U.S.S. BLACKFISH (SS-221) — war patrol report SS-221_BLACKFISH_Part2.pdf

— page 1 —
0908 Finally surfaced in south center of our sector.
0930 AIRCRAFT CONTACT #60: Two small planes' bearing 150°T about 20 miles. No IFF, no SD contact, no VHF, no voice radio as yet.
0950 AIRCRAFT CONTACT #61: SD contact 15 miles. Also sighted fighter belly tank, 1500 yards. AFR pip on 505 mcg.
1011 AIRCRAFT CONTACT #62: Sighted plane through periscope 0900T, range about 25 miles.
1113 AIRCRAFT CONTACT #63: SD contact and friendly indication at 45 miles.
1149 AIRCRAFT CONTACT #64: SD contact at 17 miles; no IFF, no AFR, no VHF, closing to 12 miles. Sighted small plane from bridge bearing 1350T, observation. Submerged.
1213 Surfaced.
1216 AIRCRAFT CONTACT #65: Sighted small plane at 10 miles, 600T 40 elevation; no IFF; no SD or 3J contact; coming in. Submerged; will remain submerged rest of day.
1216 Submerged for day. Heard nothing from aviators; saw columns of smoke at locations of airfields.
1835 Surfaced. Moved into lifeguard station.
2000 Guarding for aviators and also covering track from TIKAO to LUZON.
2200 Not a peep from aviators. No planes and no unfriendly AFR plane interference. However, 154 negs followed us for two hours and we have determined that he is shore-based for sure. Also 100 mcg, when we are in close, and he is land-based. Both these stations appear to be on SW tip of FORMOSA.

13 February
0012 AFR on 289 mcg - strong and persistant. Now frequency. Must be ship-based.
0555 Divod.

— page 2 —
0800 Surfaced on lifeguard station, cruising in a square with one hour logs. Many PR contacts, friendly and other wise; apparently strike is going on, but we still have not seen any planes. [IRCRIFT CONTACT #66 to #73 in 4/C logs. One friendly contact by SJ was followed out to 62,000 yards. Much chatter on VHF. Nothing on 4475 kcs.

1214 [IRCRIFT CONTACT #74: SD contact 4 miles coming in fast, No IFF or APR. Submerged.

1845 Surfaced.

2000 On lifeguard station. Hear much talking on 4475 voice but nothing on VHF.

2200 Patrolling TAKAO-IUZON traffic lanes. No 4/C contacts, 154 mge and 100 mge., strong again from land.

2326 Transmitted our #4 to ConsubFae.

14 February

0600 Divod.

0804 Surfaced. Patrolling lifeguard station.

0809 Saturation on APR 154 mge. This aircraft radar shows landbased characteristics and apparently picks us up who never we close to beach to loss than 25 miles.

0947 Hear chattering on 4475 kcs - voice far away.

1127 SD radar interference of a sweep type; have never seen it before.

1143 [IRCRIFT CONTACT #75: SD contact 40 miles. IFF. Will call this all one contact since it appears to be a formation. SJ contact 24,000 yards. SD at 12 miles, IFF. SJ contact 25,000 yards. 'Eight or nin B-26's sighted from bridge heading north. Many friendly indications on SD. SJ contact 42,000 yards.

1235 Week conversation on VHF.

1301 [IRCRIFT CONTACT #76: SDpip at 28 miles. IFF. Closed to 12 miles. Waiting for more VHF conversat ion-none.

1307 Divod. Nothing from Aviators.

— page 3 —
14 February (Cont'd)
1647 AIRCRAFT CONTACT #77: Sighted SALLY type aircraft through periscope heading south along coast of FORNICSA range 15 miles, bearing 020°T. Out of sight bearing 150°T.

1851 Surfaced.

1910 Shore-based aircraft radar again on APR; 154 mcg, 300 PRF; 10 mcs. full saturation, sweep ping twice per minute. We are close in to the coast.

2000 On station for lifeguard duty.

2128 BLACKFISH takes over remaining Jugheads. Told BAT-FISH rendezvous on the 17th.

2230 Transmitted BLACKFISH No. 5 to CONSUB PAC.

2247 AIRCRAFT CONTACT #78: SJ pip bearing 010°T, 12000 yards, opening.

2251 Overheard conversation on 4475 kcs.

2252 SJ pip; disappeared immediately, may have been a plane.

15 February:
0100 APR pip 100 mcg, 500 PRF, 5 mcs. Saturation. Is landbased friend again.

0602 Divod.

0805 Surfaced on lifeguard station.

0920 AIRCRAFT CONTACT #79: SJ pip bearing 100°T range 20,000 yards, going aft and opening.

1009 Passed wreckage of small boat.

1045 APR; landbased 159 mcg, 350 PRF, 4 mcs. This fellow appears to operate between 153 and 155 mcg.

1104 AIRCRAFT CONTACT #80: SD contact 29 miles. IFF

1111 AIRCRAFT CONTACT #81: SD contact 37 miles. IFF

1158 AIRCRAFT CONTACT #82: SD contact 25 miles. IFF

— page 4 —
15 February (Cont'd)
1159 AIRCRAFT CONTACT #83: -SJ contacts, one bearing 040T, 18,000 yards; other at 350T, 17,000 yards. These contacts are the bombers for today.

