U.S.S. STEELHEAD (SS-280) — war patrol report SS-280_STEELHEAD.pdf

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START OF REEL
JOB NO. [HANDWRITTEN: AR-330-76]
[HANDWRITTEN: H-108]

1.0
1.1
1.25

2.8 2.5
3.2 2.2
3.6 2.0
4.0 1.8

1.4 1.6

OPERATOR [HANDWRITTEN: C. Miller]
DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 6-2-76]

THIS MICROFILM IS
THE PROPERTY OF
THE UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT

[EMBLEM: DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA]

MICROFILMED BY
NPPSO-NAVAL DISTRICT WASHINGTON
MICROFILM SECTION

REEL TARGET, START & END
NAVEXOS 3968

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- Ships Data Section
- Public Information Division
- Office of Public Relations
- Navy Department

HISTORY OF USS STEELHEAD (SS 280)

On the prowl in enemy-controlled waters, USS STEELHEAD left
a trail of destruction in her wake. During seven war patrols in
World War II, the undersea marauder sent seven enemy ships to the
bottom and severely damaged four others.

Sliding down the ways at the U.S. Navy Yard, Portsmouth, New
Hampshire on 11 September 1942, just three months after her keel
was laid (1 June 1942), STEELHEAD was sponsored by Mrs. Marguerite
Brown, of New London, Connecticut, widow of Captain A.W. Brown,
USN. One year to the day after the fanatical attack on Pearl
Harbor, the submarine was commissioned with Lieutenant Commander
David L. Whelchel, USN, as first commanding officer.

With her vengeful future in mind, the submarine conducted a
shortened period of trials and training runs in the vicinity of the
Isle of Shoals off the coast of New England and in Long Island
Sound off New London, during December 1942 and January 1943. Upon
completion of this preliminary training, STEELHEAD departed New
London for Pearl Harbor via the Panama Canal, arriving at Pearl
Harbor on 8 April 1943.

After an extensive training period, the sub stood out of
Pearl Harbor for her First War Patrol. Enroute, a short stop was
made at Midway on 25 April to top-off fuel, take aboard stores and
fresh water, and to ascertain that all equipment was in first
class shape. STEELHEAD departed the same day.

The submarine proceeded to her assigned area carrying twelve
mines and nineteen torpedoes. Eight of the mines were successfully
laid with the submarine on the surface on the tenth night in the
area and the remaining four mines were laid with the submarine
submerged on the twenty-ninth night. The first eight mines were
planted only six to eight hundred yards off shore in forty-two
feet of water; a difficult and bold feat. After the eight mines
had been planted Japanese patrol vessels appeared and the sub was
forced to clear the area.

STEELHEAD carried out a night bombardment from two miles off
shore of a steel works, an iron works, and a railroad, all in the
vicinity of Muroran, Hokkaido. The results of this shelling were
undetermined, and it is believed that this was the first bombard-
ment of the Japanese homeland by any unit of the U.S. Navy. No
torpedo attacks could be made, due to the scarcity of suitable
targets and in addition the whole crew was affected with an acute
stomach disorder, which made the patrol extremely arduous. Consid-
erable anti-submarine activity was experienced, particularly from
enemy aircraft, which was more of a nuisance than a hazard to the
sub.

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Completing her patrol on 9 June, STEELHEAD moored at Midway.
On 30 June the submarine churned from Midway enroute to her
Second War Patrol.

After reaching her area, at 2016 on 10 July contact was made
with a Jap convoy, consisting of an auxiliary aircraft carrier with
three escorts. While closing, an orange flash was sighted, and a
number of explosions were heard from the direction of the convoy,
leaving the impression that it was already under attack. In
position at 2348, a spread of five torpedoes was fired at the large
enemy ship, scoring at least three hits. The target turned away
emitting clouds of black smoke and apparently went dead in the
water.

One of the escorts was directly astern of the sub and dropped
two depth charges. However, the sub-killer apparently never sight-
ed STEELHEAD, as he returned to the vicinity of the damaged
auxiliary carrier. She then cleared the area of attack with
intentions of getting ahead of the targets to intercept them at
dawn. However, radar contact was lost due to stormy weather and
the convoy could not be recontacted.

Continuing on patrol, contact was established on 20 July at
1946 with a four-ship enemy convoy, consisting of a large freighter,
two small freighters, and one destroyer escorting. Heavy clouds
obscured visibility and while closing, a rain squall overtook the
sub, making conditions still worse.

While getting ready to fire on the large freighter, STEELHEAD
was forced down by the escort, which was heading directly for her.
While being held down by the escort, the rest of the convoy
dispersed, and when the sub came to periscope depth none of the
targets could be sighted. After an unsuccessful search in hopes of
recontacting a member of the convoy, the sub cleared the area.

On 22 July, fire broke out in her maneuvering room, but due
to the excellent work of all hands, it was quickly extinguished
and disaster averted. On the 31st STEELHEAD recieved a contact
report from the submarine USS POGY and proceeded at high speed to
the area of the reported contact.

The undersea raider sighted the reported contact -- a freight-
er with one escort, at 0500 on 1 August, and commenced tracking.
While closing, it was evident that the freighter had already been
attacked as she was dead in the water with her escort circling.
However, while closing, the target got underway, and at 0707 STEEL-
HEAD launched a spread of four torpedoes at the freighter. While
diving into the murk, the sub heard two hits on the target which
left the ship dead in the water.

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Running silent, STEELHEAD was subjected to an extremely close
depth charge attack, during which the sub incurred much minor
damage. The attacking escort was able to keep close contact with
the sub, and while she was being assailed she heard many breaking-
up noises from the freighter, indicating that she was sinking.

After a prolonged depth charge attack, a mechanical failure
left the submarine with a 15° up angle. This was temporarily
repaired, and the sub then eluded the escort.

Radar contact was made with an enemy task force, consisting
of three capital ships, an auxiliary aircraft carrier and five
destroyers, at 0132 on 5 August, and STEELHEAD commenced her
approach. While at a great range and with the chance that the
valuable targets might escape before she could close them, the
submarine fired a spread of six torpedoes at the carrier, swung
right, and then fired a four torpedo spread at a battleship. Two
hits were heard on the carrier, followed by three extremely loud
explosions which were thought to be very heavy depth charges.

While clearing the area, smoke was sighted from the direction
of the convoy, indicating that one of the ships fired upon had
fires blazing. The following day STEELHEAD departed her area and
on 16 August she arrived at Pearl Harbor, thus completing her
Second War Patrol.

Refit completed, STEELHEAD stood out of Pearl Harbor on 12
September, enroute to her Third War Patrol. The first part of the
patrol was spent in rescue duties in the Gilberts during an Army
bombing of Tarawa. The second part of the patrol was conducted
in the Palau area.

The submarine arrived in the Tarawa area on 19 September, and
mission completed, she departed the area on the 21st, enroute to
Johnston Island, arriving there on the 24th. At Johnston Island
the sub topped-off fuel and took aboard provisions before getting
underway from there the following day.

On patrol, at 0033 on 6 October, contact was made with a large
Japanese tanker, and the surfaced sub commenced tracking. At 0236
-- in position -- a spread of four torpedoes was fired at the tank-
er, scoring three hits, one of which was a dud. The target then
opened fire with her deck guns, and as her missiles were coming
uncomfortably close, the sub dove, with intentions of making a
periscope approach. However, while leveling off at 80 feet, fast
screws were heard coming from astern. One depth charge was felt
close aboard, from a previously unsighted escort, and the sub went
deep and commenced silent running. Upon coming to periscope depth
an hour later, nothing could be sighted, except a heavy oil slick
where the tanker had been ( The tanker was severely damaged and
later was sunk by the submarine USS TINOAS).

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Clearing the area, she made contact with two enemy ships on
20 October at 220, and commenced tracking. After a three-hour
approach, STEELHEAD fired a spread of three torpedoes from her
stern tubes at one of the targets, a freighter, scoring two hits.
The submarine then went deep to avoid being rammed by the second
ship. She was then subjected to a severe 22 missile depth charge
attack. Coming to periscope depth at 0400, STEELHEAD started
trailing the damaged ship and at 0800 the target with her escort
was recontacted. Five minutes later, a cloud break directly behind
the sub left her silhouetted against the horizon and the two enemy
vessels opened fire.

Going deep, the sub heard the distant depth charges and upon
coming to radar depth shortly thereafter, she was unable to re-
establish contact with the severely damaged target.

While off Palau, STEELHEAD's sound gear made contact with a
Jap convoy standing out of a harbor at 1611 on 2 November. The
convoy was later found to consist of a medium tanker and a large
freighter in the right hand column; two smaller freighters in the
left hand column; and three escorts. Commencing her approach on
the surface the sub swung into firing position at 0247 on 3 Novem-
ber and fired a six-torpedo spread from her stern tubes at the
overlapping targets. For unknown reasons, no hits were seen or
heard on the targets, even though the torpedoes were seen exactly
on course. STEELHEAD sought the dark depths, rigging for depth
charge attack on the way down. While running silently, three
depth charges were heard at a distance, and shortly thereafter a
mechanical failure, which admitted a great deal of water to sub,
forced her to surface to effect repairs. Luck was with STEELHEAD
as no ships were in sight, and, repairs completed, the sub set
out to recontact the convoy.

Sighting smoke from the convoy at 0549, STEELHEAD started
her approach with intentions of making her attack at dusk. In
position at 1602, she fired a spread of six torpedoes from her
bow tubes at two overlapping freighters, but again there were no
hits for the same unknown reasons. While going deep, the sub was
subjected to a depth charging by one of the escorts, and upon com-
ing to the surface at 1954 STEELHEAD started searching for the
convoy.

SS-280 re-established contact with the enemy vessels at 2318
and commenced closing it. Finally, after failing to reach a sat-
isfactory firing position for 17 hours, the sub swung into position
and fired the four torpedoes remaining in her bow tubes at 1636
on 4 November. As two freighters and one escort were close aboard
and heading directly for her, the sub went deep, and again due to
poor torpedo function, no hits were scored on the targets.

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Deep and running silent, STEELHEAD was subjected to a severe
depth charge attack, during which two enemy escorts had the sub
well spotted. However, due to brilliant maneuvering, the sub was
able to put the enemy astern, and clear the area with all her
torpedoes expended.

After deciding to trail the convoy in order to send contact
reports to other subs, STEELHEAD recontacted the convoy at 0018 on
5 November and trailed it for three days, thus giving valuable
information to other U.S. forces in that area and enabling other
submarines to attack.

After clearing her patrol area, STEELHEAD docked at Johnston
Island to replenish her depleted fuel supply on 22 November and
on the 25th she moored at Pearl Harbor, ending her patrol.

With her refit completed, on 25 December 1943, STEELHEAD
departed Pearl Harbor enroute to the Bungo Suido area via Midway
for her Fourth War Patrol.

After taking on fuel at Midway on 29 December, the sub pro-
ceeded through heavy seas and while enroute to her area made contact
with a five-ship enemy convoy, consisting of three freighters with
two escorts at 0110 on 10 January 1944. This contact was made with
bad weather prevailing, and as the sub commenced approaching the
convoy it got steadily worse, developing into a full fledged
typhoon when the sub reached a firing position.

With the whole convoy hidden by the driving rain, the surfaced
sub hove into position and at 0528 she fired a spread of four
torpedoes by radar at the leading ship in the column. Inspite of
the mountainous seas and other unsatisfactory conditions, one hit
was scored on the target, and shortly thereafter the enemy vessel
plunged to the bottom.

The enemy escorts began a frenzied hunt for the underseas
raider, which at this time was clearing the area at high speed on
the surface. As the submarine now was only 100 miles off Honshu,
it was decided that it would be suicidal to attempt to close the
convoy again.

Arriving in her assigned area on 14 January, STEELHEAD con-
tacted an enemy hospitalship, which she left go by unmolested, on
the 26th.

STEELHEAD patrolled her assigned area, but extremely bad
weather, which sometimes reached typhoon proportions, was encount-
ered, and this restricted the sub's activity very much. However,
a Japanese "Q" ship was contacted on 14 February and attacked the
night of 14-15 February. The enemy vessel was closed and fired
upon twice, but escaped untouched, due to the shallow draft of the
vessel and the mountainous seas.

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-6-

Clearing the area, STEELHEAD continued on patrol until the
following day when she headed for Pearl Harbor via Midway. The
submarine moored at Pearl Harbor, completing her Fourth War Patrol
on 24 February.

