U.S.S. KETE (SS-369) — war patrol report SS-369_KETE.pdf

— page 1 —
START OF REEL
JOB NO. [HANDWRITTEN: 7108]
[HANDWRITTEN: AR-183-98]
[HANDWRITTEN: Kete (SS-369)]
OPERATOR [SIGNATURE: R Munkh]
DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 10-16-78]

1.0
1.1
1.25

2.8
3.2
3.6
4.0
1.4

2.5
2.2
2.0
1.8
1.6

THIS MICROFILM IS
THE PROPERTY OF
THE UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT

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

MICROFILMED BY
NPPSO-NAVAL DISTRICT WASHINGTON
MICROFILM SECTION

REEL TARGET - START AND END
NDW-NPPSO-5210/1 (6-78)

— page 2 —
[HANDWRITTEN: KISTE (SS-369)
WWII PATROL FILE
ALL MATERIAL ON THIS REEL IS DECLASSIFIED.

FOR DECK LOGS JULY 1944 - JANUARY 1945 CONSULT
NATIONAL ARCHIVES WHICH HAS CUSTODY.

J.A. KOONTZ]

— page 3 —
Navy Department
Office of Chief of Naval Operations
Naval History Division (OP-29)
Ships' Histories Section

HISTORY OF USS KETE (SS 369)

The USS KETE (SS-369) was built at the Manitowoc Shipbuilding Company,
Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Her keel was laid October 25, 1943, she was
launched April 9, 1944. She was christened by Mrs. Edward S. Hutchinson,
248 South Church Street, Paris, Texas, wife of Captain Edward S. Hutchinson,
U.S. Navy, and was named USS KETE for the dog Salmon. She was commissioned
31 July 1944 and placed in command of Commander R.L. Rutter, USN. For the
next 10 days the KETE conducted builder's trials and independent ship's
exercises on Lake Michigan. She departed Manitowoc for New Orleans,
via Mississippi River on 20 August 1944, arriving at Naval Operating Base,
(Algiers) New Orleans, La., on 28 August 1944. At New Orleans her crew
was busy loading torpedoes, ammunition and fuel in order to depart on 31
August enroute for Panama Canal. Reaching her destination on 5 September
she transited the Canal on 9 September and commenced training under the
direction of Commander Submarine Squadron THREE. On 23 September she com-
pleted training, and on the 28th she departed in company with USS BLENNY.
Arriving at Pearl Harbor, T.H. on 15 October 1944 she conducted six days
of training including one convoy exercise on an inbound task force. And
received voyage repairs from the Submarine Base.

She got underway on 31 October 1944, in company with USS SEALION as
Task Unit 17.1.26. She arrived at Midway on 4 November, took on fuel and
departed the same day for their assigned patrol area. She entered Colnett
Strait on 15 November and passed clear 25 miles southwest of Kusekaki Shime
and Danjo Gunto. On the 19th she developed engine trouble. Remaining sub-
merged she received orders to Saipan, and met her escort on 24 November.
When she watched a Japanese plane go down in flames during her first air raid.
From 25 November - 22 December she was moored alongside the USS FULTON
while overhauling her bow planes. On 24 December 1944, she departed Saipan
in company with the USS KRAKEN continuing her first war patrol operating as
Task Unit 17.1.26. The KRAKEN left formation on the 25th and the KETE
proceeded to her patrol area arriving 28 December 1944. She patrolled in
the vicinity of Yoren Jima - Okinoyeratus Jima Pass. She was ordered to
patrol Life Guard Station approximately 60 miles S. E. of Okinawa and
operated at this station until ordered to Guam 27 January 1945 arriving 30
January 1945. No enemy targets had been sighted.

She departed Guam on 1 March 1945, under Lieutenant Commander Edward
Ackerman headed for her second patrol in the vicinity of the Nansei Shoto Is-
land Chain. In addition to this the KETE had orders to submit special
weather reports, and to carry out rescue service during an air strike by
carrier based planes. On the night of 9 March 1945, she sank three medium
sized freighters. On the night of 14 March she fired four torpedoes which
missed a small enemy cable laying vessel, and had only three torpedoes remain-
ing aboard. In view of the small number of torpedoes left, the KETE departed
her area on 20 March, and proceeded to Pearl for refit, stopping at Midway
enroute for fuel. On 20 March she sent in a special weather report from

— page 5 —
UNITED STATES
SUBMARINE LOSSES

WORLD WAR II

Reissued with an Appendix of
Axis Submarine Losses, fully indexed,
by
Naval History Division
Office of the Chief of Naval Operations
Washington: 1963

— page 6 —
KETE (SS 369)

Departing Guam on 1 March 1945, KETE (Lt. Cdr.
Edward Ackerman) headed for her second patrol in
the vicinity of the Nansei Shoto (island chain). In
addition to performing a normal patrol, KETE had
orders to submit special weather reports, and to carry
out rescue service during an air strike by carrier-based
planes.

On the night of 10 March 1945, KETE reported hav-
ing sunk three medium sized freighters on the previous
night. She reported on the night of 14 March that she
had fired four torpedoes which missed a small enemy
cable laying vessel, and that she had only three torpe-
does remaining aboard. In view of the small number
of torpedoes left, KETE was directed to depart her area
on 20 March, and proceed to Pearl Harbor for refit,
stopping at Midway enroute for fuel. On 19 March, she
sent in a special weather report from position lati-
tude 29°-38'N, longitude 130°-02'E. This was the last
message received from her. At her normal cruising speed
she should have arrived at Midway about 31 March 1945.
When she was neither sighted nor heard from by 16
April 1945, she was reported as presumed lost.

Japanese information concerning antisubmarine at-
tacks gained since the end of the war gives no positive
evidence to what happened to KETE; none of the attacks
on U. S. submarines occurring within the period from
20 March to 31 March 1945, was made in a position in
which KETE was likely to be.

There were a few minelines in the Nansei Shoto
Chain, but since KETE was already east of the islands
at the time of her last message on 20 March and was
heading home, loss through a mine is considered highly
improbable. It is now known that a number of enemy
submarines were in the area through which KETE was
required to pass enroute to Midway. RO-41 was sunk
east of Okinawa by a U. S. destroyer on 23 March 1945,
and two other Japanese submarines were sunk southeast
of Okinawa near this date. Conditions attendant to

[SIGNATURE: E. Ackerman]

KETE's loss suggest the likelihood that one of these
submarines might have torpedoed and sunk her and been
unable to report the attack before being sunk. Thus,
KETE must be considered probably a loss due to an
unreported enemy attack. She is credited with sinking
three medium freighters, totaling 12,000 tons, on the
bottom on this last patrol. During her first patrol, con-
ducted in the East China Sea, KETE encountered no
enemy targets.

726-302 O - 64 - 10
139

— page 7 —
U. S. S. KETE (SS-369)

