U.S.S. S-11 (SS-116) — war patrol report SS-116_S-11.pdf

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START OF REEL
JOB NO. [HANDWRITTEN: G-108]
[HANDWRITTEN: AR-45-80]

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OPERATOR [HANDWRITTEN: M. Monroe]
DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 3/14/80]

THIS MICROFILM IS
THE PROPERTY OF
THE UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT

[IMAGE: Department of Defense Seal]
MICROFILMED BY
NPPSO-NAVAL DISTRICT WASHINGTON
MICROFILM SECTION

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

— page 2 —
[HANDWRITTEN: S-11 (SS-116)
WORLD WAR II FILE
ALL MATERIAL ON THIS REEL IS DECLASSIFIED
FOR DECK LOG THROUGH 2 MAY 1945 CONSULT
NATIONAL ARCHIVES WHICH HAS CUSTODY.

J.A. KOONTZ]

— page 3 —
S-11

(SS-116: dp. 876 (surf.), 1,092 (subm.); l. 231'
21'10"; dr. 13'1"; s. 15 k. (surf.), 11 k. (subm.)
cpl. 42; a. 5 21" tt., 1 4"; cl. S-3)

S-11 (SS-116) was laid down on 2 December 1919
by the Portsmouth (N.H.) Navy Yard; launched on 7
February 1921; sponsored by Miss Anna Eleanor
Roosevelt; and commissioned on 11 January 1923, Lt.
Wilder D. Baker in command.

Supplementing duties along the northeast coast, S-
11 visited Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, in 1923, and St.
Thomas, Trinidad, and Coco Solo in 1924. Sailing from
New London, Conn., on 29 September, via the Panama
Canal and California, she visited Hawaii from 27 April
to 25 May 1925, before returning to New London on 12
January. S-11 operated in the Panama Canal area from
January through April 1926, visited Kingston, Ja-
maica, from 20 to 28 March 1927, and served again in
the Panama Canal area from February into April
1928. From 1929 into 1936, S-11 operated almost exclu-
sively in the Panama Canal area, but visited Washing-
ton, D.C., from 15 May to 5 June 1933. Departing Coco
Solo on 13 June 1936, S-11 arrived at Philadelphia on
the 22nd, and was decommissioned there on 30 Septem-
ber.

S-11 was recommissioned on 6 September 1940 at
Philadelphia. After voyages from New London to Phil-
adelphia, Bermuda, and St. Thomas in 1941, S-11
arrived at the submarine base, Coco Solo, Panama
Canal Zone, on 5 October that year. S-11 served in the
Panama Canal area from then into June 1943, and
next at Trinidad into February 1944. Following over-
haul in the Panama Canal area, S-11 sailed in July via
Aruba to Trinidad, where she operated into October.
Arriving at Guantanamo Bay on the 26th of that
month, she served there into January 1945. After a
voyage to the Panama Canal area, she sailed from
there on 8 February, arrived at New London on the
24th, and at Philadelphia on 28 March. S-11 was de-
commissioned, on 2 May of that year, at Philadelphia
and was struck from the Navy list on 28 October 1945.
Sold to Rosoff Bros., New York City, and
sold to Northern Metals Co., Philadelphia, Pa., on an
unspecified date, she was scrapped.

— page 4 —
Dictionary of

American Naval
Fighting Ships

VOLUME VI

Historical Sketches—Letters R through S
Appendices—Submarine Chasers (SC)
Eagle-Class Patrol Craft (PE)

WITH A FOREWORD BY
ADMIRAL JAMES L. HOLLOWAY III, United States Navy,
THE CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS

AND AN INTRODUCTION BY
VICE ADMIRAL EDWIN B. HOOPER, United States Navy, Retired,
THE DIRECTOR OF NAVAL HISTORY

NAVAL HISTORY DIVISION
DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY
WASHINGTON: 1976

— page 5 —
A
DATE 15-16 August 1942
FROM Commanding Officer USS S-11

NAME S-11

SERIAL C-8
DATE 27 August 1942
SUBJECT Attack on USS S-11 by patrol craft. Report of
Report of circumstances surrounding attack on USS S-11
(SS-116) off BALBAO, CZ when submarine and at least six
YP boats were ordered to search the same area for a re-
ported enemy submarine. (SOEASPAC)

FILED: War Diary

Separately
as Enc. to SUBRON 3 ser 0224 of 5 Sep 42

MICROSERIAL NO. ACTION REPORT OPNAV FORM 3180-13 (11-53) B-28882

— page 6 —
[STAMP: 1942 FEB 1 PM 11 22]
[HANDWRITTEN: A12-1 (07)]
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

SUBMARINE DIVISION THIRTY-TWO
U. S. S. S-11 , Flagship
c/o Postmaster, New York, New York.

13 January 1942.

From: [HANDWRITTEN: ✓] Commander Submarine Division Thirty-Two.
To: [HANDWRITTEN: ✓] Chief of Naval Operations.
Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
Commander Submarines, Atlantic Fleet.

SUBJECT: War Diary of USS S-11 governing Patrol in Pacific
Area off Costa Rica from 10 December 1941 to 30
December 1941.

1. In accordance with Operation Order No. 39-41, issued
by Commander Panama Naval Coastal Frontier Force, the S-11 left
Coco Solo on 10 December, three days after the attack on Pearl
Harbor and proceeded to patrol station.

2. The following Commanding Officer's war diary is for-
warded with pertinent comments by the Division Commander.

"Wednesday, 10 December 1941."

Underway from Coco Solo at 1343.
Entered Gatun Locks at 1453.
Left Miraflores Locks at 2040.
At 2150 took departure from Canal buoy "X" on course
145° true. Standard speed on both engines.
At 2215 changed course to 189° true.
At 2330 passed Bona Island abeam to starboard.

"Thursday, 11 December 1941."

