[Bubblehead1980]

TMO Update BH V 2.0 (2.0 in testing process, not yet released)
Donation Narwhal from Subsim+TMO Upgrade Package (oack not yet released
100 difficulty
Cams, Contacts, left on, plus next/prev cam restored for this patrol for testing Battle of Midway.


War Patrol Report
USS Nautilus SS-168
War Patrol Three
24 May-14 July 1942




PROLOGUE

Returned from SECOND War Patrol on 22 March 1942 , docked at Submarine Base Pearl Harbor, T.H. Commenced shore leave
for crew. Dry dock period on 1 April-14 May, followed by training. Loaded twenty four MK 14 torpedoes and provisions 21-23 May. LCDR W.H. Brockman Jr. , USN, relived LCDR J.P. Thew, USN, of command. Ready for sea 24 May.



NARRATIVE

May 24, 1942


1600 Departed Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, T.H. for assigned patrol area North of Midway Island.

1730 Dive

1800 Surface


May 25, 1942

0700 Dive

0730 Surface

1000 Begin gunnery, dive, and fire control drills.

1230 End drills


May 26, 1942

0730 Dive

0800 Surface


May 27, 1942

0730 Dive

0800 Surfaced


May 28, 1942

0730 Dive

0800 Surfaced


May 29, 1942

0730 Dive

0800 Surface


May 30, 1942

0730 Dive

0800 Surface


May 31, 1942




June 1, 1942

0000 Arrived in assigned area, North-West of Midway for defensive patrol operations.

0730 Dive

1900 Surface


June 2, 1942

0530 Storms arrived in area. Overcast with heavy precipitations, fog. Winds at 20 knots, direction 129.

0730 Trim Dive

1000 Surface



June 3, 1942

Storms continued.

0730 Trim Dive

0900 Surface



June 4, 1942

0230 Storms cleared.

0545 Observed PBY "STRAWBERRY 5" 29-31N 178-29W Course 000 Altitude 2000 (AIRCRAFT CONTACT NO.1) . Exchanged recognition signals.

0603 Dive

0644 Sound reported distant, heavy, fast props bearing 317 long range. Ordered course 300 to investigate.

0658 Spotted DD bearing 331 six miles. 29-36N 178-30W. Course 125, Speed 20 knts. GENERAL QUARTERS-TORPEDO

0703 Second DD spotted. Course 125 20 knots.

0708 DD closing fast. 200 ft depth ordered. Rigged for Silent Running and Depth Charge.

0712 NAUTILUS at 200 ft. DD passed above, no signs of detection.

0714 Ordered periscope depth. Sound tracking "large, noisy, fast, props" bearing 020 estimated 7500 yards.

0716 Opened outer doors tubes 1-4

0718 (TORPEDO ATTACK NO.1) Spotted Nagara Class CL bearing 030 1600 yards Course 145 Speed 24 knots. Fired Tubes 1-4

0718:20 Premature detonation observed/audible.

0718:31 Premature detonation observed/audible.

0718:35 Premature detonation observed/audible.

0718:44 Premature detonation observed/audible.

0719 Pinging. DD astern 1200 yards closing. Ordered 250 ft. Rigged for depth charge and silent running.

0720 Begin DC attack No.1 Splashes heard above.

0721 DC explosions, above.

0724 Close DC, above.

0725 Thermal layer detected at 270 feet. Leveled boat at 275 feet.

0726 Pinging. Sound reports second DD arriving from bearing 270.

0730

0930 Depth charge attack ended. Destroyers heard leaving area high speed.

0944 Lost sound contact. Secured GQ. Reload of tubes commenced.

1103 Sound contact, fast props bearing 000, long range.

1104 Course 075 4 knts. Periscope depth.

1422 DD spotted bearing 022 8 NM. GENERAL QUARTERS-TORPEDO.


1445 Spotted damaged CV (previous air attacks) bearing 011 7 NM. CV appears burning and dead in water.

1446 Began approach on damaged CV. CV somewhat down by stern but afloat.

1525 CV identified as SORYU. One DD alongside providing assistance

, second DD patrolling immediate area west, third DD patrolling to east.

