U.S.S. BONITA (SS-165) — war patrol report SS-165_BONITA.pdf

— page 1 —
START OF REEL
JOB NO. [HANDWRITTEN: F-108]
[HANDWRITTEN: AR 94 78]

[E-pattern] 3.5   1.0   2.8   2.5
[E-pattern] 4.0   1.1   3.15  2.2
[E-pattern] 4.5   1.25  4.0   2.0
[E-pattern] 5.0               1.8
[E-pattern] 5.6
[E-pattern] 6.3
              1.4
              1.6

OPERATOR [HANDWRITTEN: HARRIS]

DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 23 May, 78]

THIS MICROFILM IS
THE PROPERTY OF
THE UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT

[Department of Defense Seal: DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA]

MICROFILMED BY
NPPSO-NAVAL DISTRICT WASHINGTON
MICROFILM SECTION

REEL TARGET, START & END
NAVEXOS 3968

— page 2 —
[HANDWRITTEN: BONITA (SS-165)]
[HANDWRITTEN: WWII PATROL FILE]
[HANDWRITTEN: ALL MATERIAL ON THIS REEL IS DECLASSIFIED]
[HANDWRITTEN: FOR DECK LOG SEPTEMBER 1940 - MARCH 1945]
[HANDWRITTEN: CONSULT NATIONAL ARCHIVES WHICH HAS CUSTODY]

[HANDWRITTEN: J.A. KOONTZ]

— page 3 —
Bonhomme Richard

Bonhomme Richard is the French equivalent of "Poor
Richard." John Paul Jones gave the famous ship this
name in honor of Benjamin Franklin.

I

(Fr: T. 998; l. 152'; b. 40'; dpth. 19'; cpl. 375; a. 28
12-pdr. S. B., 6 18-pdr. S. B., 8 9-pdr. S. B.)

The first Bonhomme Richard, formerly Duc de Duras,
was a frigate built in France for the East India Co., in
1765, for service between France and the Orient. She was
placed at the disposal of John Paul Jones 4 February
1779 by the French King and renamed Bonhomme
Richard.

On 19 June 1779 Bonhomme Richard sailed from
L'Orient accompanied by Alliance, Pallas, Vengeance, and
Cerf with troop transports and merchant vessels under
convoy to Bordeaux and to cruise against the British
in the Bay of Biscay. Forced to return to port for re-
pairs, she sailed again 14 August 1779. Going
northwest around the west coast of the British Isles into
the North Sea and then down the east coast the squadron
took 16 merchant vessels as prizes.

On 23 September 1779 they encountered the Baltic
Fleet of 41 sail under convoy of HMS Serapis (44) and
Countess of Scarborough (22) near Flamborough Head.
After 1900 Bonhomme Richard engaged Serapis and a bit-
ter engagement ensued during the next four hours before
Serapis struck her colors. Bonhomme Richard, shattered,
on fire, and leaking badly defied all efforts to save her
and sank at 1100 on 25 September 1779. John Paul Jones
sailed the captured Serapis to Holland for repairs.

A 3713-ton Ammonoosuc class screw frigate authorized in
1864 was assigned the name Bon Homme Richard but the
vessel was never built.

On 26 September 1942 the name of CV-10 was changed
from Bon Homme Richard to Yorktown (q. v.).

II

(CV-31: dp. 27,100; l. 872'; b. 147'6''; dr. 28'7''; s. 33 k.;
cpl. 3448; a. 12 5''; cl. Essex)

The second Bonhomme Richard (CV-31) was launched
29 April 1944 by New York Navy Yard; sponsored by
Mrs. J. S. McCain, wife of Vice Admiral McCain; and
commissioned 26 November 1944, Captain A. O. Rule, Jr.,
in command.

Bon Homme Richard departed Norfolk 19 March 1945
to join the Pacific Fleet and arrived at Pearl Harbor
5 April 1945. Following additional training in Hawaiian
waters, the carrier joined TF 38 off Okinawa 6 June
1945. During 7-10 June she joined in the attacks on
Okino Daito Jima and then served with the 3rd Fleet
against Japan (2 July-15 August).
She remained off Japan until 16 September and after a
short training period off Guam, proceeded to San Fran-
cisco, arriving 20 October. She left San Francisco 29
October and steamed to Pearl Harbor to undergo conver-
sion for troop transport duty. From 8 November 1945
to 16 January 1946 she made trans-Pacific voyages, re-
turning servicemen to the United States. Bon Homme
Richard then reported to Puget Sound Naval Shipyard
for inactivation and was placed out of commission in
reserve 9 January 1947.

Bon Homme Richard was recommissioned 15 January
1951 and on 10 May departed San Diego for the Far
East. She joined TF 77 off Korea on 29 May and
launched her first air strikes 31 May. Bon Homme Rich-
ard continued operations with TF 77 until 20 November
1951. The carrier reached San Diego in mid-December
and on 20 May 1952 was off again to the Far East. She
joined TF 77 once more on 23 June and took part in the

140

heavy strikes against the North Korean power complex
(24-25 June) and the amphibious feint at Kojo (12-16
October). She continued operations against North Ko-
rean targets until 18 December 1952 and then steamed
to San Francisco where she arrived 8 January 1953. Her
classification was changed from CV-31 to CVA-31, 1
October 1952.

Bon Homme Richard went out of commission 15 May
1953 preparatory to modernization. When recommis-
sioned 6 September 1955, she had an angled and strength-
ened flight deck, enclosed bow, enlarged elevators, and
steam catapults. She completed her conversion period
31 October 1955 and commenced sea trials in the Alameda-
San Diego area. Bon Homme Richard has since con-
tinued to serve with the Pacific Fleet and has made two
tours of the Far East.

Bon Homme Richard received one battle star for her
World War II service and five battle stars for partici-
pation in the Korean conflict.

Bonita

Bonita is a species of fish allied to the mackerel.

I

(Sch: T. 74; l. 68'6''; b. 19'; dr. 6'; cpl. ca. 30; a. 1
18-pdr. S. B.; cl. Bonita)

The first Bonita, a schooner, was built in 1846 by
Brown and Bell, New York, N. Y. Intended for the
Mexican Navy, she was purchased by the United States
in May 1846 following the outbreak of the Mexican War
and commissioned about 30 May, Lieutenant H. Y. Pur-
viance in command.

Bonita reported to the Home Squadron at Anton Liz-
ardo, Mexico, 28 July 1846 and saw very active service
along the Mexican coast. She took part in the second
attack on Alvarado (15 October 1846); 1st Tabasco
Expedition (16-27 October); capture of Tampico (14
November); capture of Laguna del Carmen, Yucatan
(20 December); Veracruz landings (9 March 1847); Vera-
cruz bombardment (22-23 March); capture of Alvarado
and Alvarado River Expedition (1-2 April); Tuxpan cap-
ture; occupation of Frontera (19 May); and the 2nd Tabasco
Expedition (14-22 June). Bonita also
remained on the Mexican blockade
until returning to Norfolk during the summer of 1848.
She was sold there 15 October 1848.

II

The second Bonita (SS-15) was renamed C-4 (q. v.)
17 November 1911.

