[Bubblehead1980]

TMO 2.5 Update with patch (patch not yet released)
100 difficulty, contacts, cams off.

First patrol of USS Tang SS-306 (Balao) in TMO. Shadowing Tang's real first patrol, went to Wake Island for lifeguard duty for PBY strike(standing in by Coronado flying boats, which bombed Wake in Jan Feb 1944). then proceeded to Truk as Tang did, then on to Saipan and then ended patrol at Midway Island on Mar 3 1944, as Tang actually did. Some of the targets sunk were stand ins for those actually attacked by Tang such as convoy attacked on 17/18 Feb off Truk and 22 Feb off Saipan .


I wrote the this report in O Kane's style, with some modification, after reading all of Tang's reports, which was different than that of other reports have read.

Note, some ship names are different. To keep things fresh, using historical records I have renamed nearly all merchants in forthcoming patch of the TMO update. Also lowered tonnage as the average japanese merchant was not as large as in the first release.



A16-3 U.S.S. TANG (SS 306)
Serial 02 c/o Fleet Post Office
CONFIDENTIAL San Francisco, California

March 3, 1944

From: The Commanding Officer
To : The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet
Via : The Commander Submarine Division 141
The Commander Submarine Squadron 14
The Commander Submarine Force Pacific Fleet
The Commander in Chief U.S. Pacific Fleet

Subject: U.S.S. TANG (SS 306), Report of War Patrol #1.

Enclosure: (A) Subject Report.
(B) Track charts. (ComSubPac only)

1. Enclosure (A), covering the first war patrol of this vessel conducted
in areas north and west of TRUK, and north and west of SAIPAN, during the period
22 January, 1944 to 3 March, 1944, is forwarded herewith.



R.H. O'KANE




Confidential U.S.S Tang

(A) PROLOGUE


After completion of trials December 1, 1943, trained eighteen days in San Diego area,
Arrived Pearl January 8, 1944, and continued training through the 19th, having
fired forty-three exercise torpedoes and conducted night approaches on
approximately half the days underway. Boat provisioned and twenty four MK 14-3A torpedoes loaded. Ready for sea 22 January 1944.



(B) NARRATIVE

Jan 22-29

Left Pearl Harbor at noon on the 22nd and proceeded to WAKE ISLAND at one engine speed.


Jan 29-Feb 5

Arrived off Wake Island at 1400 hours on 29 January, submerged assumed lifeguard station ten nautical miles ESE, closing to six miles and surfacing after night fall. At 0015 hours on Jan 30 SD radar detected the Coronado flying boats which passed over TANG and observed explosions from bombs and Anti-Aircraft fire from Wake Island.
No bombers were damaged or shot down.

Over next few days patrolled area submerged by day, surfaced at night. At 0025 hours on 5 February a second strike by Coronado flying boats occurred and TANG was on lifeguard station again. Again explosions and AA fire were clearly visible in the night. No bombers damaged. Fires were observed burning from Wake throughout the night. TANG released from lifeguard station at 0500 and set cours for patrol area.

Feb 6-9

En route to patrol area North of Truk along the Japan-Truk sea lanes.No contacts except for SD radar at 1100 on Feb 8th and 1231 on Feb 9th. Submerged to avoid both aircraft.


Feb 10

Received a contact report from COMSUBPAC regarding convoy from Guam to Truk and moved TANG to patrol off Ulul Island as this was likely course convoy would take, between Mogami and Gray Feather banks.


Feb 11

Conducted surfaced search near a point seventy nautical miles NW of Ulul Island. Diving twice for patrol aircraft, indicating a possible clearing of the way for a forthcoming convoy.