1600 DD approaching in sweep west of CV. Rigged for silent running, depth charge, ordered 300 ft.

1610 At 300 feet, DD passed above, did not detect NAUTILUS. Continued on approach course 060

1615 Ordered periscope depth.

1616 Several large explosions audible in area, unknown origin. Possibly damaged CV.

1619 Periscope depth. CV SORYU nearing 355 4850 yards. Explosions visible, smoke and flames from stern flight deck.

1622 DD alongside suddenly got underway. Sound reports DD's closing, fast.

1623 Ordered 300 ft, rigged for silent running, depth charge.

1624 Pinging.

1628 DC Attack No.2 began. DC explosions, above.

1634 Pinging. DC explosions astern.

1643 Close DC above, damaged reported (See Major Defects and Damage Section)

1655 DC explosions.

1702 Pinging.

1703 DC explosions, astern, distant.

1705 DD above. Splashes.

1739 Passed below carrier. Depth 330 ft.

1742 DD above, DC explosions close.

1743 Battery power reported at 40 percent.

1909 Large explosions, breaking up noises heard. Possibly CV sinking, breaking up.

1914 Close DC. Damage reported.

1917 DD above. DC splashes.

1948 DC explosions. Damage Reported (See Damage, Defects)

1949 Flooding in Forward Torpedo Room. Damage Control Party dispatched.

1952 Forward torpedo reported multiple leaks, attended by DC party.

1953 Depth control difficulties encountered due to forward flooding. Trim Pump heavily damaged, undergoing repairs.

1956 Flooding in forward torpedo compartment reported under control. Bilges reported filled, one foot of water reported in compartment.

1957 Pumping water to compensate.

2012 Trim Pump reported semi operational. Most depth control restored.


2100 Battery power reported at 25 percent

2230 Enemy appeared to lose contact



June 5, 1942

0011 Sound check remains clear. Ordered Periscope Depth


0017 Both periscopes non operational, apparently damaged in attack.

0025 Surfaced. DD spotted laying to at 8000 yards bearing 127. Did not detect NAUTILUS.

0501 No.1 Periscope Repaired (Control Room)

0600 Dive

1300 No. 2 Periscope Repaired (Conning Tower)

1900 Surface Course 090. Maintained defensive station as ordered.


June 6, 1942

0700 Dive

1930 Surface


June 7, 1942

0700 Dive

1142 Spotted US CV Task Force (CV Enterprise, CV Hornet) 29-27N 178-31 W. Course 240 25 knots.

1930 Surface


June 8, 1942

0700 Dive

1930 Surface


June 9, 1942

0400 Ordered to proceed to Midway at best speed.



June 10, 1942

0500 Docked Midway. Refueled and provisioned, damage repaired.

June 11, 1942

Refueled and provisioned, damage repaired. throughout the day

0900 Received orders from COMSUBPAC to proceed to patrol Areas 4A , 4B off Honshu. Ready for sea 12 June.


June 12, 1942


0600 Departed Midway for assigned areas 4A, 4B. Course 275 Speed 10 knots.

June 13, 1942

En route patrol area.

0700 Dive

0730 Surface


June 14, 1942

En route patrol area.

0700 Dive

0730 Surface


June 15, 1942

En route patrol area.

0700 Dive

0730 Surface


June 16, 1942

En route patrol area.

0700 Dive

0730 Surface


June 17, 1942

En route patrol area.

0800 Dive

0830 Surface


June 18, 1942

En route patrol area.

0800 Dive

2100 Surface


June 19, 1942

Within range of aircraft from Honshu, Bonin Islands, and Marcus Islands. Four hundred nautical miles
from assigned areas.

0800 Dive

1956 Aircraft Spotted (AIRCRAFT CONTACT NO.2) bearing 337. Ordered 150 ft. NAUTILUS was not spotted.


2230 Surface


June 20, 1942

0831 Dive

2300 Surface

June 21, 1942

0900 Dive

1953 (AIRCRAFT CONTACT NO. 3) Spotted "MAVIS" bearing 216 9000 yards. Ordered 150 feet.

