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Bubblehead1980 · 02-11-22, 04:49 PM

WAR PATROL REPORT
USS NAUTILUS SS-168
WAR PATROL SEVEN
20 April-21 May 1943

PROLOGUE

Returned to Submarine Base Pearl Harbor, T.H. on 26 February 1943 from SIXTH War Patrol, 76 days since
departure in December 1942. All except for a brief two day stop in Brisbane, were spent at sea. Upon return, shore commenced commenced
while voyage repairs along with battle damage repairs were conducted. One twin 20 MM gun was installed forward, and one twin 20 MM gun
was installed after, replacing the .50 Caliber Machine gun mounts. Twenty four MK 14 torpedoes were loaded, along with provisions
and ammunition 17-19 April. Ready for sea 20 April.

NARRATIVE

April 20, 1943

Departed Submarine Base Pearl Harbor, T.H. for Dutch Harbor, Alaska at 0730 in accordance with Operational Order
No. 43-35, to conduct a special mission. Departed harbor on course 090, then turned to 345 for a transit off the eastern shore of Oahu.
SD Radar made a contact at 1218, range 14000 yards, steady. No visual contact was made. (Aircraft Contact No.1)
Conducted trim dive from 1230-1245, surfaced and continued on course 345 at 14.5 knots.

At 1437 spotted (Ship Contact No.1) surfaced submarin position 21-45N 158-25W, bearing 110, course 210 speed 18 knots, range 9000 yards. SJ did not contact this
vessel before lookouts. Submarine determined to be a Gato Class Fleet Boat on crouse 210 at high speed,
likely coming in from US mainland attemping to make harbor before dusk.

April 21-26 1943

En route Dutch Harbor, conducted normal underway routine, along with dive, torpedo fire control, gunnery, and
emergency drills. Weather remained calm overall, with seas growing choppy and a noticeable decrease in temperature
as NAUTILUS made her way Northward.

At 2108 on 26 April, SD contacted a aircraft (Aircraft Contact No.2) at 12000 yards, closing. As dusk settled,
visually spotted a PBY patrol plane bearing 272, course 355 altitude 1200. PBY made a flyover of NAUTILUS
exhcanged recognition signals, PBY continued on to Dutch Harbor. Position approximately 75 NM SSE of Dutch Harbor.

April 27, 1943

At 0100 slowed speed to 7 knots to ensure NAUTILUS did not arrive Dutch Harbor before dawn.
Lookouts spotted several ice flows and icebergs in area, but none within 5000 yards.

As dawn began to break at 0349, sighted PBY bearing 030 altitude 600 ft. PBY flew above, exchanged recognition signals
, PBY escorted NAUTILUS towards Dutch Harbor, remaining in our vicinity.

Docked Dutch Harbor, Alaska at 0550.

April 28-30, 1943

NAUTILUS assigned to support Operation LANDCRAB, the recapture of Attu Island by US forces.
NAUTILUS assigned to special mission in support of LANDCRAB, but transporting and landing
109 men of US 7th Infantry Division Provisional Scout Battalion and Native Alaskan Guardsmen at
SCARLET BEACH on Northern Attu in advance of forthcoming landings on 11 May.

Conducted voyage repairs, topped off fuel and provisions for forthcoming operation.
Conducted familiarization training with Army scouts in submarining and deployment of boats
via submarine . Ready for sea 1 May.

1 May

Departed Dutch Harbor for Special Mission at 0530 hours. Conducted trim dives
at 0900 and 1621. Set course for Adak Island to top off fuel prior to conducting
operations.

2 May

En route to conduct special operation via Adak. Scouts permitted on deck on 3 May to conducted
boat drills. Uneventful.

3 May

Fighting heavy seas, which began shortly after 0100, entered harbor, docked at Adak Operating Base
from 0600-1400. Topped off fuel and provisions. Departed at 1430 on course to take well North of Kiska to avoid enemy aircraft
and patrols en route to Attu.

4-9 May

Bering Sea certainly lived up to her reputation, as Arctic gales began after 0900 on 4 May,
ending relatively enjoyable weather had experienced since departing Dutch Harbor.

10 May

Submerged off Holtz Bay, Attu Island at 0330 for reconnoiter of the area, including SCARLET Beach,
where the Scouts are to be landed on 11 May.