Following her refit, STEELHEAD departed Pearl Harbor for her
Fifth War Patrol which took place west of the Marianas Islands and
east of the island of Formosa. Despite extensive area coverage,
no contacts worthy of torpedo fire were encountered. However, on
the night of 17-18 April she bombarded the island of Rasa in
company with the submarine BARB, and on the 30th a 500-ton enemy
trawler was engaged and sunk by gun fire. STEELHEAD departed her
assigned patrol area on 16 May, arriving at Midway on the 23rd,
thus completing her fifth patrol.

On 17 June, her refit completed, STEELHEAD stood out of
Midway in company with the submarines PARCHE and HAMMERHEAD (the
three-sub "wolf pack" was known as Perk's Pirates), enroute to her
Sixth War Patrol north of the Philippines and south of Formosa.

Entering her patrol area on 30 June, it was not until 30
July that she contacted a suitable target. At 0130 on the 30th,
STEELHEAD sighted smoke on the horizon at twenty miles distance,
and she commenced closing the aircraft escorted contact, after
sending hourly contact reports to PARCHE. When she finally sighted
the convoy, the submarine found that it was composed of four lines
of vessels, with three or four ships to each line and with many
escorts placed at strategic points around the convoy. Finally,
after 26 hours of tracking, STEELHEAD attained position at 0332 on
31 July, and fired a spread of six torpedoes at a tanker and a large
freighter in the first line. One hit was observed on the freighter,
followed by many explosions, the first three of which sounded like
torpedoes. No hits were seen on the tanker but thick black smoke was
observed coming from her water line amidships.

Quickly swinging right, STEELHEAD fired a spread of four
torpedoes from her stern tubes at another large freighter, but due
to the enemy's radical maneuvering the torpedoes missed ahead.
Many explosions and much confusion reigned among the Jap ships,
indicating that PARCHE was attacking. At 0449 STEELHEAD chose
another target, a large two-stack transport, and launched a spread
of four missiles from her stern tubes. Two hits were seen on the
transport, which was slowed, and shortly thereafter the sub received
a report from PARCHE indicating that she had sunk four ships.

STEELHEAD started closing still another enemy ship, a medium
sized freighter, and at 0516 she fired a four-torpedo spread at
this target, scoring two hits on the enemy vessel, which sank in
almost record time, amid loud explosions and great flashes of
flames. Returning to the previously attacked transport, the sub
saw a large hole in her side and the vessel was emitting breaking-
up noises, indicating that she would never make port.

— page 8 —
-7-
At 0651 fast screws were heard passing directly over her
conning tower. It was not known whether it was PARCHE firing, or
an enemy escort above STEELHEAD. As it was a precarious position
to be in, the sub dove into the murk. A half hour later the sub
again came to periscope depth and sighted the attacked convoy to
the south and another convoy headed north. However, STEELHEAD
stayed submerged as land was in sight with many enemy air escorts
in evidence.

STEELHEAD received orders to clear the area, and headed to-
wards Balintang Channel. After transitting the channel astern of
PARCHE, the sub she moored at Pearl Harbor via Midway. She completed
her patrol when she moored at the Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, on
16 August.

Shortly thereafter STEELHEAD proceeded to the U.S. Naval
Drydocks, Hunter's Point, San Francisco, California, for a major
overhaul, arriving there on 24 August. During the overhaul period,
on 1 October, while in drydock, STEELHEAD suffered a serious fire.
As a result of the fire, a new conning tower was added, new hull
plating installed in the control room, and new equipment installed
in the pump room, control room, and conning tower.

On 23 October 1944, Lieutenant Commander Byrnes, USN, recieved
Commander D.L. Whelchel, USN, as commanding officer. After a long
period of time while repairs were being effected, STEELHEAD stood
out of San Francisco on 16 April 1945, bound for Pearl Harbor.

During the training period at Pearl Harbor, while operating
off Barbers Point, the sub got completely out of control, while
engaged in a routine dive, due to simultaneous material casualties,
and experienced a 53° down angle. Emergency measures were carried
out and disaster avoided. However, the affects of this experience
were long felt by all hands.

On 13 May 1945, STEELHEAD departed Pearl Harbor for Guam and
her patrol area. This patrol was divided into two phases, the
first being a lifeguard mission off Truk, which lasted ten days,
and the second being conducted in the Tokyo Bay and Kii Suido
area as a lifeguard submarine. No torpedo attacks were made, but
two trawlers were sunk by gun fire and an Army aviator was rescued
from the ocean. The sub returned to Saipan for voyage repairs
and then on to Midway for refit, arriving at the atoll on 5 August
1945. On 25 August, STEELHEAD departed Midway for San Diego in
company with USS BUSHNELL, USS TINOSA, and USS SEAHORSE, arriving
in the United States on 5 September.

During the period 5 September 1945 to 2 January 1946, the
submarine furnished services to the West Coast Sound School, and
Fleet Air, West Coast. In addition, on her visit to Long Beach,
California, over Navy Day, she was host to approximately 15,000
visitors over a three-day period.

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On 2 January, STEELHEAD departed San Diego for Pearl Harbor
in company with USS BUSHNELL, Submarine Squadron ONE, plus other
submarines of Interim Squadron TWENTY-ONE, arriving on 9 January.

At Pearl Harbor, SS-280 conducted training exercises for the
new members of the crew until 5 February, when she commenced her
preliminary pre-inactivation overhaul. On 5 March, the sub
departed Pearl Harbor for San Francisco, mooring alongside USS
AEGIR at Tiburon Bay on 12 March. Here she continued her pre-
inactivation overhaul. STEELHEAD moved to U.S. Naval Shipyard,
Mare Island, California, on 26 March where the decommissioning
process was completed.

USS STEELHEAD (SS-280) was decommissioned and transferred to
the Pacific Reserve Fleet on 29 June 1946. The submarine is
presently engaged in the Naval Reserve Training Program at San
Diego, California.

* * *

STATISTICS

SURFACE DISPLACEMENT - 1,525 tons ARMAMENT - One 4"/50 calibre
                                                    battery plus ten 21"
                                                    torpedo tubes.
LENGTH OVERALL - 311 feet
SURFACE SPEED - 20 knots        COMPLEMENT - 85 officers and men

* * *

LIST OF SUCCESSIVE COMMENDING OFFICERS

Lieut. Comdr. D.L. Whelchel, USN - 7 December 1942 to 23 Oct. 1944
Lieut. Comdr. R.B. Byrnes, USN   - 23 October 1944 to 29 June 1946

* * *

(Stencilled 2 August 1948)

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SS280/A16
Serial 028

U. S. S. STEELHEAD (SS280) Ge

C/O Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
June 9, 1943.

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C]
BY [HANDWRITTEN: Opolia] DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 6/9/72]
[STAMP: CONFIDENTIAL]
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
From: The Commanding Officer.
To : The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. STEELHEAD - Report of First War Patrol.

Enclosures: (A) Track Charts (With Original).
(B) Submerged Radio Reception Tests.
(C) Mine Plant Diagram (With Original).

Period from April 21, 1943 to June 9, 1943.

Operation Order: ComSubPac OpOrd 61-43 and
additional instructions of
April 23, 1943.

PROLOGUE:

April 8, 1943 - Arrived Pearl from East Coast United States.
April 9, - Commenced refit by Submarine Base personnel,
assisted by relief crew and ship's company.
Main item was renewal of upper crank shaft
of #4 main engine which had broken one day
out of Panama.

April 15 - Completed refit.
April 20 - Three days training; not performed or wiped.
Scheduled readiness for sea.

PART I - NARRATIVE

April 21 Departed Pearl for Midway escorted by PC 586. Dove
1300 (VW) to 300 feet to test for leaks and received two in-
doctrination depth charges at periscope depth.

2015 (VW) Escort departed.
Conducted drills and made training dives daily en-
route Midway.

[STAMP: FILMED]
[STAMP: 51537] - 1 - ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 14 —
1d
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. STEELHEAD - Report of First War Patrol.

1651(L) Latitude 41o-19'N, Longitude 141o-38'E.
         Unilo at 200 foot received last bomb. Very loud, evidently much
         larger than previous efforts. He probably had gone home to get
         this number. Upon surfacing during evening, a bad leak in nega-
         tive tank blow valve was discovered and it is hoped that this is
         what was giving us away as this can be remedied soon.
         Because our presence in the area would be disclosed by the bombard-
         ment ordered in Comsubpac 060612 and since careful reconnaissance
         of MURORAN prior to that time was not possible, it was decided to
         bombard MURORAN HOKKAIDO and to lay the mines in the alternate
         area off ERIMO SAKI. This procedure would also allow us the maxi-
         mum time to perform our additionally assigned primary mission of
         observing TSUGARU STRAITS for northeasterly bound convoys.
2214(L) Surfaced and proceeded towards south coast of HOKKAIDO.

May 9, 1943
2122(L) Proceeding submerged and on the surface towards MURORAN. Upon
         surfacing weather conditions were as follows: Sky overcast, seas
         rough and a light fog prevailing, i.e., conditions were ideal to
         carry out plan.
2130(L) Proceeded towards objective.
2152(L) Sighted glow of towns along the beach to northward.
2300(L) Latitude 42o-21'N, Longitude 141o-20'E.
         Sighted three distinct glows in sky to westward which were later
         identified as the town of MURORAN, Nihon Steel Mills and the Hanishi
         Iron works. Proceeded to close coast to within two miles and at

May 10, 1943
0032(L) Commenced firing. First twenty shells appeared to land in vicinity
         of Nihon Steel and Hanishi Iron Works. No fire soon, one dull ex-
         plosion heard. Hang fire then delayed fire for three minutes and
         by time it was resumed ship had turned to retiring course and re-
         maining twenty nine shells were fired along railroad track leading
         north along the coast.
0044(L) Ceased firing and retired at high speed. During entire firing
         period two lighted sampans or patrol boats were within 200 yards
         of this vessel. Fire was not returned but at
0105(L) Five powerful searchlights were turned on in the vicinity of the
         assumed fortified positions and they swept the bay continuously
         until lost from view. CHIKYU MISAKI Light was not on at any time.

-5-
ENCLOSURE (A)
[HANDWRITTEN: 7]

— page 16 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. STEELHEAD - Report of First War Patrol.
1d
May 13, 1943
Dooidod to procoed woll cloar of boach to mako thorough inspoction
of all air connoctions sinco wo still appoar to omit bubblos whon
coming up from dopths ovor oighty foot. No largo loaks woro found.
Howovor, tho prossuro built up to 4" during tho day and tho CO2
concontration roachod closo to 3%. Shortly aftor surfacing thoro
woro sixtoon casos of violont nausoa on board and ovor half of tho
crow appoarod to bo moro or loss affootod.

May 14, 1943
Procoedod to oastorn ontranco of TSUGARU STRAIT to commenco patrol
of that aroa. Sinco oporation ordor lists task as a primary mission,
it was docidod to stay in this immodiato vicinity for tho romaindor
of tho patrol rathor than go up or down tho coast whoro any activity
in tho STR.IT could not bo obsorvod. Nausoa still provolont through-
out tho crow.

May 16, 1943
1208(L) Latitudo 41-46N, Longitudo 141-50.5E.
Hoard undor wator oxplosion, whilo patrolling at poriscopo dopth
in a light fog. Sound mado contact and at
1300(L) Raisod poriscopo to sight a small froightor, 3 milos to tho north
CONTACT(9) sig-zagging on an oastorly courso, anglo on tho bow 50 starboord.
Immodiatoly wont to full spood in attompting to closo but at
1312(L) Raisod poriscopo and found anglo on tho bow was 120° starboord. Was
novor ablo to closo rango to loss than 3,800 yards and at
1330(L) Targot passod out of sight in fog to tho oast.

May 19, 1943
1625(L) Latitudo 41-40.5N, Longitudo 141-36.5E.
Again whilo patrolling at poriscopo dopth sightod a trawlor boaring
CONTACT 225° T, distanco 3 milos, on a northorly courso. Closod to within
(10) ono milo but targot was too small for torpodo. Rosumod patrolling
as sondor disponsod to tho north, sovorol oxplosions prosumod to
bo bombs woro hoard during tho day. Ovor half of tho crow aro
afflicod with stomach disordors and all tho officors aro mildly
affootod, although prossuro in boat is kopt constantly bolow 1"
and CO2 concontration is bolow 2½% on surfaoing.