Made trim dive at 0553 (dawn), surfaced at 0645. Cape
Mala visible about 18 miles distant. Ahead standard at 0650;
course 240° true.
0805 observed patrol plane (PBY) circling ship bearing
297° true, distant 12 miles; stopped engines, did not dive.
Plane retired toward Panama City.
0930 changed course to 270° true.
1215 sighted ship (cruiser) bearing 117° true, hull down,
standing out of Panama Bay to southward.
1320 sighted ship 287° true, eight miles, and changed
course 30° to left to keep clear (Small, 100-foot fishing
boat). Resumed course, 270° true at 1348.
1408 sighted three masts of merchant ship bearing 287°,
12 miles, changed course 30° to left to avoid.

[STAMP: 40310 FILMED]
1.

— page 7 —
A12-1 (07)
SUBMARINE DIVISION THIRTY-TWO
U. S. S. S-11 , Flagship
c/o Postmaster, New York, New York.
CONFIDENTIAL
13 January 1942.
SUBJECT: War Diary of USS S-11 covering Patrol in Pacific
Area off Costa Rica from 10 December 1941 to 30
December 1941.

— page 8 —
SUBMARINE DIVISION THIRTY-TWO
SEVENTY-TWO
A12-1 (07) U. S. S. S-11 , Flagship
c/o Postmaster, New York, New York
CONFIDENTIAL
13 January 1942.

SUBJECT: War Diary of USS S-11 covering Patrol in Pacific
Area off Cota Rica from 10 December 1941 to 30
December 1941.

— page 9 —
[UNCLEAR: THIRTY-TWO]
SUBMARINE DIVISION [UNCLEAR: SEVENTY-TWO]
U. S. S. S-11 , Flagship
c/o Postmaster, New York, New York

A12-1 (07)
[UNCLEAR: CONFIDENTIAL] 13 January 1942.

SUBJECT: War Diary of USS S-11 covering Patrol in Pacific
Area off Costa Rica from 10 December 1941 to 30
December 1941.

— page 10 —
SUBMARINE DIVISION THIRTY-TWO [over SEVENTY-TWO]
A12-1 (07) U. S. S. S-11 , Flagship
c/o Postmaster, New York, New York
CONFIDENTIAL
13 January 1942.

SUBJECT: War Diary of USS S-11 covering Patrol in Pacific
Area off Costa Rica from 10 December 1941 to 30
December 1941.

— page 11 —
SUBMARINE DIVISION THIRTY-TWO
U. S. S. S-11 SEVENTY-TWO Flagship
c/o Postmaster, New York, New York

A12-1 (07)
CONFIDENTIAL
13 January 1942.

SUBJECT: War Diary of USS S-11 covering Patrol in Pacific
Area off Costa Rica from 10 December 1941 to 30
December 1941.

— page 12 —
A12-1 (07)
SUBMARINE DIVISION THIRTY-TWO SEVENTY-TWO
U. S. S. S-11 Flagship
c/o Postmaster, New York, New York

CONFIDENTIAL 13 January 1942.

SUBJECT: War Diary of USS S-11 covering Patrol in Pacific
Area off Costa Rica from 10 December 1941 to 30
December 1941.

— page 14 —
SUBMARINE DIVISION THIRTY-TWO
SEVENTY-TWO
A12-1 (07) U. S. S. S-11 , Flagship
c/o Postmaster, New York, New York

CONFIDENTIAL 13 January 1942.

SUBJECT: War Diary of USS S-11 covering Patrol in Pacific
Area Off Costa Rica from 10 December 1941 to 30
December 1941.

— page 15 —
THIRTY-TWO
SEVENTY-TWO
1942 FEB 1 AM 11 21
A12-1 (07)
SUBMARINE DIVISION THIRTY-TWO
SEVENTY-TWO
U. S. S. S-11 , Flagship
c/o Postmaster, New York, New York
CONFIDENTIAL
13 January 1942.
SUBJECT: War Diary of USS S-11 covering Patrol in Pacific
Area off Costa Rica from 10 December 1941 to 30
December 1941.

— page 17 —
A12-1 (01)
U. S. S. S-11
c/o Postmaster
New York, New York
30 January 1942.
[STAMP: MAR 1 1942]
[STAMP: OFFICE OF NAVAL INTELLIGENCE]

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
From: Commanding Officer,
To: Commander Submarine Division Thirty-Two.
SUBJECT: War Diary of USS S-11 for Patrol Period
9 - 24 January 1942.
Enclosure: (A) Logistic Data for Patrol.

1. A war patrol was conducted by this submarine during
the period 9-24 January 1942 in accordance with Commander Sub-
marines, Offshore Patrol, Pacific, operation order No. 6-41,
file A4-3 (0001) of 5 January 1942.

2. Left Submarine Base, Coco Solo, at 0609, 9 January
and commenced transit of Panama Canal, southbound. At 1700 cleared
canal entrance channel on Pacific side and joined formation
with USS BARRACUDA, USS BONITA, USS S-24, USS S-22, USS ELDA
(escort), enroute Point Afirm. Conducted trim and dive at 1805.
Arrived at Point Afirm (15 miles west of San Jose Light) at 2230,
left escort, commenced independent passage to patrol area. Con-
ducted trim and training dives while enroute to station. Arrived
on patrol station (Latitude 7° N., Longitude 93° W.) at 2300,
13 January 1942. Patrol on station was conducted on the surface;
patrolling to the westward at six knots during daylight hours and
returning to initial point during darkness. Trim and training
dives were conducted from time to time. Departed from patrol sta-
tion at 0200, 21 January 1942, and commenced return to port.
Arrived at Point Afirm (15 miles west of San Jose Light) at 0700,
24 January 1942; joined escort and other submarines and proceeded
to canal entrance. Commenced canal transit (northbound) at 1700.
Anchored off Submarine Base, Coco Solo, at 0324, 25 January 1942.

