Stories and Patrol Logs + Screenshots and Videos (merged) - Page 344

Mad Mardigan · 10-28-21, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bubblehead1980

Great shots.

This, is why I enjoy the availability of the cam views... for grabbing snap shots like this...

M. M.

Bubblehead1980 · 10-28-21, 10:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mad Mardigan

This, is why I enjoy the availability of the cam views... for grabbing snap shots like this...

M. M.

Yes, why I on occasion leave it on as well, for the views. I got some excellent ones, and prob my favorite ever of my sub being depth charged after attacking the YAMATO.

I created a mod to restore the "next unit" (hit the < or >) buttons as well for when testing, or plan to watch battles, makes it easier to observe things.

Quite east to restore it, its in the TMO manual.

Bubblehead1980 · 10-28-21, 10:15 PM

Because I like to type up patrol notes and convert to report on notepad, but does not always copy and paste well to subsim, just decided to make text file available for download. See link below or go to subsim downloads section. Enjoy.

https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/dow...o=file&id=6008

Bubblehead1980 · 11-02-21, 02:36 AM

TMO 2.5 Update BH with patch patch (in development)
100 difficulty no cams or contacts.
USS TANG SS-306(Balao Class)

Also testing out a new way of merchant ship ID. To add to the fog of war so to speak and not make ship identification such a sure thing. I have added multiple versions of the ships and they all have nondescript names like "LARGE AK" for large cargo ships, Large AO (for Tankers) etc. with tonnage variations set quite large in their files, so player is crediting with different ships, even if look similar. Provides variety or appearance of variety and
makes identification not so easy, easily at night when it was difficult to identify targets beyond their type such as AO, AK etc.

AK=Cargo Ships
AO=Tanker
AP=Troopship

Just testing, not sure if like it or not yet.

Somehow deleted the data I recorded for my patrol report, so just going with a narrative from memory.

Departed Pearl Harbor on June 8, 1944, set course of patrol area 12 via Midway with orders to operate off KYUSHU as part of a coordinated attack group with SEALION(Area 9) and TINOSA (Area11-A) as required.

Arrived Midway on June 11 and refueled, then proceeded towards area on course. Passed Yakushima Island and transited Colonet Strait night of 23 June, 1944. A rendezvous with SEALION and TINOSA off OINIKI SAKI ( I have made it where when player rendezvous with sub and "drop off" or pick up a raft. Worked in single mission, but in campaign had issues) . A storm system blew into area and was unable to locate other boats. Proceeded via orders to patrol KOSHIKI STRAIT off KYUSHU, submerged at dawn for patrol in the strait.

Sound detected prop noises at 1300 , TANG came to periscope depth and spotted smoke bearing 165 . Went to General Quarters and closed to find a mid sized AK similar to HEITO MARU or KOTO MARU 4200 tons on course 146 at 8 knots. Closed target and fired two MK 23 torpedoes at range of 1000 yards. Both torpedoes hit a minute later, leaving the vessel on fire, listing heavily. Twenty one minutes later, vessel sunk at 31-55N 129-59N in Koshiki Strait. Secured General Quarters and went to 125 feet, leaving area. During periscope observations, spotted a BETTY aircraft patrolling area of sinking.

Surfaced at 2300 and at 2331 SJ made contact on large convoy in KOSHIKI STRAITS. Closed convoy, detecting radar emissions. PPI scope indicated seven large ships with twelve escorts* . TANG moved into position for night surface attack as convoy began to hug the coast of KYUSHU, likely destined for NAGASAKI.

Avoided front of convoy do to radar equipped escort likely in the lead(wish had map contacts on at this point) and attempted to fall in line with port side screen but they closed ranges and TANG was unable to slip through the screen. After several attempts, noticed the rear of convoy a gap in the tail end escorts. Headed opposite direction 8000 yards off port side of convoy, then made a "u turn" and approached from astern at flank speed, waiting for the stern escorts to provide the opening.

Finally after twenty minutes, as convoy made slight zig, turning with the curve of the coast line, the escorts fell out of position slightly and TANG zipped inside at high speed, passing one escort at just 1900 yards , keeping stern pointed at her for low profile. Once inside, increased speed back to flank to catch up to the merchant vessels inside.

Spotted large AP at 0150 and positioned parallel to the vessel, once ahead turned to starboard to bring bow tubes to bear and fired three MK 23 torpedoes from tubes 4,5,6., turning away to open range and stern swinging around in case need follow up attack. Forward of TANG once turn complete was a large AK, , readied tubes 1,2,3,. All three torpedoes hit the AP, which slowed and began to settle. Gunfire, star shells, spotlights, and alarms went off, but TANG was hidden well inside convoy, unseen at moment. Two escorts on port side began dropping large patterns of depth charges. At 0200 , fired tubes 1,2,3 at large AK and swung back to starboard to move ahead towards other ships. During this interim, the AP torpedoed previously suffered a series of explosions and quickly sunk. Multiple rafts spotted in water.

At 0201 all three torpedoes hit the large AK. The forward deck guns and machine guns opened fire on TANG, while another AK illuminated her with searchlights and opened fire TANG raced away at high speed showed stern to present minimal profile to gunners. Check of PPI scope and from bridge shows escort vessels closing fast. TANG continued moving along sighting a large AO, estimated 10000 tons, similar to GENYO MARU.

Moved along side the zigging vessel, brought stern tubes to bear at 2000 yards and fired all four torpedoes. Three of MK 18 torpedoes hit and ships erupted in a massive fireball, igniting as tankers loaded with fuel tend to do.

All torpedo tubes empty, TANG now began racing for a gap in the screen to exit. However, now had three escorts closing. Changed course and put engines on overload, making 22.5 knots, raced away dodging gunfire.

Momentarily, the pursuers lost contact as TANG pulled away and began to reload torpedoes for a follow up attack. Thus far, two of the ships attacked (AP and AK) had sunk. The AO was dead in water, a flaming wreck, but afloat. TANG would reload and close to finish the ship off, if possible. With four bow and two stern tubes now reloaded, headed back into the convoy , initially heading for tanker when sighted a large AK and let three MK 23 torpedoes fly, two of which hit the target setting off massive explosion, TANG turned and managed to evade as an escort rushed into the scene of attack. As TANG progressed along looking for next target in the convoy, dodging escorts , crew reported SD contact. A night flyer coming in.

What to do? Only 60 ft below keels, no place to dive in these calm seas full of alerted escorts. Just continued moving along , hearing an aircraft and spotting it in distance, circling area of last attack. Suddenly sound of its engines was overhead, there was a BETTY , which strafed TANG and dropped bombs/depth charges, which landed about 75 feet off starboard side. ( I had the AA guns mod enabled which set them to act as deck guns) Plane made another strafing run but was apparently out of bombs. However, it alerted escorts which closed in, forcing TANG to run away. During this time aircraft lost contact with TANG but escorts continued at high speed., but TANG remained ahead. However, one pip seemed to be closing fast, a visual check showed a Matsu Class DE closing very high speed from bearing 110. Most likely, this was the radar equipped escort. Turned TANG's stern to 0 AOB on the Matsu and prepared stern tubes (MK 18) for down the throat shot. However, this low aspect apparently caused Matsu to lose radar radar as it soon was observed to slow, drop two patterns of depth charges, then turn back to the convoy. TANG then turned back to finish off the tanker, dead in the water, which had two escorts trolling the general area, one 5000 yards from the doomed AO.

Closed to 3000 yards and just as was preparing to fire a torpedo, she began to sink and within five minutes had disappeared below. With the remaining vessels in convoy several miles ahead, dawn approaching, TANG, having sunk three large AK and one large AO, set course for deeper waters. A nearby escort seemed to grow curious and began closing the scene at high speed, either spotting TANG or was equipped with radar, fired a star shell, then opened fire. TANG turned her stern to target in case a down the throat show was needed and to provide minimal profile. A second and third escort approaching from astern, on each quarters were closing, nearly boxing TANG in. To complicate matters, the Matsu, unseen in some time and presumed to have moved further north with main body of convoy, was observed rushing in a high speed. The three escorts could be out run and were at 4000-6000 yards, but the DE, at 9000 and closing fast, had a far superior speed advantage. TANG turned to present stern and minimal profile to the MATSU, which was presumed to have radar. Making matters more difficult, seas had suddenly picked up, somewhat heavy, which slowed tang to 20.5-21 knots instead of 22.5 was making on overload. TANG had now crossed into slightly deeper waters with 125 feet below keel . The Matsu was at 5000 yards, other escorts at 3800-5500. Suddenly the nearest escort, the TYPE C slowed somewhat, circled and dropped a large pattern of depth charges. The others followed suit. Well, least they were convinced we had submerged.

The DE continued closing. TANG began a slow gentle turn to starboard with five degrees then ten degrees rudder . The DE fired a star shell, then made an abrupt turn to port and began dropping depth charges! Ah, seems they lost radar contact and convinced TANG had submerged. We resumed course and sped away at high speed, relieved. Secured General Quarters and at dawn, submerged South of Goto Islands to avoid the air patrols, numerous of which were spotted through the day during periscope observations.

Ships sunk during Attack No. 1

Large AP 7000-8000 tons
Large AK 6000 tons
Large AO 10000 tons
Large AK 6000-7000 tons.

* In reality, TANG on her third patrol , attacked a large convoy with 12 escorts in Koshiki Straits off Kyushu on 24/25 June 1944 and sunk four ships. This convoy was added as a "historical contact" in TMO Update to allow player chance to try and pull off the attack. As Cdr (later Admiral) O Kane did, approaching from the rear of convoy worked in the updated TMO, with dark nights etc. Night was dark but not super dark, esp after 0400 when quarter moon, albeit with some cloud cover and light fog was out.

Surfacing the evening of the 25th, TANG proceeded to primary patrol area in the Yellow Sea (Area 12) .

At 2305 on 29 June made SJ contact with large AP off DAISEI Islands groups. Closed and due to full moon, submerged in shallow waters, firing three torpedoes, which promptly sunk the 7000-8000 tons AP.

On July 4 sunk a mid sized AK at 36-10N 125-50E and a small AK on July 6 at 37-30N 123-52E.

Only July 8 off the Shantung Promontory, China in the Yellow Sea, sunk a small AO (empty). The AO's small PC type escort hunted tang and dropped depth charges, two close but heavy seas and a thermal layer at 105 feet (max depth 150 ft) helped hide TANG.

On July 10 , TANG sunk a mid sized AK East of Qingdao, China at 36-6N 120-38E in a night surface attack. AK sunk at 0411 hours.

TANG then proceeded back to the Korea coast to avoid ASW efforts off China coast.

On Jul 12 at 1301, in overcast skies with choppy seas, SD failed to detect a closing aircraft until it was 5.5 NM away and lookouts failed as well. Ordered a dive but a close depth charge caused damage , including flooding in forward torpedo room. In shallow waters with flooding, TANG's angle was difficult to correct and collided with bottom at 170 feet. Most serious damage was flooding and sound heads damaged (new damage model, sound heads can be damaged or destroyer) , which did not function properly for res tof patrol.

On July 12th at 2300 made contact with convoy of two shups and one PC type escort off CHOPEKKI POINT, CHOSEN(Korea) . With just 100 ft below keel, opted for night surface attack. Due to speed area, first four torpedoes missed large AK, but two hit the smaller AK of 2500 tons, which quickly exploded and sunk at 36-50N 124-50E. The escort chased TANG, firing her deck gun, but could not make the speed to catch up.

With three torpedoes left aft tracked the remaining AK and at 0425 fired last three torpedoes, all MK 18. Two torpedoes failed to hit, but the third hit amidships. TANG raced away under fire from merchant and escort, losing escort easily again. The AK soon settled in water and fifteen minutes after torpedo hit, slipped beneath the waves. Out of torpedoes, TANG set course for Midway arriving July 24.

Nine ships sunk for just over estimated 55,000 tons.

Fun, busy patrol which somewhat paralleled TANG's real life third patrol.

Bubblehead1980 · 11-03-21, 09:14 PM

TMO 2.5 Update BH w patch (patch not yet released)
100 difficulty.
External Camera and Map contacts off.

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 Fourth War Patrol.

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

1. Enclosure (A), covering the fourth war patrol of this
vessel conducted in Japanese Empire waters during the period
31 July 1944 to 3 September. 1944, is forwarded herewith.

R. H. O'KANE

(A) PROLOGUE

Returned from third war patrol July fourteenth. The refit
by SubDiv 62 and Submarine Base, Midway, completed on the
twenty-fourth, is considered our finest to date. Conducted
normal training and departed July thirty-first.

(B) NARRATIVE

July 31-August 7

Departed Midway at 1555 on the thirty-first of July. En route to area five at two engine speed.
Conduced training dives and fire control drills dailyand enjoyed yachting weather.

August 8

At 1701 on the eighth, APR-1 detected radar signal. Following soon, SD picked up a aircraft
(Aircraft Contact #1) at ten miles, closing. TANG submerged to avoid,
surfaced an hour later and resume course to area.

Gun Action No.1

At 2218 on the eighth, lookouts spotted a fishing boat bearing 053
at 7000 yards. Called General Quarters-Battle Surface-Gun Action,
and closed target on parallel course. Commenced fire with 40mm, 20mm, and 4" 50 cal gun from range of
2500 yards at 2244. Immediate hits were scored, the vessel caught fired, and wrecked
by a large explosion at 2246, TANG ceased fire just after. Enemy vessel had machine guns visibly mounted,
but were unable to return fire given the surprise and accurate fulsilade from the dark of night.
Fishing Boat (estimated 200 tons) sunk at 2251 hours, position 33-52N 138-01E with no survivors observed.
TANG secured General Quarters and resumed course to area after search.

August 9

Submerged off DAIO SAKI for patrol just before dawn at 0630. After dawn, observed shore batteries and
observation posts on DAIO SAKI, plotted their positions. Spotted aircraft BETTY (Aircraft Contact #2) at 0817.
Surfaced ten miles off DAIO SAKI at 2200, proceeed to sea for recharge and course for OMAE SAKI area.

August 10

Submerged off OMAE SAKI at 0622 hours for patrol. Spotted aircraft(Aircraft Contact No.3)
at bearing 005 9000 yards.

Attack No. 1

Sound detected distant props bearing 344. TANG turned close to close bearing. At 1140 smoke spotted bearing 135, different contact rounding OMAE SAKI.
TANG went to 90 ft at high speed and
turned course to close, going to General Quarters-Torpedo at 1144. At 1237 observed more smoke bearing 140, likely original contact was closing.
Fired tubes (MK 18-2 torpeod) 7,8,9,10 at 1241 and just as was launching, two unobserved twin engine bombers(BETTY)
dropped depth charges about 100 ft to starboard, shaking boat. Ordered emergency depth after final bearing,
and fired remaining tubes as the boat descended to 90 feet, just off the bottom. Torpedo #10 went into circular run after
launch and was heard above TANG. At 1242-1243, three torpedo impacts were heard, followed by multiple large secondary explosions.

Attack No.2

Turning to course 000 at high speed and 90 feet, closing seocnd contact on sound bearings. At 1247 heard two more large explosions from bearing
of first attack. At periscope depth, slowed for observation and spotted AO zigging on course 090 8 knts. Spotted aircraft and forced to return to
70 feet, just off the bottom as closed target. Back at periscope depth, had to fire before the solution deteriorated fruther.
At 1251 fired tubes 1,2,3,4 (MK14-3A). At 1252 observed all four torpedoes impact target. The AO was empty, as did not
'ignite' upon impact or one or two torpedoes as AO typically do when loaded with fuel. TANG turned for deeper waters and went
to 70 feet and increased depth as it became available. At 1311 several large explosions were heard along with breaking up noises from
last bearing of target. Slowed and went to periscope depth, observed the ICHIYU MARU AO sink in the shallow waters by her bow,
just the stern in the air. Sweep of bearing showed the KOTO MARU had sunk as well. TANG went to 125 feet and continued high speed run from the area,
secured General Quarters and began torpedo reload.

At 1350 on the tenth, sound reported fast screws, warships bearing 053 at long range. This was most likely the 'calvary' local patrols responding
to the area after TANG's attacks. Contacts came somewhat close, rigged for silent running and depth charge at 1402.
At 1410 pinging was heard with contacts closing fast. Depth Charge Attack #1 began at 1421 with large patterns, TANG at 350 ft depth.Last depth charge,
out of 251 previous, was at 1533. A relatively brief, but intense attack. A close pattern at 1503 damage aft batteries, caused leakes in various
air and water lines through boat. Trim and Hydraluic pumps also damaged.At 1533 TANG , having made it to deeper waters,
at 600 ft, escorts appear to have lost contact, last ping was ten minutes prior, escorts quiet, above listening.At 1800, secured General Quarters,
and went to 412 feet, maintained silent running.

At 2248 hours on the tenth, came to periscope depth and then radar depth. A sweep with SJ, SD, and sound
showed area clear.Secured Silent Running and surfaced the boat at 2250. Immediately began battery recharge, as batteries were
down to thiretten percent. Set course of SHIONO MASAKI area.

August 11

Arrived ten miles off SHIONO MISAKI 0700 hours. Taking advantage of the dawn fog, closed on surface,
submerging at 0715 for patrol. Surfaced at 2300 set course for DAIO SAKI.

August 12

At 0609 on the twelveth, SJ made contact, two pips, 21000 yards. APR-1 detected radar emissions. TANG submerged at 0615 to avoid the patrol vessels
and start patrol.At 0643, observed a No. 60 Class Subchaser and a W-19 Class Minesweeper on patrol.
1005 spotted same patrol contacted earlier at 7000 yards on course 250. Surfaced at 2300.

August 13

Arrived off Ikobe Coast at 0230 and patrolled, preparing to dive at dawn for patrol.

Gun Action #2

At 0314 observed a fishing boat bearing 047 7500 yards.
Called General Quarters-Battle Surface-Gun Action.
Commenced firing with all guns at 0334, ceased fire 0337.
Fishing boat (estimated 200 tons) sunk at 34-10N 137-25E, 0342 hours.
Submerged at 0625 on morning of the thirteenth for patrol along Ikobe Coast.Surfaced at 2300,
set course of Omae Saki.

August 14
Arrived off Omae Saki at 0530.

Attack #3

At 0615, spotted a large paddle driven coastal cargo steamer rounding Omae Saki. Went to General Quarters-Torpedo.
With dawn breaking, submerged for attack at 0625.Fired tubes 1,2,3,4 at steamer from 800 yards. All four torpedoes impacted as aimed. The armed steamer, with fires burning,
spotted TANG's periscope in the dawn light, illuminated her with searchlight,opened fired with aft mounted three inch deck gun,
and multiple deck mounted machine guns. No.2 Attack scope damaged, knocked out by lucky hit, but later repaired at sea. Tang went to seventy five feet and opened range, before
returning to periscope depth. At 0655, at scope depth, observed steamer sinking, again machine guns opened fire at 1200 yards, TANG went back to 75 feet.
Back at scope depth at 0705, observed steamer sinking by the stern and observed her slip under off Omae Saki. TANG went to 100 feet and conducted high speed run until 0830 to clear the area.

Returned to periscope depth 0946, spotted EMILY flying boat (Aircraft Contact #8) astern. No doubt
hunting for TANG in response to morning attack.Went back to 100 feet for sound sweep with observations every half hour.

Patrol spotted/detected on sound simultaneously at 1400 hours, two SC type vessels.

Attack #4

Sound detected many distant, heavy props bearing 179 at 1535 hours. TANG turned
to close targets.Spotted smoke of AK with multiple escorts at 1600, called General Quarters-Torpedo.
Turned to bring stern tubes to bear to utilize MK 18 torpedoes due to heavy screen and zig by target.Forced to
use No.1 observation periscope due to damage sustained to No.2 Attack periscope earlier in the day. Just was preparing to fire, small PC on
port side spotted the periscope, fired at it from 2000 yards and began pinging. At 1643 fired tubes 7,8,9,10 from 3500 yards, set to account
for possible evasion by target. With escorts closing and a plane spotted, TANG went to the bottom at 165 feet at high speed to reach deep waters. Depth Charge Attack #2 began at 1645, but none were close. At 1646-1647 three torpedo impacts were heard, via sound
and audible through the hull. TANG reached deeper waters fairly quick and went to 350, then 400 feet, as frequent, incessant pinging by escorts continued.At 1651 sounds of ship breaking up astern could be heard, sounds of the merchants engines were gone.
MIIKE MARU sunk 34-36N 137-50E . Two more warship contacts arrived on scene at 1653, possibly patrol responding to attack. These first team contacts closed in on TANG quickly, dropping two large patterns. TANG was badly shaken by the first, then damaged by the second, for at 1702 two close depth charges caused flooding in aft engine rooms.
Damage Control party quickly stopped the flooding (See Defects and Damage Section).

By 1715, TANG was in deeper waters and at a depth of 575 ft, multiple escorts hunting.
Multiple DC explosions in area, but none close. Final depth charge explosion 1844.
ALl but one sound contact left area, one still hunting TANG.
Lost sound contact at 2003, maintained depth of 500 ft and silent running.
Surfaced at 2210, multiple SJ contacts astern at ten miles, set course to open range from coast for repairs and rest.

SD contact at eleven miles holding steady, suddenly began to close range at 2219, TANG submerged to avoid.
Surfaced at 2300, set course to open range with coast.

August 15

Remained offshore to conduct repairs. Submerged after dawn for crew rest, with return to coastal areas
the following day. Just before submerging, SD made contact (Aircraft Contact #9) at 14 NM. Surfaced at 2300, set course for
KANTORI SAKI.

August 16

Submerged six miles off Kantori Saki at 0615 and closed the coast for patrol.

Attack #5

Spotted two patrol vessels at 1310, went to silent running and avoided, as well as two aircraft
(Aircraft Contact #11) at 1340. Believe the patrols were sweeping for convoy, since
at 1334, sound picked up contacts bearing 034 long range and at 1452, spotted smoke bearing 006.
Called General Quarters-Torpedo. Convoy is one AK with four escorts, observed vessels round SHIONO MISAKI,
head for coast of KANTORI SAKI, TANG began to close the range.

At 1603 fired tubes 1,2,3,4 from 2900 yards. Due to escort proximity, to avoid detection and ruining shot,
fired then went to 100 feet and backed away to open range with flank escort. At 1605 four torpedo impacts
were heard, followed by large explosions and breaking up noises. AK MOMOYAMA MARU sunk 3331 N 135-53E.

TANG turned toward deeper waters. Escorts came close but never located TANG , depth charges heard
in the distance. Lost contact at 1830, secured General Quarters 1835. Surfaced at 2227 fourteen miles SHIONO MISAKI, set course
for OMAE SAKI to clear the area.

August 17-18

Received orders at 0400 to proceed to Area 5A to join for coordinated attack on convoys expected
to transit area in coming days. Ordered course 170 at 18 knots to assigned area. Submerged at 0852 to avoid SD contact. (Aircraft Contact #12).
Surfaced 1037. Soon after surfacing, SJ had three contacts which were identified as fishing boats. Called
General Quarters-Battle Surface.

Gun Action #3

Closed three fishing boats on surface at high speed, all guns manned. At 4000 yards all three boats opened fire with machine guns,
TANG replied and commenced firing at 1050, and ceased firing at 1100. Three fishing boats, estimated 200 tons each sunk at
33-31N 135-53E. Secured General Quarters and continued en route to area.

Attack #6 and #6-A

1210 SJ made contact at 28000 yards. APR-1 detecing radar emissions. PPI scope indicates large convoy.
As prepared to dive and attack at 1250, convoy zigged throwing TANG out of position.
This program repeated itself through afternoon, thus TANG pulled ahead to shadow until night fall
for a night surface attack.Submerged at 1800 to avoid SD contact closing from ten miles.
Surfaced at 1820, continued shadowing convoy. Submerged again at 1845 to avoid SD contact.
Surfaced at 1904.Through the afternoon, submerged four more times for
the SD contact, apparently a aircraft assigned to escort the convoy.

