Tell us about your current patrol

Revus · 10-07-21, 06:20 PM

Just got done with this one:

Mod: TMO 2.5 Update BH
Difficulty:100 , contacts on.
Boat: USS SILVERSIDES SS-236
Date: 1 April 1943
Time 0712
Location: 14-39N, 137-59E (400 miles WNW of Guam).
Surfaced.

0016 Acquired “SJ” contact at 013r, range 9 miles. c/c to close and increased to full.

0123 “SJ” revealed a convoy of four possible AK’s (2x2) and possible escort at the lead moving course 030, 8 kts. Began end around to their starboard.

0307 Arrived in an attack position ahead of the convoy. Elected to attack on surface on the two near side MARU’s, the first unable to be classified, but estimated at 4,000 tons, the second later identified as a HAKUSIKA MARU of 8,000 tons.

0308 Escort crossed our bow, possibly an OTORI class DE. DE zigging at irregular intervals but did not detect us.

0313 Both MARUs in range, decided to engage far one first. Ordered all bow tubes set to 7 feet.

0315 Fired spread of 3 on surface, 5000 yds.

Changed firing point to close MARU, coming on at 3,700 yds.

0316 Fired spread of 3 on surface, 3700 yds.
Turned hard to port at flank to retrograde.

0318 Saw explosions on both targets. Only one sent to the rear MARU seemed to be a dud. Star clusters launched from one or more ships, but was not fired upon, presume were still undetected. Large fires engulfing deck of lead target and heavy starboard list on rear.

0323 Lead Maru sunk bow first. Continued evasion to the east. DE turned toward our general position with a heavy bow wake, still far off. DE continued searching far aft of us, dropping 4 depth charges presumably shallow. At 0340, c/c to the north to prosecute remaining targets, seemingly returning to their original base course while the DE proceeded to the southwest.

0400 Arrived in position for a follow-up stern surface attack. Both MARUs zigging wildly with a mean speed of 4 kts at 030. First MARU possibly identified as a ZINBU MARU of 7,000 tons. Opened stern tubes

and ordered depths of 7 feet.

0408 Fired spread of 4 on surface, range 5700 yds.
Turned hard to starboard at flank to retrograde.

0410 Saw two large sprays of water fly up near her stern, most likely broken air flasks from a dud, and suspect the other two missed to stern from her evasive zigs. c/c to perform end around and hit the convoy on their port side.

0432 Arrived in position for third attack, but DE had closed and we believe we were illuminated by her searchlight. Watched her come on at very high speed. Went deep to avoid.

0439 DE made one ineffective pass with echo-ranging and dropped a string of 5 depth charges aft of us, none were close. Sound was picking up engine sounds at high revolutions with no screw sounds to the south. Continued submerged on southerly course toward sound contact we believed was the initial target. At 0620, sighted HAKUSIKA MARU off port bow with crew on deck manning deck gun on her bow. MARU was still afloat with a significant list to starboard, but dead in the water. c/c to 090 to close and deliver a coups de grace.

0702 Fired submerged spread of 2, 1800 yds

0704 Sound heard dud torpedo impact.

0704 Heard heavy explosion, witnessed with scope. MARU quickly subsided, sinking by her stern.

0712 Surfaced and c/c to 310 at 9 kts.

Probably one of the more memorable attacks Ive made in a while. Im still apprehensive of getting too close with my pants down, but Im getting more and more used to the surface night attacks.

Bubblehead1980 · 10-07-21, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Revus

Just got done with this one:

Mod: TMO 2.5 Update BH
Difficulty:100 , contacts on.
Boat: USS SILVERSIDES SS-236
Date: 1 April 1943
Time 0712
Location: 14-39N, 137-59E (400 miles WNW of Guam).
Surfaced.

0016 Acquired “SJ” contact at 013r, range 9 miles. c/c to close and increased to full.

0123 “SJ” revealed a convoy of four possible AK’s (2x2) and possible escort at the lead moving course 030, 8 kts. Began end around to their starboard.

0307 Arrived in an attack position ahead of the convoy. Elected to attack on surface on the two near side MARU’s, the first unable to be classified, but estimated at 4,000 tons, the second later identified as a HAKUSIKA MARU of 8,000 tons.

0308 Escort crossed our bow, possibly an OTORI class DE. DE zigging at irregular intervals but did not detect us.

0313 Both MARUs in range, decided to engage far one first. Ordered all bow tubes set to 7 feet.

0315 Fired spread of 3 on surface, 5000 yds.

Changed firing point to close MARU, coming on at 3,700 yds.

0316 Fired spread of 3 on surface, 3700 yds.
Turned hard to port at flank to retrograde.

0318 Saw explosions on both targets. Only one sent to the rear MARU seemed to be a dud. Star clusters launched from one or more ships, but was not fired upon, presume were still undetected. Large fires engulfing deck of lead target and heavy starboard list on rear.

0323 Lead Maru sunk bow first. Continued evasion to the east. DE turned toward our general position with a heavy bow wake, still far off. DE continued searching far aft of us, dropping 4 depth charges presumably shallow. At 0340, c/c to the north to prosecute remaining targets, seemingly returning to their original base course while the DE proceeded to the southwest.

0400 Arrived in position for a follow-up stern surface attack. Both MARUs zigging wildly with a mean speed of 4 kts at 030. First MARU possibly identified as a ZINBU MARU of 7,000 tons. Opened stern tubes

and ordered depths of 7 feet.

0408 Fired spread of 4 on surface, range 5700 yds.
Turned hard to starboard at flank to retrograde.

0410 Saw two large sprays of water fly up near her stern, most likely broken air flasks from a dud, and suspect the other two missed to stern from her evasive zigs. c/c to perform end around and hit the convoy on their port side.