3. The initial point of the patrol station was Latitude
7° N., Longitude 93° W. The patrol was conducted on surface, steam-
ing to westward during daylight and retiring during darkness.

4. No events worthy of particular note occurred during
the conduct of the patrol.

5. No action or contact with enemy forces occurred.

6. Torpedo tubes were not flooded during the patrol. All
torpedoes were backed out of tubes, inspected, topped off each
six days. Torpedoes apparently held up well. Loss of air pres-
sure in flasks was not excessive.

40492 [STAMP: FILMED]
1.

— page 19 —
CONFIDENTIAL
                                                              U.S.S. S-11

Enclosure (A) to USS S-11 ltr. A12-1 (01) of 30 January 1942.

                                LOGISTIC DATA

                        War Patrol - 9-24 January 1942.

Date        : 9   : 10  : 11  : 12  : 13

— page 20 —
CONFIDENTIAL

U.S.S. S-11.

Enclosure (A) to USS S-11 ltr. A12-1 (01) of 30 January 1942.

LOGISTIC DATA

War Patrol - 9-24 January 1942.

Date | : | 17 | : | 18 | : | 19 | : | 20 | : | 21 | : | 22 | : | 23 | : | 24 | : | Total
Fuel used | : |
(gals) | : | 635 | : | 665 | : | 830 | : | 1105 | : | 1360 | : | 1710 | : | 1095 | : | 800 | : | 16180
Fuel on | : |
hand 2400 | : | 27358 | : | 26693 | : | 25863 | : | 24758 | : | 23398 | : | 21688 | : | 20593 | : | 19793 | : |
Lub used | : | 50 | : | 90 | : | 50 | : | 100 | : | 155 | : | 80 | : | 75 | : | 40 | : | 1310
Lub on | : |
hand 2400 | : | 2782 | : | 2692 | : | 2642 | : | 2542 | : | 2387 | : | 2307 | : | 2232 | : | 2192 | : |
Fresh | : |
water used | : | 90 | : | 90 | : | 90 | : | 90 | : | 100 | : | 100 | : | 100 | : | 100 | : | 1480
Water | : |
distilled | : | 0 | : | 0 | : | 0 | : | 0 | : | 0 | : | 0 | : | 0 | : | 0 | : | 0
Water on | : |
hand 2400 | : | 1370 | : | 1280 | : | 1190 | : | 1100 | : | 1000 | : | 900 | : | 800 | : | 700 | : |
Hours C&R | : | | : | 2 | : | 2 | : | | : | 2 | : | | : | | : | | : | 12
A.C. run | : |
Battery | : |
water used | : | Required 400 gallons to fill on return.
Battery | : |
water on | : | 900 | : | 900 | : | 900 | : | 900 | : | 900 | : | 900 | : | 900 | : | 900 | : |
hand 2400 | : |
Provisions | : |
on hand | : | 12 | : | 11 | : | 10 | : | 9 | : | 8 | : | 7 | : | 6 | : | 5 | : |
(fresh) | : |
Provisions | : |
on hand | : | 22 | : | 21 | : | 20 | : | 19 | : | 18 | : | 17 | : | 16 | : | 15 | : |
(dry) days | : |

2.
4

— page 21 —
A12-1 (011)

SUBMARINE DIVISION THIRTY-TWO
U. S. S. S-11 , Flagship
c/o Postmaster, New York, New York

[STAMP: MAR 1 1942]
[STAMP: (circular stamp with clock face and "OFFICE OF NAVAL INTELLIGENCE")]

1st Endorsement to
S-11 ltr. A12-1
(01) of 1/30/42.
[STAMP: CONFIDENTIAL] 31 January 1942.

From: Commander Submarine Division Thirty-Two.
To: Chief of Naval Operations.
Commander-in-Chief, Atlantic Fleet.
Commander Submarines, Atlantic Fleet.

SUBJECT: War Diary of USS S-11 for Patrol Period
9 - 24 January 1942.

1. Forwarded. At the end of this second extended
patrol the personnel were in very good physical condition and
morale was excellent. Between 10 December 1941 and 24 January
1942 the S-11 has been on patrol 38 days with seven days in
port between patrols. She has steamed 7000 miles and will,
after seven days in port, commence her third patrol on 1 Feb-
ruary. Under present conditions it would appear that material
will be the limiting factor in maintaining this type of patrol.
It is expected that a longer upkeep period will be possible
after her next return to the base.

[SIGNATURE: J. B. LONGSTAFF]
J. B. LONGSTAFF.

Copy to:

Comsubron 3
Comsubdiv 31.

[STAMP: RECEIVED S-C FILES]
[STAMP: FEB 28 1942] [STAMP: FILMED]
ROUTING SLIP
Op File No. (SC) [HANDWRITTEN: A12-1/SS116]
Doc. No. [HANDWRITTEN: 44823]
Copy No. [HANDWRITTEN: 1 of 1]
PRN [HANDWRITTEN: 45]

[HANDWRITTEN: 5]

— page 22 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 1st Copy]
[STAMP: RECEIVED MAR 20 1942 PM U.S. FLEET]

A12-1 (023) SUBMARINE DIVISION THIRTY-TWO [OVERTYPED: SEVENTY-TWO]
U. S. S. S-11 , Flagship
c/o Postmaster, New York, New York

5 March 1942.

From: Commander Submarine Division Thirty-Two.
To: Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
Commander-in-Chief, Atlantic Fleet.
Commander Submarines, Atlantic Fleet.

SUBJECT: Patrol Report of USS S-11 - Period
1 February to 18 February 1942.

1. The USS S-11 conducted a war patrol in area of
Latitude 3° 00' N., Longitude 93° 00' W., during the period 1
February to 18 February 1942, in accordance with orders issued
by Commander Submarines, Offshore Patrol, Pacific, Panama Sea
Frontier.