2200 Called General Quarters-Torpedo-Surface as night fell. TANG proceeded to close the convoy.

At 0018 on eighteenth of August, TANG was inside the port escort screen when star shells were fired,
signaling TANG had been detected. TANG put overload on engines, and left the closest escort, a TYPE C behind,
continued towards AK was tracking,closing the range to fire, and attack others in convoy if possible.
At 0023 (Attack #6) fired tubes #3, #4 (MK 14-3A) at large AK (possibly KENYO MARU 6486 tons) from 2000 yards and turned
slightly to starboard to avoid the vessel. Just after firing, spotted a large vessel at center of convoy,
which was revealed to be a escort carrier, likely of the TAIYO Class. TANG immediately began tracking
the carrier, preparing to fire two remaining torpedoes at her. At 0024 both torpedoes hit the AK, causing large fires.
The ship began to fire with her aft mounthed three or four inch gun, and deck mounted machine guns, while
illuminating TANG with her spot light as passed astern of the damaged vessel. A few machine gun rounds struck
TANG and one shell came too close for comfort, but caused no damage. Lookouts soon had a DD closing from bearing 200
at high speed, which soon opened fire from about 4000 yards. This forced TANG to fire from 2800 yards, instead
of the planned 2000. At 0027 (Attack #6-A) fired tubes(final two torpedoes) #5,#6 (MK 23-2) at the CVE. Just after firing,
a last explosion astern was audible and flames visible, the AK torpedoed appears to be sinking. With the
DD closing at very high speed, now iluminating TANG and firing from 2900 yards, TANG submerged.
As TANG passed 100 ft, torpedo impact was heard on the CVE's bearing. The second torpedo missed.
TANG contiunued her plunge and leveled off at 500 ft. Over next five hours estimated 200 depth charges were dropped by various escorts,
but only a few were close and no escort appeared to have solid contact on TANG and only minor damage was suffered (See Defects and Damage section)
Believe this is due to the confusion and noise in the water, as TANG was hidiing below the convoy.

At 0700 on the eighteenth, TANG surfaced with one SJ contact at nine miles, apparently a escort holding back to search for TANG.
All torpedoes expended, set course for Pearl Harbor, as fuel status did not require stop at Midway.

(A ship sunk marker appeared on the map for the AK torpedoed in attack 6,
but SH 4 did not award me credit in the log not count toward my tonnage total!
However, vessel did sink.)

August 19-September 3

En route to Pearl Harbor in mostly pleasant weather. Arrived Pearl Harbor Submarine Base at 1100 on September 3rd,
terminated war patrol.

(C) WEATHER

Weather to and from, and in are was nearly completely pleasant, yachting weather.
Seas did briefly pick up in area

(D) TIDAL INFORMATION

Tides were normal for the area. The Kuroshio was present as expected.

(E) NAVIGATIONAL AIDS

Lights were spotted at OMAE SAKI, SHIONO MISAKI, and KATORI SAKI.

(F) ATTACK DATA

TORPEDO ATTACKS

USS Tang SS 306 Torpedo Attack No. 1 War Patrol FOUR
Date 10 August 944 Time 1242 Lat.34-33N Long.138-12E 7500 yards off Omae Saki

Description

Attack on AK rounding Cape Omae Saki, zigging.

Type Attack Submerged-Periscope-Day

Ships Sunk
AK KOTO MARU 4666 tons
34-32N 138-11E off Omae Saki.

Verification

Heard four torpedoes hit followed by large secondary explosions over next ten minutes.
When back at periscope depth for Attack #2, visible oil slick, debris, fire, visible, with superstructure
of the vessel just above waterline, observed vessel sink on next observation.

Ships Damaged
None

Ships Probably Sunk
None

Torpedo Attack No.1 Target Data (at firing)

AK KOTO MARU 4466 tons
Course 220, zigging
Speed 5 kts
Range 1200
AOB 85 S
Bearing 182
True Bearing 150
Remark
Visible, machine guns mounted bow to stern. Possibly had
hydrophones as began to zig and avoid, when could not have spotted
TANG scope at distance.

Torpedo Attack No.1 Torpedo Fire Control Data

Tube #7
Type MK 18-2
Serial No. 11320
Exploder MK 8
Serial No. 71129
Gyro 12 R
Track 85 S
Course 339
Method Single bearing-TDC
POA MOT
Spread 0
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Power Default
Depth 6 ft
Hit Yes
POI --
Erratic No
Remark

Tube #8
Type MK 18-2
Serial No. 11455
Exploder MK 8
Serial No. 71122
Gyro 12 R
Track 85 S
Course 339
Method Single bearing-TDC
POA MOT
Spread 0
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Power Default
Depth 6 ft
Hit Yes
POI --
Erratic No
Remark

Tube #9
Type MK 18-2
Serial No. 11220
Exploder MK 8
Serial No. 71133
Gyro 12 R
Track 85 S
Course 339
Method Single bearing-TDC
POA MOT
Spread 0
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Power Default
Depth 6 ft
Hit Yes
POI--
Erratic No
Remark

Tube#10
Type MK 18-2
Serial No. 11361
Exploder MK 8
Serial No. 71263
Gyro 12 R
Track 85 S
Course 339
Method Single bearing-TDC
POA MOT
Spread 0
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Power Default
Depth 6 ft
Hit No
POI --
Erratic Yes
Remark
Circular run.

Own Ship Data (at firing)

Depth 64 ft
Course 250
Speed 2 kts
Angle 1 degree down
Seas Calm
Depth under keel 65 ft

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

USS Tang SS 306 Torpedo Attack No. 2 War Patrol FOUR
Date 10 August 1944 Time 1251 Lat.34-35N Long.138-12E 3440 yards off Omae Saki.

Description

AO inbound to Suruga Bay via Omae Saki.

Type Attack
Submerged-Periscope-Day

Ships Sunk
AO ICHIYU MARU 5113 tons
34-34N 138-13E off Omae Saki.

Verification

Forced to 100 ft by aircraft, sound reporting sinking ten minutes after attack.
Came to periscope depth 25 minutes after attack, stern and stack just visible
above water, rest of vessel submerged off Omae Saki. Large explosions followed over next hour.

Ships Damaged
None

Ships Probably Sunk
None

Torpedo Attack No.2 Target Data (at firing)

Target#1
Course 090 zigging
Speed 8
Range 2461
AOB 90
Bearing 1
True Bearing 31
Remark
Believe tanker was empty, not loaded with fuel as did not 'ignite'
as loaded tankers typically do after one or two torpedo hits.

Torpedo Attack No.2 Torpedo Fire Control Data

Tube #1
Type MK 14-3A
Serial No. 130040
Exploder MK 6-5
Serial No. 12044
Gyro 11 R
Track 101 S
Course 041
Method Individual Bearing-TDC
POA MOT
Spread 0
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Power High
Depth 8ft
Hit Yes
POI MOT
Erratic No
Remark
---

Tube #2
Type MK 14-3A
Serial No. 130041
Exploder MK 6-5
Serial No. 11223
Gyro 11 R
Track 101 S
Course 041
Method Individual Bearing-TDC
POA MOT
Spread 0
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Power High
Depth 8ft
Hit Yes
POI MOT, forward
Erratic No
Remark
---

Tube #3
Type MK 14-3A
Serial No.130042
Exploder MK 6-5
Serial No.10992
Gyro 11 R
Track 101 S
Course 041
Method Individual Bearing-TDC
POA Stern-Stack
Spread 0
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Power High
Depth 8ft
Hit Yes
POI Stern-Stack
Erratic No
Remark
---

Tube #4
Type MK 14-3A
Serial No.130043
Exploder MK 6-5
Serial No.10999
Gyro 11 R
Track 101 S
Course 041
Method Individual Bearing-TDC
POA Fore Mast
Spread 0
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Power High
Depth 8ft
Hit Yes
POI Fore Mast
Erratic No
Remark
---

Own Ship Data (at firing)

Depth 64 ft
Course 031
Speed 3 kts
Angle 1 down
Seas Calm
Depth under keel

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

USS Tang SS 306 Torpedo Attack No. 3 War Patrol FOUR
Date 14 August 1944 Time 0655 Lat.34-35N Long.138-8E Five nautical miles West of Omae Saki.

Description

Unescorted large coastal paddle steamer rounding Cape Omae Saki.

Type Attack
Submerged-Periscope-Night/Dawn

Ships Sunk
Coastal Steamer-Paddle driven.
3500-4000 tons.
34-34N 138-13E
Five nautical miles West of Omae Saki.

Verification

Observed torpedoes hit target. Observed target sink stern first
fifteen minutes after final torpedo impact.

Ships Damaged
None

Ships Probably Sunk
None

Torpedo Attack No.3 Target Data (at firing)

Target#1
Coastal Steamer-Paddle Driven
3500-4000 tons
Course 270
Speed 5 kts
Range 840 yards
AOB 87
Bearing 004
True Bearing 006
Remark
Armed with 3" gun forward. Machine guns, AA guns mounted all sides, astern. Cargo crates on deck.

Torpedo Attack No.3 Torpedo Fire Control Data

Tube #1
Type MK 23-2
Serial No. 113391
Exploder MK 6-5
Serial No. 10008
Gyro 357 L
Track 94 P
Course 359
Method Individual Bearing-TDC
POA MOT, Stack
Spread 0
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Power High
Depth 6 ft
Hit Yes
POI MOT, Stack
Erratic No
Remark
---

Tube #2
Type MK 23-2
Serial No. 115006
Exploder MK 6-5
Serial No.10888
Gyro 357 L
Track 94 P
Course 359
Method Individual Bearing-TDC
POA Fore Mast
Spread 0
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Power Default
Depth 6 ft
Hit Yes
POI Fore Mast
Erratic No
Remark

Tube #3
Type MK 23-2
Serial No. 117806
Exploder MK 6-5
Serial No.107988
Gyro 357 L
Track 94 P
Course 359
Method Individual Bearing-TDC
POA Aft Mast
Spread 0
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Power Default
Depth 6 ft
Hit Yes
POI Aft Mast
Erratic No
Remark
---

Tube #4
Type MK 23-2
Serial No. 109391
Exploder MK 6-5
Serial No. 10855
Gyro 357 L
Track 94 P
Course 359
Method Individual Bearing-TDC
POA MOT, aft of stack
Spread 0
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Power High
Depth 6 ft
Hit Yes
POI MOT, aft of stack
Erratic No
Remark
---

Own Ship Data (at firing)

Depth 56 ft
Course 003
Speed 3 kts
Angle 1.5 down
Seas Rough
Depth under keel 50 ft
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

USS Tang SS 306 Torpedo Attack No. 4 War Patrol FOUR
Date 14 August 1944 Time 1642 Lat.34-37N Long.137-51E

Description

Large AK-AP with four escorts. Small PC spotted No.1 Periscope and began pinging. Adjusted solution
and fired spread to account for target evasive movements, fired while descending to avoid attack by escorts.

Type Attack
Submerged-Periscope-Day

Ships Sunk
None

Ships Damaged
None

Ships Probably Sunk
AK-AP MIIKE MARU
11739 tons
34-36N 137-50E

Verification

Three torpedo hits on sound gear and audible through hull, times matched for hitting.
Repeated explosions and sounds of ship breaking up in minutes following the three torpedo impacts.
Only small fast props were heard after impact, indicating engines on target stopped due to damage.

Torpedo Attack No.4 Target Data (at firing)

Target#1
MIIKE MARU AK-AP
11739 tons
Course 092
Speed 7 kts
Range 3400
AOB 72
Bearing 177
True Bearing 010
Remark
Large AK-AP of HEIAN MARU Class (?) 4 or possilby 5 inch guns mounted atop superstructure.

Torpedo Attack No.4 Torpedo Fire Control Data

Tube #7
Type MK 18-2
Serial No. 116567
Exploder MK 8
Serial No. 112003
Gyro 344 L
Track 94 P
Course 176
Method Individual Bearing-TDC
POA MOT
Spread 0
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Power Default
Depth 6 ft
Hit Yes
POI ---
Erratic No
Remark
Sound confirmed hit.

Tube #8
Type MK 18-2
Serial No. 113561
Exploder MK 8
Serial No. 112393
Gyro 344 L
Track 94 P
Course 176
Method Individual Bearing-TDC
POA Fore mast
Spread 0
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Power Default
Depth 6 ft
Hit Yes
POI --
Erratic No
Remark
Sound confirmed hit.

Tube #9
Type MK 18-2
Serial No. 117560
Exploder MK 8
Serial No. 113273
Gyro 344 L
Track 94 P
Course 176
Method Individual Bearing-TDC
POA Aft mast
Spread 0
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Power Default
Depth 6 ft
Hit Yes
POI --
Erratic No
Remark
Sound confirmed hit.

Tube #10
Type MK 18-2
Serial No. 120021
Exploder MK 8
Serial No. 111121
Gyro 344 L
Track 94 P
Course 176
Method Individual Bearing-TDC
POA MOT, stack.
Spread 0
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Power Default
Depth 6 ft
Hit No
POI None
Erratic No
Remark
Torpedo missed. Believe torpedo reached end of run as target turned away or missed due
to target slowing after hits from three other torpedoes.End of run and end of run explosion
audible, heard by sound and crew.

Own Ship Data (at firing)

Depth 58 ft
Course 175
Speed 2 kts
Angle 1-down
Seas Rough, suddenly calmed between last two observations. Seas were choppy but much calmer on firing observation.
Depth under keel 150 ft.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

USS Tang SS 306 Torpedo Attack No. 5 War Patrol FOUR
Date 16 August 1944 Time 1603 Lat.33-31N Long. 135-54E

Description

One AK with four SC and PC type escorts, rounding SHIONO MISAKI approaching KANTORI MISAKI 2500 yards off coast.

Type Attack
Submerged-Periscope-Day

Ships Sunk
None

Ships Damaged
None

Ships Probably Sunk

AK MOMOYAMA MARU
4037 tons
33-31N 135-31E

Torpedo Attack No.5 Target Data (at firing)

Target#1
AK MOMOYAMA MARU
4037 tons
Course 044
Speed 7 kts
Range 2900 yards
AOB 60 S
Bearing 330
True Bearing 276
Remark
Possible error in true bearing due to typo in log.

Torpedo Attack No.5 Torpedo Fire Control Data

Tube #1
Type MK 23-2
Serial No.105005
Exploder MK 6-5
Serial No. 76877
Gyro 335 L
Track 77 S
Course 281
Method Individual Bearing-TDC
POA MOT
Spread 0
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Power Default
Depth 8 ft
Hit Yes
POI ---
Erratic No
Remark
Sound confirmed hit.

Tube #2
Type MK 23-2
Serial No.105225
Exploder MK 6-5
Serial No. 734577
Gyro 335 L
Track 77 S
Course 281
Method Individual Bearing-TDC
POA MOT
Spread 0
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Power Default
Depth 8 ft
Hit Yes
POI ---
Erratic No
Remark
Sound confirmed hit.

Tube #3
Type MK 23-2
Serial No.105145
Exploder MK 6-5
Serial No. 78877
Gyro 335 L
Track 77 S
Course 281
Method Individual Bearing-TDC
POA MOT
Spread 0
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Power Default
Depth 8 ft
Hit Yes
POI ---
Erratic No
Remark
Sound confirmed hit.

Tube #4
Type MK 23-2
Serial No.105695
Exploder MK 6-5
Serial No. 68177
Gyro 335 L
Track 77 S
Course 281
Method Individual Bearing-TDC
POA MOT
Spread 0
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Power Default
Depth 8 ft
Hit Yes
POI ---
Erratic No
Remark
Sound confirmed hit.

Own Ship Data (at firing)

Depth 61 ft
Course 313
Speed 2 kts
Angle 1-down
Sea Condition Choppy

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

USS Tang SS 306 Torpedo Attack No. 6 War Patrol FOUR
Date 18 August 1944 Time 0023 Lat.32-30N Long. 138-13E

Description

Large convoy , twelve AK, AO with six escorts.
Radar emissions from convoy, multiple.

Type Attack

Night Surface

Ships Sunk
None

Ships Damaged
None

Ships Probably Sunk
AK KENYO MARU 6486 tons
32-20N 138-13E

Verification
Observed two torpedoes impact target forward, followed minutes later by large explosions
and fires.Last seen, vessel had down angle by bow, sinking.

Torpedo Attack No.6 Target Data (at firing)

Target#1
AK KENYO MARU
6486 tons
Course 045-zigging
Speed 6.5 knots
Range 2500 yards
AOB 90
Bearing 0
True Bearing 330
Remark
Possible error in true bearing due to typo in log.

Torpedo Attack No.6 Torpedo Fire Control Data

Tube #3
Type MK 14-3A
Serial No. 105654
Exploder MK 6-5
Serial No. 767670
Gyro 2
Track 85
Course 129
Method Individual Bearing-TDC
POA MOT
Spread 0
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Power High
Depth 10 ft
Hit Yes
POI Fore Mast-Bow
Erratic No
Remark
---

Tube #4
Type MK 14-3A
Serial No.1055405
Exploder MK 6-5
Serial No. 76989
Gyro 03
Track 84
Course 130
Method Individual Bearing-TDC
POA MOT
Spread 0
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Power High
Depth ft
Hit Yes
POI Fore Mast-Bow
Erratic No
Remark
Target probably sunk.

Own Ship Data (at firing)

Depth Surfaced
Course 150
Speed 22.5 kts
Angle 0
Sea Condition Calm

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

USS Tang SS 306 Torpedo Attack No. 6-A War Patrol FOUR
Date 18 August 1944 Time 0027 Lat.32-30N Long. 138-13E

Description

Attack on CVE in large convoy (immediate follow up to Attack #6)

Type Attack

Night Surface-Torpedo

Ships Sunk
None

Ships Damaged
None

Ships Probably Sunk
None

Torpedo Attack No.6-A Target Data (at firing)

Target#1
CVE TAIYO Class
17,830 tons
Course 045-zigging
Speed 11 knots-zigging
Range 2800 yards
AOB 88
Bearing 0
True Bearing 081
Remark
Possible errors in data, due to log errors made
under combat conditions.

Torpedo Attack No.6-A Torpedo Fire Control Data

Tube #5
Type MK 23-2
Serial No. 089654
Exploder MK 6-5
Serial No. 767670
Gyro 4
Track 80
Course 145
Method Single bearing-TDC
POA MOT
Spread 0
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Power High
Depth 10 ft
Hit Yes
POI ---
Erratic No
Remark
Sound and timing confirmed hit.

Tube #6
Type MK 23-2
Serial No. 869614
Exploder MK 6-5
Serial No. 967270
Gyro 4
Track 80
Course 145
Method Single bearing-TDC
POA MOT
Spread 0
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Power High
Depth 10 ft
Hit No
POI ---
Erratic No
Remark
----

Own Ship Data (at firing)

Depth Surfaced
Course 165
Speed 22.5 kts
Angle 0
Sea Condition Calm

GUN ACTIONS

A total of three gun actions took place during this patrol.

Rounds Expended

4 inch 50 Caliber 64

40mm 653

20mm 1041

Gun Action No.1

Sunk armed fishing boat (200 tons )
2251 8 August 1944
33-52N 138-01E

Gun Action No.2

Sunk Armed Fishing boat (200 tons)
0342 13 August 1944
34-10N 137-25E

Gun Action No.3

Three armed fishing boats (200 tons each)
sunk.1100 8 August 1944
33-31N 135-53E.

(G) Ship Contacts

No. Date Time Type Lat. Long. Crse Spd Rng How Remark

1. 8/8 2223 Fsh. Bt. 33-52N 138-01E 275 6 6000 yd Visual Armed.Sunk by gunfire.

2. 8/10 1140 AK 34-32N 138-11E 180 7 11000 yd Visual Sunk. Attack #1

3. 8/10 1237 AO 34-32N 138-11E 102 8 11500 yd Visual Sunk. Attack #2

4. 8/10 1350 DD?DE?PC?SC? 34-32N 138-8E ? 15+ 8000 yd Sound Depth Charge Attack #1

5. 8/12 0609 SC,MS 34-10N 136-46E 270 14 21000 yd SJ,Visual Daily Patrol

6. 8/13 0320 Fsh.Bt. 34-10N 137-25E 354 7 7000 yd Visual Armed. Sunk by gunfire.

7. 8/13 2030 SC,SC 34-37N 137-34E 271 14 8000 yd Sound,Visual Mikura Class x 2-patrol.

8. 8/14 0615 AK 34-34N 138-10E 270 5 8000 yd Visual Paddle driven coastal steamer.Armed.Sunk Attack #3

9. 8/14 1400 SC,SC 34-37N 137-53E 092 15 9000 yd Sound, visual Coastal Patrol

10. 8/14 1600 AK,SC, PC 34-37N 137-51E 265 8 14000 yd Sound, Visual Sunk AK. Attack #4

11. 8/16 1310 SC, SC 33-33N 135-58E 046 15 7000 yd Sound, Visual Patrol, possible sweep for AK.

12. 8/16 1530 AK, SC, SC 33-33N 135-59E 046 7 21000 yd Visual, SJ Sunk AK, Attack #5

13. 8/17 1035 Fsh.Bt. x3 33-31N 135-53E 200 6 7000 yd Visual Sunk by gunfire.

14. 8/17 1240 AK,CVE,DD,DE,SC 32-30N 138-13E 045 11 24000 yds SJ, Visual. Attacks #6 and 6-A

(H) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS

No. Date Time Type Lat. Long. Crse Spd Rng Alt How Remark

1. 8/8 1701 NA 33-42N 138-37E NA NA 12NM NA SD only Emitted Radar signals.

2. 8/9 0817 BETTY 34-15N 136-53E 210 140 9000 yd 1000 Visual Via periscope.

3. 8/10 0835 MAVIS 34-34N 138-10E 235 115 8000 yd 1200 Visual Via periscope.

4. 8/10 1237 BETTY 34-42N 138-11E 180 200 2000 yd 500 Visual Via periscope. Bombed by AC.

5. 8/10 1237 BETTY 34-42N 138-11E 180 200 2000 y 500 Visual Via periscope. Bombed by AC.

6. 8/11 1101 BETTY 34-12N 136-36E 300 150 6000 yd 4000 Visual Via periscope.

7. 8/12 1304 MAVIS 33-25N 135-46E 205 110 4500 yd 1500 Visual Via periscope.

8. 8/14 0946 EMILY 34-34N 138-0E 245 120 4000 yd 1400 Visual Via periscope.

9. 8/14 2215 NA 34-35N 137-46E NA NA 12NM NA SD only ----

10. 8/15 0845 NA 33-24N 137-3E NA NA 14 NM NA SD only ----

11. 8/16 1340 BETTY(x2) 33-33N 135-58E 225/035 140 8000 yd 1000 Visual Two AC sweeping area, possibly ahead of traffic.

12. 8/17 0852 NA 32-17N 137-16E NA NA NA NA SD only. Repeated SD contact.

(H) MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE

All damage or defect repaired at sea unless otherwise noted.

1.No.2 Attack Periscope head. Damaged by machine gun fire from coastal steamer after torpedo attack.

2.Flooding-2 ft water aft engine room.

3.TPort Propeller Shaft

4.No.1 Diesel

5. No. 3 Diesel

6. Aft Batteries

7.Trim Pump

8. Hydraluic Pump

9.Forward Dive Planes Transmission.

(I) ANTI-SUBMARINE COUNTERMEASURES AND EVASION

Area 5 was heavily patrolled in the coastal shipping routes by ASW vessels, usually in pairs, making daily sweeps.
Twice these patrols were within range to respond to TANG's attacks, locating and attacking TANG.

Air patrols were frequent and combined with surface patrols made operations challenging.

The convoy attacked on 17/18 August was quite large and included a escort carrier, no doubt the source
of the repeated SD contacts through the afternoon of the seventeeth which forced TANG to sumberged repeatedly.

Lead escort (unknown DD or DE) was radar equipped and quickly honed in on TANG during attack on the carrier (Attack #6-A).
The CVE also emitted radar signals, althought it did not seem to detect TANG and is possible it was air search radar.

Submerged evasion was typica for TANG, finding thermal layers, much depth as possible, constant course changes, with adjustments
to dept and speed, and speed bursts when escorts passed overahead and during explosions of DC, when
sound of motors are full power are drowned out by the enemys engines and explosions.

Surface evasion when pursued consisting of overload on engines, bringing TANG to 22.5 knots surface speed
combined with evasive maneuvers, and presenting slim profile/aspect to nearby enemy vessels. Alternating rudder swing of
five to ten degrees port or starboard was used to dodge gunfire, "chasing the splashes" then reversing to confuse
enemy gunners. The low profile of TANG and submarines enable to disappear easily into the dark of
night.

(J) SOUND GEAR AND SOUND CONDITIONS

Sound conditions were somewhat mediocre in the patrol area with average detection range at seven thousand yards. However, on
certain occasions faint echoes of distant props were heard at estimated twelve to fifteen thousand yards.

These conditions seemed to affect enemy's ability to maintain solid contact with TANG during submerged evasion.

(K) DENSITY LAYERS

Thermal layers were detected at 155, 211, 290, and 341 feet.

(L) RADIO

Radio communication was overal excellent

(M) RADAR

SJ performance was excellent with typical detection in excess of 22000 yards.

SD Radar was satisfactory, typical detection range twelve miles.

(N) PERSONNEL

Crew performance during this realtively short, but very busy patrol was excellent.
Daily prolonged dives in coastal areas, heavily patrolled by enemy, and heavily traveled
by enemy merchant traffic presented a challenge, but one that was met with four ships sunk
in the area, all within a few thousand yards of shore and just a few feet under the keel.

13 men and one officer qualified in submarines during this patrol.

(O) HEALTH AND HABITATABILITY

Overall, excellent.