Name                               Rate        Name                               Rate
ABTS, Le Roy AEM3        KOTELMAN, Walter ERM3
ACKERMAN, ELCDR        KRAUT, Richard PEM3
ADAMS, John C., Jr . . . . . . . LTJG        LASITER, Jack LMoMM3
APKING, John DFC3        LITZENBURGER, Frank, Jr. . . . . GM3
BERGADINE, Donald L. . . . . . MoMM3        LOGSDON, Earl Bkr
BLODGETT, Leonard E. . . . . . . S1        LOWERY, Billie BMoMM3
BRANIGER, Francis W. . . . . . CMoMM        LYNN, Charles W., JrMoMM3
BROOKS, Carl RM3        MALKO, Glenn RS1
BURNSIDE, W. H., Jr. . . . . . . LTJG        MARSICO, Anthony TF1
CALLAHAN, Perry CF1        MARTINI, Frank CSM
COBRIN, Bernard EM3        MCLENDON, Bernard E. . . . . . . MoMM3
COLE, Hugh MRM3        MESSENGER, Grant RS1
COOPER, Edward EM2        MOCCABEE, Samuel ASC1
CROWLEY, Robert WRM2        MOORE, Charlton LS1
CRUTCHFIELD, C. R., Jr. . . . . LTJG        MORRISON, Henry FMoMM3
DAWSON, William HCK3        NEWTON, Archie VMoMM3
DEININGER, Frederick R. . . . . . F1        O'BRIEN, Joseph ACBM
DERRAH, Harold WY1        O'CONNOR, Mark AEM3
DIETRICH, Helmut O. . . . . . . CCS        PAGE, George TMoMM3
DORTCHE, Calvin FS1M1        PETERSON, Clair, JrS1
DRAKE, K. LLT        PIPER, I. Victor MoMM3
DUL, Willis TM3        PRICE, Glenn OMoMM3
EFFERSON, Manuel LS1        PUSHEE, Donald CQM3
EGEN, Donald PS1        RACER, Robert RS1
FENTON, D. GLTJG        REIMERS, F. FL
FRENCH, Hugh CMoMM        RICHARDS, Francis AGM3
FRIESEN, Ben CMoMM        SCHEMM, George JQM3
FULLER, Robert S F1        SCHENAVAR, Maxium D. . . . . . . MoMM3
GLYNN, John F., JrS1        SCHUMACHER, Paul FEM3
GRISWOLD, Fred JS1        SIMPSON, Oliver HCPhM
GUNZINGER, Joseph H. . . . . . . RT1        SNYDER, James IEM3
GWINN, Elmer E., JrEM3        SPIKES, R. HLT--XO
HAAG, Bernard HENS        STARR, Jacob G., JrMoMM3
HART, Robert AS1        THOMAS, French L., Jr. . . . . . . CRM
HARTBANK, Glenn E. . . . . . . MoMM3        THOMPSON, Gordon RS1
HAYDEN, Paul OTM1        THORN, Keith GM3
HENDERSON, Earl Cox        VAN DAM, Peter CTM3
HINES, James LTM2        VILLALBA, Salomon HS1
HOLSHOUSER, James R. . . . . . CTM        WAGGONER, James SCEM
HOOPER, Stanton LRM3        WALLICK, Russell ATM2
KATZ, Abraham JEM2        WALLING, Stewart FTM3
KELLY, Norbert WEM3        WESTPHALL, J. AL
KENSLER, Elmer NTM3        WILSON, Gordon WTM3
                                            WOODWARD, Galen IRT2

140

— page 8 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 1st copy]
[HANDWRITTEN: 1055]
U.S.S. KETE (SS369)
Care of Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, California
30 January 1945.

SS369/A16-3
Serial ( 01 )
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
[STAMP: CONFIDENTIAL]

From: Commanding Officer, U.S.S. KETE (SS369).
To : Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : (1) Commander Submarine Division assigned for administration.
(2) Commander Task Group 17.10.
(3) Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. KETE (SS369), Report of War Patrol Number One.

Enclosure: (A) Subject Report.
(B) Track Chart - for Commander Submarine Force, Pacific
Fleet.

1. Enclosure (A), covering the first war patrol of this
vessel conducted in East China Sea area during the period October 31,
1944, to November 24, 1944, and in Nansei Shoto area near Okinawa Jima
during the period December 24, 1944, to January 30, 1945, is forwarded
herewith.

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED-ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C]
BY [HANDWRITTEN: OP 097C] DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 5/30/72]
[SIGNATURE: R.L. Rutter]
R.L. RUTTER.
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

[HANDWRITTEN: 108866]

— page 9 —
CONFIDENTIAL

U.S.S. KETE (SS369)

(A) PROLOGUE

Commissioned at Manitowoc Shipbuilding Company, Manitowoc,
Wisconsin, on July 31, 1944, ship in all respects satis-
factory. Conducted ten days of builder's trials and inde-
pendent ship's exercises on Lake Michigan. Departed Mani-
towoc for New Orleans, La., via Mississippi River on August
20, 1944. Arrived N.O.B. (Algiers) New Orleans, La., August
28, 1944. Loaded torpedoes, ammunition and fuel and de-
parted for Panama August 31, 1944. Arrived Panama Sep-
tember 5, 1944, departed at Coco Solo, transitted canal and
on September 9th commenced training under the direction of
Commander Submarine Squadron THREE. September 23, 1944
completed training; fired 30 contract torpedoes and 3
practice approach torpedoes. Departed Panama for Pearl
in company with BLENNY September 28, 1944, conducted
training enroute. Arrived Pearl October 15, 1944. Con-
ducted six days training including one convoy exercise
on an inbound task force, fired 3 practice approach
torpedoes. Received voyage repairs from SubBase and new
installations including DRT, APR, and associated equip-
ment and VHF.

(B) NARRATIVE

31 Oct
1338 (V:)
Departed Pearl in company with SEALION in accordance with
Commander Task Force 17 operation order 366-44 to conduct
cooperative patrol in assigned areas. Task unit designa-
tion 17.1.26.

31 Oct - 3 Nov
Enroute Midway conducting training exercises and testing
communications.

4 Nov
0803 (Y)
Arrived Midway. Fueled to capacity. Transferred one
fireman first class (chronic sea sickness) to SubBase,
Midway, received replacement.
Departed Midway.

1530 (Y)
Omitted.

5 Nov
Omitted.

6 Nov - 10 Nov
Enroute patrol area. Conducting training exercises with
SEALION. Weather became progressively bad, seas heavy
and winds strong.

11 Nov
1607 (LM)
Enroute patrol area. Received patrol craft contact from
SEALION. Closed position. Unable to contact.
Rendezvoused with SEALION - exchanged information and de-
cided to continue to area in preference to re-attacking
alerted patrol craft.

- 1 -

— page 10 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. KETE (SS369)

Enroute to patrol area.

12 Nov

13 Nov
0320 (L)        Enroute to patrol area.
                Lat. 29°17.8'N - Long. 140°47.4'E Radar contact -
                180°T, 14,000 yds. (ship contact #1) two small vessels
                tracked on course 350° speed 5. Rough seas (force 6-7)
                precluded successful torpedo or gun attack, so decided
                to avoid and continue to area.
0435 (L)        Lat. 29°17.8'N - Long. 140°39.4'E Radar contact -
                271°T, 13,150 yds. (ship contact #2) one small vessel
                tracked on course 305° speed 5, avoided.
0636 (L)        Lat. 29°11.6'N - Long. 140°08.1'E Radar contact -
                290°T, 7,600 yds. accompanied by radar interference
                (ship contact #3) one small vessel tracked on course
                090 speed 12. Radar interference appeared friendly,
                turned away, contact did likewise and shortly after-
                wards headed on course 270° as if for end around.
                Attempted radar communications without success.
                Appeared to track KETE for a while and then resumed course
                090. Possibly a radar equipped Jap, however KETE was un-
                certain as to whereabouts of friendly subs who had been
                patrolling the BONIN ISLAND area. Resumed course and
                speed for area.
2300 (L)        Converted #4 FBT to MBT.

14 Nov
0602 (KL)       Enroute patrol area.
                Radar range on probable plane AFR contact 3 miles.
                Lat. 29°30'N - Long. 135°22'E (aircraft contact #1),
                submerged.
0650 (KL)       Surfaced.
1155 (KL)       Aircraft sighted (BETTY) Lat. 29°30.5'N - Long. 134°02'E
                (aircraft contact #2), submerged.
1222 (KL)       Surfaced.
1515 (KL)       Aircraft sighted. Lat. 29°36.2'N - Long. 133°12'E
                (aircraft contact #3), submerged.
1544 (KL)       Surfaced.
1555 (KL)       Four aircraft sighted. Lat. 29°36.6'N - Long. 133°08.8'E
                (aircraft contact #4), submerged.
                After four plane contacts of our own and receipt of sev-
                eral "plane sighted" signals from SEALLION, decided to call
                it a day and remain submerged. Also decided to forget
                the SD radar until its use was necessary - 3 plane contacts
                with the radar operating 5 seconds out of each half minute
                and none picked up on the radar made its continued use of
                doubtful value, not considering the fact that it would be
                D.F'd as well.
1927 (KL)       Surfaced.
2253 (KL)       Radar interference at 321°T.