1205 AIRCRAFT CONTACT #84: SD contact at 16 miles, closing rapidly to 10 miles and then to 5 miles. The SD screen gives the story of the leading pip, with no IFF, being chased by two pips with IFF, and apparently heading directly for us. Our boys were coming in, at 1210 Submerged.

1944 Surfaced.

1849 APR, 154 mge, 500 PRF, 7.5 mse.

1906 SJ interference 210T. Nover soon again.

2000 On lifeguard station.

16 February

0130 Saturation APR on 154 mge again: "They know about you" is overworked in this area.

0340 AIRCRAFT CONTACT #85: SJ contact 240T range 13,000 yards, moving out.

0440 AIRCRAFT CONTACT #86: SJ contact 110T range 14,000 yards, closed to 12,000 then opened.

0530 AIRCRAFT CONTACT #87: SJ contact 108T range 18,000 yards. May be some fellow as contact #86 patrolling.

0551 Submerged.

0806 Surfaced. On lifeguard station.

0907 Our Friend, 154 mge back again with full saturation.

1014 Very weak APR on 500 mge.

1145 Weak conversation heard on VHF.

1219 AIRCRAFT CONTACT #88: large formation of planes indicated on SD with IFF at 39 miles. Range closed to zero, then open to 41 miles as planes headed for TAKAO. Coiling 3000 feet, planes flying above that since we never saw them.

— page 5 —
16 February (cont'd)
1300 Raid apparently over. SD contact again at 40 miles; IFF. No calls for us, so presume all hds on way home.

1310 Submerged. In 5 days of lifeguarding, have never been called, thus indicating the success of the raids.

16 February (cont'd)
1818 Surfaced. Heading for BLINKING ST. Decides to take another look into ISUICS and S. W. L. G. ENEMY before leaving the area, and we might also find a submarine.

17 February
0130 Close the ENEMY ISL.NDS to 7000yards until the 3F can identify practically every rock on the beach, but not a solid pip or ship there. Depart area.

0730 Rendezvous with USS BATTISH. Proceeding to GUAM in company. Transmitted BLINKING ST. to CDR.

1235 Aircraft Contact #89: SD contact, no IFF, closed to 17 miles.

1930 Passed "Middleton Mohstens" enroute to area.

18 - 21 February
Enroute GUAM. Training gives tracking drills and qualification of personnel.

1135/19 Aircraft contact #90: Sighted PBY2. on parallel course, distance 9 miles bearing 2350T.

21 February
0907K Moored post side to, U.S.S. PATUS.

- 27 -

— page 6 —
1. 1755: 180-15N: U.S. : 35
2. 7 Jan: 1531: SUB: 15,575
3. 1: 0445: 15-4N: U.S. : 14,575
4. 9 Jan: 1440-56E: DD
5. 0253H: 21-40N: U.S. : 10,000
6. 17Jan: 120-10E: SUB
7. 18Jah: 21-12N: U.S. : 12
8. 17Jan: 117-18E: SUB
9. 0623H: 21-02N: 3 small: 9,000
10. 18Jan: 114-26E: Unknown
11. 0941H: 21-06N: 4,000
12. 18Jan: 114-16E: Sampan

Note: The text is transcribed in a structured format, preserving the original layout and formatting as closely as possible.

— page 8 —
1. 6 Jan: 9 Jan: 9 Jan: 11 Jan: 12 Jan: 13 Jan:
: 2. 1009: 0311K: 0620K: 1550I: 1024I: 1600I:
: 3. 210-06N: 081N: 191N: 131N: 141N: 151N:
: 4. 515I: 00E: 54IE: 281E: 33E: 15E:
: 5. 16: 15: 15: 14: 14: 14:
: 6. 250T: 1880T: 1870T: 270T: 270T: 270T:
: 7. Surf: Surf: Surf: Surf: Surf: Surf:
: 8. 00: 00: 00: 00: 00: 45"
: 9. 1: 2: 1: 1: 1: 1:
: 10. PEM: Unk.: PBy4Y: Unk.: PEM: Unk.:
: 11. Pat: Pat: Pat: Pat: Pat: Pat:
: 12. R(SD): R(SD): SD: R(SD): R(SD): R(SD):
: 13. 5 mi: 4 mi: 22 mi: 40 mi: 15 mi:
: 14. 80: 200:
: 15. 5 mi: 0900R:
: 16. 2: 2: 2: 2: 1: 2:
: 17. 100R: 125R: 125R: 090R: 095R: 0R:
: 18. Unlin: Unlin: Unlin: Unlin: Unlin: Unlin:
: 19. 6000I: 3000I: 3000I: 5000I: 4000I: 6000I:
: 20. 15%: 50%: 50%: 15%: 10%: 5%
: 21. 33R: 33R:
: 22. 200: 350:
: 23. 20%: 20%:

TYPE SAM CAMOUFLAGE ON THIS PATROL LIGHT GREY

- 30 -

— page 13 —
9 Feb 9Feb 10Feb 10Feb 10Feb 10Feb 10Feb 11Feb
2: 21:20H 2330H 0005H 0048H 1850H 2050H 2201H 2312H 0143H
3: 50N 50N 47N 43N 18N 28N 31N 32N 54N
4: 13E 29E 25E 25E 06E 08E 15E 29E 26E
5: 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8
6: 090T 090T 180T 180T 010T 010T 090T 000T 000T
7: Surf Surf Surf Surf Surf Surf Surf Surf Surf
8:
9: 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1
10: Unkn Unkn Unkn Unkn Unkn Unkn Unkn Unkn
11: Pat Pat Pat Pat Pat Pat Pat Pat Pat
12: APR SJ SJ APR SJ SJ
13: 10,600 3,000 --- 32,000 10m1. 16,000 --- 24,000
14:
15:
16: 3 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1
17: 270R 270R 180R 180R 000R 008 R 270R 000R 000R
18: 5
19: 1000
20: 90% 90% 90% 90% 90% 90% 90% 90% 90%
21:
22:
23:

— page 19 —
1. ATTACK DATA
USS BLACKFISH
Time 0155H
GUN ATTACK #1
Patrol #10
DATE January 23
Lat.21-35'N
Long.114-37'E
TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED
SUNK - None
DAMAGED OR - Damaged a two-masted sailing craft - 100 tons.
PROB. SUNK
DAMAGE DETERR- Many 50 cal. and 20 MM hits observed along
MINED BY -- the dock and in the vicinity of the dock house.
The dock was well strafed.
DETAILS OF ACTION
Opened fire at 650 yards, first 4/50 salvo over, and thereafter
it refused to fire. Opened up with both 201s and both 501s at 500
yards. Both 201s jammed after two magazines. Both 501s broke their
cocking layers after the first round; however a good volume of fire
was maintained for a short period before the guns jammed. Due to sea
conditions the attack was made on opposite parallel courses. Many
hits were registered and damage inflicted but the sailboat continued
sailing, albeit, at a slower speed due to holes in her sails. The
action was broken off due to material failures. However, the after
20MM finished up two magazines as we retired.
Armunition expend ed - 20MM- 70 rounds High explosive tracer.
50 Cal.- 40 rounds Immidiary.
40 rounds Tracer
4/50 3 rounds High Capacity.
USS BLACKFISH
Time 0218H
TORPEDO ATTACK #1
Patrol No.10
DATE 30 January,1945 Lat. 21-43'N Long 115-43'E
TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED
DESCRIPTION: Target contacted initially by sight at 2250H bearing
0000T, range 8,500 yds. Visibility excellent sky over-
cast, full moon. Target group consisted of two sampans.
Target speed two to five knots on course 1300T. Due to
high masts and large sails plus good SJ radar pip on
these targets, they appeared to be good experimental
torpedo targets for zero depth setting in the previ-
ing sea. They still look large through the pariscope.
However, during ensuing gun attack, it was found that
they were merely large 3 mast sailing Sampans; 75 to
80 feat long.
- 41 -

— page 21 —
150 Ton Japanese Sampan
DAMAGED OR PROBABLY SUNK - None
DAMAGED DETERMINED BY: - Observed many 20MM and 50 cal hits along deck and in hull. Two small fires were started, scissile toppled over, masts went down, and Sampan was left in a sinking condition with decks going under. Believe can consider this follow wall sunk.

DETAILS OF ACTION:
Commenced firing at opening range of 850 yards. Two misfires from the four inch gun so secured deck gun. Forward 20MM and both 50 Cal opened fire. After 20MM opened up as target draw astarn. Firing was continuous and well controlled. Small caliber return fire only. All stop was run up and target was circled to keep it to starboard. Target was left in a sinking condition with masts down, decks awash and with no sails.

AMMUNITION EXPENDED - 4/50 3 rounds High Capacity, 20MM 80 rounds High Explosive Tracer, 160 rounds High explosively Incendiary, 50Cal. 180 Rnds. Armor piercing, 180 Rnds. Tracer, 180 Rnds. Incendiary.

USS BLACKFISH
TIME 0447 H
DAMAGE 30 January, 1945 21-37N Long 115-54E
TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED

SUNK - None
DAMAGED OR PROBABLY SUNK - Damaged 150 ton Japanese Sampan.
DAMAGED DETERMINED BY - Observed many 20MM and 50 Cal hits on deck and in deck house and hull. Fires were started. Sampan was left dead in water.

— page 23 —
1. ATTACK DATA
GUN ATTACK #4 (Cont'd)
DETAILS OF ATTACK

Fire was continuous throughout by controlling fire in such a manner as to have the forward 20MM and forward 50Cal. open fire and the after 20MM and 50Cal. continue the volume of fire while the forward guns rolled. Radar ranges and bearings were given to the 1st and spotting was done at the gun. The attack was well coordinated and maximum amount of fire power was brought to bear at all times. Counterfire was inaccurate and negligible.

Communications during the firing presented a problem, as it has the past two attacks also, in that the 7MC picks up all gun noises and orders to the guns on the bridge and the orders to the helmsman were frequently missed. It is anticipated in the future to shift steering to the Control Room where reception from the bridge was far better.

