[Bubblehead1980]

USS SEAL SS-183
War Patrol Report
War Patrol NINE
August 15-9 October 1943



A. PROLOGUE

Returned to Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, T.H. from EIGHTH War Patrol on 28 July 1943.Normal refit and repairs conducted at Submarine Base.
SEAL received eight of the new MK 18 electric torpedoes (four forward, four aft) loaded along with fourteen
MK 13-2A torpedoes. Ready for sea 15 August 1943.


B. NARRATIVE


August 15, 1943


1300 Departed Pearl Harbor, T.H for patrol area via Midway Island.

1700 Trim dive

1725 Surfaced.


August 16-18 1943

Conducted dive, torpedo fire control, gunnery, and emergency drills en route Midway Island.



August 19, 1943


0800-1220 Refueled at Midway. Departed at 1230 for patrol area in Kuril Islands/Sea of Okhotsk.



August 20, 1943

En route patrol area.

0900 Entered a rain squall.Calm seas, light wind, heavy rain with heavy fog.


1100 Cleared squall.


August 21, 1943


En route patrol area.


August 22, 1943

En route patrol area.


August 23, 1943

En route patrol area.


August 24, 1943

En route patrol area.


August 25, 1943

En route patrol area.



August 26, 1943

En route patrol area.



August 27, 1943

0300 Entered patrol area Sea of Okhotsk-Southern Kuril Islands.



August 28, 1943

1833 SJ contact bearing 018 18,228 yards.

1836 spotted smoke bearing 018. General Quarters-Torpedo

1857 Submerged for attack. Went to 250 ft, for high speed run to close range for attack.

1941 Periscope depth. Target is one large AK, one smaller AK, one MS type escort on course 200 8 kts.

1952 Readied Tubes #1,#2,#3,#4 for firing.

2000 Target began zig just as fired (TORPEDO ATTACK #1) tubes #1,#2.

2001 Torpedoes missed

2002 Fired tubes #3,#4.(TORPEDO ATTACK #1-A)

2003 Torpedoes heard merging perfectly with bearing of target but missed.

2004 Escort pinging, closing

2007 Depth Charge Attack #1 Escort above, splashes heard. DC explosions astern.

2150 DC Attack ended.


2300 Surfaced for end around on convoy.


August 29, 1943


Raced ahead for end around, regained SJ contact with convoy at 0345.

0454 (TORPEDO ATTACK #2) Fired Tube #1,#2,#3,#4.

0455 All four torpedoes hit target, large explosions and fires.

0456 As SEAL turned away, came under fire from second AK in column, mostly machine gun fire, but a few
three inch rounds landed somewhat close. Enemy escort pursued SEAL for fifteen minutes but unable to close
beyond 3200 yards.

0506 AK HIYAMA MARU 6171 tons sunk 47-26N 147-09E


0510 Secured General Quarters, racing ahead for end around, reloading forward torpedoes.


0800 Dawn trim dive.


0807 Sound detected faint props 025 degrees.


0015 Surfaced from trim dive. Set course to intercept sound contact.


0827 Smoke spotted on horizon at 015.


0831 SJ contact bearing 006 18,228 yards.


0835 Convoy resumed SSW course first encountered on. Raced ahead to submerge for attack.


0937 Submerged for Attack.


1026 Periscope depth 2500 yards off convoy track, turned to bring stern tubes to bear for shot with new wakeless MK 18 torpedoes.


1041 (TORPEDO ATTACK #3) Fired two MK 18 torpedoes tubes 5,6,.


1046 Torpedoes missed. Believe new MK 18 torpedoes are running deep, as in three attacks have fired
four of new torpedoes, set at 10 ft and five ft. De ja vu of troubles with MK 14 torpedo in 1941/42.

1047 Aircraft spotted (Aircraft Contact No.1) diving for periscope, ordered emergency depth 150 ft.
plane did not drop bombs, but alerted the escort, which began closing fast.


1051 Pinging heard followed by splash and DC explosion. SEAL at 260 ft. Rigged for
Silent Running and Depth Charge.

1052 Depth Charge Attack #2 began. A few close ones fell over next three hours.

1352- Escort departed area.