(P) MILES STEAMED-FUEL CONSUMED

MILES GALLONS
Midway to Area 2960 34565
In Area 4500 49884
Area to Pearl Harbor 4235 56845

(Q) DURATION

DAYS
Midway to Area 9
In Area 9
Days Submerged 10
Area to Pearl Harbor 16

(R) FACTORS IN DURATION

Torpedoes 0
Fuel 31,500 gallons
Provisions 50 days
Crew Indefinite

Factor in termination of patrol- All torpedoes expended.

(S) REMARKS

None.

KaleunMarco · 11-04-21, 07:29 PM

Ve vere tasked with patrolling south of Iceland, October 1943.
Not ze best time to be in those wassers.
Ve tracked down zwei Allied convoys and sunk a few ships, but just a few.
Ze verdampt escorts are vicious in zier counterattacks.
so after zwei weeks we headed back to port (La Pallice) however as we are chugging home, our radar detects a single contact, moving at high speed on out port quarter, heading SW.
so, we swing around and close with the contact to identify it.

Gott in himmel...she is enormous! Ze Queen Mary on her way back to North America to bring back more verdampt Canadians (or worse, Americans).

so, we close and submerge...and ATTACK!

There are no escorts so the approach, and the result, is very simple.

This is what makes it a successful patrol!

Bubblehead1980 · 11-05-21, 01:08 AM

U.S.S. TANG (SS 306)
c/o Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, California

A18-21
Serial 019 24 September-16 November, 1944

CONFIDENTIAL

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 Fifth War Patrol.

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

1. Enclosure (A), covering the fourth war patrol of this
vessel conducted in the Formosa Strait during the period
24 September to 16 November 1944, is forwarded herewith.

R. H. O'KANE

(A) PROLOGUE:

Returned from the 4th patrol on 3 September, 1944 and
conducted normal refit at the U.S. Submarine Base, Pearl
Harbor. Four inch deck gun replaced forward with five inch deck gun forward.
SBT-1 decoy launched installed. In order to take part on the coming Formosa raid
and to be in a position inside the Formosa Straits to
intercept Japanese reinforcements for the coming Philippine
Campaign, training and loading were completed four days in
advance of schedule. Loaded 24 Mark 18 Mod 1 torpedoes
already prepared for the U.S.S. TAMBOR who had been delayed.

(B) NARRATIVE

24 September

1300 Departed for Formosa Strait via Midway, proceeding at
full power to this last fueling base

1700 Trim Dive

1745 Surfaced. Continued en route Midway.

25-27 September

En route Midway, conducted dive and torpedo attack drills.

28 September

0715 After battling heavy seas entering channel, docked at Midway.
topped off fuel provisions.

1230 Departed Midway for patrol area in Formosa Straits (11-B)

29 September-7 October

En route patrol area.

8-11 October

At 0600 on the eighth, TANG first encountered typhoon conditions near position
26-2N 142-13E 40 NM S Haha Jima, Bonin Islands. Conditions persisted until
2230 on the eleventh, with residual heavy seas remaining.

12-15 October

En route patrol area. Submerged at 1621 on 14 October to avoid SD contact
(Aircraft Contact No.1). Surfaced at 2310, proceeded up East coast of Formosa transiting
area between Formosa and Sakishima Gunto through the night of 14/15 October.SD contact made (Aircraft Contact No.2)
1034 on 15 October. Surfaced at 1100, only to have another SD contact (Aicraft Contact No.3)
at 11 NM closing the range fast. TANG submerged to avoid and surfaced at 1145, entering area at noon.

16 October

SD contact made at (Aircraft Contact No.4) 1356. Submerged to avoid, surfaced at 2320.

17-18 October

Surfaced at 2300on the seventeenth after day submerged 6000 yards off Formosa coast with no contacts.

Attack #1

At 2316 on the seventtenth SJ made contact (Contact No.1) on lone pip, TANG turned to close at high speed.
Second SJ contact (Contact No.2) mad at 2332. At 0012 on the eighteenth, identified initial contact as long AO. APR-1
detected radar emissions from other, contact. Possible escort attempting to rendezvous with tanker, off on a "sweep" , or
providing a loose escort. Closed target with decks awash to low profile due to excellent visibility.
Fired Tubes 1,2,3,4 at 0031.All four torpedoes hit at 0032, setting tanker on fire, but without the
expected "boom" that accompanies loaded tankers. Believe tanker is empty of fuel. HAKKO MARU type AO sunk
at 0046 25-11N 120-37E.

Secured General Quarters and departed area. SJ contact (Contact No.4) made at 0433,
patrol, avoided contact. SJ contacted (Contact No.5) Taipei Harbor at 30000 yards at
1050 on the eighteenth. Submerged at 1130 West of Taipei for coastal patrol. Spotted a ZEKE
(Aircraft Contact No.5) at 1432 flying along the coast on course 070. Spotted a BETTY
flying along coast at 1559. At 1824 emergency desecent to 115 ft was ordered after OOD observed
an unknown (Aircraft Contact No.6) via No.1 periscope close aboard, appeared to be diving.
No attack came, but stayed "deep" at 120 ft(10 ft off bottom) for a while and turned
course to open range from coast.Surfaced at 2330.

19 October

Established SJ contact with Hsia-Lun Harbor at 0849 ahead of
submerging for patrol in the area. Submerged at 1145 for patrol.
Surfaced at 2315 into heavy seas, set course away from coast of Formosa for patrol off Chinese
coast and in central Formosa Strait.

20 October

Sumberged patrol in Formosa Strait.

21 October

Attack #2

Established SJ contact on convoy at 0608, convoy appeared to be operating along China Coast.
TANG closed at best speed, somewhat hindered by heavy seas. Ahead of convoy, brought stern tubes to bear
with decks awash at 26 ft. Rough seas made control difficult, but managed. APR-1 detected enemy radar
emissions but TANG was not detected. Convoy is one small AO, leading one mid sized AK, with
three SC type escorts, one minelayer escort. At 0714 fired tubes 7,8,9,10. At 0716, two hits (#8, #10)
on the AO. Fires visible, vessel listing. Tanker did not blow, assume empty.
Immediately turned and fired tube#1, which missed. Escort sped up after TANG, turned away at flank speed.
With heavy seas likely cuausing misses and
need to find deeper waters as dawn approaching, ended attack and opened range.
Due to two solid hits, fires, list and damage, with seas swamping her decks,
it is believed that the AO (SAMUI MARU) likely later sunk.

22 October

Attack #3

1050 SJ contacts bearing 037 28500 yards. APR-1 detecting radar signals,
likely northbound convoy. TANG began closing contacts as dawn broke.
Large convoy of ten to twelve ships in a unusual long single column,
five or six escorts.

At 1136, submerged for attack and worked inside escort screen.
Fired tubes 1,2,3,4 at 1228. At 1230 all four torpedoes impacted target. AO
exploded in the classic fashion of a tanker, quite a large and devastating
explosion. Vessel quickly began to settle into the water. TANG, which began its turn
to deeper waters went to 100 ft, rigged for silent running
and depth charge, but moving at 7 knots for deeper waters. First pings began at 1236.
Deployed decoys SBT-1. Many depth charge explosions astern, enemies took the bait.

Depth Charge Attack #1 began at 1238. At 1248 Damage reported
from close depth charge explosions. See Major Defects and Damage Section.
TANG at 140 ft. By 1400, enemy lost contact with TANG. Secured General Quarters.
Maintained silent running on course to deeper waters.Reached 190 ft by 1448.
Secured from silent running at 1530.

1729 Sound made contact (Contact No.9) with two SC types on patrol, rigged for silent running
and depth charge, went to 120 ft. Lost contact at 1845.Secured silent running.

2300 Surfaced.

23 October

0301 SJ contact (Contact No. 10) with likely patrol vessels. Avoided.

1000 Submerged for patrol.

2300 Surfaced.

24 October

1030 Submerged for patrol.

Throughout the day sounds of heavy props in distance running the
shallow China coast were heard, but TANG was unable to venture
into such areas until night fall and thus contacted no targets
through the day.

Attack #4

While preparing to surface, sound made contact (Contact No.11) with
fast props at 2200, then heavy slowed, at radar depth made SJ contact on large
southbound convoy.Waited for escort to clear area prior to surfacing Surfaced
to move ahead for attack at 2240 on convoy, rehcharged batteries.Approached
convoy from aft-port.For unknown reasons, convoy commander running convoy
in long strung out column, widely spaced. Radar emissions detected
from escorts. At 0154 fired Tubes 3,4,5,6, all hit at 0157. Large AK erupted
into massive explosion. Likely carrying ammunition. Escort close by, astern
of doomed AK, racing, firing star shells, fired at TANG, turned away at high speed.
AK sunk 25-14N 120-01E at 0157 25 October 1944.

Attack #5

Set up to attack AK trailing AK sunk in Attack #4.
Preparing to attack AK from starboard side, escort was now
closing up his port side at high speed. At 0211, TANG
spotted again or detected on radar(APR-1 detected emissions)
by the now identified MIKURA Class Escort. Soon escaped and doubled back
on the target making 12.5 knots. Lined up and at 0238 fired all four stern tubes. Three
of four torpedoes hit, setting vessel on fire. MIKURA Escort and a DE type
just arriving on scene then began closing TANG, while she was under fire from the AK just attacked.
Cleared area and observed target while last reserve torpedo was loaded into tube three. All stern
torpedoes expended, three left forward in tubes 1,2,3.

Attack #5-A and Gun Action #1

Closed damaged AK now identified as KENYO MARU 6200 tons, which was on fire,
listing to starboard, but underway. Fired tube #1 at 0310, torpedo hit at 0312. Moved away but
stubborn vessel refused to sink. With two torpedoes left and escorts now 6000 yards away hunting opposite side, ordered
all guns manned. Opened fire from 4000 yards with the new 5 inch 25 caliber deck gun, 40 mm and 20 mm guns.
Six 5 inch hits and multiple 20 MM 40 MM finished off the KENYO MARU as she capsized. TANG raced away as
escorts rushed in to the scene and a SD contact arrived in area. TANG detected her radar
emissions on APR-1, but the aircraft did not detect TANG. KENYO MARU sunk at 0324 25-13N 120-05E

Gun Action #2

TANG raced SW and to catch up with rest of convoy to use last two torpedoes.
At 540 spotted a large AP on high speed run, apparently seperated from convoy
as nearest escort was 9000 yards ahead. Closed target and opted for gun action,
to save last two torpedoes for a escorted vessel. Opened from from 4000 yards
flooded down to twenty four feet. Scored numerous 5 inch, 40 and 20 MM hits.
Five inch gun concentrated on waterline while the other guns targeted the deck, bridge
etc. After numerous hits, the AP was on fire, sinking, with many rafts in water.
AP SAKITO MARU 8839 tons by gunfire at 25-55 N 119-46E 0601. TANG departed the scene to close
other contacts.

Attack #6

Evaded pesky radar equipped escort and maneuvered in to a group of three AK's on
high speed run. Firing at large AK identified as DAITOKU MARU 6329 tons. Fired
last two torpedoes from tubes #2 and #3 at 0621. Both torpdoes impacted and at
0641 DAITOKU MARU sunk at 24-53N 119-19E. During the interim TANG was pursued by two radar equipped
escorts and fired upon, as well as spotted, illuminated by searchlight, and fired upon by
a mid sized AK. After a prolonged chase, escort lost contact. TANG set course to clear the coast with all torpedoes expended and
daylight approaching.

Gun Action #3

At 0655 spotted a smaller AK trailing 9000 yards behind two large AK with two escorts.
With plenty of of 5 inch ammo aboard, closed target. Target did not appear to have large guns,
TANG flooded to twenty five feet and opened fire with 5 inch, 40 MM and 20 MM guns, with 5 inch concentrating fire on waterline.
at 0725 the AK identified as KANAGA MARU 3924 tons exploded sunk in minutes at 24-55N 119-20E.

At 0730 TANG was now detecting multiple radar emissions concentrating on her bearing, with pips on SJ scope
closing fast. Cloest contact was 4400 yards. TAMG set off with engines on overload, making 22.5 knots,
easily outpacing two escorts, but one matching or exceeding TANG's speed, closing the range.
Brought stern to face this contact, which closed 5500 yards but could not seem to close distance further.
Several shell splashes fell but were not close, so TANG stayed in surface, in lieu of diving in shallow waters.
TANG dropped two decoys along its course.Last shell splash observed at 0801 as target slowed, dropped three patterns of depth charges,
and then went to SW at high rate of speed. TANG continued on slowing to 18 knots, heading for deeper waters.
Tabulation for the attacks of 25 October are four large AK's sunk and one large AP sunk.

The area of attacks was likely quite busy after dawn with ASW activity but TANG had cleared the area
thanks to the high speed dash. With all torpedoes expended, set course for San Francisco via Midway.

26 October-4 November

En route Mare Island via Midway

5 November

1000-1600 Refueled and reprovisioned at Midway. Departed for Mare Island at
1615.

6-16 November

1030 Docked at Mare Island, CA. Terminated patrol

(C) WEATHER

Typhoon conditions were encountered October 8-11 South of Bonin Islands,
with residual heavy seas for a couple of days after. However, weather in area was generally favorable
as well as the transit from area and to Mare Island.

(D) TIDAL INFORMATION

Tides were normal for the area.

(E) SHIP CONTACTS

NO. DATE TIME LAT LONG TYPE BRG RNG CRSE SPD HOW REMARK

1. 10/15 0135 24-23N 122-139E NA 027 26330 yds NA NA SJ SJ only. Radar emissions from contact Likely ASW patrol.Avoided.

2. 10/17 2316 25-10N 120-2E AO 293 26734 yds 040 8 SJ-Visual

3. 10/17 2332 25-9N 120-39E NA 006 30380 yds NA NA SJ SJ only. Radar emissions.

4. 10/18 0443 25-57N 120-28E NA 010 18200yds NA NA SJ SJ only. Likely patrol, avoided.

5. 10/18 1050 25-19N 121-13E NA 275 30000yds NA 0 SJ Taipei Harbor

6. 10/19 0849 23-38N 119-53E NA 277 31500yds NA 0 SJ Hsia-Lun Harbor

7. 10/21 0608 26-7N 120-16N AK AO SC 020 28500 yds 218 8 SJ Attack #2-Convoy.

8. 10/22 1050 27-20N 121-21E AK AO SC 037 28500 yds 026 9 SJ Attack #3-Convoy.

9. 10/22 1729 27-19N 121-25E SC, SC 240 8500yds 225 15 Sound-Visual ASW patrol.

10. 10/23 0301 26-24N 121-19E NA 353 12500yds NA NA SJ SJ only.Likely ASW patrol.

11. 10/24 2200 25=41N 120-27E AK,AO, 185 9000yds 196 12 Sound-SJ-Visual Attacks #4,#5,#6.
DE,DD,SC Gun Actions #1,#2,#3

(F) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS

NO. DATE TIME LAT LONG TYPE BRG RNG CRSE SPD ALT HOW REMARK
1. 10/14 1621 23-250N 122-39E NA NA 16 NM NA NA NA SD SD only.

2. 10/15 1034 25-50N 121-54E NA NA 13NM NA NA NA SD SD only.

3. 10/15 1105 25-52N 121-48E NA NA 12NM NA NA NA SD SD only.

4. 10/16 1356 25-59N 120-53E NA NA 15NM NA NA NA SD SD only.

5. 1018 1432 25-8N 121-6E ZEKE 242 5500yd. 070 175 3000 Visual Periscope No.1

6. 10/18 1559 25-7N 121-3E BETTY 324 3500yd 040 150 2000 Visual Periscope No.1

7. 1018 1824 25-5N 121-0E NA 196 1500yd 220 200 1000? Visual Periscope No 1.

8. 1024 2126 25-41N 120-26E NA 002 5000yd 180 175 1200 Visual Periscope No.1

(G) ATTACK DATA

TORPEDO ATTACKS

USS Tang SS-306 Torpedo Attack No. 1 War Patrol FIVE
Date 18 October 1944 Time 0031 Lat.25-10N Long.120-38E in Formosa Strait.

Description

Lone AO with nearby escort, either attempting to locate for rendezvous, on sweep, or providing detached escort.
Due to lack of large explosion after four torpedo hits, believe target was not loaded with fuel or oil.

Type Attack

Night Surface-Torpedo

Ships Sunk

AO HAKKO MARU 6046 tons

Verified by

Oberved torpedoes hit and vessel sink.

Ships Damaged
None

Ships Probably Sunk
None

Torpedo Attack No.1 Target Data (at firing)

Mid sized AO est. 6000 tons. Possibly HAKKU MARU 6046 tons.
Course 040
Speed 7 kts
Range 2500 yds
AOB 82 S
Bearing 345
True Bearing 303
Remark
None

Torpedo Attack No.1 Torpedo Fire Control Data

Tube #1
Type MK 18-1
Serial No. 899341
Exploder MK MK-8
Serial No. 739375
Gyro 359 R
Track 96 S
Course 316
Method Individual bearing-TDC
POA MOT
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Spread 0
Power Default
Depth 15 ft
Hit Yes
Erratic No
Remark
---

Tube #2
Type MK 18-1
Serial No. 827321
Exploder MK MK-8
Serial No. 714370
Gyro 359 R
Track 96 S
Course 316
Method Individual bearing-TDC
POA MOT
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Spread 0
Power Default
Depth 15 ft
Hit Yes
Erratic No
Remark
---

Tube #3
Type MK 18-1
Serial No. 819343
Exploder MK MK-8
Serial No. 69335
Gyro 359 R
Track 96 S
Course 316
Method Individual bearing-TDC
POA MOT
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Spread 0
Power Default
Depth 15 ft
Hit Yes
Erratic No
Remark
---

Tube #4
Type MK 18-1
Serial No. 819513
Exploder MK MK-8
Serial No. 713702
Gyro 359 R
Track 96 S
Course 316
Method Individual bearing-TDC
POA MOT
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Spread 0
Power Default
Depth 15 ft
Hit Yes
Erratic No
Remark
---

Own Ship Data (at firing)

Depth Surfaced-decks awash at 26 ft.
Course 316
Speed 2 kts
Angle 0
Seas Calm

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

USS Tang SS-306 Torpedo Attack No. 2 War Patrol
Date 21 October 1944 Time 0713 Lat.26-10N Long.120-4E Formosa Strait, off China Coast.

Description

Mid sized AK with Smaller AO leading, four escorts. One escort equipped with radar.

Type Attack

Night Surface-Torpedo

Ships Sunk
None

Ships Damaged
None

Ships Probably Sunk
SAMUI MARU 1458 tons.

Verified by

Two torpedo hits, target on fire , listing hard to port.
Heavy seas and just few hours to dawn prevented further attack, as TANG needed to reach deeper waters.

Torpedo Attack No.2 Target Data (at firing)

Target#1
AK AKAMA MARU
Course 218
Speed 8.5 kts
Range 3400 yards
AOB 51
Bearing 168
True Bearing 330
Remark

Target#2
AO SAMUI MARU
Course 218
Speed 8.5 kts
Range 2900 yards
AOB 81
Bearing 171
True Bearing 340
Remark

Torpedo Attack No.2 Torpedo Fire Control Data

Tube #7
Type MK 18-1
Serial No.110501
Exploder MK 8
Serial No.104993
Gyro 348
Track 98 S
Course 139
Method Individual bearings-TDC
POA MOT
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Spread 0
Power Default
Depth 8 ft
Hit No
Erratic No
Remark
Fired at Target#1. Heavy seas likely cause of the miss.

Tube #8
Type MK 18-1
Serial No.89921
Exploder MK 8
Serial No.105450
Gyro 348
Track 98 S
Course 139
Method Individual bearings-TDC
POA MOT
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Spread 0
Power Default
Depth 8 ft
Hit No
Erratic No
Remark
Fired at Target #1 Heavy seas likely caused the miss.

Tube #9
Type MK 18-1
Serial No.863921
Exploder MK 8
Serial No.115450
Gyro 348
Track 98 S
Course 139
Method Individual bearings-TDC
POA MOT
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Spread 0
Power Default
Depth 8 ft
Hit Yes
Erratic No
Remark
Target#2

Tube #10
Type MK 18-1
Serial No.83321
Exploder MK 8
Serial No.212450
Gyro 348
Track 98 S
Course 139
Method Individual bearings-TDC
POA MOT
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Spread 0
Power Default
Depth 8 ft
Hit Yes
Erratic No
Remark
Target#2

Own Ship Data (at firing)

Depth Surfaced-decks awash.
Course 130
Speed 3 kts
Angle 0
Seas Rough
Depth under keel 40 ft.

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

USS Tang SS-306 Torpedo Attack No. 2-A War Patrol FIVE
Date 21 October 1944 Time 0720 Lat.26-10N Long.120-4E Formosa Strait, off China Coast.

Description

Follow up attack on AO damaged in Attack #2

Type Attack

Night Surface-Torpedo

Ships Sunk
None

Ships Damaged
None

Ships Probably Sunk
None

Torpedo Attack No.2-A Target Data (at firing)

Target#1
AO SAMUI MARU 1458 tons
Course 218
Speed 5 kts
Range 1900 yards
AOB 90
Bearing 0
True Bearing 314
Remark
Damaged in Attack No.2

Torpedo Attack No.2-A Torpedo Fire Control Data

Tube #1
Type MK 18-1
Serial No.99423
Exploder MK 8
Serial No.10040
Gyro 348
Track 103 P
Course 300
Method Individual bearings-TDC
POA MOT
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Spread 0
Power Default
Depth 6 ft
Hit No
Erratic No
Remark
Immediate follow up after turning away.
Missed, possibly due to heavy seas.

Depth Surfaced
Course 310
Speed 4 kts
Angle 0
Seas Rough
Depth under keel 40 ft.

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

USS Tang SS-306 Torpedo Attack No. 3 War Patrol FIVE
Date 22 October 1944 Time 1228 Lat.27-30N Long.121-15E Formosa Strait, off China Coast.

Description

Attack on large convoy of eleven or twelve ships, five escorts.

Type Attack

Submerged-Day-Periscope

Ships Sunk
AO ICHIYU MARU 5113 tons
27-30N 121-15E

Verified by

Observed four torpedoes impact vessel. Vessel exploded on second hit in "tanker fashion".
Massive fireball occurred, tanker quickly settled in water and was sinking on last observation.

Ships Damaged
None

Ships Probably Sunk
None

Torpedo Attack No.3 Target Data (at firing)

Target#1
AO ICHIYU MARU 5113 tons
Course 026
Speed 9 kts
Range 2160 yds
AOB 75 S
Bearing 346
True Bearing 284
Remark
Loaded tanker, exploded in fireball after second torpedo hit.

Torpedo Attack No.3 Torpedo Fire Control Data

Tube #1
Type MK 18-1
Serial No.124239
Exploder MK 8
Serial No.11040
Gyro 3 R
Track 92 S
Course 301
Method Constant bearings-TDC
POA MOT
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Spread 0
Power Default
Depth 10 ft
Hit Yes
POI MOT
Erratic No
Remark
----

Tube #2
Type MK 18-1
Serial No.134233
Exploder MK 8
Serial No.17020
Gyro 3 R
Track 92 S
Course 301
Method Constant bearings-TDC
POA Stern-Stack
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Spread 0
Power Default
Depth 10 ft
Hit Yes
POI Stern-Stack
Erratic No
Remark
----

Tube #3
Type MK 18-1
Serial No.128273
Exploder MK 8
Serial No.11447
Gyro 3 R
Track 92 S
Course 301
Method Constant bearings-TDC
POA Stern-Mast
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Spread 0
Power Default
Depth 10 ft
Hit Yes
POI Stern-Mast
Erratic No
Remark
----

Tube #4
Type MK 18-1
Serial No.127123
Exploder MK 8
Serial No.21040
Gyro 3 R
Track 92 S
Course 301
Method Constant bearings-TDC
POA MOT
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Spread 0
Power Default
Depth 10 ft
Hit Yes
POI Mast-Forward
Erratic No
Remark
----

Depth 59 ft
Course 295
Speed 2.5 kts
Angle 2 down
Seas Choppy
Depth under keel 120 ft.

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

USS Tang SS-306 Torpedo Attack No. 4 War Patrol FIVE
Date 25 October 1944 Time 0154 Lat.25-14N Long.120-01E Formosa Strait, China Coast.

Description
Attack on large convoy in shallow coastal waters.
Fifteen plus AK with eight to ten escorts.

Type Attack

Night surface-torpedo.