AMMUNITION EXPENDED:
- 4/50-21 rounds - High Capacity, 20MM - 260 rounds HBT
- 520 rounds HBT
- 50CL - 240 rounds APC
- 240 rounds Tracer
- 240 rounds Incendiary

(I) MINES

One large floating mine was encountered in position Lat. 21-58N Long 116-29E - east of HongKong. It appeared to be a horned noored mine which had broken away. As it was dark and the seas rough we lost it - the estimated set being to the southeast. The depth of the water was 50 fathoms. We covered the area fairly well with no evidence of minefields up to and including the 20 fathom curve.

(J) ANTI-SUBMARINE MINE SUCES AND EVASION TACTICS

Anti-Submarine measures were encountered from numerous enemy planes, particularly at night by radar equipped aircraft on 154 nce. On the morning of 11 February while diving from one such plane, two depth charges exploded close astern. When saturation pips occurred on the APR, fast swops were made by the 3J until either the plane was picked up or interference died down. Submergence was the only evasive tactics used.

Little air activity was noted in the HongKong area at this time, due probably to the need for aircraft in the Luzon-Formosa area. Many Sampans and sailing vessels were enculnter ad near HongKong. The actions of these vessels were suspicious, to say the least. They appeared to be patrolling the normal approaches to HongKong in pairs or groups of four to six. They carried rather new sails and the hull was a typical Nip bow and low storm affair, appearing rather now. The rigging looked new. They are not similar to the normal Chinese fishing junk one would expect off the China coast. They did not have trolling lines or nets out.

— page 24 —
1. (J) ANTI-SUBMARINE MEASURES AND EVASION TECHICS(Cont'd)
2. The ones we damaged by gunfire returned our fire with'small caliber stuff, and one fellow did his best to ram us. Once, after having been sighted by two Samoans while we were cruising on the surface in low visibility, we returned to that vicinity the next day and found the two Samoans with a plane circling over us, he may have been working with them. A number of APR contacts on 154 mpc were noted in this area, although we did not call them plane contacts.

(K) LAGOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGES C&R

While surfaced during heavy weather a great deal of water was taken down the supply ventilation intake to such an extent that water ran out of the ventilation louvers in the battery compartment. The water, on contacting the supply blower impeller (which was turning at 1450 RPM) completely demolished the impeller beyond repair. For a temporary expedient, the booster blower from the Control Room was mounted in the ventilation line in the engine room. Also, a spare battery blower was adapted to the supply blower motor and ventilation partially restored to the boat.

One-half-hour after securing the battery charge on the night of 12 February, the Ship's hull ventilation exhaust blower began to create a disturbance, and the blower casing vibrated exceedingly. What had been the impeller was found jammed against the exhaust discharge screen, some two feet outside of the blower casing. The cause of this casualty is unknown, but it is believed that it must have been the action of battery gas acid. The failure of both these impellers within one month of each other is particularly odd in view of the Navy Yard overhaul some six months ago. The blades themselves parted from the blades' base plate, and the base plate in both cases was found securely fixed to the drive shaft.

No. 43 main vent leaks badly, and suspect other vents leaking to a lesser degree. Primary trouble localized to #4B inasmuch as a five degree or greater list develops some thirty minutes after surfacing from each dive, and the list decreases and disappears upon opening #4B main vents and leaving the tanks flooded. Suspect other leaking vents as vessel picks up a one to two degrees list every five or six hours if the low pressure blowers are not used during that time. This difficulty first noticed when #4FBT was rigged from a fuze to a ballast tank.

ELECTRICI.C.I.

Both ICBG blew many 60 amp fuzes on the motor side from MIDWAY to GUAM. This condition was reported to the Squadron Engineer along with the fact that it had existed on the previous patrol. A portion of the 'local, including the hydrogen burning circuits, the booster blower, and all AC power to the radio room was connected to a double pole double throw switch. This job was accomplished by Squadron Personnel during voyage repairs at GUAM. The present setup necessitates the running of both ICBG while cruising on the surface. This arrangement is satisfactory, but not desirable.

— page 25 —
4MM flashed while answering flank speed during evasion on 25 Jan. Speed was reduced to full, the generators reset and this speed maintained for 10 minutes before another flash occurred at which time the port shaft was put out of commission while an investigation was begun. #4 was electrically disconnected from the circuit and emergency propulsion submerged was obtained with the starboard motors in series and the tums on the starboard shaft could be maintained this fashion without excessive field current in #2MM.

: an attempt was made to disconnect #4MM from the reduction gear pinion by means of removal of the field line coupling sleeve, but this failed as the coupling could not be moved far enough along the hub to permit independent rotation of the motor armature without having the coupling sleeve striking the casing. So the port shaft was locked and propulsion maintained on the starboard while repairs were made to the motor. Merger readings of both armature and field of #4 Motor showed no ground with the lowest reading being 10 megohms. The Commutator was undercut, cleaned and sanded to remove burrs caused by the flash. Burned brushes were removed and seated to the commutator. The motor starter contacts were renewed and a satisfactory test made on the motor.

ENGINEERING:

#2 Evaporator has not made battery water since 24 January. Suspect broken coil due to going to 150 feet with this Evaporator running. Test of water with electric tester showed readings of 85 for total electrolyte content. Distillate tank was salt and would not show good battery water tests on the discharge side in spite of two through cleanings. An 8 gallon emergency fresh water tank was rigged for receiving distillate from No. 1 Evaporator, and battery water was blown forward in this manner.

