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Bubblehead1980 · 02-16-22, 01:05 PM

TMO Update BH V2.0 (soon to be released)
Donation Narwhal
100 difficulty with cams and contacts off.

War Patrol Report
USS Nautilus SS-168
8 November-12 December 1943

PROLOGUE

Returned Submarine Base Pearl Harbor, T.H. from War Patrol EIGHT 26 October 1943. Commenced normal refit and repair along with preparation for special mission on upcoming patrol. Ready for sea 8 November 1943.

NARRATIVE

Departed 0900 9 November Submarine Base Pearl Harbor, T.H., underway for Special Mission per Comsubpac Op. Order 263-43.Eight officers and seventy men of Amphibious Reconnaissance Company under Captain J.L. Jones, USMCR embarked. Proceeded on course directly to Gilbert Islands, forgoing usual stop at Johnston Island.

Primary assignment of this patrol was to land and support the Marine Reconnaissance Company at Abemama Atoll ahead of the landings there in addition to providing support upon successful landing. However, the initial assignment was to arrive at Tarawa Atoll by 17 November for a last minute reconnoiter provide weather, tidal, and any other information prior to the landings, which (unknown at the time) were to take place on 20 November at Makin and Tarawa Atolls.

8-16 November conducted drills, including drills with the Marines on deployment of boats from submarine. With the exception of diving for SD contacts (likely patrol plans from Gilberts/Marshalls) on 15 and 16 November, the passage was uneventful. Arrived off Tarawa Atoll 0500 17 November. Submerged ten miles South of Betio Island at 0600 and conducted approach.

Weather, tide, and other information were recorded and sent to COMSUBPAC per operation order. Noted defensive installations visible ashore.

At noon a pesky patrol craft type vessel meandered through the area, forcing NAUTILUS to 250 feet twice through the afternoon. At 1700 a EMILY flying boat was spotted flying low over the water, apparently in landing approach to the lagoon.

Conducted second day of reconnaissance on 18 November, but was hampered by afternoon storms.

At midnight 19 November was released from station and ordered to continue primary mission, proceeded to Abemama. Submerged at dawn en route to Abebama to avoid aircraft, maintained submerged transit.

At 1100 detected a small inner island freighter of a bout 1200 tons on sound, went to GQ and attempted to close, but vessel was out of range. Surfaced to attempt end around but a pesky "PETE" floatplane in area prevented surface run. Not wanting to be off schedule for primary mission, abandoned chase and continue on original course.

Submerged off Abemama Atoll 0500 20 November and conducted reconnoiter, noting position of visible shore batteries and other installations relative to the reef opening channel. Sound reported contact at 1331 and soon observed a PC type vessel departing the atoll, making a sweep in area. NAUTILUS was forced to 250 feet, rigged for silent running at 1441 as PC changed course and passed directly above. The sudden initial term gave the impression that the PC had detected NAUTILUS, but this proved to not be the case, thankfully. Surfaced after dark at 2100 and began preparations for special mission.

At 0000 21 November, with NAUTILUS at General Quarters, entered Abemama Atoll under cover of darkness on surface on carefully selected course. Arrived at landing area 0031 and deployed the Marines in their boats at 0040-0115 hours. Cleared the reef 0200. The dark night and calm surf in the lagoon made the infiltration of the atoll not as difficult as anticipated.

Submerged at 0600 off Abemama Atoll, maintaining periscope depth to watch for signals from ashore in addition to maintaining ability to receive radio messages. At 1300 received message from Marines ashore to conduct supply drop at designated location at 0030 hours 22 November . A nosey patrol plane lumbered through the area throughout the afternoon of the 21st, forcing NAUTILUS deep several times.

Surfaced at 2100 on 21 November and commenced preparations for supply mission. Went to General Quarters and entered the lagoon at 2330. Arrived at designated location close to just 2000 yards from shore at 0025 22 November and sent supplies ashore in three boats. Withdrew from the lagoon with understanding would arrange rendezvous to retrieve crew sent ashore at later time. This was decided during the preparation phase as best option to avoid NAUTILUS's time and possible exposure in the lagoon.

