U.S.S. SEA FOX (SS-402) — war patrol report SS-402_SEA_FOX.pdf

— page 1 —
START OF REEL
JOB NO. [HANDWRITTEN: B-108-AR-183-75]
[HANDWRITTEN: R#1]

1.0
1.1
1.25
1.4

2.8
3.15
3.5
4.0

2.5
2.2
2.0
1.8
1.6

OPERATOR [HANDWRITTEN: Hauens]
DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 6-10-75]

THIS MICROFILM IS
THE PROPERTY OF
THE UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

MICROFILMED BY
NPPSO-NAVAL DISTRICT WASHINGTON
MICROFILM SECTION

REEL TARGET, START & END
NAVEXOS 3968

— page 2 —
SS402/A16-3
Serial (11)

U.S.S. SEA FOX (SS402)
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.

[HANDWRITTEN: C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L] [STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
DECLASSIFIED-ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.16A
BY [HANDWRITTEN: CFOGBA] DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 9/15/70]

From: The Commanding Officer.
To : The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : (1) The Commander Submarine Division TWO EIGHTY TWO.
      (2) The Commander Submarine Squadron TWENTY-EIGHT.
      (3) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. SEA FOX (SS402) - Report of War Patrol Number One.

Enclosure: (A) Subject Report.
           (B) Track Chart (For ComSubsPac).

1.
Enclosure (A) covering the first war patrol of this ves-
sel, conducted in the DUNKERS DERBY - MARU MORGUE areas during the period
4 October 1944 to 24 November 1944 is forwarded herewith.

[SIGNATURE: R. C. Klinker]
R. C. KLINKER.

[STAMP: 98645] [STAMP: FILMED]

— page 16 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. SEA FOX (SS402) - Report of War Patrol Number One.
(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS (CONTINUED)

CONTACT NUMBER - 13 -

Date 15 Nov 44

S Time (Zone) 1402(-9)
U
B Posit: Lat. 28°40'20"N
M Long. 129°15'25"E
A
R Speed 2.7 knots
I
N Course 045°
E
Trim 60 feet

Last SD Search Not in use

Number 1
Type VAL
A
I Mission Unknown
R
C Method of Contact Periscope
R
A Initial Range 3 miles
F
T Elevation 300 feet

Range and Rel. Bear. 3 miles
When Plane Detected
Submarine 090°

C State (Beaufort) 1
O Sea: Direction (Rel.) 000°
N
D Visibility 6 miles
I
T Clouds: Type Cu
I Coverage 8
O
N Rel. Bearing --
Moon: Angle --
Percent Illum. --

- 14 -
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 18 —
CONFIDENTIAL

Subject: U.S.S. SEA FOX (SS402) - Report of War Patrol Number One.
(H) ATTACK DATA (ATTACK NO. 1 CONTINUED)

FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA

Type Attack: Night - Surface - Radar

| #6 | #5 | #4 | #3
Tubes Fired | 104°30' P | 105°30' P | 109°30' P | 105°30' P
Track Angle | 15 L | 16 L | 20 L | 16 L
Gyro Angle | 4 feet | 4 feet | 4 feet | 4 feet
Depth Set | High | High | High | High
Power | Hit | Hit | Miss | Hit
Hit or Miss | No | No | No | No
Erratic | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23
Mark Torpedo | 62899 | 65245 | 61767 | 49185
Serial Number | 6-4 | 6-4 | 6-4 | 6-4
Mark Exploder | 19662 | 1575 | 19429 | 19433
Serial Number | Contact | Contact | Contact | Contact
Actuation Set | Contact | Contact | None | Contact
Actuation Actual | 16-1 | 16-0 | 16-1 | 16-0
Mark Warhead | 11789 | 5351 | 16551 | 2981
Serial Number | TPX | TPX | TPX | TPX
Explosive | 0 | 8 seconds | 8 seconds | 7 seconds
Firing Interval | 1° L | 1° R | 3° L | 3° R (Diver-
Type Spread | | | | gent Spread)
Sea Condition | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1
Overhaul Activity | U.S. Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, T.H.

- 16 - ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 19 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. SEA FOX (SS402) - Report of War Patrol Number One.
(H) ATTACK DATA (CONTINUED)

U.S.S. SEA FOX TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 2 PATROL NO. 1
Time: 0235(I) Date: 8 Nov. 1944 Lat. 28°38' N. Long. 127°26' E.

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED

Description:
One medium freighter, unidentified, with stacks aft. Contacted at
22,000 yards on SJ Radar. Unescorted. Visibility approximately 13,000 yds.

Ship(s) Sunk: None

Ship(s) Damaged: None

Damage Determined by: None

Target Draft: Approximately 6 feet.

Target Course: 050°

Target Speed: 6 knots

Target Range: 13,000 yards

OWN SHIP DATA

Own Ship Speed: 2.7 knots

Own Ship Course: 014°30'

Depth: 53 feet

FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA

Type Attack:
Night periscope attack after submerged radar approach to 3,300 yards.
Had two erratic runs due to shallow depth setting and firing into sea. sound
man reported one torpedo to circle and pass overhead, and another to veer off
to the right. Target started to zig toward us at the instant #8 was fired.
Checked fire after #9 left the tube and set up for a "down-the-throat" with
#10.