1415 All clear at periscope and radar depth, surfaced for end around on convoy.

1445 Engineering Officer reports Torpedo Tube #7 would not fire due to previously
unknown damage suffered in depth charge attack #1. Unable to repair at sea. MK 18 removed from
tube, checked and placed in tube #5.


2228 Finally regained SJ contact with convoy at bearing 006 18,500 yards. Closed at high speed
for night surface attack.


August 30, 1943


0004 General Quarters-Torpedo-Surface

0140 (TORPEDO ATTACK #4) Fired tubes 1,2.

0142 Torpedoes impacted target. Star shells and few rounds from escort, but was on far side of the AK and unable to catch SEAL as she sped away.

0145 MOMOHA MARU 3103 tons quickly sunk at 46-16N 145-23E

0200 Secured General Quarters.


August 31, 1942

Patrolled area, no contacts.


September 1, 1943


0500 Heavy winds and seas, light haze.


September 2, 1943

Patrolled area, no contacts.



September 3, 1943

Patrolled area, no contacts.



September 4, 1943


Patrolled area, no contacts.


September 5, 1943


Patrolled area, no contacts.


September 6, 1943



Patrolled area, no contacts.


September 7, 1943


Patrolled area, no contacts.


September 8, 1943


Patrolled area, no contacts.


September 9, 1943


Patrolled area, no contacts.


September 10, 1943


Heavy seas and gales throughout day and night.


September 11, 1943

Heavy seas, gales.


September 12, 1943

Heavy seas. Patrolled area.


September 13, 1943

Patrolled area.

September 14, 1943

Patrolled area.


September 15, 1943

Patrolled area.


September 16, 1943

Patrolled area.


September 18, 1943


1313 SJ contact bearing 056 16,200 yards. Turned SEAL to intercept lone contact.

1319 Contact should be in visual range but due to fog, watch was unable to locate.

Seas were calm, with unusually clear skies, but very cold air and a dense fog in area limited visibility.


1320 Masts of DE or DD type spotted bearing 005 10,120 yards. Sumberged to 100 feet.


1324 100 ft. Called General Quarters-Torpedo.


1327 Periscope depth, too close to contact track for bow shot, turned to port to bring stern tubes to bear.


1337 (TORPEDO ATTACK #5) Fired tubes #5 and #6 (MK 14 3-A).

1338 Torpedo impact! Hit admiships on target, large explosions. Vessel slowed, sinking. Second torpedo missed.

1351 Patrol Boat No. 46 (Former Wakatake Class DD) 1,100 tons sunk at 47-40N 147-23E.

1355 Secured General Quarters.

1410 Surfaced.


September 19, 1943

Patrolled area, no contacts.


September 20, 1943

Set course of Matsuwa Area. Gales with heavy seas 0600-2300.



September 21, 1943

2049 SJ contact bearing 029 17,215 yards.

2105 Fog made visual acquisition difficult , but finally spotted two ships at 2106 range 8000, appeared to be destroyers.
Submerged for attack. General Quarters-Torpedo

2109 Contacts are a MS and SC. Targeted the MS with MK 18 in stern tubes.


2114 (TORPEDO ATTACK NO.6) Fired tube #5, #6.

2116 Torpedoes failed to hit at correct time. Sound checked showed them on proper bearing with target.
During observation, target made hard turn towards SEAL, possibly detecting the boat or the torpedoes
on hydrophones, the SC astern turned towards SEAL as well, searchlight shining in the boats direction.
Ordered 250 ft depth, rigged for silent running and depth charge.


2124 Depth Charge Attack #3 enemy vessel passed above. DC explosions heard. First pings heard.


September 22, 1943


0043 Very close depth charge. Damage reported (See Major Defects and Damage Section). Minor flooding reported
in engines room. Controlled.


0440 Lost contact with enemy. Last Depth charge explosion was 0410.


0515 Secured General Quarters. Enemy remained in area, maintained silent running. Course
300 to open range from Matsuwa Island.



1000 Surfaced.



September 23, 1943


0400 Laid to off Matsuwa until dawn to submerge and reconnoiter the island.


0600 Submerged 5.5 NM SW of Matsuwa Island.

2200 Surfaced.


September 24, 1943

Patrol, no contacts.


September 25, 1943


Patrol, no contacts.


September 26, 1943

Patrol, no contacts.