0432 Arrived in position for third attack, but DE had closed and we believe we were illuminated by her searchlight. Watched her come on at very high speed. Went deep to avoid.

0439 DE made one ineffective pass with echo-ranging and dropped a string of 5 depth charges aft of us, none were close. Sound was picking up engine sounds at high revolutions with no screw sounds to the south. Continued submerged on southerly course toward sound contact we believed was the initial target. At 0620, sighted HAKUSIKA MARU off port bow with crew on deck manning deck gun on her bow. MARU was still afloat with a significant list to starboard, but dead in the water. c/c to 090 to close and deliver a coups de grace.

0702 Fired submerged spread of 2, 1800 yds

0704 Sound heard dud torpedo impact.

0704 Heard heavy explosion, witnessed with scope. MARU quickly subsided, sinking by her stern.

0712 Surfaced and c/c to 310 at 9 kts.

Probably one of the more memorable attacks Ive made in a while. Im still apprehensive of getting too close with my pants down, but Im getting more and more used to the surface night attacks.

Very nice attack. Yes, the new ability to conduct surface attacks does take some getting use do lol. I look at it how real life captains did, while some took to it enthusiastically, some had to get their feet wet and ease into it. For accuracy, I close to 2000-2500 yards, typical firing range is 2300 yards but of course it is a risk. Depends on the conditions etc. as well.

Bubblehead1980 · 10-11-21, 04:35 AM

TMO 2.5 Update
100 difficult . Cams and contacts off.

USS Seal SS-183
Sixth War Patrol

Wednesday 4 November 1942
Ten days since departing Fremantle, Australia and five since stop at Darwin for fuel.
0700 hours
Position: 5-38 N 131 59 E 161 NM SSE of Angaur, Palau Islands in assigned patrol area. Submerged at 0650 to avoid SD contact at 8 NM closing fast.
Set course for patrolling the North, South and East, West approaches to Southern entrance of Palau anchorage.

Previous afternoon of 3 November, Seal made an SJ radar contact, which was spotted soon after and revealed to be a large merchant vessel. Tracked vessel and made submerged attack with stern tubes (TORPEDO ATTACK NO.1) but suffered two deep runners and two premature detonations.

Once the target, an AK of the KOBAYASHI MARU class, was at 8 NM (SJ range) , surfaced for end around. The zigs and speed changes led to a chase which persisted after nightfall. However, a submerged follow up attack was made at 2027 scoring two torpedo hits and ultimately sinking. the 9980 ton vessel.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

USS Seal SS-183 War Patrol Six Torpedo Attack No. 1 Date: 3 November 1942 Time: 1330 Location:4-3 N 131-18E 305 NM SSE of Palau Islands.

Description

Lone AK detected on SJ radar en route to patrol area.

Ships Sunk
NAME/CLASS TYPE TONS DATE TIME LOCATION

None

Ships Damaged
NAME/CLASS TYPE TONS DATE TIME LOCATION

None

Ships Probably Sunk
NAME/CLASS TYPE TONS DATE TIME LOCATION

None

Torpedo Attack No. 1 Target No.1 Data (at firing)

Target No. 1
Name/Class KOBAYASHI MARU
Type AK
Tons 9980
Range 1100 yards
AOB 89° P
Bearing 189°
True Bearing 11°
Course 270°
Speed 8 knots
Zig? No
Remark
AK has large guns, estimated to be four or five inch mouted forward, aft, and one each side, similar to an auxiliary cruiser.

Torpedo Attack No. 1 Torpedo Data (at firing)

Tube#5
Type MK 14
Serial No.47371
Gyro 358 L
Track 81 P
Course 181°
Depth 3 ft
Speed High
Detonator MK 6
Serial No.5000
Method Single bearing TDC
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Spread 0°
Detonator Contact [] Magnetic[X]
Actual Actuation Contact [] Magnetic[]
POA MOT
Hit Yes[] No[X]
POI ---
Erratic Yes[] No[X]
Remark
Prematurely detonated.

Tube#6
Type MK 14
Serial No.47992
Gyro 358 L
Track 81° P
Course 181°
Depth 3 ft
Speed High
Detonator MK 6
Serial No.5003
Method Single bearing TDC with spread.
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Spread 2°
Detonator Actuation Contact [] Magnetic[X]
Actual Actuation Contact [] Magnetic[]
POA MOT
Hit Yes[] No[X]
POI ---
Erratic Yes[] No[X]
Remark
Prematurely detonated

Tube#7
Type MK 14
Serial No.41373
Gyro 358 L
Track 81° P
Course 181°
Depth 3 ft
Speed High
Detonator MK 6
Serial No.5000
Method Single bearing TDC with spread
Firing Interval
Spread 2° starboard
Detonator Actuation Contact [] Magnetic[X]
Actual Actuation Contact [] Magnetic[]
POA MOT
Hit Yes[] No[X]
POI MOT
Erratic Yes[X] No[]
Remark
Torpedo ran deeper than set. Wake observed passing below target. Torpedo detonated itself off starboard side of target.

Tube#8
Type MK 14
Serial No.43934
Gyro 100° L
Track 78° P
Course 183°
Depth 3 ft
Speed High
Detonator MK 6
Serial No.5009
Firing Interval 0
Spread 0°
Detonator Actuation Contact [] Magnetic[X]
Actual Actuation Contact [] Magnetic[]
POA MOT
Hit Yes[] No[X]
POI ---
Erratic Yes[X] No[]
Remark
Torpedo wake observed passing below target. Torpedo ran deeper than set. Torpedo exploded shortly after passing below target, on opposite side.