15 Nov
0020 (KL)       Exchanged calls by radar with BILLFISH (SS286).
0321 (KL)       Lat. 29°35.9'N - Long. 132°00.0'E Radar contact - 207°T,
                range 5,350 yds. Tracked on course 090 speed 13, be-
                lieved to be small, so avoided and continued to area.
                (ship contact #4)
                - 2 -

— page 11 —
CONFIDENTIAL                                                U.S.S. KETE (SS369)

0737 (KL)                                                   Submerged.
1843 (K)                                                    Surfaced.
1951 (K)                                                    Radar contact on YAKU SHIMA, 320°T, 70,000 yds.
2225 (K)                                                    Entered COLNETT STRAIT.

16 Nov
0040 (K)                                                    Clear of COLNETT STRAIT, continued toward area
                                                            25 miles south and west of KUSAKI SHIMA and
                                                            Lat. 31°56'N - Long. 126°43'E - Sighted small
                                                            214°T, distant 14,000 yds., avoided and continued
1600 (K)                                                    (ship contact #5)

17 Nov
0745 (K)                                                    Submerged on possible traffic lane to Empire.
0922 (K)                                                    Bow planes out of commission, checked entire system,
                                                            finally decided the same failure which had plagued
                                                            similar submarines had come home to roost. Decided to go
                                                            outside of the NANSEI SHOTO to breakdown the cylinder end
                                                            investigate.
1759 (K)                                                    Surfaced - commenced retreat. Decided to investigate
                                                            cylinder before informing SE.LION of departure.

18 Nov
1101 (K)                                                    Aircraft sighted Lat. 30°42'N - Long. 128°57'E
                                                            (aircraft contact #5) - Submerged.
1528 (K)                                                    Aircraft sighted (D.V.E.) Lat. 30°35'N - Long. 129°01'E
                                                            (aircraft contact #6).
1845 (K)                                                    Surfaced.
2200 (K)                                                    Entered COLNETT STRAIT.

19 Nov
0058 (K)                                                    Cleared COLNETT STRAIT.
0724 (K)                                                    Submerged. Opened end of bow plane tilting ram cylinder,
                                                            found metal chips and indication of scoring of the piston.
                                                            Planes operative in emergency position only.
1652 (KL)                                                   Surfaced - During night sent KETE's serials #1 and #2.

Nov 20
0735 (KL)                                                   Submerged to await orders.
1835 (KL)                                                   Surfaced.
2250 (KL)                                                   Received dispatch orders to SAIPAN. Headed for the base
                                                            on four engines.

21 Nov                                                      Sent rendezvous request to C.T.G. 17.7. Heavy seas pre-
                                                            vented making it at 18 knots so slowed and accepted a one
                                                            day delay.

22 - 23 Nov                                                 Enroute SAIPAN.
22/2333 (KL)                                                Exchanged calls by radar with BLENNY (SS324).

24 Nov
0635 (KL)                                                   Met escort.
                                                            Watched Jap plane go down in flames about 10 miles to
                                                            north during our first air raid.

                                                            - 3 -

— page 12 —
CONFIDENTIALL
U.S.S. KETE (SS369)

1237 (KL)
Moored alongside FULTON.
25 Nov - 22 Dec
Moored in nest alongside FULTON overhauling bow planes,
and standing by to stand by to get underway during numer-
ous air raids.
Eight men were transferred and replacements received on
board.

23 Dec
Conducted sea trials of repaired bow planes, everything
satisfactory.

24 Dec
1332 (K)
Departed S.IPAN in company with KRAKEN continuing first
war patrol in accordance with Task Force 17 operation order
416-44, Task Unit 17.1.26.

25 Dec
1327 (K)
Sighted friendly PBY type plane Lat. 18°16'N - Long.
141°43'E.
1437 (K)
Radar contact on friendly plane (IFF)
Lat. 18°25'N - Long. 141°31.1'E.
2300 (K)
KRAKEN left formation.

26 - 27 Dec
Enroute patrol area.

28 Dec
0630 (K)
Radar contact BORODINO ISLAND - 032°T, 31,900 yds.
1100 (K)
Entered area.
1525 (K)
Aircraft sighted Lat. 26°37'N - Long. 129°38.1'E
(aircraft contact #7), submerged - continued submerged
patrol.
1850 (K)
Surfaced.
2007 (K)
After contact on friendly radar interference exchanged
calls with SEA DEVIL (SS400). Obtained SEA DEVIL'S
estimate of traffic routes by radar communication.
Continued patrol in vicinity of YORON JIMA - OKINOYERABU
JIMA PASS.

29 Dec
0210 (K)
After contact on friendly radar interference exchanged
calls with WHALE (SS239).
0705 (K)
Submerged for patrol of YORON JIMA - OKINOYERABU
PASS.
1020 (K)
Two aircraft sighted (SALLY) Lat. 27°14.7'N - Long.
128°32.6'E (aircraft contact #8).
1933 (K)
Surfaced - proceeded to westward of NANSEI SHOTO
pass between YORON SHIMA and OKINOYERABU SHIMA.

30 Dec
0748 (K)
Patrolling about 60 miles westward of OKINOYERABU (as suggested
by SEA DEVIL).
1255 (K)
Submerged.
Aircraft sighted (NELL) Lat. 27°19.2'N - Long. 127°01.0'E
(aircraft contact #9)

- 4 -

— page 13 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. KETE (SS369)

1915 (K)                               Surfaced - ran eastward to IHEYA RETTO for radar fix
                                       then out to possible traffic lane.

31 Dec                                 Submerged.
0932 (K)                               Surfaced - headed north eastward about 60 miles westward
1917 (K)                               and parallel to NANSEI SHOTO.

1 Jan - 1945                           Radar contact TORI SHIMA - 110°T, distant 44,600 yds.
0125 (K)                               Submerged.
0758 (K)                               Aircraft sighted (BETTY) Lat. 27°43'N - Long. 127°54'E
1609 (K)                               (aircraft contact #10).
                                       Surfaced.
1928 (K)                               Received orders to life guard duty off OKINAWA. Headed
                                       for position to look the place over. Passed thru
                                       SHOTO chain north of OKINOYEBU SHIMA. Transmitted
                                       KETE's serial #1 on weather and results to-date.

2 Jan                                  After contact on friendly radar interference exchanged
0130 (K)                               calls with S.S. FOX (SS402).
0655 (K)                               Radar interference 358°T, uncertain as to friendly nature,
                                       possibly BLUEBACK or PUFFER but could not establish commun-
                                       ications.
0837 (K)                               Submerged for patrol S.E. of OKINAWA.
1927 (K)                               Surfaced.

3 Jan                                  On life guard station.
0818 (K)                               Aircraft sighted (VAL) Lat. 26°13.1'N - Long. 128°33.3'E.
0910 (K)                               (aircraft contact #11), submerged.
1121 (K)                               Surfaced.
1155 (K)                               Two aircraft sighted (BETTY) Lat. 26°12.6'N - Long.
1402 (K)                               128°30.2'E (aircraft contact #12).
                                       Commenced search for downed aviator south of OKINAWA.
                                       When as close as comfortable to beach, submerged and
                                       continued search - closed position, but unable to make
                                       contact. Wind from south made chances of picking up
                                       survivors rather slim.
1926 (K)                               Surfaced - continued search for about one hour then re-
                                       tired to eastward to life guard position. Transmitted
                                       KETE serial #2 on results of search.

4 Jan                                  Patrolling life guard station on surface. Heard our
                                       planes, but could not get thru to them! - No other
                                       aircraft contacts.

5 Jan                                  Patrolling life guard station.
1104 (K)                               Aircraft sighted (SALLY) Lat. 26°11.2'N - Long.
                                       128°16.2'E
                                       (aircraft contact #13). Submerged and continued patrol.
1730 (K)                               Surfaced.

6 Jan                                  Patrolling life guard station.
1544 (K)                               Aircraft sighted (NELL) Lat. 25°56.0'N - Long.
                                       128°21.5'E
                                       (aircraft contact #14). Submerged and continued patrol.

— page 14 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. HETE (SS369)

Surfaced.

1758 (K)
Patrolling life guard station.
7 Jan
Aircraft sighted (LILY) Lat. 26°13'N - Long. 128°24'E.
1340 (K)
(aircraft contact #15). Submerged.
1452 (K)
Aircraft sighted (LILY) Lat. 26°13'N - Long. 128°27.2'E.
(aircraft contact #16).
1701 (K)
Aircraft sighted (LILY) Lat. 26°13'N - Long. 128°34.1'E.
(aircraft contact #17).
1849 (K)
Surfaced.