While underway from MEDWAY to GUAM #2M inboard exhaust valve casing developed a small leak in the underside outboard of the after section. Attempts were made by ships crew and SU2MON 10 personnel to weld this section but were unsuccessful. The casing has leaked the entire patrol.

TORPEDO

Torpedo in number one torpedo tube was pulled out of tube six inches with depth spindle engaged. Shield was bent at a seventy degree angle and jammed in such a way to warrant it unless to repair it until reaching port in three days. Torpedo was forced back into tube and, tube secured.

(L) RADIO

VHF- This unit performed as well as might be expected. Signals were heard clearly though weakly while performing lifesguard duties. The low signal strength was attributed to the distance of friendly planes.

— page 26 —
1. Press to talk button springs were continually giving out. It is suggested that the coiled spring type return be used in place of the present helical type. This alteration could be made with the selector box on both bridge units.
2. Tubes 5Y3 and 6V6 in the bridge amplifier were found to be jarred loose by the firing of the four inch gun. This prevented talking from the bridge.

NKN - Several times this China Station was so effectively jammed that it was impossible to receive anything but the heading. NKN and other China stations could be heard on our wolfpack frequencies several times early in the morning. Apparently NKN is jammed so much that they do not answer their call. Our one and only test message to NKN had to be cleared via GUAM.

NPN - The new 9000 ko series is very helpful, -t one time, the wolfpack Commander sent out a despatch to all his wolves via NPN. We received this message as a routine despatch. Consequently we decoded all the "OPPIS" first and were late getting the proper information because we didn't break the routine message for two hours. This message should have been OP. NPN's 121011 of February was not received by either the 3MTISH or BLKFTISH until a request for it had been made.

WOP.CO - Entirely satisfactory, both in regard to frequencies and code.

(M) R.D.R
Radar troubles encountered were as listed below:

SJ R.D.R
Transmitter -Receiver
(1) Replaced magnetron and 7263 oscillator tube. Magnetron had 1,000 hours and was developing a tendency to double mode. Returned.
(2) Returned Radar. Magnetron frequency had changed 10.7 mc/s from time magnetron was installed. Found that refit crew had neglected to tighten screws on T-R cavity. Noticeable improvement when this was tightened.

— page 27 —
1. (1) No IFF gain. Caused by IF gain potentiometer arcing to ground through insulation.
2. (2) Dual condenser C33.1 & C33.1 & C33-2 in cathode ray tube circuit shorted out causing nothing on cathode ray tube.
3. (3) V11, VR-150-30, ceased to function, causing thick jumpy sweeps line and sparce heavy grass.

: 1. (1) R44, 7MEG, Resistor in High Voltage circuit open. No sweeps.

: 1. (1) Repaired two RF tubes and oscillator tube.
2. (2) No Markers - Bad tube base heater connection on marker tube.
3. (3) ITF - Marker switch shart came loose.

: 1. (1) Stack interrogation - Poor'ranqs. Retuned to 181 mcs.
2. (2) ..fter unit warmed up R24l, resistor in 5,000 volt circuit would arc to shielded sync lead. Hoved lead.

The SD radar was used in the area only during lifeguard duty and in conjunction with the .FR when saturation pips indicated a radar equipped plane might get in onus. To and from the area, the SD was used contirously during daylight.

This SJ radar performed excellently. It was used continuously on the surface in the area. Sight contact was always made on sailing vessels before the SJ picked them up. The SJ made as many'plane contacts as our other detectors. Due to the overcast weather, search planes flew at low altitudes and the SJ followed one squadron of planes out to 62,000 yards. It was not uncommon to contact planes operating alone, up to 30,000 on the SJ.

— page 28 —
1. From sight contact and use of the PR it is believed that a Jap 154 mge. aircraft radar is set up on the beach at Lat.22-01-45N Long 120-41-30E on a cliff like hill just up the coast from the SW tip of Formosa. He sweeps variably through 360° and 180°, saturating its own radio. The ship is always obtained from this station inside of 33 miles. The known 93-100 mge radar on SW Formosa still operates. The theory that saturation PR indications do not mean a plane is close was amply demonstrated when saturation pips were obtained on various aircraft frequencies and neither the SJ or SD gave any contact. However, this does not indicate that a plane may not be close aboard with a minimum PR pip. Interference was exprienced on the PR from the SD, SJ, BK-EN and internal sources of power.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR IMPROVED OPERATION IN THIS VESSEL:

(1) Move the PR-1 to the Control Room in the immediate vicinity of the SD and LTF equipment. This equipment interferes mutually and is best operated by one operator who can shift and predict the interference on each piece of the above apparatus by the others, and thereby stand a more efficient watch.

(2) Parallel the two tuning Units (TN-2 and TN-3) so that the simple flip of a switch will switch: one or the other of the unit into operation. In the event of the install. tion of a TN-3 unit parallel it with the other two.

(3) Move the SD transmitter to the Control Room where it will not only ease the situation on space in the radio room but will eliminate a great deal of the noise level in the receivers. The interference of the SD with the VHF is intolerable. Possibly this unit is improperly grounded but a careful check showed all as it should be.