Own Ship Data (at firing)

Depth 54 ft
Course 180°
Speed 2 knots
AOB 89° P

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

USS Seal SS-183 War Patrol Six Torpedo Attack No. 2 Date: 3 November 1942 Time:2027 Location: 4-04 N 130-40 E 330 NM SSE of Palau Islands.

Description

Follow up to Torpedo Attack No. 1 after end around. Night time periscope attack, using SJ at radar depth (40 ft) for tracking.

Ships Sunk
NAME/CLASS TYPE TONS DATE TIME LOCATION

KOBAYASHI MARU AK 9980 3 September 1942 2035 4-04 N 130-40 E 330 NM SSE of Palau Islands

Ships Damaged
NAME/CLASS TYPE TONS DATE TIME LOCATION

None

Ships Probably Sunk
NAME/CLASS TYPE TONS DATE TIME LOCATION

None

Torpedo Attack No.2 Target No.1 Data (at firing)

Name/Class KOBAYASHI MARU
Type AK
Tons 9980
Range 900 yards
AOB 84° S
Bearing 356°
True Bearing 182°
Course 272°
Speed 8 knots
Zig? Yes (initially, ceased before firing )
Remark
AK has large guns, estimated to be four or five inch mounted forward, aft, and one each side, similar to an auxiliary cruiser.

Believe enemy vessel was carrying ammunition dye to large explosions and repeated, abnormally large explosions upon sinking. Multiple ammo crates and remains of crates seeing floating in water. One life boat spotted indicating very few crew survived the conflagration.

Torpedo Attack No. 2 Torpedo Data (at firing)

Tube#1
Type MK 14
Serial No.47398
Gyro 7°L
Track 95° S
Course 193°
Depth 3 ft
Speed High
Detonator MK 6
Serial No.5201
Method Single bearing TDC
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Spread 0°
Detonator Contact [] Magnetic[X]
Actual Actuation Contact [] Magnetic[]
POA MOT
Hit Yes[] No[X]
POI ---
Erratic Yes[] No[X]
Remark
Torpedo prematurely detonated near target.

Tube#2
Type MK 14
Serial No.45435
Gyro 7°L
Track 95° S
Course 193°
Depth 3 ft
Speed High
Detonator MK 6
Serial No.5445
Method Single bearing TDC with spread
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Spread 2° starboard
Detonator Contact [] Magnetic[X]
Actual Actuation Contact [] Magnetic[]
POA MOT
Hit Yes[X] No[]
POI Amidships, Forward
Erratic Yes[] No[X]
Remark
Torpedo hit caused massive explosion with a large residual fire. Believe impacted boilers.

Tube#3
Type MK 14
Serial No.47398
Gyro 7°L
Track 95° S
Course 193°
Depth 3 ft
Speed High
Detonator MK 6
Serial No.5201
Method Single bearing TDC
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Spread 2° Port
Detonator Contact [] Magnetic[X]
Actual Actuation Contact [] Magnetic[]
POA MOT
Hit Yes[] No[]
POI Aft of stack
Erratic Yes[] No[X]
Remark
Second hit on target appeared to finish the job, as she quickly lost way with another large fire starting. Target began to settle in the water quickly.

Own Ship Data (at firing)

Depth 54 ft
Course 185°
Speed 1 knot
AOB 84° S

Revus · 10-11-21, 11:13 AM

Picking up from the previous attacks of 1 April 43. Already sent HAKUSIKA MARU & an unknown 4,000 ton MARU to the depths, and made another unsuccessful attack on a ZINBU and MOMOYAMA MARU while their OTORI escort attempted to catch us.

Mod: TMO 2.5 Update BH
Difficulty:100%, contacts on.
Boat: USS SILVERSIDES SS-236
Date: 1 April 1943

0712: Surfaced and c/c to 310 at 9 kts.

0828: Lookouts sighted masts on the horizon off the port bow, seems to be broadside moving to the south.

0851: Dove for “SD” contact closing fast. While under, picked up two sound contacts seemingly moving northeast. At periscope depth, sighted two smoke plumes off our port beam and continued on 030 submerged, suspecting these are the remnants of the night’s convoy.

1039: Surfaced and changed speed to full to end-around, keeping the contacts on “SJ”. Contacts tracked at 4-5 kts. at a mean course of 030 with regular zigs.

1112: c/c to 310 to close. Sighted masts coming on shortly thereafter.
Dove to periscope depth for submerged attack.

1221: In position for attack. Of the two contacts, the first is assuredly the ZINBU MARU from earlier, the trailing freighter looked similar to a MOMOYAMA MARU of 4,000 tons. The ZINBU looked to be toting a gun on her stern, the MOMOYAMA seemed unarmed, so decision was made to attack with torpedoes on the first and dash up for a surface deck gun attack on the second.

1228: Fired spread of 3 on ZINBU at 1,800 yds with a 355 gyro angle.

1229: Heavy explosion heard and seen on scope amidships. Two duds heard bounce off her hull shortly thereafter. ZINBU still coming on though with a slight list to starboard.

1229: Decided to hit her again at 1500 yds.
Fired # 4 tube.

1230: Believe the torpedo missed forward, as the MARU slowed significantly after being hit.
MOMOYAMA MARU overtook ZINBU on the right, bringing her to within 900 yds. of us. Decided to not engage with a torpedo as her speed has most likely increased and didn’t want to fire without sufficient data. However, as she passed, it was confirmed that she didn’t possess any defensive firepower, and we’d continue with our original plan. Continued on course submerged until on the ZINBU’s port beam to engage with guns. By this point, she was suffering from catastrophic list to starboard risking capsizing, but was still moving under her own power.

1253: Battle surfaced and engaged the ZINBU with 12 4” high explosive shells along her entire port side, sinking her at 1256. Immediately after ceasing fire on the ZINBU, increased speed to flank to run down the MOMOYAMA.

