Cruise Report from Rabaul--June 1942

[Rockin Robbins]

Okay, had a meeting with all my torpedomen, no other officers present. Said, "Men, we had a bad time last patrol, only 7 hits out of the whole load. Our tonnage was really good because those 7 sunk 6 ships. We have to do better this time. I'm going to be first to step up to the plate and take responsibility for the misses. I shot too soon, and on some dubious numbers. You guys don't develop the numbers.

It'll be different this time. I have full confidence in you. Aft torpedo room, you don't have a man who has ever hit a target with a torpedo before. We're going to change that score this time out. I promise you guys that all the first opportunities we get will go to the after torpedo room and you guys are going to get some kills! We'll shoot aft torpedoes until we don't have any left before we shoot from the bow. I want you guys to set the bar high for the experienced crew up front. Are you with me?"

"Forward crew, you bat cleanup this cruise. You're the best there is. I can't tell you where we're going until we're out to sea but I can tell you we're going where the action is after your performance last cruise. You're going to have a tough time beating the after crew. They're hungrier than you are! So I'm giving you time to cool your jets and get hungry! Are you hungry!"

There was very little structural damage to the forward torpedo room from the ensuing tumult. I think our crews were in the right frame of mind.

Sure enough, we were assigned the Philippeans - Rabaul shipping lanes. Gave us a chance to sashay right by our happy hunting grounds at Rabaul and dare somebody to come out and play. Didn't happen. So we took position. Because of circumstance I was unable to keep my promise and was forced to shoot the first ship with the forward crew, 3 hits for 3 shots and bagged a Zinbu Maro for 5,352 tons.

Then I turned it over to the after torpedo crew, who proceeded to clear the ocean surface of every Japanese ship we saw.

240057 JUL 1942
From : Cdr Rockin Robbins

Cycle : 3

To : SubRon 14 & ComSubPac
Report from USS Spearfish (SS-190)
Patrol area : Philippeans - Rabaul/Truk

Realism 80%
Mods used 7
100 TriggerMaru_Overhaul_2
105 TMO_Update_20_to_22
200 RSRDC_TMO_V502
210 RSRDC_V5xx_Patch1
400 3000 Yard Bearing Tool (1152x)
410 TMOkeys
700 SS370 USS Kraken_Rockin Robbins_Fooskin and Captain Cox HI RES SHARK MOUTH

Special Mission Conducted: No

The following ships/aircraft have been destroyed
Number of Warships sunk : 2
Number of Merchants sunk : 2

Total Warship tonnage : 7515
Total Merchant tonnage : 13575

Total Gross tonnage : 21090
Total JANAC tonnage : 16872

152010 JUL 1942
Ship sunk! ZINBU MARU, 5253 ton
Long 142° 15' E, Lat 2° 48' S

202342 JUL 1942
Ship sunk! HAKUSIKA MARU, 8322 ton
Long 150° 33' E, Lat 7° 19' N

211235 JUL 1942
Ship sunk! Katori Light Cruiser, 6300 ton
Long 150° 59' E, Lat 8° 47' N

232158 JUL 1942
Ship sunk! Momi Class Patrol Boat, 1215 ton
Long 151° 35' E, Lat 7° 45' N


Torpedoes fired : 11
Torpedo impacts : 10
Torpedo misses : 0
Torpedo duds : 1
Torpedo premature explosions : 0
Gun loaded 0 times


Patrol narrative:
Torpedo data:
152010 JUL 1942 : Firing tube 1
152010 JUL 1942 : Firing tube 2
152010 JUL 1942 : Firing tube 3
152010 JUL 1942 : Torpedo hit
152010 JUL 1942 : Torpedo hit
152010 JUL 1942 : Torpedo hit
202341 JUL 1942 : Firing tube 5
202341 JUL 1942 : Firing tube 6
202342 JUL 1942 : Firing tube 7
202342 JUL 1942 : Torpedo hit
202342 JUL 1942 : Torpedo hit
202342 JUL 1942 : Torpedo hit
211234 JUL 1942 : Firing tube 5
211235 JUL 1942 : Firing tube 6
211235 JUL 1942 : Firing tube 7
211235 JUL 1942 : Torpedo hit
211235 JUL 1942 : Torpedo dud
211235 JUL 1942 : Firing tube 8
211235 JUL 1942 : Torpedo hit
211236 JUL 1942 : Torpedo hit
232157 JUL 1942 : Firing tube 5
232158 JUL 1942 : Torpedo hit
Cdr Rockin Robbins
CO USS Spearfish (SS-190)

So forward torpedo room, 3 shots, 3 hits for 5,253 tons. Then the after torpedo room score for this cruise. 9 torpedoes fired, 8 hits, 1 dud, which hit, by the way. A total of two nice size freighters, a light cruiser from just west of Truk lagoon, and a great down the throat shot to down a Momi patrol boat for their last torpedo! 15,837 tons for the after torpedo room alone! The forward guys have their work cut out for them. The newbies are heroes, and rookies no more!

The cruise is already a success and we're packing 8 more torpedoes for the forward crew to salvage their pride with. They have 5,253 tons already so they have a chance. I don't know if I want them to win or lose the tonnage contest. I'm kinda pulling for the stern crew with fewer torpedoes and less experience, but I'm not going to cut 'em any slack. I'll set up each shot just as carefully as before. The stern crew has earned their tons. Now it's time for the bow crew to follow suit and make us proud!