At 0700 and 1800 a Fubuki Class DD came into view, patrolling the area. Went to 300 ft and silent running to avoid
as not to reveal our presence prior to landings. Surfaced at 2200.

11 May

At 0100 deployed all men of US Army Scouts 3000 yards off SCARLET Beach. Departed area to West for
patrol in the Northern Kuril Islands and Sea of Okhotsk.

SJ contact was established at 1106, bearing 347 19845 yards. Spotted two ships with one escort, possible DD
at 1111. Likely enemy convoy not aware of the morning's landings on Attu. Proceeded to course
090 to get ahead of the vessels, sent contact report. Lost SJ contact at 1151, but regained contact at 1204 at 20200 yards.
Convoy on course 090 9 knots.

TORPEDO ATTACK NO.1

Submerged for attack at 1227, went to a depth of 250 feet for high speed run to close the range of five
nautical miles to get to ideal firing point. Called GENERAL QUARTERS-TORPEDO at 1234. Sound made contact
with enemy ships at 1244, closing. Slowed to 3 knots and went to periscope depth at 1253.Two large
AK followed a PB type, believed to be PB No. 4x , similar to old Wakatake Class DD's converted to escort/patrol vessels. Observation at 1308 confirmed course 090 8.5 knots. A second, smaller
escort was spotted astern, trailing the vessel. This could possible indicate the important of the two
transports. Tubes 1,2,3,4 made ready to fire at 1317.

Observation at 1331 selected large AK in rear of column identified as ARISAN MARU for attack. Fired tubes 1,2,3,4 at 1334. Torpedo No.1 prematurely detonated just yards from target. Torpedo No.2
hit side of target, but failed to detonate (DUD), impact audible on sound. Torpedo No.3 run below target and exploded
fifty yards off opposite side. Torpedo four impacted target amidships, large explosion, believe
blew boilers/engines out as target engine noises ceased.

Rear escort, identified as a MS, began to close NAUTILUS's location at high speed. Ordered 250 feet,
rigged for silent running and depth charge, while commencing turn into her to narrow profile to beam.
Passed thermal layer at 85 feet. Pinging began at 1341, escort above, high speed props.
DC explosions at 1343, astern of NAUTILUS, not close.

Pinging from second escort, now on scene, began at 1346, with escort soon roaring above, with audible splashes.
Boat shaken. Series of close depth charge explosions at 1352 shook the boat, caused minor damage in various compartments.
Another series of very close charges exploded at 1356, but no serious damage was reported.

Several more depth charge runs were close, with enemy apparently maintained strong contact, even with NAUTILUS
at depth of 365 feet. NAUTILUS was shaken severely again at 1435 due to numerous close depth charges, but suffered no damage,
as it is believed depth charges are set too shallow, as has so often proven case.
NAUTILUS at depth of 388 feet, with explosions likely taking place at 350-360 feet.
Enemy suddenly and unexpectedly began departing area at high speed, perhaps to rejoin the freighters at 1450.
Last depth charge explosion was at 1447. However, sound maintained contact with one enemy warship, searching the area for some time.
Lost sound contact with enemy at 1545. Secured GQ, maintained silent running.

TORPEDO ATTACK NO.1A

After several hours of silence from enemy, believing they left area, came to periscope scope at 1815. Spotted
the AK ARISAN MARU bearing 018 7 nautical miles, dead in the water, slightly down by the stern, and likely abandoned. Began approach, cautiously searching for
undetected escort vessel. At 2034, began rising from 90 ft, called GENERAL QUARTERS-TORPEDO to administer the coup de grace to
ARISAN MARU.

At periscope and SJ radar depth, only one contact detected, apparently the stricken transport was
left behind as the convoy, still seemingly unaware of the landings earlier in day, continued on course towards
Attu. Returned to 90 ft and set course to attack from port side as in previous attack, reloaded bow tubes.

Returned to periscope depth at 2132 and fired Tubes 1,2 from 1000 yards. At 2133:10 firs torpedo impacted, but was a dud. Second torpedo prematurely exploded.
Third torpedo hit at 2133 and was a dud, as was fourth torpedo. Turned to bring stern tubes to bear.

TORPEDO ATTACK NO.1B

Fired tubes 5,6 from 1050 yards at 2147. At 2148 enemy gunners opened fire at periscope, possibly spotted it or torpedo wakes in the glow of the sunset on the icy waters.
First torpedo prematurely detonated at 2147, second for unknown reason missed astern by wide margin, possible gyro failure.

