Running surfaced with periscopes up

[Orffen]

I've seen a few videos and some of the loading screen images showing subs running surfaced with both of their scopes up.

I realise this improves visual detection range a bit, but I'm curious as to what the doctrine was during the war.

Did sub commanders run with scopes up, or just rely on their deck watch while surfaced? Was there an official line, or was it just left up to each individual commander to decide?

[Torplexed]

I imagine in some cases scopes were simply left up because it looked impressive in a photograph or newsreel. Given the limited field of view through the lens, it really wouldn't be advantageous to have a man below manning the scope while surfaced when you have lookouts posted....and radar.

[Platapus]

That was called a "high Periscope watch"

From my readings there did not seem to be any official protocol on when a Captain could or could not use it.

I imagine the speed of the boat and the sea state would determine the effectiveness of a high periscope watch. A pitching/rolling boat will make that periscope, extended about 40' really sway.

[Sirkam]

I read somewhere a tactic to improve the visibility (specially in the night), a seaman go to the periscope when the sub is surfaced and see much more sea (Its method is real and very used by the submarine crew).

[Rockin Robbins]

High periscope watch was one of the brilliant strategies developed by Eugene Fluckey to increase his search radius. He calculated that high periscope almost doubled the area of sea surface he could search each day without using radar. Reference his book "Thunder Below" which I previously quoted on this same matter when some questioned the high periscope watch's authenticity.

Partly as a result of using high periscope watch and by his yo-yoing strategy of staying on the surface at cruising speed every possible second, Fluckey, whose career started in March or April 1944, a time when many boats were returning to base full of torpedoes finding no targets, garnered more decorations than any submarine of the war. But he was more proud of the one medal that was not awarded to any crew member of Barb: the purple heart.

[kylesplanet]

Originally Posted by Rockin Robbins

High periscope watch was one of the brilliant strategies developed by Eugene Fluckey to increase his search radius. He calculated that high periscope almost doubled the area of sea surface he could search each day without using radar. Reference his book "Thunder Below" which I previously quoted on this same matter when some questioned the high periscope watch's authenticity.

Partly as a result of using high periscope watch and by his yo-yoing strategy of staying on the surface at cruising speed every possible second, Fluckey, whose career started in March or April 1944, a time when many boats were returning to base full of torpedoes finding no targets, garnered more decorations than any submarine of the war. But he was more proud of the one medal that was not awarded to any crew member of Barb: the purple heart.

I'm reading Thunder Below right now and Admiral Fluckey sure comes off as a very smart, inovative skipper. I'm about halfway through it and I'll say this, he had some grapefruits.

[Nisgeis]

I have read war patrols where it has been entered 'spotted target on high periscope' trying to find an entry now. Preferably without the word 'Submerged' before it.

Edit:

USS Razorback,

11th March 1945

0945 Sighted submarine on high periscope bearing 191 degrees T; exchanged recognition signals and calls with USS SPOT (SS413).
1045 Sighted U.S. submarine, not identified.
1115 Made section dive; surfaced at 1145.

Although it should be noted that they also say they sight things through the high periscope whilst submerged also. Does high periscope actually mean height, or does it mean high power magnification? I understand there was a procedure for periscope searches, using fast low power sweeps and slow high power sweeps, especially important with the observation scope before surfacing for looking for enemy aircraft.

[peewee]

I think the important thing to note here is something RR said

"He calculated that high periscope almost doubled the area of sea surface he could search each day without using radar. "

Radar is fine until you meet a warship which can detect your emissions.......

[Wilcke]

Very good points. For historical realism purposes, is there a source on how the Navy (Silent Service) ran their procedures on the boats while on combat patrol. If you guys have ran into any sources by all means post the links or books.

I would really like to put together the SOPs for the periscope watches, pre-surfacing procedures and tracking party....etc...PDF them and up load them. I am not a sea guy at all, pilot so check lists for everything, even for going to the potty.

Thanks in advance!