September 27, 1943

Set course for Pearl Harbor via Midway,


1757 Fishing Boat spotted bearing 341 9700 yards.

1803 General Quarters-Battle Surface-Gun Action.

1816 Sunk Armed Fishing by (200 tons estimated) by gunfire. 44-32N 146-44E.


September 28, 1943

En route Pearl Harbor via Midway


September 29, 1943

En route Pearl Harbor via Midway


September 30, 1943

En route Pearl Harbor via Midway


October 1, 1943

En route Pearl Harbor via Midway



October 2, 1943

En route Pearl Harbor via Midway



October 3, 1943


En route Pearl Harbor via Midway



October 4, 1943


En route Pearl Harbor via Midway



October 5, 1943


En route Pearl Harbor via Midway


October 6, 1943

0800 Docked Midway, refueled.

1300 Departed Midway for Pearl Harbor.


October 7, 1943

En route Pearl Harbor.


October 7, 1943

En route Pearl Harbor.


October 8, 1943

En route Pearl Harbor.


October 9, 1943

1630 Docked at Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, T.H. Terminated war patrol.



C. WEATHER


Weather conditions in the area but normal for the time of year in Arctic climates. Day time high temprature recorded
was 54 degrees with night time low of 22 degrees. Ice was present, but not as present as winter months.A light
to moderate fog remained present nearly the entire duration in patrol area, making visual acquisition of targets difficult at times.

Seas state was overall consistently choppy to heavy. However, during all attacks were unusually calm.Frequent arctic storms
were endured in the patrol area and immediate approaches.




D. NAVIGATIONAL AIDES


Matsuwa Island, with it's towering volcanic peak served as an excellent navigational marker.

Lights and Fortifications on the South West top of Etorofu Island and North West Tip of Kunashiri Islands aided in navigation as well.



E. AIRCRAFT CONTACTS

Astonishingly enough, SEAL encountered just one aircraft in patrol area.
This is unsual for area and surprising considering the air strip at Mastuwa,
as well as seaplane bases in area.


* Exchanged Reconognition Signals

No. DATE TIME LAT. LONG. TYPE BRG RNG (YARDS) CRSE SPD(knots) ALT HOW REMARK
1. 8/29 1047 48-58N 146-49E VAL 260 2000 010 200 1500 Vis. Periscope No.2
2. 10/06 0907 28-18N 177008E PBY 240 6000 210 108 500 SD/Vis. PBY from Midway*


F. SHIP CONTACTS

No. DATE TIME LAT. LONG. TYPE BRG RNG (YARDS) CRSE SPD (knots) HOW REMARK
1. 8/28 1833 46-49N 137-34E AK,AK, MS 018 18228 200 8 SJ Attack #1,#1-A, #2, #3,#4
2. 9/18 1313 47-40N 147-25E PB(DD) 056 16202 085 16.5 SJ Attack#5
3. 9/21 2052 48-17N 152-55E MS,SC 031 16300 230 16 SJ Attack#6
4. 9/23 0034 49-9N 153-03E Iceberg 037 15500 220 0 SJ Visual on large iceberg.
5. 9/27 1757 44-32N 146-44E Fish. BT. 341 9500 342 5 Vis. Gun Action #1



G. ATTACK DATA

Six torpedo Attacks were made through this patrol, sinking two AK and one older DD, converted to PB.
Eighteen torpedoes were expended in total.

No malfunction observed in MK 14-2A

All eight MK 18 torpedoes fired missed. While it is possible fire control errors lead to some misses, it is unlikley
account for all misses, especially as depth settings and solutions varied. Sound tracked torpedo bearings merging correctly with targets.Due to this,
it is believed at least five of the MK 18 torpedoes ran deeper than set, if not all eight.



USS SEAL SS-183 Torpedo Attack No. 1 War Patrol NINE
28 August 1943 2000 46-43N 147-37E Sea of Okhotsk



Description

Submerged attack by periscope on small convoy of two ships, ones escort.