Ships Sunk
AK SHOHEI MARU 7256 tons

Ships Damaged
None

Ships Probably Sunk
None

Torpedo Attack No.4 Target Data (at firing)

Target#1
Large AK 7200 tons. Possibly SHOHEI MARU
Course 225
Speed 12.5
Range 1846 yds
AOB 86 P
Bearing 10
True Bearing 326
Remark
----

Torpedo Attack No.4 Torpedo Fire Control Data

Tube # 3
Type MK 18-1
Serial No.130001
Exploder MK 8
Serial No.150010
Gyro 344 L
Track 114 P
Course 300
Method Constant Bearing-TDC
POA MOT
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Spread 0
Power Default
Depth 10 ft
Hit Yes
POI MOT
Erratic
Remark
----

Tube # 4
Type MK 18-1
Serial No.130789
Exploder MK 8
Serial No.152710
Gyro 344 L
Track 114 P
Course 300
Method Constant Bearing-TDC
POA MOT
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Spread 0
Power Default
Depth 10 ft
Hit Yes
POI MOT
Erratic
Remark

Tube # 5
Type MK 18-1
Serial No.141891
Exploder MK 8
Serial No.158712
Gyro 344 L
Track 114 P
Course 300
Method Constant Bearing-TDC
POA MOT
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Spread 0
Power Default
Depth 10 ft
Hit Yes
POI MOT
Erratic
Remark

Tube # 6
Type MK 18-1
Serial No.135789
Exploder MK 8
Serial No.112710
Gyro 344 L
Track 114 P
Course 300
Method Constant Bearing-TDC
POA MOT
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Spread 0
Power Default
Depth 10 ft
Hit Yes
POI MOT
Erratic
Remark

Depth Surfaced
Course 320
Speed 3 kts
Angle 0
Seas Calm.

Note: Torpedo and Target Data for Attacks #4-#6 lost. Due to the dynamic, fast paced
nature of the attacks, was not able to take notes in normal manner. Did note critical data
but apparently deleted it, well saved over the doc. I described the attacks in the narrative
along with the three gun actions.

MK 18 performance was excellent overall. Several misses were attributed to depth keeping difficulties
in the heavy seas. In retrospect, it was in error expended extra torpedoes in heavy sea state with shallow draft
vessels

Gunnery Attacks

Three gun actions were executed during this attack, sinking one entirely and contributing to the sinking
of two others.

The performance of the newly mounted 5" 25 Caliber Deck gun was excellent, the ideal submarine deck gun.
40mm and 20mm performance was excellent as well.

Rounds expended:

5" 25 Caliber 81

40mm 572

20mm 1144

(H) MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE

There were not major defects on this patrol.

Moderate to serious damage was suffered during Depth Charge Attack #1, most serious of which being
the port propeller shaft, which lingered for the remainder of the patrol, although repaired.

Under normal operating conditions of engines, the damage prevented TANG from exceeding a surfaced speed
of 19.2 knots.With engines on overload, TANG was able for a brief period of time, make 22.5 knots.

All damage listed was repaired at sea, unless otherwise noted.

1. Port Propeller Shaft

2. Stern dive planes transmission-Inoperable after attack.

3. #8 torpedo tube

4. #10 torpedo tube

5. No.1 Diesel

6. No.3 Diesel

7. No.2. Electric Engine

8. No.4 Electric Engine

9.Stern batteries

10. Compressor

11. Trim Pump

12. Hydraulic Pump

13. Compressor

14. High pressure air line leaks.

15. Water piping leaks.

(I) ANTI-SUBMARINE COUNTERMEASURES AND EVASION

Surface and air patrols were persistent in the patrol area, with most being radar equipped.

Depth Charge Attack #1

Enemy escorts quickly detected TANG and mae a persistent depth charge attack. SBT-1 decoys deployed took the brunt,
with over 200 depth charges counted. However, several close charges caused serious but not critical damage.
TANG was in relatively shallow waters with rough seas above, which helped thwart the enemy counter attack, along with
the decoys.

Enemy convoys encountered were well escorted, with at least one escort being equipped with radar,
and multiple in the large convoy attacked on 25 October.
Enemy convoys were never operating in the deeper waters of the Formosa Strait,
but always near the China Coast, confirming intelligence received
from COMSUBPAC on 12 October in evening FOX traffic.Naturally, this make attacking
convoys difficult and much more risky submerged. Use of night surface attacks is the best option
when possible.

Evasion consisted of TANG's stanrdard evasion practices, combined with the new addition of SBT-1 decoys.
A total of five decoys were deployed during the depth charge attack of 22 October, and proved effective in distracting
some of the convoys escorts.

While under pursuit of a radar equipped DE on the morning of the twenty-fifth, decoys were deployed on the surface along TANG's course.
These may have been detected by the pursuing DE as it slowed, dropped several patterns of charges, circled as if hunting, before
departing at high speed to rejoin the convoy.

(J) NAVIGATIONAL AIDES

While no aides were sighted, the harbors of Taipei and Hsia-Lun served as de facto aides
in navigation

(K) RADIO

Radio function was excellent during this patrol.

(L) RADAR

SJ-1 Radar function was superior on this patrol. Typical detection range was in excess of 25,000 yards.

SD radar performance was normal, detecting aircraft at 12-15 NM on average.

(M) SOUND GEAR AND SOUND CONDITIONS

Sound conditions were overall decent, varying with the sea state in area.

Sound gear performance was top notch until after Depth Charge Attack #1, some
decline in performance was noticed in spite of inspection showing no damage.

(N) THERMAL LAYERS

No thermal layers were detected during this patrol, likely due to the shallow
depths of the area.

(O) PERSONNEL

Crew performance following major crew turnover during last refit period was excellent.

Two Officers and eleven qualified during this patrol.

(P) HEALTH AND HABITATABILITY

Morale was overall excellent through the patrol. Perhaps knowing a extended refit period stateside
was forthcoming following the patrol. Typhoon conditions 8-11 October did provide for difficult sea keeping
but TANG quickly rebounded by time reached patrol area.

(R) (M) MILES STEAMED FUEL CONSUMED

Miles Gallons
Pearl to Midway 1350 19455
Midway to Area 4650 56925
In Area 4400 45295
Area to Midway 4670 58421
Midway to Mare Island 3533 40580

(S) DURATION
Days
Pearl Harbor to Midway 3
Midway to Area 16
In Area 8
Area to Midway
Submerged 5
Midway to Mare Island

(T) FACTORS IN ENDURANCE

Torpedoes 0
Fuel 61855 gallons
Provisions 39 days
Personnel Indefinite

(U) REMARKS

Fifth succeesful patrol for TANG sinking seven ships for 36,461 tons. One other AO was damaged and probably sunk later.

The addition of the new five inch gun forward proved an excellent addition and the perfect submarine deck gun.It is hoped during refit TANG can be
fitted out with a second deck 5 inch gun aft for maximum effectiveness.

Bubblehead1980 · 11-05-21, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KaleunMarco

Ve vere tasked with patrolling south of Iceland, October 1943.
Not ze best time to be in those wassers.
Ve tracked down zwei Allied convoys and sunk a few ships, but just a few.
Ze verdampt escorts are vicious in zier counterattacks.
so after zwei weeks we headed back to port (La Pallice) however as we are chugging home, our radar detects a single contact, moving at high speed on out port quarter, heading SW.
so, we swing around and close with the contact to identify it.

Gott in himmel...she is enormous! Ze Queen Mary on her way back to North America to bring back more verdampt Canadians (or worse, Americans).

so, we close and submerge...and ATTACK!

There are no escorts so the approach, and the result, is very simple.

This is what makes it a successful patrol!

Nice.

Those liners are tough to catch usually no? Due to the high speeds the move at ?

KaleunMarco · 11-06-21, 02:03 PM

next patrol, this Coastal Command B24 approached us from 165 degrees (80 degrees true) mid-morning as we are just about exited from the Bay of Bisque.
we do the usual drill: dive to 50 m, change course by 90 degrees, listen for the depth bombs to be dropped where we used to be, then come back up to periscope depth and find the verdampt zoomie.
this time, when we come back to periscope depth, we are able to find the zoomie. he drops another depth bomb and then pulls up and performs a loop. i swear to God.
i doubt that any model B24 could perform a loop, at any altitude, let alone at sea level. if it wasn't so unexpected, i would have taken a screen shot.
has anyone else seen a bomber perform a loop while on sub patrol?

Bubblehead1980 · 11-06-21, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KaleunMarco

next patrol, this Coastal Command B24 approached us from 165 degrees (80 degrees true) mid-morning as we are just about exited from the Bay of Bisque.
we do the usual drill: dive to 50 m, change course by 90 degrees, listen for the depth bombs to be dropped where we used to be, then come back up to periscope depth and find the verdampt zoomie.
this time, when we come back to periscope depth, we are able to find the zoomie. he drops another depth bomb and then pulls up and performs a loop. i swear to God.
i doubt that any model B24 could perform a loop, at any altitude, let alone at sea level. if it wasn't so unexpected, i would have taken a screen shot.
has anyone else seen a bomber perform a loop while on sub patrol?

haha can not say I have witnessed them do a loop, but planes in general in SH 4 are wacky. Witnessed some wild moves, but no loops. Hey, just a British pilot giving you an air show.

propbeanie · 11-06-21, 03:59 PM

There is a B-24 plane set as a divebomber, for the purpose of ASW (in FotRSU, it is now name PB4Y-1 Liberator, flown by the USN). Later in the war, they will have rockets on them. Some fellers like to put cannons on theirs... but they will definitely do some wild maneuvers in the game... One thing to notice about the planes in the game, and that is the SH3 planes are the same as the SH4 planes are the same as the SH5 planes. Gravity does not have a hold on them... Proper flight handling does not apply to them. They are, after all, a "ship" that does not contact the water... lol - the one advantage SH5 has over the others is scripting - if you want to consider that an advantage...

Bubblehead1980 · 11-06-21, 09:56 PM

TMO 2.5 Update with patch (in development)
100 difficulty, cams off, contacts on.

Various screenshots from Tang's fifth and sixth patrols. Ran sixth patrol with camera off and map contacts on for a change.

Fifth patrol was in Formosa Straits, sixth patrol was in Area B7 in South China Sea, Indochina Coast.

In reality, TANG as we know, was sunk on fifth patrol, but was scheduled to end at Mare Island San Francisco, where Tang would undergo overhaul, so I edited files to end at Mare Island and started next patrol almost four months late in March 1945, transferring to Fremantle, conducting war patrol end around off Indochina Coast.

During refit period, added a second 5 inch 25 caliber deck gun aft of conning tower, so now have one forward and one after, plus two 40 mm, one forward, one aft and with the mod, all guns now target surface ships, provides a lot of fire power against surface targets.

On April 3/4, when attacking a convoy, sunk three ships with four torpedoes. (See report in earlier post Attack #4 and #4-A) when two MK-18 which missed initial target(troopship) but soon hit ship apparently loaded with ammo, the massive explosion engulfed a nearby mid sized merchant and a Etorofu escort, causing both of them to eventually sink. Two additional torpedoes fired hit the original target, a large troopship, which would go on to sink as well. In small time span, four ships destroyed by just four torpedoes.

moon in the late AM of 25 October 1944(Fifth patrol)

5th patrol, large convoy scattered. Sunk five ships through the night .

Star shells fired during fifth patrol attack in Formosa Straits

Kotobuki Maru(Conte Verde)

Surfaced hours after attack, located debris field of 18768 ton KOTOBUKI MARU (former Conte Verde)

Refitted TANG, two five inch deck guns. Used the interior free roam cam to move out for shot. External cam disabled.

Sailing into Typhoon during fifth patrol. October 8-11 1944.(Fifth patrol)

Bubblehead1980 · 11-07-21, 05:47 PM

USS TANG SS-306
WAR PATROL REPORT
WAR PATROL SIX
5 MARCH-15 APRIL 1945

(A) PROLOGUE

Returned from FIFTH War Patrol to Mare Island, California on 16 November 1944 for extended overhaul. On 31 January
1945, CDR R.H. O'Kane, USN was relieved as Commanding Officer by LCDR A.J. Winfield. During the refit period, a additional
5" 25 caliber gun was added astern of the conning tower, and the deck 20mm AA gun was removed. A new coat of the M/S 32
paint was added, along with dry docking to replace port prop shaft, damaged on previous patrol by depth charge attack.
CBM W.R. Leibold, USN, relieved CTM W.F. Ballinger, USN, as Chief of the Boat. LT E.H. Beaumont, USN, detached, with ENS I.G. Ford, USNR,
reporting aboard. Subsequent rotations of crew members occurred through the overhaul period. On 2-3 March twenty four MK 18-2 torpedoes
were loaded. Received orders for transfer of TANG to the command of COMSUBSOWESPAC, conducting a war patrol en route to
Fremantle, Australia. Ready for sea 5 March 1945.

(B) NARRATIVE

5 March

Departed Mare Island, CA at 0930 for Guam, en route to patrol Area B7
in South China Sea/Indochina coast. Conducted trim dive at 1615 and surfaced at 1643.

6-21 March

En route Guam from Mare Island, CA, conducting daily dive, torpedo fire control, emergency,
and gunnery drills.

At 0523 on the morning of the thirteenth, SD made contact (Aircraft Contact#2),
and at 0528 spotted a PBY Catalina patrol aircraft, which flew overhead,
exchanged recognition signals.

At 0900 on the morning of the thirteenth, SD made contact (Aircraft Contact#3) at 11 NM.
At 0906 a PBY was spotted bearing 070 closing. Aircraft did not reply to recognition signals,
and appeared to be preparing for attack. As aircraft made attack run, dive alarm was sounde ordered TANG to dive
emergency depth of 250 ft. As TANG passed 155 feet, a large series of explosions, five or six, occurred above and astern.
Boat was severely shaken, but only minor damage occurred (See MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE).This 'Friendly Fire'
incident was promptly reported to COMBSUBPAC but no reply was received until later in the day (1604)

Just before noon (1154) on the thirteenth , sound reported two contacts. At periscope depth, observed two MAHAN Class destroyers astern,
apparently hunting for the submarine bombed by the aircraft a few hours before. TANG went deep, rigged for silent running
and depth charge. Lost contact at 1924. Surfaced into the night at 2300 hours out of caution.

22-24 March

Docked at Guam at 1400 on the afternoon of the twenty second.
Over next forty eight hours refueled, loaded provisions, and
conducted voyage repairs.

25 March

Departed Guam for patrol area at 1130 hours.

26 March-29 March

En route patrol area. Transited Luzon Straits night of 29/30 March.

30 March

At 0000 hours, officially passed into control of COMSUBSOWESPAC.

Attack#1

SJ Contact (Ship Contact No.5) at 28,962 yards bearing 343 at 1429. TANG closed at high speed to
investigate, unsure if contact was enemy or friendly, as enemy shipping had reportedly ceased to using open ocean travel in area,
instead opting for shallows of China coast. APR-1 detected radar signals at 1431, signal indicated not US , but
possibly Allied.

Smoke spotted at 1441 bearing 065. Convoy confirmed as enemy, large AP with multiple escorts
high speed on course 055 19 knots. Submerged at 1500 to close for attack at high speed, depth 300 ft. At periscope depth, target identified as AP KOTOBUKI MARU, formerly Italian Liner SS CONTE VERDE. Escorts are two MATSU Class DE, with two unknown type DE escorting. Fired tubes 1,2,3,4,5,6 at 1523. Ordered depth 400 ft as flank escort returned to position quickly approaching.
to avoid detection and risk alerting target while torpedoes en route. 1526, five out of six torpedo impacts
heard by a massive, prolonged series of secondary explosions. Sounds of vessel breaking up audible, clearly.

Pinging began at 1529. DEPTH CHARGE ATTACK #1 (1530) SBT-1 decoy deployed.
Damage reported at 1538 (see MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE SECTION). TANG at 500 ft depth.
DEPTH CHARGE ATTACK #1 ended 1702. TANG at 550 ft. 1858. Periscope/Radar depth, all clear. Escorts appear to have moved on. Surfaced, set course to search for proof of sinking. Passed through large debris field at 1925, position 19-52N 117-39. Encountered many empty life rafts. Possible few survivors or survivors picked up by escorts. Secured General Quarters and set course for patrol area, conducting repairs.

31 March- 1 April

Entered assigned area B7 (Indochina Coast) just after 0100 on 1 April, set up patrol line within twenty nautical miles of coast. Seas quite heavy, maintained surfaced patrol.

2 April

Attack#2

0100 SJ Contact (Ship Contact No.6) bearing 328. Closed at best speed in heavy seas.
0906 APR-1 detected radar emissions from convoy bearing. At 0240 fired tubes 1,2,3,4,5,6 at mid sized AO and large AP
in center column, middle. At 0244 all torpedoes hit both targets as aimed. The AP quickly took a down angle by bow and sunk in minutes.
The AO, likely empty of oil or fuel, caught fire and listed, but did not immediately sink. AS TANG turned
away to avoid incoming escort, she was illuminated by a merchant in outside column and a large volume of three or five inch gun fire and machine gun fire was poured on TANG from various directions. A few machine gun rounds hit aft of conning tower. With heavy seas preventing a quick surface dash and second escort spotted racing in,
pulled the plug and submerged to 165 feet, just off the bottom. At 0950 , DEPTH CHARGE Attack #2 began. Escort (believed the TYPE C last seen
closing when TANG submerged) roared overhead and unleashed a very large pattern. TANG was shaken but undamaged. No further depth charge attacks
came close to TANG, but explosions were heard astern as TANG made for deeper waters. Believe
the heavy sea state assisted TANG in escaping by fouling enemy sound and sonar gear.

At 0340 Secured Silent Running, began torpedo reload of last four bow torpedoes,
and surfaced at 0530, secured general quarters. Moved ahead for end around, which was made difficult by heavy seas. However, not long after dawn, seas subsided.

At 1500, SJ made two contacts (Ship Contact No. 7), then regained contact with convoy at 1505. The two contacts appear to be making a detached sweep about six miles ahead of convoy. Avoided the "sweepers and began closing the convoy.

Attack #3

Submerged at 1530 for attack and called General Quarters-Torpedo.
Went deep to avoid port flank escort forward, slipped under him undetected.
During slow climb back to periscope depth, brought stern tubes to bear.
At periscope depth, began backing to close targets. Fired tubes, 7,8, 10 at 1637. Tube #9 would not fire
due to previously unknown damage. All three torpedoes hit MADRAS MARU 3807 tons, which quickly began to sink.

Escorts homed in on TANG as she began descent to 500 ft, rigged for depth charge and silent running.
DEPTH CHARGE ATTACK #3 began at 1643 . Enemy escort passed above, dropping charges. TANG at 406 ft.
DC Attack ended at 2200. Surfaced at 0300 for end around. Two SJ contacts, likely escorts still in area hunting.
At 0100 3 April submerged to avoid SD contact. Seems a night flier was dispatched to hunt for TANG.

3 April

Attack #4 and #4-A

While approaching for attack around 0400, TANG was detected on enemy radar , three escorts closed at high speed. TANG turned to avoid, outpacing two, but one was catching. Manned all guns
as had just 70 ft below keel and the firepower of two five inch guns and 40mm guns could provide at least a fighting chance if vessel closed the range.
Fired a down the throat(Attack #4) torpedo shot from 3200 yards and at 0418, torpedo hit the
Etorofu Class Escort, decimating it. Escort quickly went under and exploded.
Two other escorts continued pursuit but slowed when reached the wreck site presumably to pick up survivors. Several depth charges were observed exploding in the distance.

Soon as was five miles away, turned back to close the convoy which was some seven miles ahead. TANG
passed the escorts looking for her at 9000 yards and raced up the stern of the convoy as they turned for Hon Lon Island and shelter of the bay there.
TANG raced to get in a attack before the convoy reached its shelter. As approached to pass the stern escort, APR-1 detected radar signals
emitting from the escorts bearing, TANG gave it a wide berth, and moved on, undetected. Now, 4000 yards astern of the convoy, sighted a large AP, zigging like rest of the convoy. Close to just 2100 yards and as the AP (similar to the KYOKUKO MARU 6783 tons sunk in Attack #2) zigged to port, presenting a favorable angle, fired tubes 1,2,.
However, the torpedoes missed, based on sound reports, just ahead, target had slowed. Adjusted speed from 6 knots to 5.5 in TDC, and fired tubes 3,4, the last of TANG's bow torpedoes.
However, the first two torpedoes went on to hit a large AK identified as 6640 ton JOKUJA MARU, setting off a massive explosion, as the maru was apparently loaded
with volatile cargo, likely ammunition. The conflagration consumed a near by unidentified AK and a Etotorfu type subchaser, setting them both on fire. The second AK soon exploded itself and quickly sunk. The subchaser lost way and eventually capsized. Meanwhile, the last two torpedoes hit the KYOKUYO MARU in the stern, setting her on fire and going down by the stern.
TANG was suddenly illuminated by the spotlight of an AK and came under heavy machine gun and 3 inch gun fire
as she turned away. The stern escort, with its radar was now closing fast on TANG. Several machine gun rounds from the AK hit TANG, but no injuries or
damage occurred. TANG sped away, having sunk four ships with just four torpedoes.

Ships Sunk in Attack #4-A

Etorofu Class Escort (Type A) 860 tons
12-35N 109-38E

Ships sunk in Attack #4-A

All vessels listed below sunk at 12-21N 109-39E.

AK JOKJA MARU 6640 tons

AP KYOKUYO MARU 6783 tons

AK Uknown mid sized estimated 4500 tons.

Etorofu Class Subchaser 860 tons.

Convoy reached the shelter of the bay, TANG headed out to sea to deeper waters as dawn approached.
TANG had five torpedoes left astern, with three tubes operational. Remained further to say through the day
of the third, returned to coastal areas as night fell.

4 April

Attack #5

At 0035, SJ made contact at 25,000 yards on a lone ship, southbound with four escorts. As was racing to catch up
for end around, SJ made contact at 0051 on a large northbound convoy of sixteen ships with eight escorts.
Sandwiched between the two separated by about eight nautical miles, and APR-1 detected numerous radar transmissions,
opted to attack the northbound contact first, go after the southbound if possible. Northbound, likely carrying
troops, equipment to home islands for defense given the Okinawa landings, and of course valuable raw materials and was viewed as the priority.

TANG approached down the starboard side at five miles, planning to infiltrate the screen from astern, when suddenly three of escorts broke up and headed for TANG.
TANG had most likely been spotted on radar. These contacts were closing fast, TANG turned to avoid at high speed. The two closest escorts, identified as TYPE C escorts had solid lock and fired star shells, followed by a few rounds. Although radar guided, they were a bit far ahead. Ordered guns manned to stand by for battle surface, in case were needed, then lined up the escort for a down the throat shot, firing tube #10 from 3500 yards. Torpedo missed! Lined up again and fired tube #7. Missed again.
It is believed the torpedoes, set to minimum depth ran deeper than set.

TANG dropped a decoy along her course, and one of the escorts slowed, while other continued to pursue TANG, firing a few rounds, one of which came somewhat close.
Just as TANG was preparing to return fire with five inch and 40 MM aft guns, the escort slowed, and turned back.
TANG made a gentle turn then raced back at high speed, giving escorts wide berth. The pursuer returned to his station at high speed, as did a incoming third, while the second, which slowed, depth charged the decoy.

Attack #6

At 0400, approached convoy backing towards for to fire final two torpedoes from
stern tubes. A SD contact was reported 5 NM away, a night flier closing fast. Ordered a dive
to avoid. The APR-1 suddenly began buzzing, detecting radar emissions from the contact. As TANG passed
85 feet, multiple explosions went off and at TANG's depth, causing some damage,
see MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE section. TANG leveled off at 125 feet, just off the bottom, more explosions above but not close.
Soon warship contacts on sound closing in, rigged boat for silent running and depth charge.

Escorts arrived in area, pinging, but never seemed to have a fix on TANG. Many depth charge explosions were heard, but none close.
TANG came to periscope depth at 0545, then radar depth. Closest SJ contact was 9000 yards, TANG secured and surfaced, avoiding escorts to close in.
With dawn approaching and clear skies, TANG submerged for attack. Initially picked out a mid size AK of about 4000 tons, but then spotted
AO identified as KIKUSUI MARU 3887 tons. At 0633, fired final two torpedoes from tubes 7 and 8 from 2000 yards. At 0635 both torpedoes impacted target, the AO exploded in tanker fashion, with massive fireball and secondary explosions after first hit,
solidified by the second hit. The AO was obviously carrying a northbound load of oil/fuel. KIKUSUI MARU quickly went under at
14-14N 109-23E.

TANG went to 140 ft just off bottom, heading for deeper waters. A escort located her, pinging, closed fast.
DEPTH CHARGE ATTACK # 4 began at 0643. Multiple large patterns were dropped, shaking boat but no damage. Released three decoys
Several other escorts arrived in area, dropping many charges, a few close ones caused damage (See MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE SECTION)
.However, the large amount of disturbances in water, an decoys, combined with finding waters 200 ft deep with thermal layer at 180 feet assisted
TANG in escaping, with last contact with escort at 0904, last depth charge heard at 0830.
TANG remained submerged until 2300 and surfaced. Torpedoes expended, set course for Fremantle, Australia.

5-15 April

En route Fremantle via Balabac Strait, Sulu and Celebes Seas, Makassar Strait.On the night of 10 April transited Lombok Strait southbound.
Arrived Fremantle, Australia at 1400 on 15 April, 1945. Terminated war patrol.