Surfaced at dawn 22 November and commenced patrol through area. A PC swept the area during the day, requiring NAUTILUS to go deep three times to avoid detected. Surfaced after dark. Received message at 2200 23 November to rendezvous east side of atoll to recover crew and two wounded Marines via raft at 0100 24 November.

Recovered the rafts with our crew, in addition to two wounded Marines and Captain Jones himself at 0130, who went back ashore at 0300. A mission for bombardment was put together for 0845 on 24 November to support operations ashore. Surfaced 5000 yards off North East end of Abemama at 0842 24 November, commenced firing at 0845, ceased fire at 0945. Bombardment with six inch guns reported highly effective against enemy troops. After ceasing fire, submerged and left area. Several explosions were heard aster of us about fifteen minutes later, presumed to be aircraft dispatched to reports of submarine in area.

Sound made contact at 1800, this was soon revealed to be the main invasion force for Abemama. Surfaced after dark and at 0005 25 November was received message releasing from station midnight 26 November. Patrolled area through the day with no enemy contacts. Surfaced 2100 25 November and departed for Pearl Harbor via Johnston Island 26 November.

On 27 November at dawn, two SD contacts at 9000 yards were made and soon spotted, coming in from opposite directions. NAUTILUS submerged and as passed 88 feet was shaken severely by multiple explosions, with numerous other explosions astern. Both aircraft appeared to be BETTY type medium bombers. This team tactic was interesting and NAUTILUS had not encountered it before. Remained submerged through the day, spotted aircraft in area (BETTY and MAVIS) three times throughout the day.

Surfaced after dark 27 November and continued on. Fuel status was somewhat low due to having to forgo the stop at Johnston in route and relative high speed had to transit to area at, thus the 7.5 knots advance was slower than would have preferred.

At 0914 on 28 November a SD contact was made at 14000 yards. Submerged to avoid and surfaced at 1035. A SD contact was made at 1200, forcing NAUTILUS to submerged again. Remained submerged for rest of the day, surfaced at dusk.

29 November- 8 December was uneventful, other than severe storms 2-4 December. Arrived Johnston Atoll on 8 December topped off fuel. Soon after departing Johnston ran into storms which slowed headway.

At 1104 on 10 December at 19-0 N 160-0 W 200 NM SSW of Pearl Harbor, SD made a contact at 12000 yards. A PBY was soon in view, exchanged recognition signals but aircraft made a bank and dive (friendly fire mod) at NAUTILUS, forcing us to dive. As NAUTILUS passed 100 feet, multiple explosions went off, one close shook the boat and caused air line and piping leaks in conning tower and control room. Leveled at 150 feet with a few choice words for patrol planes mistaking US for a enemy submarine.

At 1300 surfaced and continued on and at 1401 SJ made two contacts, bearing 030 21000 yards. Two DD were spotted at 1441 and NAUTILUS cautiously approached. At 1414 the DD's were observed closing at high speed and at 1418, they opened fire ! (friendly fire mod) NAUTLUS submerged. The DD's closed in and began pinging. NAUTILUS rigged for silent running and depth charge.

NAUTILUS was hunted and depth charged for eleven hours total by our own forces just 200 miles from Pearl Harbor. Minor damage was suffered but NAUTILUS was forced to 385 feet to get away.

Surfaced at 0400 11 December cautiously moved through area with SJ contacts at 9000 and 11000 yards. Storms swept through area on 11 December preventing approaching the harbor. At 0800 12 December, entered Pearl Harbor, docking at 0900 precisely, terminated patrol.

SHIPS SUNK

No enemy ships encountered on this patrol.

SPECIAL MISSION

Successful. All Marines and supplies landed ashore as ordered.

REMARKS

Found this interesting as this was first time in campaign have been attacked near Pearl by friendly fire ships.

Should be noted that in reality, on 24 November 1943 off Abemama Atoll on this patrol(same assignment as I had in the sim) , NAUTILUS was hit in conning tower by friendly fire from the destroyer USS Ringgold DD-500 (Fletcher Class), which hit her, sending a five inch shell through conning tower, damaging the main induction valve.

Interesting patrol and enjoying the revamped special missions, not generic and boring as before.