TORPEDO ATTACK NO.1C

Ordered full turn to port to bring bow tubes to bear, firing tubes 1 and 2 at 2157. Enemy gunners again opened up in direction of
NAUTILUS's periscope. Torpedo 1 impacted, but was a dud. Torpedo hit, causing large fire amidships. Fired tube
No. 3 at 2159. Torpedo hit, but was a dud. Fired tube No 4, torpedo prematurely detonated.

Torpedo Attack No.1D

Brought stern tubes to bear once again and fired tubes 5,,6 at 2235. At 2236, first torpedo hit, but was ANOTHER dud. Second torpedo
impacted and detonated, causing a large fire which quickly spread. ARISAN MARU quickly began to settle in the water.
ARISAN MARU 7827 tons sunk at 2241, position 53-08 N 172-01E. No survivors observed.

Quickly surfaced, secured GQ and with just four torpedoes remaining (after SIXTEEN fired) , set course at flank speed on
course 090 in attempt to locate remaining ships. Considered that likely by dusk they received word about
invasion and diverted course, will compensate course to see if can intercept them heading back West.

May 12, 1942

On surface, 75 NM SW of Attu patrolling probable 'escape' route of convoy if diverted.
SJ made contact at 0818 at 5-20N 171-40 E bearing 039 19000 yards. Increased speed to flank and began closing.

Multiple plumes of smoke spotted, do not believe this is same convoy contacted previous day, unless joined with other ships
heading West away from Aleutians given invasion of Attu.

Attempting to pull ahead and get maximum battery charge prior to attack. This is proven difficult as
batteries have been slow to recharge, possibly damaged in previous day's depth charge attack

Batteries stopped charging at 85 percent capacity, confirming damage. However, charge is sufficient for attack
and evasion. Convoy is now on NNW course 280 at 9 knots. Disengaged battery charged, ordered ahead flank to pull ahead for attack.

TORPEDO ATTACK NO.2

GENERAL QUARTERS-TORPEDO was called at 1030 and submerged for attack at 1037.Went to 250 ft at flank speed
to close the range for firing.

Upon visual observation from 3000 yards at 1111, convoy does not appear to be same one contacted
on 11 May. Convoy is four AK and one DD believed to be of the Akatsuki Class. At 1117, DD appeared to be closing but
was on normal sweep, returned to position. NAUTILUS, after holding her collective breath for several minutes, breathed a sigh of relief
the DD did not detect her. Continued to close in for attack .

Fired tubes 3,4, at 1127 at large AK in port column. All bow torpedoes expended. during torpedo run.
Torpedo one prematurely detonated at 1128:55, second torpedo hit, detonated at 1129:02. Torpedo hit amidships and
caused a large explosion, vessel slowed. NAUTILUS rigged for depth charge and silent running, went to 300 ft as DD turned about and was heading directly for periscope.

Depth charge explosions astern estimated 2000 yards. Pinging soon began at 1137, DD closing in fast. Several depth charge explosions above, not close at 1139. Several close depth charges at 1201 and 1210 caused minor damaged,
but the rest were not close and the DD appeared to never have strong contact with NAUTILUS, possibly due to
thermal layers detected, in addition to the sea condition (as later observed) grew choppy since dive.
However, DD remained in area pinging, dropping charge, stopping to listen and repeat cycle.

Finally, sound contact was lost at 1520. Secured GQ, maintained silent running. At periscope depth at 1955, all clear on visual and SJ sweep.
Surfaced at 2000. Set course to pursue last track of convoy to regain contact.

SJ contact bearing 353 20055 yards at 2040. At 2108 spotted damaged AK dead in water, apparently another
left behind. Due to thick fog and diminishing daylight , did not visually spot AK until 9000 yards away. Ordered immediate dive
for approach. Leveled off at 75 feet and 4 knots. Called GENERAL QUARTERS-TORPEDO at 2114.

TORPEDO ATTACK NO.2A

Observed transport at 2133 dead in water, well settled with decks partly awash.
Approached to turn for stern shot, as all bow torpedoes expended in previous attack.