8 Jan
Patrolling life guard station.
1704 (K)
Aircraft sighted (BETTY) Lat. 25°55.4'N - Long. 128°20.7'E.
(aircraft contact #18). Submerged.
1132 (K)
Surfaced.
1215 (K)
Aircraft sighted (BETTY) Lat. 25°53'N - Long. 128°21'E.
(aircraft contact #19).

9 Jan
Patrolling life guard station.

10 Jan
Patrolling life guard station.
1310 (K)
Aircraft sighted (BETTY) Lat. 25°50'N - Long. 128°27.9'E.
(aircraft contact #20).
1358 (K)
Aircraft sighted (HELL) Lat. 25°54.2'N - Long. 128°24.0'E.
(aircraft contact #21). Submerged.
2230 (K)
Surfaced - Started north eastward to patrol passes and
convert F.B.T. #4.
Radar interference in direction of OKINOYER.BU, appeared
friendly.

11 Jan
Converted #4 F.B.T. to M.B.T.
0100 (K)
Submerged to wash tank.
0306 (K)
Surfaced - Continued toward YORON SHIMA.
0319 (K)
Submerged for patrol in passes between OKINIMA and
0743 (K)
OKINOYER.BU.
Surfaced.
1936 (K)

12 Jan.
Friendly radar interference - 282°T.
0508 (K)
Submerged off passes - Received part of message while
0759 (K)
going down telling of PUFFER's patrol craft contact
between OKINOYER.BU and YORON SHIMA - Nothing in sight
in our immediate vicinity.
0949 (K)
Heard about 15 distant depth charges - Patrol craft
were still around.
1215 (K)
Aircraft sighted (BETTY) Lat. 27°05.5'N - Long. 128°40'E.
(aircraft contact #22).
1303 (K)
Aircraft sighted (DIVE) Lat. 27°07'N - Long. 128°39'E.
(aircraft contact #23).
1538 (K)
Aircraft sighted (DIVE) Lat. 27°00.2'N - Long. 128°39.2'E.
(aircraft contact #24) - Patrol craft apparently assisted
by planes.
1922 (K)
Surfaced.

- 6 -

— page 15 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. KETE (SS369)

13 - 14 Jan.         Received dope on WOPACO frequency from ComTaskGroup 17.19
                     of smoke contact. Believed to be PUFFER'S group going home
                     and that ComTaskGroup 17.19 had submerged before receiving
                     dope. The position of the contact would place them
                     in NAHI long before we could reach them so did not chase.

                     Patrolling the groove, 215-035, 30 to 50 miles off OKINAWA
                     between north and south limits of area - Estimated this to be
                     best way to cover the coffin corner. It's no wonder the Japs
                     don't want this place. The weather has been consistent only
                     by being bad.

15 Jan
1251 (K)             Aircraft sighted Lat. 26°06.9'N - Long. 128°19.7'E.
                     (aircraft contact #25) - Submerged.
1505 (K)             Surfaced.
1702 (K)             Aircraft sighted (NATE) Lat. 26°24'N - Long. 128°34'E.
                     (aircraft contact #26) - Submerged.
1900 (K)             Surfaced.

16-17-18 Jan         Patrolling the groove - Weather so bad even the planes aren't
                     out. Seas heavy, temperature between 50 and 60, visibility
                     poor.
                     Transmitted KETE's serial #3 evening of 18th.

19 Jan               Patrolling the groove, seas moderated and weather cleared,
                     best day so far in area.
0810 (K)             Aircraft sighted Lat. 26°45.8'N - Long. 128°59.7'E.
                     (aircraft contact #27).
1257 (K)             Sighted mine - Lat. 27°20'N - Long. 129°23'E. Manned 20 MM
                     to destroy it. After about 600 rounds finally pierced the
                     mine a sufficient number of times to sink it - probably
                     raised by rough weather the last few days. Mine looked
                     old and rusty.
1451 (K)             Aircraft sighted (KETE) Lat. 27°11.5'N - Long. 129°20'E.
                     (aircraft contact #28) - Submerged.
1906 (K)             Surfaced. Continued NE-SW patrol off OKINAWA.

20 Jan               Patrolling groove.
1812 (K)             Aircraft sighted (NATE) Lat. 26°49.1'N - Long. 128°55.7'E.
                     (aircraft contact #29) - Submerged.
1915 (K)             Surfaced.

21 Jan               On life guard station.
0735 (K)             SJ radar contact, Lat. 26°08.9'N - Long. 128°18.9'E.,
                     bearing 100°T, distant 20,500 yds. Rapid change of range
                     and bearing indicated contact was on plane. (aircraft
                     contact #30).
1220 (K)             Heard own planes on VHF - no business for KETE.

22 Jan               On life guard station.
0730 (K)             Heavy VHF traffic from own planes.

                     - 7 -

— page 16 —
U.S.S. KETE (SS369)

CONFIDENTI.L
0742 (K) Heard planes motors and sighted plane running lights overhead.
1115 (K) Saw sporadic A.A. fire on OKINAWA and heard distant explosions
1156 (K) throughout day in addition to sighting large columns of smoke
          from numerous fires.
          Plane reported down on other side of island. Heard King-
          fisher ordered out shortly afterwards to await
          developments. Told planes we would not go in for pilot.
          Went southwest about 15 miles for possible plane ditching
          sighted from bridge, however made no contact. Assumed plane
          had just dipped below horizon and had not ditched. Encoun-
          tered lone Liberator - No IFF response, finally saw U.S.
          markings. Returned to station. Startled by plane ditching
          a bomb about 6 miles on port bow.
          At no time were we without planes - usually had a dozen or so
          in sight throughout the day from 0742 till about 2000.
          Transmitted KETE's serial #4.

23 Jan Ran south of OKINAWA for look around for possible lost planes
          east of MIYAKO RETTO.

24 Jan Patrolling the groove.

25 Jan Patrolling northward about 10 miles off coast of OKINAWA.
          Made trim dive.
1724 (K) Three aircraft sighted (fighters) Lat. 26°41.8'N - Long.
          128°36.9'E (aircraft contact #31).

26 Jan
0754 (K) Submerged 15 miles off YORON SHIMA for patrol of air
1649 (K) aircraft sighted (RUFE) Lat. 27°11.0'N - Long. 128°43.5'E.
          (aircraft contact #32).
1933 (K) Surfaced. Headed east for edge of area. Transmitted KETE's
          serial #5 reporting lack of results to date, intentions of
          leaving area and requesting destination.

27 Jan
0630 (K) Received dispatch orders to GUAM - Proceeded as ordered at
2000 (K) four engine speed.
          Departed area.
          Sent dispatch to C.T.G. 17.7 requesting rendezvous.

28 - 29 Jan Enroute Guam.

30 Jan. Arrived Guam for refit.

- 8 -

— page 17 —
CONFIDENTIAL

U.S.S. KETE (SS369)

(F) SHIP CONTACTS

| No. | Date Time | Lat Long | Type | Initial Range | Est. Course Speed | How Contacted | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 13 Nov 0320 L | 29-10.6N 140-47.5E | 2 small Est. PC | 14,000 | 350 5 | R | |
| 2 | 13 Nov 0435 L | 29-17.8N 140-31.8E | 1 small Est. PC | 13,150 | 305 5 | R | Radar interfer- ence on SJ simi- lar to SJ inter- ference. |
| 3 | 13 Nov 0636 L | 29-19N 140-04.5E | Small Unknown | 7,600 | 090 12 | R | |
| 4 | 15 Nov 0321 KL | 29-33.4 131-58.0 | Small | 5,350 | 090 13 | R | Sighted by high periscope |
| 5 | 16 Nov 1600 K | 31-50.5N 126-39E | Sampan | 14,000 | 000 5 | SD | |

(C) WEATHER :
No unusual weather conditions obtained, the skies were generally over-
cast 60% or more and celestial fixes infrequent. Temperatures ranged be-
tween 50 and 60 degrees varying as the winds shifted. The wind generally
was from 330 to 030, and seas built up to force 4 or 5.