02-16-22, 01:05 PM	#5224
Bubblehead1980 Navy Seal Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Florida USA Posts: 6,922 Downloads: 550 Uploads: 42	USS Nautilus SS-168 Ninth War Patrol 8 November- 12 December 1943 TMO Update BH V2.0 (soon to be released) Donation Narwhal 100 difficulty with cams and contacts off. War Patrol Report USS Nautilus SS-168 8 November-12 December 1943 PROLOGUE Returned Submarine Base Pearl Harbor, T.H. from War Patrol EIGHT 26 October 1943. Commenced normal refit and repair along with preparation for special mission on upcoming patrol. Ready for sea 8 November 1943. NARRATIVE Departed 0900 9 November Submarine Base Pearl Harbor, T.H., underway for Special Mission per Comsubpac Op. Order 263-43.Eight officers and seventy men of Amphibious Reconnaissance Company under Captain J.L. Jones, USMCR embarked. Proceeded on course directly to Gilbert Islands, forgoing usual stop at Johnston Island. Primary assignment of this patrol was to land and support the Marine Reconnaissance Company at Abemama Atoll ahead of the landings there in addition to providing support upon successful landing. However, the initial assignment was to arrive at Tarawa Atoll by 17 November for a last minute reconnoiter provide weather, tidal, and any other information prior to the landings, which (unknown at the time) were to take place on 20 November at Makin and Tarawa Atolls. 8-16 November conducted drills, including drills with the Marines on deployment of boats from submarine. With the exception of diving for SD contacts (likely patrol plans from Gilberts/Marshalls) on 15 and 16 November, the passage was uneventful. Arrived off Tarawa Atoll 0500 17 November. Submerged ten miles South of Betio Island at 0600 and conducted approach. Weather, tide, and other information were recorded and sent to COMSUBPAC per operation order. Noted defensive installations visible ashore. At noon a pesky patrol craft type vessel meandered through the area, forcing NAUTILUS to 250 feet twice through the afternoon. At 1700 a EMILY flying boat was spotted flying low over the water, apparently in landing approach to the lagoon. Conducted second day of reconnaissance on 18 November, but was hampered by afternoon storms. At midnight 19 November was released from station and ordered to continue primary mission, proceeded to Abemama. Submerged at dawn en route to Abebama to avoid aircraft, maintained submerged transit. At 1100 detected a small inner island freighter of a bout 1200 tons on sound, went to GQ and attempted to close, but vessel was out of range. Surfaced to attempt end around but a pesky "PETE" floatplane in area prevented surface run. Not wanting to be off schedule for primary mission, abandoned chase and continue on original course. Submerged off Abemama Atoll 0500 20 November and conducted reconnoiter, noting position of visible shore batteries and other installations relative to the reef opening channel. Sound reported contact at 1331 and soon observed a PC type vessel departing the atoll, making a sweep in area. NAUTILUS was forced to 250 feet, rigged for silent running at 1441 as PC changed course and passed directly above. The sudden initial term gave the impression that the PC had detected NAUTILUS, but this proved to not be the case, thankfully. Surfaced after dark at 2100 and began preparations for special mission. At 0000 21 November, with NAUTILUS at General Quarters, entered Abemama Atoll under cover of darkness on surface on carefully selected course. Arrived at landing area 0031 and deployed the Marines in their boats at 0040-0115 hours. Cleared the reef 0200. The dark night and calm surf in the lagoon made the infiltration of the atoll not as difficult as anticipated. Submerged at 0600 off Abemama Atoll, maintaining periscope depth to watch for signals from ashore in addition to maintaining ability to receive radio messages. At 1300 received message from Marines ashore to conduct supply drop at designated location at 0030 hours 22 November . A nosey patrol plane lumbered through the area throughout the afternoon of the 21st, forcing NAUTILUS deep several times. Surfaced at 2100 on 21 November and commenced preparations for supply mission. Went to General Quarters and entered the lagoon at 2330. Arrived at designated location close to just 2000 yards from shore at 0025 22 November and sent supplies ashore in three boats. Withdrew from the lagoon with understanding would arrange rendezvous to retrieve crew sent ashore at later time. This was decided during the