Tell us what you're up to in current campaign (lets get this one going lol)

[Bubblehead1980]

Originally Posted by EddieLyons

12 Dec 1941 00:10
War Patrol Day 4.
Weather remains clear and calm. Conditions are very pleasant up on the bridge, with a gentle breeze out of the north. We are sailing almost directly towards the end of the handle of the Big Dipper - long before I learned stellar navigation at the Naval Academy, my father taught me to recognise the constellations. But there’s no time for stargazing for those on watch.

01:35
19°38’ N, 121°00’ E.
We have turned to our new course, 076°. We dive again in less than half-an-hour.

02:20
We dived to periscope depth at 02:00. Again a clean sweep - no hydrophone contacts. I ordered us back to the surface at 02:15.

03:00
I ordered a reduction in speed to ahead two-thirds, to conserve fuel. We’re close to base, so fuel supply shouldn’t be a problem, if all goes well. But who knows what will happen in the coming days and weeks if the Japanese forces ashore are not stopped. We must remember that their army and navy have over four years of combat experience in China -- no matter what politicians back home might say about them!

04:40
With the sky brightening, lookouts spotted a Japanese destroyer at long range, bearing 315, at 04:34. I ordered a crash dive to 150 ft and crew to battle stations. Hydrophone quickly picked up a second warship contact. It appears they did not spot us - they are continuing on their course of about 135° at high speed.

04:52
I have ordered us to periscope depth and new course 180°. The warships began to manoeuvre soon after crossing our bow.

04:59
Active sonar!

05:01
I have ordered us to 200 ft. We are on silent running. Passing through a thermal layer. Active sonar has stopped, and started again.

05:04
Several depth charges. Manoeuvred into the attack to attempt to evade. Aft dive planes transmission is damaged. Damage control team is on it.

05:08
Active sonar from two vessels. Close! Evading!

05:12
Multiple depth charges; multiple systems damaged! But no flooding.

05:15
Sonar is off line, so we’re deaf to what the enemy is doing! But the aft dive transmission is repaired.

05:16
Active sonar!

05:18
Multiple systems damaged from close depth charging. Some flooding in engine room and forward torpedo room.

05:23
I have ordered a new depth of 240 ft. Hopefully this will reduce the severity of the battering we are taking from depth charges …

#####

Okay, this was a brutally short war patrol! When I ordered the final dive to 240 ft, the boat just kept on going -- both dive plane transmissions were damaged! Blowing ballast helped for only so long. Not much I could do.

This is the second time I've been detected (passively?) by enemy destroyers that seemed to be far enough away not to have picked us up, or where we were far enough aft to be out of their hydrophone arc. But, no, they zeroed in on us like a laser. They must have exceptional hearing! lol

Ouch lol.

They most likely heard you dive the boat. All Boats are very noisy when diving/surfacing. Your engine speed was mostly likely high, esp if at crash dive, dive, once you hit the depth the game considers you submerged...in fleetboats its 40 feet, probably less for S boat then you are making a lot of noise under water they can hear, even some distance away. Plus the sub's sound signature, without RPM's, with pumps, tanks blowing etc is making louder during the dive/surface sequence. Sounds like they heard you dive, were into "alert" mode and came hunting. Located you with active sonar, possibly heard you, then located with active.

S boat's are in general quite noisy , esp compared to the modern boats, easier for AI to detect. I dealt with this in my recent Narwhal career. Old boat was noisy as hell and of course could not dive very deep, like a S boat.

Another factor is enemy destroyers/asw type vessels assigned to ASW patrol duties are usually set to "Elite" skill level, vs escorts which are mostly veteran units with a few elites here and there. Elite is to make them skilled in hunting subs and not be easy targets. Forces Captain to use discretion.


What is next? More S boat? lol

[Bubblehead1980]

TMO Update V2.0
100 difficulty
Cams and contacts off.

USS BARB SS-220
Ninth War Patrol
August 1944


August 4
_________


1130 Departed Pearl Harbor for patrol area as part of Coordinated Attack
Group, Task Group 17.5 as part of Task Group 17.5, with in accordance with Operation Order 265-44. COMTG 17.5 embarked on aboard BARB for
duration of patrol.

1350 Rendezvoused with QUEENFISH and TUNNY off Barber's Point.
Proceeded on course 275 12 kts for Midway.

1530 Trim Dive.

1545 Surfaced.


August 5
________


0830- Conducted wolfpack exercises.
1230

1542 SJ contact (Ship Contact No.1) bearing 020 22500 yards.

1600 Sighted smoke.

1615 Exchanged recognition signals. Vessel is Victory type cargo with DE escort.



August 6
__________


Conducted sighting, torpedo fire control, and coordinated attack
drills throughout the day with QUEENFISH and TUNNY.


August 7
_________

0000- Coordinated night surface attack drills.
0300


August 8
_________

Conduct drills and group exercises throughout the day.


August 9
__________

1000 Entered Midway channel with QUEENFISH and TUNNY astern at 5000 yard intervals.

1027 Docked at Submarine Tender, Midway Island.

Conduct voyage repairs, topped off fuel and provisions.


August 10
____________


0730 Departed Midway in company with QUEENFISH and TUNNY
for assigned area in Luzon Straits.


0800 Formed into patrol line spaced fifteen nautical miles apart parallel to
one another as drilled. Course 264 degrees 11 kts per operation order.
ETA of arrival in Area 0500 25 August.

[Bubblehead1980]

TMO Update V2.0
100 difficulty.
Cams/contacts off.