III

SP-540, a 46-foot motorboat of 1917-18, was also known
as Bonita.

IV

(SF-6: dp. 2000; l. 341'6''; b. 27'7''; dr. 15'11''; s.
18.8 k.; cpl. 56; a. 1 5''; 6 21'' TT.; cl. B)

The third Bonita (SF-6) was launched 9 June 1925 as
V-3 by Portsmouth N. H. Navy Yard; sponsored by Mrs. L. R.
DeSteiguer, wife of Rear Admiral DeSteiguer; and com-
missioned 22 May 1926, Lieutenant Commander C. A.
Lockwood, Jr., in command.

Assigned to Submarine Division 20, V-3 cruised along
the east coast and in the Caribbean until November 1927.
With her division, she then transferred to the Pacific
arriving at San Diego 17 December 1927. After service
with Submarine Division 20 and 12 along the Pacific
coast and off Hawaii, she joined Submarine Division 15
at Mare Island Navy Yard 1
July 1931. She was
renamed Bonita 9 March 1931 and
reclassified SS-165, 1 July 1931.
Bonita rejoined Submarine Division 12 in September
1933 and cruised in Caribbean, west coast, and Hawaiian

— page 4 —
waters through 1936. She departed San Diego 20 Jan-
uary 1937 and arrived at Philadelphia Navy Yard 18
February. She was placed out of commission in reserve
at Philadelphia 4 June 1937.
Recommissioned 5 September 1940, she departed New
London, Conn., 17 November 1940 for Coco Solo, C. Z.
Bonita patrolled in the Pacific, off Panama, until she re-
turned to Philadelphia for an overhaul in October 1942.
Patrolling off the Maine coast until mid-1943, she then
joined Submarine Squadron 1, Submarine Division 13
on training duty out of New London. She remained on
that duty until February 1945. She was decommissioned
Navy Yard 17 February 1945, she was decommissioned
3 March and sold 28 October 1945.

IV

(SSK-3: dp. 765; l. 190'1''; b. 24'7''; dr. 14'5''; s. 13 k.;
cpl. 37; cl. Bass)

The original construction contract for Bonita
(SSK-3) was let to New York Shipbuilding Corp., Cam-
den, N. J., but later transferred to Mare Island Naval
Shipyard. She was launched as K-3, 21 June 1951; spon-
sored by Mrs. J. S. Clark, widow of Commander Clark;
commissioned 11 January 1952, Lieutenant Commander
E. E. Hopley in command; and reported to the Pacific
Fleet.
K-3 joined Submarine Squadron 1 at Pearl Harbor
15 May 1952 and has since operated on experimental and
normal submarine duties, making a cruise to Alaskan
waters in August-September 1956. She was renamed
Bonita 15 December 1955.

Bonita, Point see Point Bonita

Boone County (LST-389) see LST-389

Bootes

Bootes is a constellation.

(AK-99: dp. 4356; l. 441'6''; b. 56'11''; dr. 28'4''; s. 12.5
k.; cpl. 198; a. 1 5'', 1 3''; cl. Crater)

Bootes (AK-99) was launched 16 May 1943 as Thomas
Oliver Larkin by California Shipbuilding Corp., Wil-
mington, Calif., under a Maritime Commission contract;
transferred to the Navy 15 July 1943, Lieutenant
Commander H. P. Bacon, USNR, in command; and re-
ported to the Pacific Fleet.
Bootes made two cargo runs from the west coast to
Espiritu Santo, New Hebrides, and Australia between
28 August 1943 and 6 February 1944. Thereafter, she
carried cargo from Brisbane, Australia, to New Guinea,
the Admiralties, and the Philippines. During 23 April-
16 May 1944 she took part in the landings at Aitape, New
Guinea. Bootes left Brisbane 23 August 1945; arrived
in the Philippines 3 September; departed 27 November;
November; and arrived there 31 December 1945. She
was decommissioned 22 April 1946 and returned to the
Maritime Commission 11 September 1947.
Bootes received one battle star during World War II.

Booth

Born in Hickory, N. C., 25 January 1915, Robert Sin-
clair Booth, Jr., enlisted in the Naval Reserve in 1940.
He graduated from the Naval Reserve Midshipman's
School on board Illinois (ex-BB-7) 14 November 1940.
Ensign Booth was killed while serving on Arizona
(BB-39) during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor
7 December 1941.

(DE-170: dp. 1240; l. 306'; b. 36'8''; dr. 11'8''; s. 21 k.;
cpl. 186; a. 3 3'', 3 21'' TT.; cl. Cannon)

Booth (DE-170) was launched 21 June 1943 by Fed-
eral Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Co., Newark, N. J.; spon-
sored by Mrs. R. S. Booth, mother of Ensign Booth;
and commissioned 19 September 1943, Lieutenant Com-
mander D. W. Todd in command.
From 1 to 17 December 1943, following her shakedown,
Booth carried out experiments for the Naval Research
Laboratory, Anacostia, D. C. She then reported for
trans-Atlantic convoy duty and between 1 January 1944
and 7 May 1945 she made eight crossings, escorting con-
voys to the Mediterranean. She departed for the Pacific
28 May 1945 and arrived at Pearl Harbor 2 July after
stops at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and San Francisco.
Departing Pearl Harbor 15 July she steamed to Saipan,
arriving 28 July. After a convoy run to Iwo Jima
and a patrol of the Caroline Islands, from where
she escorted two convoys to Okinawa (12 August-8 Sep-
tember 1945).
She departed Ulithi 8 September with a party of
Americans and Japanese aboard to secure the surrender
of Japanese-held islands in the western Carolines. Leav-
ing Ulithi again on 21 September she carried passengers
to Saipan and Guam and then embarked Lieutenant
Colonel L. D. Spurlock, USMC, and party. Booth carried
her passengers to Truk, Caroline Islands, and assisted
them in evacuating Japanese from Pululuwat and Momoi
and preparing for the arrival of American occupation
forces. She returned to Guam 7 November 1945 and the
following day departed for the east coast via Pearl
Harbor, San Diego, and the Panama Canal.
Booth was decommissioned 4 March 1946 at Green Cove
Springs, Fla., preparatory to sale. Removed from the
sale list in May 1951, she has remained at Green Cove
Springs in reserve.