2. No contacts with enemy ships were made and the
patrol was without incident.

3. The following comment in the Commanding Officer's
diary is of interest:

"Currents experienced conformed to pilot chart with
the exception that the currents in the patrol area (3° N.,
93° W.) are decidedly variable as to set and drift. Currents
were observed to be controlled almost entirely by the wind
and seem to be out of proportion to the force of the wind.
During a thirty-six hour overcast period with winds from
the South East and South West, a set of about forty miles
to the northward was noted. With northeasterly winds of
equal force, a southerly set of from a half to one knot was
experienced.

"No navigational aids worthy of comment were observed.
However, it is interesting to note that Cocos Island was
picked up in the moonlight at a distance of at least 35
miles."

[SIGNATURE: J. B. LONGSTAFF]

[UNCLEAR: CONFIDENTIAL]

[UNCLEAR: FILE] Copy to:
Comsubron 3
97861 Comsubdiv 31
S-11.

— page 23 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 1st Copy]

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
CONFIDENTIAL

SUBMARINE DIVISION THIRTY-TWO
U.S.S. S-11, Flagship
c/o Postmaster, New York, New York
11 August 1942.

From: Commander Submarine Division Thirty-Two.
To: Commander Submarines, Atlantic Fleet.
Via: Commander Submarine Squadron Three.

SUBJECT: USS S-11 - Report of Fifth War Patrol.

Enclosure: (A) Subject report.

1. Forwarded. No enemy contacts were made.

2. The cause of the derangement of number 4 piston on
the port engine has not been determined as yet because extreme
difficulty has been experienced in removing the seized piston.
It is expected that the engine will be running and the necessary
remedial action taken before returning to Coco Solo.

S. G. BARCHET.

Copy to:

Compaseafron
Comsubspacgr aseafron
S-11

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.C]
BY [HANDWRITTEN: OPB9C] DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 6/1/72]

[STAMP: 136435 FILMED]

— page 24 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. S-11 - REPORT OF FIFTH WAR PATROL.

PERIOD FROM JULY 18, 1942 to AUGUST 6, 1942.

AREA: Latitude 6°30' North, Longitude 92° West.

OPERATION ORDER: Commander Submarine Division Thirty One Mailgram 17110 of
July

1. At 1018, July 18, 1942 departed Submarine Base, Coco Solo, C.Z. and
   transited Panama Canal, southbound. Arrived in Balboa, C.Z. at 2047,
   moored at pier #18 and remained there over night. At 0647, July 19,
   departed Balboa, C.Z. for sea, passing through swept channel. At
   1300, when south of swept channel, made trim dive, duration 26
   minutes. Rounded Cape Mala during evening of this day and continued
   on designated route to patrol area. Maintained speed of 9 knots,
   submerging at dawn and remaining submerged until daylight. Battery
   gravity was maintained by floating, there being little reserve speed
   in the engines due to their recent overhaul. Arrived in patrol area
   at 1100 on July 23. Patrolled to westward during daylight and retired
   to eastward during darkness, arriving at initial point each day at
   dawn. Made two surprise dives daily while on station, one dive being
   made at dawn unless visibility was excellent. (The moon was nearly
   full throughout the period spent on station). Departed patrol area
   at 0500 on August 3, 1942 for Gulf of Dulce in accordance ComSubDiv 31
   dispatch 310130 of July. Arrived Golfito, Costa Rica at 1100, August
   6, 1942.

2. Weather conditions during passage to and from patrol area were good.
   However, while on station the skies were completely overcast for at
   least seventy percent of the time, a wind varying from force 2 to
   force 4 prevailed from the south west, a choppy sea with moderate
   swells ran from the south west, and frequent light drizzle. Heavy
   tropical rain squalls were not encountered. During the twelve days
   spent in the patrol area the navigator was able to make star obser-
   vations only five times.

3. Tidal information - no remarks.

4. Navigational aids - no remarks.

5. No enemy warships or merchant ships were sighted.

6. All aircraft sighted were U.S. Army bombers. Times and positions of
   sightings were as follows:
   DATE | TYPE | TIME | POSITION
   | | (plus 5) | Latitude: | Longitude:
   July 25 | : B-17 | : 1100 | : 6-23 N : | 91-50 W
   July 26 | : B-17 | : 1130 | : 6-25 N : | 92-38 W
   July 29 | : B-17 | : 1245 | : 6-25 N : | 92-20 W
   Aug. 1 | : B-17 | : 1105 | : 6-28 N : | 92-10 W.
   Aug. 2. | : B-17 | : 1155 | : 6-15 N : | 92-15 W
   Aug. 2 | : B-17 | : 1220 | : 6-15N : | 92-17 W
   Aug. 3 | : B-17 | : 1040 | : 6-41 N : | 90-00 W

- 1 -

— page 25 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. S-11

7. No attacks were made.

8. No enemy A/S measures were observed.

9. On August 4, the day following the departure from patrol area, one
piston of the port main engine seized. It is believe that this
casualty was due to ring failures. Just prior to the seizure, the
engine was running at 2/3 speed (28 RPM), at which speed it had been
run for about 250 hours since its recent overhaul. The engine was
stopped for a short trim dive and could not be turned over upon
surfacing. To date, the piston has not been freed.

10. Radio reception was, in general, very good. Reception of the NBA Fox
schedules from Balboa on 24 kilocycles was excellent. It is highly
recommended that this schedule be continued for submarines. Reception
of NBA schedules on 8310 kilocycles was only fair. Transmission on
8310, the assigned day time frequency, proved very unreliable.
There was no opportunity to transmit on 8270 kilocycles, the alternate
frequency. Good results were obtained from night time transmissions
on 4155 kilocycles. Based upon experience with handling routine
messages during the day, the commanding officer believes that there
is better than an even chance of a contact report NOT getting
through on the assigned daytime frequency. The recently installed
loop antenna gave highly satisfactory results at depths up to 50 feet.
The loop is naturally directive and little can be copied when
the transmitting station is abeam.