Attack #1

At 1908 hours on the eleventh, SJ Radar established contact with a convoy bearing 284 degrees at a distance of 28355 yards. Convoy was tracked on a base course of 150 at eleven and half knots, directly for the 'slot' between Mogami and Gray Feather banks off Ulul Island, inbound to Truk. As viewed on the radar PPI screen, convoy was a composed of five large ships with five to six escorts, likely indicating importance. TANG went to General-Quarters-Torpedo and closed on the surface at high speed, submerging to 450 ft to continue high speed speed run to close the distance for firing.
Having successfully slipped through the escort screen, came to periscope depth at 2044 to find a tanker 2500 yards at bearing 040.A quick plot was initiated, and all bow tubes readied for firing. Tanker was identified as being of the 6046 ton HAKKO MARU class on course 150 at 11.5 knots.Torpedo depth was set to eight feet. At 2047, range 1900 AOB 89, fired tubes #1, #2, #3, #4 as individual shots at five second intervals, per TANG's firing doctrine . Points of aim were middle of target, middle of target, stern/stack/bow. At 2048:10 torpedo#1 hit the tanker as it attempted to take evasive action, having spotted the wakes of incoming torpedoes. The torpedo impact set off a massive chain reaction explosion of the tanker's fuel cargo. Torpedoes 2,3,4 all impacted of next fifteen seconds, leaving the tanker a flaming hulk, settling in the war.
Observed tanker sinking until a PC/SC type escort bearing 185 was observed at 1400 yards closing. TANG went deep, rigged for depth charge, and silent running. The craft passed above and dropped a string of depth charges as TANG passed 335 ft, all exploded well above. At 2052, sound reported breaking up noises from bearing of stricken tanker. HAKKO MARU 6046 tons sunk,9-22 N 148-49 E. Over next two hours with TANG at depth of 500 feet, enemy searched and dropped charges but never located TANG.
All clear after periscope and SJ sweep, surfaced at 2355 hours for end around and follow up attack.


Feb 12


Continued pursuit for end around of convoy and follow up attack. While hoped for a night surface attack, the clear conditions, calm seas, heavy escort screen and moonlight night did not permit such tactics.

Attack #2

Finally ahead of convoy, submerged for attack at 0630 hours. A SJ check showed convoy track shifted slightly towards TANG making a bow shot not possible with the flank escort nearby, so turned away to open range for stern shot. Went to 300 feet to avoid escort, which passed astern at estimated 700 yards.TANG came back to periscope depth and observed a sizeable AK. Stern tubes were made ready for firing and target tentatively identified at RYUSEI MARU 7797 tons on base course 155 11.5 knots. At 0705 fired stern tubes #7,8 (MK 14 3-A), range 2800 yards, AOB 91, torpedo depth ten feet. At 0707, both torpedoes' hit amidships of target, five seconds apart. A large fire was visible, appeared internal, with a large hole visible in the fading moonlight, extended from below waterline. Target took a list to starboard and slowed. Enemy escort vessels immediately began closing TANG's position. Tang rigged for depth charge and silent running and just before going deep, observed RYUSEI MARU 4797 tons sink, 8-14 N 149-28 E. As TANG passed 381 feet, a series of large depth charge explosions went off above, shaking the boat. TANG leveled off at 500 feet and began evasive movements. Multiple escorts hunted for TANG for next few hours, alternating attacks, gaining, losing, and regaining contact with TANG. Estimated 181 depth charges were dropped, a few close ones but TANG suffered no damage. At 1300 after some time elapsed since last contact, TANG secured General Quarters and remained at 500 ft until 1600. Attempted to surface to catch up with convoy but multiple aircraft and a surface patrol in the area forced TANG to submerged again until night fall, when TANG surfaced at 2230 and resumed patrol.



Feb 13-16

Resumed patrol North and East of Truk for traffic approaching eastern entrance to the atoll. No contacts were made aside from SD contacts, for which TANG submerged to avoid.

Submerged on morning of the sixteenth for patrol between Truk and Mogami-Gray Feather Banks.


Feb 17

After surfacing at 2200 hours on the evening of the sixteenth, proceeded to patrol on surface along the Truk-Gray Feather, Mogami Banks shipping lanes.