Boothbay (No. 1708) see Grampus (No. 1708)

Bordelon

Born in San Antonio, Tex., 15 December 1920, William
James Bordelon enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1941.
Staff Sergeant Bordelon was killed in action on Tarawa
20 November 1943. He was posthumously awarded the
Congressional Medal of Honor.
(DD-881: dp. 2425; l. 390'6''; b. 40'10''; dr. 19'; s. 35
k.; cpl. 355; a. 6 5'', 10 21'' TT.; cl. Gearing)
Bordelon (DD-881) was launched 3 March 1945 by
Consolidated Steel Corp., Ltd., Orange, Tex.; sponsored by
Mrs. W. J. Bordelon, mother of Staff Sergeant Bordelon;
and commissioned 5 June 1945, Commander M. J. Lyosey
in command.
Until November 1945 Bordelon underwent shakedown
and training along the east coast and in the Caribbean.
She departed Norfolk 7 November and reported to Com-
mander, Destroyers, Pacific Fleet, at Pearl Harbor 28
November. She immediately proceeded to Kure, Japan,
and operated in the area as a unit of the occupation force until March 1946. She was
then assigned to TF 77 based in the Marianas. During
this tour she made several extended cruises to Hong
Kong; Manila, Philippine Islands; Shanghai and Tsing-
tao, China; Sasebo, Japan; and Okinawa. She returned
to the United States in December 1946.
Bordelon returned to the east coast in January 1947
and was assigned to Destroyer Squadron 14. She was
ordered to Plymouth, England, in September 1947 and
became a unit of the Northern European Task Force.
She returned to the United States in February 1948.
Since then Bordelon has carried out the normal op-
erating schedule of Atlantic Fleet ships. She has served
four tours of duty with the 6th Fleet in the Mediter-
ranean; conducted five midshipmen training cruises in

141

— page 5 —
Dictionary of
American Naval
Fighting Ships

VOLUME I . 1959

REPRINT WITH CORRECTIONS 1970

[SEAL: DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (with a sailing ship in the center)]

NAVY DEPARTMENT

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS

NAVAL HISTORY DIVISION . WASHINGTON

— page 6 —
SS165/A4-3
Serial 02

[HANDWRITTEN: [1ST PATROL]]
U.S.S. BONITA

[HANDWRITTEN: 1ST COPY]
SOH/Or
Submarine Base, [STAMP: MAR 1 1942]
Coco Solo, C.Z.
February 4, 1942

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
From: The Commanding Officer.
To: The Commander Submarine Division THIRTY ONE.
Subject: War Patrol December 10, 1941 - January 4, 1942.
Enclosure: (A) Logistic Data.

[STAMP: NAVAL INTELLIGENCE RECEIVED]
[STAMP: 1942 FEB 10 AM 11 12]

1. The patrol was conducted in accordance with Commander
Submarines, Offshore Patrol, Pacific, Operation Order No. S-41.

2. Departed Submarine Base, Coco Solo, C.Z. 1345 December
10, 1941. Completed transit of canal at 2030. Cleared mine field
at 2130. Took most direct route from mine field to patrol station
at standard speed 12.8 K.

3. Arrived on station, Lat. 9° N., Long. 92° W. at 2400,
December 13, 1941. Patrolled to the west from daylight to noon
and to the east from noon to dark. Lay to during dark to conserve
fuel. Manned WBA while lying to.

4. Nothing of importance occurred while on station. 0000
December 27, 1941 commenced return from patrol. While enroute
to and from the patrol station, numerous U.S. Army and Navy patrol
planes were sighted. Recognition signals were exchanged when
planes came close enough aboard. 0130, December 30, 1941, sighted
and identified U.S.S. BARRACUDA. 0210 Sighted and identified U.S.S.
S-11. 0515 Sighted ship - unable to identify but no report was
made as I had good reason to believe it to be the BARRACUDA.
1030 Sighted BARRACUDA and S-17. 0250, December 31, 1941, sighted
tanker steaming out from the Gulf of Panama. 0600 Cut in position
off Cape Mala. 0715 Joined the escort vessel and other submarines
of the detachment at rendezvous. Return to rendezvous was made
via Point Cast, Lat. 6°-50' N., Long. 85° W. and Point Baker, Lat.
6°-50' N., Long. 82° W. Rendezvous was 15 miles east of Cape Mala.
Upon arrival off Taboguilla ordered to remain underway during
night for canal transit following morning. 0730, January 1, 1942
commenced canal transit. 1730 Anchored off Cristobal.

5. No action occurred.

DECLASSIFIED-ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C
[HANDWRITTEN: BY OP-09B9C DATE 5/24/72]
[HANDWRITTEN: Film no. 40891]

-1-
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
[HANDWRITTEN: 6]

— page 7 —
99165/A4-3
Serial 02
CONFIDENTIAL

U.S.S. BONITA

Submarine Base,
Coco Solo, C.Z.
February 4, 1942

Subject: War Patrol December 10, 1941 - January 1, 1942.

— page 8 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. BONITA
Logistic Data on Patrol period December
1, 1941 to January 1, 1942 incl.
-1-

Item | Date | Miles | Fuel Used | Fuel On Hand | Lube Used | Lube On Hand | Fresh Water | Fresh Water | Compressor | Bat. Water | Bat. Water
     |      |       |           | 2400         |           | 2400         | Used        | On Hand 2400| Hours C&R Air| Used       | On Hand 2400
-----|------|-------|||||||||
10   |      | 53.6  | 312.0     | 295.4        | 110.0     | 117.9        | 1072        | 23022       | 30753        | 651        | 4240
11   |      | 1126  | 3810      | 3614         | 121.5     | 969          | 1403        | 29350       | 29350        | 465        | 4115
12   |      | 44798 | 40988     | 37374        | 1118      | 1232         | 1324        | 25853       | 24529        | 3990       | 3860
13   |      | 125   | 75        | 100          | 125       | 125          | 125         | 130         | 120          | 150        | 3710
14   |      | 4610  | 4535      | 4265         | 3.90      | 3390         | 3860        | 3140        | 708          | 649        | 260
15   |      | 510   | 1027      | 731          | 650       | 240          | 260         | 280         | 709          | 708        | 240
16   |      | 0     | 1160      | 830          | 220       | 240          | 220         | 200         | 7602         | 8031       | 8499
17   |      | 1.2   | 1.2       | 1.7          | 2.4       | 1.5          | 1.1         | 1.7         | 1.6          | 1.5        | 1.0
18   |      | 2000  | 2000      | 2000         | 2000      | 2000         | 2000        | 2000        | 1575         | 1575       | 1575
19   |      | -
20   |      | 2000  | 2000      | 2000         | 2000      | 2000         | 2000        | 2000        | 1575         | 1575       | 1575

ENCLOSURES (A)
8

— page 9 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. BONITA
Logistic Data (Contd)

Item | Date | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 1
Miles | | 117.9 | 117.9 | 117.0 | 121.0 | 119.7 | 117.0 | 216.0 | 218.4 | 171.0 | 198.8 | 86.7 |
Fuel Used | | 1230 | 1230 | 1199 | 1332 | 974 | 1129 | 1485 | 2065 | 2044 | 1542 | 1756 | 841
Fuel on Hand | | 23353 | 22123 | 20984 | 19652 | 18678 | 15199 | 13314 | 11249 | 9205 | 7663 | 5907 | 5066
2400 |
Lube Used | | 100 | 145 | 115 | 135 | 100 | 100 | 50 | 50 | 125 | 135 | 65 | 45
Lube On Hand | | 3360 | 3235 | 3120 | 2985 | 2885 | 2785 | 2735 | 2685 | 2560 | 2425 | 2360 | 2295
2400 |
Fresh Water | | 655 | 572 | 641 | 640 | 626 | 611 | 600 | 921 | 707 | 600 | 653 | 550
Used |
Fresh Water | | 230 | 300 | 284 | 230 | 230 | 460 | 423 | 347 | 247 | 108 | 0 |
Dist. |
Fresh Water on | | 7177 | 6905 | 6548 | 6138 | 5722 | 5331 | 5191 | 4693 | 4333 | 4057 | 3512 | 2962
Hand 2400 |
Hours C&R Air | | 1.6 | 1.5 | 2.0 | 1.8 | 2.0 | 1.7 | 3.1 | 1.5 | 2.1 | 1.7 | 1.7 | 0
Compressor |
Bat. Water | 400 | |
Used |
Bat. Water on | | 1575 | 1575 | 1575 | 1085 | 1085 | 1085 | 1085 | 1085 | 1085 | 685 | 685 | 685
Hand 2400 |

Losses
Item | Total
| 3630.7
| 3720.4
Item 3 - 3650 Gals.