USS BARB SS-220 in Luzon Straits operating in "Wolfpack" with USS TUNNY SS-282 and USS QUEENFISH SS-393 (AI torpedo firing subs)



August 30, 1944
__________

1321 Received ULTRA and action addressed to BARB QUEENFISH TUNNY.
Convoy reported en route Takao to Manila. Expected transit
area 0000 31 August Conduct coordinated attack.


1330 COMTG 17.5 set intercept point at 20-55N 119-43E.
QUEENFISH TUNNY acknowledged order for coordinated attack.
BARB on course 139 18 kts.

1900 Contact with QUEENFISH (Radar signals)
at designated attack coordinates.

1930 Submerged until dark to avoid possible detection by aircraft, patrols in
advance of convoy.


2245 Periscope depth. Aircraft spotted! Bearing 007 5000 yards (Aircraft
Contact No.4) Ordered 150 ft.

2247 Spotted TUNNY on surface bearing 244 6.5 NM.

2250 Aircraft heading right for TUNNY. TUNNY detected AR submerged. Do
not believe TUNNY was spotted as aircraft cruised on.
(AI sub reached last waypoint to simulate a dive as it arrived at ambush site, GREAT timing lol)

2309 Sound has many prop noises ahead bearing 005, distant.

2330 Radar depth. SJ contacts bearing 004 28355 yds (Ship Contact No.3)

2350 Chose to make night submerged attack due to near full moon providing
too great of visibility for surface attack. GENERAL QUARTERS-TORPEDO-SUBMERGED.

2356 Spotted smoke and outline of enemy ships (Convoy) bearing 017 8 miles estimated.




August 31, 1944
___________

TORPEDO ATTACK NO.1

0022 Contact report sent.
Convoy sighted.
Position 21-04 N 119-43E.
Convoy course 160 Speed 11 kts

0025 Tubes 1,2,3,4,5,6, made ready to fired.
Torpedoes set to low power. Heavy escort screen and last minute course
change by convoy required firing from longer range.

0030 Selected one large AO in middle column, one mid sized AO in starboard
column as targets.

0033 Fired tubes 1,2,3 at Target No.1 (AO 10000 tons) Range:6750 yards.
Torpedo Depth: 5ft.

Fired tubes 4,5,6 at Target No.2 (AO 6000 tons) Range: 5540 yds
Torpedo Depth:5 ft


0039 Search lights on, star shells. Torpedo wakes spotted.
Damn phosphorescence!


0040 Torpedo impact on far side of convoy with a mid sized AK.
Unsure of identity as only saw vessel briefly due to flash
of explosion illuminating vessel.

0041 Escorts heading in BARB's direction, fast.
Ordered 350 ft, rigged for silent running and depth charge.

0044 Thermal layer at 216 feet
21-4N 119-44E

0046 Pinging.

0047 Enemy above. Splashes.

0048 DC explosions. Tooth shakers.

0050 Another enemy above. Splashes.

0051 BARB at 375 ft. Boat shaken.

0053 Enemy above. Large pattern of splashes.

0054 Large pattern exploded above. BARB at 395 ft. Pushed to 411 feet by
explosions above.

0101 Many DC explosions astern, not close.
Believe enemy lost contact with BARB.
BARB at 390 ft.

0103 Many DC explosions astern.

0105 More DC explosions astern. Estimated range 3000-4000 yards.

0117 More DC explosions astern.

0210 Convoy moved on SSW course. Depth charge explosions and gunfire
audible on sound bearing 293, long
range. Believe QUEENFISH and/or TUNNY attacked convoy.


0215 Periscope depth.

0220 SJ contact bearing 178 8500 yards.

0223 Surfaced. Began to close contact, as could be damaged AK torpedoed.

0225 Contact is DE type vessel. APR-1 detected radar emissions from contact bearing. Turned away on pursuit course of convoy. DE increased speed and closed location of BARB's surfacing. BARB slipped away into night.

0226 Ahead at bearing 330-340 observed star shells, cna see large splashes in water at 9000 yards/ Fire and smoke visible as well, likely from damaged/sinking vessels torpedoed by QUEENFISH/TUNNY.
BARB conducted end around and reloaded forward tubes.


0328 Tubes reloaded. Closed convoy for attack.


0331 Submerged for attack 3500 off track of convoy.
Went to 150 ft for high speed run to close large AO.

0332 Sound has many depth charge explosions, distant bearing 305. TUNNY
or QUEENFISH, or both have escorts rather worked up.


0342 Periscope depth. Large AO veered off out of range.
Sighted medium sized AO identified as DAISHIN MARU 5150 tons

0342 Many DC explosions audible.

0344 Closing target at high speed.

TORPEDO ATTACK NO.2

0346: Fired tubes 1,2,3,4 at AO DAISHIN MARU 5000 tons. Range 1700 yards. Torpedo Depth. 8 ft

0346:45 After release of torpedo No 4, noticed target slowed, and began a turn to port, which would likely cause torpedoes to miss. Adjusted TDC speed and AOB to compensate, fired Tube No.5 at 0346:55.

0347 Torpedo No. 5 impact! Tanker went up in massive explosion.
Tanker began to sink. Torpedoes 1,2,3,4 missed.

Observed large AK closing fast, firing at BARB's periscope, coming in to
ram. Ordered 100 feet emergency in case has depth charges (coming
soon merchants will have depth charges to defend themselves in
situations like this.)

TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 3

0402 Periscope depth. Fast set up on AK. Fired stern tubes 7,8,9 range 500
yards. Torpedo Depth 8 ft.

0403 Torpedo impact (all three)! massive explosion and secondary explosions
for nearly a minute. Vessel split in two! Must have been a ammo ship.
AK JOGU MARU 6669 tons sunk at 20-50N 119-41E

0404 AO DAISHIN MARU sunk! 20-50N 119-41E

0405 Large AO spotted ! Ahead flank. One torpedo forward, one aft.
AO will pass astern of BARB. AO fired at BARB's scope.