- 17 - ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 22 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. SEA FOX (SS402) - Report of War Patrol Number One.
(H) ATTACK DATA (ATTACK NO. 3 CONTINUED)

FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA

Type Attack:
     Dawn, periscope attack. One erratic run - torpedo seen broaching and
     veering left down the track. One torpedo seen to hit aft on the waterline,
     while the third probably passed astern.

                     #7          #8          #9
Tubes Fired
Track Angle          56 P        60 P        58 P
Gyro Angle           165°00'     179°30'     183°00'
Depth Set            2 feet      2 feet      2 feet
Power                -           -           -
Hit or Miss          Hit         Miss        Miss
Erratic              No          Yes         No
Mark Torpedo         18-1        18-1        18-1
Serial Number        56837       56592       53391
Mark Exploder        8-5         8-5         8-5
Serial Number        9971        9883        10492
Actuation            Contact     Contact     Contact
Actuation Actual     Contact     Unknown     Unknown
Mark Warhead         18-2        18-2        18-2
Serial Number        333         2968        3106
Explosive            TPX         TPX         TPX
Firing Interval      0           11 seconds  10 seconds
Type Spread          0           2° L        2° R
Sea Condition        Choppy sea with no swells.
Overhaul Activity    U.S. Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, T.H.

                     - 20 -                      ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 23 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. SEA FOX (SS402) - Report of War Patrol Number One.
(H) ATTACK DATA (CONTINUED)

U.S.S. SEA FOX TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 4, 5, and 6 PATROL NO. 1

| | Time | Date | Latitude | Longitude |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4th Attack | 0704-56(I) | 8 Nov. 1944 | 28°58' N | 127°36' E |
| 5th Attack | 0723-15(I) | 8 Nov. 1944 | 28°58' N | 127°36' E |
| 6th Attack | 1027-25(I) | 8 Nov. 1944 | 29°05' N | 127°40' E |

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED

Description:
Same target as in Attack #3 except for one hole visible aft on waterline.

| | 4th Attack | 5th Attack | 6th Attack |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ship(s) Sunk: | None | None | One medium |
| | | | freighter (ZU). |
| Ship(s) Damaged: | None | One medium | None |
| | | freighter (ZU) | |
| Damage Determined by: | None | Saw torpedo hit, | Saw torpedo |
| | | stern blew off. | disintergrate |
| Target Course: | 350° | 350° | 060° (target |
| | | | course) |
| Target Speed: | 1 knot | 1 knot | -- |
| Target Range: | 2,500 yards | 2,640 yards | 1,600 yards |

OWN SHIP DATA

| | 4th Attack | 5th Attack | 6th Attack |
|---|---|---|---|
| Own Ship Course: | 084°30' | 265° | 330° |
| Own Ship Speed: | 2.7 knots | 2.7 knots | 2.7 knots |
| Depth: | 63 feet | 63 feet | 63 feet |

FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA

Type Attack: Daylight periscope attacks.

On fourth attack, #1 torpedo (1k-23) ran erratic probably due to shallow
depth setting and running into sea. It was observed to be broaching and veer-
ing to the right. On the fifth attack, tube #10 (a 1k 18-1) was fired. Tor-
pedo was set at 4 feet and ran hot, straight and normal, hitting him aft below
the waterline near the hole made on previous attack. The stack was observed
to crumble and the stern of the target fell back and hung on by a few steel
girders.

-21- ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 27 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. SEA FOX (SS402) - Report of War Patrol Number One.

(L) RADIO.
Radio reception was generally good in the area. The best FOX fre-
quency was 4515 kcs. up to 1700(Z). On 9515 kcs., the Japs send music
until 0200(-4)(I). There was very little Jap interference on the life-
guard frequency. All area frequencies were clear of jamming. All
ComSubsPac serials were received.

(M) RADAR.

(A) SJ RADAR.
The SJ Radar gave excellent performance throughout the patrol. The
following troubles were encountered:

(1) Faulty 5U4G tubes in "A" Unit - replaced tubes.
(2) Faulty magnetron and beat oscillator - replaced.

(B) SD RADAR.
The SD Radar was used sparingly - keyed 5 seconds out of 30 when
operated. When used, gave excellent results within the known limits
of the equipment. No troubles were encountered.

As noted in the BOWFIN's Sixth - SD interference was encountered
well out to sea in the NANSEI SHOTO area, the entire screen being covered
with grass. This, just after an SD plane contact at 30 miles.

- 25 -
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 31 —
CONFIDENTIAL

Subject: U.S.S. SEA FOX (SS402) - Report of War Patrol Number One.

(T) FACTORS OF ENDURANCE REMAINING.

Torpedoes | Fuel | Provisions | Personnel Factor
Nine (9) | 9,500 gal. | 20 days | 15 days

Limiting factor, this patrol: Provisions of Operation Order.

(U) RADIO AND RADAR INTERFERENCE.

(A) RADIO INTERFERENCE.

The following radio interference was noted while in the NANSEI SHOTO
area:

4515 Kcs. - C.W. interference; annoying but able to copy through it.

9515 Kcs. - Music on one side of band and modulated C.W. on the
other. Unable to use frequency until 1700(Z).

16730 Kcs. - No interference.

(B) RADAR INTERFERENCE.

Radar jamming on the SD was encountered once. The SD had been keyed
regularly 5 seconds out of each 30 for an hour. Had a good contact at
30 miles when suddenly the screen was filled with very high grass (elec-
tronic interference) and the pip was completely obliterated. This con-
dition existed for 30 seconds when we dove.

(V) REMARKS

(A) MARK-18 REPORT.