ENCLOSURE (A)

-2-
[HANDWRITTEN: 7]

— page 10 —
U.S.S. BONITA

CONFIDENTIAL

Report on Fresh and Dry Provisions for Patrol
Run December 10, 1941 to January 1, 1942

Date - 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22
Fresh - 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 - - - -
Dry - 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14

Date - 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 1
Fresh
Dry - 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4

ENCLOSURE (A)

[HANDWRITTEN: 10]

— page 11 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 1ST COPY]
[HANDWRITTEN: [2ND PATROL]]

SS165/A4-3
Serial 03
DECLASSIFIED

U.S.S. BONITA

SCN/Bg
Submarine Base,
Coco Solo, C.Z.
February 4, 1942
[STAMP: MAR 1 1942]

From: The Commanding Officer.
To : The Commander Submarine Division THIRTY ONE.
[STAMP: OFFICE OF COMMANDER NAVAL INTELLIGENCE RECEIVED] (Clock face with hands at 10 and 12, "MIN" in center)

Subject: War Patrol January 9 - 24, 1942.

Enclosure: (A) Logistic Data.

1. The patrol was conducted in accordance with Commander
Submarines, Offshore Patrol, Pacific, Operation Order No. 5.

2. Departed from Submarine Base, Coco Solo, C.Z. at 0545
January 9, 1942. 1430 Completed transit and anchored in Balboa
Basin. 1600 Underway with escort. 1750 Made trim dive off Tab-
oquilla. 2230 Escort left formation at Point Afira, 15 miles west
of San Jose Light. Proceeded independently to patrol station,
Lat. 8°N, Long. 93°W, via Points Baker, Lat. 6° 50'N, Long. 82°W,
and Cast, Lat. 6° 50'N Long. 85°W. 0030 January 12 ordered to
search station for PBY plane reported down. 0700 Arrived on
search line. 2135 Received orders to cease searching for plane
and resume regular patrol.

3. Patrol station Lat. 8° N., 93° W. Patrolled to west
during daylight and to east during darkness. Return was made via
Points Cast, Baker and Afirm.

4. Engineering performance:
| | Stbd Main | Port Main | Stbd.Gen. | Port Gen. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| | : | : | : | : |
| Out of Commission | :2/14/42 | :2/12/42 | - | :2/14/42 |
| | :1900 | :1845 | | :1200 |
| | : | : | : | : |
| In Commission | :2/14/42 | :2/19/42 | - | :2/16/42 |
| | :2000 | :2200 | | :1200 |

The bow planes became unreliable in rigging out and
rigging in. Could not establish the cause. Made one dive on
January 20 with a stern planes jammed on 17½° dive and bow planes
only partially rigged out. After surfacing rigged out planes
and dove again normally. Stern planes are inoperative by hand
and will jam electrically at angles greater than 15° dive or rise.

DECLASSIFIED ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C
[HANDWRITTEN: D-0989C DATE 5/24/72]

-1-

DECLASSIFIED
//

— page 12 —
SS165/A4-3
Serial 03
CONFIDENTIAL

U.S.S. BONITA

SGN/Bg
Submarine Base,
Coco Solo, C.Z.
February 4, 1942

Subject: War Patrol January 9 - 24, 1942.

Numerous U.S. Army and Navy patrol planes were
sighted without incident.

5. No action occurred.

6. Torpedo tubes were not flooded. Torpedoes were
withdrawn for inspections.

7. The seas were rough for the first three days.
Thereafter the weather was excellent.

8. Habitability was excellent.

9. Health and morale were excellent. The permission to
use the broadcast receivers was greatly appreciated.

10. No comments or recommendations.

11. See Enclosure (A) for logistic data.

S.G. NICHOLS.

[HANDWRITTEN: 12]

— page 13 —
U.S.S. CONITA
Logistic Data on Patrol period
January 9 to January 24, 1942

Item                                | 9      | 10     | 11     | 12     | 13     | 14     | 15     | 16     | 17     | 18
|
Miles                               | 120.2  | 304.8  | 310.3  | 301.3  | 195.0  | 198.7  | 211.2  | 208.8  | 206.8  | 202.8
Fuel Used                           | 1148   | 3533   | 3570   | 3590   | 2176   | 1887   | 2053   | 2049   | 1587   | 1994
Fuel On Hand                        | 62670  | 59137  | 55267  | 51677  | 44801* | 42914  | 40861  | 38812  | 37225  | 35231
2400                                | 62670  | 59137  | 55267  | 51677  | 44801* | 42914  | 40861  | 38812  | 37225  | 35231
Lube Used                           | 180    | 150    | 200    | 50     | 125    | 150    | 125    | 125    | 150    | 125
Lube On Hand                        | 4325   | 4175   | 4075   | 3975   | 3825   | 3700   | 3550   | 3425   | 3275   | 3150
2400                                | 4325   | 4175   | 4075   | 3975   | 3825   | 3700   | 3550   | 3425   | 3275   | 3150
Fresh Water Used                    | 786    | 721    | 729    | 780    | 596    | 612    | 782    | 803    | 822    | 836
Fresh Water On Hand                 | 0      | 1063   | 765    | 207    | 396    | 580    | 504    | 567    | 585    | 616
2400                                | 0      | 1063   | 765    | 207    | 396    | 580    | 504    | 567    | 585    | 616
Dist. Water Used                    | 10953  | 11295  | 11331  | 10758  | 10558  | 10526  | 10248  | 10012  | 9778   | 9455
Bat. Water On Hand                  | 0      | 1.0    | 1.0    | 1.0    | 1.7    | 2.5    | 3.2    | 2.1    | 1.9    | 1.9
2400                                | 0      | 1.0    | 1.0    | 1.0    | 1.7    | 2.5    | 3.2    | 2.1    | 1.9    | 1.9
Hours C&A Air Compressor            | -
Bat. Water Used                     | -      | -      | -      | -      | 545    | 1455   | -      | -      | -      | -
Bat. Water On Hand                  | -
2400                                | -
Provisions On Hand                  | 2000   | 2000   | 2000   | 2000   | 1455   | 1455   | -      | -      | -      | -
Fresh (Days)                        | 8      | 7      | 6      | 5      | 4      | 3      | 2      | 1      | -      | -
Dry (Days)                          | 35     | 34     | 33     | 32     | 31     | 30     | 29     | 28     | 27     | 26
Provisions On Hand                  | 2000   | 2000   | 2000   | 2000   | 1455   | 1455   | -      | -      | -      | -
2400                                | 2000   | 2000   | 2000   | 2000   | 1455   | 1455   | -      | -      | -      | -
Fresh (Days)                        | 8      | 7      | 6      | 5      | 4      | 3      | 2      | 1      | -      | -
Dry (Days)                          | 35     | 34     | 33     | 32     | 31     | 30     | 29     | 28     | 27     | 26