2100 Periscope depth.

2300 Surface


June 22, 1942

0000 Entered Area 4A

0915 Dive

2300 Surfaced


June 23, 1942

0935 Dive

2300 Surface


June 24, 1942

0920 Dive

2323 Surface


June 25, 1942

1000 Dive

1232 Spotted two armed fishing boats/pickets bearing 123.

1235 GENERAL QUARTERS-BATTLE SURFACE-GUN ACTION

1242 Surface

1249 Sunk 200 ton armed fishing boat by gunfire. Four six inch hits. Target burned, sunk.

1254 Sunk 200 tons armed fishing boat by gunfire. Three six inch hits, numerous .50 mag hits. Target exploded, sunk.

Both boats sunk at 34-13N 141-04E


June 26, 1942

0915 Dive

2305 Surface

June 27, 1942

0915 Dive

2305 Surface


June 28, 1942

0915 Dive

2305 Surface


June 29, 1942

0915 Dive

2305 Surface


June 30, 1942

0915 Dive

2305 Surface

2330 Batteries, possibly from damage sustained in earlier DC attack not holding full charge.
Fuel is lower than estimated, possible fuel leak. With minimum patrol time requirement met,
turned east for Pearl Harbor via Midway. (See Major Defects and Damage Section)


July 1, 1942

0000 Course 092 at 12 knots en route Pearl Harbor via Midway.

0920 Dive

2320 Surface


July 2, 1942

En route Pearl Harbor via Midway. Uneventful.

0800 Dive

0830 Surface



July 3, 1942

En route Pearl Harbor via Midway. Uneventful.

0800 Dive

0830 Surface


July 4, 1942

En route Pearl Harbor via Midway. Uneventful.

0800 Dive

0830 Surface

1710 (AIRCRAFT CONTACT NO. 4) "MAVIS" sighted bearing 176. Range steady. Ordered Dive to 150 ft.

No attack developed, NAUTILUS not sighted.

2300 Surface



July 5, 1942


En route Pearl Harbor via Midway. Uneventful.

0800 Dive

0830 Surface



July 6, 1942


En route Pearl Harbor via Midway. Uneventful.

0800 Dive

0830 Surface


July 7, 1942

En route Pearl Harbor via Midway. Uneventful.

0800 Dive

0830 Surface


July 8, 1942


En route Pearl Harbor via Midway. Uneventful.

0800 Dive

0830 Surface


July 9, 1942


En route Pearl Harbor via Midway. Uneventful.

0800 Dive

0830 Surface



July 10, 1942


1230 Docked Midway to fuel.

1700 Departed Miway for Pearl Harbor.



July 11, 1942


En route Pearl Harbor.

0800 Dive

0830 Surface


July 12, 1942


En route Pearl Harbor.

0800 Dive

0830 Surface



July 13, 1942


En route Pearl Harbor.

0800 Dive

0830 Surface



July 14, 1942


0800 Docked Submarine Base Pearl Harbor T.H. Terminated War Patrol.


CONTACTS


Aircraft Contacts

No.

1. 1942/06/04 0545
29-31N 178-29W
Brg. 180 Rng 5 NM Crs. 000 Alt. 2000
PBY Catalina "STRAWBERRY 5"
SD/Visual
Exchanged Rec. Signals


2. 1942/06/04 1956
32-4N 142-3E
Brg.337 Rng. 3000 yd Crs. 300 Alt. 1000
H6K MAVIS
Visual


3. 1942/06/21 1953
33-0N 142-15E
Brg. 216 Rng. 5000 yd Crs. 090 Alt.1500
H6K MAVIS
Visual


4.1942/07/04 1710
28-59N 161-0E
Brg. 176 Rng. 8000 yd Crs. 030 Alt. 2000
H6K MAVIS
Visual-SD failed to detect.



Ship Contacts


No.

1. 1942/06/04 0658
29-36N 178-30W
Brg. 331 Rng. 6 NM
Crs. 125 Spd. 20-24 kts
CV (4), BB (2) CA (2+) CL (2+) DD (8+)
Enemy CV Task Force NW Midway. Contact Report Sent.