Eight Mark 18-1 torpedoes were carried aboard in the after room
only. All eight were expended giving a total of five hot, straight and
normal runs, three erratics, and scoring two hits. The erratic runs
were probably due to firing with shallow depth settings into what was
not a rough sea but one with little swells and a heavy chop. Out of
the first salvo of four fired at night, two were described by Sound as
running normally down the line, one as veering right and the fourth as
circling around and passing across over our bow. The depth set on this
salvo was four feet. At that time, the cause for the erratic runs was
not thought to be depth settings. On the next salvo, with depth set at
two feet, sea conditions the same, and running into the sea in the same

- 29 - ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 32 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. SEA FOX (SS402) - Report of War Patrol Number One.

direction, one torpedo was seen broaching and veering off to the left
while the others ran hot, straight and normal obtaining one hit close
to the waterline. Horizontal rudder throw was set at one up and four
down. No accurate check on speed performance was obtainable as firing
range was not definitely known, but believe it to be about 29.2 knots
with an average battery temperature of 80°F at a run of approximately
2,200 yards. Information on new speed computations to be used in the
TDC when firing at shallow depths arrived too late to be used.
No exceptional difficulties were encountered in maintaining routines.
The 48-hour routine was carried out each morning by the torpedoman on
watch unassisted without much strain. No grounds were ever encountered
in either the battery circuit or the hydrogen eliminator circuit although
tubes were flooded twice at periscope depth. However a securing bolt
which worked loose caused a ground in the charging panel. One shunt wire
in the hydrogen eliminator panel burned out and had to be replaced. An
ammeter in this circuit would simplify tests. A leak was discovered in
the battery compartment of torpedo #56871 when the removing of ventilation
line plug for a 48-hour routine failed to show a vacuum. Torpedo was
pulled out of the tube until #1 hand-hole was clear of tube and torpedo
rested in roller and a wooden chock rigged on the after track. It was
secured by a strap around the roller and by fore and aft snubbing lines.
No spare rack was carried but rigging the wooden chock on the after track
worked just as efficiently and did not cramp us for space. A test on
the battery compartment revealed leaks around #1 and #3 hand-hole covers
which would not seat solidly. Replacement of covers did not remedy sit-
uation and it was not until the spiders were replaced in both hand-holes
that covers seated properly. It was noted that the spiders removed had
convex tops and the replacements were concave.
Following a six-day schedule and the new routine, charging presented
no serious problem. All charges were completed in three hours. The addi-
tion of another panel in the after room would greatly improve the effic-
iency by lessening the time the room was disrupted, since all torpedoes
could be charged in one day and only two tubes need be out of commission
at one time.
On the whole, no great strain was placed on the torpedo gang although
time required for routines was slightly longer than in the forward room
which carried Mark-23. With careful planing, suitable equipment and con-
stant alertness, the electric torpedo presents no greater problem than
the steam torpedo.

- 30 - ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 33 —
SUBMARINE DIVISION 142

Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
26 November 1944.

FB5-142/A16-3
Serial: 060

CONFIDENTIAL
FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
CO USS SEAFOX Conf. ltr.
SS402/A16-3, Ser. 11
Dated 24 November 1944.

From: The Commander Submarine Division 142.
To : The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : (1) The Commander Submarine Squadron FOURTEEN.
(2) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
(3) The Commander in Chief, U. S. Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. SEAFOX (SS402) - Report of First War Patrol,
Comments on.

1. The U.S.S. SEAFOX conducted her First War Patrol in
waters around the BONIN ISLANDS for a short period, followed by opera-
tions in the NANSEI SHOTO areas. A period of fifty (50) days was
spent at sea of which thirty one (31) days covered operations in as-
signed areas. Patrol was terminated by the provisions of the opera-
tion order.

2. Only five contacts were made, one being a properly
marked hospital ship and two others small anti-submarine vessels. On
the two contacts worthy of torpedo fire six (6) aggressive attacks
were made resulting in the sinking of two medium AK's. Due to un-
usually poor torpedo performance it was necessary to fire eleven tor-
pedoes at the second ship attacked. It is regretted that the SEAFOX
was unable to find survivors from a downed Liberator while on life-
guard duty near the BONINS.

3. Prior to the first torpedo attack an escorted freighter
was picked up by radar at night. After tracking it for several hours
it was closed to 3,000 yards and four torpedoes were fired resulting
in three hits and the end of another Nip merchantman. Evasion was
conducted on the surface.

4. The 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th attacks were made on
an unescorted engine aft freighter. The first attack on this ship
was foiled by erratic torpedoes and a target zig. An end around was
made and, in a dawn attack with 3 torpedoes, one hit was scored, stop-
ping the target. A single torpedo was fired next which broached and
missed astern. Another single was fired which hit and blew off the
targets stern. SEAFOX remained in the vicinity and after waiting 3
hours for the ship to sink fired two more torpedoes, obtained one hit
amidships, and saw target go down.

5. The SEAFOX returned clean and in good material condition.
Refit will be accomplished by BUSHNELL and Submarine Division 142
relief crew in the normal period.

- 1 -

— page 35 —
1
FC5-14/A16-3
Serial 0126

CONFIDENTIAL
SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
USS SEA FOX report of
FIRST War Patrol.

From: The Commander Submarine Squadron Fourteen.
To : The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : (1) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
 (2) The Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Subjoct: U.S.S. SEA FOX (SS402) - Report of First War
 Patrol; Comments on.

