Structure of american fleet submarines in ww2?

[CaptainNemo]

Does anyone of you know the structure of american fleet submarines in ww2?

In germany we had flottillas and Kptl. Leutnants etc.. What structure had been in america? Had there been devisions or squadrons? And how many? Had they names etc?

Which name and rang had the division leader if there was anyone? Maybe some of you could give us a short overview of american fleet submarine structure in world war 2?

[shoot-kill-win]

They were in squadrons, here is a message off of http://www.history.navy.mil/docs/wwii/pearl/ph8.htm


SUBMARINE SQUADRON FOUR
U.S.S. Argonaut, Flagship
Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, T.H.
FF12-10(4)/A16-3
Serial 0556

From:The Commander Submarine Squadron FOUR.
To:The Commander Submarines, Scouting Force. Subject:Attack on Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941 -- Measures taken. Referencea: (a) Cincpac despatch 102102.

1. In accordance with reference the following report relating to the attack on Pearl Harbor is submitted.
2. Offensive measure taken:
   Ships of Squadron Four, and Squadron Six, berthed at the Submarine Base, maintained a continuous antiaircraft fire. Personnel of the Submarine Base manned 250 rifles, 15 automatic rifles and 15 machine guns, maintaining a continuous fire.
3. Damage to enemy: Two low flying torpedo planes were shot down. One crashed in the channel about fifty yards off Pier Four. The other crashed in the channel fifty yards off berth twelve.
4. Own losses and damage: None.
5. Distinguished conduct of personnel:
   All personnel without exception were alert and eager, carrying on in an exemplary manner.
   Other items of interest:
   1. Rescue parties were sent to disabled ships, and Kuahua Island where survivors were landing. Fire apparatus was sent to the fires in the Navy Yard.
   2. All facilities of the Submarine Base were made available to the survivors. Wounded men were treated at the Dispensary. Officers and men were fed, clothed, berthed and made comfortable. Office space was provided for Commander Battle Force and Commander Mine Force.
   3. The Widgeon, Seagull and all salvage facilities and divers were sent to work on disabled ships.

[CaptainNemo]

Thx mate!

[shoot-kill-win]

No problem.

[Nuc]

Originally Posted by CaptainNemo

Does anyone of you know the structure of american fleet submarines in ww2?

In germany we had flottillas and Kptl. Leutnants etc.. What structure had been in america? Had there been devisions or squadrons? And how many? Had they names etc?

Which name and rang had the division leader if there was anyone? Maybe some of you could give us a short overview of american fleet submarine structure in world war 2?

This is somewhat of a simplification but the US Navy had 3 fleets: Atlantic, Pacific and Asiatic. Under the Fleet commanders (e.g., CINCPACFLT -Nimitz) there were type / area comanders (e.g., COMSUBLANT, COMSUBPAC and COMSUBSOWESPAC) each type commander was assigned squadrons (e.g., COMSUBRON 2) including the boats, Sub Tenders and shore facilities. Squadrons were further divided in Divisions (e.g. COMSUBDIV 21 and COMSUBDIV 22)

[TG626]

This is an old post, but it has something in it I'm curious about. Just what is "FF12-10/A16-3"?

[merc4ulfate]

Reports and forms had alpha numeric classifications so if the information in one had to be referenced it could be done so with better accuracy then saying Commander Bob Jone's 12th patrol.

It was a more efficient filing system than using words.

[TG626]

I wonder what the "code" was?

[Tombomsee]

A good overview is provided by http://orbat.com/site/ww2/drleo/013_..._usn/_usn.html

Lots of information about various orders of battle (OOB)

[TG626]

I found this...

http://www.maritime.org/navyfile/

Which explains the whole thing.

FF12-10 = Submarines
A16-3 = Warfare operations; defensive; offensive; reports of; problems; war games.

These numbers were used to indicate the subject of the report.

[merc4ulfate]

Great find gentlemen