Fired tubes 5,6, at 2222 from 1000 yards. All torpedoes expended.
Torpedo one ran below target, observed wake pass under. Second torpedo prematurely detonated 15-20 yards away.

With all torpedoes expended, opened range and stood by for BATTLE SURFACE-GUN ACTION.
Blew tanks for rapid surface at 2335, commenced firing at 2337 from 5000 yards with broadside of
6" 53 caliber guns. Twenty one rounds were fired from each gun for twenty two hits. The large
AK SHOHEI MARU 9980 tons sunk at 2357 52-20N 169-50E.

Status report was sent to COMSBUPAC, with option to return to port.
All torpedoes expended and damaged batteries now not recharging beyond 77 percent, turned for Pearl Harbor,
after a brief, but busy patrol.

May 13-20 1943

En route Pearl Harbor. Rough seas and storms 14-16 May, otherwise uneventful transit.

May 21, 1943

Arrived Submarine Base Pearl Harbor, T.H., docked at 1130 and terminated war patrol.

SHIPS SUNK

AK SHOEHEI MARU
9980 tons

AK ARISAN MARU
7827 tons

REMARKS

Of twenty torpedoes fired, just three managed to function properly. Premature explosions and duds continue to be a problem. Depth control failures persist, however are usually negated when able to set torpedo to minimum depth.

Forward and Aft Batteries damaged in depth charge attack, unable to repair at sea.

Orders to Mare Island for overhaul and refit prior to next war patrol.

W.H. Brockman Jr.

Screenshots

Storms in Bering Sea en route to Special Mission at Attu

Damaged by torpedo

Debris from SHOHEI MARU after sinking.

Dutch Harbor

Dutch Harbor at dawn

Dutch Harbor

Sun on deck

Iceberg. Some oflarge ones reach high enough the SD air search radar will detect them...fun fact.

PBY arriving to escort NAUTILUS into Dutch Harbor at dawn

Old S Boat in port at Dutch Harbor

Difficult to see, but US Army Scouts boarding rafts on 11 May 0100, 5 hours before main forces land on Attu (Operation Landcrab)

Still one of my favorite mods. Visually tracking convoy at ten miles by the smoke plumes. In the Aleutians fog, can still see smoke if pay attention. SJ radar off, only periodic sweeps.