11. No opportunity was had to observe the sound conditions.

12. Health and habitability were good throughout the entire patrol. No
sickness other than several common colds occured. One vitamin pill
was fed to each man daily. There is the consensus that the pills
ma ke them "feel better". The outside temperature was surprisingly
cool, considering the location of the patrol area. In the crews
living compartment (battery room) a sheet or bedspread was comfort-
able at night.

13. Miles steamed surface - 3100 (estimated)
Miles steamed submerged - 125 (estimated)

14. Fuel oil expended - 16000 gallons.

15. Factors of endurance remaining:
TORPEDOES FUEL PROVISIONS FRESH WATER PERSONNEL
100% 50% 10 days Self sustaining 15 days

16. No factor of endurance caused the ending of the patrol.

17. It is here noted that this patrol was conducted almost entirely on
the surface in a relatively quiet area, and in a moderate sea. These
conditions should be considered when reviewing the remarks under
paragraphs 12 and 15.

/s/ W. B. PERKINS.

— page 26 —
[STAMP: 8 01310]

FF4-3/A16(1)
Serial 0208

CONFIDENTIAL

UNITED STATES ATLANTIC FLEET
SUBMARINES
SUBMARINE SQUADRON THREE
U.S.S. S-13 (Flagship)

Coco Solo, Canal Zone,
August 14, 1942.

1st Endorsement to
CSD-32 ltr. A12-1
(065) of 8-1-42.

From: : Commander Submarine Squadron Three.
To : Commander Submarines, Atlantic Fleet.

SUBJECT: U.S.S. S-11 - Report of Fifth War Patrol.

1. Forwarded.

2. A copy of the aircraft sightings should be
furnished Army authorities by Commander Panama Sea Frontier
for comparison with reports by their pilots, as previously
recommended.

T. J. DOYLE

Copy to:
Compaseafron
CSD-31
CSD-32
Co. S-11

— page 27 —
SS116/A16
Serial (C-8)

U.S.S. S-11.

c/o Postmaster,
New York City, N.Y.,
August 27, 1942.

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L.

From: The Commanding Officer, U.S.S. S-11.
To : The Commander Submarine Squadron THREE.
Via : (1) The Commander Submarine Division THIRTY-TWO.

SUBJECT: Depth Charging of USS S-11 by United States
Patrol Vessels.

Enclosure: [HANDWRITTEN: ✓] (A) Sequence of Events Surrounding Subject
Depth Charging.

1. Enclosure (A) is submitted herewith.

2. After consideration of the events set forth in
Enclosure (A), the Commanding Officer desires to point out that the
following casualties to materiel or personnel might easily have re-
sulted:
(a) Torpedo attack by S-11 may have been completed
against YP boat at 0515 on August 16.
(b) Properly placed depth charge by any of YP
boats may have resulted in serious damage to or loss of S-11.

3. It is recommended for similar operations in the
future that following necessary precaution be taken.
(a) Own submarines and surface patrol vessels
not be employed in the same area, day or night.

W. B. PERKINS.

— page 28 —
CONFIDENTIAL

U.S.S. S-11.

Sequence of Events During Morning of August 16, 1942 Resulting in
Depth Charging of U.S.S. S-11 by U.S. YP Boats.

1. During afternoon of August 15 the USS S-11 received follow-
ing dispatch from ComSubRon. 3: "ENEMY SUBMARINE SUSPECTED OPERATING
DURING DAYLIGHT VICINITY POINT TEN MILES ONE ZERO NINE TRUE FROM CAPE
MALA X CONDUCT SEARCH COMMENCING SIXTEEN AUGUST SUBMERGE DURING DAY#
LIGHT X ONE HOUR AFTER DAYLIGHT SEVENTEEN AUGUST PROCEED COCO SOLO X
BOMBING RESTRICTION AREA THIRTY MILES RADIUS FROM
MALA" At this time the USS S-11 was about 85 miles southwest of above
point. Course and speed were adjusted to arrive in above position at
0130, August 16, passing southern limit of bombing restriction area at
2230 on August 15.

2. At 2130, August 15, received following message from ComSub-
Ron. 3: "YOKE PREP TWO EIGHT THREE ZERO SIX REPORTS AIR BUBBLES RISING FROM
POSITION MY FIFTEEN TWENTY ZERO FIVE X THAT VESSEL AND YOKE PREP TWO
EIGHT THREE ZERO SIX CAST FOUR FIVE FOUR WILL PATROL AREA TONIGHT CLEAR-
ING BY FOUR HOURS ROGER SIXTEENTH." The USS S-11 immediately reversed
course and stood out of the area, subsequently changing course to
arrive at the reported point at 0600, August 16. During same trans-
mission received radio procedure signal from ComSubRon. 3, directing
attention to Commander Pacific Sea Frontier message 160057 as follows:
"AT ONCE PROCEED BEST SPEED TO TEN MILES BEARING ONE ZERO NINE FROM
CAPE MALA X PRESENCE OF ENEMY SUBMARINE THERE INDICATED BY RELIABLY
CONSIDERED REPORT XX THIS PARAPHRASE MY FIFTEEN TWENTY THREE THIRTYFIVE
ITEM SAIL PREP PAC XX AT DAYLIGHT TOMORROW SAIL PREP MALA CAST
AREA FOR SUBMERGED SEARCH X DESTROY ENEMY X YOKE PREPS TWENTY EIGHT THREE
AND THREE ZERO SIX NOW PATROLLING THERE."

