Tell us about your current patrol

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.

Bubblehead1980 · 10-14-21, 12:51 PM

TMO 2.5
100 difficulty Cams off contacts on.

Sunday 17 October 1943

Arrived in patrol area East of Truk Atoll.

1952 SJ contacts at bearing 334-345 degrees 9 NM.7-41 N 152-57 E 63 NM East of Truk Atoll. Set course to intercept.

1955 Many tall pips on scope. General Quarters-Torpedo.

1956 Silhouette and pagoda masts of BB visible bearing 005 range 10 NM.

1958 Task Force is composed of three or four BB, two CV, four or more CA and CL plus at least ten DD. Contact report sent to COMSUBPAC. Task Force sighted at 63 NM East of Truk Atoll. Estimated course 070 degrees. Estimated speed 20 knots.

2000 Submerged for attack

2014 SKATE worked inside forward screen at depth of 300 feet for attack on center columns with BB and CV. As, began ascending to periscope depth, at passed 250 feet, pinging began , enemy DD detected SKATE and began closing fast. Ordered 450 feet, Rigged for Depth Charge and Silent Running.

2016:21 DD passing above, splashes heard.

2016:44 DC explosions not close.

2019 One close DD caused minor damage in after torpedo room. (See Damage section)

2025 Depth. 505 ft. Multiple vessels hunting SKATE.

2030 Skate at depth of 570 feet. DD's appear to have lost contact. Many explosions in distance. Sound has most contacts moving away high speed, two remain nearby, presume DD's mean to to cover the task forces escape.

2101 DD began high speed run towards SKATE. SKATE at 570 feet, went ahead flank for 35 seconds.

2102 DC explosions, not close.

2301 DD's have lost SKATE but remain in area.

One word sums up this action: Disappointment.

Bubblehead1980 · 10-18-21, 12:58 PM

TMO 2.5 Update w forthcoming patch (patch in testing)
100 difficulty, external cam and map contacts off.

Friday March 3, 1944

0422 SJ contacts two pips bearing 018 13 NM. Closing for intercept.

0425 APR-1 detected radar emissions from SJ contact bearing.

0437 General Quarters-Torpedo

0447 DD spotted leading a CA.

0446 Contact report sent to COMSUBPAC. One CA, one DD spotted at 29-52 N 125-28 E , 270 NM ESE of Shanghai, China, in East China Sea. Estimated course 077 degrees, Estimated speed 19 knots.
Attacking.

0450 Received reply to contact report from COMSUBPAC. X ATTACK AT ONCE X

0453 Eenmy DD closing high speed, CA zigging. Believe SKATE detected on radar. Turned away enemy vessel pursuing.

0500 fired tube 7 MK 18-2 torpedo. "Down the throat" shot.

0502 Torpedo impact!

0503 Amazingly, the DD did not slow. Possible dud?
0513 DD(indeitfied as likely Kamikaze Class) at 2200 yards, spotlights activated, appeared ready to open fire. Skate submerged. Enemy fired several rounds from forward guns. Skate Fired another down throat shot from stern tube 8, missed.

0514 Rigged for silent running and depth charge. Enemy pinging

0516 DD passed overhead . DC explosions.

Thermal layer 210 feet.

0517 Impacted bottom at 232 feet. Fathomer indicated had more depth. Minor damage reported (See damage section)

0521 Pinging.

0522 Boat depth 222 ft. DC explosions, boat shaken. Damage reported.

0529 DD above. DC explosions.

0542 DD above. DC explosions.

0616 Lost contact with DD. Last DC was 0550. Believe is waiting out SKATE.

0625 Sound of DD departing at high speed audible through hull.

0637 Periscope/Radar depth. Single pip 6 NM away, believe DD. Secured Silent running an surfaced to catch up with CA.

0638 Sound not properly functioning, believe sound heads were damaged when boat scraped bottom. (part of new damage model)

0700 Secured General Quarters for end around.

0915 SJ contact 039 14 NM. Believe this contact is the CA. Closing contact. at high speed.

The pursuit continues....

(Note: As noted in the README the damage model for subs was revised, to make equipment vulnerable. Sound heads are now vulnerable, I recall lowering hit points (which were set so hit made them practically invincible) but first time have had them damage to point noticeably not functioning properly, that I recall )

10-13-21, 03:44 PM	#4
Bubblehead1980 Navy Seal Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Florida USA Posts: 7,138 Downloads: 607 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.

10-11-21, 04:35 AM	#1
Bubblehead1980 Navy Seal Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Florida USA Posts: 7,138 Downloads: 607 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	#2
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, 10:45 PM	#5
Bubblehead1980 Navy Seal Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Florida USA Posts: 7,138 Downloads: 607 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.