0406 Sound reports warship closing high speed estimated range 4000 yards.

TORPEDO ATTACK NO.4

0408 Fired tube 10 at AO NAMPO MARU. Range 650 yards.
Torpedo depth 8 ft.

0409 Torpedo impact! Massive explosion and fireball! Tanker slowed, on fire
bow to stern.
Ten seconds later a massive secondary explosion broke tankers back, split
in two.NAMPO MARU 10000 tons sunk at 20-50N 119-41E.

Pinging heard just after last explosion. Escort spotted 275 closing fast.
Ordered 350 ft, rigged for silent running and depth charge.

0411 As BARB passed 275 feet, heard torpedoes impact at bearing 330
estimated range 4000 yards. Submerged submarine detected same
bearing. Appears QUEENFISH or TUNNY's torpedoes found their mark,
again!


0414 BARB at 350 ft. Escort passed above, did not drop depth charges.
Rushed on and dropped on bearing of submerged submarine. TUNNY or
QUEENFISH were in for it.

0421 Pinging

0423 Pinging.
Escort above. Again no splashes, escort moved on to
attack other submarine. Many depth charge splashes heard on its
bearing.


0435 Depth charge explosions and gunfire, distant.

0500 Last depth charge explosions. Sounds of convoy grew distant.

0517 Secured General Quarters to give crew a rest. Maintained Silent Running.


0548 Sound has submerged submarine estimated 6000 yards on bearing 105. Likely QUEENFISH or TUNNY.


0647 One escort remains in area hunting, covering the convoys rear, keeping
BARB and no doubt our pack maters from surfacing for end around
for another attack before convoy departs our area.
BARB has nine torpedoes remaining. One MK 14-3A, and four MK 23-2
torpedoes forward, four MK 18-2 torpedoes aft.

[Bubblehead1980]

TMO Update V2.0
100 difficulty
cams and map contacts off.

__________________________________________________ ____
USS BARB SS-220

August 31, 1944 (continued)
September 1, 1944.


August 31, 1944

0820 Periscope/Radar depth.

0825 Surfaced for end around. Tubes ordered reloaded.
Batteries on charge.

1100 Dawn. BARB still working into position ahead for attack.
Radar interference on APR-1 bearing 230 believed to be from
QUEENFISH.
(Added radar to the AI subs, so if player has APR-1, will detect their radar
signals sometimes)
No communications otherwise from TUNNY or QUEENFISH.

1236 Regained SJ contact with convoy bearing 014 26500 yards.
Course 319 to intercept.

1245 GENERAL QUARTERS-TORPEDO-SUBMERGED.

1255 Analysis of PPI scope shows attack from starboard side would
be BARB's best bet due to persistent gap in the screen.
Readout indicates four vessels surrounded by five escorts in a ring.
BARB sunk three, apparent QUEENFISH and TUNNY sunk two, as
original count of convoy was nine merchants/tankers, five escorts.

1308 Convoy changed course to SW.

1332 Contact report sent to QUEENFISH, TUNNY, COMSUBPAC.
Submerged for attack.


1406 Easing inside escort screen from starboard side.
Etorofu Escort crossed BARB's stern at 1800 yards.

TORPEDO ATTACK NO.5

1409 Observed AP KYOKUYO MARU 6783 tons as best target in range of electric torpedoes.

1411 Tubes 7,8,9,10 made ready to fire.

1412 Fired tubes 7,8,9,10. Range 2548 yards.
Torpedo Depth: 10 ft.

1415 Torpedoes missed. Secured GQ. Went to 200 ft.


TORPEDO ATTACK NO.6

1517 Sound has lone merchant contact bearing 200 long range.
Possible straggler trying to catch up with convoy.
Ordered Ahead Full on intercept course and periscope depth.

1526 Periscope depth. Spotted damaged AK, low in water.
Possibly AK BARB damaged in Attack No.1, of course
could been damaged by TUNNY or QUEENFISH.
Went to 80 feet at flank speed to close for attack.


1528 GENERAL QUARTERS-TORPEDO-SUBMERGED


1540 Single Ping Range to target. 3580 yards bearing 305.


1545 Periscope observation. Contact is AK of KOTO MARU Class 4466 tons.
Course 215 8 kts. Vessel shows signs of previous damage.

1549 Fired Tubes 5,6,. Range 1200 yards.

1550 Target made evasive maneuver. One torpedo struck bow, other missed ahead.

1552 Target down by bow with angle. Stern lifted in air, but appears
underway.
No large guns visible. Prepared for BATTLE SURFACE-GUN ACTION.

1553 AK has serious down angle by bow.


1556 Vessel now had heavy down angle by bow. Props broached surfaced.

1558 BATTLE SURFACE-GUN ACTION.
Surfaced.

1600 Opened fired from 2500 yards with 4 inch 50 caliber gun, 40mm and
20mm guns.
Gunners on stern, and por side, in spite of vessels condition returned
machine gun fire.
However, three solid hits from three inch, and several from 40mm
and 20mm was all that was needed.
AK's down angle increased her, stern stuck straight up in the air,
before quickly sliding beneath the waves. Two lifeboats were
observed in the water. AK KOTO MARU sunk
19-55N 119-31E 4473 tons.

1601 As BARB moved to investigate the wreck and lifeboats, SD had a
contact a 15000 yards closing fast.
Appeared that the stricken vessel put out a distress call.Cleared the
deck
and submerged to
150 ft. At 150 ft, secured from GQ. (Aircraft Contact No.5)

1727 Surfaced. Pursuit course to catch convoy before depart our area.


1813 Received contact report from QUEENFISH.
Enemy convoy 21-18N 119-50E Course 170 Speed 9 knots. BARB
turned north to intercept.