(4) Install a 20,000 yard sweep on the PR unit on the SJ radar. The "U" scope supplied with a 40,000 yard sweep.

(5) Install a larger motor generator for the SJ radar as the present motor generator is running at a 30% overload above full rated load with the PR units out in and is at present fully grounded.

(N) SOUND GIR. AND SOUND CONDITIONS

No sound contacts were made on this patrol. The only opportunity to gain any knowledge of the sound conditions in the Hong-Kong area was in the passage of the U.S.S

— page 29 —
1. (N) SOUND GEAR AND SOUND CONDITIONS (CONT'D)
2. Much trouble was experienced with the sound gear. Mechanical difficulties with training, hoisting and lowering of the QB and JK-CC sound heads took up much time. The amplifying and receiving units were noisy and required continuous adjustment for even minimum results. The usual fish noises prevailed and sound conditions appeared to be normal.
3. In the HongKong area the fathometer was used every hour on the hour when we were on the surface, and every two hours when submerged. It performed well and was our only means of navigating for days at a stretch. Ping ranges on Sampans proved very unsatisfactory. One good ping range was obtained on the wooden hull of a Sampan before firing at a range of 1100 yards.

The following casualties were suffered by the Sound Gear JP Sound:
1. (1) Voltage regulator tube burn at out due to unit being on during a battery charge.
2. (2) Leads #60 and #61 reversed by refit crew causing electrical limits to operate incorrectly on the QB-Sound equipment.

QQ-JK-Sound
1. (1) QQ-JK input selector switch grounded in JK position by cover plate.
2. (2) JK lead from head parted when cable caught on drift stop. If a mercury dish contactor device were to be developed for this sound heads in place of this present clumsy cable leads, it would be a boon to sound gear operation.

(0) DENSITY LAYERS
No density layers were encountered.

(P) HEALTH, FOOD, AND HEALTH-BILITY
In general health of the officers and crew was good. Two cases of otitis, Mafia developed but were kept well under control. One man was admitted to the sick list for two days with Burn, Flash, both eyes, received while testing for faulty fuses and the fuse tester exploded in his face.
The food was good and it's preparation satisfactory. Habitability was fine until the supply blower, and later the exhaust blower, were both put completely out of commission. From that time on, the boat was particularly hot and uncomfortable at all times. During battery charges, the humidity became very high.

| PERSONNEL | OFFICERS | CFO | ENLISTED | TOT. L. CONF. |
|||-----|||
| No. on board | 10 | 7 | 67 | 84 |
| -v. range -ge | 26:3 | 26:4 | 22:3 | 23:1 |
| -v. range No. war patrols | 4:2 | 5:4 | 2:77 | 3:2 |
| No. making first patrol | 1 | 1 | 17 | 19 |
| Qualified for Command | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Qualified in S/Mis. | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |

— page 30 —
1. Daily qualification instruction classes were held by sections, and all nonqualified men were obliged to attend. The classes were conducted computer-assisted by computers, the instructors being qualified men standing watches in those compartments. These classes continued until all unqualified men had received at least one to two hours instruction in each compartment. Upon completion of this qualification candidates were examined in each compartment by a qualified petty officer, and certified as prepared for checkoff by the Qualifying Officer. Each Officer was designated as the Qualifying Officer for one or two particular compartments. Check-off questions included a thorough knowledge of the hydraulic, air, water, drainage, trim, steering, flooding and venting systems and a specific knowledge of how to man each station in each compartment under normal and emergency conditions.

2. Each qualification candidate prepared a notebook of general sketches, with additional sketches for electricalian's mates, motor machinist mates, torpedo men, communications department personnel, and strikers, which were destroyed upon completion.

The Engineering Officer and assistant engineering officer, the First Lieutenant and the Torpedo Officer conducted a series of lectures covering the systems and equipment under their particular cognizance.

3. As a result of this program it is felt that each man who qualified has not only a sound general knowledge of the boat and how to rig each compartment for dive and all emergency conditions, but also has a sufficient working knowledge of the operation of all equipment and the duties of each watch stander to be able to stand a watch at any station throughout the boat except as controller-man, throttle-man or IC electricalian, and in the event of casualty has a sufficient understanding of damage control measures to be able to handle all probable contingencies.

In addition to assuring that each qualified on candidate received a standard and thorough routine of instruction, this program of group sectional instruction had the added advantage of keeping older hands who acted as instructors on their mettle, and also provided a definite competitive stimulus which was reflected in the increased initiative and desire to learn the boat quickly. This method also quickly identified those who were prone to lag behind, and facilitated the necessary encouragement or prodding as required.

— page 31 —
15
Days enroute to area 15
Days enroute to base 32
Days submerged 6
16

(T) FACTORS OF ENDURANCE REMITTING:
Torpedoes 22 Fuel 24325 gals. Provisions 10 days.
Personnel Factor 18 days. Limiting Factor this
patrol COSUMP.C DESP.TCH 121011 FEB.