The major air raid was held on the best and only good day out of 30
spent in the area. Most of the time the islands were obscured by a heavy
mist.

(D) TIDAL INFORMATION
Tides and currents SE of OKINAWA were unpredictable in strength and
direction, varying with wind and proximity to land. 30 miles E & S of
TSUKEN JIMA they were usually between 200 and 160 at a strength of about
5 knots.

(E) NAVIGATION AIDS
Radar fixes on land was the predominate method of navigation. The
only light encountered on TSUKEN JIMA was not observed lighted although
occasionally in range of visibility.

- 9 -

— page 18 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. KETE
(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS

CONTACT NUMBER | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---
Date | 14 Nov | 14 Nov | 14 Nov | 14 Nov | 18 Nov | 18 Nov | 28 Dec
S | Time (Zone) | 0602 KL | 1155 KL | 1515 KL | 1555 KL | 1101 K | 1528 K | 1525 K
U | Position: Lat. N | 29-30 | 29-30.5 | 29-36.2 | 29-36.5 | 30-42 | 30-35 | 26-37
B | Long. E | 135-22 | 134-02 | 133-12 | 133-08.8 | 128-57 | 129-01 | 129-38.1
M | Speed | 13.6 | 13 | 15.1 | 15.0 | 10.5 | 12.75 | 11.5
A | Course | 270 | 278 | 278 | 278 | 158 | 158 | 307
R | Trim | SURF | SURF | SURF | SURF | SURF | DIVER | SURF
I | Minutes since Last: | — | 1/2 | 1/2 | 1/2 | — | — | —
N | SD Radar Search | | | | | | |
E | Number | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 1
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---
A | Type | UNK | BETTY | UNK | UNK | UNK | DAVE | UNK
I | Probable Mission | PAT | PAT | PAT | PAT | PAT | PAT | UNK
R | How Contacted | RADAR | SIGHT | SIGHT | SIGHT | SIGHT | SIGHT | SIGHT
C | Initial Range | 3 Mi | 5 Mi | 6 Mi | UNK | 5 Mi | 8 Mi | 15 Mi
R | Elevation Angle | UNK | 2½° | 1° | 4° | 15° | 3° | 1½°
A | Range & Relative | | | | | | |
F | Bearing of Plane | | | | | | |
T | Detected | | | | | | |
S/L | ND | ND | ND | ND | ND | ND | ND
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---
C | Sea: (State) (Beaufort) | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2
O | (Direction Rel) | 090 | 090 | 090 | 090 | 090 | — | 010
N | Visibility (Miles) | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 20 | 20
D | Clouds: (Height in Ft.) | 2000 | CLEAR | CLEAR | CLEAR | 2000 | 4000 | 2500
I | (Percent Overcast) | 80 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 50 | 10 | 50
T | Moon: (Bearing (Rel)) | NONE | NONE | NONE | NONE | NONE | NONE | NONE
I | (Angle of Illum.) | — | — | — | — | — | — | —
O | | | | | | |
N | | | | | | |

Type of S/M Camouflage on this patrol - GRAY
- 10 -

— page 19 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. KETE
(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS
CONTACT NUMBER
| 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14
Date | 29 Dec. | 30 Dec | 1 Jan | 3 Jan | 3 Jan | 5 Jan | 6 Jan
Time (Zone) | 1020 K | 1255 K | 1609 K | 0818 K | 1121 K | 1104 K | 1544 K
SUBMARINE
Position: Lat. N | 27-14.7 | 27-19.2 | 27-48 | 26-13.1 | 26-12.6 | 26-11.2 | 25-56.0
Long. E | 128-32.6 | 127-01 | 127-54 | 128-33 | 128-30.2 | 128-16.3 | 128-21.
Speed | 2.5 | 2.5 | 2.5 | 10.2 | 10.7 | 9.7 | 8.8
Course | 150 | 090 | 135 | 267 | 270 | 090 | 193
Trim | PER | PER | PER | SURF | SURF | SURF | SURF
Minutes since last
SD Radar Search | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---
AIRCRAFT
Number | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1
Type | SALLY | NELL | BETTY | VAL | BETTY | SALLY | NELL
Probable Mission | UNK | UNK | UNK | UNK | UNK | UNK | UNK
How Contacted | SIGHT | SIGHT | SIGHT | SIGHT | SIGHT | SIGHT | SIGHT
Initial Range | 6 MI | 3 MI | 10 MI | 5 MI | 12 MI | 2.5 MI | 5 MI
Elevation Angle | 2° | 3° | 3° | 11° | 3° | 5° | 4°
Range & Relative
Bearing of Plane | ND | ND | ND | ND | ND | ND | ND
When it detected
S/M | ND | ND | ND | ND | ND | ND | ND
CONDITIONS
Sea: (Beaufort) | 3 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2
(Direction Rel) | 210 | 270 | 225 | 115 | 110 | 270 | 140
Visibility (Miles) | 10 | 10 | 10 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20
Clouds: (Height in
Ft.) | 2000 | 2000 | 2000 | 2000 | 2000 | 6000 | 5000
(Percent
Overcast) | 100 | 100 | 70 | 30 | 70 | 100 | 80
Moon: (Bearing (Rel)) | NONE | NONE | NONE | NONE | NONE | NONE | NONE
(Angle) | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---
(Percent
Illum.) | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---

Type of S/M Camouflage on this patrol - GRAY

- 11 -

— page 20 —
CONFIDENTIAL
CONTACT NUMBER
U.S.S. KETE
(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS
| | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21
| Date | 7 Jan | 7 Jan | 7 Jan | 8 Jan | 8 Jan | 10 Jan | 10 Jan
| Time (Zone) | 1340 K | 1457 K | 1701 K | 1104 K | 1215 K | 1210 K | 1510 K
| Position: Lat. N | 26-13 | 26-13 | 26-13 | 25-55.4 | 25-53 | 25-50 | 25-54.2
| Long. E | 128-24 | 128-27.2 | 128-34 | 128-20.7 | 128-21 | 128-27.9 | 128-24
| Speed | 9.4 | 2.5 | 2.5 | 9.8 | 10 | 10 | 9.1
| Course | 270 | 090 | 090 | 135 | 215 | 115 | 315
| Trim | SURF | PER | PER | SURF | SURF | SURF | SURF
| Minutes since Last SD Radar Search | | | | | | |
| Number | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1
| Type | LILY | LILY | B.ES | BETTY | BETTY | BETTY | NELL
| Probable Mission | UNK | UNK | UNK | UNK | UNK | UNK | UNK
| How Contacted | SIGHT | SIGHT | SIGHT | SIGHT | SIGHT | SIGHT | SIGHT
| Initial Range | 15 Mi | 10 Mi | 3 Mi | 12 Mi | 8 Mi | 10 Mi | 6 Mi
| Elevation Angle | 4° | 2° | 2° | 2° | 2° | 1° | 1°
| Range & Relative Bearing of Plane When it detected S/M | ND | ND | ND | ND | ND | ND | ND
| Sea: (Beaufort) | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 2
| (Direction Rel) | 090 | 330 | 330 | 160 | 330 | 180 | 040
| Visibility (Miles) | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 18 | 20
| Clouds: (Height in Ft.) | 5000 | 5000 | 5000 | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 | 4000
| (Percent Overcast) | 80 | 80 | 80 | 100 | 70 | 80 | 80
| Moon: (Bearing (Rel)) | NONE | NONE | NONE | NONE | NONE | NONE | NONE
| (Angle) | | | | | | |
| (Percent Illum.) | | | | | | |

Type of S/M Camouflage on this patrol - GRAY

- 12 -

— page 21 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. KETE
(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS

CONTACT NUMBER | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28
|----|----|----|----|----|----|----
Date | 12 Jan | 12 Jan | 12 Jan | 15 Jan | 15 Jan | 19 Jan | 19 Jan
S | Time (Zone) | 1215 K | 1303 K | 1538 K | 1251 K | 1702 K | 0810 K | 1451 K
U | Position: Lat. N | 27-05.5 | 27-02 | 27-00.2 | 26-06.9 | 26-24 | 26-45.8 | 27-11.5
B | Long. E | 128-40 | 128-39 | 128-39 | 128-19.7 | 128-34 | 128-59.7 | 129-20
M | Speed | 3 | 3 | 3 | 9.5 | 9.5 | 9.5 | 9.5
A | Course | 090 | 090 | 000 | 010 | 010 | 030 | 210
R | Trim | PER | PER | PER | SURF | SURF | SURF | SURF
I | Minutes since last | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---
N | SD Radar Search | : | : | : | : | : | : | :
E | | : | : | : | : | : | : | :
|----|----|----|----|----|----|----
A | Number | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1
I | Type | BETTY D. | VE | DAVE | UNK | NATE | UNK | PETE
R | Probable Mission | UNK | UNK | UNK | UNK | UNK | UNK | UNK
C | How Contacted | SIGHT | SIGHT | SIGHT | SIGHT | SIGHT | SIGHT | SIGHT
R | Initial Range | 5 Mi | 2½ Mi | 10 Mi | 10 Mi | 8 Mi | 12 Mi | 8 Mi
A | Elevation Angle | 3° | 2½° | 4° | 2° | 3° | 1° | 2°
F | Range & Relative | : | : | : | : | : | : | :
T | Bearing of Plane | : | : | : | : | : | : | :
| When it disappeared | : | : | : | : | : | : | :
| S/M | ND | ND | ND | ND | ND | ND | ND
|----|----|----|----|----|----|----
C | Sea: (Beaufort) | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 1
O | (Direction Rel) | 270 | 270 | 000 | 350 | 340 | 330 | 120
N | Visibility (Miles) | 6 | 6 | 6 | 10 | 10 | 20 | 60
D | Clouds: (Height in | 1500 | 1500 | 1500 | 5000 | 1500 | 4000 | 6000
I | Ft.) | : | : | : | : | : | : | :
T | (Percent | 95 | 95 | 100 | 100 | 90 | 90 | 80
I | Overcast) | : | : | : | : | : | : | :
O | Moon: (Bearing (Rel)) | NONE | NONE | NONE | NONE | NONE | NONE | NONE
N | (Angle) | : | : | : | : | : | : | :
S | (Percent | : | : | : | : | : | : | :
| Illum.) | : | : | : | : | : | : | :
|----|----|----|----|----|----|----
Type of S/M Camouflage on this patrol - GREY:

- 13 -

— page 22 —
CONFIDENTIAL

U.S.S. KETE (SS369)

(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS

CONTACT NUMBER | 29      | 30      | 31      | 32
||||
Date           | 20 Jan  | 21 Jan  | 25 Jan  | 26 Jan
S              |         |         |         |
U Time (Zone)  | 1812 K  | 0735 K  | 1724 K  | 1649 K
B              |         |         |         |
M Position: Lat. N | 26-49.1 | 26-06.2 | 26-41.8 | 27-11.0
A              |         |         |         |
R Long. E      | 128-55.7| 128-18.9| 128-31.9| 128-43.5
I              |         |         |         |
N Speed        | 9.1     | 10.0    | 9.7     | 2.5
E Course       | 030     | 100     | 050     | 110
Trim           | SURF    | SURF    | SURF    | PER
Minutes Since

— page 23 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. KETE (SS369)

(H) ATTACK DATA

None.

(I) MINES

One floating mine, type Mk6, was encountered in Lat. 27°20'N - Long. 129°23'E.
After firing about 600 rounds of 20 mm. ammunition, enough hits were obtained
to sink it.

(J) ANTI-SUBMARINE AND EVASION TACTICS

No anti-submarine measures from surface craft were encountered. There was
a daily air patrol over the area.

(K) MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE - ENG

Nov. 10 - Replaced cracked liner, No. 2 unit, No. 4 main engine. Liner had
crack beginning at top near stud and extending downward 1½ inches - not due
to operating personnel.

Nov. 12 - Replaced cracked liner, No. 1 unit, No. 2 main engine. Crack in
this liner very similar to one in liner replaced on Nov. 10, beginning at
top near stud and extending downward 1 inch - not due to operating personnel.

Jan. 5 - Elastic coupling between auxiliary engine and auxiliary generator
carried away. Unable to effect repairs at sea or to determine extent of
damage. Auxiliary generator must be uncoupled and moved forward to allow
inspection of broken springs.

During the period at Saipan a complete check of all main engines was made
by ship's force. On main engines 1, 2, 3 and 4 the connecting rod bearings
were found to be badly flaked and all bearings were removed on engines
1, 2 and 3 and six bearings removed on engine number 4.

HULL

17 Nov. - On a routine dive the bow planes went out of commission suddenly.
The planes could not be moved in hand or the power positions and were very
sluggish in the emergency position. After a complete check of the system
the ram assembly was examined and the cylinder was found to be heavily
scored and large pieces of metal gouged out. Small metal chips and fittings
were found in the entire bow plane tilting system and in the strainers of
the main hydraulic system.

At Saipan the entire bow plane ram assembly was removed and Ship Alt. 265
made to the piston. The hydraulic tilting pump was replaced and both IMO
pumps replaced. The entire hydraulic system of the ship was inspected and
cleaned. At the first opportunity Ship Alt. 265 should be made to the
piston of the stern plane ram assembly.

(L) RADIO

No casualties to the radio equipment were experienced during this patrol.
Reception of submarine schedules was best on low frequencies, HAIKU FOX.

- 15 -

— page 24 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. KETE (SS369)

coming in strong except during exceptionally bad weather. Enemy interfer-
ence, however, made copying very difficult, especially during the hours
from midnight to dawn. In life-guard operations with our planes, communi-
cations on the VHF were satisfactory. The addition of Radio Guam to the
submarine chain has lessened considerably the difficulties of transmitting
a message from patrol areas. There is not so much waiting for other traffic,
and reception is better in both directions.

(M) R.D.R.

The S-J radar operation was satisfactory except for failure of the lobing
solenoid (11) and normal vacuum tube failures. This solenoid had a short
and was blackened from overheating, causing it to be too weak to engage the
lobing clutch. The S-J antenna head was removed while underway under very
adverse conditions and a new solenoid was installed. During the removal
of the antenna head, the cross component absorbing resistor came out
damaged resulting in an excessive minimum range of 800 yards. Over half
the tube failures were rectifier tubes, the 5U4G's being the principal
offenders. This model tube is definitely a weak point in the S-J radar.

There were no casualties to the SD-5 radar. During the carrier strike of
January 22, 1945, ranges of 45-50 miles were common. The only time the SD-5
radar was used was while on life-guard duty during the carrier strike.
The IFF gear functioned perfectly on this patrol and was invaluable during
life-guard duty.

(N) SOUND

No casualties to the sound equipment were experienced during this patrol.
Due to the absence of sound contacts, no accurate data is available on sound
conditions in the operating area.

(O) DENSITY LAYERS

No layers found in the area.

(P) HEALTH, FOOD, and HABITABILITY

One man was incapacitated for a period of two weeks with a bad case of
Bursitis. During the latter part of the patrol there were numerous cases
of boils.

The food was well prepared and of sufficient variety. On loading at Saipan
no fresh eggs, fresh vegetables, or frozen fruits were available; and only
limited quantities of fresh fruit, frozen vegetables and fresh
beef.

The habitability was very good, primarily due to the installation of an
auxiliary blower and cooling unit in the supply line.

- 16 -

— page 25 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. KETE (SS369)

(Q) PERSONNEL

Both officers and men performed their duties in a satisfactory manner, and
a continuous school of the boat and drills were conducted during the entire
patrol. Eight men were transferred at Saipan and replacements obtained
from Submarine Division EIGHTY-TWO Relief Crew.

(R) MILES STEAMED - FUEL USED

(Pearl to Midway 1288 Mi. 17,160 gals.)
(Midway to Area 3103 Mi. 41,990 gals.)
(Area to Saipan 2014 Mi. 20,720 gals.)
(Saipan to Area 1191 Mi. 14,010 gals.)
(In Area 4872 Mi. 34,910 gals.)
(Area to Guam 1151 Mi. 19,000 gals.)