1959 SD contact 21000 yards closing fast. (Aircraft Contact No.6)

2000 Dive

2110 Surfaced


2246 SJ contact bearing 349 26250 yards.
Multiple pips. Convoy. (Ship Contact No.4)

2248 Topped off Battery Charge. Shadowed
convoy until night fall.


2259 SD contact 24000 yards. (Aircraft Contact No.7 )


2301 SD contact closing fast.
Dive


2310 GENERAL QUARTERS-TORPEDO-SUBMERGED
Opted to make dusk periscope attack
as moon would again prevent surface torpedo attack.

2350 Observed large AO in center column.
Similar to AKATSUKI MARU class 11800 tons.


September 1, 1944

0003 Tubes 2,3,4 made ready to fire.

0004 Fired Tubes 2,3,4 at AO AKATSUKI MARU. 1950 yards.
Torpedo Depth: 8 ft.All torpedoes expended.
CAPT E.R. Swinburne, USN., COM TG 17.5, pushing the firing plunger
for the last three torpedoes.

0005 All three torpedoes impacted tanker.
Tanker apparently empty of fuel, as did not explode
as expected. Tanker slowed with visible fire forward, amidships,
and aft when torpedoes impacted. Large holes visible as well.

Pinging began. AK nearby fired on BARB's scope, turned to ram.
Escort closing. Ordered 350 feet . Rigged for depth charge and Silent
Running.

0010 BARB depth 300 ft, escort above.
Large pattern of splashes heard.
BARB passed 315 ft.

Many DC explosions. Real tooth shakers. Damage reported
in after torpedo room. (minor)


0012 Large DC pattern, not close.


0013 Pinging.


0015 Enemy above. Many splashes.

BARB leveled off at 390 ft.

0016 DC explosions. Boat shaken.


0022 Pinging.

0025 Pinging, short scale. Enemy closing.

0026 Enemy above. Splashes.

0027 DC explosions. Boat shaken.

Close depth charge. Damage reported.
Flooding reported in Aft engine room.
Damage Control Party dispatched.

0029 Flooding under control.


0032 Many DC splashes above.

0033 Many DC explosions. Boat shaken.

0035 Many DC splashes above.

0040 DC explosions. Boat shaken.

0045 Sounds of ship breaking up from last known bearing of AO torpedoed.
Several large explosions from that bearing as well.

0430 Nearly four hours since last depth charge, two hours since last contact
with enemy. BARB rose to periscope depth.

0435 Periscope Depth.

0440 Radar depth.

0450 Surfaced. Secured GQ.

0534 Returned to scene of Torpedo Attack No.7


0545 Located large debris field and oil slick at 20-30N 119-44E.
AO AKATSUKI MARU 11800 tons sunk

0546 With all torpedoes expended early in patrol,
set course for Saipan to rearm and refuel so BARB my rejoin
QUEENFISH and TUNNY for further operations.

1415 SD contact 12152 yards closing.
Dive! (Aircraft Contact No.8)

1417 BARB at 150 ft.

2213 Periscope depth. Overcast, fog. Choppy seas with heavy rains.

2315 Surfaced. En route Saipan.
ETA September 6.

[Bubblehead1980]

TMO Update V2.0
100 difficulty
cams and contacts off

__________________________________

USS BARB SS-220 (Continued)
Operating with "wolfpack" i.e. Coordinated Attack Group, designatedTask Group 17.5 or "ED's Eradicators." (QUEENFISH, TUNNY) in Luzon Straits..


August 31, 1944


2246 SJ contact bearing 349 26250 yards.
Multiple pips. Convoy. (Ship Contact No.4)

2248 Topped off Battery Charge. Shadowed
convoy until night fall.


2259 SD contact 24000 yards. (Aircraft Contact No.7 )


2301 SD contact closing fast.
Dive


2310 GENERAL QUARTERS-TORPEDO-SUBMERGED
Opted to make dusk periscope attack
as moon would again prevent surface torpedo attack.

2350 Observed large AO in center column.
Similar to AKATSUKI MARU class 11800 tons.





September 1, 1944

TORPEDO ATTACK NO.7

0003 Tubes 2,3,4 made ready to fire.

0004 Fired Tubes 2,3,4 at AO AKATSUKI MARU. 1950 yards.
Torpedo Depth: 8 ft.All torpedoes expended.
CAPT E.R. Swinburne, USN., COM TG 17.5, pushed the firing plunger
for the last three torpedoes. (I added a crew member with name/rank on this patrol and had stationed on the torpedo fire control panel on this attack.)

0005 All three torpedoes impacted tanker.
Tanker apparently empty of fuel, as did not explode
as expected. Tanker slowed with visible fire astern in engine compartments
where one torpedo impacted. Fore toward bow as well.

Pinging began. AK nearby fired on BARB's scope, turned to ram.
Escort closing. Ordered 350 feet . Rigged for depth charge and Silent Running.

0010 BARB depth 300 ft, escort above.
Large pattern of splashes heard.
BARB passed 315 ft.

Many DC explosions. Real tooth shakers. Damage reported
in after torpedo room.


0012 Large DC pattern, not close.


0013 Pinging.


0015 Enemy above. Many splashes.

BARB leveled off at 390 ft.

0016 DC explosions. Boat shaken.


0022 Pinging.

0025 Pinging, short scale. Enemy closing.

0026 Enemy above. Splashes.

0027 DC explosions. Boat shaken.

Close depth charge. Damage reported.
Flooding reported in Aft engine room.
Damage Control Party dispatched.