Attack #3

At 0245 on the seventeenth, SJ radar made contact on a convoy bearing 333 degrees at 24300 yards. TANG began closing immediately for night surface attack, called to General Quarters-Torpedo-Surface at 0259.
Convoy was in single column with three large vessels and four or five escorts. At 0334 APR-1 Radar Warning Receiver detected radar emissions from convoy, a escorting DD was equipped with surface search radar. Convoy course 077 at a speed of eight knots. TANG worked ahead and to port side of convoy and moved in when port escort went on a wide sweep, leaving a temporary opening in the screen.
At 0440 all bow tubes readied. Convoy has large AK forward trailed by large AK, which was selected as target. At 0454, with flank escort returning to position and closing TANG, fired Tube #1,#2, #3, #4, at AO identified as KENYO MARU-6486 tons. Range 3500 AOB 50 Torpedo depth 8 ft. All four torpedoes hit the AK's bow, as it slowed in an attempt to evade torpedoes, at 0458, causing large fire and leaving the bow of vessel a wreck and sinking. The lead AK spotted TANG on surface illuminating with spotlight and unleashing inaccurate gunfire as TANG raced across her stern, between her and bow of the stricken tanker to escape on other side of convoy, as a SC/PC type escort was astern pursuing TANG. As TANG was about to cross the AK's stern, noticed the masts and slender bow and heavy bow wake of a DE type vessel closing at high speed , crossing in front of the tanker. Turned TANG to port to minimize broadside and ordered a dive, under heavy fire TANG leveled off at periscope depth temporary and fired tube#5 in a 'snap shot' at the AK from astern 1800 yards AOB 125.Also, observed KENYO MARU slid below the waves. The DE closing in fast, pinging, TANG rigged for depth charge and silent running, large down angle at high speed.As TANG passed 250 feet, several depth charge explosions rocked the sub. Minor damage reported in after torpedo, engine room, and crew berthing. Minor damaged in conning tower. See Major Defects and Damage Section.
Enemy began pinging at 0506, but did not locate TANG at her depth. Depth charge explosions heard in distance.
KENYO MARU 6486 tons sunk at 8-15 N 149-55 E. At 0900, periscope and SJ sweep showed all clear. Secured Silent Running and General Quarters and surfaced. Upon surfacing, set course to assume station off Ulul Island for OPERATION HAILSTONE. TANG's assignment was to intercept shipping that may flee during or after the air strikes on Truk by our carriers. Multiple other submarines are operating in vicinity of Truk for this purpose as well as those specifically assigned to lifeguard duty for downed aircrews.



Attack #4

At 1424 SJ made contact with two pips bearing 024 27,049 yards. Rapid bearing changing indicating fast moving vessels. TANG turned toward contact and at 1426 the APR-1 Radar Warning Receiver began to buzz as radar emissions from coming from the contacts bearing. TANG submerged along the projected track and soon identified a Naka Class CL with an Etorofu Class Type A escort vessel on course 331 at seventeen knots. These ships likely fled Truk Lagoon due to air strikes and were heading right for TANG
Closed target and at 15:01 fired Tubes 3,4,5,6 at range of 1800 yards, AOB 80, torpedo depth 8 feet. Unknown to TANG, a PETE floatplane(spotted on observation to watch the torpedoes impact) , possibly from the CL, was closing above and alerted the enemy cruiser, which attempted evasive action. However, the movement was too late as torpedoes one and two slammed into the stern of the cruiser, which slowed, with a large fire (apparently internal) burning. Torpedo three hit just aft of the bow and torpedo four impacted under the first stack. The cruiser quickly lost way and settled in water, but a fire profusely burning at the stern. With the PETE overhead and the escort closing, TANG rigged for depth charge, silent running, and went deep. At 1504, as TANG passed 300 feet, there was a serious of massive explosions from the last bearing of the CL, followed by more at 1508 and sounds of a ships breaking up. Naka Class CL 5113 tons sunk at 8-45 N 149-22 E. At 1510, the pinging escort located TANG at 450 feet
began dropping the first of over 150 depth charges over next six hours.
TANG suffered serious damage during the attack (see Damage and Defects section) including flooding in conning tower, control room, and forward torpedo room after a close pattern at 1513, with TANG at a depth of 500 ft. Aft torpedo and engine rooms would also take on water after close charges at 1807.Finally, at 2101, with TANG at 611 feet, the enemy escort dropped its last charge and appeared to have lost contact with TANG. Escort continued to hunt the area as TANG, with batteries down to just 15 percent slipped away.


Feb 18-19

Upon coming to periscope depth at 0030, we found that neither No.1 nor No.2 periscopes were operational, damaged in the depth charge attack.
TANG eased to radar depth and detected three pips at 280, 311, 170 , all 10000-12000 yards off. APR-1 detected radar emissions from those bearings as well.
TANG surfaced and set course to the north to conduct repairs and recharge batteries.