[CONFIDENTIAL]
[ENCLOSURE (A)]
[HANDWRITTEN: 14]

— page 14 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. BONITA
Logistic Data (Contd)

Item | Date | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | Totals | Losses
Fuel Used | | 234.0 | 204.4 | 211.2 | 211.2 | 256.3 | 176.3 | 3554.3 | 37887
Fuel on Hand | | 2502 | 1975 | 1965 | 1780 | 2851 | 2927 | *37887 | *6400
2400 |
Lube Used | | 225 | 125 | 125 | 125 | 175 | 150 | 2280 |
Lube on Hand | | 2925 | 2800 | 2675 | 2550 | 2375 | 2225 | |
2400 |
Fresh Water | | 803 | 724 | 688 | 616 | 734 | 883 | 12115 |
Used |
Fresh Water On | | 81 | 531 | 387 | 594 | 783 | 63 | 7622 |
Hand 2400 | | 8733 | 8540 | 8239 | 8037 | 8066 | 7246 | |
Hours C&R Air | | 1.0 | 9.3 | 0.5 | 3.4 | 2.6 | 2.9 | 37.1 |
Compressor |
Salt Water | | | | | | | | 955 | 1050 (Est.)
Used |
Salt Water On | | | | | | | | 900 | |
Hand 2400 |
Provisions On | | | | | | | | 900 | |
Hand |
Fresh (Days) | | 25 | 24 | 23 | 22 | 21 | 20 | |
Provisions On |
Hand (Days) |

- 13 -

— page 15 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 1ST copy]
[STAMP: Reg. No. [HANDWRITTEN: 13]]
[STAMP: R.S. No. [HANDWRITTEN: 3]]
[STAMP: RECEIVED]
[STAMP: MAR 3 1942 AM 11 12]

A12-1/A16-3
Serial 030

SUBMARINE DIVISION THIRTY ONE
U.S.S.BARRACUDA, Flagship.

c/o Postmaster, New York
March 11, 1942.

DECLASSIFIED

From: The Commander Submarine Division Thirty-one.
To : The Commander in Chief, U.S.Fleet.
The Commander Submarines, Atlantic Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S.BONITA (SS165) - Report of Third
War Patrol - 17 February to 8 Mar.1942.

1. Subject patrol was conducted in Latitude
30°N; Longitude 93° to 95°W.

2. There were no contacts or attacks.

3. In the patrol area, the Humboldt current pro-
duces a layer of cold war at approximately 100 feet on
which "stop trims" can be obtained without difficulty.

4. The submarine Fox schedule while ship is on
the surface is quite satisfactory. Radio transmission
from the submarine in this area is poor.

5. Other than the above there were no incidents
of general interest or importance.

[SIGNATURE: H.L.CHALLENGER]
H.L.CHALLENGER

cc
Comsubron 3
BONITA

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
DECLASSIFIED-NRL 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C
BY [HANDWRITTEN: OP-09B5] DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 5/24/72]

97859 [STAMP: FILMED]

— page 17 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 1ST COPY]
[TYPED: CONFIDENTIAL]
DECLASSIFIED
SS165/A16

Serial 010

From:
To :
Via :

Subject:

Reference:

Area:
Operation Order Number:

U.S.S. BONITA

c/o Postmaster
New York, N.Y.
May 19, 1942.

The Commanding Officer.
The Commander Submarines, Atlantic Fleet.
The Commander Submarine Division THIRTY ONE.
The Commander Submarine Squadron THREE.

U.S.S. BONITA - Report of Fifth War Patrol
Period from May 7 to May 19, 1942.

(a) Subslant Flt. Conf. Ltr. 6CL-42.

Lat. 7 - 33 N, Long. 91 - 13 W.
Commander Submarines Off Shore
Patrol Pacific (Comsubdiv 31)
Secret Mailgram 061720 of May,
1942.

Record of Events

1. 1st Day - 5/7/42 ZT [HANDWRITTEN: +]6

1700 Underway from Golfito, Costa Rica for patrol
station.
1728 Ahead standard speed, 215 RPM (12.5 K) on both
main engines on course 220° T.
1804 Changed course to 175° T.
1915 Changed course to 260° T.
2028 Slowed to 190 RPM (8.5 K) on stbd. main and stopped
port main due to casualty.
2254 Ahead 215 RPM on both main engines.

2nd Day - 5/8/42

0458 Submerged.
0525 Surfaced and continued as before, zig-zagging.
0621 Changed course to 265° T(Base).

3rd Day - 5/9/42

0520 Submerged.
0545 Surfaced and continued as before.
0819 Submerged.
0835 Surfaced and continued as before.
1230 Changed course to 2730T.
2000 Arrived on station. Stopped stbd. main and con-
tinued on port main at 190 RPM.

[STAMP: 136432 FILMED] CLASSIFIED-ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C
[HANDWRITTEN: OP-09B9C DATE 5/24/72] DECLASSIFIED
- 1 -

— page 19 —
CONFIDENTIAL
SS165/A16
Serial 010
Subject: U.S.S. BONITA

U.S.S. BONITA - Report of Fifth War Patrol (Contd).

8th Day - 5/14/42

0500 Changed course to 262°T.
0623 Submerged.
0655 Surfaced and continued as before.
0827 Submerged.
0858 Surfaced and continued as before.
1900 Changed course to 082°T.

9th Day - 5/15/42

0620 Submerged.
0650 Surfaced and went ahead standard speed 190 RPM
on the port main engine.
0700 Changed course to 262°T.
0827 Submerged.
0858 Surfaced and continued as before.
2000 Changed course to 082°T.

10th Day - 5/16/42

0624 Submerged.
0650 Surfaced and continued as before.
0700 Changed course to 262°T.
0800 Changed course to 285°T.
0901 Submerged.
0929 Surfaced and continued as before.
1300 Stbd. generator engine out of commission due to
casualty.
2100 Changed course to 082°T.

11th Day - 5/17/42

0620 Submerged.
0650 Surfaced and went ahead standard speed, 190
RPM on the stbd. main engine.
0700 Changed course to 262°T.
1600 Changed course to 085°T and went ahead standard
speed, 215 RPM on both main engines to regain initial
patrol point and commence return to Gulf of Dulce, Costa
Rica.

- 3 -
SGN/Bg
May 19, 1942.
3

— page 20 —
CONFIDENTIAL
SS165/A16
Serial 010
Subject: USS BONITA - Report of Fifth War Patrol (Contd).

12th Day - 5/18/42

0600 Stbd generator engine reported back in commision.
0610 Submerged.
0640 Surfaced and continued as before.
0800 Slowed to standard speed, 200 RPM (12 K) on both
main engines.
1100 Port generator engine reported in commission by
cross-connecting to stbd. generator engine air compressor
or by taking air from the main engines or from the ship's
H.P. air system.
1300 Changed course to 082ºT.