0029 Flooding under control.


0032 Many DC splashes above.

0033 Many DC explosions. Boat shaken.

0035 Many DC splashes above.

0040 DC explosions. Boat shaken.

0045 Sounds of ship breaking up from last known bearing of AO torpedoed.
Several large explosions from that bearing as well.

0430 Nearly four hours since last depth charge, two hours since last contact with enemy. BARB ascended to periscope depth.

0435 Periscope Depth.

0440 Radar depth.

0450 Surfaced. Secured GQ.

0534 Returned to scene of Torpedo Attack No.7


0545 Located large debris field and oil slick at 20-30N 119-44E.
AO AKATSUKI MARU 11800 tons sunk

0546 With all torpedoes expended so early in patrol,
set course for Saipan to rearm and refuel so that BARB my rejoin
QUEENFISH and TUNNY for further operations.

1415 SD contact 12152 yards closing.
Dive! (Aircraft Contact No.8)

1417 BARB at 150 ft.

2213 Periscope depth. Overcast, fog. Choppy seas with heavy rains.

2315 Surfaced. En route Saipan.



September 2
____________

En route Saipan


September 3
____________

En route Saipan



September 4
____________

En route Saipan



September 5
_____________

En route Saipan



September 6
____________

1300 Docked at Garapan, Saipan. Reload oftorpedoes,
provisions, refueling, and voyage repairs began shortly after arrival.



September 7
____________

0345 Voyage repairs completed. Provisions loaded and stocked.

0400 Reload of twelve MK 14-3A, four MK 23-2, and eight MK 18-2 torpedoes completed.

0430 Refueling completed. Ready for sea.

0500 Underway from Garapan, Saipan.
Proceeded on course to return to patrol area.


September 8
____________

En route patrol area.

[Bubblehead1980]

TMO Update V2.0
100 difficulty. Map contacts and cams on for this patrol.
USS BARB SS-220 10th War Patrol
Operating with Wolfpack "Loughlin's Loopers" (QUEENFISH, PICUDA, BARB) in
Area 9. (Real life Wolfpack in November 1944, under Cdr C.E. Loughlin, CO of QUEENFISH)




October 27
___________

0753 Departed Majuro en route Saipan in company with QUEENFISH, PICUDA, and U.S.S. GREINER DE-37 (Escort) in accordance withCOMSUBPAC Operation Order No. 355-44, conducting daily dive, schools, and drills. Group Commander, Commanding Officer, QUEENFISH.


October 28-
1 November
__________

En route Saipan. Conducted drills and group exercises.


November 2
__________

1030 Arrived Saipan. Refueled.


1500 Departed Saipan for patrol area in company with QUEENFISH and
PICUDA.



November 3
__________

En route to patrol area.



November 4
__________

En route to patrol area.


November 5
__________


1745 SD contact- 27500 yds, steady. (Aircraft Contact No.1)

1746 Aircraft appears to be circling location of QUEENFISH.

1747 SD contact range began to close rapidly. Aircraft spotted bearing 088
by lookouts. Dive! Emergency depth 150 ft.


1749 Explosions astern, not close.


1751 More explosions above, astern.


1840 Periscope depth. SD mast extended. All clear.


1841 Surfaced. Regained SJ contact with QUEENFISH and PICUDA at 29000
yds bearing 030. Increased speed to catch up.



November 6
___________


1530 Heavy rain, fog, overcast set in, seas remained calm with six knot wind
direction 235.


1600 Winds increased to thirty knots, direction 216.
Heavy seas churned up, with overcast and rain.

1815 Per orders from group CO, fell in line astern
QUEENFISH at 20000 yds for night time passage South of Yakushima
into assigned area. (Area 9)

2200 Received message from Group Commander aboard QUEENFISH to
proceed independently through the strait and proceed to assigned
station. BARB ordered to patrol the approaches to Sasebo and
Nagasaki.

2201 Increased speed to 20 kts for run through strait.
Heavy seas, winds, rain, and fog, made passage a challenge.


2245 Lost SJ contact with QUEENFISH and PICUDA.


2250 SJ contact on Yakushima Island bearing 030 30000 yds.
This provided a aid to navigating the strait in foul weather.

2316 SJ contact bearing 357 27000 yds. (Ship Contact No.1)


2318 APR-1 detected radar signals from bearing of contact.
Believed SJ contact was a patrol vessel, BARB avoided.





November 7
__________


0100 Cleared passage, set course for assigned patrol station in Area 9
off Sasebo-Nagasaki.

0947 Arrived in area. Storms persisted throughout the day.


November 8
__________

TORPEDO ATTACK NO.1

0836 Storms cleared. Seas remained rough with tweny five knot
winds, direction 118.


1626 SJ contact bearing 003 24560 yds. (Ship Contact No.2)
Multiple pips indicated convoy approaching Nagasaki from SW.
Set course to intercept before convoy entered minefields.

1632 GENERAL QUARTERS-TORPEDO-SUBMERGED.


1647 Smoke sighted bearing 280.


1650 Twelve pips with four or five surrounding pips
indicated large, well escorted convoy.

1651 Convoy course 050 9 kts.
Contact Report sent.

1552 Depth under keel 300 ft.


1659 APR-1 detected radar emissions from convoy.


1700 Dive.


1703 275 ft for high speed run to close convoy.


1723 During ascent to periscope depth, passed thermal layer
at 183 ft. 32-38N 129-39


1726 Periscope depth. Observation showed BARB was nearly
inside convoy. Spotted large AK possibly AO in middle column.
Went to 100 ft to continue approach.