1302: Fired 25 4” shells into her port side from aft at 2000 yds. sinking her at 1305. Simultaneously, RADAR was picking up a fast moving pip on “SJ” closing on our position. Raced away at flank on course 345 to evade.

1309: Lookouts spotted the masts of the previous night’s DE at 6 miles away to 195t. Dove the boat to 220 feet to make use of the strong layer and continued on course at silent speed.
DE searched for 4 hours as we listened on gear. She dropped 7-9 depth charges well aft of us by at least 5,000 yds if not more. Not once were we detected.

1922: Surfaced.

End result: COB, ready the broom for affixing to the scope upon return to Brisbane; we've made a clean sweep of that convoy.

Bubblehead1980 · 10-11-21, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Revus

Picking up from the previous attacks of 1 April 43. Already sent HAKUSIKA MARU & an unknown 4,000 ton MARU to the depths, and made another unsuccessful attack on a ZINBU and MOMOYAMA MARU while their OTORI escort attempted to catch us.

Mod: TMO 2.5 Update BH
Difficulty:100%, contacts on.
Boat: USS SILVERSIDES SS-236
Date: 1 April 1943

0712: Surfaced and c/c to 310 at 9 kts.

0828: Lookouts sighted masts on the horizon off the port bow, seems to be broadside moving to the south.

0851: Dove for “SD” contact closing fast. While under, picked up two sound contacts seemingly moving northeast. At periscope depth, sighted two smoke plumes off our port beam and continued on 030 submerged, suspecting these are the remnants of the night’s convoy.

1039: Surfaced and changed speed to full to end-around, keeping the contacts on “SJ”. Contacts tracked at 4-5 kts. at a mean course of 030 with regular zigs.

1112: c/c to 310 to close. Sighted masts coming on shortly thereafter.
Dove to periscope depth for submerged attack.

1221: In position for attack. Of the two contacts, the first is assuredly the ZINBU MARU from earlier, the trailing freighter looked similar to a MOMOYAMA MARU of 4,000 tons. The ZINBU looked to be toting a gun on her stern, the MOMOYAMA seemed unarmed, so decision was made to attack with torpedoes on the first and dash up for a surface deck gun attack on the second.

1228: Fired spread of 3 on ZINBU at 1,800 yds with a 355 gyro angle.

1229: Heavy explosion heard and seen on scope amidships. Two duds heard bounce off her hull shortly thereafter. ZINBU still coming on though with a slight list to starboard.

1229: Decided to hit her again at 1500 yds.
Fired # 4 tube.

1230: Believe the torpedo missed forward, as the MARU slowed significantly after being hit.
MOMOYAMA MARU overtook ZINBU on the right, bringing her to within 900 yds. of us. Decided to not engage with a torpedo as her speed has most likely increased and didn’t want to fire without sufficient data. However, as she passed, it was confirmed that she didn’t possess any defensive firepower, and we’d continue with our original plan. Continued on course submerged until on the ZINBU’s port beam to engage with guns. By this point, she was suffering from catastrophic list to starboard risking capsizing, but was still moving under her own power.

1253: Battle surfaced and engaged the ZINBU with 12 4” high explosive shells along her entire port side, sinking her at 1256. Immediately after ceasing fire on the ZINBU, increased speed to flank to run down the MOMOYAMA.

1302: Fired 25 4” shells into her port side from aft at 2000 yds. sinking her at 1305. Simultaneously, RADAR was picking up a fast moving pip on “SJ” closing on our position. Raced away at flank on course 345 to evade.

1309: Lookouts spotted the masts of the previous night’s DE at 6 miles away to 195t. Dove the boat to 220 feet to make use of the strong layer and continued on course at silent speed.
DE searched for 4 hours as we listened on gear. She dropped 7-9 depth charges well aft of us by at least 5,000 yds if not more. Not once were we detected.

1922: Surfaced.

End result: COB, ready the broom for affixing to the scope upon return to Brisbane; we've made a clean sweep of that convoy.

Nice. Well done.

i see they called the cavalry in(one of those changes I made, when it is more likely to happen if patrol is in reasonable range) , just made it a little too late to more than rescue survivors, this time.

Bubblehead1980 · 10-13-21, 03:44 PM

TMO 2.5 Update with Patch (work in progress, not yet released)
100 difficulty, cams off contacts on.

Sunday 3 October 1943

0730 Position 21-40 N 171-6 E 323 NM NE Wake Island.

Currently en route for first ever official lifeguard assignment for air strikes by Task Force 14 (three CV, three CVL, two CA, three CL, 24 DD) on 5 and 6 October.

0735 Daily morning trim dive.

0737:24 Boat at depth of 90 feet. Sound check detected noise of torpedoes inbound bearing 055 degrees. Obviously we were approached and fired on by enemy submarine just as we submerged (why those trim dives and periodic sound sweeps are important ) and narrowly avoided disaster.

0738:03 Torpedoes missed, passed above SKATE.

0738:44 Sound detected submerged submarine bearing 102 , closing. Went to silent running and 300 feet, turned to course t 180 degrees.

0844 Lost sound contact with submarine. Resumed course 240 degrees , submerged. Maintained silent running.

1304 Sound has possible submarine contact bearing 120, distant.

Will remain submerged until night fall, will make up time with high speed run upon surfacing.

A close call on the first patrol for sure. This is only the second time have ever been fired on by a submerged sub in campaign (of course have the cam off) , but have had several make approaches. During my 14 patrols with the Drum from 1942-1945 as final test run of the TMO Update mod, was fired on with torpedoes twice (years apart in the same) by submerged submarines , and detected in some form or another, them three or four times. Some, impossible to say if were friendly (Those are roaming around as well) or enemy as no visual contact was made. Trim dives and sound sweeps are important. While can do a sweep on surface, your best sound detection is when submerged. This eve looming threat, while rare, does really add to the immersion and challenge.