Ships in convoy identifed as

AK HIYAMA MARU 6171 tons
AK MOMOHA MARU 3101 tons
MS W-19 Class Minesweeper 648 tons (escort)



Ships Sunk
None

Ships Damaged
None

Ships Probably sunk
None



Torpedo Attack No. 1 Target Data (at firing)

Target#1
NAME/CLASS HIYAMA MARU
TYPE AK
TONS 6171
COURSE 200
SPEED 5.5 kts zigging
RANGE 1766
AOB 57 S
BEARING 345
TRUE BEARING 100
REMARK


Torpedo Attack No.1 Torpedo Data (at firing)


TUBE#1
TYPE MK 18
SERIAL NO.82445
EXPLODER MK 8
SERIAL NO.90011
GYRO 353 R
TRACK 64
COURSE 108
SPREAD 0
DEPTH 10 ft
FIRING INTERVAL 5 seconds
METHOD Single Bearing
POA MOT
HIT No
POI ---
ERRATIC/MALFUNCTION No
REMARK
----



TUBE#2
TYPE MK 18
SERIAL NO.87345
EXPLODER MK 8
SERIAL NO.92031
GYRO 353 R
TRACK 64
COURSE 108
SPREAD 0
DEPTH 10 ft
FIRING INTERVAL 5 seconds
METHOD Single Bearing
POA MOT
HIT No
POI ---
ERRATIC/MALFUNCTION No
REMARK
----


Own Ship Data (at firing)

DEPTH 63 ft
COURSE 129
SPEED 2.5 kts
ANGLE 1 degree-down
REMARK

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



USS SEAL SS-183 Torpedo Attack No. 1-A War Patrol NINE
28 August 1943 2002 46-43N 147-37E Sea of Okhotsk



Description

Submerged attack by periscope on large AK, zigging towards SEAL.


Ships Sunk
None

Ships Damaged
None

Ships Probably sunk
None



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

Target#1
NAME/CLASS HIYAMA MARU
TYPE AK
TONS 6171
COURSE 280
SPEED 5.5 kts zigging
RANGE 1000
AOB 0
BEARING 0
TRUE BEARING 130
REMARK
---

Torpedo Attack No.1-A Torpedo Data (at firing)


TUBE#3
TYPE MK 18
SERIAL NO.82445
EXPLODER MK 8
SERIAL NO.90011
GYRO 353 R
TRACK 64
COURSE 108
Depth 10 ft
SPREAD 0
FIRING INTERVAL 5 seconds
METHOD Single Bearing
POA MOT
HIT No
POI ---
ERRATIC/MALFUNCTION No
REMARK
Possibly ran deep, sound had torpedo perfect track and merged with bearing of target.



TUBE#4
TYPE MK 18
SERIAL NO.87345
EXPLODER MK 8
SERIAL NO.92031
GYRO 353 R
TRACK 64
COURSE 108
Depth 10 ft
SPREAD 0
FIRING INTERVAL 5 seconds
METHOD Single Bearing
POA MOT
HIT No
POI ---
ERRATIC/MALFUNCTION Possible
REMARK
Possibly ran deeper than set, sound had torpedo perfect track and merged with bearing of target.


Own Ship Data (at firing)

DEPTH 63 ft
COURSE 098
SPEED 4 kts
ANGLE 1 degree-down
REMARK
AOB 0 for "Down the throat shot"
Seas Calm
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



USS SEAL SS-183 Torpedo Attack No. 2 War Patrol NINE
29 August 1943 0454 47-26N 147-09E in the Sea of Okhotsk



Description

Follow up attack on convoy Attack #1 and #1-A

Follow up

Type of Attack

Night surface-torpedo on convoy attacked in Attack #1 and #1-A. Calm seas, moderate visibility.

Ships Sunk
AK HIYAMA MARU 6171 tons
47-26N 147-09E Sea of Okhotsk.

Ships Damaged
None

Ships Probably sunk
None



Torpedo Attack No. 2 Target Data (at firing)

Target#1
NAME/CLASS HIYAMA MARU
TYPE AK
TONS 6171
COURSE 327
SPEED 8 kts
RANGE 2500
AOB 80
BEARING 009
TRUE BEARING 071
REMARK
Large AK, 3" guns fore and aft, machine guns mounted. Large crate on deck forward and aft.