2. 1942/06/04 0718
29-36N 178-30W
Brg. 030 Rng. 1500 yd
Crs. 145 Spd. 24 kts
CL (Nagara Class)
Torpedo Attack No.1


3. 1942/06/04 1542
30-38N 177-25W
Brg.011 Rng. 7 NM
Crs. 350 Spd. 0 kts
CV (1) DD(2)
Damaged CV SORYU, dead in water, burning.
Believed sunk at 1909.
DD's were Asashio or Kagero Class, one patrol,
one guarding, assisting survivors.


4. 1942/06/07 1142
29-27N 178-31W
Crs. 240 Spd 25 knots
Brg. 090 Rng. 9 NM
CV(2) CA, CL, DD
Task Force 16 (Enterprise, Hornet)
Exchanged Rec. Signals w. Benham DD-397


5. 1942/06/25 1232
34-13N 141-05E
Crs. 230 Spd. 7 kts
Brg. 123 Rng. 5000
Armed Fishing Boats x2
Sunk by Gunfire in Gun Action No.1


ATTACK DATA

Attack Narrative

Observed enemy CV Task Force on morning of 4 June, went to GENERAL QUARTERS-TORPEDO, sent contact report to COMSUBPAC, and commenced approach for attack. After being forced deep to avoid on rushing DD, came back to periscope depth and found NAUTILUS was on far port side of the task force with vessels spaced 2500-3000 yards apart. The flat decks and island structures of four CV were observed, as well as pagoda masts of BB but were not lined up for a shot, as the a Nagara Class CL was just 1500 yards away. Taking the hand dealt, a solid firing solution was worked up on the CL and four torpedoes were fired in what seemed a "can't miss" shot. However, all four torpedoes would prematurely exploded before reaching target, one torpedo one perfect track to impact target amidships, likely a fatal blow to a CL of that tonnage, exploded roughly 50 yards from target. NAUTILUS was then forced deep to avoid counter attack from escorting DD's, allowing the task force to open range and thus NAUTILUS lost contact.

Later on 4 June, located the CV SORYU , crippled by air attack earlier in the day and commenced approach. Unfortunately, was somehow detected during approach at 5000 yards, possibly due to unobserved aircraft covering the scene, and was forced deep, to endure a six hour counterattack, which caused heavy damage.

At 1909, obvious sounds of a large vessel breaking up, along with explosions, as well explosions heard through afternoon, were heard. Upon surfacing while the DD was in sight, the large CV, which would have been visible was nowhere to be found, as she apparently succumbed to her wounds.

No other targets were encountered during the patrol worth of torpedo. However, a gun action did occur on 25 June, in which two armed fishing boats/pickets were sunk by gunfire.


USS Nautilus SS-168
THIRD War Patrol
TORPEDO ATTACK NO.1

DATE 4 June 1942
TIME 0718
LAT 29-40N
LONG 178-30W

TYPE OF ATTACK

Submerged, Periscope (No.2), day.

Ships Sunk
None

Ships Probably Sunk
None

Ships Damaged
None

Ships Probably Damaged
None


TARGET DATA (AT FIRING)

NAME NAGARA(?)
CLASS NAGARA
TYPE CL
COURSE 147
SPEED 24 knots
BEARING 020
TRUE BEARING 278
RANGE 1400
AOB 85
REMARK
Part of CV Task Force

TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 1 TORPEDO FIRE CONTROL DATA (AT FIRING)

TUBE NO. 1
TYPE MK 14
SERIAL NO. 23451
EXPLODER MK 6
SERIAL NO. 1803
GYRO 0
COURSE 258
TRACK 107
METHOD Single bearing
POA MOT
SPREAD 3 degrees
FIRING INTERVAL 5 SECS
DEPTH 5 feet
POWER Low [ ] High [X]
HIT Yes [ ] No [X]
ACTUATION Magnetic
ACTUAL ACTUATION Magnetic
MALFUNCTION Yes [X] No [ ]
REMARK
Prematurely Detonated