(U) R.DIO. ND R.D.R COUNTRIME. SURES

R.DIO
Jamming was experienced on the 6 and 8 thousand bands especially of the CW and bagpipe types. This was usually ineffective and could be tuned out.
Enemy deception was encountered but once on 2160 kilocycles in the HongKong area at about 2200(H). ...unknown weak station reported for a transmission without authentication. Request for authentication resulted in no further transmissions from this source.
SubFox six thousand band was the best for the reception of the eleven end sixteen hundred schedules. All frequencies faded out almost completely between nineteen and twenty-one hundred Zebra. The new 9090 series from R.Dio. Guam showed the following performances:
1: Slightly off frequency from R.Dio Honolulu.
2: Blurred keying (possibly from poor keying circuit or poor perforation) between the text and the heading at the end of messages. Blurred keying, almost unreadable, between 17 and 18 hours Zebra daily.
3: Fades completely between 21 and 22 hours Zebra.

R.D.R
Region of HongKong for the period of January 19 through February 1, 1945.
Freq. Date Time(H) FRF Pulse Length Remarks
... 154 1729 2031 1170 10 Sweep erratic.
B: 150 1/31 2202 1195 10 " "
C: 154 2/1 0255 1204 10.5 Steady on us.

Contacts and B were steady pulses that gradually rose to half saturation and faded with distance.
Contact C was a saturation pulse and not keyed. There was no apparent sweep. Both the SD and SJ radars failed to indicate a target during the time of the appearance of the pulse indicating a

— page 32 —
210 1/18 2245 PRF Pulse length Remarks
B. 210 1/19 2230 750 10.5 0.75 rpm Sp.Rate,
C. 210 1/20 2100 750 10.5 10.5
D. 210 1/21 1845 600 5 Irregular sweep
E. 211 1/23 0352 600 5
F. 204 1/1 2245 No characteristics obt.inable, noise in Phon

The contacts: A, B and C were to all appearances indentical and would indicate that they were land based with a regular sweep. Further the strength of these signals varied directly with our distance of HongKong.

Contacts D,E and F were more on the order of ship based radar since they increased in strength very slowly and faded in the same manner. These radars were not regularly present as were contacts A, B and C.

250 megacycles Jan. 30 at 0212 (H), PRF 750, Pulse length 5 usec. This contact was observed once fairly strong but of short duration and never seen again.

275 megacycles, January 21, at 0050(H), PRF 375, Pulse length 2.5 usec. No characteristics were obtainable on this contact.

Region of Formosa for the period ending 16 February from January 16 through 18 and 2 February.

| Freq. | Date | Time(H) | PRF | Pulse length |
|-------|------||-----||
| A: 154| 1/16 | 1951    | 1200| 10         |
| B: 154| 2/5  | 0053    | 300 | 7          |
| C: 154| 2/8  | 1955    | 400 | 7          |
| D: 154| 2/10 | 0005    | 480 | 4          |
| E: 158| 2/11 | 0305    | 480 | 7          |

— page 34 —
CONFIDENTIAL
(U) R.DIO. ND R.D.R. COUNT S.R.SURFS

Freq.  Date  Time(H)  PRF  Pulse length
180  2/4  0005  250  7(est.)
178  2/10 2122  400  6

The contact at 180 mgo. was so weak as to give little data. The contact at 178 mgo. corresponded with the TR.CKING on the SJ of three planes in a group .t a range of from six out to twenty miles with a full saturation pulse on the .PR-1. .all characteristics except pulse length corresponded with our own .SE radar. No picture was recorded of the pulse.

Freq.  Date  Time(H)  PRF  Pulse length
210  1/17 2250  750  7
210  2/14 1915  350  4

No useful characteristics were obtainable from these two contacts. It is wondered if they are own ships electrical noise.

Freq.  Date  Time(H)  PRF  Pulse length
260  2/11 0237  400  7
254  2/13 0128  800  4

The second of these contacts only was of sufficient strength to give any data and it was of such short duration as to permit only the listed data to be recorded.

Freq.  Date  Time(H)  PRF  Pulse length
515  2/5 2115  450  3
515  2/6 2245  450  3
515  2/7 0255  450  3
515  2/8 2230  450  3
515  2/9 0045  450  3
515  2/10 2210  450  3
515  2/11 0218  450  3
515  2/12 1000  450  3

..11 these contacts on 515 mgo. showed the listed characteristics of the .SS radar. These contacts left us alone upon use of the IFF.

— page 36 —
0
CONFIDENTIAL
(V) REMARKS
Lifeguard procedure (Cont'd)

Jap radars were 93 mgo's., 100 mgo's., and 154 mgo's., which is logged as
./C radar but which we determined is mounted on the beach. Had these
radars been absent we could have patrolled much closer to lend and
covered lifeguard station close.

— page 37 —
PB5-202/416-3
Serial: 07
Confidential

FIRST UNDO:  SUBMARINE DIVISION T.N.O. HUNDRED TWO.
CO. BLACHPISH 1tr. SS221/416-3
Ser: 01 of 21 February 1945,
Report of 10th War Patrol.

From: Commander Submarine Division T.N.O. HUNDRED TWO.
To: The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
Via: (1) The Commander Submarine Squadron TWENTY.
(2) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
(3) The Commander-in-Chief, United States Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. BLACKFISH (SS221) - Report of War Patrol Number TEN.