Base for computing mileage - pit log

(S) DURATION

Part I Part II

(Days enroute to area 17) (Days enroute to area 4)
(Days in area 1) (Days in area 31)
(Days enroute to base 6) (Days enroute to base 4)
(Days submerged 5) (Days submerged 10)

(T) FACTORS OF ENDURANCE RELINING

Torpedoes Fuel Provisions Personnel Factor

24 52,000 gals. 15 days 5 days

Limiting factor this patrol - Terminated by operation order.

(U) R.RADIO AND R.D.R. COUNTERMEASURES

No unusual radio countermeasures encountered.
While on the surface a continuous watch was maintained on the APR and SPA
and a complete log of all contacts was kept. Most of the land based radar
were picked up when 30-40 miles from land. In the table which follows, an
attempt has been made to identify the location of all land based radar en-
countered. Very few radar equipped aircraft were picked up on the APR and
only one of these aircraft possibly detected us (aircraft contact #30).
On one occasion a radar equipped plane was detected at a range of 20,400
yards on the S-J, but showed no signs of detecting us.

- 17 -

— page 26 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. KETE (SS369)

INTERCEPTION OF ENEMY RADAR TRANSMISSIONS

| Date   | Time (Local) | Position Own Ship | Freq. (MCs) | P.R.F. | Antenna Rotation (RPM) | Lobing | Pulse and Pulse Length in micro sec. | Remarks

— page 27 —
CONFIDENTLAL

U.S.S. KETE (SS369)

INTERCEPTION OF ENEMY R.D.R. TRANSMISSIONS

| Date | Time (Local) | Position Own Ship | Freq. (MCS) | P.R.F. | Antenna Rotation (RPM) | Pulse and Pulse length Loping in micro sec. | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 28 | 0512 K | 25-24N 131-27E | 158 | 500 | 4 | No [Image of a waveform] 7 ms. | Land based - Minami Daito Jima (South Borodino). |
| Dec 30 | 0109 K | 27-19N 127-11.3E | 155 | 1000 | Constant | No [Image of a waveform] 5 ms. | Keyed - Rapid change in strength. Probably aircraft. |
| Jan 2 | 0130 K | 27-14N 129-11.3E | 151 | 1000 | Very slow | No [Image of a waveform] 6 ms. | Probably land based - Yoron Jima or Okin- oyerabu Jima. |
| Jan 19 | 0830 K | 26-47N 129-01E | 151 | 1000 | Very slow | No [Image of a waveform] 6 ms. | |
| Jan 3 | 1310 K | 26-02N 128-12E | 96 | 750 | 3 | No [Image of a waveform] 35 ms. | Land based - Okinawa Jima points plot in a circle which centers at Chimu Zaki. |
| Jan 4 | 2000 K | 25-52N 128-00E | " | " | " | " | |
| Jan 5 | 0350 K | 26-08N 128-21E | " | " | " | " | |
| Jan 5 | 2145 K | 26-36N 128-18E | " | " | " | " | |
| Jan 5 | 2318 K | 26-42N 128-29E | " | " | " | " | |
| Jan 7 | 0210 K | 26-25N 128-33E | " | " | " | " | |
| Jan 8 | 2305 K | 26-18N 128-30E | " | " | " | " | |

- 19 -

— page 28 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. KETE (SS369)

INTERCEPTION OF ENEMY R.D.R. TRANSMISSIONS

| Date | Time (Local) | Position Own Ship | Freq. (MCs) | P.R.F. | Antenna Rotation (RPM) | Lobing (in micro sec.) | Pulse and Pulse length | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 3 | 1400 K | 25-59N | 155 | 500 | Irregular | No | [HANDWRITTEN: ~] | Land based - |
| | | 127-56E | | | | | | Okinawa Jima. | They plot in |
| Jan 4 | 1338 K | 25-58.5N | 155 | 500 | " | " | 3-5 ms. | an arc around |
| | | 127-58E | | | | | | Chan Zaki. | All these con- |
| Jan 6 | 0825 K | 25-46N | 158 | 500 | " | " | | tacts had the |
| | | 128-17E | | | | | | same charac- |
| Jan 6 | 1230 K | 25-50N | 156 | 500 | " | " | | teristics. |
| | | 128-21E | | | | | | |
| Jan 6 | 1530 K | 25-58N | 159 | 500 | " | " | | |
| | | 128-23E | | | | | | |
| Jan 8 | 1305 K | 26-00N | 158 | 500 | " | " | | |
| | | 128-20E | | | | | | |
| Jan 9 | 1340 K | 26-16N | 160 | 500 | " | " | | |
| | | 128-11E | | | | | | |
| Jan 15 | 1210 K | 26-6N | 159 | 500 | " | " | | |
| | | 128-19E | | | | | | |
| Jan 20 | 1005 K | 25-58N | 158 | 500 | " | " | | |
| | | 128-21E | | | | | | |
| Jan 22 | 1928 K | 25-59N | 160 | 500 | " | " | | |
| | | 128-11E | | | | | | |
| Jan 25 | 0850 K | 26-01N | 158 | 500 | " | " | | |
| | | 128-20E | | | | | | |
| Jan 11 | 1956 K | 27-01N | 148 | 500 | Irregular | No | [HANDWRITTEN: ~] | Land based - |
| | | 128-44E | | | | | | Okinawa Jima. |
| Jan 12 | 0950 K | 26-45N | " | " | " | " | [HANDWRITTEN: ~] | Aircraft in |
| | | 128-56E | | | | | 7.5 ms. | contact with |
| Jan 15 | 0520 K | 26-45N | " | " | " | " | | Hedo Zaki. |
| | | 128-55E | | | | | | |
| Jan 20 | 1920 K | 26-52N | " | " | " | " | | |
| | | 128-57E | | | | | | |
| Jan 26 | 1954 K | 27-09N | " | " | " | " | | |
| | | 128-50E | | | | | | |
| Jan 21 | 0720 K | 26-12N | 178 | 220 | None | No | [HANDWRITTEN: ~] | Aircraft - |
| | | 128-25E | | | | | 4 ms. | plane on S-E | at 20,400 yds. | did not de- | tect us |

- 20 -

— page 29 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. KETE (SS369)
(V)-1 COMMENTS ON MK 18-1 TORPEDOES

Received full load (24) Mk 18-1 electric torpedoes at Pearl Harbor. Due
to extended patrol watered batteries in all torpedoes while at Saipan,
M.I. A period of 88 days elapsed without any outstanding difficulties.
Then one torpedo was placed out of commission due to excess ground which
could not be cleared. One cell was jumped on one other torpedo. Old type
burner required close attention and it is hoped that this vessel
will be equipped with the new Ward Leonard hydrogen burners during the
coming refit. No undue effort was required in the routine servicing
and we will be glad to have a reload of Mk 18-1 for our next patrol.

(V)-2 REMARKS

There was an absolute absence of traffic in the south western area and the
time spent in the western areas was too short to make any comment.

The fighter cover during life-guard duty on the carrier strike of 22 Jan.
was of inestimable value. The following extract from the VHF log is of
interest and shows necessity of this cover:

"02:16Z Bingo 10 this is Bingo 7 do you want to make a swipe at this
guy over?
Negative negative that is Ruby Lips.
02:17Z Bingo 10 this is Bingo 7 that is Ruby Lips that is Ruby Lips.
06:00Z 29 Cobra this is 23 Cobra looks like a small gasoline boat out
on the water want to make a run on them? Yes, go ahead.
91 Cobra, make friendly approach, stay wide, there's four little ones
here. I though we'd give them a buzz.
29 Cobra, Looks like Ruby Lips. We will have a look at that ship out
there for we go home. I believe it is an island.
See what that is dead ahead about one o'clock? If you will put out
to port I'll have you on my wing.
06:55Z Prepare to strafe. Altitude 2,500 feet. Whatever it is, it's
alive. Yeah I see it. Be careful if it is a submarine do not strafe.
06:57Z That is what it is do not strafe. Smitty there's something on
the water about ten o'clock. Yes, I see it - you know what it is and
I know what it is."

- 21 -

— page 30 —
FB5-S2/A16-3
Serial (06)
C-O-M-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

SUBMARINE DIVISION EIGHTY-TWO.

Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.
31 January 1945.