May 20, 1943
0730(L) Latitudo 41-35.5N, Longitudo 142-01E.
CONTACT Whilo closing SHIRYA SAKI LIGHT for a closor look
(11)

[HANDWRITTEN: (13)]
- 7 -
ENCLOSURE (A)
[HANDWRITTEN: 9]

— page 18 —
CONFIDENTIAL

Subject: U.S.S. STEELHEAD - Report of First War Patrol

We decided against answering challenge as vis-
ibility was poor and after putting our stern to-
wards him, bent on four engines. Gradually op-
ening distance until at

2330 (L) We lost sight of pursuing boat in a rain squall.
Exact type of vessel was never definitely deter-
mined. It had a low hull about two hundred fifty
feet long and was making eighteen knots while in
pursuit. At first it was believed enemy vessel
was an old destroyer but his failure to overtake
us indicated this estimate was incorrect.

May 20 Many cases of nausea still on board, cause still
undetermined. In using CO2 absorbent on daily
dives now but conditions do not seem to improve.
Most cases occur immediately after surfacing,
when contact with fresh air is first made. At
one time, the entire bridge watch including the
O.O.D. was regurgitating simultaneously. Care-
ful inspection of the food by the pharmacist's
mate indicates this is not the cause of the
trouble. As traffic so far encountered in TSUGARU
STRAIT had been light, it was decided that ship-
ping for the Aleutian Area might be routed wide ar-
ound ERIMO SAKI, consequently shifted patrol to
that area for the next few days in hope of find-
ing more activity there.

May 21 Several explosions during day none close - noth-
ing sighted.

May 22 Four distant explosions - nothing sighted - no
improvement in condition of crew.

May 23 Lat 41°-35'N, Long 143°-00'E.
1451 (L) After periscope exposure during which nothing
was sighted heard two explosions fairly close
aboard. Looked again especially for a plane but
none was sighted. Sea is glassy calm and visib-
ility barely 3000 yards. Went to 120 feet for one
half hour and changed course. During remainder of
afternoon four more explosions were heard but all
were distant until at

[HANDWRITTEN: 15]
- 9 - ENCLOSURE (A)
[HANDWRITTEN: 11]

— page 22 —
3a

CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. Steelhead - Report of First War Patrol.

Part II - WEATHER

     Visibility in both areas and were below 5000
yards 50% of the time during daylight hours and at
night visibility was above 5000 yards about 80% of
the time. Average temperatures of the air at night
was 50°F. Winds were light and variable usually in-
creasing slightly at night. Over 50% of the time in
the area the sea was dead calm in the vicinity of
TSUGARU STRAIT.

PART III & IV - TIDAL INFORMATION AND NAVIGATIONAL AIDS.

     (a) Aids to navigation. SHIRIZA SAKI and ERIYO SAKI
         lights were observed to be lighted and of strength
         and characteristics as given in the light list.
         CHIRIU MISAKI LIGHT near UROZAN was not lighted.
         High peak navigation was reported to in daylight
         in vicinity of ERIYO SAKI and accurate positions
         were possible during days of suitable visibility.

     (b) Currents: The KUROSHIO current indicated in
         Asiatic Pilot Vol II had a low mean velocity
         and no effects were noticed between 150°E and 150°E
         longitude. Mean surface water temperature between
         the above meridians was 62°F. The OYASHIO current
         west of 150°E longitude was definitely recognized as
         having a 3/4 knot southerly set within 5 to 15 miles
         from the coast. Average surface temperatures of this
         current is 42°F, while below 60 feet the temperature
         is 52°F. The temperature effect of the current
         is felt as far east as 150° longitude.

[HANDWRITTEN: (19)]
- 13 -
ENCLOSURE (A)
[HANDWRITTEN: 15]

— page 23 —
CONFIDENTIAL
P-2 V - CONTACTS

| CONTACT NO. | DATE TIME | POSITION | DESCRIPTION OF CONTACTS TYPE | VESSELS SIGHTED | RANGE CLOSEST | COURSE | SPEED | REMARKS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3 May 1600(E) | Lat-390-00'N Long-145-04'E | Sampan | 4 | 3 Mi. | 090°T | 8 K | Probably was Patrol Vessel. |
| 2 | 5 May 0936(E) | Lat-390-26.5'N Long-1420-07'E | 2 small Patrol Boats | 2 | 1 Mi. | 000°T to 180°T | Var. | avoided |
| 3 | 6 May 1608(E) | Lat-390-50'N Long-142-00'E | Patrol Vessel | 3 | 5 Mi. | 340°T | 10 K | [UNCLEAR: Joint] type patrol vessel. |
| 4 | 8 May 1705(E) | Lat-410-19-36'N Long-1410-14'E | 3 Patrol Vessels | 3 | 1 Mi. | 170°T | Var. | [UNCLEAR: fore] making sound sweep along coastal route. |
| 5 | 8 May 1114(E) | Lat-410-20'N Long-1410-31.5'E | 2 AK | | 3½ Mi. | 010°T | 10 K | Freighters were difficult to see against background, were in column 1000 yards apart. |
| 6 | 8 May 1212(E) | Lat-410-21.5'N Long-1410-30'E | Yacht type Patrol Vessel | 2 | 2 Mi. | 000°T | Var. | Escort Vessel for AK's. |
| 7 | 12 May 0200(E) | Lat-420-07'N Long-1430-21'E | 2 small Patrol Vessels | 2 | 300Yds. | 150°T | 10 K | Fired yellow flares. |
| 8 | 12 May 1806(E) | Lat-410-56'N Long-1440-28'E | DD Class | 4 | 2½ Mi. | Var. | 12 K | Zig-zagging. |
| 9 | 16 May 1308(E) | Lat-410-46'N Long-1440-50.5'E | AK | 3 | 2 Mi. | 095°T | 10 K | Zig-zagging. |

(C)
CLOSURE (L)
- 14 -

— page 24 —
[STAMP: CONFIDENTIAL]

PART V - CONTACTS
DESCRIPTION OF ALL VESSELS SIGHTED

| CONTACT NO. | DATE | TIME | POSITION | TYPE | RANGE CLOSEST | COURSE | SPEED | REMARKS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 19 May | 1625(I) | Lat-40-40.5'N Long-140-36.5'E | Trawler | 1 Mi. | 010°T | 8 K | Boats were patrolling. |
| 11 | 20 May | 0730(I) | Lat-40-33'N Long-140-31'E | 2 Sampan 4 Pat. Boats | 1 Mi. | 180°T | Var. | |
| 12 | 20 May | 1038(I) | Lat-41-0.5'N Long-140-53'E | Sampan Same as Contact 11 | 2 Mi. | Var. | Var. | Challenged and pursued. |
| 13 | 20 May | 1442(I) | Lat-41-0.5'N Long-142-06'E | Pat. Boat | 2 Mi. | 090°T | Var. | |
| 14 | 20 May | 2130(I) | Lat-41-1'N Long-142-22'E | Large Pat. Vessel | 2 Mi. | 090°T | Var. | |
| 15 | 24 May | 0622(I) | Lat-40-26.5'N Long-142-24'E | Medium sized Patrol Vessel | 3 Mi. | 090°T | Var. | |

DESCRIPTION OF AIRCRAFT SIGHTED

| CONTACT NO. | DATE | TIME | POSITION | TYPE | A/C IN FEET | REMARKS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1A | 4/22/43 | 1341(Y) | Lat-24-07'N Long-162-26'E | Appears to be Navy PBY | 1100' | Raised 6 miles ahead and did not appear to sight this vessel. |
| 2A | 4/23/43 | 0947(Y) | Lat-25-45'N Long-167-24'W | Navy PBY | 1000 | Unchanged recogni- tion signals. |
| 3A | 5/8/43 | 1212(I) | Lat-40-20.5'N Long-141-30'E | Biplane of older types. | 1000 | Had just dropped bomb. |

- 15 -
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 25 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. STEELHEAD - Report of First War Patrol.

VII. ATTACKS
             No torpedo attacks.

VIII. ANTI-SUBMARINE MEASURES:

1. Anti-submarine measures encountered. On the whole,
   anti-submarine measures in this area are believed
   to be more disconcerting than effective. Because
   of the prevailing poor visibility it was almost im-
   possible to tell just where the explosions heard
   were coming from, hence it was difficult to take the
   best evasive measures. It is believed that most of
   the action taken was by planes which are alert and
   evidently can pick up the periscope feather in the
   glassy calm seas which frequently prevailed. When
   the weather was clear the planes evidently were able
   to sight a submarine in the clear waters as deep as
   one hundred feet. However, they undoubtedly indulge
   in considerable indiscriminate bombing with small or
   sound bombs. Some patrol vessels do use pinging
   but the smaller sampan types just listen. No mine
   sweeping operations were observed. There is a small
   flagged marker buoy ten miles east of SHIRIYA SAKI
   LIGHT which may mark the location of a sound device
   of some kind. Whenever this location was passed
   while enroute towards the LIGHT, bombing commenced
   within half an hour. When approaching the LIGHT
   from the south along the coast line this did not
   occur. At MURORAN, HOKKAIDO, there are at least
   five large searchlights mounted along the coast line
   north and west of CHINYU MISAKI LIGHT.

PART
IX      MAJOR DEFECTS

1. None

2. The trim pump however is still too noisey to use with
   patrol vessels in the vicinity and the counter gears
   on the shafts should be replaced with more silent
   running design. The flange leak in the engine induct-
   ion will be fixed during refit.

[HANDWRITTEN: (22)]
                                     - 16 -
                                                      ENCLOSURE (A)
                                                                    [HANDWRITTEN: 18]

— page 27 —
CONFIDENTIAL                                                              Lr.

Subject:             U.S.S. STEELHEAD - Report of First War Patrol

                     S-J RADAR

1. Performance of this equipment was satisfactory and maximum
ranges of 22,500 and 20,100 yards were obtained on land. Minimum
ranges on land were 5,400 yards and 3,750 yards. No results were
obtained on sampans or small patrol vessels. Maximum range on
light destroyer or large patrol craft was 4,900 yards. This was
only obtained on an extremely foggy night. One operational diff-
iculty was encountered. The transmitted pulse was intermittent
and the gas tube (709-A) was not firing. A new thyratron was in-
stalled and the radar began to operate properly. A slight jump-
ing of the trace has been observed but it does not persist and
has not seemed to hamper operation. An attempt to clear this up
will be made during the refit period. This equipment has operated
continuously at night and has a total of 909½ hours of operation si:
since being placed in service on January 12, 1943.

                     Last consecutive message received NPM NR758

                     Last consecutive message sent 071035

PART XI SOUND CONDITIONS AND DENSITY LAYERS:

1. The water around Honshu and Hokkaido seems to be filled
with peculiar local disturbance and fish noises which increase
as land is approached. An abnormal clicking noise resembling
that of a "lung" engine was continually picked up on relative
bearings 320° and 140° persistent high periscope sweeps failed to
locate any small patrol vessels. All running machinery in the
boat as well as bow and stomplance were checked to see if this
could be our noise. Results negative. It was finally decided that
fish playing around the boat caused this phenomenon. Screw noises
of small patrol vessels could be picked up at from 6-8 thousand
yards in the area south of SHIRIYU SAKI. These results were
obtained using the port sound head, a combined QC-JK unit. Echo
ranging by the enemy on 15KC was experienced only once.
The "pinging" was not sharp, but seemed to be drawn out. The only
information concerning density layers was derived from the hourly
injection temperature reports, and no definite layers could be
located in this manner.

[HANDWRITTEN: 64]                               - 18 -          ENCLOSURE A
                                                                [HANDWRITTEN: 20]

— page 28 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject:

PART XII

U.S.S. STEELHEAD - Report of First War Patrol

HEALTH AND HABITABILITY

Lr.