Torpedo Attack No.2 Torpedo Data (at firing)

TUBE#1
TYPE MK 14 2-A
SERIAL NO.67445
EXPLODER MK 6-5
SERIAL NO.79904
GYRO 0
TRACK 85 P
COURSE 61
Depth 10 ft
SPREAD 0
FIRING INTERVAL 5 seconds
METHOD Single Bearing-TDC
POA MOT
HIT Yes
POI MOT
ERRATIC/MALFUNCTION No
REMARK
Target Sunk



TUBE#2
TYPE MK 14 2-A
SERIAL NO.62715
EXPLODER MK 6-5
SERIAL NO.73301
GYRO 0
TRACK 85 P
COURSE 61
Depth 10 ft
SPREAD 0
FIRING INTERVAL 5 seconds
METHOD Single Bearing-TDC
POA MOT
HIT Yes
POI Amidships-Aft
ERRATIC/MALFUNCTION No
REMARK
Target Sunk


TUBE#3
TYPE MK 14 2-A
SERIAL NO.82715
EXPLODER MK 6-5
SERIAL NO.88301
GYRO 0
TRACK 85 P
COURSE 61
Depth 10 ft
SPREAD 0
FIRING INTERVAL 5 seconds
METHOD Single Bearing-TDC
POA MOT
HIT Yes
POI Amidships-Aft
ERRATIC/MALFUNCTION No
REMARK
Target Sunk


TUBE#4
TYPE MK 14 2-A
SERIAL NO.212715
EXPLODER MK 6-5
SERIAL NO.79308
GYRO 0
TRACK 85 P
COURSE 61
Depth 10 ft
SPREAD 0
FIRING INTERVAL 5 seconds
METHOD Single Bearing-TDC
POA MOT
HIT Yes
POI MOT
ERRATIC/MALFUNCTION No
REMARK
Target Sunk


Own Ship Data (at firing)

DEPTH Surfaced
COURSE 062
SPEED 3 kts
ANGLE 0-down
Seas Calm
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



USS SEAL SS-183 Torpedo Attack No. 3 War Patrol NINE
29 August 1943 1041 48-58N 146-49E in the Sea of Okhotsk


Description

Follow up attack.



Ships Sunk
None

Ships Damaged
None

Ships Probably sunk
None



Torpedo Attack No. 3 Target Data (at firing)

Target#1
NAME/CLASS MOMOHA MARU
TYPE AK
TONS 3103
COURSE 200
SPEED 8 kts
RANGE 2350 yards
AOB 81 P
BEARING 164
TRUE BEARING 115
REMARK
3" gun forward near bow. Crates on deck forward and aft. AK riding low in water, loaded heavily.

Torpedo Attack No.3 Torpedo Data (at firing)


TUBE #5
TYPE MK 18
SERIAL NO.104093
EXPLODER MK 8
SERIAL NO.89935
GYRO 0
TRACK 81 P
COURSE 311
Depth 5 ft
SPREAD 0
FIRING INTERVAL 5 seconds
METHOD Single Bearing-TDC
POA MOT-stack
HIT No
POI --
ERRATIC/MALFUNCTION Possible
REMARK
Sound tracked torpedo,merged with target bearing indicating would hit, torpedo carried on.
Believe MK 18 is running deeper than set. Target draft 21 ft. Torpedo set to 5 feet

TUBE #6
TYPE MK 18
SERIAL NO.111087
EXPLODER MK 8
SERIAL NO.73931
GYRO 0
TRACK 81 P
COURSE 311
DEPTH 5 ft
SPREAD 0
FIRING INTERVAL 5 seconds
METHOD Single Bearing-TDC
POA MOT-stack
HIT No
POI --
ERRATIC/MALFUNCTION Possible
REMARK
Sound tracked torpedo,merged with target bearing indicating would hit, torpedo carried on.
Believe MK 18 is running deeper than set. Target draft 21 ft. Torpedo set to 5 feet




Own Ship Data (at firing)

DEPTH 63 ft
COURSE 310
SPEED 2.5 kts.
ANGLE 1-down
Seas Calm

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


USS SEAL SS-183 Torpedo Attack No. 4 War Patrol NINE
30 August 1943 0140 46-16N 145-23E in the Sea of Okhotsk


Description

Attack on second and mast remaining AK of Convoy attacked previously.

Type of Attack

Night Surface-Torpedo in calm seas, with light fog, no moon and low visibility.