preparation phase as best option to avoid NAUTILUS's time and possible exposure in the lagoon. Surfaced at dawn 22 November and commenced patrol through area. A PC swept the area during the day, requiring NAUTILUS to go deep three times to avoid detected. Surfaced after dark. Received message at 2200 23 November to rendezvous east side of atoll to recover crew and two wounded Marines via raft at 0100 24 November. Recovered the rafts with our crew, in addition to two wounded Marines and Captain Jones himself at 0130, who went back ashore at 0300. A mission for bombardment was put together for 0845 on 24 November to support operations ashore. Surfaced 5000 yards off North East end of Abemama at 0842 24 November, commenced firing at 0845, ceased fire at 0945. Bombardment with six inch guns reported highly effective against enemy troops. After ceasing fire, submerged and left area. Several explosions were heard aster of us about fifteen minutes later, presumed to be aircraft dispatched to reports of submarine in area. Sound made contact at 1800, this was soon revealed to be the main invasion force for Abemama. Surfaced after dark and at 0005 25 November was received message releasing from station midnight 26 November. Patrolled area through the day with no enemy contacts. Surfaced 2100 25 November and departed for Pearl Harbor via Johnston Island 26 November. On 27 November at dawn, two SD contacts at 9000 yards were made and soon spotted, coming in from opposite directions. NAUTILUS submerged and as passed 88 feet was shaken severely by multiple explosions, with numerous other explosions astern. Both aircraft appeared to be BETTY type medium bombers. This team tactic was interesting and NAUTILUS had not encountered it before. Remained submerged through the day, spotted aircraft in area (BETTY and MAVIS) three times throughout the day. Surfaced after dark 27 November and continued on. Fuel status was somewhat low due to having to forgo the stop at Johnston in route and relative high speed had to transit to area at, thus the 7.5 knots advance was slower than would have preferred. At 0914 on 28 November a SD contact was made at 14000 yards. Submerged to avoid and surfaced at 1035. A SD contact was made at 1200, forcing NAUTILUS to submerged again. Remained submerged for rest of the day, surfaced at dusk. 29 November- 8 December was uneventful, other than severe storms 2-4 December. Arrived Johnston Atoll on 8 December topped off fuel. Soon after departing Johnston ran into storms which slowed headway. At 1104 on 10 December at 19-0 N 160-0 W 200 NM SSW of Pearl Harbor, SD made a contact at 12000 yards. A PBY was soon in view, exchanged recognition signals but aircraft made a bank and dive (friendly fire mod) at NAUTILUS, forcing us to dive. As NAUTILUS passed 100 feet, multiple explosions went off, one close shook the boat and caused air line and piping leaks in conning tower and control room. Leveled at 150 feet with a few choice words for patrol planes mistaking US for a enemy submarine. At 1300 surfaced and continued on and at 1401 SJ made two contacts, bearing 030 21000 yards. Two DD were spotted at 1441 and NAUTILUS cautiously approached. At 1414 the DD's were observed closing at high speed and at 1418, they opened fire ! (friendly fire mod) NAUTLUS submerged. The DD's closed in and began pinging. NAUTILUS rigged for silent running and depth charge. NAUTILUS was hunted and depth charged for eleven hours total by our own forces just 200 miles from Pearl Harbor. Minor damage was suffered but NAUTILUS was forced to 385 feet to get away. Surfaced at 0400 11 December cautiously moved through area with SJ contacts at 9000 and 11000 yards. Storms swept through area on 11 December preventing approaching the harbor. At 0800 12 December, entered Pearl Harbor, docking at 0900 precisely, terminated patrol. SHIPS SUNK No enemy ships encountered on this patrol. SPECIAL MISSION Successful. All Marines and supplies landed ashore as ordered. REMARKS Found this interesting as this was first time in campaign have been attacked near Pearl by friendly fire ships. Should be noted that in reality, on 24 November 1943 off Abemama Atoll on this patrol(same assignment as I had in the sim) , NAUTILUS was hit in conning tower by friendly fire from the destroyer USS Ringgold DD-500 (Fletcher Class), which hit her, sending a five inch shell through conning tower, damaging the main induction valve. Interesting patrol and enjoying the revamped special missions, not generic and boring as before.