3. At 0515, August 16, when about 5 miles bearing 200°(T) from
designated point, sighted YP vessel on starboard bow, distant about 900
yards. The Officer of the Deck of the S-11 had orders to attack with
torpedoes any small ship sighted, and he was swinging to the firing course
when the mast of the YP was made out. The Commanding Officer believed
this to be a patrol boat standing out of the area, as its course indicat-
ed. The USS S-11 was ready to dive when this ship was sighted but re-
mained on surface until it was no longer visible. Recognition signals
were exchanged. Had this YP been sighted on the port bow, where visi-
bility was less, the S-11 would have completed her attack. The appear-
ance of a YP boat at night, especially when sharp on the bow, resembles
closely that of a submarine.
[HANDWRITTEN: !?]

4. The S-11 dived at 0521. At 0540 propeller noises of three
vessels were heard. The S-11 continued to run at 90 feet until 0618
(after sunrise). At this time, the S-11 was brought to periscope depth
to observe the source of propeller noises. Three patrol vessels were
seen distant about 2,000 yards. While periscope observation was being
made, the S-11 was noticed to be losing depth. The Commanding Officer
suspected that he had been sighted. Periscope was housed, hard dive
on planes and full speed on motors was ordered.

-1- ENCLOSURE "A".

— page 29 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. S-11

At 0624 the S-11 then having reached 80 feet, the shock of four depth
charges were felt in fairly rapid succession. The S-11 then went to
135 feet and commenced firing red smokes from the signal gun. Five
smokes were fired in a period of ten minutes. At 0627 and 0632 the
shock of single depth charges were felt. The S-11 surfaced at 0641
(as soon as wide enough bearing could be found in which there was no
surface ship) The submarine sustained no major damage from the depth
charges. The locking device of the conning tower hatch was found to
be fractured upon surfacing. Had the locking arm been broken at some
other point, the hatch would have lifted and more serious damage may
have resulted. This locking device and its attendant linkages are made
of brass. A replacement steel device with added strength is in process
of manufacture. There was also a slight leak around the gasket of the
battery room hatch which did not become apparent until the submarine
was almost on the surface. This leak was stopped by tightening the
screw type securing device. No material derangement to this hatch can
be found. Inspection upon return disclosed a slight rupture in a seam
of one of the ship's fresh water tanks. This leak has been repaired
by welding.

5. There were six or seven YP vessels in the immediate area
upon surfacing. As well as could be seen their numbers were 291, 293,
296, 308, 313, 314. By Hail, no information could be obtained as to
which was senior ship. The YP 293 reported that only one of the five
smoke signals fired by S-11 functioned. At 0710, the S-11 sent follow-
ing visual message to YP 308: "BT ARE YOUR PATROL BOATS GOING TO PATROL
THIS AREA ALL DAY." The reply was: "BT OUR ORDERS ARE FOR PATROL SHIPS
ONLY." The S-11 then stood clear of area, and reported existing
conditions to ComSubRon. 3, information to Commander Pacific Sea Frontier.
At 1130 orders were received to return to patrol area and standby to
resume patrol when directed. At 1300 orders were received to proceed
to Balboa, C.Z.

-2- ENCLOSURE "A".

— page 30 —
File No.
CONFIDENTIAL

SUBMARINE DIVISION THIRTY-TWO
U. S. S. S-11, Flagship
c/o Postmaster, New York, New York
29 August 1942.

A16-3 (066)

1st Endorsement to
S-11 ltr. A16 (C-8)
of 8/27/42.

From: Commander Submarine Division Thirty-Two.
To: Commander Submarine Squadron Three.

SUBJECT: Depth Charging of USS S-11 by U.S. Patrol Ships.

1. Forwarded.

2. The Division Commander concurs in the remarks con-
tained in paragraph 2 of basic letter.

3. It is desired to point out that when using our own
submarines against enemy submarines it would be to our own sub-
marine's advantage to know that only enemy ships are present in
the specified combat area, thus it will not be necessary to
exchange recognition signals, thereby disclosing its own pres-
ence to the hitherto unsuspecting enemy. It is further desired
to state that as soon as the S-11 was forced to the surface she
was placed at a disadvantage with respect to the possible sub-
merged enemy submarine.

4. The discrepancy as to time of clearing the area
specified in the orders given to the surface craft and to order
given to the submarine should be noted.

5. The change of material of the locking device of the
conning tower hatch from brass to steel in order to increase
strength as a temporary expedient is approved, but it is re-
commended that item B-4 of Submarines, Atlantic, Alteration and
Improvement Program, dated 15 April 1942, which provides for the
installation of a multiple dog hatch, be effected at the earliest
possible moment.

6. In view of the leak around the battery room hatch
as reported, it is believed that there is good likelihood that
the gaskets of the battery room and engine room hatches may be
forced out of their seats during a depth charge attack. If this
should happen, the submarine would probably be lost. It is
recommended that as a temporary expedient, two circular rings
be welded around the gasket seat to keep the gasket in place and
that four tie rods be added to the hatch with bars across the
under side of the hatch skirt to assist in holding the hatch
closed during depth charge attacks. Authority is requested to

1.
—

— page 31 —
File No.

CONFIDENTIAL

A16-3 (066)

SUBMARINE DIVISION THIRTY-TWO
U. S. S. S-11 Flagship
c/o Postmaster, New York, New York
29 August 1942.

SUBJECT: Depth Chargin of USS S-11 by U.S. Patrol Ships.

— page 32 —
CINCLANT FILE
A16-3/(02099 )

CONFIDENTIAL
CONFIDENTIAL

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
ComSubRon 3 ltr. FF4-3/
A16 Serial 0224 of Sept.
5, 1942.

From:
To :
Subject:

1. UNITED STATES ATLANTIC FLEET

CARE POSTMASTER, NEW YORK, N.Y.

17 SEP 1942

Commander in Chief, United States Atlantic Fleet.
Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.