1. Health of the crew was excellent for the first ten days
on station. Then after eighteen hours dive during which CO2 con-
centration was 3% and the pressure in the boat built up to 4"
over half of the crew were taken with violent nausea which was
most prevalent immediately upon surfacing. All hands were affec-
ted to some degree but the bridge detail seemed to be in the
worst shape. On subsequent dives, CO2 absorbent was used, the
pressure was continually kept down to 1" and although this appar-
ently improved conditions, very few men reported being entirely
recovered before we left the area. Three officers and men were
turned in from four to five days and those who continued on their
feet were fighting their stomachs most of the time. The real
cause of this prevalent illness has not been determined. It was assu-
to have been the CO2 concentration but there is a possibility that
battery gases in the boat were a contributing factor. As the
efficiency of all personnel was impaired to the point of risking
operations in the enemy waters an unwarranted hazard every effort
will be made during the refit period to locate the root of the
trouble and prevent a reoccurrence of this malady. Results of this
investigation will be made the subject of a separate letter. In
addition to the above, the following cases were treated: (1) Ulcer-
ation Dental, (2) Dislocation R't shoulder Sub Glenoid Fossa,
(3) Homorrhoids - recurrent. (4) D.U. (Lymphadenitis)
Case transferred at Midway enroute to patrol area. (5) 3 Gastro
Enteritis.

2. About one-half of the crew used vitamin tablets. There was
no appreciable difference in the health of those who used them,
and those who failed to use them.

[HANDWRITTEN: 25]

- 19 -
ENCLOSURE A
[HANDWRITTEN: 21]

— page 29 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. STEELHEAD - Report of First War Patrol.
[HANDWRITTEN: Bm]

PART XIII - MILES STEAMED:

Pearl Harbor to Midway | 1284
Midway to Area | 2100
In Area | 2518
Area to Midway | 2061
Total | 7963

PART XIV - FUEL EXPENDED:

Total for Patrol: | 72,664 gallons.

PART XV - FACTORS OF ENDURANCE REMAINING:

Torpedoes | Fuel | Provisions (Days) | Personnel (Days)
19 | 36,000 | 10 | 10

Refueled at Midway

PART XVI - GOVERNING ENDURANCE FACTOR:

Patrol terminated by operation order.

PART XVII - REMARKS.

1. Specific gravity of the battery upon surfacing at night
was usually around 1.285. This was for dives of 18½ hours with the
ship running dead slow (40) RPM and the galley range and hot air heaters
on most of the time. With this gravity it took 4 hours to give the
battery a normal charge at night.

Evaporators were run at night on the surface only. During
patrol each unit compiled 270 hours, and a total of 19,167 gallons of
water was made. Ship left station with 2400 gallons in the fresh water
tanks.

2. No. 2 Sanitary tank is too small. A suggested remedy
is to convert No. 1 Normal lube oil tank to use as a sanitary tank.

3. The united effort of the officers and men to "carry on"
in the face of most trying conditions, reflects a determination that
should not be denied long.

[HANDWRITTEN: (26)]
- 20 - ENCLOSURE (A)
[HANDWRITTEN: 22]

— page 31 —
SUBMARINE DIVISION FORTY - FOUR

FB5-44/A16-3
Serial 024-B

CONFIDENTIAL

From: The Commander Submarine Division FORTY-FOUR.
To : The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
Via : The Commander Submarine Squadron Four.

Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
June 12, 1943.

Subject: U.S.S. STEELHEAD - Report of First War Patrol -
Comments.

1. The STEELHEAD was at sea for forty-eight days on
her First War Patrol. Thirty days were spent in the assigned
patrol areas.

2. STEELHEAD carried nineteen torpedoes and twelve
mines upon departure for patrol. Eight of the mines were
successfully laid with submarine on surface on the tenth night
in the area and the remaining four were laid with submarine sub-
merged on the twenty-ninth night. The first plant was started
within six to eight hundred yards of shore in forty-two feet of
water, a difficult and bold feat, but the Commanding Officer
desired to lay the mines in navigable waters as close to the
beach as possible because of the prevalence of shipping close
inshore. Plant was discontinued after eight mines had been laid
because of appearance of patrol vessels.

3. STEELHEAD carried out a night gun bombardment
from two miles off shore of a steel works, an iron works and a
railroad, all in the vicinity of Muroran, Hokkaido. The results
of this bombardment were undetermined. Forty-nine shells were
fired.

4. Three contacts were made with targets suitable
for torpedo attack but the submarine was unable to attain a fir-
ing position on any of the three. Lack of contacts if believed
to have resulted from the fact that shipping in the areas
patrolled by STEELHEAD is known to hug the shore and STEELHEAD
spent most of the patrol well off shore. This procedure was
followed because-

(1) The Commanding Officer considered his primary
mission to be the patrolling of Tsugaru Straights
to observe and report important enemy movements
which he did not feel he could properly accomp-
lish close in to the shore, and

(2) STEELHEAD had an epidemic of stomach disorders
on board which forced the submarine to retire to

[HANDWRITTEN: 3]
- 1 - Enclosure (B)
[HANDWRITTEN: 24]

— page 32 —
FB5-44/A16-3
Serial 024-B

CONFIDENTIAL

Subject: - U.S.S. STEELHEAD - Report of First War Patrol -
Comments.

SUBMARINE DIVISION FORTY-FOUR
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
June 12, 1943.

The eastern part of her area for five days to
give personnel a rest and an opportunity to re-
cover from their common ailment.

5. Considerable anti-submarine activity was exper-
ienced, particularly from aircraft, which was more of a nuisance
than a hazard to the submarine. On fourteen of the thirty days
in the area explosions were heard of varying intensity. On one
occasion explosions were sufficiently close to cause gasket in
engine induction line to leak. It appears as though the enemy
knew of the presence of a submarine in the general vicinity and
bombed the area indiscriminately in the hope of scaring the sub-
marine away. On the sixth day in the area the STEELHEAD dis-
covered a serious leak in negative tank blow valve which might
well have disclosed the presence of the submarine. No other
air leaks were noted, but the ship will be thoroughly checked
for air and oil leaks during the current refit.

6. STEELHEAD was handicapped on this patrol by an
epidemic of stomach disorders which affected a majority of the
officers and men and took the fighting edge off the entire ship
for a period of eighteen days in the patrol area. This epidemic
is reason for much concern among submarine officers now at
Midway and a thorough investigation is being conducted by the
Submarine Base Medical Officer in an effort to determine the
possible cause. The following points are considered of inter-
est:-

(a) The illness developed after the submarine had
been in the area ten days during which submor-
ged periods had averaged about 18 hours daily.

(b) All but six members of the ship's company were
affected at various times.

(c) On first day illness occurred the CO2 concen-
tration reached 3%, but the symptoms usually
associated with high CO2, namely; headache
and difficulty in breathing, were not evident.

(d) Persons who went into the fresh air immediately

[HANDWRITTEN: 4]
- 2 -
ENCLOSURE (B)
[HANDWRITTEN: 25]

— page 33 —
FB9-44/A16-3
Serial 024-B
CONFIDENTIAL

Subject:

(e)

(f)

(g)

7.
morale of the officers and men upon return from patrol was high.
The appearance and material condition of the ship were excellent.

[HANDWRITTEN: 5]

SUBMARINE DIVISION FORTY-FOUR
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
June 12, 1943.

U.S.S. STEELHEAD - Report of First War Patrol -
Comments.

— page 34 —
F05-4/A16-3
Serial 0163
CONFIDENTIAL
FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
CSD 44 Conf. Ltr. F05-4/A16-3
Serial 024-B of June 12, 1943.

From:
To :
Subject:

1. Forwarded.
2. It is noted that a further report on the causes
of stomach disorders will be submitted by the Commander Sub-
marine Division FORTY-FOUR.

[HANDWRITTEN: 6] SUBMARINE SQUADRON FOUR
June 20, 1943.

The Commander Submarine Squadron FOUR.
The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
U.S.S. STEELHEAD - Report of First War Patrol -
Comments on.

ENCLOSURE (C)
[HANDWRITTEN: 27]

— page 35 —
[STAMP: Reg. No. 15279]
[STAMP: R.S. No. 7 0772]

FF12-10/A16-3(5)/(16) SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET

Serial 0790

CONFIDENTIAL

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 198
U.S.S. STEELHEAD - FIRST WAR PATROL.

From: The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
To : Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. STEELHEAD (SS280) - Report of First War Patrol.

Enclosure: (A) Copy of Subject War Patrol Report.
           (B) Copy of Comsubdiv 44 Conf. ltr. FF5-44/A16-3, Serial
               024-B of June 12, 1943.
           (C) Copy of Comsubron 4 Conf. encl. FF5-4/A16-3,
               Serial 0163 of June 20, 1943.

1. This was the first war patrol of the STEELHEAD and also for
the present Commanding Officer.

2. The STEELHEAD's patrol was, undoubtedly, handicapped by sick-
ness which affected a large number of the crew for over two weeks while in
the patrol area. The cause of the sickness is unknown at this time, but is
being investigated.

3. A mine plant was laid successfully in one of the designated
areas. In addition the STEELHEAD bombarded the industrial center of MURORAN
and the railroad out of MURORAN along the coast line. This bombardment was
well conducted. No immediate results were observed. No torpedo attacks were
made.

4. The great number of explosions heard throughout the patrol
were probably random bombs or depth charges being dropped in the western part
of the area. This area has been one in which serious losses have been in-
flicted on Japanese shipping. In this connection it is a known fact that
bombs and depth charges can be heard as loud explosions even though they ex-
plode ten to thirty miles away from the submarine.

                                                              1d
                                         Care of Fleet Post Office,
                                         San Francisco, California,
                                         June 21, 1943.

                                         C. A. LOCKWOOD, Jr.

Distribution and authentication
on following page

- 1 -

[HANDWRITTEN: 51537] [STAMP: FILMED]
[HANDWRITTEN: ①]
[STAMP: COMMANDER IN CHIEF U.S. FLEET RECEIVED JUL 11 30 1943]

— page 36 —
FF12-10/A16-3(5)/(16) SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
Serial 0790 1d
Care of Fleet Post Office,
CONFIDENTIAL San Francisco, California,
June 21, 1943.

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 198
U.S.S. STEELHEAD - FIRST WAR PATROL.

Subject: U.S.S. STEELHEAD (SS280) - Report of First War Patrol.

DISTRIBUTION:
(Complete Reports)
Cominch (5)
VCNO (5)
Cincpac (5)
Cinclant (2)
Comsubslant (2)
S/M School, NL (2)
Comsopac (2)
Comsowespac (1)
Comsubssowespac (2)
CTF 72 (2)
CTF 16 (1)
Comsubspac (10)
SUBAD, N.I. (2)
Comsubconsubpac
Midway (2)
All Squadron and Div.
Commanders, Subspac (2)
U.S.S. STEELHEAD (1)
(COMSUBSPAC Endorsement only)
All Submarines, Subspac (1)

[SIGNATURE: K. C. Lauver]
R. C. LAUVER,
Flag Secretary.

[HANDWRITTEN: (2)] [HANDWRITTEN: 2]

— page 37 —
[STAMP: CONFIDENTIAL] (crossed out)
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
DECLASSIFIED-ART. 0445, OPNAV.INST. 5510.C
BY [HANDWRITTEN: C9093M] DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 6/9/77]

U.S.S. STEELHEAD - REPORT OF SECOND WAR PATROL
(Period from June 30 to August 16, 1943)

PROLOGUE

Arrived Midway on June 9, 1943, from First War Patrol.
Commenced refit on June 10, 1943, by Relief Crew assisted by Base
Force. Completed refit on June 23, 1943. No major repairs. Not
depermed or wipoed; two days training. Readiness for sea June 30, 1943.

NARRATIVE

1.
June 30 Departed Midway in accordance with ComSubsPac Operation
1300(Y) Order 119-43 under air escort and proceeded towards assign-
od area following prescribed routing. Held training dive
and general drills daily enroute to station; fired all
guns for test purposes.

1500(Y) Air escort departed. Crossed 180th meridian and dropped
a day.

July 3 Latitude 23° - 25' N. Longitude 175° - 15' E. Radar con-
1000(M) tact 6 miles; moved into 4 miles; Dove. Plane not
(1A) sighted.

1100(M) Surfaced. Nothing in sight.