1747 Escort contact (lead escort) ahead estimated 2500 yards
bearing 000. Time approach for escort to pass as entered
forward screen. BARB depth 100 ft.


1756 Periscope depth. AK spotted bearing 030 500 yds.
Downed scope, backed away as slightly too close to center column.


1802 Observation. Identified AO CHIYODA MARU in center column
bearing 315 3000 yds.

1813 Fired tubes 1,2,3 at AO CHIYODA MARU. Range 920 yds
Torpedo Depth: 8 ft

1814 Torpedo impact! Torpedo impact!

1815 Torpedo impact!

Tanker exploded in characteristic manner of a loaded AO.
Massive explosion and fireball. Tanker keel split in two at amidships after
explosion. AO CHIYODA MARU 5113 tons sunk.


TORPEDO ATTACK NO.2


1816 Turned to starboard for setup on large AK next in column of CHIYODA MARU.


1821 Fired Tubes 3,4,6 at AK JOKUJA MARU tons. Range 1150 yds
Torpedo depth 8 ft. Ordered hard port rudder to turn away and head for
deeper waters.

1822 Torpedo impact! Torpedo impact!

First torpedo apparently missed, second hit stern mast area,
causing a explosion and large fire. Last torpedo hit the stern,
likely knocking our steering and the prop.

Escort vessel (TYPE C or TYPE D) spotted bearing 070 estimated range
2500 closing, fast. Ordered 250 ft, rigged for depth charge and silent
running.

1826 Thermal layer detected 193 ft. BARB leveled off 200 feet


1825 Pinging.

1826 Enemy appeared to lose contact.

1829 Sounds of enemy vessel breaking up, sinking.
AK JOKUJA MARU 7390 tons sunk.

1830 Enemy warship closing fast.

1831 Many splashes.
DC explosions, not close.

1838 Many splashes.

Multiple close explosions.
Damage reported. BARB at 280 ft.


1844 Enemy above, alongside.

1846 Many splashes.



1847 Very close DC explosion.
Flooding in aft engine room, and torpedo room.


1850 Leaks stopped in engine room, and aft torpedo room.


1852 BARB at depth of 285 ft.
Constant pinging by multiple escorts searching for BARB.

1900 Pinging ceased. Three contacts heard leaving area high speed.
Appeared contacts gave up. BARB at 250 ft.

1901 Damage to No.2 and No.4 electric motors and port prop shaft
caused a noisy and slow submerged speed.

Persistent valve leak and high pressure air line
leaks in conning tower.

1930 Several warship contacts arrived in area astern of BARB.
Likely ASW units dispatched from Sasebo.
Explosions heard in distance.


1950 Water and air line leaks in conning tower repaired.


2000 Secured GQ.


2100 Secured Silent Running. Ordered tubes reloaded.



November 9
__________


0022 Periscope depth.

0024 Radar depth.


0038 Surfaced into heavy seas and light raid.

Set course for area off Sasebo North entrance
to clear area of attacks.

0200 SJ contacts. Two pips bearing 025 21000 yds.
APR-1 detected radar emissions. Contact was
two ASW vessels. Avoided. (Ship Contact No.3)


0915 Dawn. Off approaches to Sasebo Northern entrance after high speed run
through the night. Heavy seas remain with light rain and light fog.


0945 Submerged for patrol off Sasebo North entrance.


1207 Periscope depth. Seas calmed great deal, barely any waves.


1901 Aircraft Spotted! Bearing 231 estimated 1000 yds.
(Aircraft Contact No.2) Ordered 150 ft emergency.

1952 Periscope depth.

2115 Radar depth. All clear. Surfaced into calm night.


2120 Set course to patrol ten miles West of Goto Islands along approaches to
Sasebo North entrance.


November 10
____________

TORPEDO ATTACK NO.3


0127 SJ contact bearing 351 26390 yds.
Set course to intercept at flank speed before target entered North
channel and minefields to Sasebo.


0130 GENERAL QUARTERS-TORPEDO-SURFACE


0144 Visually sighted target at 9500 yds bearing 045.
Target identified as large AK or Auxiliary on course
062 12 kts.

0148 Target identified as a Auxiliary Cruiser 15000 tons.
Large guns visible forward.

0149 Submerged for attack.


0154 Single ping verified range to target at 3200 yds.

0156 Target speed 15 kts course 062.
BARB increased to flank speed to close range.
Tubes 1,2,3,4,5,6 made ready to fire.


0159 Fired tubes 4,5,6 at AIKOKOKU MARU Class Auxiliary Cruiser 14280
tons. Range: 1589 yds. Torpedo depth: 10 ft

0201 Torpedo impact!
Torpedo impact! Large explosion
Torpedo impact! Massive series of explosions ripped vessel apart.
Likely third torpedo set off the ships magazines.

0205 Smoke settled somewhat. Vessel split amidships
in two sections, both profusely burning.


0207 Surfaced. Vessel astern.


0209 AIKOKU MARU Class Auxiliary Cruiser 14280 tons
sunk. 33-18N 128-55E


0210 Torpedoes ordered reloaded. Secured GQ.
Set course area south of Sasebo-Nagasaki.


0945 South of Sasebo-Nagasaki.
Submerged for patrol at dawn.


2148 Surfaced


November 11
___________

Patrol of Southern approaches to Sasebo and Nagasaki on surface.


1758 SD contact 25575 yds closing. (Aircraft Contact No.3)
Dive.

1800 Leveled at 150 ft.


1810 Several large explosions at BARB's depth, close.
Boat shaken. Ordered 350 ft emergency, ahead flank,
course 195. Appeared aircraft somehow detected BARB at 150 ft.