Depth Charging of U.S.S. S-11 by U.S. Patrol
Ships.

Forwarded for information.

O. M. HUSTVEDT,
Chief of Staff.

Copy to:
ComPaSeaFron
ComSubsLant (complete)
ComSubRon 3

— page 33 —
NG6/A16-3
Serial: [HANDWRITTEN: 0203938]

HEADQUARTERS
COMMANDER PANAMA SEA FRONTIER
BALBOA, CANAL ZONE

CONFIDENTIAL

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to Comsubron 3 Conf. Ltr. Serial 0224 of 9/5/42.

From: Commander Panama Sea Frontier.
To: Commander in Chief, U. S. Atlantic Fleet.

Subject: Depth Charging of U.S.S. S-11 by U.S. Patrol
Ships.

Forwarded.

1.
2.
At the time the Commander Panama Sea Frontier
received the initial report from YP-306 indicating the possible
presence of an enemy submarine off Cape Mala, S-11 was returning
from a routine patrol in the Pacific. The YP's constituting the
so-called Mala Line are not fitted with any type of sonic equip-
ment, and there was no other vessel, except S-11, available for
making an effective search for the possible enemy.

3.
S-11 was directed to arrive at the scene of contact
at 0600 the following morning and all YP's were directed to get
clear of the entire area by 0400 and to acknowledge receipt of
the order. The Mala Line is an element of the Interceptor Com-
mand (Army), which handles all communications with the vessels
on the line. Every effort has been made, and is being made, to
improve the unsatisfactory radio equipment and personnel of these
vessels; communication failures still occur. The message referred
to above did not reach the vessels concerned, and when S-11
arrived in the area at the time ordered, it was attacked by
the YP's present. Of five smoke bombs fired by S-11, only
one functioned. Damage sustained by S-11 was negligible.

[SIGNATURE: C. E. VAN HOOK]
C. E. VAN HOOK.

[HANDWRITTEN: C105F]
cr
[STAMP: RECEIVED
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF
U.S. ATLANTIC FLEET
OFFICE
OCT 1 5 1943]

— page 34 —
[STAMP: Reg. No. 4980 (10928)]
[STAMP: R.S. No. 9-01237]

CINCLANT FILE
A16-3/(02099)

CONFIDENTIAL
CONFIDENTIAL

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
ComSubRon 3 ltr. FF4-3/
A16 Serial 0224 of Sept.
5, 1942.

From:
To :
Subject:

1.

Copy to:
ComPaSeaFron
ComSubsLant
ComSubRon 3
ComSubRon 3 (complete)
ComSubRon 3

[STAMP: COMMANDER IN CHIEF]
[STAMP: U.S. FLEET]
[STAMP: RECEIVED]

UNITED STATES ATLANTIC FLEET
CARE POSTMASTER, NEW YORK, N.Y., 22

[STAMP: 17 SEP 1942]

Commander in Chief, United States Atlantic Fleet.
Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.

Depth Charging of U.S.S. S-11 by U.S. Patrol
Ships.

Forwarded for information.

[SIGNATURE: O. M. HUSTVEDT]
O. M. HUSTVEDT,
Chief of Staff.

— page 35 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 203]
[HANDWRITTEN: 16 Aug 42] [STAMP: REGISTER] [HANDWRITTEN: 8404-11]

UNITED STATES ATLANTIC FLEET
SUBMARINES
SUBMARINE SQUADRON THREE
U. S. S. S-13 (Flagship)
% Postmaster, New York, N.Y.,
September 5, 1942.

File No. FF4-3/A16
Serial 0224
[STAMP: CONFIDENTIAL]

From: Commander Submarine Squadron Three.
To : Commander Panama Sea Frontier.

SUBJECT: Depth Charging of U.S.S. S-11 by U.S. Patrol Ships.

Enclosure: (A) Copy of C.O. U.S.S. S-11 report of subject
attack with endorsement by Commander Submarine
Division Thirty-Two.

1. A copy of the Commanding Officer, U.S.S. S-11
report of being depth charged by U.S. Patrol Ships on August
16, 1942 is enclosed.

2. Except when a decoy is used, a submarine can not
be employed on anti-submarine patrol in conjunction with other
type craft without jeopardizing the chances of successful attack.
At night there is the danger of friendly vessels firing upon
each other or the possibility of fatal delay in attacking
owing to the necessity of challenging. As an enemy submarine will
not come to the surface during daylight when a surface patrol is
present, our submarine will be deprived of the ideal situation,
i.e. finding the enemy on the surface.

3. Recommendations made in the enclosure regarding
material features of the submarine will be referred to Commander
Submarines, Atlantic Fleet.

[SIGNATURE: T.J. DOYLE]
T.J. DOYLE

[HANDWRITTEN: 0908-6]

— page 36 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 1st copy]

SUBMARINE DIVISION THIRTY-TWO
U.S.S. S-11, Flagship
c/o Postmaster, New York, New York
29 September 1942.

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
[HANDWRITTEN: D-669]

From: Commander Submarine Division Thirty-Two.
To: Commander Submarines, Atlantic Fleet.
Via: Commander Submarine Squadron Three.

SUBJECT: USS S-11 - Sixth War Patrol, Report of.

Enclosure: (A) Subject report.

1. Subject report is forwarded herewith. No enemy
forces were encountered.

2. It is noted with gratification that no material
casualties occurred during this patrol. Upon return from patrol
the cleanliness of the ship was noted to be above average. All
ships of this division are now equipped with air conditioning.
All reports are to the effect that the men are more alert during
patrol and are better able to accomplish ship's force work upon
return to the base.

3. It is fortunate that a man was able to be nursed
through a case of pneumonia successfully with the meager
medicaments supplied a submarine. It is recommended that a study
be made and simple rules be formulated so that a few of the
sulpha drugs can be administered by the Commanding Officer in
cases such as these. I feel that had sulphathiozole been avail-
able in this instance, the man's recovery would have been much
more rapid, with less work for members of the crew and less
worry on the part of the Commanding Officer.