TUBE NO. 2
TYPE MK 14
SERIAL NO. 2352
EXPLODER MK 6
SERIAL NO. 1805
GYRO 0
COURSE 258
TRACK 107
METHOD Single bearing
POA MOT
SPREAD 3 degrees
FIRING INTERVAL 5 SECS
DEPTH 5 feet
POWER Low [ ] High [X]
HIT Yes [ ] No [X]
ACTUATION Magnetic
ACTUAL ACTUATION Magnetic
MALFUNCTION Yes [X] No [ ]
REMARK
Prematurely Detonated


TUBE NO. 3
TYPE MK 14
SERIAL NO. 23453
EXPLODER MK 6
SERIAL NO. 1807
GYRO 0
COURSE 258
TRACK 107
METHOD Single bearing
POA MOT
SPREAD 3 degrees
FIRING INTERVAL 5 SECS
DEPTH 5 feet
POWER Low [ ] High [X]
HIT Yes [ ] No [X]
ACTUATION Magnetic
ACTUAL ACTUATION Magnetic
MALFUNCTION Yes [X] No [ ]
REMARK
Prematurely Detonated


TUBE NO. 4
TYPE MK 14
SERIAL NO. 23455
EXPLODER MK 6
SERIAL NO. 1809
GYRO 0
COURSE 258
TRACK 107
METHOD Single bearing
POA MOT
SPREAD 3 degrees
FIRING INTERVAL 5 SECS
DEPTH 5 feet
POWER Low [ ] High [X]
HIT Yes [ ] No [X]
ACTUATION Magnetic
ACTUAL ACTUATION Magnetic
MALFUNCTION Yes [X] No [ ]
REMARK
Prematurely Detonated


OWN SHIP DATA (AT FIRING)

DEPTH 64 ft
COURSE 260
SPEED 3 kts
ANGLE 1 down
SEA STATE Calm, light Chop. Wind at 1 knot, direction 179.







USS Nautilus SS-168
THIRD War Patrol
GUN ACTION NO.1

DATE 25 June 1942
TIME 1242
LAT 34-13N
LONG 141-04E


ACTION NARRATIVE

While on submerged patrol, OOD manning No.2 periscope in conning tower observed masts and sails
bearing 123, ordered closing for review of contacts. Upon reaching conning tower, Commanding Officer
reviewed contacts from 1000 yards, where machine guns/auto-cannon of unknown caliber were visible. Finding it
likely these fishing vessels also serviing as ASW picket vessels, chose to open the range and engage.

BATTLE SURFACE-GUN ACTION was called and range opened to 5000 yards with NAUTILUS positioned for
broadside attack, at which point tanks were blown for
rapid surfacing at 1242 .Commenced firing at 1244, four hits scored on Target No.1 , the
trailing target, second in the column. This target opened fire briefly but the hits and subsequent fires silenced these guns.
Burning bow to stern and adrift, crew members were observed manning a liferaft. Disengaged and increased speed to close range on
lead vessel, which was now maneuvering wildly and firing random MG/AC bursts in direction of NAUTILUS. Splashes observed off starboard bow, not close.

At 3000 yards forward six inch gun opened fire, scoring two near misses soon after, which caused the boat to take a hard port turn and
"Cross the T" of NAUTILUS at just 2500 yards. Six inch opened fire as did the forward .50 cal MG. The six inch scored two direct hits and forward MG scored many.
Fires soon broke out, but the persistent boat continued firing on NAUTILUS, without scoring hits.

NAUTLUS, no wishing to close further, made a swing to port to bring broadsides to bear. However,
another six inch hit followed by a fusillade of .50 cal MG fire from fore and aft machine guns
set off a large explosion, leaving the boat a flaming wreck, which quickly capsized with no survivors observed.

The first target wss no longer visible, just a debris field and smoke marking its location. Cease fire and decks cleared was ordered.
Turned course 180 at high speed and secured from GQ.