 1. Forwarded, concurring in the remarks of Com-
mander Submarine Division 142.

 2. The Squadron Commander takes pleasure in con-
gratulating the Commanding Officer, officers and crew of the
SEA FOX on this aggressive and successful first patrol and for
the damage done to the enemy.

Copy to:
 CSD 142
 CO SEA FOX

SUBMARINE SQUADRON FOURTEEN

c/o Fleet Post Office;
San Francisco, Calif.,
26 November 1944.

[SIGNATURE: W. D. Wilkin]
W. D. WILKIN.

— page 36 —
FF12-10/A16-3(15)
Serial 02763
CONFIDENTIAL
THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
SEA FOX Report of
First War Patrol.

SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
[HANDWRITTEN: 19 DEC 1944]
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
8 December 1944.
hch

NOTE: THIS REPORT WILL BE
DESTROYED PRIOR TO
ENTERING PATROL AREA.

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 596.
U.S.S. SEA FOX - FIRST WAR PATROL.

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

Subject: U.S.S. SEA FOX (SS402) - Report of First War Patrol.
(4 October to 24 November 1944).

1. The first war patrol of the SEA FOX was conducted in
the Bonin Islands and Nansei Shoto areas. This patrol was the first
for the new commanding officer as such.

2. Excellent area coverage was maintained throughout the
patrol and all attacks were aggressively and effectively conducted.
All contacts worthy of torpedo fire were attacked. The fact that the
small number of contacts were made was undoubtedly due to the scarcity
of targets caused by the carrier strikes during this time. The
tenacity shown by the SEA FOX in finally sinking a new type cargo ves-
sel shows that the fighting spirit of this new submarine has been well
established.

3. Award of the submarine Combat Insignia for this patrol
is authorized.

4. The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, congratu-
lates the commanding officer, officers, and crew for this very success-
ful war patrol. The SEA FOX is credited with having inflicted the
following damage upon the enemy:

S U N K

1 - Medium AK (EU) - 4,000 tons (Attack No. 1)
1 - Medium AK (EU) - 4,000 tons (Attacks Nos. 2,
3,4,5,6).
TOTAL SUNK 8,000 tons

Distribution and authenti-
cation on following page.
C. A. LOCKWOOD, Jr.

- 1 -

— page 37 —
hch

FF12-10/A16-3(15)
Serial 02763

CONFIDENTIAL

THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
SEA FOX Report of
First War Patrol.

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 596.
U.S.S. SEA FOX - FIRST WAR PATROL.

Subject: U.S.S. SEA FOX (SS402) - Report of First War Patrol.
(4 October to 24 November 1944).

DISTRIBUTION:
(Complete Reports)
Cominch (7)
CNO (5)
Cincpac (6)
Intel.Cen.Pac.Ocean areas (1)
Comservpac (1)
Cinclant (1)
Comsubslant (8)
S/M School, NL (2)
CO, S/M Base, PH (1)
Comsopac (2)
Comsowespac (1)
Comsubswespac (2)
CTG 71.9 (2)
Comnorpac (1)
Comsubspac (40)
SUBAD, LI (2)
ComsubspacSubordcom (3)
All Squadron and Division
Commanders, Pacific (2)
Substrainpac (2)
All submarines, Pacific (1)

[SIGNATURE: E. L. Hynes 2nd]
E. L. HYNES, 2nd,
Flag Secretary. SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET

Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
8 December 1944.

NOTE: THIS REPORT WILL BE
DESTROYED PRIOR TO
ENTERING PATROL AREA.

— page 39 —
SS402/A16-3
Serial (17)

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

U.S.S. SEA FOX (SS402)
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.

5 February 1945
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.C]
BY [HANDWRITTEN: GDD/RSR] DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 4/13/72]

From: The Commanding Officer.
To : The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : (1) The Commander Submarine Division TWO EIGHTY TWO.
(2) The Commander Submarine Squadron TWENTY-EIGHT.
(3) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. SEA FOX (SS402) - Report of War Patrol Number Two.

Enclosure: (A) Subject Report.
(B) Track Chart (For ComSubsFac).

Enclosure (A) covering The Second War Patrol of this
vessel, conducted in the MARU MORGUE area during the period 20 December
1944 to 5 February 1945 is forwarded herewith.

[SIGNATURE: R. C. Klinker]
R. C. KLINKER.

[HANDWRITTEN: FILMED]
[HANDWRITTEN: 108479]

— page 49 —
CONFIDENTIAL

Subject: U.S.S. SEA FOX (SS402) - Report of War Patrol Number Two.

26 January

         Patrolling central portion of area.
0620     Dived 10 miles northwest of OKINCYERABU JIMA.
1919     Surfaced.

27 January

         Patrolling central portion of area.
0630     Dived 15 miles south of TORI SHIMA.
1147     Sighted KATE on northerly course.
1907     Surfaced.

28 January

         Patrolling central portion of area.
0635     Dived 15 miles southwest of TORI SHIMA.
1920     Surfaced 12 miles southeast of TORI SHIMA.

29 January

         Patrolling central portion of area.
0631     Dived 12 miles north of TORI SHIMA.
1911     Surfaced northeast of TORI SHIMA.

30 January

         Patrolling central portion of area.
0634     Dived 10 miles northwest of SOTSUKO ZAKI.
1927     Surfaced 15 miles west of SOTSUKO ZAKI.

