo was excellent with no known malfunctions.
These torpedoes sunk a tanker, submarine, and severely damaged at cargo vessel.

Using Contact only detonators without Magnetic Influence has proven
to drastically increase torpedo performance on last two patrols.


LIFEGUARD OPERATIONS
------------------------------------

Lifeguard operations were conducted in support of Operation Desecrate I,
strikes on Palau (30 March) and Yap (31 March).

Lifeguard Station No.1
10 NM East of Palau


Lifeguard Station No.2
10 NM NNE of Yap


Rescues
-----------

NO.1
DATE 1944/03/30
TIME 0850
LAT 7-15N
LOG 134-37E
TYPE: Raft-Aircrew
RESCUED
Ens. R.F. Verlig, USNR. VB-17, Bunker Hill CV-17
ARM2c C.T. Foster, USN. VB-17, Bunker Hill CV-17

Remark.
Downed in mid-air collision.

No.2
DATE 1944/03/30
TIME 0908
LAT 7-15N
LOG 134-37E
TYPE: Aviator in life preserver.
RESCUED
LT. I.H. Macone, USN. VF-31,Cabot CVL-28
Downed in mid-air collision.



No.3
DATE 1944/03/30
TIME 1304
LAT 7-15N
LOG 134-37E
TYPE: Aviator in life preserver.
RESCUED
LT (jg) J.F. Halacre, USN. VF-23, Princeton CVL-23.
Shot down by AA fire. Rescued 3 NM SSE of Peleliu.



No.4
DATE 1944/03/30
TIME 1905
LAT 9-27N
LOG 138-17E
TYPE: Raft
RESCUED
Ens. P.C. Potter, USN. VT-16, Lexington CV-16
LT (jg) T.Y. Jones, USNR. VT-16, Lexington CV-16
AARM3/c G.G. Poznyck, USN. VT-16, Lexington CV-16

REMARK

TBF hit by AA fire over Yap at 1141, ditched when engine quit
just after bomb run.



No.5
DATE 1944/03/30
TIME 1915
LAT 9-26N
LOG 138-23E
TYPE: Aviator in life preserver.
RESCUED
LCDR L.C. Huntley, USN. VF-12, Hornet CV-12

REMARK

F6F caught fire after AA hit while strafing AA positions
in support of SB2C strikes at 1540. Lost raft
in bail out. Ankle sprained, treated by PhM.
Full recovery expected.



No.6
DATE 1944/03/30
TIME 2001
LAT 9-25N
LOG 138-27E
TYPE: Two aviators in water together.
RESCUED
LT. A.Z. Powell, USN. VB-10, Enterprise CV-6
CDR T.B. Bontier, USNR. Enterprise CV-6

REMARK
SBD hit by AA fire over Yap. Attempted to make it
back to ship, engine failed. CDR Bontier member
of staff, along as radio/observer/gunner
in lieu of usual man. Rafts lost in bail out
Bailed out at 1131.



PERSONNEL
----------------

Crew performance on this busy and trying patrol was excellent.
Underway routine included schools for Qualification and Advancement.
Two new Officers, both Reservists were on board for their first patrols
and performed well. Both qualified as Assistant Officers of the Deck.

Officers:8
Qualified:6

Chief Petty Officers: 8
Qualified:8


Men: 64
Qualified:42


Men Qualified during patrol: 5

Men Advanced in Rating: 8


Total Aboard: 80
Average Age: 21




HEALTH AND HABILITABILITY
-------------------------------------

Habitability of the boat was overall excellent. Meals were well prepared.

After a severe jolt and damage by air attack, repairs were made and boat was cleaned up
in short order, much as possible while at sea.


Health of crew was overall excellent. Fortunately,
only minor injuries consisting of scrapes and bumps
occurred from attacks.

Two men in after torpedo were treated for combat fatigue and returned to watch,
but detached upon return to Brisbane.




MILES STEAMED-FUEL CONSUMED
----------------------------

Brisbane to Milne Bay
Miles: 1090 miles
Gallons: 15050


Milne Bay to Area
Miles:1435
Gallons:23250


In Area
Miles:5000
Gallons:44200


Area to Lifeguard Station No.1
Miles:200
Gallons:1500


Lifeguard Station No.1 to Lifeguard Station No.2
Miles:200
Gallons:3650


Lifeguard Station No.2 to Area
Miles:550
Gallons:5400



Area to Brisbane
Miles:2550
Gallons:39200




DURATION OF PATROL
--------------------

Brisbane to Milne Bay
Days: 4

Milne Bay to Area
Days:5

In Area
Days: 15


Area to Lifeguard Station No.1
Days:.5

On Lifeguard Station No.1
Days:1


Lifeguard Station No.1 to Lifeguard Station No.2
Days:.5


On Lifeguard Station No.2
Days:1


Lifeguard Station No.2 to Area
Days:1


Area to Brisbane
Days:9



FACTORS IN ENDURANCE
--------------------

Torpedoes 14
Fuel 42200 gallons
Provisions 52 days
Crew Indefinite

Major factor in termination of patrol:

Battle damage-Heavy.



REMARKS
------------

A successful but challenging patrol cut short by unexpected heavy damage
from air attack. Ten downed aviators and crew rescued in lifeguard operations
are considered the highlight of this patrol, even with the sinking of
a tanker and enemy submarine, in addition to severely damaging a merchant
vessel.

CISCO's Balao Class design proved quite tough, standing up to operations
at extreme depths while being depth charged severely. Survival of the air attack
given the close proximity of the air dropped depth charges/bombs is a testament to stout construction.


Performance of SD radar versus low flying aircraft is ongoing issue of concern, which led to the heavy damage suffered on this patrol. As such, it is hoped the SD is improved in order to prevent such incidents in the future.

J.W. Coe