Bubblehead1980 · 10-13-21, 10:45 PM

TMO 2.5 Update
100 difficulty, cams and contacts on.

Tuesday 5 October 1943

0030 Arrived lifeguard station 19-10 N 166-32 E 10 NM WSW Wake Island.

0100 Cut engines and lying to with periodic sound and SJ sweeps.

0445 Submerged before dawn, closed island.

0708 Periscope Depth. Extended SD mast. Multiple SD contacts8 NM closing. Assumed to be inbound strike.

0709 5 NM off Wake, large AK visible inside the lagoon.

0710 Single engine aircraft (TBF Avenger) spotted bearing 215 degrees.

0711 Witnessed mid air collision between two F6F Hellcats astern . No survivors, searched area.

0712 Large amounts of AA fire visible from Wake AA guns and the anchored AK.

0716 AK burning and sinking in lagoon after numerous bomb hits from dive bombers.

0735 As first wave began to turn for home, witnessed TBF on fire. Surfaced and began closing bearing at flank speed. Plane continued on, no messages regarding ditching air crew.

1007 Second wave detected on SD radar 11 NM.

1012 Smoke marker for downed air crew. Closed at flank speed. AA guns manned, enemy fighters in area.

1018 RESCUE NO.1

Rescued downed F6F pilot Lt (jg) B.K. Jones, USN (Independence CVL -22) from water, in life preserver. 19-11 N 166-32 E 10 NM SSW of Wake Island.

1025 RESCUE NO.2

Rescued crew of TBF ,USS Essex CV 9, from life raft in water. 19-10 N 166-33 E 10 NM SSW of Wake Island.

Crew Rescued:

Ens. R.T. McBride,USNR.
ACOM F.W. Stewart, USN.
ARM2c I.E. Boilen, USN.

1026 Closed island for reports of downed TBF crew

1141 PC and single engine patrol craft (JAKE) from Wake hunting for SKATE in area occupied during morning strikes.

1143 SD contact at 7 NM closing. Submerged

1233 SD Antenna extended. Two SD contacts at 5 and 6 NM steady range. Assisting PC in search for SKATE.

1309 SD contacts, multiple. 12 NM closing. Third wave inbound.

1312 PC attacked by F6F's. Set afire.

1316 Report of downed pilot. Surfaced. Flank speed to reported position.

1323 No downed aircrew in reported location. No smoke marker visible, searching.

1324 While searching spotted small PC dead in water, bow up to pilot house submerged, damaged by air attack. Called General Quarters- Battle Surface Gun Action.

1326 Opened fired. 4800 yards

1329 Hit set off large explosion on target. Ceased fire.Target isinking. Crew in life raft.

1330 SD contact 6 NM closing fast. Dive!

1336 165 ft. Secured General Quarters.

1350 Periscope Depth. SD sweep. All clear. Target sunk, debris field visible. Small Aux Subchaser (100 tons, estimated) sunk 19-13 N 166-33 E.

1401 Went to 165 feet to avoid low flying single engine floatplane (JAKE) . Several explosions above, SKATE likely visible in calm clear seas. Went to test depth 412 feet to close range. Final strike of day should arrive around 1600, will attempt to surface.

10-07-21, 06:20 PM	#1
Revus Mate Join Date: Feb 2018 Posts: 55 Downloads: 223 Uploads: 0	Just got done with this one: Mod: TMO 2.5 Update BH Difficulty:100 , contacts on. Boat: USS SILVERSIDES SS-236 Date: 1 April 1943 Time 0712 Location: 14-39N, 137-59E (400 miles WNW of Guam). Surfaced. 0016 Acquired “SJ” contact at 013r, range 9 miles. c/c to close and increased to full. 0123 “SJ” revealed a convoy of four possible AK’s (2x2) and possible escort at the lead moving course 030, 8 kts. Began end around to their starboard. 0307 Arrived in an attack position ahead of the convoy. Elected to attack on surface on the two near side MARU’s, the first unable to be classified, but estimated at 4,000 tons, the second later identified as a HAKUSIKA MARU of 8,000 tons. 0308 Escort crossed our bow, possibly an OTORI class DE. DE zigging at irregular intervals but did not detect us. 0313 Both MARUs in range, decided to engage far one first. Ordered all bow tubes set to 7 feet. 0315 Fired spread of 3 on surface, 5000 yds. Changed firing point to close MARU, coming on at 3,700 yds. 0316 Fired spread of 3 on surface, 3700 yds. Turned hard to port at flank to retrograde. 0318 Saw explosions on both targets. Only one sent to the rear MARU seemed to be a dud. Star clusters launched from one or more ships, but was not fired upon, presume were still undetected. Large fires engulfing deck of lead target and heavy starboard list on rear. 0323 Lead Maru sunk bow first. Continued evasion to the east. DE turned toward our general position with a heavy bow wake, still far off. DE continued searching far aft of us, dropping 4 depth charges presumably shallow. At 0340, c/c to the north to prosecute remaining targets, seemingly returning to their original base course while the DE proceeded to the southwest. 0400 Arrived in position for a follow-up stern surface attack. Both MARUs zigging wildly with a mean speed of 4 kts at 030. First MARU possibly identified as a ZINBU MARU of 7,000 tons. Opened stern tubes and ordered depths of 7 feet. 0408 Fired spread of 4 on surface, range 5700 yds. Turned hard to starboard at flank to retrograde. 0410 Saw two large sprays of water fly up near her stern, most likely broken air flasks from a dud, and suspect the other two missed to stern from her evasive zigs. c/c to perform end around and hit the convoy on their port side. 0432 Arrived in position for third attack, but DE had closed and we believe we were illuminated by her searchlight. Watched her come on at very high speed. Went deep to avoid. 0439 DE made one ineffective pass with echo-ranging and dropped a string of 5 depth charges aft of us, none were close. Sound was picking up engine sounds at high revolutions with no screw sounds to the south. Continued submerged on southerly course toward sound contact we believed was the initial target. At 0620, sighted HAKUSIKA MARU off port bow with crew on deck manning deck gun on her bow. MARU was still afloat with a significant list to starboard, but dead in the water. c/c to 090 to close and deliver a coups de grace. 0702 Fired submerged spread of 2, 1800 yds 0704 Sound heard dud torpedo impact. 0704 Heard heavy explosion, witnessed with scope. MARU quickly subsided, sinking by her stern. 0712 Surfaced and c/c to 310 at 9 kts. Probably one of the more memorable attacks Ive made in a while. Im still apprehensive of getting too close with my pants down, but Im getting more and more used to the surface night attacks.