02-11-22, 04:49 PM	#5222
Bubblehead1980 Navy Seal Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Florida USA Posts: 6,922 Downloads: 550 Uploads: 42	USS NAUTILUS WAR PATROL SEVEN - OPERATION LANDCRAB AND TORPEDO MALFUNCTIONS GALORE WAR PATROL REPORT USS NAUTILUS SS-168 WAR PATROL SEVEN 20 April-21 May 1943 PROLOGUE Returned to Submarine Base Pearl Harbor, T.H. on 26 February 1943 from SIXTH War Patrol, 76 days since departure in December 1942. All except for a brief two day stop in Brisbane, were spent at sea. Upon return, shore commenced commenced while voyage repairs along with battle damage repairs were conducted. One twin 20 MM gun was installed forward, and one twin 20 MM gun was installed after, replacing the .50 Caliber Machine gun mounts. Twenty four MK 14 torpedoes were loaded, along with provisions and ammunition 17-19 April. Ready for sea 20 April. NARRATIVE April 20, 1943 Departed Submarine Base Pearl Harbor, T.H. for Dutch Harbor, Alaska at 0730 in accordance with Operational Order No. 43-35, to conduct a special mission. Departed harbor on course 090, then turned to 345 for a transit off the eastern shore of Oahu. SD Radar made a contact at 1218, range 14000 yards, steady. No visual contact was made. (Aircraft Contact No.1) Conducted trim dive from 1230-1245, surfaced and continued on course 345 at 14.5 knots. At 1437 spotted (Ship Contact No.1) surfaced submarin position 21-45N 158-25W, bearing 110, course 210 speed 18 knots, range 9000 yards. SJ did not contact this vessel before lookouts. Submarine determined to be a Gato Class Fleet Boat on crouse 210 at high speed, likely coming in from US mainland attemping to make harbor before dusk. April 21-26 1943 En route Dutch Harbor, conducted normal underway routine, along with dive, torpedo fire control, gunnery, and emergency drills. Weather remained calm overall, with seas growing choppy and a noticeable decrease in temperature as NAUTILUS made her way Northward. At 2108 on 26 April, SD contacted a aircraft (Aircraft Contact No.2) at 12000 yards, closing. As dusk settled, visually spotted a PBY patrol plane bearing 272, course 355 altitude 1200. PBY made a flyover of NAUTILUS exhcanged recognition signals, PBY continued on to Dutch Harbor. Position approximately 75 NM SSE of Dutch Harbor. April 27, 1943 At 0100 slowed speed to 7 knots to ensure NAUTILUS did not arrive Dutch Harbor before dawn. Lookouts spotted several ice flows and icebergs in area, but none within 5000 yards. As dawn began to break at 0349, sighted PBY bearing 030 altitude 600 ft. PBY flew above, exchanged recognition signals , PBY escorted NAUTILUS towards Dutch Harbor, remaining in our vicinity. Docked Dutch Harbor, Alaska at 0550. April 28-30, 1943 NAUTILUS assigned to support Operation LANDCRAB, the recapture of Attu Island by US forces. NAUTILUS assigned to special mission in support of LANDCRAB, but transporting and landing 109 men of US 7th Infantry Division Provisional Scout Battalion and Native Alaskan Guardsmen at SCARLET BEACH on Northern Attu in advance of forthcoming landings on 11 May. Conducted voyage repairs, topped off fuel and provisions for forthcoming operation. Conducted familiarization training with Army scouts in submarining and deployment of boats via submarine . Ready for sea 1 May. 1 May Departed Dutch Harbor for Special Mission at 0530 hours. Conducted trim dives at 0900 and 1621. Set course for Adak Island to top off fuel prior to conducting operations. 2 May En route to conduct special operation via Adak. Scouts permitted on deck on 3 May to conducted boat drills. Uneventful. 3 May Fighting heavy seas, which began shortly after 0100, entered harbor, docked at Adak Operating Base from 0600-1400. Topped off fuel and provisions. Departed at 1430 on course to take well North of Kiska to avoid enemy aircraft and patrols en route to Attu. 4-9 May Bering Sea certainly lived up to her reputation, as Arctic gales began after 0900 on 4 May, ending relatively enjoyable weather had experienced since departing Dutch Harbor. 10 May Submerged off Holtz Bay, Attu Island at 0330 for reconnoiter of the area, including SCARLET Beach, where the Scouts are to be landed on 11 May. At 0700 and 1800 a Fubuki Class DD came into view, patrolling the area. Went to 300 ft and silent running to avoid as not to reveal our presence prior to landings. Surfaced at 2200. 