ROUNDS EXPENDED

6" 53 Caliber- 21

.50 Caliber MG- 215

HITS-

6' 53 Caliber- 7 HE (4 on Target 1, 3 on Target 2)

.50 Caliber MG - 100-125 AP


TARGET DATA (at firing)

TARGET No. 1

NAME N/A
CLASS Fishing Boat-Picket-Armed
TYPE Motorized/Sail
TONS 200
COURSE 260
SPEED 7 knts
BEARING 090
RANGE 5000-2500 yards
REMARK
Boat armed with machine guns/auto cannon of unknown caliber, opened fire, no hits on NAUTILUS.


TARGET No. 2

NAME N/A
CLASS Fishing Boat-Picket-Armed
TYPE Motorized/Sail
TONS 200
COURSE 010
SPEED 8 knts
BEARING 040
RANGE 3000-2500 yards
REMARK
Boat armed with machine guns/auto cannon of unknown caliber, opened fire, no hits on NAUTILUS.


Ships Sunk

Fishing Boat-Armed-Picket
200 tons
6/25/1942 1249 (local)
34-13N 141-05E


Fishing Boat-Armed-Picket
200 tons
6/25/1942 1252 (local)
34-13N 141-05E

Ships Probably Sunk
None


Ships Damaged
None


Ships Probably Damaged
None


Own Ship Data (in relation to target at firing)

COURSE 260
SPEED 17-10 knots
AOB 70-100 degrees, port.



NAVIGATIONAL AIDES

No navigational aides were sighted during this patrol.



WEATHER


Weather off Midway was calm and clear with exception of a storm front rolled into area on 3 June and cleared at 0300 4 June.

Weather en route to patrol areas 4A/4B was mostly pleasant as well as pleasant in area. Heavy seas and winds did kick up final day in patrol area.



TIDES


Tidal conditions encountered were normal for the areas.



ANTI SUBMARINE COUNTERMEASURES AND EVASION

Depth Charge Attack No.1
4 June 1942
0720-0930

Two destroyers of unknown type, possibly Asashio or Kagero closed
on NAUTILUS after Torpedo Attack No.1. Fifty four depth charges were delivered over nearly two hour attack. Enemy utilized passive and active sonar, taking turns making attacks. A thermal layer was detected at 270 feet, NAUTILUS leveled off at 275 ft, where wost depth charges exploded above NAUTILUS at est depth of 250 ft. After a close charge at 275, NAUTILUS wen to 300 ft. At 0900 one enemy destroyer was heard leaving area at high speed, while another began pinging and made two runs, then stopped to listen. At 0910, the DD was heard leaving area at high speed on estimated SSE course. Sound lost contact at 0930. While NAUTILUS suffered no damage, the task of destroyers was accomplished, permitting enemy CV force to escape.


Depth Charge Attack No.2
4 June 1942 1628-2230

This depth charge attack was prolonged, and accurate, causing damage to NAUTILUS (See MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE SECTION BELOW) and prevented NAUTILUS from finishing off the crippled CV SORYU.

Enemy destroyer, believed to be of KAGERO Class, detected NAUTILUS during approach on CV at roughly 5000 yards, utilizing active and passive sonar throughout attack. Multiple charges landed close throughout six hour ordeal. A second DD, which had been along side the CV assisting, joined in after the CV sunk (breaking up noises and explosions audible at 1909) and commenced a team tactic, with a degree of competence hope to not encounter again.

One DD was heard departing area at high speed around 2200 hours, while the other remained in area, dropped a pattern close to NAUTILUS at 320 feet, then went silent, likely listening, thus NAUTILUS lost contact at 2230 hours.

Upon surfacing, spotted DD laying to, most likely listening at 8000 yards. Choppy seas had kicked up and likely masked our noise as surfaced.


Evasion

Evasion was conducted by searching thermal layers, and hiding below them, frequent course changes as well. Speed bursts utilized when enemy vessels above to drop charges. Boat was rigged for silent running, with all non essential equipment shut down. RPM of all electric motors was kept at 80 for a speed of 2.5 knots, aside from the brief periods during speed "bursts".



MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE

All defects or damage, unless otherwise noted, were repaired at sea.


Defects

Forward Batteries lost full capacity during second part of patrol, preventing battery capacity from rising about 80 percent for duration. Unsure if this was a equipment defect or damage from 4 June depth charge attack that went undetected during brief stopover at Midway prior to departure. Issue could not be remedied at sea and was repaired upon return to Pearl Harbor.