10-11-21, 04:35 AM	#3
Bubblehead1980 Navy Seal Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Florida USA Posts: 7,134 Downloads: 606 Uploads: 44	USS Seal Sixth War Patrol - Wednesday 4 November 1942 TMO 2.5 Update 100 difficult . Cams and contacts off. USS Seal SS-183 Sixth War Patrol Wednesday 4 November 1942 Ten days since departing Fremantle, Australia and five since stop at Darwin for fuel. 0700 hours Position: 5-38 N 131 59 E 161 NM SSE of Angaur, Palau Islands in assigned patrol area. Submerged at 0650 to avoid SD contact at 8 NM closing fast. Set course for patrolling the North, South and East, West approaches to Southern entrance of Palau anchorage. Previous afternoon of 3 November, Seal made an SJ radar contact, which was spotted soon after and revealed to be a large merchant vessel. Tracked vessel and made submerged attack with stern tubes (TORPEDO ATTACK NO.1) but suffered two deep runners and two premature detonations. Once the target, an AK of the KOBAYASHI MARU class, was at 8 NM (SJ range) , surfaced for end around. The zigs and speed changes led to a chase which persisted after nightfall. However, a submerged follow up attack was made at 2027 scoring two torpedo hits and ultimately sinking. the 9980 ton vessel. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- USS Seal SS-183 War Patrol Six Torpedo Attack No. 1 Date: 3 November 1942 Time: 1330 Location:4-3 N 131-18E 305 NM SSE of Palau Islands. Description Lone AK detected on SJ radar en route to patrol area. Ships Sunk NAME/CLASS TYPE TONS DATE TIME LOCATION None Ships Damaged NAME/CLASS TYPE TONS DATE TIME LOCATION None Ships Probably Sunk NAME/CLASS TYPE TONS DATE TIME LOCATION None Torpedo Attack No. 1 Target No.1 Data (at firing) Target No. 1 Name/Class KOBAYASHI MARU Type AK Tons 9980 Range 1100 yards AOB 89° P Bearing 189° True Bearing 11° Course 270° Speed 8 knots Zig? No Remark AK has large guns, estimated to be four or five inch mouted forward, aft, and one each side, similar to an auxiliary cruiser. Torpedo Attack No. 1 Torpedo Data (at firing) Tube#5 Type MK 14 Serial No.47371 Gyro 358 L Track 81 P Course 181° Depth 3 ft Speed High Detonator MK 6 Serial No.5000 Method Single bearing TDC Firing Interval 5 seconds Spread 0° Detonator Contact [] Magnetic[X] Actual Actuation Contact [] Magnetic[] POA MOT Hit Yes[] No[X] POI --- Erratic Yes[] No[X] Remark Prematurely detonated. Tube#6 Type MK 14 Serial No.47992 Gyro 358 L Track 81° P Course 181° Depth 3 ft Speed High Detonator MK 6 Serial No.5003 Method Single bearing TDC with spread. Firing Interval 5 seconds Spread 2° Detonator Actuation Contact [] Magnetic[X] Actual Actuation Contact [] Magnetic[] POA MOT Hit Yes[] No[X] POI --- Erratic Yes[] No[X] Remark Prematurely detonated Tube#7 Type MK 14 Serial No.41373 Gyro 358 L Track 81° P Course 181° Depth 3 ft Speed High Detonator MK 6 Serial No.5000 Method Single bearing TDC with spread Firing Interval Spread 2° starboard Detonator Actuation Contact [] Magnetic[X] Actual Actuation Contact [] Magnetic[] POA MOT Hit Yes[] No[X] POI MOT Erratic Yes[X] No[] Remark Torpedo ran deeper than set. Wake observed passing below target. Torpedo detonated itself off starboard side of target. Tube#8 Type MK 14 Serial No.43934 Gyro 100° L Track 78° P Course 183° Depth 3 ft Speed High Detonator MK 6 Serial No.5009 Firing Interval 0 Spread 0° Detonator Actuation Contact [] Magnetic[X] Actual Actuation Contact [] Magnetic[] POA MOT Hit Yes[] No[X] POI --- Erratic Yes[X] No[] Remark Torpedo wake observed passing below target. Torpedo ran deeper than set. Torpedo exploded shortly after passing below target, on opposite side. Own Ship Data (at firing) Depth 54 ft Course 180° Speed 2 knots AOB 89° P -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- USS Seal SS-183 War Patrol Six Torpedo Attack No. 2 Date: 3 November 1942 Time:2027 Location: 4-04 N 130-40 E 330 NM SSE of Palau Islands. Description Follow up to Torpedo Attack No. 1 after end around. Night time periscope attack, using SJ at radar depth (40 ft) for tracking. Ships Sunk NAME/CLASS TYPE TONS DATE TIME LOCATION KOBAYASHI MARU AK 9980 3 September 1942 2035 4-04 N 130-40 E 330 NM SSE of Palau Islands Ships Damaged NAME/CLASS TYPE TONS DATE TIME LOCATION None Ships Probably Sunk NAME/CLASS TYPE TONS DATE TIME LOCATION None Torpedo Attack No.2 Target No.1 Data (at firing) Name/Class KOBAYASHI MARU Type AK Tons 9980 Range 900 yards AOB 84° S Bearing 356° True Bearing 182° Course 272° Speed 8 knots Zig? Yes (initially, ceased before firing ) Remark AK has large guns, estimated to be four or five inch mounted forward, aft, and one each side, similar to an auxiliary cruiser. Believe enemy vessel was carrying ammunition dye to large explosions and repeated, abnormally large explosions upon sinking. Multiple ammo crates and remains of crates seeing floating in water. One life boat spotted indicating very few crew survived the conflagration. Torpedo Attack No. 2 Torpedo Data (at firing) Tube#1 Type MK 14 Serial No.47398 Gyro 7°L Track 95° S Course 193° Depth 3 ft Speed High Detonator MK 6 Serial No.5201 Method Single bearing TDC Firing Interval 5 seconds Spread 0° Detonator Contact [] Magnetic[X] Actual Actuation Contact [] Magnetic[] POA MOT Hit Yes[] No[X] POI --- Erratic Yes[] No[X] Remark Torpedo prematurely detonated near target. Tube#2 Type MK 14 Serial No.45435 Gyro 7°L Track 95° S Course 193° Depth 3 ft Speed High Detonator MK 6 Serial No.5445 Method Single bearing TDC with spread Firing Interval 5 seconds Spread 2° starboard Detonator Contact [] Magnetic[X] Actual Actuation Contact [] Magnetic[] POA MOT Hit Yes[X] No[] POI Amidships, Forward Erratic Yes[] No[X] Remark Torpedo hit caused massive explosion with a large residual fire. Believe impacted boilers. Tube#3 Type MK 14 Serial No.47398 Gyro 7°L Track 95° S Course 193° Depth 3 ft Speed High Detonator MK 6 Serial No.5201 Method Single bearing TDC Firing Interval 5 seconds Spread 2° Port Detonator Contact [] Magnetic[X] Actual Actuation Contact [] Magnetic[] POA MOT Hit Yes[] No[] POI Aft of stack Erratic Yes[] No[X] Remark Second hit on target appeared to finish the job, as she quickly lost way with another large fire starting. Target began to settle in the water quickly. Own Ship Data (at firing) Depth 54 ft Course 185° Speed 1 knot AOB 84° S

