TMO 1.4 help

[HeinzMcDurgen]

After spending some time playing 1.4 stock I decided to step up into the world of Mega-Mods. I had heard that most people start with TMO and after a while go on to play Real Fleet Boats. So I decided that this seemed to be a pretty viable route and give it a go.

I like TMO. A lot. Going from playing with no mods to all the stuff that TMO has tweaked is awesome. I did tack on some other flare that I've wanted for a while (baring plotter, maxoptics, etc) and it all works great. Now I'm all ready to hit the high seas and unleash hell upon the Empire of Japan...

only I can't find them to save my life.

Any words of wisdom to help find the elusive fleets of the Japanese Navy? How about a merchant ship in the wrong place at the wrong time?

That reminds me; I just completed a patrol mission (icon grayed out) and when I sent the message back saying I had done it to get another one nothing happened. It says my mission is complete, but won't issue me orders for another one. Glitch? Do I have to go back to port for some reason?

I appreciate any help in advance. Thanks guys.
-Heinz