1815 BARB at depth of 350 ft.
Several large explosions heard off port bow, above, distant.
Changed course to 250 at 5 kts.

2130 Surfaced


2335 SJ Contact bearing 001 22300 yds. (Ship Contact No.5)
Contact made while transiting south of Goto Islands.

2337 APR-1 detected radar emissions from contact.

2349 Vessel identified as a Minelayer. Vessel appeared to be
patrolling pass south of Goto Islands. Avoided contact.

November 12
____________


0103 Unknown radar emissions detected bearing 067.
No SJ or visual contact was established.
Possible submarine. Departed area at high speed.


0157 Received orders to rotate to next station.
Set course to 260 to head for new station South of Quelpart Island.

[EddieLyons]

Originally Posted by Bubblehead1980

What is next? More S boat? lol

When I come out of "retirement, I'll see!

Maybe not an S Class, next time ...

[Bubblehead1980]

NOTE: This is a "historic contact" added to TMO Update and is present in V1.0 as well. This convoy is based on convoy HI-81 attacked by SEA LION and other subs beginning 15 November 1944. QUEENFISH sunk the escort carrier/aircraft transport AKITSU MARU. Wiki below, decent summary, mostly accurate)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Convoy_Hi-81


November 15, 1944
________________

TORPEDO ATTACK NO.4


0205 Received ULTRA regarding large convoy departing Goto Islands 0600 hours.Proceeded to intercept for coordinated attack with QUEENFISH and PICDA.


0825 APR-1 detected radar signals.


0906 APR-1 detected radar signals.


0907 Two SD contacts range 24000 yds steady.
(Aircraft Contact No.7 and 7-A)


0908 Lost both SD contacts.

0954 SD contact 15190 yds closing fast. Two contacts.
Dive! (Aircraft Contact No. 8)


1207 Radar depth. SD contact 15000 yds closing.
(Aircraft Contact No. 9) Ordered 150 ft.

Believed this aerial activity was a sweep by aircraft ahead of a convoy.
Maintained submerged patrol.

1225 Detected submarine ahead estimated 10000 yards, this was
confirmed to be QUEENFISH.


1235 Sound detected many heavy props bearing 003.
Likely convoy closing.

1251 SJ contacts bearing 351 28400 yds.(Ship Contact No.6)

1252 SD contacts 13000 yds closing (Aircraft Contact No.10)


1300 GENERAL QUARTERS-TORPEDO-SUBMERGED

1304 Radar depth. SJ contacts bearing 088 23696 yds closing.

1305 Received contact report from SEA LION regarding convoy.

1306 APR-1 detected multiple radar signals from convoy bearing.

1310 Convoy appears in tight screen with two long columns. Went to 300 ft for high speed run to open
range along convoys projected track. SEA LION expected to attack first from port side, likely pushing convoy towards BARB on starboard side. Convoy has 4-5 AO, several land auxiliary type, possibly troopships/landing craft carriers, with eight escorts.

1326 Periscope depth. Spotted smoke and outlines of ships on horizon ahead bearing 010 estimated range seven miles.

1336 Identified vessel in second column forward as a escort carrier.

1350 Convoy zigged toward BARB. Ordered back 1/3.

1359 Tubes, 1,2,3,4,5,6, made ready to fire. Torpedo depth set to 15 ft.


1403 Periscope observation: Target course 278. Speed 11 knots. AOB 49
Range 4650 yds.

1408 Fired Tubes 1,2,3,4 at AKITSU CVE. Range:
Torpedo Depth: 15 ft

1410 Escort passed just 1400 yards ahead
Maneuvered BARB to keep bow towards for low profile.

1412: Torpedo impact!
20

1412: Tornedo impact! Fired visible amidships and forward.
25


1412: Torpedo impact! Large exposion followed torpedo hit.
31

1412: Torpedo impact! Torpedo hit aft started large fire aft.
36

1415: CVE Akitsu erupted in massive explosion and fireball. Began listing to port.

1415 Pinging, two escorts closing. Ordered 300 ft
Rigged for depth charge and silent running.

1415: Passed thermal layer at 182 feet. Ordered boat level at 190 ft.
41


1416 Enemy above. Many splashed. Ahead flank!

DC explosions', tooth shakers.

1417 Another enemy closing. Ordered 300 ft.

1418 Enemy above. Splashes.

DC explosions, astern, not close.


1422 AKITSU CVE 11800 tons sunk.
33-07N 127-50E

1433 Sound reported torpedoes in water bearing 060.
Believe QUEENFISH fired on convoy.

1434 Torpedo impacts audible on sound.


1435 Several large explosions followed torpedo impacts.
Believe QUEENFISH hit one of the tankers judging by the explosion.
(under depth charge attack so did not want to cheat and go to external camera)

1444 Pinging by multiple escort continued.

1445 Two escorts passed above dropped large patterns.
Many DC explosions, BARB shaken.

1449 Enemy above. Many splashes.


1450 Many DC explosions, close. Boat shaken.
Damage reported.(See Damage and Defects)
Serious leak in forward torpedo room.
Damage control party assigned.

1452 Forward dive planes transmission inoperative.
Dive controls sluggish.

1500 Leaks in forward torpedo room stopped.
Flooding under control.


1504 Pinging resumed.


1507 Escort above. Splashes.
Explosions. Real tooth shakers.

1509 Pinging resumed.


1511 Pinging ceased. Sound reports two warships leaving area high speed.
Likely the third is playing possum, listening for BARB.
BARB depth 350 ft.