11 May At 0100 deployed all men of US Army Scouts 3000 yards off SCARLET Beach. Departed area to West for patrol in the Northern Kuril Islands and Sea of Okhotsk. SJ contact was established at 1106, bearing 347 19845 yards. Spotted two ships with one escort, possible DD at 1111. Likely enemy convoy not aware of the morning's landings on Attu. Proceeded to course 090 to get ahead of the vessels, sent contact report. Lost SJ contact at 1151, but regained contact at 1204 at 20200 yards. Convoy on course 090 9 knots. TORPEDO ATTACK NO.1 Submerged for attack at 1227, went to a depth of 250 feet for high speed run to close the range of five nautical miles to get to ideal firing point. Called GENERAL QUARTERS-TORPEDO at 1234. Sound made contact with enemy ships at 1244, closing. Slowed to 3 knots and went to periscope depth at 1253.Two large AK followed a PB type, believed to be PB No. 4x , similar to old Wakatake Class DD's converted to escort/patrol vessels. Observation at 1308 confirmed course 090 8.5 knots. A second, smaller escort was spotted astern, trailing the vessel. This could possible indicate the important of the two transports. Tubes 1,2,3,4 made ready to fire at 1317. Observation at 1331 selected large AK in rear of column identified as ARISAN MARU for attack. Fired tubes 1,2,3,4 at 1334. Torpedo No.1 prematurely detonated just yards from target. Torpedo No.2 hit side of target, but failed to detonate (DUD), impact audible on sound. Torpedo No.3 run below target and exploded fifty yards off opposite side. Torpedo four impacted target amidships, large explosion, believe blew boilers/engines out as target engine noises ceased. Rear escort, identified as a MS, began to close NAUTILUS's location at high speed. Ordered 250 feet, rigged for silent running and depth charge, while commencing turn into her to narrow profile to beam. Passed thermal layer at 85 feet. Pinging began at 1341, escort above, high speed props. DC explosions at 1343, astern of NAUTILUS, not close. Pinging from second escort, now on scene, began at 1346, with escort soon roaring above, with audible splashes. Boat shaken. Series of close depth charge explosions at 1352 shook the boat, caused minor damage in various compartments. Another series of very close charges exploded at 1356, but no serious damage was reported. Several more depth charge runs were close, with enemy apparently maintained strong contact, even with NAUTILUS at depth of 365 feet. NAUTILUS was shaken severely again at 1435 due to numerous close depth charges, but suffered no damage, as it is believed depth charges are set too shallow, as has so often proven case. NAUTILUS at depth of 388 feet, with explosions likely taking place at 350-360 feet. Enemy suddenly and unexpectedly began departing area at high speed, perhaps to rejoin the freighters at 1450. Last depth charge explosion was at 1447. However, sound maintained contact with one enemy warship, searching the area for some time. Lost sound contact with enemy at 1545. Secured GQ, maintained silent running. TORPEDO ATTACK NO.1A After several hours of silence from enemy, believing they left area, came to periscope scope at 1815. Spotted the AK ARISAN MARU bearing 018 7 nautical miles, dead in the water, slightly down by the stern, and likely abandoned. Began approach, cautiously searching for undetected escort vessel. At 2034, began rising from 90 ft, called GENERAL QUARTERS-TORPEDO to administer the coup de grace to ARISAN MARU. At periscope and SJ radar depth, only one contact detected, apparently the stricken transport was left behind as the convoy, still seemingly unaware of the landings earlier in day, continued on course towards Attu. Returned to 90 ft and set course to attack from port side as in previous attack, reloaded bow tubes. Returned to periscope depth at 2132 and fired Tubes 1,2 from 1000 yards. At 2133:10 firs torpedo impacted, but was a dud. Second torpedo prematurely exploded. Third torpedo hit at 2133 and was a dud, as was fourth torpedo. Turned to bring stern tubes to bear. TORPEDO ATTACK NO.1B Fired tubes 5,6 from 1050 yards at 2147. At 2148 enemy gunners opened fire at periscope, possibly spotted it or torpedo wakes in the glow of the sunset on the icy waters. First torpedo prematurely detonated at 2147, second for unknown reason missed astern by wide margin, possible gyro failure. TORPEDO ATTACK NO.1C Ordered full turn to port to bring bow tubes to bear, firing tubes 1 and 2 at 2157. Enemy gunners again opened up in direction of NAUTILUS's periscope. Torpedo 1 impacted, but was a dud. Torpedo hit, causing large fire amidships. Fired tube No. 3 at 2159. Torpedo hit, but was a dud. Fired tube No 4, torpedo prematurely detonated. Torpedo Attack No.1D Brought stern tubes to bear once again and fired tubes 5,,6 at 2235. At 2236, first torpedo hit, but was ANOTHER dud. Second torpedo impacted and detonated, causing a large fire which quickly spread. ARISAN MARU quickly began to settle in the water. ARISAN MARU 7827 tons sunk at 2241, position 53-08 N 172-01E. No survivors observed. Quickly surfaced, secured GQ and with just four torpedoes remaining (after SIXTEEN fired) , set course at flank speed on course 090 in attempt to locate remaining ships. Considered that likely by dusk they received word about invasion and diverted course, will compensate course to see if can intercept them heading back West. May 12, 1942 On surface, 75 NM SW of Attu patrolling probable 'escape' route of convoy if diverted. SJ made contact at 0818 at 5-20N 171-40 E bearing 039 19000 yards. Increased speed to