(C) WEATHER

Weather conditions were favorable for majority of patrol, both during the long transit periods
from the continental US to Guam, Guam to patrol area, in patrol area, and to Fremantle. A few errant squalls were
encountered. The heaviest sea state was encountered during Attack #2.

(D) TIDAL INFORMATION

Tides were normal and as previously reported in areas.

(E) NAVIGATIONAL AIDS

Lights were spotted on both sides Lombok Strait which aided in navigation.

(F) ATTACK DATA

USS Tang SS-306 Torpedo Attack No. 1 War Patrol SIX
Date 30 March 1945 Time 1530 Lat. 19-52N Long.117-30E

Description

Very large AP with five escorts.

Type Attack

Submerged-Day Periscope

Ships Sunk
AP KOTOBUKI MARU (Former Italian liner SS CONTE VERDE)
18,765 tons
19-52N 117-39E in South China Sea/Luzon Strait. 244 NM SW Takao, Formosa.

Ships Damaged
None

Ships Probably Sunk
None

Torpedo Attack No.1 Target Data (at firing)

AP KOTOBUKI MARU 18,800 tons
Course 055
Speed 19 kts
Range 2525 yds 7
AOB 75 P
Bearing 019
True Bearing 119
Remark

Torpedoes Expended
Tube No.
#1 MK 18-2 Serial No.115551
#2 MK 18-2 Serial No.114493
#3 MK 18-2 Serial No.116004
#4 MK 18-2 Serial No.118940
#5 MK 18-2 Serial No.119440
#6 MK 18-2 Serial No.112379

Remark
All torpedoes hit as aimed.

Own Ship Data (at firing)
Depth 64 ft
Course 145
Speed 3 kts
Angle 1-down
Seas Calm

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

USS Tang SS-306 Torpedo Attack No. 2 War Patrol SIX
Date 2 April 1945 Time 0240 Lat.14-57N Long.109-18E

Description

Large southbound convoy off Indochina Coast. Fifteen AK/AO/AP, six escorts.

Type Attack

Night surface-torpedo.

Ships Sunk
AO CHIYODA MARU 4700 tons
14-57N 109-18E

AP KYOKUYO MARU 6783 tons
14-57N 109-18E

Ships Damaged
None

Ships Probably Sunk
None

Torpedo Attack No.2 Target Data (at firing)

Target#1
AO CHIYODA MARU 6783 tons
Course 177
Speed 9 kts
Range 3000 yards
AOB 72
Bearing 330
True Bearing 064
Remark
---

Target#2
AP KYOKUYO MARU 6783 tons
Course 177
Speed 9 kts
Range 2400
AOB 84
Bearing 350
True Bearing 084
Remark
---

Torpedoes Expended
Tube No.
#1 MK 18-2 Serial No.111551
#2 MK 18-2 Serial No.123493
#3 MK 18-2 Serial No.112443
#4 MK 18-2 Serial No.119410
#5 MK 18-2 Serial No.113003
#6 MK 18-2 Serial No.119551

Remark

All torpedoes impacted targets as aimed.

Own Ship Data (at firing)

Depth Surfaced.
Course 092
Speed 4 kts
Angle 0
Seas Rough, heavy.

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

USS Tang SS-306 Torpedo Attack No. 3 War Patrol SIX
Date 2 April 1945 Time 0240 Lat.13-37N Long.109-30E

Description

Attack on large convoy.

Type Attack

Submerged-Day-Periscope

Ships Sunk

AK MADRAS MARU 3807 tons

Ships Damaged
None

Ships Probably Sunk
None

Torpedo Attack No.3 Target Data (at firing)

Target#1
AK MADRAS MARU 3790 tons
Course 156
Speed 8 kts
Range 2500 yards
AOB 83
Bearing 170
True Bearing 287
Remark
---

Torpedoes Expended
Tube No.
#7 MK 18-2 Serial No.103343
#8 MK 18-2 Serial No.109945
#10 MK 18-2 Serial No.104456

Remark

All torpedoes hit as aimed.

Own Ship Data (at firing)

Depth 64 ft
Course 111
Speed 2.5 kts
Angle 1-down
Seas light chop, mostly calm.

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

USS Tang SS-306 Torpedo Attack No. 4 War Patrol SIX
Date 3 April 1945 Time 0418 Lat.12-35N Long.109-38E

Description

Escort pursuing TANG after detecting on radar.

Type Attack

Night-Surface-Torpedo

Ships Sunk

SC Etorofu Cass Escort/Subchaser (Type A)
12-35N 109-38E

Ships Damaged
None

Ships Probably Sunk
None

Torpedo Attack No.4 Target Data (at firing)

Target#1
AK MADRAS MARU 3790 tons
Course 020
Speed 20 kts
Range 3200 yards
AOB 0
Bearing 180
True Bearing 202
Remark
Torpedo hit, target sunk

Torpedoes Expended
Tube No.
#10 MK 18-2 Serial No. 1243971

Remark

All torpedoes hit as aimed.

Own Ship Data (at firing)

Depth Surfaced.
Course 020
Speed 20.5 kts
Angle 0
Seas Calm

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

USS Tang SS-306 Torpedo Attack No. 4-A War Patrol SIX
Date 3 April 1945 Time Lat.12-21N Long.109-39E

Description

Attack on large convoy.

Type Attack

Night-Surface-Torpedo

Ships Sunk

AK JOKUJA MARU 6640 tons

AP KYOKUYO MARU 6783 tons

AK Unknown Maru 4500-5000 tons

SC Unknown Escort, possibly Etorofu Type A Class Escort.
860 tons

All vessels sunk at 21-21N 109-39E.

Unknown MARU and Escort were destroyed in conflagration resulting from
torpedo hits on AP JOKUJA MARU, likely a ammunition ship.

Ships Damaged
None

Ships Probably Sunk
None

Torpedo Attack No.4-A Target Data (at firing)

Target#1
AP KYOKUTO MARU 6783 tons
Course 145
Speed 8 kts
Range 2000 yards
AOB 0
Bearing 005
True Bearing 198
Remark

Torpedoes #1 and #2 missed, went on to impact
AK JOUJA MARU. Torpedoes #3 and #4 impacted AP KYOKUTO MARU.

Torpedoes Expended
Tube No.
#1 MK 18-2 Serial No. 1113971
#2 MK 18-2 Serial No. 1043971
#3 MK 18-2 Serial No. 1343911
#4 MK 18-2 Serial No. 1300345

Own Ship Data (at firing)

Depth Surfaced
Course 194
Speed 8 kts
Angle 0
Seas Calm

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

USS Tang SS-306 Torpedo Attack No. 5 War Patrol SIX
Date 4 April 1945 Time 0315 Lat.14-13N Long.109-22

Description

Escort pursuing TANG after detecting on radar.

Type Attack

Night-Surface-Torpedo

Ships Sunk
None

Ships Damaged
None

Ships Probably Sunk
None

Torpedo Attack No.5 Target Data (at firing)

Target#1
SC Type C Escort
Course 020
Speed 20 kts
Range 3100 yards
AOB 0
Bearing 180
True Bearing 204
Remark
Torpedoes missed, likely ran deep.

Torpedoes Expended
Tube No.
#7 MK 18-2 Serial No. 1233771
#10 MK 18-2 Serial No. 1245772

Remark
Torpedoes missed, possibly ran deeper than set.

Own Ship Data (at firing)

Depth Surfaced.
Course 025
Speed 20.5 kts
Angle 0
Seas Calm

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

USS Tang SS-306 Torpedo Attack No. 6 War Patrol SIX
Date 4 April 1945 Time 0633 Lat.14-14N Long.109-23E

Description

Attack on convoy.

Type Attack

Submerged-Night-Periscope

Ships Sunk
AO KIKUSUI MARU 3887 tons
14-14N 109-23E

Ships Damaged
None

Ships Probably Sunk
None

Torpedo Attack No.6 Target Data (at firing)

Target#1
AO KIKUSUI MARU 3887 tons
Course 004
Speed 6 kts
Range 2000 yds
AOB 84
Bearing 175
True Bearing 279
Remark
---

Torpedoes Expended
Tube No.
#7 MK 18-2 Serial No. 1033275
#8 MK 18-2 Serial No. 1145673

Remark
Torpedoes missed, possibly ran deeper than set.

Own Ship Data (at firing)

Depth Surfaced.
Course 85
Speed 2l5 kts
Angle 1-down
Seas Calm, light chop

(G) SHIP CONTACTS

* Exchanged recognition signals with friendly vessel.

No. DATE TIME LAT. LONG. TYPE BRG RNG(yds) CRS SPD HOW REMARK
1. 3/5 1101 37-48N 122-32W AO,AK,DD 350 10,000 250 9 Vis. Outbound US Convoy*
2. 3/9 0215 32-57N 142-9W AK 002 21,900 090 11 SJ-Vis. SS Alice H. Rice 2738*
3. 3/13 1154 27-33N 165-31W DD, DD 345 9,000 000 16 Sound-Vis. DDx2- MAHAN Class.
4. 3/17 1709 20-5N 171-31E AK, AK 301 25,000 060 10 SJ-Vis. SS Omar Graves/SS Thomas O'Hara*
5. 3/30 1428 19-55N 117-31E AP, DE 300 28,550 055 19 SJ-Vis. Attack #1
6. 4/2 0100 14-52N 109-11E AK,AP,AO 328 27,255 177 9 SJ-Vis SJ-Vis. Attack#2
7. 4/2 1500 13-42N 109-39E SC,SC 005 22,440 177 13 SJ-Vis. Sweepers for convoy.
8. 4/4 0035 13-34N 109-36E NA 330 25,500 190 9 SJ SJ only.
9. 4/4 0051 13-34N 109-36E NA 330 21,250 348 9 SJ-Vis. Attack #5 Attack #6

(H) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS

** Exchanged recognition signals with friendly aircraft.

No. DATE TIME LAT. LONG. TYPE BRG RNG CRS SPD ALT HOW REMARK
1. 3/6 0814 36-20N 128-40W PBY 160 11NM 230 105 500 SD/Vis. PBY Catalina-USN**
2. 3/13 0523 27-47N 164-26W PBY 210 14NM 310 110 300 SD/Vis. PBY Catalina-USN**
3. 3/13 0901 27-37N 165-15W PBY 260 11NM 005 120 1000 SD/Vis. Friendly Fire, attacked TANG.
4. 4/3 0300 13-36N 109-25E NA NA 8NM NA NA NA SD SD only, night flier.
5. 4/4 0400 14N-14N 109-23E NA 5NM NA NA NA SD Bombed by night flier, minor damage.

(I) ANTI-SUBMARINE COUNTERMEASURES AND EVASION TACTICS

Enemy convoys encountered were well protected with numerous escort and all at had at least one,
sometimes more radar equipped escorts. The radar appeared to have effective range on TANG of about 3500-5000 yards.

Day time air patrol contacts in area did not occurr, however two night time, radar equipped aircraft
were encountered. AIRCRAFT CONTACT NO.5 flying low and fast, managed to avoid detection by SD radar
APR-1, and lookouts until very close, resulting in the a late dive by TANG and depth charges/bombs being
dropped close, causing minor damage.

Enemy depth charge attacks were effective, causing damage each time. Depth Charge Attack No.2 knocked stern tube
#9 out of commision for duration of patrol.

Evasion tactics consisting on surface of high speed runs, attacking with "down the throat" torpedo shots,
dropping decoys along course to convince pursuer, if using sonar, TANG had submerged. This tactic worked as one escort was
sunk by torpedo, one stopped to depth charge the decoy, and all others were outpaced by TANG's speed.

Submerged evasion was standard, with high speed runs, constant turn to port or starboard,
dropping of decoys, descending below thermal layers if available, and maximum depth available.

(J) MAJOR DAMAGE AND DEFECTS

No major defects ocurred on this patrol.

Damage

Depth Charge Attack #1

All damage repaired at sea unless noted.

1.Starboard Prop Shaft
2.Port Prop Shaft
3.No.1 Electric Engine
4.No.4 Electric Engine
5.Aft Batteries
6.Stern Dive Planes Transmission
7.Hydraulic Pump
8.High Pressure Air Lines ruptured in Conning tower, Control room.
9.Piping leaks in Conning Tower.

Depth Charge Attack #2

1.Stern Tube #9 disabled, unable to repair at sea.
2.Aft Batteries
3.No.2 Attack periscope
4.Trim pump
5.Minor flooding, forward engine room.
6.Compressor.
7.High pressure air line leaks throughout boat.
8.Piping leaks throughout boat.

Depth Charge Attack#3
1.Minor flooding in conning tower.
2.Ruptured High Pressure Air Lines
3.Forward Batteries
4. Stern Tube #9
5.Stern Tube #10

Attack by aircraft (Air Contact #5)

Close bombs, depth charges went off above.

1.Short Wave Radio Antenna
2.Long Range Radio Antenna
3.SJ Radar Antenna
4.SD Radar Antenna
5.No.1 Periscope
6.No.2 Periscope
7.SJ Radar Cabinet
8.Sonar Stack
9.Torpedo Tube #2
10.Torpedo Tube #5

(K) RADAR

SJ Radar performance was overall excellent through patrol, typically making contact around 22000-25000 yards.

SD Radar was overall satisfactory, although it failed to detect incoming aircraft, resulting
in TANG being bombed.

(L) SOUND GEAR AND SOUND CONDITIONS

Sound gear performance was excellent overall. Typical detection range was 10000-12000 yards.

Sound conditions were excellent in area.

(M) THERMAL LAYERS

Thermal layers were detected at 140ft and 200ft.

(N) RADIO

Radio performance was satisfactory.

(O) PERSONNEL

Performance of the crew was excellent on this patrol, especially given the long voyage from Mare Island to
Fremantle, conducting a war patrol en route, enduring heavy action.

During the refit period, there was heavy turnover in personnel, and
intense training was conducted prior to patrol, and during the transit to patrol area.

Two Officers and eighteen men were designated as Qualified in Submarines during this patrol.

(P) HEALTH AND HABITATABILITY

Health and morale of crew remained high through the patrol. Food was excellent and in spite of long journey, the
mostly yachting weather and Spring weather provided for overall comfortable conditions aboard.

(Q) MILES STEAMED-FUEL USED

MILES GALLONS
Mare Island to Guam 5100 88250
Guam to Area 2200 41450
In Area 3100 33600
Area to Fremantle 2990 45600

(R) DURATION
DAYS
Mare Island to Guam 17
Guam to Area 7
In Area 3
Submerged 2
Area to Fremantle 10

(T) FACTORS IN ENDURANCE

Torpedoes 0
Fuel 54550 gallons
Provisions 49 days
Crew Indefinite

(U) REMARKS

A long voyage after overhaul stateside, followed by a brief, but intense, busy time in patrol area.
Enemy ASW has improved since last patrol, most noticeably more presence of radar among escorts.

The effectiveness of the four torpedoes fired in Attack #4-A was impressive.
The sight and sound of the conflagration triggered by the massive explosions was unexpected,
and of course the fact it consumed and ultimately sunk two other vessels left us somewhat in awe.
In multiple war patrols, have not observed such a effective result from just just torpedoes as effectively,
two torpedoes sunk three vessels.

Bubblehead1980 · 11-09-21, 04:17 AM

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.

Revus · 11-09-21, 11:05 AM

USS Silversides War Patrol 5 Report.
Not a bad one, started with an insert of a watcher to Vella Lavella, one single AK, then a few junks on the surface and another whole convoy. No pursuits by escorts, no damage.

Report:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zDy...ew?usp=sharing

Pics:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folde...vZ?usp=sharing

10-28-21, 10:15 PM	#5148
Bubblehead1980 Navy Seal Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Florida USA Posts: 6,922 Downloads: 550 Uploads: 42	USS Seal SS-183 War Patrol Seven Because I like to type up patrol notes and convert to report on notepad, but does not always copy and paste well to subsim, just decided to make text file available for download. See link below or go to subsim downloads section. Enjoy. https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/dow...o=file&id=6008

11-02-21, 02:36 AM	#5149
Bubblehead1980 Navy Seal Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Florida USA Posts: 6,922 Downloads: 550 Uploads: 42	USS TANG SS-306 THIRD War Patrol June 8-July 2, 1944 TMO 2.5 Update BH with patch patch (in development) 100 difficulty no cams or contacts. USS TANG SS-306(Balao Class) Also testing out a new way of merchant ship ID. To add to the fog of war so to speak and not make ship identification such a sure thing. I have added multiple versions of the ships and they all have nondescript names like "LARGE AK" for large cargo ships, Large AO (for Tankers) etc. with tonnage variations set quite large in their files, so player is crediting with different ships, even if look similar. Provides variety or appearance of variety and makes identification not so easy, easily at night when it was difficult to identify targets beyond their type such as AO, AK etc. AK=Cargo Ships AO=Tanker AP=Troopship Just testing, not sure if like it or not yet. Somehow deleted the data I recorded for my patrol report, so just going with a narrative from memory. Departed Pearl Harbor on June 8, 1944, set course of patrol area 12 via Midway with orders to operate off KYUSHU as part of a coordinated attack group with SEALION(Area 9) and TINOSA (Area11-A) as required. Arrived Midway on June 11 and refueled, then proceeded towards area on course. Passed Yakushima Island and transited Colonet Strait night of 23 June, 1944. A rendezvous with SEALION and TINOSA off OINIKI SAKI ( I have made it where when player rendezvous with sub and "drop off" or pick up a raft. Worked in single mission, but in campaign had issues) . A storm system blew into area and was unable to locate other boats. Proceeded via orders to patrol KOSHIKI STRAIT off KYUSHU, submerged at dawn for patrol in the strait. Sound detected prop noises at 1300 , TANG came to periscope depth and spotted smoke bearing 165 . Went to General Quarters and closed to find a mid sized AK similar to HEITO MARU or KOTO MARU 4200 tons on course 146 at 8 knots. Closed target and fired two MK 23 torpedoes at range of 1000 yards. Both torpedoes hit a minute later, leaving the vessel on fire, listing heavily. Twenty one minutes later, vessel sunk at 31-55N 129-59N in Koshiki Strait. Secured General Quarters and went to 125 feet, leaving area. During periscope observations, spotted a BETTY aircraft patrolling area of sinking. Surfaced at 2300 and at 2331 SJ made contact on large convoy in KOSHIKI STRAITS. Closed convoy, detecting radar emissions. PPI scope indicated seven large ships with twelve escorts* . TANG moved into position for night surface attack as convoy began to hug the coast of KYUSHU, likely destined for NAGASAKI. Avoided front of convoy do to radar equipped escort likely in the lead(wish had map contacts on at this point) and attempted to fall in line with port side screen but they closed ranges and TANG was unable to slip through the screen. After several attempts, noticed the rear of convoy a gap in the tail end escorts. Headed opposite direction 8000 yards off port side of convoy, then made a "u turn" and approached from astern at flank speed, waiting for the stern escorts to provide the opening. Finally after twenty minutes, as convoy made slight zig, turning with the curve of the coast line, the escorts fell out of position slightly and TANG zipped inside at high speed, passing one escort at just 1900 yards , keeping stern pointed at her for low profile. Once inside, increased speed back to flank to catch up to the merchant vessels inside. Spotted large AP at 0150 and positioned parallel to the vessel, once ahead turned to starboard to bring bow tubes to bear and fired three MK 23 torpedoes from tubes 4,5,6., turning away to open range and stern swinging around in case need follow up attack. Forward of TANG once turn complete was a large AK, , readied tubes 1,2,3,. All three torpedoes hit the AP, which slowed and began to settle. Gunfire, star shells, spotlights, and alarms went off, but TANG was hidden well inside convoy, unseen at moment. Two escorts on port side began dropping large patterns of depth charges. At 0200 , fired tubes 1,2,3 at large AK and swung back to starboard to move ahead towards other ships. During this interim, the AP torpedoed previously suffered a series of explosions and quickly sunk. Multiple rafts spotted in water. At 0201 all three torpedoes hit the large AK. The forward deck guns and machine guns opened fire on TANG, while another AK illuminated her with searchlights and opened fire TANG raced away at high speed showed stern to present minimal profile to gunners. Check of PPI scope and from bridge shows escort vessels closing fast. TANG continued moving along sighting a large AO, estimated 10000 tons, similar to GENYO MARU. Moved along side the zigging vessel, brought stern tubes to bear at 2000 yards and fired all four torpedoes. Three of MK 18 torpedoes hit and ships erupted in a massive fireball, igniting as tankers loaded with fuel tend to do. All torpedo tubes empty, TANG now began racing for a gap in the screen to exit. However, now had three escorts closing. Changed course and put engines on overload, making 22.5 knots, raced away dodging gunfire. Momentarily, the pursuers lost contact as TANG pulled away and began to reload torpedoes for a follow up attack. Thus far, two of the ships attacked (AP and AK) had sunk. The AO was dead in water, a flaming wreck, but afloat. TANG would reload and close to finish the ship off, if possible. With four bow and two stern tubes now reloaded, headed back into the convoy , initially heading for tanker when sighted a large AK and let three MK 23 torpedoes fly, two of which hit the target setting off massive explosion, TANG turned and managed to evade as an escort rushed into the scene of attack. As TANG progressed along looking for next target in the convoy, dodging escorts , crew reported SD contact. A night flyer coming in. What to do? Only 60 ft below keels, no place to dive in these calm seas full of alerted escorts. Just continued moving along , hearing an aircraft and spotting it in distance, circling area of last attack. Suddenly sound of its engines was overhead, there was a BETTY , which strafed TANG and dropped bombs/depth charges, which landed about 75 feet off starboard side. ( I had the AA guns mod enabled which set them to act as deck guns) Plane made another strafing run but was apparently out of bombs. However, it alerted escorts which closed in, forcing TANG to run away. During this time aircraft lost contact with TANG but escorts continued at high speed., but TANG remained ahead. However, one pip seemed to be closing fast, a visual check showed a Matsu Class DE closing very high speed from bearing 110. Most likely, this was the radar equipped escort. Turned TANG's stern to 0 AOB on the Matsu and prepared stern tubes (MK 18) for down the throat shot. However, this low aspect apparently caused Matsu to lose radar radar as it soon was observed to slow, drop two patterns of depth charges, then turn back to the convoy. TANG then turned back to finish off the tanker, dead in the water, which had two escorts trolling the general area, one 5000 yards from the doomed AO. Closed to 3000 yards and just as was preparing to fire a torpedo, she began to sink and within five minutes had disappeared below. With the remaining vessels in convoy several miles ahead, dawn approaching, TANG, having sunk three large AK and one large AO, set course for deeper waters. A nearby escort seemed to grow curious and began closing the scene at high speed, either spotting TANG or was equipped with radar, fired a star shell, then opened fire. TANG turned her stern to target in case a down the throat show was needed and to provide minimal profile. A second and third escort approaching from astern, on each quarters were closing, nearly boxing TANG in. To complicate matters, the Matsu, unseen in some time and presumed to have moved further north with main body of convoy, was observed rushing in a high speed. The three escorts could be out run and were at 4000-6000 yards, but the DE, at 9000 and closing fast, had a far superior speed advantage. TANG turned to present stern and minimal profile to the MATSU, which was presumed to have radar. Making matters more difficult, seas had suddenly picked up, somewhat heavy, which slowed tang to 20.5-21 knots instead of 22.5 was making on overload. TANG had now crossed into slightly deeper waters with 125 feet below keel . The Matsu was at 5000 yards, other escorts at 3800-5500. Suddenly the nearest escort, the TYPE C slowed somewhat, circled and dropped a large pattern of depth charges. The others followed suit. Well, least they were convinced we had submerged. The DE continued closing. TANG began a slow gentle turn to starboard with five degrees then ten degrees rudder . The DE fired a star shell, then made an abrupt turn to port and began dropping depth charges! Ah, seems they lost radar contact and convinced TANG had submerged. We resumed course and sped away at high speed, relieved. Secured General Quarters and at dawn, submerged South of Goto Islands to avoid the air patrols, numerous of which were spotted through the day during periscope observations. Ships sunk during Attack No. 1 Large AP 7000-8000 tons Large AK 6000 tons Large AO 10000 tons Large AK 6000-7000 tons. * In reality, TANG on her third patrol , attacked a large convoy with 12 escorts in Koshiki Straits off Kyushu on 24/25 June 1944 and sunk four ships. This convoy was added as a "historical contact" in TMO Update to allow player chance to try and pull off the attack. As Cdr (later Admiral) O Kane did, approaching from the rear of convoy worked in the updated TMO, with dark nights etc. Night was dark but not super dark, esp after 0400 when quarter moon, albeit with some cloud cover and light fog was out. Surfacing the evening of the 25th, TANG proceeded to primary patrol area in the Yellow Sea (Area 12) . At 2305 on 29 June made SJ contact with large AP off DAISEI Islands groups. Closed and due to full moon, submerged in shallow waters, firing three torpedoes, which promptly sunk the 7000-8000 tons AP. On July 4 sunk a mid sized AK at 36-10N 125-50E and a small AK on July 6 at 37-30N 123-52E. Only July 8 off the Shantung Promontory, China in the Yellow Sea, sunk a small AO (empty). The AO's small PC type escort hunted tang and dropped depth charges, two close but heavy seas and a thermal layer at 105 feet (max depth 150 ft) helped hide TANG. On July 10 , TANG sunk a mid sized AK East of Qingdao, China at 36-6N 120-38E in a night surface attack. AK sunk at 0411 hours. TANG then proceeded back to the Korea coast to avoid ASW efforts off China coast. On Jul 12 at 1301, in overcast skies with choppy seas, SD failed to detect a closing aircraft until it was 5.5 NM away and lookouts failed as well. Ordered a dive but a close depth charge caused damage , including flooding in forward torpedo room. In shallow waters with flooding, TANG's angle was difficult to correct and collided with bottom at 170 feet. Most serious damage was flooding and sound heads damaged (new damage model, sound heads can be damaged or destroyer) , which did not function properly for res tof patrol. On July 12th at 2300 made contact with convoy of two shups and one PC type escort off CHOPEKKI POINT, CHOSEN(Korea) . With just 100 ft below keel, opted for night surface attack. Due to speed area, first four torpedoes missed large AK, but two hit the smaller AK of 2500 tons, which quickly exploded and sunk at 36-50N 124-50E. The escort chased TANG, firing her deck gun, but could not make the speed to catch up. With three torpedoes left aft tracked the remaining AK and at 0425 fired last three torpedoes, all MK 18. Two torpedoes failed to hit, but the third hit amidships. TANG raced away under fire from merchant and escort, losing escort easily again. The AK soon settled in water and fifteen minutes after torpedo hit, slipped beneath the waves. Out of torpedoes, TANG set course for Midway arriving July 24. Nine ships sunk for just over estimated 55,000 tons. Fun, busy patrol which somewhat paralleled TANG's real life third patrol.