July 10 Latitude 10° - 22' N. Longitude 150° - 57' E. :
1900(L)
1913(L) Surfaced and decided to patrol up and down moon, five miles
on either side of our track position.
Were heading westward
when at

2016(L) Latitude 10° - 21' N. Longitude 150° - 49' E. Sighted
CONTACT two dark objects on the horizon bearing 340° T. distance
(1) 9 to 10 miles. Visibility was excellent at the time
although rain clouds which were later to prove very useful
were already gathering in the east and overhead. Went
to Battle Stations and commenced trailing from ahead. As
contact developed it appeared to consist of one large
vessel, an AP or an auxiliary CL and three escorts of vary-
ing size, estimated at the time to be anything from DD's
to torpedo boats. Our first plotted speed of the force
was 16 knots. At

[HANDWRITTEN: FILMED]
[HANDWRITTEN: 54298]
- 1 -

— page 49 —
CONFIDENTIAL
5. DESCRIPTION OF ENEMY VESSELS SIGHTED.

| CONTACT NO. | DATE TIME | POSITION | COURSE | SPEED | TYPE AND DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | 10 July | Lat. 10°-21' N. | 162° T. | 16 K. | 1 CV or XJV |
| | 2016(I) | Long. 150°-49' E. | | | 2 DD's. |
| 2. | 15 July | Lat. 8°-30' N. | 150° T. | 18 K. | 1 AP or |
| | 1251(I) | Long. 151°-30' E. | | | 1 Cruiser |
| | | | | | 2 DD's. |
| 3. | 15 July | Lat. 8°-30' N. | 000° T. | 24 K. | DD - Class not |
| | 1310(I) | Long. 151°-32' E. | | | determined. |
| 4. | 20 July | Lat. 8°-08' N. | VAR. | HIGH | 10 points - Were search |
| | 1535(I) | Long. 150°-10' E. | | | depth charges and |
| | | | | | dropped 14. |
| 5. | 20 July | Lat. 8°-08' N. | 110° T. | 9-10 K. | Convoy - 3 AK, one |
| | 1946(I) | Long. 150°-12' E. | | | large and 1 escort, |
| | | | | | probably a small DD or |
| | | | | | OYORI class tor- |
| | | | | | pedo boat. |
| 6. | 1 August | Lat. 11°-20' N. | Stopped then | 0 to 10 K. | Boat - Freshly paint- |
| | 0500(I) | Long. 153°-30' E. | 240° T. | | ed grey, good posts |
| | | | | | buff, masts white. |
| | | | | | MARU and PC |
| 7. | 5 August | Lat. 8°-17' N. | ZZ | 19 to 20 | 3 Capital Ships (one |
| | 0132(I) | Long. 149°-54' E. | | knots | BB) and 1 |
| | | | | | XCV with 5 DD - three |
| | | | | | fanned out in a semi- |
| | | | | | circle ahead and one |
| | | | | | ranging on each flank |
| | | | | | of the formation. The |
| | | | | | two ships in column |
| | | | | | were 1400 yds. |
| | | | | | XCV was NINE |
| | | | | | SHIPS - NINE |
| | | | | | do out clearly, |
| | | | | | 14fto CI. or a |
| | | | | | dor. |
| 8. | 5 August | Lat. 8°-18' N. | ZZ | HIGH | Not made out clearly, |
| | 0530(I) | Long. 149°-54' E. | | about 24 K. | looked like CI. or a |
| | | | | | DD leader. | 13 |

— page 64 —
FB5-141/A16-3
Serial 0154

CONFIDENTIAL
FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
USS STEELHEAD report of
second war patrol.

From: The Commander Submarine Division 141.
To : The Commander Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet.
Via : The Commander Submarine Squadron 14.

Subject: U.S.S. STEELHEAD - Report of Second War Patrol.

1. Forwarded.

2. ATTACKS:
The first attack, carried out on an XCV, was daringly
and aggressively conducted by STEELHEAD on the surface. Failure
of communications between the bridge and conning tower was a
handicap during the final phases of the attack. The great
advantage of mobility that a submarine has by remaining on the
surface rather than submerging under certain conditions during
night attack has been demonstrated many times. Yet to ensure
reliable communications between the bridge and conning tower,
commanding officers must use makeshift methods, such as running
a long telephone lead from below through the conning tower
hatch.
It appears from the patrol report that this attack
was partially successful.
The second attack was well and successfully conducted.
The third attack was carried out on a large enemy
task force. The decision of the Commanding Officer to fire a
salvo of ten torpedoes at a high range on these valuable targets
is believed to be sound. It appears that some of the torpedoes
from this salvo hit.

3. The derangement in the starboard reduction gear will
be thoroughly investigated and its correction will probably be the
limiting job during refit. In general, the ship returned in very
good material condition. Repair work done by ship's force during
the patrol is commendable.

- 1 - SUBMARINE DIVISION 141

Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
18 August, 1943.

— page 65 —
FB5-141/A16-3
Serial 0154

CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. STEELHEAD - Report of Second War Patrol.

SUBMARINE DIVISION 141
18 August, 1943.

4. Positive evidence of sinking one of the capital
ships attacked would, as expressed by the Commanding Officer,
indeed have been a great morale builder. The Division Commander
considers that this patrol was conducted with courage and aggressive-
ness and congratulates the Commanding Officer, officers and crew of
STEELHEAD on the damage inflicted on the enemy.

[SIGNATURE: J. L. Pace]
LSC L. PACE.

Copy to:
C.O. STEELHEAD.

- 2 -

— page 66 —
FC5-14/A16-3

Serial 014.

CONFIDENTIAL

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
USS STEELHEAD - Report of
second war patrol.

From: The Commander Submarine Squadron Fourteen.
To: The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. STEELHEAD - Report of Second War Patrol.

1. Forwarded, concurring in the remarks of the
Commander Submarine Division 141.

2. The Squadron Commander agrees with the Commanding
Officer of the STEELHEAD in his remarks in paragraph 18 that in
spite of the proximity of friendly submarines, whose positions
were unknown, it would have been better to have continued the
attack on July 10 as long as targets could be found. The
possibility of conflict between our own submarines should have
been accepted. Had voice communications between submarines
been possible during this attack it is likely greater damage
would have been inflicted.

3. The Squadron Commander congratulates the Command-
ing Officer, Officers and Crew of the STEELHEAD on a successful
patrol.

J. B. LONGSTAFF.

Copy to:
Comsubdiv 141.
CO STEELHEAD.

SUBMARINE SQUADRON FOURTEEN

Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
19 August 1943.

ENCLOSURE (C)

— page 67 —
FF12-10/A16-3(5)/(16) SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET 14
Serial 01169 Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
CONFIDENTIAL 26 August 1943.
[STAMP: RECEIVED SC FILES]
THIRD ENDORSEMENT to Room 2055
STEELHEAD Report of [STAMP: 10 SEP 1943]
Second War Patrol ROUTE TO: [HANDWRITTEN: 01-02]
dated 8-16-43.

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 241 Op File No. (SC) [HANDWRITTEN: A16-3(23)] / [UNCLEAR: S1220]
U.S.S. STEELHEAD - SECOND WAR PATROL. Dec. No. [HANDWRITTEN: 93469]
From: The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet. Copy No. [HANDWRITTEN: 1] of [HANDWRITTEN: 5]
To : The Commander-in-Chief, U. S. Fleet. RN [HANDWRITTEN: 273]
Via : The Commander-in-Chief, U. S. Pacific Fleet.
Subject: U.S.S. STEELHEAD (SS280) - Report of Second War Patrol,
(30 June to 16 August 1943).
Enclosure: (A) Copy of subject war patrol report.
(B) Copy of Comsubdiv 141 Conf. 1st. end. FF5-141/A16-3,
Serial 0154 dated 18 August 1943.
(C) Copy of Comsubron 14 Conf. 2nd. end. FF5-14/A16-3,
Serial 014 dated 19 August 1943.

1. The STEELHEAD second war patrol was carried out in an area nor-
mally numerous with contacts of the combatant type. This patrol proved no excep-
tion. Of the seven contacts worthy of torpedoes, five were combatant ships.

2. Four attacks were made, three on combatant units. All attacks
were aggressively carried out. Follow-up attacks should have been made on the
combatant units the night of July 10-11 after the enemy had been thrown into
confusion. Important targets must be attacked continuously regardless
of all other problems such as area boundaries and possible presence of other
friendly submarines.

3. This patrol is considered successful for Combat Insignia award.

4. The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, congratulates the
Commanding Officer, officers, and crew for this aggressive and successful patrol.
The STEELHEAD is credited with inflicting the following damage to the enemy:

SUNK
1 - Freighter (TAISYO MARU class) - 4,816 tons
[HANDWRITTEN: Pinj-Regan-File]
DAMAGED
1 - Auxiliary Aircraft Carrier (ACV) - 18,000 tons

Distribution and authentication C. A. LOCKWOOD, Jr.
on following page.
- 1 -

— page 68 —
FF12-10/A16-3(5)/(16) SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
Serial 01169
CONFIDENTIAL

THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
STEELHEAD Report of
Second War Patrol
dated 8-16-43.

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 241
U.S.S. STEELHEAD - SECOND WAR PATROL.

Subject: U.S.S. STEELHEAD (SS280) - Report of Second War Patrol,
(30 June to 16 August 1943).

DISTRIBUTION:
(Complete Reports)
Cominch (5)
VCNO (5)
Cincpac (6)
Intel. Gen. Pac.
Ocean Areas (1)
Serforpac
(Adv.Base Plan.Unit(1)
CincLant (2)
ComsubLant (8)
S/M School, NL (2)
Comsopac (2)
Comsowespac (1)
Comsubsowespac (2)
CTF 72 (2)
CTF 16 (1)
Comsubspac (12)
SUBAD, MI (2)
ComsubspacSubordcom (2)
All Squadron and Div.
Commanders, Subspac(2)
U.S.S. STEELHEAD (1)
(Endorsements only)
All Submarines, Subspac (1).

[SIGNATURE: R. C. Lawver]
R. C. LAWVER,
Flag Secretary.

— page 69 —
DECLASSIFIED-ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510. C
BY [HANDWRITTEN: G.P. 9/58] DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 8/19/72]

SS280/A16-3

U.S.S. STEELHEAD (SS280)

Serial 0432
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
[STAMP: CONFIDENTIAL]

Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

November 25, 1943.

From: The Commanding Officer.
To : The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : (1) The Commander Submarine Division One-Forty-One.
(2) The Commander Submarine Squadron Fourteen.
(3) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
(4) The Commander-in-Chief, Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. STEELHEAD - Report of War report number
THREE.

Enclosures: (A) Subject Report.
(B) Identification list for camera film.

1. Enclosure (A), covering the third war patrol of
this vessel conducted in an area southeast of Palau Island
(1°-6° N. and 136°-141° E.) and the special mission in the
vicinity of Truk Atoll during the period September 12, 1943,
to November 25, 1943, is forwarded herewith.

D. L. WELCHEL.

[HANDWRITTEN: FILMED]
[HANDWRITTEN: 62118]

— page 70 —
SS280/A16-3
U.S.S. STEELHEAD (SS280)
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.

CONFIDENTIAL

U.S.S. STEELHEAD - REPORT OF THIRD WAR PATROL.

(A) PROLOGUE.

Arrived Pearl Harbor from second war patrol on August 16,
1943, and commenced refit by relief crew and tender forces along-
side U.S.S. BUSHNELL on August 17, 1943. Completed refit August
31, 1943. Ship was depermed and conducted listening tests. Con-
ducted three days of training and two days of experimental torpedo
firings. Readiness for sea date was changed to September 12, 1943.

(B) NARRATIVE.

Sept. 12 Departed Pearl in accordance with ComSubsPac operation
1300(VW) order 197-43 as modified by ComSubsPac "Special Mission
Orders" FF12-10/A16-3/(11), serial 001262 of September
11, 1943. Escorted by PC 586.

1700(VW) Made trim dive. Set course 235° T., speed 17 knots.

2000(VW) Escort departed.

Sept. 13 Enroute Tarawa Atoll, course 235° T., speed 17 knots.
to Made two trim and training dives enroute. Contacted
Sept. 18. U.S.S. GREEMLING at 0718(X) on September 14th. (Contact
#1). Dropped one day on September 15th on crossing
180th meridian.

Sept. 19 Arrived on station for special mission. Operations for
0100(II) this period covered by special letter report (SS280/
A16-3, Serial 001, of September 23, 1943.

Sept. 21 Departed area of special mission for Johnston Island to
2200(II) obtain fuel and stores prior to continuing patrol. Sent
our 211625 despatch to ComSubsPac.

Sept. 21 Enroute Johnston Island, course 048° T., speed 17 knots.
to Repeated one day on September 23rd on crossing 180th
Sept. 23. meridian.

Sept. 24 Arrived Johnston Island. Took on 57,900 gallons of fuel
1300(W) oil and a small amount of provisions.