13th Day - 5/19/42

0552 Submerged.
0625 Surfaced. Sighted land on port bow and beam.
1017 Changed course to 110ºT.
1300 Changed course to 024ºT.
1420 Anchored in Gulf of Dulce astern of U.S.S. ANTAEUS.

2. Weather

The seas were moderate. The sky was almost completely
overcast the whole period of the patrol. It sprinkled almost
continuously with occaissional heavy rain.

3. A westerly set is known to exist in this area. Due to
the infrequent navigational fixes obtained, no accurate data
was obtained on this patrol.

4. Navigational Aids.

There are no navigational aids in this area. In fact
the overcast weather combined with a variable set to the west
and the variable effect of zig-zagging make exact station
keeping an impossibility. Four star fixes and one LAN sight
were obtained between 5/7 - 5/18/42.

5. No enemy warships or merchant vessels were sighted.

- 4 -
[HANDWRITTEN: 4]

— page 22 —
**CONFIDENTIAL**

**SS165/A16**

**Serial 010**

**Subject:**

**U.S.S. BONITA**
**SGN/Bg**
**May 19, 1942**

**USS BONITA - Report of Fifth War Patrol (Contd).**
**

— page 23 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. BONITA SGN/Bg
SS165/A16 May 19, 1942.

Subject: USS BONITA - Report of Fifth War Patrol (Contd).

— page 24 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. BONITA
SGN/Bg
Serial 010
Subject:
USS BONITA - Report of Fifth War Patrol (Contd).

— page 25 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 8 01310]
SUBMARINE DIVISION THIRTY ONE
U.S.S. BARRACUDA, Flagship

A12-1/A16-3
Serial 065
May 22, 1942.

FIRST ENDORSEMENT
CO BONITA CONF. LTR
SS165/A16 Serial 010
dated May 19, 1942.

CONFIDENTIAL

From: The Commander Submarine Division Thirty One.
To : The Commander Submarines, Atlantic Fleet.
Via : The Commander Submarine Squadron THREE.

Subject: U.S.S. BONITA - Report of 5th War Patrol.

1.
Forwarded.

2.
The weather in the patrol area is such that the
navigational fixes are infrequent and radio reception is
poor.

3.
As in the case of almost every patrol run in this
area since 7 December 1941, the patrol was uneventful - no
ships of any kind being sighted.

4.
As in the past, it is noted that both the Army and
Navy planes on patrol are sighted at very nearly the same time
daily. If the enemy become cognizant of a set routine, plans
could be laid accordingly, to our disadvantage. While communi-
cation between submarines and friendly planes is better than
formerly was the case, there is still room for improvement,
particularly in the case of the PBY type. I recommend that
joint A/C-S/M exercises be held. This was done on 16-17 March
1942 off SABOGA ISLAND and could now be done in the GULF OF
DULCE to mutual advantage.

5.
The fuel oil leakage has been discussed in separate
correspondence.

6.
The habitability of the after torpedo room will be
commented upon at a later date.

/s/ H.L. CHALLENGER.

[HANDWRITTEN: 9]

— page 26 —
FF4-3/A16-1
SERIAL 0109
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
SECOND ENDORSEMENT to:
USS BONITA (SS165)/
A16 Serial 010 of 5/19/42.

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

Coco Solo, Canal Zone
May 28, 1942

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

Subject: U.S.S. BONITA (SS165) - Report of 5th War Patrol.

1. Forwarded.

2. Radio reception, in the area covered by this
patrol, is very poor at this time of year because of bad static
conditions and frequent electrical storms. Recommendation has
been made that Radio Balboa (NBA) rebroadcast the Washington
submarine fox schedules for the benefit of vessels of this com-
mand on patrol. It is considered that the establishment of this
service will overcome the difficulties mentioned.

3. Commander Panama Sea Frontier Force has been in-
formed of the regularity of sighting patrol planes.

4. Army authorities have been notified of the avail-
ability of submarines for joint exercises.

5. The temperature and density change in the area has
been previously reported. This phenomenon is noteworthy. It is
not an ordinary change, but an actual layer. In the gulf of
Panama during diving operations this layer was actually seen by
divers and the current conditions were observed to be different
above and below the layer.

6. The recommendation to install negative tank is
being studied and will be forwarded in separate correspondence.

7. The fact that no enemy contacts were made should
not be taken to mean that they will not be made. In this patrol
area enemy forces are on the offensive and enemy forces will be
only for the short time required for their movement
toward the objective.

/s/ T. J. DOYLE

Copy to:
USS BONITA, CSD 31

[HANDWRITTEN: 10]

— page 27 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 1ST COPY]

SS165/A12-1

Serial 019

[CROSSED OUT: CONFIDENTIAL]
DECLASSIFIED

From: The Commanding Officer.
To: The Commander Submarines, Atlantic Fleet.
Via: (1) The Commander Submarine Division THIRTY ONE.
     (2) The Commander Submarine Squadron THREE.

Subject: U.S.S. BONITA - Report of Sixth War Patrol,
         Period from June 28 to July 25, 1942.
         Area: Lat. 6° 30' N., Long. 92° W.
         Operation Order: CSD-31 (ComSubSoPatPac)
                          Secret Mailgram 261420 of
                          June 1942 and secret Despatch
                          172138 of July 1942.

Reference: (a) SubsLantFlt Conf. ltr. 6CL-42.

1. 6/28 ZT plus 5

   Transited Canal and moored at Balboa, C.Z.

   6/29

   0700 Underway and proceeded to operating area
   to the westward of Saboga Anchorage, Perlas Is.
   1104 Made Trim dive.
   1238-1330 Swung ship for compass deviations.
   1400-1502 Took part in joint submarine-aircraft
   exercises.
   1558 Anchored in Saboga Anchorage.

   6/30

   0730 Underway for operating area.

   0900 Salvaged an army plane type rubber boat
   found abandoned in area. Boat contained varied equipment
   and the diary of a Ft. Davis Jungle Troop rescue expedition
   to the Darien Country of Panama.
   0916-1002 Conducted joint submarine-aircraft
   exercises.
   1005 Requested ComPaSea Frontier to arrange to
   pick up rubber boat and equipment at 1700.
   1400-1450 Conducted joint submarine-aircraft
   exercises.

[STAMP: 136433]
[STAMP: FILMED] -1-
[CROSSED OUT: CLASSIFIED-ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C] DECLASSIFIED
[HANDWRITTEN: BY OP-09B9C DATE 5/24/72]

— page 28 —
SS165/A12-1
Serial 019
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. BONITA - Report of Sixth War Patrol,
         period from June 28 to July 25, 1942 (Contd).

U.S.S. BONITA
c/o Postmaster
New York, N.Y.
July 27, 1942

— page 30 —
U.S.S. BONITA
c/o Postmaster
New York, N.Y.
July 27, 1942

SS165/A12-1

Serial 019

CONFIDENTIAL

Subject: U.S.S. BONITA - Report of Sixth War Patrol,
Period from June 28 to July 25, 1942 (Contd).