Ships Sunk
AK MOMOHA MARU
3105 tons

Ships Damaged
None

Ships Probably sunk
None


Torpedo Attack No. 4 Target Data (at firing)

Target#1
NAME/CLASS MOMOHA MARU
TYPE AK
TONS 3101
COURSE 205
SPEED 8 kts
RANGE 2300 yards
AOB 89 S
BEARING 349
TRUE BEARING 110
REMARK
3 inch gun forward. Vessel low in water, heavily loaded large crates forward and aft.
Torpedo Attack No.4 Torpedo Data (at firing)

TUBE #1
TYPE MK 14-2A
SERIAL NO.905753
EXPLODER MK 6
SERIAL NO.901056
GYRO 0
TRACK 98 S
COURSE 120
Depth 3.5 ft
SPREAD 0
FIRING INTERVAL
METHOD Single Bearing-TDC
POA MOT
HIT Yes
POI MOT
ERRATIC/MALFUNCTION No
REMARK


TUBE #2
TYPE MK 14-2A
SERIAL NO.921751
EXPLODER MK 6
SERIAL NO.911006
GYRO 0
TRACK 98 S
COURSE 120
Depth 3.5 ft
SPREAD 0
FIRING INTERVAL
METHOD Single Bearing-TDC
POA MOT
HIT Yes
POI MOT
ERRATIC/MALFUNCTION No
REMARK

Own Ship Data (at firing)

DEPTH Surfaced
COURSE 040
SPEED 4 kts
ANGLE 0
SEAS Calm

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


USS SEAL SS-183 Torpedo Attack No. 5 War Patrol NINE
18 September 1943 1337 47-40N 147-23E in the Sea of Okhotsk


Description

Old DD converted to PB on patrol in Sea of Okhotsk.

Type of Attack

Submerged-Day-Periscope in calm seas.

Ships Sunk
PB No. 46 (previous Wakatake Class DD)
1,100 tons 47-40N 147-23E

Ships Damaged
None

Ships Probably sunk
None


Torpedo Attack No. 5 Target Data (at firing)

Target#1
NAME/CLASS Patrol Boat No. 46 (Previous Wakatake Class DD)
TYPE PB(DD)
RANGE 1350 YARDS
AOB 83
COURSE 090
SPEED 16.5
BEARING 165
TRUE BEARING 347
REMARK
Old DD converted to PB-ASW. Retained gun mounts. Two depth charge racks and Y-Gun on stern.
Three lifeboats spotted after sinking.

Torpedo Attack No. 5 Torpedo Data (at firing)

TUBE #5
TYPE MK 14-2A
SERIAL NO.905753
EXPLODER MK 6
SERIAL NO.901056
GYRO 0
TRACK 98 S
COURSE 120
Depth 3.5 ft
SPREAD 0
FIRING INTERVAL
METHOD Single Bearing-TDC
POA MOT
HIT Yes
POI MOT
ERRATIC/MALFUNCTION No
REMARK


TUBE #6
TYPE MK 14-2A
SERIAL NO.921751
EXPLODER MK 6
SERIAL NO.911006
GYRO 0
TRACK 98 S
COURSE 120
Depth 3.5 ft
SPREAD 0
FIRING INTERVAL
METHOD Single Bearing-TDC
POA MOT
HIT No
POI ---
ERRATIC/MALFUNCTION No
REMARK
Missed ahead when target slowed after first torpedo impact.

Own Ship Data (at firing)

DEPTH 63 ft
COURSE 357
SPEED 2 kts
ANGLE 0
SEAS Calm


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



USS SEAL SS-183 Torpedo Attack No. 6 War Patrol NINE
21 September 1943 2114 48-17N 152-57 E 19 NM West of Matsuwa Island, Kuril Island in the Sea of Okhotsk.


Description

One Mineweeper with Etorufu Class Type A Escort vessel. Decided to attack this ASW
patrol due to favorable set up and they would hinder patrols near Matsuwa Island planned for following days.

Type of Attack

Submerged-Periscope-Dusk in calm seas.