- 1 -
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 71 —
SS280/A16-3
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. STEELHEAD - Report of Third War Patrol.
U.S.S. STEELHEAD (SS280)

— page 72 —
SS280/A16-3
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. STEELHEAD (SS280)
U.S.S. STEELHEAD - Report of Third War Patrol.

— page 73 —
SS280/A16-3
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. STEELHEAD (SS280)
Subject: U.S.S. STEELHEAD - Report of Third War Patrol.

— page 76 —
SS280/A16-3 U.S.S. STEELHEAD (SS280)

CONFIDENTIAL

Subject: U.S.S. STEELHEAD - Report of Third War Patrol.

— page 78 —
SS280/A16-3
U.S.S. STEELHEAD (SS280)
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. STEELHEAD - Report of Third War Patrol.

— page 79 —
SS280/A16-3
U.S.S. STEELHEAD (SS280)
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. STEELHEAD - Report of Third War Patrol.

— page 81 —
SS280/A16-3
CONFIDENTIAL

U.S.S. STEELHEAD (SS280) -

Subject: U.S.S. STEELHEAD - Report of Third War Patrol.

1637(I) No explosions were heard but after torpedo room reported
        two dull thuds about one minute and 15 seconds after
        firing. Sound reported torpedoes intersecting target
        screws. At

1702-03(I) Received pattern of five depth charges down starboard side
        first three very close, shaking boat considerably. At

1722-23(I) Escorts took station on each bow and one astern, and
        after some deliberate tracking and closing came in one
        after the other dropping three apiece. These were close
        but not so bad as first five. Thereafter they seemed to
        keep track of us but were not able to locate us for an
        attack.

1756(I) Managed to maneuver until all three were astern and began
        to pull away from them.

1956(I) Only faint pinging astern, came to periscope depth.

2020(I) Radar depth, all clear, no sound contact.

2032(I) Surfaced, decided to chase, locate and trail until further
        instructions. (All torpedoes expended).

Nov. 5
0018(I) At Lat. 5°-25' N., Long. 141°-03' E.
        SJ contact, range 17,5000 yards. Closed and determined
        it was our convoy.

0125(I) Sent SS280 dispatch 041616 to ComSubsPac informing him of
        results of three attacks (17 torpedoes) and that we were
        trailing target until further orders.

0205(I) Decoded ComSubsPac's 041517 directing us to trail and
        report positions. Continued trailing convoy.

Nov. 6
0200(K) Set clocks ahead to zone minus ten. At

0431(K) Lat. 4°-12' N., Long. 144°-22' E.
        While dropping astern from radar range to daylight trail-
        ing range at daybreak, heard 2 explosions about 8 seconds
        apart and a third one about 30 seconds later. These were
        believed to have been torpedo explosions.

- 12 -
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 82 —
SS280/A16-3
U.S.S. STEELHEAD (SS280)
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. STEELHEAD - Report of Third War Patrol.

— page 83 —
SS280/A16-3
U.S.S. STEELHEAD (SS280)
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. STEELHEAD - Report of Third War Patrol.

— page 85 —
SS280/A16-3
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. STEELHEAD (SS280)

Subject: U.S.S. STEELHEAD - Report of Third War Patrol.

— page 88 —
SS280/A16-3
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. STEELHEAD (SS280)
U.S.S. STEELHEAD - Report of Third War Patrol.

— page 89 —
SS280/A16-3
U.S.S. STEELHEAD (SS280)
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. STEELHEAD - Report of Third War Patrol.

(H) ATTACK DATA.
U.S.S. STEELHEAD TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 1 PATROL NO. 3
TIME - 02-36-30(K) DATE - October 6, 1943 Lat. 10°-26'N.
Long. 146°-29.5'E.

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED
Description - Single tanker, unescorted. Original contact by radar
at 15,000 yards. Visual contact made at 9,000 yards.
Ship(s) Sunk - None.
Ship(s) Damaged or Probably Sunk - One.
Damage Determined by torpedo hits and explosions observed by offi-
cers and men on the bridge. Tanker in crippled condition later re-
ported sunk by U.S.S. TINOSA.
Target Draft - 22 feet; Course - 055°, Speed 15 knots, Range-1100 yds

Own Ship Data
Speed 10 knots; Course 148°; Depth - surface; Angle 0° (at firing).

Fire Control and Torpedo Data
While running at flank speed attempting to get ahead of the tar-
get we were evidently sighted at a range of 7000 yards as the tanker
changed course 90° and headed directly for us after being on the
previous leg only two minutes. It is believed we were mistaken for
an escort for the target did not change course again until we had
fired. At 2,000 yards he evidently dropped a depth charge to make
certain we were not a submarine and as we did not dive he continued
on his course. At 1800 yards we were challenged by blinker gun with
"Al" and when we did not reply, at 1400 yards he flashed his red
and green battle lights three times. We were keeping our stern to
the target and were waiting for a 110° starboard track. When the
desired track was obtained, fired four torpedoes from stern tubes
while still on the surface at a range of 1100 yards. As stated in
narrative two hits and one low order detonation believed to be a
dud were observed. Because the gunfire at this range was fairly
accurate and in order to avoid ramming (target turned towards us
after sustaining hits) dove to 80 feet. Had intended to come im-
mediately to periscope depth and resume attack when the sound report
of fast light screws and one depth charge, gave the impression that
an escort was present and we went deep. The only explanation for the
sound report in the light of subsequent actions is that the operator
either heard one of our own torpedoes still running or some aux-
iliary pumps or machinery operating on the target. Because of this

- 20 - ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 91 —
SS280/A16-3
U.S.S. STEELHEAD (SS280)
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. STEELHEAD - Report of Third War Patrol.
Target Draft - 20 feet; Course - 312°; Speed 15 knots; Range 1150 yds.

OWN SHIP DATA
Speed - 5 knots; Course- 204°; Depth - 60 feet; Angle - 0°(at firing)

FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA

This was a simple radar to periscope approach which was fired
before the track had reached 110 port in order to avoid another
freighter which was heading for us, range 500 yards angle on the bow
zero. Of the three shots fired from the stern tubes it is believed
that two were hits as the timing of the explosions indicated. How-
ever it is possible that only one hit was obtained because the depth
charging began almost immediately after these explosions and there
was no opportunity to observe the target for results. It is be-
lieved that the first seven depth charges were dropped by the
freighter which passed directly over us. There was no opportunity
to obtain a set up on the second target.

| | #7 | #8 | #9 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tubes Fired | 86P | 86P | 96P |
| Track Angle | 202° | 197° | 194° |
| Gyro Angle | 10 foot | 10 foot | 10 foot |
| Depth set | High | High | High |
| Power | Hit | Hit | Miss |
| Hit or miss | | | |
| Erratic (Yes or No) | No | No | No |
| Mark torpedo | 14-3A | 14-3A | 14-3A |
| Serial No. | 25458 | 25456 | 22997 |
| Mark Exploder | 6-1 | 6-1 | 6-1 |
| Serial No. | 10394 | 6335 | 5925 |
| Actuation Set | Contact only | | |
| Actuation Actual | | | |
| Mark Warhead | 16 | 16 | 16 |
| Serial No. | 342 | 338 | 11097 |
| Explosive | TPX | TPX | TPX |
| Firing Interval | 10 | 10s | 20s |
| Typo Spread | 0° | 3L | 3R |
| Sea Conditions | Moderate | | |
| Overhaul Activity | U.S.S. BUSHNELL. | | |

Remarks: Torpedoes were heard running towards target.

- 22 - ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 94 —
SS280/A16-3
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. STEELHEAD (SS280)
U.S.S. STEELHEAD - Report of Third War Patrol.

(H) ATTACK DATA (CONTINUED).

FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA

Typo Attack:
    On this attack, a periscope approach at sunset, the first five
    shots were fired at a large AK, range 3000 yards and on 110° port
    track. The sixth shot was fired on a smaller AK at a range of 2100
    yards. As we had to go deep immediately in order to avoid being run
    down by an AP heading directly for us, neither target was observed
    after firing. No explosions were heard and the cause of the failure
    to obtain hits could have been either maneuvering by the targets or
    improper torpedo performance. The T.D.C. checked perfectly prior to
    each shot but it is possible and probable that because of the ranges,
    the targets may have changed course enough to change the track to
    less than 100° port. Only five of the six torpedoes fired were
    heard to run.

| Tubes Fired        | #1    | #2    | #3    | #4    | #5    | #6    |
||-------|-------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| Track Angle        | 109P  | 110P  | 110P  | 110P  | 112P  | 114P  |
| Gyro Angle         | 352°  | 350½° | 352°  | 347°  | 351°  | 000°  |
| Depth set          | 10 foot | 10 foot | 10 foot | 10 foot | 10 foot | 10'   |
| Power              | High  | High  | High  | High  | High  | High  |
| Hit or Miss        | All misses or duds.                               |
| Erratic (Yes or No)| See remarks.                                      |
| Mark Torpedo       | 14-3A | 14-3A | 14-3A | 14-3A | 14-3A | 14-3A |
| Serial No.         | 25476 | 25472 | 23150 | 39477 | 25459 | 25508 |
| Mark Exploder      | 6-1   | 6-1   | 6-1   | 6-1   | 6-1   | 6-1   |
| Serial No.         | 6150  | 17775 | 5696  | 6207  | 6144  | 17598 |
| Actuation Set      | Contact only.                                     |
| Actuation actual   |       |       |       |       |       |       |
| Mark Warhead       | 16    | 16    | 16    | 16    | 16    | 16    |
| Serial No.         | 10020 | 10308 | 10120 | 10108 | 10087 | 10404 |
| Explosivo          | TPX   | TPX   | TPX   | TPX   | TPX   | TPX   |
| Firing Interval    | --    | 9s    | 12s   | 9s    | 17s   | 28s   |
| Type Spread        | 0     | 1L    | 1R    | 3L    | 3R    | 0     |
| Sea Conditions     | Moderato                                          |
| Overhaul activity  | U.S.S. BUSHNELL                                   |

Remarks - See "Typo Attack".

- 25 -                                                      ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 96 —
SS280/A16-3
U.S.S. STEELHEAD (SS280)
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. STEELHEAD - Report of Third War Patrol.

— page 98 —
SS280/A16-3
U.S.S. STEELHEAD (SS280)
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. STEELHEAD - Report of Third War Patrol.

— page 99 —
SS280/A1603
U.S.S. STEELHEAD (SS280)

CONFIDENTIAL

Subject: U.S.S. STEELHEAD - Report of Third War Patrol.

— page 100 —
SS280/A16-3 U.S.S. STEELHEAD (SS280)
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. STEELHEAD - Report of Third War Patrol.

— page 101 —
FB5-43/A16-3
Serial (0157)
CONFIDENTIAL
FIRST ENDORSEMENT: to
USS STEELHEAD Conf. Ltr.
Third War Patrol.

SUBMARINE DIVISION FORTY THREE

Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.
November 29, 1943.

From: The Commander Submarine Division FORTY-THREE.
To: The Commander Submarine Force, PACIFIC FLEET.
Via: The Commander Submarine Squadron FOUR.

Subject: U.S.S. STEELHEAD - Report of Third War Patrol,
Comments on.

1. Forwarded.

2. The 3rd war patrol of the STEELHEAD covered a
period of 75 days of which 21 days were spent in the three
assigned areas. This is one of the longest patrols out of Pearl
Harbor. After all torpedoes were expended, the STEELHEAD was
directed to trail the convoy which she attacked on November 4.
An excellent job of trailing was conducted for four days enabling
other submarines to make contact. Five attacks were made, two
of which were successful. All attacks were aggressively conduc-
ted although the range was excessive in two cases. The old type
explodor mechanism was probably the cause of so many torpedo
failures.

3. The first attack was made at night on an unescorted
tanker. Two hits and one dud were observed. This ship was
severely damaged and later reported sunk by the TINOSA.
The second attack was a night radar periscope on a
attack on an 8,500 ton AK. One and possible two hits were made
and the AK was damaged or probably sunk.
The third attack was a night surface attack on a
seven ship convoy. The range was excessive (3,100 yards) and
evidently the submarine or the torpedo wakes were sighted,
enabling the targets to maneuver and avoid. As the torpedo
wakes were seen to pass through the target group, it is very
possible the torpedoes were duds.
The fourth attack was made at sunset the same day
and on the same convoy as the third attack. Again the range was
excessive and the cause of failure to obtain hits was due to
either the targets maneuvering or improper torpedo performance.
The fifth attack was made on the same convoy one
hour later. This was a well executed attack and a good firing
position was obtained. The failure to obtain hits was probably
due to improper torpedo performance.