7. ATTACKS
None.

8. ENEMY A/S MEASURES
None observed.

9. MAJOR DEFECTS EXPERIENCED
(a) 7/5
Bow plane shaft drive chain in forward battery
room parted. Bow planes inoperative for 10 hours.
(b) 7/20
Port generator engine #2 cylinder exhaust valve
cage replaced due to hole in casting.

10. RADIO RECEPTION
Great improvement noted now that Balboa is trans-
mitting.

11. SOUND CONDITIONS AND DENSITY LAYERS
With the eyeports blanked off it has not been pos-
sible to read the thermometer mounted outside the conning tower.
For the next patrol it is planned to install a pressure proof
thermometer through one of the eyeport blanks. Without being
able to note the temperature changes it is difficult to detect
density layers until the ship breaks through and drastic steps
have to be taken to regain the trim. An attempt will be made
also to obtain an hydrometer with accurate readings between
1.000 and 1.050. The one in use at present has an accuracy of
about plus or minus .002 which can cause an error in trim of this
vessel of about 16,000 lbs. Due to the lack of targets in this
area no accurate information is available on sound conditions.
However it is known that variable density and temperature conditions
are present and therefore variable sound conditions can be
anticipated.

- 4 -
[HANDWRITTEN: 4]

— page 31 —
SS165/A12-1
Serial 019
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. BONITA - Report of Sixth War Patrol,
Period from June 28 to July 25, 1942 (Contd).

— page 32 —
SS165/A12-1
Serial 019

CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. BONITA
c/o Postmaster
New York, N.Y.
July 27, 1942

U.S.S. BONITA - Report of Sixth War Patrol,
Period from June 28 to July 25, 1942 (Contd).

17. REMARKS (Contd)

Until the Kleinschmidts are installed, the required amount
of potable water cannot be distilled with less steaming. Fuel,
lub oil and battery water will be exhausted almost simultan-
eously. After the coming overhaul the expenditure of lub oil
is expected to drop. Then, with the installation of Klein-
schmidts, no reason can be foreseen that will prevent increas-
ing the length of patrol to about 28 days under conditions of
steaming and charging which will spread the fuel consumption
over that period.

S. G. NICHOLS

[HANDWRITTEN: 6]

— page 33 —
CONFIDENTIAL

DATE
July 1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.

ENCLOSURE (A)
0800 POSITION
Lat. 7-40 N
Long. 81-35 W
Lat. 6-20 N
Long. 84-53 W
Lat. 6-13 N
Long. 88-03 W
Lat. 6-06 N
Long. 91-24 W
Lat. 6-33 N
Long. 91-42 W
Lat. 6-30 N
Long. 91-53 W
Lat. 6-21 N
Long. 92-11 W
Lat. 6-28 N
Long. 92-02 W
Lat. 6-34 N
Long. 92-00 W
Lat. 6-36 N
Long. 91-46 W
Lat. 6-23 N
Long. 91-50 W
Lat. 6-34 N
Long. 91-54 W
Lat. 6-54 N
Long. 92-13 W
Lat. 6-39 N
Long. 91-39 W
Lat. 6-32 N
Long. 91-55 W
Lat. 6-31 N
Long. 92-00 W
Lat. 6-40 N
Long. 91-53 W
Lat. 6-25 N
Long. 92-08 W
Lat. 6-25 N
Long. 92-00 W
Lat. 6-48 N
Long. 92-02 W
Lat. 6-28 N
Long. 91-53 W
Lat. 6-34 N
Long. 91-53 W
Lat. 6-39 N
Long. 88-23 W
Lat. 6-39 N
Long. 83-10 W
Lat. 7-42 N
Long. 79-33 W
NAVIGATIONAL DATA
FIXES
D.R.

4 Stars

D.R.

3 Stars & Moon.

6 Stars

D.R.

Star, Moon, Sun

4 Stars

D.R.

D.R.

5 Stars

3 Stars, Planet

5 Stars

6 Stars

D.R.

D.R.

3 Stars

D.R.

D.R.

6 Stars

D.R.

D.R.

D.R.

D.R.
REMARKS
Departed Saboga

Arrived on station
this date.

First Fix since 18th

Return trip.

[HANDWRITTEN: 7]

— page 34 —
SUBMARINE DIVISION THIRTY ONE

A12-1
Serial 075

July 28, 1942.

CONFIDENTIAL
FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
CO BONITA Conf. Ltr.
SS165/A12-1 Serial
019 of 7/27/42.

From: The Commander Submarine Division Thirty-One.
To : The Commander Submarines, Atlantic Fleet.
Via : The Commander Submarine Squadron THREE.

Subject: U.S.S. BONITA (SS165) - Report of Sixth War
Patrol.

1. Forwarded.

2. The reported weather conditions are normal
for the patrol area at this season.

3. Of seventeen aircraft contacts while enroute
to or in the patrol area, there were nine occasions when
planes did not sight, or ignored, the BONITA.

4. The relative freedom from casualties is noted
as a probable indication of carefully supervised upkeep.
The BONITA has successfully completed six war patrols
averaging nearly a month each for a total of more than
twenty three thousand miles since December 10, 1941.

W.L. HOFFHEINS

cc
BONITA

[HANDWRITTEN: 8]

— page 35 —
FF4-3/A16(1)
Serial 0190

CONFIDENTIAL

2nd Endorsement to
CO BONITA Conf. Ltr.
SS165/A12-1 Serial
019 of 7/27/42.

[STAMP: 8 01310]
UNITED STATES ATLANTIC FLEET
SUBMARINES
SUBMARINE SQUADRON THREE
U.S.S. S-13 (Flagship)

Coco Solo, Canal Zone,
July 28, 1942.

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

Subject: U.S.S. BONITA (SS165) - Report of Sixth War
Patrol.

1. Forwarded.

2. It is recommended that Commander Panama Sea
Frontier furnish the 6th Air Force a copy of the report of
aircraft sightings listed in paragraph 6, inviting attention
to: (a) Apparent failure of planes to sight submarine.
(b) Incorrect answering of recognition signals by plane
at 1250 Zone Time July 20, 1942. In this case the
submarine challenged the plane and received in reply
the challenge instead of the recognition signal.

3. The necessity of running at speeds greater
than the economical speed in order to make water considerably
decreases the duration of this class of submarine. Installation
of the Kleinschmidt evaporators will remedy this situation.

T.J. DOYLE

Copy to:
Compaseafron (complete)
CSD-31
BONITA

[HANDWRITTEN: 9]

— page 36 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 1ST COPY]

SS165/A4-3

Serial 021
DECLASSIFIED

From: The Commanding Officer.
To: The Commander Submarines, Atlantic Fleet.
Via: The Commander Submarine Division THIRTY ONE.
The Commander Submarine Squadron THREE.

Subject: U.S.S. BONITA - Report of Seventh War Patrol,
Period from August 19 to September 8, 1942.
Area: Lat. 6° 30' N., Long. 92° W.
Operation Order: CSD-31 (ComSubsOffShoPatPac)
Secret Mailgram 171730 of
August 1942 and Secret Dis-
patch 041643 of September 1942.

Reference: (a) ComSubLant Conf. ltr. 6CL-42.

1. 8/19
Zone time plus 5.
Transited Canal and moored at Balboa, C.Z.