flank and began closing. Multiple plumes of smoke spotted, do not believe this is same convoy contacted previous day, unless joined with other ships heading West away from Aleutians given invasion of Attu. Attempting to pull ahead and get maximum battery charge prior to attack. This is proven difficult as batteries have been slow to recharge, possibly damaged in previous day's depth charge attack Batteries stopped charging at 85 percent capacity, confirming damage. However, charge is sufficient for attack and evasion. Convoy is now on NNW course 280 at 9 knots. Disengaged battery charged, ordered ahead flank to pull ahead for attack. TORPEDO ATTACK NO.2 GENERAL QUARTERS-TORPEDO was called at 1030 and submerged for attack at 1037.Went to 250 ft at flank speed to close the range for firing. Upon visual observation from 3000 yards at 1111, convoy does not appear to be same one contacted on 11 May. Convoy is four AK and one DD believed to be of the Akatsuki Class. At 1117, DD appeared to be closing but was on normal sweep, returned to position. NAUTILUS, after holding her collective breath for several minutes, breathed a sigh of relief the DD did not detect her. Continued to close in for attack . Fired tubes 3,4, at 1127 at large AK in port column. All bow torpedoes expended. during torpedo run. Torpedo one prematurely detonated at 1128:55, second torpedo hit, detonated at 1129:02. Torpedo hit amidships and caused a large explosion, vessel slowed. NAUTILUS rigged for depth charge and silent running, went to 300 ft as DD turned about and was heading directly for periscope. Depth charge explosions astern estimated 2000 yards. Pinging soon began at 1137, DD closing in fast. Several depth charge explosions above, not close at 1139. Several close depth charges at 1201 and 1210 caused minor damaged, but the rest were not close and the DD appeared to never have strong contact with NAUTILUS, possibly due to thermal layers detected, in addition to the sea condition (as later observed) grew choppy since dive. However, DD remained in area pinging, dropping charge, stopping to listen and repeat cycle. Finally, sound contact was lost at 1520. Secured GQ, maintained silent running. At periscope depth at 1955, all clear on visual and SJ sweep. Surfaced at 2000. Set course to pursue last track of convoy to regain contact. SJ contact bearing 353 20055 yards at 2040. At 2108 spotted damaged AK dead in water, apparently another left behind. Due to thick fog and diminishing daylight , did not visually spot AK until 9000 yards away. Ordered immediate dive for approach. Leveled off at 75 feet and 4 knots. Called GENERAL QUARTERS-TORPEDO at 2114. TORPEDO ATTACK NO.2A Observed transport at 2133 dead in water, well settled with decks partly awash. Approached to turn for stern shot, as all bow torpedoes expended in previous attack. Fired tubes 5,6, at 2222 from 1000 yards. All torpedoes expended. Torpedo one ran below target, observed wake pass under. Second torpedo prematurely detonated 15-20 yards away. With all torpedoes expended, opened range and stood by for BATTLE SURFACE-GUN ACTION. Blew tanks for rapid surface at 2335, commenced firing at 2337 from 5000 yards with broadside of 6" 53 caliber guns. Twenty one rounds were fired from each gun for twenty two hits. The large AK SHOHEI MARU 9980 tons sunk at 2357 52-20N 169-50E. Status report was sent to COMSBUPAC, with option to return to port. All torpedoes expended and damaged batteries now not recharging beyond 77 percent, turned for Pearl Harbor, after a brief, but busy patrol. May 13-20 1943 En route Pearl Harbor. Rough seas and storms 14-16 May, otherwise uneventful transit. May 21, 1943 Arrived Submarine Base Pearl Harbor, T.H., docked at 1130 and terminated war patrol. SHIPS SUNK AK SHOEHEI MARU 9980 tons AK ARISAN MARU 7827 tons REMARKS Of twenty torpedoes fired, just three managed to function properly. Premature explosions and duds continue to be a problem. Depth control failures persist, however are usually negated when able to set torpedo to minimum depth. Forward and Aft Batteries damaged in depth charge attack, unable to repair at sea. Orders to Mare Island for overhaul and refit prior to next war patrol. W.H. Brockman Jr. Screenshots Storms in Bering Sea en route to Special Mission at Attu Damaged by torpedo Debris from SHOHEI MARU after sinking. Dutch Harbor Dutch Harbor at dawn Dutch Harbor Dutch Harbor Sun on deck Iceberg. Some oflarge ones reach high enough the SD air search radar will detect them...fun fact. PBY arriving to escort NAUTILUS into Dutch Harbor at dawn Old S Boat in port at Dutch Harbor Difficult to see, but US Army Scouts boarding rafts on 11 May 0100, 5 hours before main forces land on Attu (Operation Landcrab) Still one of my favorite mods. Visually tracking convoy at ten miles by the smoke plumes. In the Aleutians fog, can still see smoke if pay attention. SJ radar off, only periodic sweeps. Last edited by Bubblehead1980; 02-11-22 at 05:18 PM.