31 January

         Patrolling central portion of area.
0001     Lookout sighted plane with lights.
0602     Dived 20 miles north of TORI SHIMA.
0603     One explosion - close.
0604     Second explosion - close.
1025     Heard many light explosions - nothing in sight.
1915     Surfaced.
2030     Received ComSubsPac Dispatch, ordering us to depart patrol area
         and proceed to GUAM for refit.

1 February

         Enroute passage north of YORON JIMA.

                                  - 10 -                               ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 51 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. SEA FOX (SS402) - Report of War Patrol Number Two.

(C) WEATHER.
Weather in the NANSEI SHOTO Area was from poor to bad during the
entire thirty-one days of January. It was overcast eighty per cent of
the time, and many minor storms were encountered.

(D) TIDAL INFORMATION.
No tidal conditions were observed which differed from those
described on current charts, H.O. Publications, or previously reported.

(E) NAVIGATIONAL AIDS.
No navigational aids were sighted in the NANSEI SHOTO Area.

(F) SHIP CONTACTS.
| No. | Time | Lat. | Type(s) | Initial | Course | How | Remarks. |
|     | and  | and  |         | Range   | and    | Contacted |          |
|     | Date | Long. |         |         | Speed  |           |          |
|-----|------|-------||||||
| 1.  | 1915(I) | 26°27'N | Convoy (8 | 20,000 | 025°   | Radar     | Escorts were |
|     | 1-9-45 | 126°10'E | Med.Freighters,3 Escorts) | yds. | 6 knots |           | 2 DE's and 1 |
|     |      |       |         |         |        |           | converted yacht. |
|     |      |       |         |         |        |           | Freighters were |
|     |      |       |         |         |        |           | medium to small; |
|     |      |       |         |         |        |           | close formation. |
| 2.  | 1403(I) | 26°40'N | Motor   | 6,000  | Patrolling | Periscope |          |
|     | 1-11-45 | 127°50'E | Patrol  | yds.   |        |           |          |
|     |      |       | Boat    |         |        |           |          |
| 3.  | 1445(I) | 28°15'N | Patrol  | 10,000 | Patrolling | Periscope | Patrolling off |
|     | 1-20-45 | 129°05'E | Vessels | yds.   |        |           | SOTSUKO ZAKI, |
|     |      |       | (Small) |         |        |           | smoking inter- |
|     |      |       |         |         |        |           | mittently. |

- 12 -
ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 64 —
FB5-282/A16-3
Serial (05)

CONFIDENTIAL

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
CO SEA FOX (SS402) Conf.
Ltr. SS402/A16-3, serial
(17), dated 5 Feb., 1945.

From: The Commander Submarine Division TWO EIGHTY TWO.
To : The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : The Commander Submarine Squadron TWENTY EIGHT.
The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
The Commander-in-Chief, United States, Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. SEA FOX (SS402) - Report of War Patrol Number Two.

1. The Second War Patrol of the U.S.S. SEA FOX was conducted
in the NANSEI SHOTO as part of a coordinated attack group consisting
of BLUEBACK, PUFFER and SEA FOX. Commander M. K. CLEMENTSON, U.S.
Navy commanding officer of BLUEBACK was group commander.

2. The patrol extended over a period of forty-six days,
thirty-two of which were spent in the area. Thirty-one days were
spent submerged.

3. In spite of good area coverage only one contact worthy
of torpedo fire was made and this was on a convoy of eight medium
AKs and three escorts. One night surface and one dawn periscope
attack were made in rough seas, after getting off a contact report
to PUFFER.

4. In the first attack four Mark 14-3A torpedoes were fired
set two at six and two at eight feet, track angle 65° starboard,
gyros small, firing range 2500 yards. Radar firing bearings were
used due to the inability to keep the T.B.T. on the target in the
trough of the rough seas. Two torpedoes were fired at the point of
aim and one 1 1/2° right and one 1 1/2° left. Although it appears
that hits should have been made it is believed that under the
circumstances the spreading of all four torpedoes was warranted.

5. The second attack was made at dawn the following morning.
Five Mark 14-3A torpedoes were fired in a submerged attack from
2200 yards, torpedoes set at five feet, gyros small. The torpedoes
were unfortunately fired on the knuckle and the target was seen to
turn just after the third torpedo was launched. In the poor visibi-
lity of the early morning the commanding officer thought the convoy
had turned toward and two more torpedoes were fired using about a
40° starboard track. Actually the target had turned away presenting
about a 140° starboard track and all torpedoes missed.

-1-
SUBMARINE DIVISION TWO EIGHTY TWO
c/o Fleet Post Office, San Francisco, Calif.

8 February, 1945.

— page 66 —
FC5-28/A16-3
Serial: 040
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

SUBMARINE SQUADRON TWENTY-EIGHT

Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
8 February 1945.

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
CO SEA FOX conf. ltr.
SS402/A16-3 serial 17
dated 5 February 1945.

From: The Commander Submarine Squadron TWENTY-EIGHT.
To : The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : (1) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
(2) The Commander in Chief, United States Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. SEA FOX (SS402) - Report of War Patrol No. TWO.

1. Forwarded, concurring in the remarks of the Commander Sub-
marine Division TWO HUNDRED EIGHTY-TWO in the first endorsement.

2. On the night of January ninth, SEA FOX gained contact on a
convoy of eight merchant ships and three escorts. Her contact and amplifying
reports enabled PUFFER to gain contact on the convoy. However it is believed
that the Commanding Officer erred in electing to trail and track after his
first attack, waiting until dawn for his next attack, when PUFFER's first
attack was seen to be successful the time was ripe to attack a confused enemy.