8/20
0703 Underway in company with BARRACUDA for pat-
rol area.

8/21
0824 Proceeded independently.

8/23
1519 Arrived at initial point.

8/24 - 9/4
Patrolled to westward during daylight, zigzagging,
speed 5-8 knots. Patrolled to eastward during darkness on
steady course, adjusting time of reversing course to be at
initial point at 0800 daily. Made dawn dive and one A.M.
training dive daily.

9/5 - 9/7
Enroute to port.

9/8
1357-Arrived at Canal Entrance. Transited Canal.
2052 Arrived S/M Base.

[STAMP: FILMED]
[STAMP: 136434]

DECLASSIFIED ART. 0445, OPRNAVINST 5510.16
BY [HANDWRITTEN: AP-09B9C] DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 5/24/72]
- 1 -
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED] [HANDWRITTEN: I]

— page 37 —
SS165/A4-3
Serial 021
CONFIDENTIAL

Subject: U.S.S. BONITA - Report of Seventh War Patrol,
          Period from August 19 to September 8, 1942.

CFB/Cr
U.S.S. BONITA
c/o Postmaster
New York, N.Y.
September 8, 1942

2. WEATHER

     The sky was generally overcast with frequent show-
ers. The sea was moderate. Wind generally S.W.

3. TIDAL INFORMATION

     None.

4. NAVIGATIONAL AIDS

     None in this area. Because of overcast skies cel-
lestial observations were only available fifty per cent of the
time. The bubble Octant was utilized when conditions permitted
but the navigator (new on this trip) did not have much success
with it.

5. ENEMY WARSHIPS AND MERCHANT VESSELS

     None.

6. AIRCRAFT SIGHTED (outside of Gulf of Panama).

Date | Z.T. | Type | Remarks
-----|------|------|
8/26 | 0937 | B-17 | Had Radar. Flying a northerly
     |      |      | course.
8/27 | 1105 | B-17 | Flying a southerly course.
8/28 | 0927 | B-17 | Did not answer recognition sig-
     |      |      | nals. Flying a northerly course.
8/31 | 1230 | B-17 | Did not answer recognition sig-
     |      |      | nals. Flying a southerly course.
8/31 | 1248 | B-17 | Had Radar. Flying a southerly
     |      |      | course.
9/1  | 1100 | B-17 | Too distant, did not see us.
     |      |      | Flying a northerly course.
9/2  | 1121 | B-17 | Too distant, did not see us.
     |      |      | Flying a southerly course.
9/4  | 1153 | B-17 | Plane had Radar and from his
     |      |      | maneuvers looked as if he may
     |      |      | have picked us up with Radar.
     |      |      | Flying a southerly course.
9/5  | 1017 | B-17 | Had Radar. Incorrectly answered
     |      |      | recognition signals. Flying a
     |      |      | northerly course.

- 2 -
[HANDWRITTEN: 2]

— page 38 —
SS165/A4-3
Serial 021
CONFIDENTIAL

CFB/Cr
U.S.S. BONITA
c/o Postmaster
New York, N.Y.
September 8, 1942.

Subject: U.S.S. BONITAv- Report of Seventh War Patrol,
Period from August 19 to September 8, 1942

— page 39 —
SS165/M-3
Serial 021
CONFIDENTIAL

Subject: U.S.S. BONITA - Report of Seventh War Patrol,
         Period from August 19 to September 8, 1942.

— page 40 —
## The Bonita's Seventh War Patrol: A Glimpse into Submarine Life in 1942

This document, dated September 8, 1942, is a report from the U.S.S. Bonita (SS165/A4-3, Serial 021) detailing its Seventh War Patrol, which took place from August 19 to September 8, 1942. Marked "CONFIDENTIAL," the report offers a brief but insightful look into the operational and living conditions aboard a submarine during World War II.

The "REMARKS" section, numbered 17, highlights two key observations from the patrol:

**1. Improved Crew Welfare and Resource Management:**
The report notes the successful use of an electric washing machine during the last two patrols. This seemingly minor addition had a significant positive impact, benefiting "the health, comfort, and morale of the crew materially." Furthermore, it contributed to resource conservation by reducing "the consumption of wash water 100 gallons a day." This detail underscores the importance of even small amenities in maintaining crew well-being and operational efficiency during extended deployments.

**2. Challenges in Submerged Control and Equipment Needs:**
The second point addresses a more critical operational issue: "The high density layers encountered cause considerable difficulty in submerged control of the boat." This phenomenon, likely related to thermoclines or varying water salinity, made maintaining depth challenging. The report specifies that "Each point (.001) increase of specific gravity makes this boat 'light' between 55

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A12-1
Serial 081

SUBMARINE DIVISION THIRTY ONE

September 9, 1942.

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
CO BONITA CONF. Ltr.
SS165/A4-3 Serial 021
of 9/8/42

CONFIDENTIAL

From: The Commander Submarine Division Thirty-one.
To : The Commander Submarines, Atlantic Fleet.
Via : The Commander Submarine Squadron THREE.

Subject: U.S.S. BONITA (SS165) - Report of Seventh
War Patrol.

1. Forwarded.

2. The specific gravity determinations of sea water
by the BONITA at various levels from surface to deep submerg-
ence are of particular interest to all submarines operating
in this area and to submarines in other areas where heavy
layers exist. The "urinometer" offers a speedy and simple
method of determining gravities in the range to be expected,
is easily procurable, and of real practical value. The
installation of a negative tank is desirable but is not
specifically recommended at this time.

3. It is understood that the retention of the 12"
searchlight has been directed by the Bureau of Ships.

4. The BONITA was recalled from patrol six days
prior to the scheduled time in order to effect the relocation
and reinsulation of main storage battery bussing at the
earliest possible date.

cc
BONITA

/s/ W. L. Hoffheins,
W. L. HOFFHEINS

[HANDWRITTEN: 6]

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FF4-3/ A16
Serial 0229

CONFIDENTIAL

2nd Endorsement to
CO BONITA Conf. ltr.
SS165/A4-3 Serial 021
of 9/8/42.

[STAMP: 8 01310]

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

% Postmaster, New York, N.Y.
September 11, 1942.

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

SUBJECT: U.S.S. BONITA (SS165) - Report of Seventh
War Patrol.

1. Forwarded.

2. Attention of Commander Panama Sea Frontier is
invited to the entry in paragraph 6, under date 9/5 at 1017
a B-17 answered recognition signal incorrectly. Three dashes
followed by one dot were made by the plane instead of the
proper signal.

3. Repairs to casualties incurred are being effected.

4. The main storage battery bussing will be modified
in view of casualty which occurred on vessel of same class.

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

Copy to:
Compaseafron (complete)
CSD-31
BONITA

[HANDWRITTEN: 7]

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END OF REEL
JOB NO. [HANDWRITTEN: F-108]
[HANDWRITTEN: AR-94-78]

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THIS MICROFILM IS
THE PROPERTY OF
THE UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT

[SEAL: DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, with eagle emblem]

MICROFILMED BY
NPPSO-NAVAL DISTRICT WASHINGTON
MICROFILM SECTION

D-62264