By 0900 both periscopes were operational and TANG proceeded back to station. At 1101 on the eighteenth, SJ contact was made on column of ships bearing 000 26500 yards.
TANG closed to find a Task Force of US BB(Iowa Class) , CA, CL , DD , sweeping area as part of HAILSTONE no doubt.
Exchanged recognition signals and proceeded on surfaced patrol until diving to avoid SD Contact at 1833.

Continued patrol north of Ulul Island through the nineteenth.



Feb 20-21

Sent status report to COMBSUBPAC and at 0500 received orders to relocate to new area off Saipan.
TANG set course at one engine speed for a position south of Aguijan Island.


Feb 22-23

Patrolled area of Ajuigan Island, Mariana Islands, after arriving 1600 Feb 21 and through the day of the twenty-second. At 0500 SJ contact with two pips at 19000 yards.
Upon investigation these pips were a patrol of two SC/PC type vessels, TANG avoided.


Attack #5

At 2050 on the twenty second while making a dusk SJ sweep prior to surfacing, SJ made contacts with multiple pips. First two were at bearing 333 10500 yards.
Two pips, appear similar to patrol encountered previously. Second set of pips bearing 046 26000 yards, appears to be convoy.
Patrol consisting of two DE types passed in front of TANG at 2135 range 5000 yards. Convoy was soon passing too close to surface and too far to attack.
TANG went deep to avoid flank escorting DD and surfaced at 2330 for end around.
Upon surfacing, PPI provided picture of five large ships in single column spaced at one thousand yards with four escorts forward, port, starboard, and to the rear.

By 0044 on the twenty-third, TANG was six thousand yard ahead of the convoy pacing, waiting for flank escort to leave a gap in the screen during his "sweep". Convoy on course 219 degrees at ten knots.
At 0151 Radar reported and lookouts observed port flank escort leaving to make his sweep. TANG performed a "dipsy doodle" and turned back into convoy for a stern shot.
At 0205 radar operator and looks out report DD on sweep returning to station at high speed. Thus, TANG selected the lead AK a larger one, estimated 6000 tons to target.

At 0210 Fired stern tubes 7,8,9 range 2500 yards AOB 88 depth 10 ft at AK JOKUJA MARU 6640 tons. At 2012 all three torpedoes impacted target which quickly slowed and caught fire, decimated by the hits. AK then suffered a series of internal explosions, blowing the vessel apart. JOKUJA MARU 6640 tons quick sunk at 0215 14-19 N 144-59 E.
The DD now rushed in following the fireworks courtesy of TANG and closing down TANG's stern fast, but not opened fire nor illuminating. Preparing for dive, fired tube 10 in a "down the throat shot" from 3000 yards at 0215.

At 0216 torpedo missed. Ordered dive to 500 ft, rigged for silent running and depth charge. DD passed above at high speed went about 1000 yards and dropped depth charges. Believe his speed was so great overshot TANG. Pinging was heard sporadically but enemy never gained sound contact with TANG.
At 0445 TANG surfaced and began the race to end around for a follow up attack. The flank DD provided excellent screen thwarting TANG's advance several times.
However, by dawn TANG was ahead of convoy and approaching for dawn periscope attack.


Attack #6

TANG submerged at 0930, seven nautical miles ahead of convoy. At 1005 observation, convoy track had shifted, forcing TANG to turn for stern shot. At 1009 escort began pinging. Targeting what appeared be an auxiliary cruiser, fired tubes 7,9 at 2500 yards AOB 82. At 1013 one torpedo impact heard.
At 1014 depth charge attack began with large explosions, astern. TANG depth was 525 ft. 1019 massive series of explosions distant, possibly from vessel (presumed to be Aux Cruiser) hit by torpedo.Aikoku Maru Class Auxiliary Cruiser 14280 tons sunk at 13-46 N 144-27 E. The follow up depth charge attacks were not effective and always removed from TANG's location, at a depth of 525 ft. Secured General Quarters at 1128, maintained silent running.