3. The Squadron Commander congratulates the Commanding Officer,
officers and crew on the completion of their second patrol.

[SIGNATURE: J. M. WILL.]

— page 67 —
[HANDWRITTEN: F4254]
3 C056
ld
FF12-10(A)/A16-3(18) SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
Serial: 0313
CONFIDENTIAL

Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
22 February 1945

NOTE: THIS REPORT WILL BE
DESTROYED PRIOR TO
ENTERING PATROL AREA.

THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
SEA FOX Report of
Second War Patrol.

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 671
U.S.S. SEA FOX - SECOND WAR PATROL.

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

Subject: U.S.S. SEA FOX (SS402) - Report of Second War Patrol
( 20 December 1944 to 5 February 1945).

1. The second war patrol of the SEA FOX, under the com-
mand of Commander R. C. Klinker, U.S. Navy, was conducted in the
Nansei Shoto Areas. The SEA FOX, along with the U.S.S. PUFFER (SS268)
and the U.S.S. BLUEBACK (SS326), formed a coordinated attack group
with the Commanding Officer of the BLUEBACK as group commander.

2. Despite thorough area coverage and helpful exchange of
information within the group, only one contact was made during this
patrol. This contact consisted of a convoy of eight medium AK's and
three escorts. Unfortunately, both aggressive attacks made by the
SEA FOX on the convoy failed. The SEA FOX had the pleasure of rescu-
ing an Army aviator from a crashed Liberator, returning from a combat
mission, as she was entering Saipan.

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

MERRILL COMSTOCK,
Chief of Staff.

Distribution and authentication
on following page

- 1 -

[STAMP: EXTRA - ORIGINAL]
[STAMP: SORG. MICRO]
[STAMP: PHOTO-LAB OP-16]
[STAMP: RETURN TO F-4253]

— page 68 —
1d
FF12-10(A)/A16-3(18) SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
Serial: 0313
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
22 February 1945.
CONFIDENTIAL

THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
SEA FOX Report of
Second War Patrol.

NOTE: THIS REPORT WILL BE
DESTROYED PRIOR TO
ENTERING PATROL AREA.

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 671
U.S.S. SEA FOX - SECOND WAR PATROL.

Subject: U.S.S. SEA FOX (SS402) - Report of Second War Patrol
(20 December 1944 to 5 February 1945).

— page 69 —
U.S.S. SEA FOX (SS402)
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.

SS402/A16-3
6 May 1945.
Serial (20)

C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C]
BY [HANDWRITTEN: MGGH] DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 6/15/78]

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

Subject: U.S.S. SEA FOX (SS402) - Report of Third War Patrol.

Enclosure: (A) Subject Report.
(B) Track Chart (For Comsubspac).

1. Enclosure (A) covering the Third War Patrol of this
vessel, conducted in Areas 11A and 11B during the period 8 March 1945,
to 6 May 1945, is forwarded herewith.

[SIGNATURE: R. C. Klinker]
R. C. KLINKER.

121974 [STAMP: FILMED]

— page 75 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. SEA FOX (SS402) - Report of War Patrol Number Three.

22 March 1945

Patrolling inshore near mouth of Min river. Many sampans - no ships.

0200 Headed for northwest corner of FORMOSA to make coordinated patrol
     with QUEENFISH. Intention is to make close inshore, submerged, day-
     light patrol to try to ascertain present enemy tracks to China coast.
     QUEENFISH to work south and west of us.

0530 Dived.
1200 Posit: Lat 25°15'N
            Long 121°12'E
1855 Surfaced.

23 March 1945

Patrolling vicinity of Lat 25°30'N - Long 121°10'E.

0530 Dived.
1200 Posit: Lat 25°24'N
            Long 121°09'E
1855 Surfaced.

24 March 1945

Patrolling vicinity of 25°30'N - 121°10'E.

0325 SD contact 19 miles - opened to 22 miles before we lost him.
0515 Dived.
1200 Posit: Lat 25°14'N
            Long 121°22'E
1855 Surfaced.
1858 Picked up SJ interference - challenged - no reply. Interference was
     very weak.

25 March 1945

Patrolling vicinity of Lat 25°30'N - Long 121°00'E.

0515 Dived.

- 6 -                                                    ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 107 —
SUBMARINE DIVISION ONE HUNDRED FORTY TWO

FB5-142/A16-3
Serial: 015

CONFIDENTIAL

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
USS SEA FOX Serial (20),
Dated 6 May 1945.

From: The Commander Submarine Division 142.
To : The Commander-in-Chief, UNITED STATES FLEET.
Via : (1) The Commander Submarine Squadron FOURTEEN.
      (2) The Commander Submarine Force, PACIFIC FLEET.
      (3) The Commander-in-Chief, U.S. PACIFIC FLEET.

Subject: U.S.S. SEA FOX (SS402) - Report of Third War Patrol.

1. The third war patrol of the U.S.S. SEA FOX, con-
ducted in the CHINA SEA - FORMOSA Areas, was of 59 days duration,
of which 31 days were spent in the area.

2. The SEA FOX was a member of a coordinated attack
group, which included the QUEENFISH and the SPOT, with the Command-
ing Officer of the SPOT as group commander. In addition, SEA FOX
performed lifeguard services for twelve (12) days, but no oppor-
tunity to effect a rescue was afforded.

