Shortland Islands
Four days later, a hospital ship was sighted headed for the Shortland Islands. Shortly after, "Wahoo" sank a submarine that Kennedy (mistakenly) identified as . On 15 December, "Wahoo" left the area and looked into Kieta Harbor, Buka Island, and passed Moreton Light on 26 December for entrance into Brisbane, Australia, where she commenced refit the following day. On 31 December 1942, Lt. Cmdr. Kennedy was relieved as commanding officer; Morton replaced him.