- 1 -

— page 103 —
FC5-4/A16-3                                     SUBMARINE SQUADRON FOUR
Serial ( 0309 )                                                              11/mg

C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L                                                      c/o Fleet Post Office,
                                                                             San Francisco, Calif.
                                                                             29 November 1943.

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
USS STEELHEAD Conf. ltr.
THIRD WAR PATROL.

From:         Commander Submarine Squadron FOUR.
To :          Commander-in-Chief, U. S. Fleet.
Via :         (1) Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
              (2) Commander-in-Chief, Pacific Fleet.

Subject:      U.S.S. STEELHEAD - Report of Third War Patrol,
              Comments on.

              1. Forwarded, concurring in the remarks of Commander
Submarine Division Forty-Three.

              2. The Commander Submarine Squadron FOUR congratulates
the Commanding Officer, officers and crew of the STEELHEAD on the
completion of a long and well conducted patrol.

                                                                             C. B. MOMS EN.

— page 104 —
FF12-10/A16-3(8)/(16) SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET 1d
Serial 01799 Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
CONFIDENTIAL 1 December 1943

THIRD ENDORSEMENT to NOTE: THIS REPORT WILL BE DESTROYED
STEELHEAD Report of
Third War Patrol. PRIOR TO ENTERING PATROL FILE.
[STAMP: RECEIVED S-C FILES]
CONSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 314 [HANDWRITTEN: Room 2045]
U.S.S. STEELHEAD - THIRD WAR PATROL. [STAMP: 21 DEC 1943]
[HANDWRITTEN: ROUTE]
From: The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
To : The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet. [HANDWRITTEN: Op File No. 14-12/W-1/A16-3]
Via : The Commander-in-Chief, U. S. Pacific Fleet. [HANDWRITTEN: Subj. 103438]
[HANDWRITTEN: Copy No. 5 of 5]
Subject: U.S.S. STEELHEAD (SS280) - Report of Third War Patrol.
(12 September to 25 November 1943).

1. The third war patrol of the STEELHEAD was of particularly long
duration. The first part of the patrol was spent performing the duties of
standby plane in the Gilberts during an Army bombing of Tarawa. On the comple-
tion of this mission the STEELHEAD refueled at Johnston and departed on her
regular patrol in the Peleu area.

2. The patrol was aggressively carried out and good area coverage
was maintained. Five aggressive attacks were conducted but results were dis-
appointing, mainly because of the poor torpedo performances. The STEELHEAD was
one of the last submarines to go on patrol without the modified firing pin in
its torpedo explosive mechanism.

3. The STEELHEAD's three day chase of an outbound convoy in order
to make contact reports that were of extreme value to Commander Task Force
Seventy-Two was highly commendable. At the time the STEELHEAD was out of tor-
pedoes.

4. This patrol is considered successful for Combat Insignia award.

5. The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, congratulates the
Commanding Officer, officers, and crew for having inflicted the following damage
upon the enemy:

D A M A G E D
1 - Tanker (class unknown) - 10,500 tons
1 - Freighter (GOYO MARU class) - 8,469 tons
TOTAL: 18,969 tons

Distribution and authentication C. A. LOCKWOOD, Jr.
on following page. - 1 - [HANDWRITTEN: Finished-Ragan-File]

— page 105 —
FF12-10/A16-3(8)/(16) SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET

Serial 01799 Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
CONFIDENTIAL 1 December 1943.

THIRD ENDORSEMENT to NOTE: THIS REPORT WILL BE DESTROYED
COMSUBSPAC Patrol
STEELHEAD Report of PRIOR TO ENTERING PATROL AREA.
Third War Patrol.

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 314
U.S.S. STEELHEAD - THIRD WAR PATROL

Subject: U.S.S. STEELHEAD (SS280) - Report of Third War Patrol.
(12 September to 25 November 1943).

— page 106 —
FF12-10/A16-3(18)

Serial 0121

CONFIDENTIAL

From: The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
To : The Chief of Naval Operations.
Via : The Commander in Chief, U. S. Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. STEELHEAD (SS280) - Report of Third War Patrol.

Reference: (a) ComSubPac third end. FF12-10/A16-3(8)/(16) serial 01799
of 1 December 1945.

1. Reference (a) credits U.S.S. STEELHEAD with certain damage to
the enemy including damaging of a freighter of the KOKO MARU class of 8,459
tons. Two freighters were attacked on 21 October 1943 with a salvo of three
torpedoes from STEELHEAD's stern tubes. Two hits were obtained in one of the
two. Reliable intelligence, subsequently received, states that the OSU
MARU (GOSYU MARU) of 8,592 tons was sunk as a result of STEELHEAD's attack.
Therefore reference (a) is modified as follows:

(a) Delete all after the word "enemy" in paragraph 5 and substitute the
following:

SUNK
1 - AK (GOSYU (GOSYU) MARU) 8,592 tons
TOTAL SUNK 8,592 tons

DAMAGED
1 - AK (Class unknown) 10,500 tons
TOTAL DAMAGED 10,500 tons

TOTAL SUNK & DAMAGED 19,092 tons

DISTRIBUTION:
CNO (12)
Cincpac (6)
JICPOA (1)
Comservpac (1)
CincLant (1)
ComSubLant (1)
S/M School, TL (1)
CO, S/M Base, P. (1)
Comsopac (1)
ComSubsPhilSeaFron (1)
Comnorpac (1)
ComSubPac (40)
JUSAD, MI (2)
All Squadron and Div. (2)
Comdrs. Pacific (5)
ComSubOprGr (1)
All Submarines, Pacific (1)
Capt. D. L. Thelchol, USN. (1)

SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
km
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
7 February 1946.

Frank T. Watkins,
Chief of Staff.
[STAMP: RECEIVED SC FILES
Room 2955]

ROUTE TO:
[STAMP: 25 FEB 1946]
[STAMP: FLEET MAINTENANCE
25 FEB 1946
RECEIVED
DEPARTMENT]

File No. SC
Doc. No. 196844
Copy No. [HANDWRITTEN: 6 of 12]
Reg. No.
[SIGNATURE: W. B. Siegluff]
W. B. Siegluff
Commander, USN.
Flag Secretary.

— page 107 —
SS280/A16-3
Serial 01
CONFIDENTIAL
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

U.S.S. STEELHEAD (SS280)
Care of Fleet Post Office;
San Francisco, California,
24 FEBRUARY 1944.
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C]
[HANDWRITTEN: BY OF09 DATE 6/19/72]

From: The Commanding Officer.
To : The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : (1) The Commander Submarine Division 141.
(2) The Commander Submarine Squadron FOURTEEN.
(3) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
(4) The Commander-in-Chief, Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. STEELHEAD (SS280) - Report of War Patrol
Number FOUR.

Enclosures: (A) Subject Report.
(B) Track Charts.

1. Enclosure (A), covering the fourth war patrol
of this vessel during the period December 25, 1943 to
February 24, 1944, is forwarded herewith.

D.L. WHELCHEL.

[HANDWRITTEN: FILMED]
[HANDWRITTEN: 67742]

— page 108 —
SUBMARINE DIVISION ONE HUNDRED FORTY ONE
26 February 1944.

PB5-141/A16-3
Serial: 07.
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: USS STEELHEAD - Report of War Patrol
Number FOUR.

6. The Commander Submarine Division One Hundred Forty
One congratulates the Commanding Officer, Officers and Crew on
an aggressive patrol and for inflicting the following damage on
the enemy.

SUNK
1 - AP or AK - 8,000 tons.

[SIGNATURE: R.P. TILLMAN]
G.E. PETERSON.

cc: CO STEELHEAD.

— page 109 —
SS280/A16-3                                                              Fn
                                                              U.S.S. STEELHEAD (SS280)
                                                              Care of Fleet Post Office;
                                                              San Francisco, California,
                                                              24 FEBRUARY 1944.

CONFIDENTIAL

U.S.S. STEELHEAD - REPORT OF FOURTH WAR PATROL.

(A) PROLOGUE.

     Arrived Pearl after third war patrol on 25 November
1943. Normal two week refit was accomplished by Base Force and
relief crews from Submarine Division FORTY-THREE. All ballast
tanks were cleaned, the new centrifugal trim pump installed,
and the PPI addition made to the SJ radar. A request to modify
the bridge in order to cut down the silhouette was turned down.
During the training period the forward torpedo room was partly
flooded due to a casualty to the pit log and the additional
work involved in making repairs to the equipment damaged by salt
water required a delay in the readiness date. Work not performed
or wiped but after the usual three day training period the ship
was ready for sea on December 25, 1943.

(B) NARRATIVE.

Doc. 25
1300(VW) Departed Pearl in accordance with ComSubsPac's oper-
          ation order #309-43 onroute Midway escorted by PC1077.
          Made trim dive and hold battle surface drill.

1930(VW) Escort departed.

Doc. 26-29 Enroute to Midway conducting training exercises
          daily.

Doc. 26
0745(X) Lat. 23° 52' N., Long. 160° 25' W. Sighted plane on
CONTACT   parallel and opposite course distant - 12 miles. This
(1A)      vessel apparently not sighted.

1452(X) Lat. 24° 49' N., Long. 161° 20' W. Sighted what
CONTACT   appeared to be a PB2Y six miles to the north on a
(2A)      parallel and opposite course. Exchanged recognition
          signals.

Doc. 29
0638(Y) Met air escort on 30 mile circle and headed into
          Midway. Took on 14,000 gallons of fuel and at

                                - 1 - ENCLOSURE (A)

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Fn
Subject: U.S.S. STEELHEAD - Report of Fourth War Patrol.

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CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. STEELHEAD - Roport of Fourth War Patrol.

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U.S.S. STEELHEAD (SS280)
Fn
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. STEELHEAD - Report of Fourth War Patrol.

— page 116 —
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CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. STEELHEAD (SS280)

U.S.S. STEELHEAD (SS280)
Fn
Subject: U.S.S. STEELHEAD - Report of Fourth War Patrol.

— page 119 —
SS280/A16-3
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. STEELHEAD - Roport of Fourth War Patrol.

U.S.S. STEELHEAD (SS280)
[UNCLEAR: En]

(C) WEATHER.
The weather for the majority of the time on station
was poor; rough seas and poor visibility making close submerged
patrolling extremely difficult. Typhoons were encountered on
several occasions. Nights were fairly clear, but almost with-
out exception haze or fog would set in during daylight hours.
Only about five absolutely clear days were encountered during
the entire time on station.

(D) TIDAL INFORMATION.
Currents in the area corresponded to those shown on
charts and coast pilots in general. Close to the beach along
Kyushu the set was 015° T., drift 2 knots. Across the Bungo
Suido all the way to Ashizuri Saki the set was almost due east
and the drift from 1-2 knots. In the center of the Kurushio
the set was northeast, drift 2-3 knots. From Ashizuri Saki to
Okino Shima within eight miles of the beach there is a definite
counter current of 2 knots setting west.

(E) NAVIGATIONAL AIDS.
The following navigational lights were observed:

Otako Shima Light - regular characteristics but visibility re-
                      duced to about 16 miles. January 25, 1944.

Toi Misaki Light - as listed. January 27, 1944.

Okino Shima Light - as listed February 2, 5, and 6, 1944.

Tatsugami Bac - as listed. February 4, 1944.

Ashizuri Saki.- irregular characteristics but not dimmed on
                  January 30, 1944. Not lighted on February 6,
                  1944. A flashing white light with a 30 second
                  period was observed back of Ashizuri Saki appar-
                  ently somewhere up on the mountains on February
                  6, 1944.

Kanai Saki - as listed. February 6, 1944.

- 11 - ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 122 —
CONFIDENTIAL
(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS.