3. An excellent coverage of the area resulted in six
contacts suitable for torpedo fire. The first contact was presum-
ably a submarine which was tracked for five hours while SEA FOX was
making every effort to definitely establish its enemy character, as
the QUEENFISH and TUNNY were working in the same area. Contact was
lost during early morning twilight when the submarine probably dove.

The second contact was a properly identified hospital ship,
while the third contact appeared to also be a hospital ship, al-
though it could only be closed to a range of 12,000 yards, where
it was not possible to classify it accurately. While pursuing the
second hospital ship, a convoy consisting of one large and one
medium AK, escorted by four DD's, was sighted and every effort was
made to close it at high speed. However, the range was never less
than 9,000 yards and after it passed, an end around was thwarted by
the proximity of the targets to their destination. The fifth con-
tact was a convoy consisting of 2 AK's and four escorts which could
not be closed to firing range; while the sixth contact, a convoy
consisting of one large and two medium sized vessels with four es-
corts was attacked.

-1-
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
7 May 1945.

— page 109 —
FC5-14/A16-3
Serial: 051
CONFIDENTIAL
SECOND ENDORSEMENT
USS SEA FOX Report of
Third War Patrol.

SUBMARINE SQUADRON FOURTEEN
8 May 1945

From: The Commander Submarine Squadron FOURTEEN.
To: The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via: (1) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet,
Administrative Command.
(2) The Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. SEA FOX (SS402) - Report of Third War Patrol;
Comments on.

1. Forwarded, concurring in the remarks of Commander
Submarine Division 142.

2. The Commanding Officer, officers and men are congrat-
ulated on the completion of an arduous patrol and for the damage
inflicted on the enemy.

3. It is recommended that the SEA FOX be credited with
the following:

DAMAGED
1 UNIDENTIFIED 4,000 tons.

[SIGNATURE: D. ILKIN]

Copy to:
ComSubDiv 142
CO USS SEA FOX

— page 110 —
[HANDWRITTEN: F 4254]
5 04136
Ga

FF12-10(A)/A16-3(18)

Serial 01112

CONFIDENTIAL

THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
SEA FOX Report of
Third War Patrol.

SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET

[HANDWRITTEN: R-wsp.]
[HANDWRITTEN: 5-29-45]

Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
12 May 1945

NOTE: THIS REPORT WILL BE
DESTROYED PRIOR TO
ENTERING PATROL AREA.

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 755
U.S.S. SEA FOX - THIRD WAR PATROL.

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

Subject: U.S.S. SEA FOX (SS402) - Report of Third War Patrol
(8 March to 6 May 1945).

1. The third war patrol of the SEA FOX, under the command of Commander
R. C. Klinker, U. S. Navy, was conducted in the areas northwest of Formosa. The
SEA FOX along with the U.S.S. SPOT and the U.S.S. KINGFISH formed a coordinated
attack group under the command of the commanding officer of the SPOT. Lifeguard
services were rendered in addition to offensive patrol.

2. With thorough area coverage, five contacts worthy of torpedo fire
were encountered. Of these the SEA FOX was able to close and attack only one;
however, due to target maneuvers at instant of firing torpedoes, only one timed
hit was obtained, and probable damage was done to one ship. The SEA FOX reports
good use of the torpedo detector during this patrol. This is most encouraging.

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

4. The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, congratulates the
commanding officer, officers, and crew of the SEA FOX for the completion of
this long arduous patrol, and for inflicting the following damage upon the
enemy:

DAMAGED

1 - AK (UN) [HANDWRITTEN: Joymile] 4,000 tons (Attack No. 1)

MERRILL COMSTOCK.

Distribution & Authentication
next page.

[STAMP: FILMED] - 1 -

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

[HANDWRITTEN: 535]
[HANDWRITTEN: 42]

— page 112 —
SS402/A16-3
Serial: (38)
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
CONFIDENTIAL

U.S.S. SEA FOX (SS402)
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.

29 July 1945.
DECLASSIFIED-ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510/AC
BY [HANDWRITTEN: CP093H] DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 6/15/22]

From: The Commanding Officer.
To : The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : (1) The Commander Submarine Division TWO HUNDRED FORTY-ONE.
(2) The Commander Submarine Squadron TWENTY-FOUR.
(3) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
(4) The Commander in Chief, United States Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. SEA FOX (SS402) - Report of War Patrol Number Four.

Enclosures: (A) Subject report.
(B) Track Chart (for Comsubspac only).

1. Enclosure (A), covering the fourth war patrol of this vessel
conducted in vicinity of Marcus Island during the period 7 June to 2 July
1945, and in Lifeguard League, Nanpo Shoto area during the period 3 July to
29 July 1945, is forwarded herewith.

[SIGNATURE: R. C. Klinker]
R. C. KLINKER.

[HANDWRITTEN: FILMED]
[HANDWRITTEN: 137067]

— page 115 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. SEA FOX (SS402) - Report of War Patrol Number Four.

0609(Y) Exchanged calls on VHF and established identification with air-
        craft acting as escort.
0814(Y) Moored port side to dock, Sail 10, Midway. Topped off with fuel
        and fresh water. Accomplished necessary voyage repairs which
        included renewal of packing gland on stbd sound head.