Throughout the day of the twenty-third when TANG would attempt to surface to pursue rest of convoy, heavy air cover from Saipan/Guam prevented surface running and was unable to regain contact with convoy. Terminated pursuit at 2355 hours.
Surfaced at 2215 and proceeded to area 150 NM West of Saipan in are MAPLE GROVE.


Feb 24

Attack#7

At 0111 on the twenty-fourth SJ radar made contact with a convoy at 13000 yards bearing 010. Convoy on course 052 at seven knots in single column one escort forward, one astern.
TANG astern of convoy, raced up the starboard side at 9000 yards preparing for attack. Large AK, AO in rear of column.
At 0200 fired tubes 1,2,3 range 2500 yards, AOB 75, torp depth 8 ft..all torpedoes expended. At 0202 all torpedoes hit target, which quickly caught fire and lost way. TANG was illuminated by rear AK and came under heavy fire as turned away,
A few errant machine gun rounds were heard hitting the deck. The escorts gave chase but lost contact with TANG in the dark of night. SHOHEI MARU 7256 tons sunk 15-01 N 144-38 E, 60 NM West of Tinian Island.
With all torpedoes expended, set course for Midway at 0300 on the twenty-fourth per operations order.


25 Feb- 3 Mar

En route Midway. No enemy contacts except planes from Marcus Island on Feb 29th. Arrived Midway 3 Mar, terminated war patrol.


(C) WEATHER

Normal for all localities patrolled.



(D) TIDAL INFORMATION

Normal for all localities patrolled.



(E) NAVIGATIONAL AIDES
None


(F) SHIP CONTACTS

No Time Date Lat Long Types Range Crse Spd How

1. 1908 2/11 9-22N 148-49E AK AO DD SC 28355 150 11.5 SJ
2. 0245 2/17 8-15N 149-55E AK DD SC 24300 077 8 SJ
3. 1424 2/17 8-45N 149-22E CL SC 27049 331 17 SJ
4. 1101 2/18 9-20N 149-20E BB CA CL DD 26500 090 20 SJ *
5. 2050 2/22 14-45N 145-23E DE PC 10500 165 16 SJ/Visual
6. 2050 2/22 14-45N 145-23E AK DD SC 26000 260 10 SJ
7. 0111 2/24 15-01N 144-38E AK DE SC 13000 065 10 SJ

* Contact#4 was US Task Group on sweep of TRUK area as part of HAILSTONE.


(G) PLANE CONTACTS

1. 1346 2/7 14-50n 159-10E Float plane 6 SD
2. 1204 2/14 10-25N 150-23E 24 SD
3. 1346 2/17 8-45N 149-22E PETE float plane 8000 Visual
4. 1050 2/19 8-30N 149-50E 8 SD
5. 1435 2/20 9-18N 149-02E 7 SD
6. 0925 2/21 12-26N 147-06E Flying boat 13 SD
7. 1003 2/21 12-29E 147-05E Flying Boat 12 SD
8. 1050 2/21 12-30N 147-05E 9 SD
9. 1309 2/21 12-38N 147-00E 16 SD
10. 2/22 14-44N 145-25E Many twin engines bombers Visual
11 0830 2/29 22-11N 154-57E EMILY flying boat 11 SD Visual


(H) ATTACK DATA

No. of Torpedo Attacks: 7
Torpedoes fired : 24 MK 14-3A
Torpedo hits: 22
Erratic/Malfunctions: 0

Ships sunk:

1.AO HAKKO MARU 6046 tons 2/11/44 2052 9-22 N 148-49E
2.AK RYUSEI MARU 4797 tons 2/12/44 0715 8-14 N 149-28E
3.AK KENYO MARU 6486 tons 2/17/44 0447 8-15 N 149-55
4.CL Naka Class 5113 tons 2/17/44 1504 8-45N 149-22E
5.AK JOKUJA MARU 6640 tons 2/22/44 0215 14-19N 144-59E.
6.ACA AIKOKU MARU 14280 tons 2/22/44 1019 13-46N 144-27E
7.AK SHOHEI MARU 7256 tons 2/24/44 0210 15-01N 144-38E



(I) MINES

None


(J) ANTI SUBMARINE MEASURES AND EVASION TACTICS

ASW

Enemy ASW on this patrol was somewhat intense. Each contact was escorted, two by radar equipped DD/DE/SC. Air patrols were a consistent irritant.