U.S.S. STEELHEAD (SS280)
NO. | CON-TIME & | LAT. | LONG. | DESCRIPT- | COURSE | (FEET) | RANGE | CON- | REMARKS
    | TACT DATE  |      |       | ION       |        | MAX.   | MIN.  | TACT |
    |            |      |       |           |        |        |       | DY*  |
1A. | 26 Dec.:2358(X): | 16°00'N: | 170°25'W. | to be SED | 110°   | 1200   | 12    | 11   | SS Sighted evidently
    | 1852(X)    |      |       |           |        |        |       |      | the same vessel.
2A. | 30 Jan.:1352(I): | 16°40'N: | 131°20'W. | PB2Y      | 100°   | 1000   | 8     | 3    | SS No evidence
    | 31 Jan.:0424(I): |          |           | Jap "NELL" |        |        |       |      | of changed recof-
    |            |      |       | ONI 249   |        |        |       |      |      | nition signals.
3A. | 30 Jan.:1352(I): | 16°40'N: | 131°20'W. | Jap "NELL" | 100°   | 1000   | 8     | 3    | SS Apparently did
    |            |      |       | ONI 249   |        |        |       |      |      | not sight sub.
4A. | 31 Jan.:1451(I): | 16°40'N: | 131°17'E. | Jap "DAVE" | 290°   | 1200   | 12    | 4    | SP We were sighted-
    |            |      |       | ONI 249   |        |        |       |      |      | not indicated.
5A. | 5 Feb.:1044(I): | 16°35'N: | 132°43'E. | Jap "VIL" | 330°   | 1100   | 4     | 4    | SP No indication wo
    |            |      |       | ONI 249   |        |        |       |      |      | were sighted.
6A. | 5 Feb.:1125(I): | 16°36'N: | 132°36'E. | Jap "ELVIS" | 100°   | 1200   | 2     | 2    | SP 2 bombs, but no
    |            |      |       | ONI 249   |        |        |       |      |      | sub sighted.
7A. | 6 Feb.:10913(I): | 16°10'N: | 131°45'E. | Jap "CLAUDE" | 130°   | -      | 12    | 10   | R -
    |            |      |       | ONI 248   |        |        |       |      |      |
8A. | 7 Feb.:1110E(I): | 16°39'N: | 131°59'E. | Jap "SALLY" | 045°   | 1500   | 4     | 4    | SP -
    |            |      |       | ONI 249   |        |        |       |      |      |
9A. | 7 Feb.:1403(I): | 16°29'N: | 131°29'E. | Jap "DAVE" | 290°   | 800    | 4     | 4    | SP They have been
    |            |      |       | ONI 249   |        |        |       |      |      | sighted previously.
10A. | 7 Feb.:11733(I): | 16°17'N: | 131°17'E. | Jap "DAVE" | 290°   | 800    | 4     | 4    | SP -
    |            |      |       | ONI 249   |        |        |       |      |      |
11A. | 7 Feb.:11733(I): | 16°17'N: | 131°17'E. | Jap "DAVE" | 290°   | 800    | 4     | 4    | SP -
    |            |      |       | ONI 249   |        |        |       |      |      |

*SS - Sighted surface R-Radar SD; SP-Sighted in periscope.

- 14 -
ENCLOSURE (G)

— page 124 —
SS280/A16-3
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. STEELHEAD (SS280) - Report of Fourth War Patrol.
(H) ATTACK DATA (Continued).

Attack No. 1 (Continued).

Serial No.                               40026     26016     22143     41806
Mk. Exploder                             6-1A      6-1A      6-1A      6-1A
Actuation Set                            Contact   Contact   Contact   Contact
Actuation actual                         -         -         -         Contact
Mk Warhead                               16        16        16        16
Serial No.                               2822      2659      2853      1804
Explosive                                TPX       TPX       TPX       TPX
Firing Interval                          8 secs.   8 secs.   8 secs.   8 secs.
Typo spread                              Divergent
Sea conditions                           Typhoon, Mountainous seas.
Overhaul activity                        Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, T.H.

REMARKS: In spite of typhoon seas all torpedoes were seen to
be running and there was no evidence of erratic performance.
The failure to obtain more hits is believed to be the result
of errors in the radar bearings which could have been several
degrees out at the time of firing because of the previously
mentioned heavy seas obtaining.

U.S.S. STEELHEAD TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 2, PATROL NO. 4:
TIME - 2247; DATE - 14 FEBRUARY 1944; Lat. 30° 40' N.,
                                                Long. 142° 25' E.

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED

Description - Single, unescorted ship, similar to NAGANO MARU.
              Contact was made by SJ Radar at 17,800 yards on
              a moonlight night. Visibility was above average
              at time of initial contact. At time of attack
              night was dark, but moon was just beginning to
              rise.
Ship(s) Sunk - None.
Ship(s) Damaged or Probably Sunk - None.
Damage determined by - None.
Target draft - 15 feet; course 250° T.; speed 8 knots; range 2600 yds.

OWN SHIP DATA

Speed 9 knots; course 330° T.; depth - surface; angle - 0.

                                - 16 -          ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 127 —
SS280/A16-3
U.S.S. STEELHEAD (SS280)
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. STEELHEAD - Report of Fourth War Patrol.

— page 128 —
SS280/A16-3
U.S.S. STEELHEAD (SS280)
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. STEELHEAD - Roport of Fourth War Patrol.

— page 132 —
SUBMARINE DIVISION ONE HUNDRED FORTY ONE
FB5-141/K16-3
Serial: 07.
Care of Fleet Post office,
San Francisco, California,
26 February 1944.
CONFIDENTIAL
FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
CO USS STEELHEAD ltr A16-3
Serial 01 dated 2/24/44.

From: The Commander Submarine Division 141.
To : The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
Via : The Commander Submarine Squadron Fourteen.

Subject: USS STEELHEAD - Report of War Patrol
Number FOUR.

1. Forwarded.

2. The fourth war patrol of the STEELHEAD was conduc-
ted in the BUNGO SUIDO area. It extended over a period of 61
days, 24 days of which were spent in the assigned area.

3. Excellent area coverage was maintained throughout
the patrol, but only two worth while contacts were made. Excep-
tionally bad weather was encountered which reached typhoon
strength at times.

4. The first attack was made on a convoy of three
AP's or AK's and two escort vessels. This was a well executed
night surface radar attack. The STEELHEAD was rolling 20 to 30
degrees and the targets were obscured by heavy rain storms.
One hit was obtained on an 8000 ton ship and the target sank.
The failure to obtain more hits was due to the errors obtained
in the radar bearings because of heavy rolling.

The second and third attacks were made on a
single, unescorted ship. Judging from the erratic maneuvers
of this ship, there is reason to believe she was a "Q" ship.
Ten torpedoes were fired, but unfortunately no hits were made.
Depth control was hard to maintain because of the heavy seas.
The attack data seemed to be correct and failure to obtain hits
was probably due to the torpedoes passing under the target.

5. The morale and health of the crew seemed excel-
lent. The material condition of the STEELHEAD is good. The
damage incurred by flooding will be repaired and all usual
refit items will be completed during the normal refit period.

- 1 -

— page 133 —
FC5-14/A16-3
Serial 028.

CONFIDENTIAL

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
CO USS STEELHEAD ltr. A16-3
serial 01 dated 24 Feb. 1944.

From: The Commander Submarine Squadron Fourteen.
To : The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. STEELHEAD - Report of War Patrol Number
FOUR.

1. Forwarded.

2. It is noted that the duration of this patrol was
sixty-one days. The previous patrol lasted seventy-five days. In
the period of 298 days since STEELHEAD started her first patrol
she has been at sea for 231 days. The excellent morale of all
hands in spite of this grueling pace and in spite of the bad
weather encountered on this patrol is indicative of the stuff of
which they are made.

SUBMARINE SQUADRON FOURTEEN
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
27 February 1944.

C. T. BONNEY.

— page 134 —
3712-10/A16-3(15)/(16)
Serial 0423
CONFIDENTIAL

THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
STEELHEAD Report of
Fourth War Patrol.

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 376.
U.S.S. STEELHEAD - FOURTH WAR PATROL.

From: The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
To : The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : The Commander-in-Chief, U. S. Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. STEELHEAD (SS280) - Report of Fourth War Patrol.
(25 December 1943 to 24 February 1944).

1. The fourth war patrol of the STEELHEAD was conducted in an area
south of the Empire.

2. The patrol was greatly handicapped by severe winter weather and by
a lack of targets in the area.

3. Two contacts worthy of torpedoes were made, and both of these were
aggressively attacked. The first contact was made and an attack conducted in heavy
seas while on the surface. In spite of this severe condition, the STEELHEAD was
able to conduct the attack successfully and sink an enemy ship. The remaining
torpedoes were made against what was apparently a "Q" ship. This vessel was evidently
of shallow draft and that, coupled with heavy seas, undoubtedly caused misses.

4. The STEELHEAD carried out good area coverage in spite of the severe
weather.

5. This patrol is designated as successful for Combat Insignia Award.

6. The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, congratulates the
Commanding Officer, officers, and crew for having inflicted the following damage
upon the enemy:

S U N K

1 - Passenger Freighter (class unknown) - 9,000 tons (Attack No. 1).

SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
hch
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
29 February 1944.

NOTE: THIS REPORT WILL BE
DESTROYED PRIOR TO
ENTERING PATROL AREA.
[HANDWRITTEN: ELS]

C. A. LOCKWOOD, Jr.

Distribution and authentication
on following page.

- 1 -

— page 136 —
SS280/A16-3
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
DECLASSIFIED
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED-ART. 5510.1C]
BY [SIGNATURE: C.A. [UNCLEAR: GILL]] DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 7/19/72]

U.S.S. STEELHEAD (SS280)

Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.

U.S.S. STEELHEAD - REPORT OF FIFTH WAR PATROL.

(A) PROLOGUE:

Arrived Pearl Harbor, T.H., 24 February 1944, from
fourth war patrol. Refit conducted by U.S.S. BUSHNELL. The in-
stallation of a modified low bridge was the governing job. IFF,
CUI and VHF were placed aboard. Completion of refit was delayed
two days to permit finishing the work on the bridge. Noise
level sound tests were conducted. After a three day training
period the Readiness for Sea date was set ahead one day to
22 March 1944 to allow time to try and locate the cause of excess-
ive vibration in the conning tower at high speed submerged. Con-
dition was vastly improved by removing all spaghetti from peris-
cope shears and renewing upper SJ bearing which had excessive
clearance. Ready for sea 22 March 1944.

(B) NARRATIVE:

22 Mar. 1944 Departed PEARL in company with PC 578 enroute
1130(W) JOHNSTON ISLAND in accordance with the Commander
Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet's operation order
100-44 of 21 March 1944. Dove to check results
of work on SJ radar. Vibration still present but
was greatly reduced by training SJ on 090°. Mast
may be out of round but it is believed that the
new bridge is not properly supported and that all
vibrations are consequently accentuated. Rubber
mounted IFF and decided to proceed. At

1340(W) Held IFF and voice transmission tests with ARMY
LIBERATOR "1V55" in accordance with ComSubsTrain-
Pac's 221930. Tests were satisfactory although
reception of our transmission to plane was weak.
At

1932(W) Escort departed. Sent our 230345 to ComSubsPac
indicating change in arrival time at JOHNSTON. At

23 Mar. 1944
0030(W) Armature of #2 fuel oil purifier motor grounded
and burned out. At

[HANDWRITTEN: FILMED]
[HANDWRITTEN: 76/20]
- 1 - ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 147 —
SS280/A16-3
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. STEELHEAD - Report of Fifth War Patrol.

0946(I) Surfaced in heavy rain storm visibility still less
        than 500 yards. While our contact at 0917 could have
        been a rain squall, decided to search for the remainder
        of the day in this vicinity. At

1130(I) Weather cleared to westward. Nothing in sight. But at

1620(I) Lat. 25° 50' N., Long. 142° 04' E. Sighted what appear-
        ed to be smoke bearing 303° T., range 22 miles. Headed
        for it at flank speed. At

1640(I) Rain squalls again obscured the horizon and contact
        was never regained. Continued search throughout night
        and then headed for MIDWAY. At

17 May 1944
1440(I) Lat. 28° 47' N., Long. 142° 55' E. Submarine SKATE
Contact surfaced bearing 350° relative, range 1500 yards.
(11)    Exchanged recognition signals and again headed for
        MIDWAY. At

18 May 1944
2200(I) Sent our 181300 to ComSubsPac reporting patrol results.

23 May 1944 Crossed the 180th meridian and repeated a day.
        Met several friendly aircraft throughout the day.

0530(Y) Met air escort and entered Midway.

- 12.-
ENCLOSURE (4)