12 June 1945
0906(Y) Underway for patrol area, escorted by aircraft.
1137(Y) Escort departed.
1200(Y) Posit: Lat 28 09 00 N
               Long 177 56 00 W
1538(Y) Sighted and exchanged recognition signals with PBY-2 which closed
        and commenced circling us at 1,000 yards.
1544(Y) Plane dropped a yellow rubber boat bundled up, apparently with
        message or object inside. Unable to raise plane on VHF.
1545(Y) Maneuvering to pick up float. Seas of force four make maneuver-
        ing extremely difficult.
1607(Y) Picked up rubber boat containing special high-speed film for
        Photographer's Mate on board. Resumed course for area.

13 June 1945 (Omitted)

14 June 1945
0430(M) Received orders from Comsubspac to proceed to vicinity of MARCUS
        Island and perform lifeguard duty. Expect to arrive at local noon,
        June 17th.
1034(M) Made trim dive.
1045(M) Surfaced.
1200(M) Posit: Lat 29 36 00 N
               Long 176 03 00 E

15 June 1945
Enroute patrol area.
0200(M) Set clocks back one hour to conform with (-11) zone time.

                                  - 3 -
                                                            ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 143 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
FB5-241/A14-3
Serial # 025
SUBMARINE DIVISION TWO FORTY ONE

Care of Fleet Post Office;
San Francisco, California,
30 July 1945.

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
U.S.S. SEA FOX (SS402)
Report of War Patrol
No. 4 of 7-29-45.

From: The Commander Submarine Division TWO FORTY ONE
To : The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : The Commander Submarine Squadron TWENTY FOUR;
The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, Administration.
The Commander in Chief, U. S. Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. SEA FOX (SS402) - Report of War Patrol Number FOUR.

1. The fourth war patrol of the U.S.S. SEA FOX was of fifty-three (53)
days duration, of which twenty-seven (27) were spent in the assigned areas.

2. The primary task assigned during this patrol was life guard duty.
The first phase of thirteen (13) days duration was conducted off MARCUS ISLAND.
During this period the SEA FOX had the pleasure of rescuing nine (9) U.S. Army
aviators. The latter phase of fourteen (14) days duration was conducted in the
NANPO SHOTO area. During this period one (1) U.S. Army aviator was rescued. No
contacts with suitable targets were made.

3. The SEA FOX returned from patrol clean and in very good material
condition. Refit will be accomplished by the U.S.S. AEGIR and Submarine Division
TWO FORTY ONE in the normal period. Health was excellent and morale high.

4. The Administrative Division Commander congratulates the Commanding
Officer, officers and crew of the SEA FOX upon the completion of an arduous patrol
and valuable life guard duty which resulted in the rescue of ten (10) U. S. Army
aviators.

[SIGNATURE: J. W. DAVIS]
J. W. DAVIS,
Acting.

— page 144 —
FC5-24/A16-3
Serial: (0145)

SUBMARINE SQUADRON TWENTY-FOUR
11/rek

Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.
30 July 1945.

C O N F I D E N T I A L

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
USS SEA FOX (SS402) report
of War Patrol Number FOUR.

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

Subject: U.S.S. SEA FOX (SS402) - Report of War Patrol Number FOUR.

1. Forwarded, concurring in the remarks of the Commander
Submarine Division TWO FORTY-ONE.

2. The Commander Submarine Squadron TWENTY-FOUR congratulates
the Commanding Officer, officers and crew of the SEA FOX upon the
completion of that vessel's fourth war patrol and upon the efficient and
seamanlike manner in which lifeguard services were rendered.

[SIGNATURE: F. W. Fenno]
F. W. FENNO.

— page 145 —
FF12-10(A)/A16-3(18)
Serial 02011
CONFIDENTIAL
THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
SEA FOX Report of
Fourth War Patrol.

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 849
U.S.S. SEA FOX - FOURTH WAR PATROL.

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

Subject: U.S.S. SEA FOX (SS402) - Report of Fourth War Patrol
(7 June to 29 July 1945).

1. The fourth war patrol of the SEA FOX, under the command of Comman-
der R. C. Klinker, U.S. Navy, was devoted to lifeguard duties in the vicinity of
Marcus Island and in the Nanpo Shoto.

2. Thorough, alert area coverage throughout this patrol was rewarded
with the honor of rescuing nine Army aviation personnel off Marcus and one in the
Nanpo Shoto.

3. Award of Submarine Combat Insignia for this patrol is authorized.

4. The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, congratulates the
commanding officer, officers, and crew of the SEA FOX for this efficient per-
formance of lifeguard duty, and joins them in their pleasure and pride at being
able to return ten aviation personnel safely to port after being forced to abandon
their planes in combat.

DISTRIBUTION:
(Duplicate Reports)
Cominch (7)
CNO (5)
ComPac (6)
ComSubPac (1)
ComSubPac (1)
ComSubPac (1)
ComSubPac (1)
ComSubPac (3) All Squadron and Div.
ComSubPac (2) Commanders, Pacific
ComSubPac (1) ComSubOpTr Balboa (Air) (5)
ComSubPac (1) SubStraiPac (2)
ComSubPac (1) All Submarines, Pacific (1)
ComSubPac (3)
ComSubPac (2)
ComSubPac (1)
ComSubPac (3)
ComSubPac (40)
ComSubPac (2)
ComSubPac (3)

SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
nr
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
10 August 1945

NOTE: THIS REPORT WILL BE
DESTROYED PRIOR TO
ENTERING PATROL AREA.

MERRILL COMSTOCK,
Deputy.

[SIGNATURE: E. L. Hynes] [HANDWRITTEN: Red]
E. L. HYNES, 2nd,
Flag Secretary.