The counter attack on the 17th by the ETORUFU class Escort (TYPE A) after sinking the CL was intense, persistent, and accurate, causing serious damage to TANG. The escort was obviously equipped with best sonar, passive, and active, as well as manned by a competent Captain and Crew. The depth charging lasted 6 and a half hours and over 150 depth charges were counted. Upon losing contact with TANG, the escort continued to hunt.

Two warships believed to be PC types arrived on scene , most likely from Ulul Island. Likely aircraft were above during the daylight hours as well. When surfaced SJ radar had three surface contacts.


Evasion

TANG's evasion consisted of initial dive to 500 feet, rigged for silent running, with five to ten degrees port or starboard rudder applied at all times, to avoid traveling a strait course, and speed bursts of standard to flank speed as required, primarily when escort was passing above or depth charges were exploding and noise was temporarily masked. The intense depth charging forced TANG to 600 feet to get away from the enemy. Due to flooding, boat wen to 642 feet when damaged trim pump failed. Recovery was made and TANG leveled off at 611 feet, which escort lost contact.

(K) MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE


TANG suffered heavy damage from the depth charge attack on the afternoon of he 17th. Most serious was forward hull damage found upon inspection. Damage repaired during refit at Midway following patrol.

Following damaged suffered on 2/7/44 . All damage repaired at sea unless otherwise noted.

1.Flooding-2 ft water in control room.
2.Flooding-1 ft water in conning tower.
3. Flooding-2 ft water in forward torpedo room.
4.Flooding-8 inches water in aft engine room.
5. Flooding-3 ft water in aft torpedo room.
6.Trimp Pump
7. Hydraulic pump
8. Bow Planes Transmission
9. Stern planes Transmission
10. Rudder Transmission
11. Compressor
12.Radio Receiver-destroyed, replaced at sea.
13.Forward Batteries-Damaged cells, unable to charge abovet 96 percent for duration of patrol.
14. Aft Battery-Damaged cells, unable t charge above 96 percent for duration of patrol.
15.Diesel Engines No. 1 and No. 3 damaged
16. Electric Motors No.2 and No. 4 damaged
17. Bow torpedo tubes #1-#6 damaged. #3 inoperable-repaired.
18. Stern torpedo tubes #7-#10 damaged.
19. Deck mounted hydrophone head damaged, partially functional duration of patrol.
20. No. 1 Observation Periscope disabled-repaired at sea.
21. No. 2 Attack Periscope disabled-repaired at sea.
22.Electrical shorts and grounds throughout boat
23. Piping and high pressure air line leaks throughout the boat.
24. SJ Radar Antenna .


In spite of this serious damage, TANG was back at fighting trim within 72 hours, a testament to her crew.


(L) RADIO

Radio function was excellent until depth charge destroyed receiver. The replacement brought radio back to life. However, performance was degraded.


(M) Sound

Sound conditions were overall excellent. The damage to the topside mounted hydrophone -JP degraded performance to some degree, even after repairs made.

(N) RADAR

SJ-1 Radar performance was excellent, typically detecting targets at 25000-28000 yards.


(O) Density Layers

Density Layers were found at 100, 150, 223, and 290 ft.


(P) PERSONNEL

Crew performance was excellent on this busy, and challenging patrol. One Officer and 18 men achieved qualification in submarines on this patrol.

Officers 8
Chief Petty Officers 10
Total crew 73


(Q) MILES STEAMED-FUEL USED

Pearl Harbor to Wake 4472 miles 29100 gallons
Wake Area 850 miles 8250 gallons
Wake to Truk Area 1293 miles 14337 gallons
Truk Area 2500 miles 28639 gallons
Truk to Saipan 620 miles 10997 gallons
Saipan Area 850 miles 9445 gallons
Saipan to Midway 2591 miles 34837 gallons


(R) DURATION

Days en route to areas 13
Wake 7
North of Truk 4
West of Truk 9
West of Saipan 4
Days submerged 8
Days en route from area 6


(S) FACTORS OF ENDURANCE REMAINING

Torpedoes 0 Fuel 20000 Provisions 40 days Crew Indefinite.


(T) REMARKS

None.