10-11-21, 11:13 AM	#4
Revus Mate Join Date: Feb 2018 Posts: 55 Downloads: 223 Uploads: 0	Picking up from the previous attacks of 1 April 43. Already sent HAKUSIKA MARU & an unknown 4,000 ton MARU to the depths, and made another unsuccessful attack on a ZINBU and MOMOYAMA MARU while their OTORI escort attempted to catch us. Mod: TMO 2.5 Update BH Difficulty:100%, contacts on. Boat: USS SILVERSIDES SS-236 Date: 1 April 1943 0712: Surfaced and c/c to 310 at 9 kts. 0828: Lookouts sighted masts on the horizon off the port bow, seems to be broadside moving to the south. 0851: Dove for “SD” contact closing fast. While under, picked up two sound contacts seemingly moving northeast. At periscope depth, sighted two smoke plumes off our port beam and continued on 030 submerged, suspecting these are the remnants of the night’s convoy. 1039: Surfaced and changed speed to full to end-around, keeping the contacts on “SJ”. Contacts tracked at 4-5 kts. at a mean course of 030 with regular zigs. 1112: c/c to 310 to close. Sighted masts coming on shortly thereafter. Dove to periscope depth for submerged attack. 1221: In position for attack. Of the two contacts, the first is assuredly the ZINBU MARU from earlier, the trailing freighter looked similar to a MOMOYAMA MARU of 4,000 tons. The ZINBU looked to be toting a gun on her stern, the MOMOYAMA seemed unarmed, so decision was made to attack with torpedoes on the first and dash up for a surface deck gun attack on the second. 1228: Fired spread of 3 on ZINBU at 1,800 yds with a 355 gyro angle. 1229: Heavy explosion heard and seen on scope amidships. Two duds heard bounce off her hull shortly thereafter. ZINBU still coming on though with a slight list to starboard. 1229: Decided to hit her again at 1500 yds. Fired # 4 tube. 1230: Believe the torpedo missed forward, as the MARU slowed significantly after being hit. MOMOYAMA MARU overtook ZINBU on the right, bringing her to within 900 yds. of us. Decided to not engage with a torpedo as her speed has most likely increased and didn’t want to fire without sufficient data. However, as she passed, it was confirmed that she didn’t possess any defensive firepower, and we’d continue with our original plan. Continued on course submerged until on the ZINBU’s port beam to engage with guns. By this point, she was suffering from catastrophic list to starboard risking capsizing, but was still moving under her own power. 1253: Battle surfaced and engaged the ZINBU with 12 4” high explosive shells along her entire port side, sinking her at 1256. Immediately after ceasing fire on the ZINBU, increased speed to flank to run down the MOMOYAMA. 1302: Fired 25 4” shells into her port side from aft at 2000 yds. sinking her at 1305. Simultaneously, RADAR was picking up a fast moving pip on “SJ” closing on our position. Raced away at flank on course 345 to evade. 1309: Lookouts spotted the masts of the previous night’s DE at 6 miles away to 195t. Dove the boat to 220 feet to make use of the strong layer and continued on course at silent speed. DE searched for 4 hours as we listened on gear. She dropped 7-9 depth charges well aft of us by at least 5,000 yds if not more. Not once were we detected. 1922: Surfaced. End result: COB, ready the broom for affixing to the scope upon return to Brisbane; we've made a clean sweep of that convoy.