11-03-21, 09:14 PM	#5150
Bubblehead1980 Navy Seal Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Florida USA Posts: 6,922 Downloads: 550 Uploads: 42	USS TANG SS -306 Fourth War Patrol 31 July-3 September 1944 TMO 2.5 Update BH w patch (patch not yet released) 100 difficulty. External Camera and Map contacts off. 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 Fourth War Patrol. Enclosure: (A) Subject Report. (B) Track chart. (ComSubPac only) 1. Enclosure (A), covering the fourth war patrol of this vessel conducted in Japanese Empire waters during the period 31 July 1944 to 3 September. 1944, is forwarded herewith. R. H. O'KANE (A) PROLOGUE Returned from third war patrol July fourteenth. The refit by SubDiv 62 and Submarine Base, Midway, completed on the twenty-fourth, is considered our finest to date. Conducted normal training and departed July thirty-first. (B) NARRATIVE July 31-August 7 Departed Midway at 1555 on the thirty-first of July. En route to area five at two engine speed. Conduced training dives and fire control drills dailyand enjoyed yachting weather. August 8 At 1701 on the eighth, APR-1 detected radar signal. Following soon, SD picked up a aircraft (Aircraft Contact #1) at ten miles, closing. TANG submerged to avoid, surfaced an hour later and resume course to area. Gun Action No.1 At 2218 on the eighth, lookouts spotted a fishing boat bearing 053 at 7000 yards. Called General Quarters-Battle Surface-Gun Action, and closed target on parallel course. Commenced fire with 40mm, 20mm, and 4" 50 cal gun from range of 2500 yards at 2244. Immediate hits were scored, the vessel caught fired, and wrecked by a large explosion at 2246, TANG ceased fire just after. Enemy vessel had machine guns visibly mounted, but were unable to return fire given the surprise and accurate fulsilade from the dark of night. Fishing Boat (estimated 200 tons) sunk at 2251 hours, position 33-52N 138-01E with no survivors observed. TANG secured General Quarters and resumed course to area after search. August 9 Submerged off DAIO SAKI for patrol just before dawn at 0630. After dawn, observed shore batteries and observation posts on DAIO SAKI, plotted their positions. Spotted aircraft BETTY (Aircraft Contact #2) at 0817. Surfaced ten miles off DAIO SAKI at 2200, proceeed to sea for recharge and course for OMAE SAKI area. August 10 Submerged off OMAE SAKI at 0622 hours for patrol. Spotted aircraft(Aircraft Contact No.3) at bearing 005 9000 yards. Attack No. 1 Sound detected distant props bearing 344. TANG turned close to close bearing. At 1140 smoke spotted bearing 135, different contact rounding OMAE SAKI. TANG went to 90 ft at high speed and turned course to close, going to General Quarters-Torpedo at 1144. At 1237 observed more smoke bearing 140, likely original contact was closing. Fired tubes (MK 18-2 torpeod) 7,8,9,10 at 1241 and just as was launching, two unobserved twin engine bombers(BETTY) dropped depth charges about 100 ft to starboard, shaking boat. Ordered emergency depth after final bearing, and fired remaining tubes as the boat descended to 90 feet, just off the bottom. Torpedo #10 went into circular run after launch and was heard above TANG. At 1242-1243, three torpedo impacts were heard, followed by multiple large secondary explosions. Attack No.2 Turning to course 000 at high speed and 90 feet, closing seocnd contact on sound bearings. At 1247 heard two more large explosions from bearing of first attack. At periscope depth, slowed for observation and spotted AO zigging on course 090 8 knts. Spotted aircraft and forced to return to 70 feet, just off the bottom as closed target. Back at periscope depth, had to fire before the solution deteriorated fruther. At 1251 fired tubes 1,2,3,4 (MK14-3A). At 1252 observed all four torpedoes impact target. The AO was empty, as did not 'ignite' upon impact or one or two torpedoes as AO typically do when loaded with fuel. TANG turned for deeper waters and went to 70 feet and increased depth as it became available. At 1311 several large explosions were heard along with breaking up noises from last bearing of target. Slowed and went to periscope depth, observed the ICHIYU MARU AO sink in the shallow waters by her bow, just the stern in the air. Sweep of bearing showed the KOTO MARU had sunk as well. TANG went to 125 feet and continued high speed run from the area, secured General Quarters and began torpedo reload. At 1350 on the tenth, sound reported fast screws, warships bearing 053 at long range. This was most likely the 'calvary' local patrols responding to the area after TANG's attacks. Contacts came somewhat close, rigged for silent running and depth charge at 1402. At 1410 pinging was heard with contacts closing fast. Depth Charge Attack #1 began at 1421 with large patterns, TANG at 350 ft depth.Last depth charge, out of 251 previous, was at 1533. A relatively brief, but intense attack. A close pattern at 1503 damage aft batteries, caused leakes in various air and water lines through boat. Trim and Hydraluic pumps also damaged.At 1533 TANG , having made it to deeper waters, at 600 ft, escorts appear to have lost contact, last ping was ten minutes prior, escorts quiet, above listening.At 1800, secured General Quarters, and went to 412 feet, maintained silent running. At 2248 hours on the tenth, came to periscope depth and then radar depth. A sweep with SJ, SD, and sound showed area clear.Secured Silent Running and surfaced the boat at 2250. Immediately began battery recharge, as batteries were down to thiretten percent. Set course of SHIONO MASAKI area. August 11 Arrived ten miles off SHIONO MISAKI 0700 hours. Taking advantage of the dawn fog, closed on surface, submerging at 0715 for patrol. Surfaced at 2300 set course for DAIO SAKI. August 12 At 0609 on the twelveth, SJ made contact, two pips, 21000 yards. APR-1 detected radar emissions. TANG submerged at 0615 to avoid the patrol vessels and start patrol.At 0643, observed a No. 60 Class Subchaser and a W-19 Class Minesweeper on patrol. 1005 spotted same patrol contacted earlier at 7000 yards on course 250. Surfaced at 2300. August 13 Arrived off Ikobe Coast at 0230 and patrolled, preparing to dive at dawn for patrol. Gun Action #2 At 0314 observed a fishing boat bearing 047 7500 yards. Called General Quarters-Battle Surface-Gun Action. Commenced firing with all guns at 0334, ceased fire 0337. Fishing boat (estimated 200 tons) sunk at 34-10N 137-25E, 0342 hours. Submerged at 0625 on morning of the thirteenth for patrol along Ikobe Coast.Surfaced at 2300, set course of Omae Saki. August 14 Arrived off Omae Saki at 0530. Attack #3 At 0615, spotted a large paddle driven coastal cargo steamer rounding Omae Saki. Went to General Quarters-Torpedo. With dawn breaking, submerged for attack at 0625.Fired tubes 1,2,3,4 at steamer from 800 yards. All four torpedoes impacted as aimed. The armed steamer, with fires burning, spotted TANG's periscope in the dawn light, illuminated her with searchlight,opened fired with aft mounted three inch deck gun, and multiple deck mounted machine guns. No.2 Attack scope damaged, knocked out by lucky hit, but later repaired at sea. Tang went to seventy five feet and opened range, before returning to periscope depth. At 0655, at scope depth, observed steamer sinking, again machine guns opened fire at 1200 yards, TANG went back to 75 feet. Back at scope depth at 0705, observed steamer sinking by the stern and observed her slip under off Omae Saki. TANG went to 100 feet and conducted high speed run until 0830 to clear the area. Returned to periscope depth 0946, spotted EMILY flying boat (Aircraft Contact #8) astern. No doubt hunting for TANG in response to morning attack.Went back to 100 feet for sound sweep with observations every half hour. Patrol spotted/detected on sound simultaneously at 1400 hours, two SC type vessels. Attack #4 Sound detected many distant, heavy props bearing 179 at 1535 hours. TANG turned to close targets.Spotted smoke of AK with multiple escorts at 1600, called General Quarters-Torpedo. Turned to bring stern tubes to bear to utilize MK 18 torpedoes due to heavy screen and zig by target.Forced to use No.1 observation periscope due to damage sustained to No.2 Attack periscope earlier in the day. Just was preparing to fire, small PC on port side spotted the periscope, fired at it from 2000 yards and began pinging. At 1643 fired tubes 7,8,9,10 from 3500 yards, set to account for possible evasion by target. With escorts closing and a plane spotted, TANG went to the bottom at 165 feet at high speed to reach deep waters. Depth Charge Attack #2 began at 1645, but none were close. At 1646-1647 three torpedo impacts were heard, via sound and audible through the hull. TANG reached deeper waters fairly quick and went to 350, then 400 feet, as frequent, incessant pinging by escorts continued.At 1651 sounds of ship breaking up astern could be heard, sounds of the merchants engines were gone. MIIKE MARU sunk 34-36N 137-50E . Two more warship contacts arrived on scene at 1653, possibly patrol responding to attack. These first team contacts closed in on TANG quickly, dropping two large patterns. TANG was badly shaken by the first, then damaged by the second, for at 1702 two close depth charges caused flooding in aft engine rooms. Damage Control party quickly stopped the flooding (See Defects and Damage Section). By 1715, TANG was in deeper waters and at a depth of 575 ft, multiple escorts hunting. Multiple DC explosions in area, but none close. Final depth charge explosion 1844. ALl but one sound contact left area, one still hunting TANG. Lost sound contact at 2003, maintained depth of 500 ft and silent running. Surfaced at 2210, multiple SJ contacts astern at ten miles, set course to open range from coast for repairs and rest. SD contact at eleven miles holding steady, suddenly began to close range at 2219, TANG submerged to avoid. Surfaced at 2300, set course to open range with coast. August 15 Remained offshore to conduct repairs. Submerged after dawn for crew rest, with return to coastal areas the following day. Just before submerging, SD made contact (Aircraft Contact #9) at 14 NM. Surfaced at 2300, set course for KANTORI SAKI. August 16 Submerged six miles off Kantori Saki at 0615 and closed the coast for patrol. Attack #5 Spotted two patrol vessels at 1310, went to silent running and avoided, as well as two aircraft (Aircraft Contact #11) at 1340. Believe the patrols were sweeping for convoy, since at 1334, sound picked up contacts bearing 034 long range and at 1452, spotted smoke bearing 006. Called General Quarters-Torpedo. Convoy is one AK with four escorts, observed vessels round SHIONO MISAKI, head for coast of KANTORI SAKI, TANG began to close the range. At 1603 fired tubes 1,2,3,4 from 2900 yards. Due to escort proximity, to avoid detection and ruining shot, fired then went to 100 feet and backed away to open range with flank escort. At 1605 four torpedo impacts were heard, followed by large explosions and breaking up noises. AK MOMOYAMA MARU sunk 3331 N 135-53E. TANG turned toward deeper waters. Escorts came close but never located TANG , depth charges heard in the distance. Lost contact at 1830, secured General Quarters 1835. Surfaced at 2227 fourteen miles SHIONO MISAKI, set course for OMAE SAKI to clear the area. August 17-18 Received orders at 0400 to proceed to Area 5A to join for coordinated attack on convoys expected to transit area in coming days. Ordered course 170 at 18 knots to assigned area. Submerged at 0852 to avoid SD contact. (Aircraft Contact #12). Surfaced 1037. Soon after surfacing, SJ had three contacts which were identified as fishing boats. Called General Quarters-Battle Surface. Gun Action #3 Closed three fishing boats on surface at high speed, all guns manned. At 4000 yards all three boats opened fire with machine guns, TANG replied and commenced firing at 1050, and ceased firing at 1100. Three fishing boats, estimated 200 tons each sunk at 33-31N 135-53E. Secured General Quarters and continued en route to area. Attack #6 and #6-A 1210 SJ made contact at 28000 yards. APR-1 detecing radar emissions. PPI scope indicates large convoy. As prepared to dive and attack at 1250, convoy zigged throwing TANG out of position. This program repeated itself through afternoon, thus TANG pulled ahead to shadow until night fall for a night surface attack.Submerged at 1800 to avoid SD contact closing from ten miles. Surfaced at 1820, continued shadowing convoy. Submerged again at 1845 to avoid SD contact. Surfaced at 1904.Through the afternoon, submerged four more times for the SD contact, apparently a aircraft assigned to escort the convoy. 2200 Called General Quarters-Torpedo-Surface as night fell. TANG proceeded to close the convoy. At 0018 on eighteenth of August, TANG was inside the port escort screen when star shells were fired, signaling TANG had been detected. TANG put overload on engines, and left the closest escort, a TYPE C behind, continued towards AK was tracking,closing the range to fire, and attack others in convoy if possible. At 0023 (Attack #6) fired tubes #3, #4 (MK 14-3A) at large AK (possibly KENYO MARU 6486 tons) from 2000 yards and turned slightly to starboard to avoid the vessel. Just after firing, spotted a large vessel at center of convoy, which was revealed to be a escort carrier, likely of the TAIYO Class. TANG immediately began tracking the carrier, preparing to fire two remaining torpedoes at her. At 0024 both torpedoes hit the AK, causing large fires. The ship began to fire with her aft mounthed three or four inch gun, and deck mounted machine guns, while illuminating TANG with her spot light as passed astern of the damaged vessel. A few machine gun rounds struck TANG and one shell came too close for comfort, but caused no damage. Lookouts soon had a DD closing from bearing 200 at high speed, which soon opened fire from about 4000 yards. This forced TANG to fire from 2800 yards, instead of the planned 2000. At 0027 (Attack #6-A) fired tubes(final two torpedoes) #5,#6 (MK 23-2) at the CVE. Just after firing, a last explosion astern was audible and flames visible, the AK torpedoed appears to be sinking. With the DD closing at very high speed, now iluminating TANG and firing from 2900 yards, TANG submerged. As TANG passed 100 ft, torpedo impact was heard on the CVE's bearing. The second torpedo missed. TANG contiunued her plunge and leveled off at 500 ft. Over next five hours estimated 200 depth charges were dropped by various escorts, but only a few were close and no escort appeared to have solid contact on TANG and only minor damage was suffered (See Defects and Damage section) Believe this is due to the confusion and noise in the water, as TANG was hidiing below the convoy. At 0700 on the eighteenth, TANG surfaced with one SJ contact at nine miles, apparently a escort holding back to search for TANG. All torpedoes expended, set course for Pearl Harbor, as fuel status did not require stop at Midway. (A ship sunk marker appeared on the map for the AK torpedoed in attack 6, but SH 4 did not award me credit in the log not count toward my tonnage total! However, vessel did sink.) August 19-September 3 En route to Pearl Harbor in mostly pleasant weather. Arrived Pearl Harbor Submarine Base at 1100 on September 3rd, terminated war patrol. (C) WEATHER Weather to and from, and in are was nearly completely pleasant, yachting weather. Seas did briefly pick up in area (D) TIDAL INFORMATION Tides were normal for the area. The Kuroshio was present as expected. (E) NAVIGATIONAL AIDS Lights were spotted at OMAE SAKI, SHIONO MISAKI, and KATORI SAKI. (F) ATTACK DATA TORPEDO ATTACKS USS Tang SS 306 Torpedo Attack No. 1 War Patrol FOUR Date 10 August 944 Time 1242 Lat.34-33N Long.138-12E 7500 yards off Omae Saki Description Attack on AK rounding Cape Omae Saki, zigging. Type Attack Submerged-Periscope-Day Ships Sunk AK KOTO MARU 4666 tons 34-32N 138-11E off Omae Saki. Verification Heard four torpedoes hit followed by large secondary explosions over next ten minutes. When back at periscope depth for Attack #2, visible oil slick, debris, fire, visible, with superstructure of the vessel just above waterline, observed vessel sink on next observation. Ships Damaged None Ships Probably Sunk None Torpedo Attack No.1 Target Data (at firing) AK KOTO MARU 4466 tons Course 220, zigging Speed 5 kts Range 1200 AOB 85 S Bearing 182 True Bearing 150 Remark Visible, machine guns mounted bow to stern. Possibly had hydrophones as began to zig and avoid, when could not have spotted TANG scope at distance. Torpedo Attack No.1 Torpedo Fire Control Data Tube #7 Type MK 18-2 Serial No. 11320 Exploder MK 8 Serial No. 71129 Gyro 12 R Track 85 S Course 339 Method Single bearing-TDC POA MOT Spread 0 Firing Interval 5 seconds Power Default Depth 6 ft Hit Yes POI -- Erratic No Remark Tube #8 Type MK 18-2 Serial No. 11455 Exploder MK 8 Serial No. 71122 Gyro 12 R Track 85 S Course 339 Method Single bearing-TDC POA MOT Spread 0 Firing Interval 5 seconds Power Default Depth 6 ft Hit Yes POI -- Erratic No Remark Tube #9 Type MK 18-2 Serial No. 11220 Exploder MK 8 Serial No. 71133 Gyro 12 R Track 85 S Course 339 Method Single bearing-TDC POA MOT Spread 0 Firing Interval 5 seconds Power Default Depth 6 ft Hit Yes POI-- Erratic No Remark Tube#10 Type MK 18-2 Serial No. 11361 Exploder MK 8 Serial No. 71263 Gyro 12 R Track 85 S Course 339 Method Single