DECLASSIFIED-ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C
BY [HANDWRITTEN: Op-09C] DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 6/1/72] /s/ S. G. Barchet.
S. G. BARCHET.

Copy to:
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
Compaseafron
Comsubdiv 31.
S-11

[STAMP: 136436 FILMED]

— page 37 —
U.S.S. S-11 Report of SIXTH War Patrol.
Period from September 6, 1942 to September 23, 1942.

Operation Order: Commander Submarine Division Thirty One Mailgram
032000 of September 1942 as modified by Commander Submarine Division
Thirty One Mailgram 042007 of September 1942.

Time Zone Plus 5. AREA: Latitude 7°30' N, Longitude 92° W.

1. Departed Submarine Base, Coco Solo, C.Z., at 0727, September 6,
1942 and transited the Panama Canal, south bound. Arrived Balboa,
Canal Zone at 1613, moored to pier 18, and remained there over night.
Got underway at 0645, September 7, 1942 and proceeded to sea in company
with SAIL THIRTY. At 1215, having cleared swept channel, made trim
dive of 15 minutes duration. Stood by while SAIL THIRTEEN made trim
dive, then proceeded independently at ten knots to patrol station at
Latitude 7°30' north, Longitude 92° west, following route designated
in operation order. Arrived at patrol station at dawn on September 11,
1942 and commenced patrol at six knots to westward during daylight and
to eastward during darkness. Dived daily at dawn and remained submerged
until visibility was good. While on station made at least one surprise
dive during the day. Departed patrol station for Balboa at 1800,
September 19, 1942 in accordance Commander Submarine Squadron THREE
dispatch 191925 of September. Arrived Balboa and moored to pier 18
at 1546, September 23, 1942.

2. Weather conditions were in general good. Winds from the south
west prevailed throughout the patrol. At times, the winds reached
force 4, the average being about force 3. Overcast skies with frequent
showers were the rule. Few star observations could be made.

3. No unusual tidal conditions were observed. An easterly set of
about one knot was experienced in the vicinity of the patrol area
(Lat. 7°30' N, Long: 92° W.).

4. No remarks.

5. None.

6. Aircraft sighted:
TIME | DATE | TYPE | LATITUDE | LONGITUDE
1205 | Sept. 15 | US Army Bomber | 7°54' N | 92°41' W
Plane circled ship. Recognition signals were exchanged.

7. None.

8. None.

9. None.

- 1 -

— page 38 —
U.S.S. S-11

10. Radio reception was excellent. Communication with the Sub-
marine Base, Coco Solo, C.Z. And Balboa, C.Z. was much better than
on previous patrols in the same area.

11. No remarks.

12. Health of the crew was good except for one case of pneumonia.
Patient had a temperature of 103° to 104° for five days. APC
tablets were administered and patient was kept well covered up.
Recovery was slow but man was able to be up on return to port.
Habitability was greatly improved by the Air Conditioning
equipment which has been recently installed.

13. Miles steamed:
          SURFACE: 3300
          SUBMERGED: 50

14. Fuel oil expended: 16,800 gallons.

15. Factors of endurance remaining:

          TORPEDOES     FUEL     PROVISIONS     FRESH WATER     PERSONNEL
          100%          50%      15 days        50%             20 days

16. Patrol was discontinued by order of Commander Submarine Squadron
THREE. No factor of endurance was involved.

17. It is here noted that this patrol was conducted almost entirely
on the surface. Attention is invited to the fact that only one air-
plane was sighted while on the patrol station. None was sighted
while enroute except while in Panama Bay.

                                                  /s/ W. B. Perkins,
                                                  W. B. PERKINS,
                                                  Lieutenant-Commander, U.S.N.,
                                                  Commanding, U.S.S. S-11.

— page 39 —
FF4-3/A16(1)
Serial 0247

CONFIDENTIAL

1st Endorsement to
CSD-32 ltr. A12-1
Serial 069 of 9-29-42.

[HANDWRITTEN: 8-01310]

UNITED STATES ATLANTIC FLEET
SUBMARINES
SUBMARINE SQUADRON THREE
U.S.S. S-13 (Flagship)
% Postmaster, New York, N.Y.,
October 5, 1942.

From: Commander Submarine Squadron Three.
To : Commander Submarines, Atlantic Fleet.

SUBJECT: U.S.S. S-11 - Sixth War Patrol, Report of.

1. Forwarded.

2. Sulfa drugs are considered dangerous to administer
by inexperienced personnel. New medical boxes have recently
been supplied to all submarines not complemented with a pharmacist
mate. The medical supplies making up this box were determined by
a Board of Medical Officers to supply the needs of a submarine
without medical personnel on board. It is probable that sulfa
drugs were intentionally omitted from the list because of the
potential danger when used by inexperienced personnel. Sulfa-
nilamide is furnished for local application to wounds.

/s/ T. J. Doyle
T. J. DOYLE

Copy to:
Compaseafron.
CSD-32
CO S-11

— page 40 —
END OF REEL
JOB NO. [HANDWRITTEN: G-108]
[HANDWRITTEN: AR-45-80]

||| 1.0
||| 1.1
||| 1.25 ||| 1.4 ||| 1.6

||| 4.5 ||| 2.8 ||| 2.5
||| 5.0 ||| 3.2 ||| 2.2
||| 5.6 ||| 3.6 ||| 2.0
||| 6.3 ||| 4.0 ||| 1.8
||| 7.1

THIS MICROFILM IS
THE PROPERTY OF
THE UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT

[Image of Department of Defense seal with text: DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA]

MICROFILMED BY
NPPSO-NAVAL DISTRICT WASHINGTON
MICROFILM SECTION