10-13-21, 03:44 PM	#6
Bubblehead1980 Navy Seal Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Florida USA Posts: 7,134 Downloads: 606 Uploads: 44	USS Skate SS-305 ---Why periodic dives and sound sweeps are important- TMO 2.5 Update with Patch (work in progress, not yet released) 100 difficulty, cams off contacts on. Sunday 3 October 1943 0730 Position 21-40 N 171-6 E 323 NM NE Wake Island. Currently en route for first ever official lifeguard assignment for air strikes by Task Force 14 (three CV, three CVL, two CA, three CL, 24 DD) on 5 and 6 October. 0735 Daily morning trim dive. 0737:24 Boat at depth of 90 feet. Sound check detected noise of torpedoes inbound bearing 055 degrees. Obviously we were approached and fired on by enemy submarine just as we submerged (why those trim dives and periodic sound sweeps are important ) and narrowly avoided disaster. 0738:03 Torpedoes missed, passed above SKATE. 0738:44 Sound detected submerged submarine bearing 102 , closing. Went to silent running and 300 feet, turned to course t 180 degrees. 0844 Lost sound contact with submarine. Resumed course 240 degrees , submerged. Maintained silent running. 1304 Sound has possible submarine contact bearing 120, distant. Will remain submerged until night fall, will make up time with high speed run upon surfacing. A close call on the first patrol for sure. This is only the second time have ever been fired on by a submerged sub in campaign (of course have the cam off) , but have had several make approaches. During my 14 patrols with the Drum from 1942-1945 as final test run of the TMO Update mod, was fired on with torpedoes twice (years apart in the same) by submerged submarines , and detected in some form or another, them three or four times. Some, impossible to say if were friendly (Those are roaming around as well) or enemy as no visual contact was made. Trim dives and sound sweeps are important. While can do a sweep on surface, your best sound detection is when submerged. This eve looming threat, while rare, does really add to the immersion and challenge. Last edited by Bubblehead1980; 10-13-21 at 03:52 PM.

10-13-21, 10:45 PM	#7
Bubblehead1980 Navy Seal Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Florida USA Posts: 7,134 Downloads: 606 Uploads: 44	USS Skate SS-305 Rescue at Wake Island Tuesday 5 October 1943 TMO 2.5 Update 100 difficulty, cams and contacts on. Tuesday 5 October 1943 0030 Arrived lifeguard station 19-10 N 166-32 E 10 NM WSW Wake Island. 0100 Cut engines and lying to with periodic sound and SJ sweeps. 0445 Submerged before dawn, closed island. 0708 Periscope Depth. Extended SD mast. Multiple SD contacts8 NM closing. Assumed to be inbound strike. 0709 5 NM off Wake, large AK visible inside the lagoon. 0710 Single engine aircraft (TBF Avenger) spotted bearing 215 degrees. 0711 Witnessed mid air collision between two F6F Hellcats astern . No survivors, searched area. 0712 Large amounts of AA fire visible from Wake AA guns and the anchored AK. 0716 AK burning and sinking in lagoon after numerous bomb hits from dive bombers. 0735 As first wave began to turn for home, witnessed TBF on fire. Surfaced and began closing bearing at flank speed. Plane continued on, no messages regarding ditching air crew. 1007 Second wave detected on SD radar 11 NM. 1012 Smoke marker for downed air crew. Closed at flank speed. AA guns manned, enemy fighters in area. 1018 RESCUE NO.1 Rescued downed F6F pilot Lt (jg) B.K. Jones, USN (Independence CVL -22) from water, in life preserver. 19-11 N 166-32 E 10 NM SSW of Wake Island. 1025 RESCUE NO.2 Rescued crew of TBF ,USS Essex CV 9, from life raft in water. 19-10 N 166-33 E 10 NM SSW of Wake Island. Crew Rescued: Ens. R.T. McBride,USNR. ACOM F.W. Stewart, USN. ARM2c I.E. Boilen, USN. 1026 Closed island for reports of downed TBF crew 1141 PC and single engine patrol craft (JAKE) from Wake hunting for SKATE in area occupied during morning strikes. 1143 SD contact at 7 NM closing. Submerged 1233 SD Antenna extended. Two SD contacts at 5 and 6 NM steady range. Assisting PC in search for SKATE. 1309 SD contacts, multiple. 12 NM closing. Third wave inbound. 1312 PC attacked by F6F's. Set afire. 1316 Report of downed pilot. Surfaced. Flank speed to reported position. 1323 No downed aircrew in reported location. No smoke marker visible, searching. 1324 While searching spotted small PC dead in water, bow up to pilot house submerged, damaged by air attack. Called General Quarters- Battle Surface Gun Action. 1326 Opened fired. 4800 yards 1329 Hit set off large explosion on target. Ceased fire.Target isinking. Crew in life raft. 1330 SD contact 6 NM closing fast. Dive! 1336 165 ft. Secured General Quarters. 1350 Periscope Depth. SD sweep. All clear. Target sunk, debris field visible. Small Aux Subchaser (100 tons, estimated) sunk 19-13 N 166-33 E. 1401 Went to 165 feet to avoid low flying single engine floatplane (JAKE) . Several explosions above, SKATE likely visible in calm clear seas. Went to test depth 412 feet to close range. Final strike of day should arrive around 1600, will attempt to surface.