From: SUBMARINE DIVISION EIGHTY-TWO.
To : The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : (1) The Commander Task Group 17.10
      (2) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
      (3) The Commander in Chief, U. S. Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. KETE (SS369) - Report of War Patrol Number One.

1. The first war patrol of the KETE was divided into two parts.
The first was of twenty-four days duration of which one day was spent in the
operating area located in the East China Sea. The second covered a
nine day period of which thirty-one days were spent in the assigned operating
area around the Nansei Shoto. The break in this patrol was caused by a
casualty to the bow planes which required KETE's return to S.P.F. for repairs.

2. Despite thorough area coverage this patrol was marked by
the utter lack of enemy surface craft contacts.

3. KETE fulfilled the duties of a lifeguard submarine during
ten days of this patrol but was not in a position to recover any aviators
although in a favorable seat during various air strikes. The value of
lifeguard submarines operating close in to the target area is
emphasized by the remarks of the commanding officer.

4. The KETE returned from patrol very clean and in apparently
good material condition. The refit will be conducted by the relief
Submarine Division Eighty-Two and S.P.F. refit of normal length
indicated, but the departure of the S.P.F. from the C.U. area prior to
the completion of the refit may require an extension of one or two days
incident to shifting tenders.

5. The Division Commander congratulates the commanding
officers and crew upon the completion of this arduous patrol and sincerely
hopes that the next will find the enemy more cooperative in providing targets.

[SIGNATURE: L. L. T. STONE]
L. L. T. STONE.

— page 31 —
SUBMARINE SQUADRON TEN

FC5-10/A16-3
Serial: 036

CONFIDENTIAL

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
USS KETE First War
Patrol.

From: The Commander Submarine Squadron Ten.
To : The Commander-in-Chief, U. S. Fleet.
Via : (1) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
(2) The Commander-in-Chief, U. S. Pacific Fleet.
Subject: U.S.S. KETE (SS369) - Report of War Patrol No. 1.

1. Forwarded, concurring in the remarks contained in the first
endorsement.

[SIGNATURE: G. L. RUSSELL]
G. L. RUSSELL.

Copy to:
CSD-82.
CO KETE.

— page 32 —
[HANDWRITTEN: F4254]
[HANDWRITTEN: 1r]
FF12-10(A)/A16-3(16) SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
Serial 0309 Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
22 February 1945
CONFIDENTIAL
THIRD ENDORSEMENT to 3 0301 NOTE: THIS REPORT WILL BE
KETE Report of DESTROYED PRIOR TO
First War Patrol. ENTERING PORT AREA.

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 665
U.S.S. KETE - FIRST WAR PATROL.

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

Subject: U.S.S. KETE (SS369) - Report of First War Patrol
(31 October, 1944, to 30 January, 1945).

1. The first war patrol of the KETE, under the command
of Commander R. L. Rutter, U.S. Navy, was conducted in the East China
Sea and Nansel Shoto Area.

2. This long patrol was broken by an enforced return to
Saipan for repairs to bow planes. Unfortunately, the KETE on her
first war patrol, despite thorough area coverage, was afforded no
opportunity to attack the enemy or effect rescue of downed aviators
during her period of lifeguard duty.

3. Award of Submarine Combat Insignia for this patrol
is not authorized.

J. E. BROWN, Jr.
Deputy ComSubSPac.

DISTRIBUTION:
(Complete Reports)
Cominch (7)
CNO (5)
Cincpac (6)
JICPOA (1)
AdICPOA (1)
Comsorvpac (1)
CincLant (1)
Comsubslant (1)
S/M School, NL (8)
CO, S/M Base, PH (2)
Comsopac (1)
Comsowespac (2)
ComsubSowespac (1)
CTG 71.9 (2)
Comnorpac (1)
Comsubspac (3)
ComsubspacAd (2)
SUBAD, MI (1)
ComsubspacSubordcom (3) [SIGNATURE: E. L. Hynes] [HANDWRITTEN: 2nd]
All Squadron Commanders, Pacific (2) E. L. HYNES, 2nd,
Substrainpac (2) Flag Secretary.
All Submarines, Pacific (1)

EXTRA - ORIGINAL
SONG - MICRO
PHOTO-LAB OP-16
RETURN TO F-4253

— page 33 —
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED - OPNAV]
[HANDWRITTEN: BY J.F. Knew DATE 10-2-57]

COMMANDER SUBMARINE FORCE
UNITED STATES PACIFIC FLEET

Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,

FT12-10/A4-1
Serial 00027

FROM: 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. KETE (SS269) - Loss of.

1. It is with the deepest regret that I report that
the U.S.S. KETE is overdue from patrol and must be presumed to
be lost.

2. In accordance with Commander Task Force Seventeen
Operation Order No. 50-45, the KETE, under the command of Lt.
Comdr. Edward C. Watson, U.S. Navy, departed Guam on March 1st,
1945, for patrol in the vicinity of the Nansei Shoto Island Chain.
In addition to performing normal patrol, the KETE had orders to
submit special weather reports and to carry out rescue service
during air strikes by carrier based planes.

3. On the night of March 10, 1945, the KETE reported
that on the previous night she had sunk three medium size
freighters. The KETE was in position 29-31 North 127-55 East at
the time she made this transmission, and, although not
specified in her message, it is assumed that the attacks took
place close to that general vicinity.

4. On the night of March 14, 1945, the KETE reported
that she had fired four torpedoes which missed a small enemy cable
laying type vessel and that she had only three torpedoes remaining
on board. The KETE was scheduled to remain on station until sun-
set on April 7, 1945. However, in view of this small number of
torpedoes remaining, on March 18, she was directed to depart her
patrol station at sunset March 20, and proceed to Pearl Harbor
stopping at Midway enroute for fuel. On March 19 the KETE ack-
nowledged receipt of these orders to leave station.

5. On March 20th the KETE sent in a special weather
report in accordance with her orders. At the time of this trans-
mission she was in position 29-38 North 130-02 East. This was
the last message ever received from the KETE. At normal cruising
speed she would have arrived Midway about March 31, 1945. She
has not arrived and several attempts to raise her by radio have
failed.

- 1 -

— page 34 —
:
```
COMMANDER SUBMARINE FORCE
UNITED STATES PACIFIC FLEET

FF12-10/A4-1
Serial 00027
TOP SECRET
Subject: U.S.S. KETE (SS269) - Loss of.

— page 35 —
[HANDWRITTEN: Naval
Secy.]
[HANDWRITTEN: LLL-1]

Serial 005620

TOP-SECRET
TOP-SECRET

1st Endorsement on
ComSubPac Top-Sec
ltr FF12-10/A4-1
Ser. 00027 dated
16 April 1945.

From: Commander in Chief, U. S. Pacific Fleet.
To: Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. KETE (SS 269) - Loss of.

1. Forwarded with profound regret.

C. W. NIMITZ

Copy to:
ComSubPac
ComSubPacAdComd
CSS 18
CSD 181

[HANDWRITTEN: 321/RVH]

[HANDWRITTEN: 20 APR 1945]

[HANDWRITTEN: L-25]

[HANDWRITTEN: ComSubPac BOX # T-3175 RS # 4 FILE JACKET # II-NB]

[STAMP: OFFICE OF COMMANDER IN CHIEF U.S. PACIFIC FLEET APR 20 1945 [HANDWRITTEN: DTH] FORWARDED]

CINC PAC
Officer | Initial
651 | [HANDWRITTEN: PEE]
273 | [HANDWRITTEN: PB]
317 | [HANDWRITTEN: A]
37 | [HANDWRITTEN: LF]
6561 | [HANDWRITTEN: J7]

— page 36 —
END OF REEL
JOB NO. [HANDWRITTEN: D-108]
[HANDWRITTEN: AR 183-98]

|||| 1.0 |||| 2.8 || 2.5
|||| 3.2 || 2.2
|||| 3.6 || 2.0
|||| 1.1
|||| 1.8
|||| 1.25 |||| 1.4 |||| 1.6

THIS MICROFILM IS
THE PROPERTY OF
THE UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT

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

MICROFILMED BY
NPPSO-NAVAL DISTRICT WASHINGTON
MICROFILM SECTION