bearing-TDC POA MOT Spread 0 Firing Interval 5 seconds Power Default Depth 6 ft Hit No POI -- Erratic Yes Remark Circular run. Own Ship Data (at firing) Depth 64 ft Course 250 Speed 2 kts Angle 1 degree down Seas Calm Depth under keel 65 ft ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ USS Tang SS 306 Torpedo Attack No. 2 War Patrol FOUR Date 10 August 1944 Time 1251 Lat.34-35N Long.138-12E 3440 yards off Omae Saki. Description AO inbound to Suruga Bay via Omae Saki. Type Attack Submerged-Periscope-Day Ships Sunk AO ICHIYU MARU 5113 tons 34-34N 138-13E off Omae Saki. Verification Forced to 100 ft by aircraft, sound reporting sinking ten minutes after attack. Came to periscope depth 25 minutes after attack, stern and stack just visible above water, rest of vessel submerged off Omae Saki. Large explosions followed over next hour. Ships Damaged None Ships Probably Sunk None Torpedo Attack No.2 Target Data (at firing) Target#1 Course 090 zigging Speed 8 Range 2461 AOB 90 Bearing 1 True Bearing 31 Remark Believe tanker was empty, not loaded with fuel as did not 'ignite' as loaded tankers typically do after one or two torpedo hits. Torpedo Attack No.2 Torpedo Fire Control Data Tube #1 Type MK 14-3A Serial No. 130040 Exploder MK 6-5 Serial No. 12044 Gyro 11 R Track 101 S Course 041 Method Individual Bearing-TDC POA MOT Spread 0 Firing Interval 5 seconds Power High Depth 8ft Hit Yes POI MOT Erratic No Remark --- Tube #2 Type MK 14-3A Serial No. 130041 Exploder MK 6-5 Serial No. 11223 Gyro 11 R Track 101 S Course 041 Method Individual Bearing-TDC POA MOT Spread 0 Firing Interval 5 seconds Power High Depth 8ft Hit Yes POI MOT, forward Erratic No Remark --- Tube #3 Type MK 14-3A Serial No.130042 Exploder MK 6-5 Serial No.10992 Gyro 11 R Track 101 S Course 041 Method Individual Bearing-TDC POA Stern-Stack Spread 0 Firing Interval 5 seconds Power High Depth 8ft Hit Yes POI Stern-Stack Erratic No Remark --- Tube #4 Type MK 14-3A Serial No.130043 Exploder MK 6-5 Serial No.10999 Gyro 11 R Track 101 S Course 041 Method Individual Bearing-TDC POA Fore Mast Spread 0 Firing Interval 5 seconds Power High Depth 8ft Hit Yes POI Fore Mast Erratic No Remark --- Own Ship Data (at firing) Depth 64 ft Course 031 Speed 3 kts Angle 1 down Seas Calm Depth under keel ----------------------------------------------------------- USS Tang SS 306 Torpedo Attack No. 3 War Patrol FOUR Date 14 August 1944 Time 0655 Lat.34-35N Long.138-8E Five nautical miles West of Omae Saki. Description Unescorted large coastal paddle steamer rounding Cape Omae Saki. Type Attack Submerged-Periscope-Night/Dawn Ships Sunk Coastal Steamer-Paddle driven. 3500-4000 tons. 34-34N 138-13E Five nautical miles West of Omae Saki. Verification Observed torpedoes hit target. Observed target sink stern first fifteen minutes after final torpedo impact. Ships Damaged None Ships Probably Sunk None Torpedo Attack No.3 Target Data (at firing) Target#1 Coastal Steamer-Paddle Driven 3500-4000 tons Course 270 Speed 5 kts Range 840 yards AOB 87 Bearing 004 True Bearing 006 Remark Armed with 3" gun forward. Machine guns, AA guns mounted all sides, astern. Cargo crates on deck. Torpedo Attack No.3 Torpedo Fire Control Data Tube #1 Type MK 23-2 Serial No. 113391 Exploder MK 6-5 Serial No. 10008 Gyro 357 L Track 94 P Course 359 Method Individual Bearing-TDC POA MOT, Stack Spread 0 Firing Interval 5 seconds Power High Depth 6 ft Hit Yes POI MOT, Stack Erratic No Remark --- Tube #2 Type MK 23-2 Serial No. 115006 Exploder MK 6-5 Serial No.10888 Gyro 357 L Track 94 P Course 359 Method Individual Bearing-TDC POA Fore Mast Spread 0 Firing Interval 5 seconds Power Default Depth 6 ft Hit Yes POI Fore Mast Erratic No Remark Tube #3 Type MK 23-2 Serial No. 117806 Exploder MK 6-5 Serial No.107988 Gyro 357 L Track 94 P Course 359 Method Individual Bearing-TDC POA Aft Mast Spread 0 Firing Interval 5 seconds Power Default Depth 6 ft Hit Yes POI Aft Mast Erratic No Remark --- Tube #4 Type MK 23-2 Serial No. 109391 Exploder MK 6-5 Serial No. 10855 Gyro 357 L Track 94 P Course 359 Method Individual Bearing-TDC POA MOT, aft of stack Spread 0 Firing Interval 5 seconds Power High Depth 6 ft Hit Yes POI MOT, aft of stack Erratic No Remark --- Own Ship Data (at firing) Depth 56 ft Course 003 Speed 3 kts Angle 1.5 down Seas Rough Depth under keel 50 ft --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- USS Tang SS 306 Torpedo Attack No. 4 War Patrol FOUR Date 14 August 1944 Time 1642 Lat.34-37N Long.137-51E Description Large AK-AP with four escorts. Small PC spotted No.1 Periscope and began pinging. Adjusted solution and fired spread to account for target evasive movements, fired while descending to avoid attack by escorts. Type Attack Submerged-Periscope-Day Ships Sunk None Ships Damaged None Ships Probably Sunk AK-AP MIIKE MARU 11739 tons 34-36N 137-50E Verification Three torpedo hits on sound gear and audible through hull, times matched for hitting. Repeated explosions and sounds of ship breaking up in minutes following the three torpedo impacts. Only small fast props were heard after impact, indicating engines on target stopped due to damage. Torpedo Attack No.4 Target Data (at firing) Target#1 MIIKE MARU AK-AP 11739 tons Course 092 Speed 7 kts Range 3400 AOB 72 Bearing 177 True Bearing 010 Remark Large AK-AP of HEIAN MARU Class (?) 4 or possilby 5 inch guns mounted atop superstructure. Torpedo Attack No.4 Torpedo Fire Control Data Tube #7 Type MK 18-2 Serial No. 116567 Exploder MK 8 Serial No. 112003 Gyro 344 L Track 94 P Course 176 Method Individual Bearing-TDC POA MOT Spread 0 Firing Interval 5 seconds Power Default Depth 6 ft Hit Yes POI --- Erratic No Remark Sound confirmed hit. Tube #8 Type MK 18-2 Serial No. 113561 Exploder MK 8 Serial No. 112393 Gyro 344 L Track 94 P Course 176 Method Individual Bearing-TDC POA Fore mast Spread 0 Firing Interval 5 seconds Power Default Depth 6 ft Hit Yes POI -- Erratic No Remark Sound confirmed hit. Tube #9 Type MK 18-2 Serial No. 117560 Exploder MK 8 Serial No. 113273 Gyro 344 L Track 94 P Course 176 Method Individual Bearing-TDC POA Aft mast Spread 0 Firing Interval 5 seconds Power Default Depth 6 ft Hit Yes POI -- Erratic No Remark Sound confirmed hit. Tube #10 Type MK 18-2 Serial No. 120021 Exploder MK 8 Serial No. 111121 Gyro 344 L Track 94 P Course 176 Method Individual Bearing-TDC POA MOT, stack. Spread 0 Firing Interval 5 seconds Power Default Depth 6 ft Hit No POI None Erratic No Remark Torpedo missed. Believe torpedo reached end of run as target turned away or missed due to target slowing after hits from three other torpedoes.End of run and end of run explosion audible, heard by sound and crew. Own Ship Data (at firing) Depth 58 ft Course 175 Speed 2 kts Angle 1-down Seas Rough, suddenly calmed between last two observations. Seas were choppy but much calmer on firing observation. Depth under keel 150 ft. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- USS Tang SS 306 Torpedo Attack No. 5 War Patrol FOUR Date 16 August 1944 Time 1603 Lat.33-31N Long. 135-54E Description One AK with four SC and PC type escorts, rounding SHIONO MISAKI approaching KANTORI MISAKI 2500 yards off coast. Type Attack Submerged-Periscope-Day Ships Sunk None Ships Damaged None Ships Probably Sunk AK MOMOYAMA MARU 4037 tons 33-31N 135-31E Torpedo Attack No.5 Target Data (at firing) Target#1 AK MOMOYAMA MARU 4037 tons Course 044 Speed 7 kts Range 2900 yards AOB 60 S Bearing 330 True Bearing 276 Remark Possible error in true bearing due to typo in log. Torpedo Attack No.5 Torpedo Fire Control Data Tube #1 Type MK 23-2 Serial No.105005 Exploder MK 6-5 Serial No. 76877 Gyro 335 L Track 77 S Course 281 Method Individual Bearing-TDC POA MOT Spread 0 Firing Interval 5 seconds Power Default Depth 8 ft Hit Yes POI --- Erratic No Remark Sound confirmed hit. Tube #2 Type MK 23-2 Serial No.105225 Exploder MK 6-5 Serial No. 734577 Gyro 335 L Track 77 S Course 281 Method Individual Bearing-TDC POA MOT Spread 0 Firing Interval 5 seconds Power Default Depth 8 ft Hit Yes POI --- Erratic No Remark Sound confirmed hit. Tube #3 Type MK 23-2 Serial No.105145 Exploder MK 6-5 Serial No. 78877 Gyro 335 L Track 77 S Course 281 Method Individual Bearing-TDC POA MOT Spread 0 Firing Interval 5 seconds Power Default Depth 8 ft Hit Yes POI --- Erratic No Remark Sound confirmed hit. Tube #4 Type MK 23-2 Serial No.105695 Exploder MK 6-5 Serial No. 68177 Gyro 335 L Track 77 S Course 281 Method Individual Bearing-TDC POA MOT Spread 0 Firing Interval 5 seconds Power Default Depth 8 ft Hit Yes POI --- Erratic No Remark Sound confirmed hit. Own Ship Data (at firing) Depth 61 ft Course 313 Speed 2 kts Angle 1-down Sea Condition Choppy -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- USS Tang SS 306 Torpedo Attack No. 6 War Patrol FOUR Date 18 August 1944 Time 0023 Lat.32-30N Long. 138-13E Description Large convoy , twelve AK, AO with six escorts. Radar emissions from convoy, multiple. Type Attack Night Surface Ships Sunk None Ships Damaged None Ships Probably Sunk AK KENYO MARU 6486 tons 32-20N 138-13E Verification Observed two torpedoes impact target forward, followed minutes later by large explosions and fires.Last seen, vessel had down angle by bow, sinking. Torpedo Attack No.6 Target Data (at firing) Target#1 AK KENYO MARU 6486 tons Course 045-zigging Speed 6.5 knots Range 2500 yards AOB 90 Bearing 0 True Bearing 330 Remark Possible error in true bearing due to typo in log. Torpedo Attack No.6 Torpedo Fire Control Data Tube #3 Type MK 14-3A Serial No. 105654 Exploder MK 6-5 Serial No. 767670 Gyro 2 Track 85 Course 129 Method Individual Bearing-TDC POA MOT Spread 0 Firing Interval 5 seconds Power High Depth 10 ft Hit Yes POI Fore Mast-Bow Erratic No Remark --- Tube #4 Type MK 14-3A Serial No.1055405 Exploder MK 6-5 Serial No. 76989 Gyro 03 Track 84 Course 130 Method Individual Bearing-TDC POA MOT Spread 0 Firing Interval 5 seconds Power High Depth ft Hit Yes POI Fore Mast-Bow Erratic No Remark Target probably sunk. Own Ship Data (at firing) Depth Surfaced Course 150 Speed 22.5 kts Angle 0 Sea Condition Calm -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- USS Tang SS 306 Torpedo Attack No. 6-A War Patrol FOUR Date 18 August 1944 Time 0027 Lat.32-30N Long. 138-13E Description Attack on CVE in large convoy (immediate follow up to Attack #6) Type Attack Night Surface-Torpedo Ships Sunk None Ships Damaged None Ships Probably Sunk None Torpedo Attack No.6-A Target Data (at firing) Target#1 CVE TAIYO Class 17,830 tons Course 045-zigging Speed 11 knots-zigging Range 2800 yards AOB 88 Bearing 0 True Bearing 081 Remark Possible errors in data, due to log errors made under combat conditions. Torpedo Attack No.6-A Torpedo Fire Control Data Tube #5 Type MK 23-2 Serial No. 089654 Exploder MK 6-5 Serial No. 767670 Gyro 4 Track 80 Course 145 Method Single bearing-TDC POA MOT Spread 0 Firing Interval 5 seconds Power High Depth 10 ft Hit Yes POI --- Erratic No Remark Sound and timing confirmed hit. Tube #6 Type MK 23-2 Serial No. 869614 Exploder MK 6-5 Serial No. 967270 Gyro 4 Track 80 Course 145 Method Single bearing-TDC POA MOT Spread 0 Firing Interval 5 seconds Power High Depth 10 ft Hit No POI --- Erratic No Remark ---- Own Ship Data (at firing) Depth Surfaced Course 165 Speed 22.5 kts Angle 0 Sea Condition Calm GUN ACTIONS A total of three gun actions took place during this patrol. Rounds Expended 4 inch 50 Caliber 64 40mm 653 20mm 1041 Gun Action No.1 Sunk armed fishing boat (200 tons ) 2251 8 August 1944 33-52N 138-01E Gun Action No.2 Sunk Armed Fishing boat (200 tons) 0342 13 August 1944 34-10N 137-25E Gun Action No.3 Three armed fishing boats (200 tons each) sunk.1100 8 August 1944 33-31N 135-53E. (G) Ship Contacts No. Date Time Type Lat. Long. Crse Spd Rng How Remark 1. 8/8 2223 Fsh. Bt. 33-52N 138-01E 275 6 6000 yd Visual Armed.Sunk by gunfire. 2. 8/10 1140 AK 34-32N 138-11E 180 7 11000 yd Visual Sunk. Attack #1 3. 8/10 1237 AO 34-32N 138-11E 102 8 11500 yd Visual Sunk. Attack #2 4. 8/10 1350 DD?DE?PC?SC? 34-32N 138-8E ? 15+ 8000 yd Sound Depth Charge Attack #1 5. 8/12 0609 SC,MS 34-10N 136-46E 270 14 21000 yd SJ,Visual Daily Patrol 6. 8/13 0320 Fsh.Bt. 34-10N 137-25E 354 7 7000 yd Visual Armed. Sunk by gunfire. 7. 8/13 2030 SC,SC 34-37N 137-34E 271 14 8000 yd Sound,Visual Mikura Class x 2-patrol. 8. 8/14 0615 AK 34-34N 138-10E 270 5 8000 yd Visual Paddle driven coastal steamer.Armed.Sunk Attack #3 9. 8/14 1400 SC,SC 34-37N 137-53E 092 15 9000 yd Sound, visual Coastal Patrol 10. 8/14 1600 AK,SC, PC 34-37N 137-51E 265 8 14000 yd Sound, Visual Sunk AK. Attack #4 11. 8/16 1310 SC, SC 33-33N 135-58E 046 15 7000 yd Sound, Visual Patrol, possible sweep for AK. 12. 8/16 1530 AK, SC, SC 33-33N 135-59E 046 7 21000 yd Visual, SJ Sunk AK, Attack #5 13. 8/17 1035 Fsh.Bt. x3 33-31N 135-53E 200 6 7000 yd Visual Sunk by gunfire. 14. 8/17 1240 AK,CVE,DD,DE,SC 32-30N 138-13E 045 11 24000 yds SJ, Visual. Attacks #6 and 6-A (H) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS No. Date Time Type Lat. Long. Crse Spd Rng Alt How Remark 1. 8/8 1701 NA 33-42N 138-37E NA NA 12NM NA SD only Emitted Radar signals. 2. 8/9 0817 BETTY 34-15N 136-53E 210 140 9000 yd 1000 Visual Via periscope. 3. 8/10 0835 MAVIS 34-34N 138-10E 235 115 8000 yd 1200 Visual Via periscope. 4. 8/10 1237 BETTY 34-42N 138-11E 180 200 2000 yd 500 Visual Via periscope. Bombed by AC. 5. 8/10 1237 BETTY 34-42N 138-11E 180 200 2000 y 500 Visual Via periscope. Bombed by AC. 6. 8/11 1101 BETTY 34-12N 136-36E 300 150 6000 yd 4000 Visual Via periscope. 7. 8/12 1304 MAVIS 33-25N 135-46E 205 110 4500 yd 1500 Visual Via periscope. 8. 8/14 0946 EMILY 34-34N 138-0E 245 120 4000 yd 1400 Visual Via periscope. 9. 8/14 2215 NA 34-35N 137-46E NA NA 12NM NA SD only ---- 10. 8/15 0845 NA 33-24N 137-3E NA NA 14 NM NA SD only ---- 11. 8/16 1340 BETTY(x2) 33-33N 135-58E 225/035 140 8000 yd 1000 Visual Two AC sweeping area, possibly ahead of traffic. 12. 8/17 0852 NA 32-17N 137-16E NA NA NA NA SD only. Repeated SD contact. (H) MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE All damage or defect repaired at sea unless otherwise noted. 1.No.2 Attack Periscope head. Damaged by machine gun fire from coastal steamer after torpedo attack. 2.Flooding-2 ft water aft engine room. 3.TPort Propeller Shaft 4.No.1 Diesel 5. No. 3 Diesel 6. Aft Batteries 7.Trim Pump 8. Hydraluic Pump 9.Forward Dive Planes Transmission. (I) ANTI-SUBMARINE COUNTERMEASURES AND EVASION Area 5 was heavily patrolled in the coastal shipping routes by ASW vessels, usually in pairs, making daily sweeps. Twice these patrols were within range to respond to TANG's attacks, locating and attacking TANG. Air patrols were frequent and combined with surface patrols made operations challenging. The convoy attacked on 17/18 August was quite large and included a escort carrier, no doubt the source of the repeated SD contacts through the afternoon of the seventeeth which forced TANG to sumberged repeatedly. Lead escort (unknown DD or DE) was radar equipped and quickly honed in on TANG during attack on the carrier (Attack #6-A). The CVE also emitted radar signals, althought it did not seem to detect TANG and is possible it was air search radar. Submerged evasion was typica for TANG, finding thermal layers, much depth as possible, constant course changes, with adjustments to dept and speed, and speed bursts when escorts passed overahead and during explosions of DC, when sound of motors are full power are drowned out by the enemys engines and explosions. Surface evasion when pursued consisting of overload on engines, bringing TANG to 22.5 knots surface speed combined with evasive maneuvers, and presenting slim profile/aspect to nearby enemy vessels. Alternating rudder swing of five to ten degrees port or starboard was used to dodge gunfire, "chasing the splashes" then reversing to confuse enemy gunners. The low profile of TANG and submarines enable to disappear easily into the dark of night. (J) SOUND GEAR AND SOUND CONDITIONS Sound conditions were somewhat mediocre in the patrol area with average detection range at seven thousand yards. However, on certain occasions faint echoes of distant props were heard at estimated twelve to fifteen thousand yards. These conditions seemed to affect enemy's ability to maintain solid contact with TANG during submerged evasion. (K) DENSITY LAYERS Thermal layers were detected at 155, 211, 290, and 341 feet. (L) RADIO Radio communication was overal excellent (M) RADAR SJ performance was excellent with typical detection in excess of 22000 yards. SD Radar was satisfactory, typical detection range twelve miles. (N) PERSONNEL Crew performance during this realtively short, but very busy patrol was excellent. Daily prolonged dives in coastal areas, heavily patrolled by enemy, and heavily traveled by enemy merchant traffic presented a challenge, but one that was met with four ships sunk in the area, all within a few thousand yards of shore and just a few feet under the keel. 13 men and one officer qualified in submarines during this patrol. (O) HEALTH AND HABITATABILITY Overall, excellent. (P) MILES STEAMED-FUEL CONSUMED MILES GALLONS Midway to Area 2960 34565 In Area 4500 49884 Area to Pearl Harbor 4235 56845 (Q) DURATION DAYS Midway to Area 9 In Area 9 Days Submerged 10 Area to Pearl Harbor 16 (R) FACTORS IN DURATION Torpedoes 0 Fuel 31,500 gallons Provisions 50 days Crew Indefinite Factor in termination of patrol- All torpedoes expended. (S) REMARKS None.