10-14-21, 12:51 PM	#6
Bubblehead1980 Navy Seal Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Florida USA Posts: 7,138 Downloads: 607 Uploads: 44	Disappointment. Sunday 17 October 1943 TMO 2.5 100 difficulty Cams off contacts on. Sunday 17 October 1943 Arrived in patrol area East of Truk Atoll. 1952 SJ contacts at bearing 334-345 degrees 9 NM.7-41 N 152-57 E 63 NM East of Truk Atoll. Set course to intercept. 1955 Many tall pips on scope. General Quarters-Torpedo. 1956 Silhouette and pagoda masts of BB visible bearing 005 range 10 NM. 1958 Task Force is composed of three or four BB, two CV, four or more CA and CL plus at least ten DD. Contact report sent to COMSUBPAC. Task Force sighted at 63 NM East of Truk Atoll. Estimated course 070 degrees. Estimated speed 20 knots. 2000 Submerged for attack 2014 SKATE worked inside forward screen at depth of 300 feet for attack on center columns with BB and CV. As, began ascending to periscope depth, at passed 250 feet, pinging began , enemy DD detected SKATE and began closing fast. Ordered 450 feet, Rigged for Depth Charge and Silent Running. 2016:21 DD passing above, splashes heard. 2016:44 DC explosions not close. 2019 One close DD caused minor damage in after torpedo room. (See Damage section) 2025 Depth. 505 ft. Multiple vessels hunting SKATE. 2030 Skate at depth of 570 feet. DD's appear to have lost contact. Many explosions in distance. Sound has most contacts moving away high speed, two remain nearby, presume DD's mean to to cover the task forces escape. 2101 DD began high speed run towards SKATE. SKATE at 570 feet, went ahead flank for 35 seconds. 2102 DC explosions, not close. 2301 DD's have lost SKATE but remain in area. One word sums up this action: Disappointment.

10-18-21, 12:58 PM	#7
Bubblehead1980 Navy Seal Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Florida USA Posts: 7,138 Downloads: 607 Uploads: 44	Pursuing a Heavy Cruiser in East China Sea 3 March 1944 TMO 2.5 Update w forthcoming patch (patch in testing) 100 difficulty, external cam and map contacts off. Friday March 3, 1944 0422 SJ contacts two pips bearing 018 13 NM. Closing for intercept. 0425 APR-1 detected radar emissions from SJ contact bearing. 0437 General Quarters-Torpedo 0447 DD spotted leading a CA. 0446 Contact report sent to COMSUBPAC. One CA, one DD spotted at 29-52 N 125-28 E , 270 NM ESE of Shanghai, China, in East China Sea. Estimated course 077 degrees, Estimated speed 19 knots. Attacking. 0450 Received reply to contact report from COMSUBPAC. X ATTACK AT ONCE X 0453 Eenmy DD closing high speed, CA zigging. Believe SKATE detected on radar. Turned away enemy vessel pursuing. 0500 fired tube 7 MK 18-2 torpedo. "Down the throat" shot. 0502 Torpedo impact! 0503 Amazingly, the DD did not slow. Possible dud? 0513 DD(indeitfied as likely Kamikaze Class) at 2200 yards, spotlights activated, appeared ready to open fire. Skate submerged. Enemy fired several rounds from forward guns. Skate Fired another down throat shot from stern tube 8, missed. 0514 Rigged for silent running and depth charge. Enemy pinging 0516 DD passed overhead . DC explosions. Thermal layer 210 feet. 0517 Impacted bottom at 232 feet. Fathomer indicated had more depth. Minor damage reported (See damage section) 0521 Pinging. 0522 Boat depth 222 ft. DC explosions, boat shaken. Damage reported. 0529 DD above. DC explosions. 0542 DD above. DC explosions. 0616 Lost contact with DD. Last DC was 0550. Believe is waiting out SKATE. 0625 Sound of DD departing at high speed audible through hull. 0637 Periscope/Radar depth. Single pip 6 NM away, believe DD. Secured Silent running an surfaced to catch up with CA. 0638 Sound not properly functioning, believe sound heads were damaged when boat scraped bottom. (part of new damage model) 0700 Secured General Quarters for end around. 0915 SJ contact 039 14 NM. Believe this contact is the CA. Closing contact. at high speed. The pursuit continues.... (Note: As noted in the README the damage model for subs was revised, to make equipment vulnerable. Sound heads are now vulnerable, I recall lowering hit points (which were set so hit made them practically invincible) but first time have had them damage to point noticeably not functioning properly, that I recall )