1518 Many explosions distant, convoy likely attacked again by QUEENFISH,
perhaps PICUDA.

1607 Sound can heard many explosions distant, bearing 107.


1630 Secured GQ. Maintained silent running.
Course 180. 350 ft.

2000 Secured Silent Running.


2130 Surfaced


2200 Damage Assessment:
Torpedo Tubes No.1,2,3,4,5,6 inoperable. (Three MK 18-1 torpedoes
remained forward)
Damage control party assigned.

Forward Dive planes transmission inoperable
Damage control party assigned.


Compressed Air Reserve Banks damaged beyond repair at sea.
Could only replenish reserve to 90 percent capacity.

All four stern tubes operation with eight torpedoes available.
In spite of damage, BARB could remain on patrol, and did just that.

[Bubblehead1980]

Originally Posted by EddieLyons

When I come out of "retirement, I'll see!

Maybe not an S Class, next time ...

[Sammy-rai]

My skipper recently transferred from USS S-28 (OnePunch) to the USS Snapper (SS-185). Sent out to the Solomons on his first war patrol with the Snapper, he sank 2 IJN Kuma-class Lt Cruisers and a destroyer escort in night action in 'The Slot'.


Here are some shots of the Snapper's interior, courtesy of the Fleet Interiors mod and a little adjusting:
sh4_FOTR_2022_03_16_11_20_32_325.jpg

sh4_FOTR_2022_03_16_11_20_48_435.jpg

sh4_FOTR_2022_03_16_11_21_27_885.jpg

[Sammy-rai]

And just for giggles here is a shot of the Snapper's and OnePunch's conning towers:
Desktop_2022_03_13_13_01_06_290.jpg

sh4_FOTR_2022_02_26_19_43_01_712.jpg

[Bubblehead1980]

Originally Posted by Sammy-rai

My skipper recently transferred from USS S-28 (OnePunch) to the USS Snapper (SS-185). Sent out to the Solomons on his first war patrol with the Snapper, he sank 2 IJN Kuma-class Lt Cruisers and a destroyer escort in night action in 'The Slot'.


Here are some shots of the Snapper's interior, courtesy of the Fleet Interiors mod and a little adjusting:
Attachment 5130

Attachment 5131

Attachment 5132

Thanks for sharing Gotta love those interior mods!

[Bubblehead1980]

New career in TMO V2.0 update
100 difficulty
Cams off, contacts on.

(Close call while leaving Saipan!)



March 3, 1945
_____________

Departed PEARL HARBOR in accordance with COMSUBPAC Operation Order #65-45, en route to the west coast of KYUSHU via SAIPAN to form coordinated attack group with TINOSA and SPADEFISH, with Commanding Officer TINOSA as group commander.


March 3-14
___________

En route SAIPAN, conducted training en route. Averaged three dives, one battle problem per day. Studied many patrol reports and "BUSHIDO" to get back in trim after a long lay off.



March 15
_________

0810 While approaching Garapan Harbor, Saipan,
spotted large formation of B-29 heavy bombers approaching
for landing, likely returning from night time raid over Japan.
(Aircraft Contact No.1) (B-24's substituting for B-29's, since do not have
B-29 in SH 4 at this time)


0945 Docked at Saipan.
Topped off fuel and provisions.

2000 Departed Saipan at dusk for Patrol Area NINE.

2101 Trim dive.

2105 Sound reported a submerged submarine bearing 070 short range, closing!. TIRANTE at 75 ft. Rigged for silent running.
(Ship Contact No.1)

2107 Torpedo noises detected on sound bearing 030! Ordered 100 ft,
emergency! Appeared that a undetected enemy submarine fired
torpedoes at TIRANTE, which was saved by her evening. post refuel trim
dive. (Shocked as did not expect any AI enemy submarines to be in are
at this point, but shows why must remain vigilant. Trim dive saved my
boat)


2140 Lost sound contact with submerged submarine.
Last known bearing 240, estimated range 5000 yards.


March 16
________

0040 Surfaced. Departed area at high speed.

0045 SJ contact bearing 090 19250 yds. Two pips.
(Ship Contact No.2)

0105 Contacts identified as Butler Class DE.
Exchanged recognition signals.
DE hunting area for submarine, likely
same one which fired on TIRANTE.

0130 Star shells spotted astern in distance.


0135 Depth charge explosions visible astern, DE
appears to have discovered a submerged submarine.
(Seems the patrolling DE's spotted the AI sub and attacked.
With external cam off, all could do was see flashes distant and listen on
hydrophones to explosions.


0200 Lost contact with DE's astern. Continued on patrol area,
with caution.

[!!HansGruber!!]

FOTRSU v1.7 p3
98/100 difficulty

USS Harder, 2nd patrol
March 17, 1943

1700 - ULTRA received of enemy task force operating in the East China Sea. Report is within 100nm but these things never pan out.

2300 - Radar detects large group heading ENE at 16 kts. Task group consists of 2 CV, 3 CA, 1 CL, 6 DD. Harder goes to battle stations and begins pursuit at flank speed to N for intercept.

2330 - Task group turns towards Harder on course 105. 1 x Hiyo and 1 x Shokaku class CV identified. Contact report sent and sub goes to periscope depth & silent running.

2345 - Leading DD passes 500 yards to stern.

2350 - 6 bow fish launched at Shokaku class CV from 1200 yards. Immediate dive to 250' and course NNW.

2351 - 4 detonations heard overhead followed by many secondary explosions.

2355 - Breaking up noises heard. "Believe that baby sank."

0200 - Some active pinging from a lone DD but sonar reports most screws far too the E.

0500 - Return to periscope depth and spot a few DD's 5+nm blinking.

0600 - Surface and withdraw to west to resume patrol.

[1Patriotofmany]

3 hits on the Rodney east of Britain. OM Darkwaters[/IMG]