11-04-21, 07:29 PM	#5151
KaleunMarco Silent Hunter Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Chicago area, which is more dangerous than Omaha Beach. Posts: 3,908 Downloads: 433 Uploads: 27	U-554 Patrol south of Iceland Ve vere tasked with patrolling south of Iceland, October 1943. Not ze best time to be in those wassers. Ve tracked down zwei Allied convoys and sunk a few ships, but just a few. Ze verdampt escorts are vicious in zier counterattacks. so after zwei weeks we headed back to port (La Pallice) however as we are chugging home, our radar detects a single contact, moving at high speed on out port quarter, heading SW. so, we swing around and close with the contact to identify it. Gott in himmel...she is enormous! Ze Queen Mary on her way back to North America to bring back more verdampt Canadians (or worse, Americans). so, we close and submerge...and ATTACK! There are no escorts so the approach, and the result, is very simple. This is what makes it a successful patrol! __________________ there are only two things in the world: submarines and targets. Fortis et stabilis et fidelis, semper ------------------------------------------------------------ Silent Hunter 4 1.5 Gold Edition on CDROM LAA enabled Dell XPS with 32 GB Ram running Win10

11-05-21, 01:08 AM	#5152
Bubblehead1980 Navy Seal Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Florida USA Posts: 6,922 Downloads: 550 Uploads: 42	USS Tang SS 306 Sixth War Patrol 24 September-16 November 1944 U.S.S. TANG (SS 306) c/o Fleet Post Office San Francisco, California A18-21 Serial 019 24 September-16 November, 1944 CONFIDENTIAL 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 Fifth War Patrol. Enclosure: (A) Subject Report. (B) Track chart. (ComSubPac only) 1. Enclosure (A), covering the fourth war patrol of this vessel conducted in the Formosa Strait during the period 24 September to 16 November 1944, is forwarded herewith. R. H. O'KANE (A) PROLOGUE: Returned from the 4th patrol on 3 September, 1944 and conducted normal refit at the U.S. Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor. Four inch deck gun replaced forward with five inch deck gun forward. SBT-1 decoy launched installed. In order to take part on the coming Formosa raid and to be in a position inside the Formosa Straits to intercept Japanese reinforcements for the coming Philippine Campaign, training and loading were completed four days in advance of schedule. Loaded 24 Mark 18 Mod 1 torpedoes already prepared for the U.S.S. TAMBOR who had been delayed. (B) NARRATIVE 24 September 1300 Departed for Formosa Strait via Midway, proceeding at full power to this last fueling base 1700 Trim Dive 1745 Surfaced. Continued en route Midway. 25-27 September En route Midway, conducted dive and torpedo attack drills. 28 September 0715 After battling heavy seas entering channel, docked at Midway. topped off fuel provisions. 1230 Departed Midway for patrol area in Formosa Straits (11-B) 29 September-7 October En route patrol area. 8-11 October At 0600 on the eighth, TANG first encountered typhoon conditions near position 26-2N 142-13E 40 NM S Haha Jima, Bonin Islands. Conditions persisted until 2230 on the eleventh, with residual heavy seas remaining. 12-15 October En route patrol area. Submerged at 1621 on 14 October to avoid SD contact (Aircraft Contact No.1). Surfaced at 2310, proceeded up East coast of Formosa transiting area between Formosa and Sakishima Gunto through the night of 14/15 October.SD contact made (Aircraft Contact No.2) 1034 on 15 October. Surfaced at 1100, only to have another SD contact (Aicraft Contact No.3) at 11 NM closing the range fast. TANG submerged to avoid and surfaced at 1145, entering area at noon. 16 October SD contact made at (Aircraft Contact No.4) 1356. Submerged to avoid, surfaced at 2320. 17-18 October Surfaced at 2300on the seventeenth after day submerged 6000 yards off Formosa coast with no contacts. Attack #1 At 2316 on the seventtenth SJ made contact (Contact No.1) on lone pip, TANG turned to close at high speed. Second SJ contact (Contact No.2) mad at 2332. At 0012 on the eighteenth, identified initial contact as long AO. APR-1 detected radar emissions from other, contact. Possible escort attempting to rendezvous with tanker, off on a "sweep" , or providing a loose escort. Closed target with decks awash to low profile due to excellent visibility. Fired Tubes 1,2,3,4 at 0031.All four torpedoes hit at 0032, setting tanker on fire, but without the expected "boom" that accompanies loaded tankers. Believe tanker is empty of fuel. HAKKO MARU type AO sunk at 0046 25-11N 120-37E. Secured General Quarters and departed area. SJ contact (Contact No.4) made at 0433, patrol, avoided contact. SJ contacted (Contact No.5) Taipei Harbor at 30000 yards at 1050 on the eighteenth. Submerged at 1130 West of Taipei for coastal patrol. Spotted a ZEKE (Aircraft Contact No.5) at 1432 flying along the coast on course 070. Spotted a BETTY flying along coast at 1559. At 1824 emergency desecent to 115 ft was ordered after OOD observed an unknown (Aircraft Contact No.6) via No.1 periscope close aboard, appeared to be diving. No attack came, but stayed "deep" at 120 ft(10 ft off bottom) for a while and turned course to open range from coast.Surfaced at 2330. 19 October Established SJ contact with Hsia-Lun Harbor at 0849 ahead of submerging for patrol in the area. Submerged at 1145 for patrol. Surfaced at 2315 into heavy seas, set course away from coast of Formosa for patrol off Chinese coast and in central Formosa Strait. 20 October Sumberged patrol in Formosa Strait. 21 October Attack #2 Established SJ contact on convoy at 0608, convoy appeared to be operating along China Coast. TANG closed at best speed, somewhat hindered by heavy seas. Ahead of convoy, brought stern tubes to bear with decks awash at 26 ft. Rough seas made control difficult, but managed. APR-1 detected enemy radar emissions but TANG was not detected. Convoy is one small AO, leading one mid sized AK, with three SC type escorts, one minelayer escort. At 0714 fired tubes 7,8,9,10. At 0716, two hits (#8, #10) on the AO. Fires visible, vessel listing. Tanker did not blow, assume empty. Immediately turned and fired tube#1, which missed. Escort sped up after TANG, turned away at flank speed. With heavy seas likely cuausing misses and need to find deeper waters as dawn approaching, ended attack and opened range. Due to two solid hits, fires, list and damage, with seas swamping her decks, it is believed that the AO (SAMUI MARU) likely later sunk. 22 October Attack #3 1050 SJ contacts bearing 037 28500 yards. APR-1 detecting radar signals, likely northbound convoy. TANG began closing contacts as dawn broke. Large convoy of ten to twelve ships in a unusual long single column, five or six escorts. At 1136, submerged for attack and worked inside escort screen. Fired tubes 1,2,3,4 at 1228. At 1230 all four torpedoes impacted target. AO exploded in the classic fashion of a tanker, quite a large and devastating explosion. Vessel quickly began to settle into the water. TANG, which began its turn to deeper waters went to 100 ft, rigged for silent running and depth charge, but moving at 7 knots for deeper waters. First pings began at 1236. Deployed decoys SBT-1. Many depth charge explosions astern, enemies took the bait. Depth Charge Attack #1 began at 1238. At 1248 Damage reported from close depth charge explosions. See Major Defects and Damage Section. TANG at 140 ft. By 1400, enemy lost contact with TANG. Secured General Quarters. Maintained silent running on course to deeper waters.Reached 190 ft by 1448. Secured from silent running at 1530. 1729 Sound made contact (Contact No.9) with two SC types on patrol, rigged for silent running and depth charge, went to 120 ft. Lost contact at 1845.Secured silent running. 2300 Surfaced. 23 October 0301 SJ contact (Contact No. 10) with likely patrol vessels. Avoided. 1000 Submerged for patrol. 2300 Surfaced. 24 October 1030 Submerged for patrol. Throughout the day sounds of heavy props in distance running the shallow China coast were heard, but TANG was unable to venture into such areas until night fall and thus contacted no targets through the day. Attack #4 While preparing to surface, sound made contact (Contact No.11) with fast props at 2200, then heavy slowed, at radar depth made SJ contact on large southbound convoy.Waited for escort to clear area prior to surfacing Surfaced to move ahead for attack at 2240 on convoy, rehcharged batteries.Approached convoy from aft-port.For unknown reasons, convoy commander running convoy in long strung out column, widely spaced. Radar emissions detected from escorts. At 0154 fired Tubes 3,4,5,6, all hit at 0157. Large AK erupted into massive explosion. Likely carrying ammunition. Escort close by, astern of doomed AK, racing, firing star shells, fired at TANG, turned away at high speed. AK sunk 25-14N 120-01E at 0157 25 October 1944. Attack #5 Set up to attack AK trailing AK sunk in Attack #4. Preparing to attack AK from starboard side, escort was now closing up his port side at high speed. At 0211, TANG spotted again or detected on radar(APR-1 detected emissions) by the now identified MIKURA Class Escort. Soon escaped and doubled back on the target making 12.5 knots. Lined up and at 0238 fired all four stern tubes. Three of four torpedoes hit, setting vessel on fire. MIKURA Escort and a DE type just arriving on scene then began closing TANG, while she was under fire from the AK just attacked. Cleared area and observed target while last reserve torpedo was loaded into tube three. All stern torpedoes expended, three left forward in tubes 1,2,3. Attack #5-A and Gun Action #1 Closed damaged AK now identified as KENYO MARU 6200 tons, which was on fire, listing to starboard, but underway. Fired tube #1 at 0310, torpedo hit at 0312. Moved away but stubborn vessel refused to sink. With two torpedoes left and escorts now 6000 yards away hunting opposite side, ordered all guns manned. Opened fire from 4000 yards with the new 5 inch 25 caliber deck gun, 40 mm and 20 mm guns. Six 5 inch hits and multiple 20 MM 40 MM finished off the KENYO MARU as she capsized. TANG raced away as escorts rushed in to the scene and a SD contact arrived in area. TANG detected her radar emissions on APR-1, but the aircraft did not detect TANG. KENYO MARU sunk at 0324 25-13N 120-05E Gun Action #2 TANG raced SW and to catch up with rest of convoy to use last two torpedoes. At 540 spotted a large AP on high speed run, apparently seperated from convoy as nearest escort was 9000 yards ahead. Closed target and opted for gun action, to save last two torpedoes for a escorted vessel. Opened from from 4000 yards flooded down to twenty four feet. Scored numerous 5 inch, 40 and 20 MM hits. Five inch gun concentrated on waterline while the other guns targeted the deck, bridge etc. After numerous hits, the AP was on fire, sinking, with many rafts in water. AP SAKITO MARU 8839 tons by gunfire at 25-55 N 119-46E 0601. TANG departed the scene to close other contacts. Attack #6 Evaded pesky radar equipped escort and maneuvered in to a group of three AK's on high speed run. Firing at large AK identified as DAITOKU MARU 6329 tons. Fired last two torpedoes from tubes #2 and #3 at 0621. Both torpdoes impacted and at 0641 DAITOKU MARU sunk at 24-53N 119-19E. During the interim TANG was pursued by two radar equipped escorts and fired upon, as well as spotted, illuminated by searchlight, and fired upon by a mid sized AK. After a prolonged chase, escort lost contact. TANG set course to clear the coast with all torpedoes expended and daylight approaching. Gun Action #3 At 0655 spotted a smaller AK trailing 9000 yards behind two large AK with two escorts. With plenty of of 5 inch ammo aboard, closed target. Target did not appear to have large guns, TANG flooded to twenty five feet and opened fire with 5 inch, 40 MM and 20 MM guns, with 5 inch concentrating fire on waterline. at 0725 the AK identified as KANAGA MARU 3924 tons exploded sunk in minutes at 24-55N 119-20E. At 0730 TANG was now detecting multiple radar emissions concentrating on her bearing, with pips on SJ scope closing fast. Cloest contact was 4400 yards. TAMG set off with engines on overload, making 22.5 knots, easily outpacing two escorts, but one matching or exceeding TANG's speed, closing the range. Brought stern to face this contact, which closed 5500 yards but could not seem to close distance further. Several shell splashes fell but were not close, so TANG stayed in surface, in lieu of diving in shallow waters. TANG dropped two decoys along its course.Last shell splash observed at 0801 as target slowed, dropped three patterns of depth charges, and then went to SW at high rate of speed. TANG continued on slowing to 18 knots, heading for deeper waters. Tabulation for the attacks of 25 October are four large AK's sunk and one large AP sunk. The area of attacks was likely quite busy after dawn with ASW activity but TANG had cleared the area thanks to the high speed dash. With all torpedoes expended, set course for San Francisco via Midway. 26 October-4 November En route Mare Island via Midway 5 November 1000-1600 Refueled and reprovisioned at Midway. Departed for Mare Island at 1615. 6-16 November 1030 Docked at Mare Island, CA. Terminated patrol (C) WEATHER Typhoon conditions were encountered October 8-11 South of Bonin Islands, with residual heavy seas for a couple of days after. However, weather in area was generally favorable as well as the transit from area and to Mare Island. (D) TIDAL INFORMATION Tides were normal for the area. (E) SHIP CONTACTS NO. DATE TIME LAT LONG TYPE BRG RNG CRSE SPD HOW REMARK 1. 10/15 0135 24-23N 122-139E NA 027 26330 yds NA NA SJ SJ only. Radar emissions from contact Likely ASW patrol.Avoided. 2. 10/17 2316 25-10N 120-2E AO 293 26734 yds 040 8 SJ-Visual 3. 10/17 2332 25-9N 120-39E NA 006 30380 yds NA NA SJ SJ only. Radar emissions. 4. 10/18 0443 25-57N 120-28E NA 010 18200yds NA NA SJ SJ only. Likely patrol, avoided. 5. 10/18 1050 25-19N 121-13E NA 275 30000yds NA 0 SJ Taipei Harbor 6. 10/19 0849 23-38N 119-53E NA 277 31500yds NA 0 SJ Hsia-Lun Harbor 7. 10/21 0608 26-7N 120-16N AK AO SC 020 28500 yds 218 8 SJ Attack #2-Convoy. 8. 10/22 1050 27-20N 121-21E AK AO SC 037 28500 yds 026 9 SJ Attack #3-Convoy. 9. 10/22 1729 27-19N 121-25E SC, SC 240 8500yds 225 15 Sound-Visual ASW patrol. 10. 10/23 0301 26-24N 121-19E NA 353 12500yds NA NA SJ SJ only.Likely ASW patrol. 11. 10/24 2200 25=41N 120-27E AK,AO, 185 9000yds 196 12 Sound-SJ-Visual Attacks #4,#5,#6. DE,DD,SC Gun Actions #1,#2,#3 (F) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS NO. DATE TIME LAT LONG TYPE BRG RNG CRSE SPD ALT HOW REMARK 1. 10/14 1621 23-250N 122-39E NA NA 16 NM NA NA NA SD SD only. 2. 10/15 1034 25-50N 121-54E NA NA 13NM NA NA NA SD SD only. 3. 10/15 1105 25-52N 121-48E NA NA 12NM NA NA NA SD SD only. 4. 10/16 1356 25-59N 120-53E NA NA 15NM NA NA NA SD SD only. 5. 1018 1432 25-8N 121-6E ZEKE 242 5500yd. 070 175 3000 Visual Periscope No.1 6. 10/18 1559 25-7N 121-3E BETTY 324 3500yd 040 150 2000 Visual Periscope No.1 7. 1018 1824 25-5N 121-0E NA 196 1500yd 220 200 1000? Visual Periscope No 1. 8. 1024 2126 25-41N 120-26E NA 002 5000yd 180 175 1200 Visual Periscope No.1 (G) ATTACK DATA TORPEDO ATTACKS USS Tang SS-306 Torpedo Attack No. 1 War Patrol FIVE Date 18 October 1944 Time 0031 Lat.25-10N Long.120-38E in Formosa Strait. Description Lone AO with nearby escort, either attempting to locate for rendezvous, on sweep, or providing detached escort. Due to lack of large explosion after four torpedo hits, believe target was not loaded with fuel or oil. Type Attack Night Surface-Torpedo Ships Sunk AO HAKKO MARU 6046 tons Verified by Oberved torpedoes hit and vessel sink. Ships Damaged None Ships Probably Sunk None Torpedo Attack No.1 Target Data (at firing) Mid sized AO est. 6000 tons. Possibly HAKKU MARU 6046 tons. Course 040 Speed 7 kts Range 2500 yds AOB 82 S Bearing 345 True Bearing 303 Remark None Torpedo Attack No.1 Torpedo Fire Control Data Tube #1 Type MK 18-1 Serial No. 899341 Exploder MK MK-8 Serial No. 739375 Gyro 359 R Track 96 S Course 316 Method Individual bearing-TDC POA MOT Firing Interval 5 seconds Spread 0 Power Default Depth 15 ft Hit Yes Erratic No Remark --- Tube #2 Type MK 18-1 Serial No. 827321 Exploder MK MK-8 Serial No. 714370 Gyro 359 R Track 96 S Course 316 Method Individual bearing-TDC POA MOT Firing Interval 5 seconds Spread 0 Power Default Depth 15 ft Hit Yes Erratic No Remark --- Tube #3 Type MK 18-1 Serial No. 819343 Exploder MK MK-8 Serial No. 69335 Gyro 359 R Track 96 S Course 316 Method Individual bearing-TDC POA MOT Firing Interval 5 seconds Spread 0 Power Default Depth 15 ft Hit Yes Erratic No Remark --- Tube #4 Type MK 18-1 Serial No. 819513 Exploder MK MK-8 Serial No. 713702 Gyro 359 R Track 96 S Course 316 Method Individual bearing-TDC POA MOT Firing Interval 5 seconds Spread 0 Power Default Depth 15 ft Hit Yes Erratic No Remark --- Own Ship Data (at firing) Depth Surfaced-decks awash at 26 ft. Course 316 Speed 2 kts Angle 0 Seas Calm -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- USS Tang SS-306 Torpedo Attack No. 2 War Patrol Date 21 October 1944 Time 0713 Lat.26-10N Long.120-4E Formosa Strait, off China Coast. Description Mid sized AK with Smaller AO leading, four escorts. One escort equipped with radar. Type Attack Night Surface-Torpedo Ships Sunk None Ships Damaged None Ships Probably Sunk SAMUI MARU 1458 tons. Verified by Two torpedo hits, target on fire , listing hard to port. Heavy seas and just few hours to dawn prevented further attack, as TANG needed to reach deeper waters. Torpedo Attack No.2 Target Data (at firing) Target#1 AK AKAMA MARU Course 218 Speed 8.5 kts Range 3400 yards AOB 51 Bearing 168 True Bearing 330 Remark Target#2 AO SAMUI MARU Course 218 Speed 8.5 kts Range 2900 yards AOB 81 Bearing 171 True Bearing 340 Remark Torpedo Attack No.2 Torpedo Fire Control Data Tube #7 Type MK 18-1 Serial No.110501 Exploder MK 8 Serial No.104993 Gyro 348 Track 98 S Course 139 Method Individual bearings-TDC POA MOT Firing Interval 5 seconds Spread 0 Power Default Depth 8 ft Hit No Erratic No Remark Fired at Target#1. Heavy seas likely cause of the miss. Tube #8 Type MK 18-1 Serial No.89921 Exploder MK 8 Serial No.105450 Gyro 348 Track 98 S Course 139 Method Individual bearings-TDC POA MOT Firing Interval 5 seconds Spread 0 Power Default Depth 8 ft Hit No Erratic No Remark Fired at Target #1 Heavy seas likely caused the miss. Tube #9 Type MK 18-1 Serial No.863921 Exploder MK 8 Serial No.115450 Gyro 348 Track 98 S Course 139 Method Individual bearings-TDC POA MOT Firing Interval 5 seconds Spread 0 Power Default Depth 8 ft Hit Yes Erratic No Remark Target#2 Tube #10 Type MK 18-1 Serial No.83321 Exploder MK 8 Serial No.212450 Gyro 348 Track 98 S Course 139 Method Individual bearings-TDC POA MOT Firing Interval 5 seconds Spread 0 Power Default Depth 8 ft Hit Yes Erratic No Remark Target#2 Own Ship Data (at firing) Depth Surfaced-decks awash. Course 130 Speed 3 kts Angle 0 Seas Rough Depth under keel 40 ft. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- USS Tang SS-306 Torpedo Attack No. 2-A War Patrol FIVE Date 21 October 1944 Time 0720 Lat.26-10N Long.120-4E Formosa Strait, off China Coast. Description Follow up attack on AO damaged in Attack #2 Type Attack Night Surface-Torpedo Ships Sunk None Ships Damaged None Ships Probably Sunk None Torpedo Attack No.2-A Target Data (at firing) Target#1 AO SAMUI MARU 1458 tons Course 218 Speed 5 kts Range 1900 yards AOB 90 Bearing 0 True Bearing 314 Remark Damaged in Attack No.2 Torpedo Attack No.2-A Torpedo Fire Control Data Tube #1 Type MK 18-1 Serial No.99423 Exploder MK 8 Serial No.10040 Gyro 348 Track 103 P Course 300 Method Individual bearings-TDC POA MOT Firing Interval 5 seconds Spread 0 Power Default Depth 6 ft Hit No Erratic No Remark Immediate follow up after turning away. Missed, possibly due to heavy seas. Depth Surfaced Course 310 Speed 4 kts Angle 0 Seas Rough Depth under keel 40 ft. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- USS Tang SS-306 Torpedo Attack No. 3 War Patrol FIVE Date 22 October 1944 Time 1228 Lat.27-30N Long.121-15E Formosa Strait, off China Coast. Description Attack on large convoy of eleven or twelve ships, five escorts. Type Attack Submerged-Day-Periscope Ships Sunk AO ICHIYU MARU 5113 tons 27-30N 121-15E Verified by Observed four torpedoes impact vessel. Vessel exploded on second hit in "tanker fashion". Massive fireball occurred, tanker quickly settled in water and was sinking on last observation. Ships Damaged None Ships Probably Sunk None Torpedo Attack No.3 Target Data (at firing) Target#1 AO ICHIYU MARU 5113 tons Course 026 Speed 9 kts Range 2160 yds AOB 75 S Bearing 346 True Bearing 284 Remark Loaded tanker, exploded in fireball after second torpedo hit. Torpedo Attack No.3 Torpedo Fire Control Data Tube #1 Type MK 18-1 Serial No.124239 Exploder MK 8 Serial No.11040 Gyro 3 R Track 92 S Course 301 Method Constant bearings-TDC POA MOT Firing Interval 5 seconds Spread 0 Power Default Depth 10 ft Hit Yes POI MOT Erratic No Remark ---- Tube #2 Type MK 18-1 Serial No.134233 Exploder MK 8 Serial No.17020 Gyro 3 R Track 92 S Course 301 Method Constant bearings-TDC POA Stern-Stack Firing Interval 5 seconds Spread 0 Power Default Depth 10 ft Hit Yes POI Stern-Stack Erratic No Remark ---- Tube #3 Type MK 18-1 Serial No.128273 Exploder MK 8 Serial No.11447 Gyro 3 R Track 92 S Course 301 Method Constant bearings-TDC POA Stern-Mast Firing Interval 5 seconds Spread 0 Power Default Depth 10 ft Hit Yes POI Stern-Mast Erratic No Remark ---- Tube #4 Type MK 18-1 Serial No.127123 Exploder MK 8 Serial No.21040 Gyro 3 R Track 92 S Course 301 Method Constant bearings-TDC POA MOT Firing Interval 5 seconds Spread 0 Power Default Depth 10 ft Hit Yes POI Mast-Forward Erratic No Remark ---- Depth 59 ft Course 295 Speed 2.5 kts Angle 2 down Seas Choppy Depth under keel 120 ft. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- USS Tang SS-306 Torpedo Attack No. 4 War Patrol FIVE Date 25 October 1944 Time 0154 Lat.25-14N Long.120-01E Formosa Strait, China Coast. Description Attack on large convoy in shallow coastal waters. Fifteen plus AK with eight to ten escorts. Type Attack Night surface-torpedo. Ships Sunk AK SHOHEI MARU 7256 tons Ships Damaged None Ships Probably Sunk None Torpedo Attack No.4 Target Data (at firing) Target#1 Large AK 7200 tons. Possibly SHOHEI MARU Course 225 Speed 12.5 Range 1846 yds AOB 86 P Bearing 10 True Bearing 326 Remark ---- Torpedo Attack No.4 Torpedo Fire Control Data Tube # 3 Type MK 18-1 Serial No.130001 Exploder MK 8 Serial No.150010 Gyro 344 L Track 114 P Course 300 Method Constant Bearing-TDC POA MOT Firing Interval 5 seconds Spread 0 Power Default Depth 10 ft Hit Yes POI MOT Erratic Remark ---- Tube # 4 Type MK 18-1 Serial No.130789 Exploder MK 8 Serial No.152710 Gyro 344 L Track 114 P Course 300 Method Constant Bearing-TDC POA MOT Firing Interval 5 seconds Spread 0 Power Default Depth 10 ft Hit Yes POI MOT Erratic Remark Tube # 5 Type MK 18-1 Serial No.141891 Exploder MK 8 Serial No.158712 Gyro 344 L Track 114 P Course 300 Method Constant Bearing-TDC POA MOT Firing Interval 5 seconds Spread 0 Power Default Depth 10 ft Hit Yes POI MOT Erratic Remark Tube # 6 Type MK 18-1 Serial No.135789 Exploder MK 8 Serial No.112710 Gyro 344 L Track 114 P Course 300 Method Constant Bearing-TDC POA MOT Firing Interval 5 seconds Spread 0 Power Default Depth 10 ft Hit Yes POI MOT Erratic Remark Depth Surfaced Course 320 Speed 3 kts Angle 0 Seas Calm. Note: Torpedo and Target Data for Attacks #4-#6 lost. Due to the dynamic, fast paced nature of the attacks, was not able to take notes in normal manner. Did note critical data but apparently deleted it, well saved over the doc. I described the attacks in the narrative along with the three gun actions. MK 18 performance was excellent overall. Several misses were attributed to depth keeping difficulties in the heavy seas. In retrospect, it was in error expended extra torpedoes in heavy sea state with shallow draft vessels Gunnery Attacks Three gun actions were executed during this attack, sinking one entirely and contributing to the sinking of two others. The performance of the newly mounted 5" 25 Caliber Deck gun was excellent, the ideal submarine deck gun. 40mm and 20mm performance was excellent as well. Rounds expended: 5" 25 Caliber 81 40mm 572 20mm 1144 (H) MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE There were not major defects on this patrol. Moderate to serious damage was suffered during Depth Charge Attack #1, most serious of which being the port propeller shaft, which lingered for the remainder of the patrol, although repaired. Under normal operating conditions of engines, the damage prevented TANG from exceeding a surfaced speed of 19.2 knots.With engines on overload, TANG was able for a brief period of time, make 22.5 knots. All damage listed was repaired at sea, unless otherwise noted. 1. Port Propeller Shaft 2. Stern dive planes transmission-Inoperable after attack. 3. #8 torpedo tube 4. #10 torpedo tube 5. No.1 Diesel 6. No.3 Diesel 7. No.2. Electric Engine 8. No.4 Electric Engine 9.Stern batteries 10. Compressor 11. Trim Pump 12. Hydraulic Pump 13. Compressor 14. High pressure air line leaks. 15. Water piping leaks. (I) ANTI-SUBMARINE COUNTERMEASURES AND EVASION Surface and air patrols were persistent in the patrol area, with most being radar equipped. Depth Charge Attack #1 Enemy escorts quickly detected TANG and mae a persistent depth charge attack. SBT-1 decoys deployed took the brunt, with over 200 depth charges counted. However, several close charges caused serious but not critical damage. TANG was in relatively shallow waters with rough seas above, which helped thwart the enemy counter attack, along with the decoys. Enemy convoys encountered were well escorted, with at least one escort being equipped with radar, and multiple in the large convoy attacked on 25 October. Enemy convoys were never operating in the deeper waters of the Formosa Strait, but always near the China Coast, confirming intelligence received from COMSUBPAC on 12 October in evening FOX traffic.Naturally, this make attacking convoys difficult and much more risky submerged. Use of night surface attacks is the best option when possible. Evasion consisted of TANG's stanrdard evasion practices, combined with the new addition of SBT-1 decoys. A total of five decoys were deployed during the depth charge attack of 22 October, and proved effective in distracting some of the convoys escorts. While under pursuit of a radar equipped DE on the morning of the twenty-fifth, decoys were deployed on the surface along TANG's course. These may have been detected by the pursuing DE as it slowed, dropped several patterns of charges, circled as if hunting, before departing at high speed to rejoin the convoy. (J) NAVIGATIONAL AIDES While no aides were sighted, the harbors of Taipei and Hsia-Lun served as de facto aides in navigation (K) RADIO Radio function was excellent during this patrol. (L) RADAR SJ-1 Radar function was superior on this patrol. Typical detection range was in excess of 25,000 yards. SD radar performance was normal, detecting aircraft at 12-15 NM on average. (M) SOUND GEAR AND SOUND CONDITIONS Sound conditions were overall decent, varying with the sea state in area. Sound gear performance was top notch until after Depth Charge Attack #1, some decline in performance was noticed in spite of inspection showing no damage. (N) THERMAL LAYERS No thermal layers were detected during this patrol, likely due to the shallow depths of the area. (O) PERSONNEL Crew performance following major crew turnover during last refit period was excellent. Two Officers and eleven qualified during this patrol. (P) HEALTH AND HABITATABILITY Morale was overall excellent through the patrol. Perhaps knowing a extended refit period stateside was forthcoming following the patrol. Typhoon conditions 8-11 October did provide for difficult sea keeping but TANG quickly rebounded by time reached patrol area. (R) (M) MILES STEAMED FUEL CONSUMED Miles Gallons Pearl to Midway 1350 19455 Midway to Area 4650 56925 In Area 4400 45295 Area to Midway 4670 58421 Midway to Mare Island 3533 40580 (S) DURATION Days Pearl Harbor to Midway 3 Midway to Area 16 In Area 8 Area to Midway Submerged 5 Midway to Mare Island (T) FACTORS IN ENDURANCE Torpedoes 0 Fuel 61855 gallons Provisions 39 days Personnel Indefinite (U) REMARKS Fifth succeesful patrol for TANG sinking seven ships for 36,461 tons. One other AO was damaged and probably sunk later. The addition of the new five inch gun forward proved an excellent addition and the perfect submarine deck gun.It is hoped during refit TANG can be fitted out with a second deck 5 inch gun aft for maximum effectiveness.

11-06-21, 02:03 PM	#5154
KaleunMarco Silent Hunter Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Chicago area, which is more dangerous than Omaha Beach. Posts: 3,908 Downloads: 433 Uploads: 27	next patrol, this Coastal Command B24 approached us from 165 degrees (80 degrees true) mid-morning as we are just about exited from the Bay of Bisque. we do the usual drill: dive to 50 m, change course by 90 degrees, listen for the depth bombs to be dropped where we used to be, then come back up to periscope depth and find the verdampt zoomie. this time, when we come back to periscope depth, we are able to find the zoomie. he drops another depth bomb and then pulls up and performs a loop. i swear to God. i doubt that any model B24 could perform a loop, at any altitude, let alone at sea level. if it wasn't so unexpected, i would have taken a screen shot. has anyone else seen a bomber perform a loop while on sub patrol? __________________ there are only two things in the world: submarines and targets. Fortis et stabilis et fidelis, semper ------------------------------------------------------------ Silent Hunter 4 1.5 Gold Edition on CDROM LAA enabled Dell XPS with 32 GB Ram running Win10

11-06-21, 03:59 PM	#5156
propbeanie CTD - it's not just a job Join Date: May 2016 Location: One hour from Music City USA! Posts: 9,735 Downloads: 439 Uploads: 2	There is a B-24 plane set as a divebomber, for the purpose of ASW (in FotRSU, it is now name PB4Y-1 Liberator, flown by the USN). Later in the war, they will have rockets on them. Some fellers like to put cannons on theirs... but they will definitely do some wild maneuvers in the game... One thing to notice about the planes in the game, and that is the SH3 planes are the same as the SH4 planes are the same as the SH5 planes. Gravity does not have a hold on them... Proper flight handling does not apply to them. They are, after all, a "ship" that does not contact the water... lol - the one advantage SH5 has over the others is scripting - if you want to consider that an advantage... __________________ "...and bollocks to the naysayer/s" - Jimbuna

11-06-21, 09:56 PM	#5157
Bubblehead1980 Navy Seal Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Florida USA Posts: 6,922 Downloads: 550 Uploads: 42	Screenshots USS Tang SS-306 Fifth and Sixth war patrols. TMO 2.5 Update with patch (in development) 100 difficulty, cams off, contacts on. Various screenshots from Tang's fifth and sixth patrols. Ran sixth patrol with camera off and map contacts on for a change. Fifth patrol was in Formosa Straits, sixth patrol was in Area B7 in South China Sea, Indochina Coast. In reality, TANG as we know, was sunk on fifth patrol, but was scheduled to end at Mare Island San Francisco, where Tang would undergo overhaul, so I edited files to end at Mare Island and started next patrol almost four months late in March 1945, transferring to Fremantle, conducting war patrol end around off Indochina Coast. During refit period, added a second 5 inch 25 caliber deck gun aft of conning tower, so now have one forward and one after, plus two 40 mm, one forward, one aft and with the mod, all guns now target surface ships, provides a lot of fire power against surface targets. On April 3/4, when attacking a convoy, sunk three ships with four torpedoes. (See report in earlier post Attack #4 and #4-A) when two MK-18 which missed initial target(troopship) but soon hit ship apparently loaded with ammo, the massive explosion engulfed a nearby mid sized merchant and a Etorofu escort, causing both of them to eventually sink. Two additional torpedoes fired hit the original target, a large troopship, which would go on to sink as well. In small time span, four ships destroyed by just four torpedoes. moon in the late AM of 25 October 1944(Fifth patrol) 5th patrol, large convoy scattered. Sunk five ships through the night . Star shells fired during fifth patrol attack in Formosa Straits Kotobuki Maru(Conte Verde) Surfaced hours after attack, located debris field of 18768 ton KOTOBUKI MARU (former Conte Verde) Refitted TANG, two five inch deck guns. Used the interior free roam cam to move out for shot. External cam disabled. Sailing into Typhoon during fifth patrol. October 8-11 1944.(Fifth patrol)

11-09-21, 11:05 AM	#5160
Revus Mate Join Date: Feb 2018 Posts: 55 Downloads: 223 Uploads: 0	USS Silversides War Patrol 5 Report. Not a bad one, started with an insert of a watcher to Vella Lavella, one single AK, then a few junks on the surface and another whole convoy. No pursuits by escorts, no damage. Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zDy...ew?usp=sharing Pics: https://drive.google.com/drive/folde...vZ?usp=sharing