Main Clean Oil Fuel tank had a slow leak that was not detected until in Area 4A off Honshu during second portion of the patrol, when it was noticed fuel remaining was not close to normal estimates. A low leak, possibly material defect or possibly from undetected damage was found upon return to port and repaired.


Damage

Depth Charge Attack No.1

1. Piping leaks-All compartments

2. High Pressure Air Line leaks-All compartments

3. Shattered light bulbs and glass fixtures-All compartments


Depth Charge Attack No.2

1. Flooding-Forward Torpedo room due to
busted pipes, valves, and damaged forward hatch. Bilges flooded with one
foot of water in compartment.

2. Trim Pump- Temporarily non operational but repaired.

3. Hydraulic Pumps

4. Dive Planes Transmission-Bow

5. Dive Planes Transmission-Stern

6. No.2 Electric Motor

7. No.3 Electric Motor

8. No.4 Diesel Engine

9. No.1, No.2, No.3, No.4 torpedo tubes

10. Compressor

11. Stern Batteries

12.No.1 Periscope

13.No.2 Periscope

14. Radio set

15. Radio Antenna

16. Fore 6' 53 Caliber gun

17. Aft 6' 53 Caliber gun

18. Sonar Head Hoist

19. Minor hull damage forward conning tower frame and frame
for forward torpedo compartment. Repaired at Pearl Harbor.

20. Busted piping and valves in all compartments.

21. Busted high pressure air lines all compartments.



SOUND CONDITIONS AND SOUND GEAR

Sound conditions in Midway area were optimal. This likely contributed to the effectiveness of enemy sound gear against NAUTILUS.


Sound conditions in patrol areas 4A and 4B were mediocre.



THERMAL LAYERS


1942-06-04
29-31N 178-29W
270 feet


RADAR

SD radar typical detection range was 8 NM. On 4 July (Aircraft Contact No. 4) SD failed to detect aircraft entirely, ac spotted by lookouts. SD functional, reason for not detecting unknown.


RADIO


Radio function was normal, exception loss of optimal function noticed after damage in depth charge attack for duration of patrol.



PERSONNEL

Crew performance was excellent in the face of trying circumstances ranging from four faulty torpedoes, to two intense depth charge attacks, along with a extension of patrol with a long transit.

Two crew members achieved qualification during this patrol.


HEALTH AND HABITABILITY

Overall conditions aboard were satisfactory through the patrol. Prolonged attack of 4 June left boat in a state of somewhat disarray but this was remedied quickly, even before a stopover at Midway, with repairs all damage that could be repaired underway completed by docking.

Meals were well prepared a highlight of our long days at sea.

In spite of the intense attack of 4 June, no serious injuries occurred among the crew.


MILES STEAMED-FUEL USED

Pearl to Midway Area
1500 miles 18555 gallons


In Midway Area
5500 miles 55566 gallons


Midway to Areas 4A 4B

2586 miles 30255 gallons

In Areas 4A 4B

5200 miles 49898 gallons

Area 4A 4B to Midway

2600 miles 31233 gallons


Midway to Pearl

1350 miles 23245 gallons



DURATION

Days

Pearl to Midway Area 7

Midway Area 10


Midway 1.5


Midway to Areas 10


In Areas 11


Areas to Midway 11


Midway to Pearl 3



FACTORS IN DURATION


Torpedoes 20

Fuel 42555 gallons

Provisions 33 days

Crew Indefinite


Reason for termination of patrol: Limited fuel battery capacity. Operational
order listed 1 July as date may return to port as well.



REMARKS

A challenging patrol conducted during a massive, intense, and decisive sea naval battle in addition to cruise to home waters of the Japanese Empire.

Four prematurely detonating torpedoes cost NAUTILUS the sinking of a light cruiser on 4 June.

While the Commanding Officer regrets not firing on the damaged carrier encountered later on 4 June from long range, the approach for a closer shot was to ensure positive identification of the damaged CV in addition to doubts about torpedo performance at such range.


W.H. Brockman Jr. , LCDR, USN.