Ships Sunk
None

Ships Damaged
None

Ships Probably sunk
None



Torpedo Attack No. 5 Target Data (at firing)

Target#1
NAME/CLASS W-19 Class Minesweeper
TYPE MS
RANGE 2400 yards
AOB 66 S
COURSE 235
SPEED 16 kts
BEARING 148
TRUE BEARING 124
REMARK

Torpedo Attack No. 5 Torpedo Data (at firing)

TUBE #5
TYPE MK 18
SERIAL NO.
EXPLODER
SERIAL NO.
GYRO 358 R
TRACK 83 S
COURSE 334
Depth 3 ft
SPREAD 0
FIRING INTERVAL 5 seconds
METHOD Single Bearing-TDC
POA MOT
HIT No
POI ---
ERRATIC/MALFUNCTION Possible
REMARK
Miss, believe torpedo ran deeper than set.


Own Ship Data (at firing)

DEPTH 63
COURSE 332
SPEED 3
ANGLE 1-Down
SEAS Calm


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



H. ANTI-SUBMARINE MEASURES AND COUNTERMEASURES


Enemy Anti-Submarine efforts in area were light. Two surface patrols were encountered, with no air patrols. Although,
one aircraft, likely called in from the air strip at Matsuwa, bombed the SEAL when at periscope depth.


Depth Charge attacks by enemy vessels were persistent and somewhat effective, causing some damage to SEAL, including knocking #7 torpedo (stern) tube
out for duration of the patrol.


Evasion consisted of utilizing thermal layers, silent running, constant direction changes, with speed bursts when appropriate.




I. MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE

DEFECTS:

No Major material defects on this patrol.


DAMAGE:

Damage suffered during depth charge attacks and bombing by aircraft.

All damage repaired at sea unless otherwise noted.


1.#7 Torpedo tube disabled-Unable to repair at sea.
2.Minor flooding in Engine room.
3.Port Propeller
4.Aft Batteries
5.Compressor
6.WCA Listening Gear
7.Hydraulic Pump
8.No.2 Diesel
9.No.4 Diesel
10.No.1 Electric Motor
11.NO.3 Electric Motor
12.No.1 periscope
13.No.2 periscope
14.High Pressure Air Line leaks-All compartments
15.Water piping leaks-All compartments.


J. SOUND GEAR AND SOUND CONDITIONS

Sound conditions were generally average to poor in area as reported by boats on previous patrols.
Average sonar contact and ability to track was 3000-6000 yards.

Sound gear remained in good working order but was hampered by the conditions in area.


K. RADAR

SJ Radar performance fluctuated between optimal and poor. Ice build up on antenna, requiring a crew member to ascend the shears in a attempt to
remedy this was required daily, at times more. Typical detection range was 12000-14000 yards.


SD Radar detected no enemy aircraft in patrol area. Ice build up was also an issue and remedied in same manner as SJ.


L. THERMAL LAYERS

Thermal layers were detected as 90 and 175 feet.


M. Personnel

Crew performance was excellent as always. Thirteen men qualified in submarines during this patrol.


N. HEALTH AND HABITABILITY

Health and morale of crew was overall, good. Low temps and heavy seas made for difficult conditions on
board at time. Food was excellent overall.


O. MILES STEAMED-FUEL USED


MILES GALLONS
Pearl to Midway 1350 16250
Midway to Area 2700 36980
In Area 6250 60550
Area to Midway 2750 17550
Midway to Pearl 1350 20550



P. DURATION


DAYS
Pearl to Midway 3
Midway to Area 8
In Area 28
Submerged 8
Area to Midway 9
Midway to Pearl 3.5



Q. FACTORS IN DURATION

Torpedoes Remaining 6 (MK 14-2A ,Four forward, two after.)
Fuel 9656 Gallons
Provisions 29 days
Crew Indefinite



R. REMARKS

MK 18 torpedo performance was disappointing as had high hopes for these new wakeless torpedoes. All eight failed to hit targets
on what were, can't miss shots. Sound bearings followed torpedoes and confirmed merging with sound of target. Obviously could not observe them due to lack of wake.
Torpedoes set to minimum depth of 3.5 ft still missed.

While the torpedoes lack wakes, it is believed they were detected by the enemy Minesweeper's sound gear in the
attack on 21 September (Torpedo Attack No. 6).


On the flip side, performance of the MK 14 torpedo was overall excellent on this patrol with no known
duds or depth control problems.