1. The tenth war patrol of the U.S.S. BLACKFISH was conducted in the South China Sea. The BLACKFISH, along with the NORTHERN FISH and BLACKFISH, was a coordinated attack group with the commanding officer of the NORTHERN FISH as Group Commander. The patrol was of 53 days' duration, with thirty-two days on station, five of which were devoted to lifeguard duty.

2. Despite thorough area coverage no enemy shipping was encountered, other than small craft.

3. During the night of January 23rd a 100 ton sailing craft was engaged with gunfire. The attack was aggressively pursued at close range but unfortunately action had to be broken off early due to casualties on all guns. Numerous light calibre hits caused minor damage to the enemy.

4. During the night of January 30th with a full moon, two large sampans were sighted. The commanding officer elected to use them as experimental targets for air exercises with zero depth station. Two torpedoes were fired at one vessel under ideal conditions after a submerged radar approach. Both torpedoes ran missed. The target, as later determined, was much smaller than the commanding officer realized and it is probable that the torpedoes ran under it. The BLACKFISH shortly thereafter surfaced and commenced a gun attack on the same targets. During this aggressive action one sampan was sunk and the other badly damaged. The four inch guns had a c.s.s. quality which prevented its use.

— page 38 —
5. During the night of 1 February a small float of
suspension were engaged by very aggressive gun action that resulted
in the sinking of three and the damage of eight more. During
this engagement all guns functioned smoothly and the sinking
were the result of fire from the 4th.

6. It is agreed with the commanding officer that the
sailing vessels engaged were Japanese and their destruction
necessary.

7. The BLUEFISH returned clean and in good material
condition. There are no major defects which will prevent the
completion of her refit in the normal period.

8. The commanding officer, officers and crew of the
BLUEFISH are congratulated on the completion of this aggressive
patrol.

— page 39 —
1. The Commander Submarine Squadron TWENTY.
To: The Commander-in-Chief, U. S. Fleet.
Via: (1) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
       (2) The Commander-in-Chief, U. S. Pacific Fleet.
Subject: U.S.S. BLACKFISH (SS221) - Tenth War Patrol; comments on.

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

2. The Commander Submarine Squadron TWENTY congratulates the Commanding Officer, Officers and crew of the BLACKFISH on the completion of an aggressive well conducted patrol, and the Commanding Officer on his outstanding record of twelve war patrols.

3. The cleanliness and excellent material condition of the BLACKFISH deserve special mention. The exceptionally well prepared refit book, along with its excellent detailed sketches, assisted materially in getting the refit started. Following a serious main motor casualty the Commanding Officer convened a Board of Investigation, the findings of which were of great value in expediting orderly planning and prompt attack on the refit job.

4. It is recommended that the BLACKFISH be credited with the following damage to the enemy, all by gunfire:

| Damage | Sunk |
||------|
| 1 MTS  | (SALTAN) (BC) (Attack No.2) | 150 tons |
| 3 MTS  | (SANTAN) (BC) (Attack No.4) | 150 tons |
|        | Total Sunk | 300 tons. |

— page 40 —
1. MTS (SA'PAN) (EC) (Attack No. 1) 100 tons
: 1. MTS (SA'PAN) (EC) (Attack No. 3) 150 tons
: 8 MIS (SA'PAN) (EC) (Attack No. 4) 400 tons
: Total DA'AGED 650 tons

Total SUNK and DAMAGED 950 tons

L. S. PARKS.

— page 41 —
3 03532
FT12-10(A)/A16-3(18) SUBLARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
Serial 0455
CONFIDENTIAL
TELED ENDORSEMENT TO
BLACKFISH Report of
Tenth War Patrol.
COUNSELOR PATROL REPORT 10. 685
U.S.S. BLACKFISH - TWENTY 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. BLACKFISH (SS221) - Report of Tenth War Patrol (1 January to 21 February 1945).

1. The tenth war patrol of the BLACKFISH, under the command of Commander R. F. Sellars, U.S. Navy, was conducted in the South China Sea - Luzon - Formosa areas. The BLACKFISH, U.S.S. RICHER-FISH (SS311), and U.S.S. BATTERY (SS310) formed a coordinated attack group with the commanding officer of the ARCHER-FISH as group commander. The BLACKFISH performed lifeguard duty as well as conducting an offensive patrol.

2. Excellent area coverage was maintained throughout this patrol. Many aircraft radar contacts were made, but unfortunately surface contacts were limited to small craft. One torpedo and four gun attacks were made on those small craft which the commanding officer judged to be enemy craft. The torpedo attack failed due to the shallow draft of the target, but the gun attacks were most effective. There is no question but that this enemy has not pressed for cargo carrying craft, and no target is too small to warrant attack. Any blow to his shipping will be felt. Decisions as to enemy character in this case of small craft off the China Coast require careful judgment on the part of commanding officers. Power boats are most probably enemy craft or craft employed by the enemy. Sailing vessels of the usual Chinese junk type are most probably friendly. Careful examination by a personnel should normally indicate enemy character. If believed to be friendly they should be left unmolested or boarded after a fully armed approach on the surface.

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

4. The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, congratulates the veteran commanding officer of the BLACKFISH, who has twelve war patrols to his credit, the officers and crew for this aggressive patrol. The BLACKFISH is credited with having inflicted the following damage upon the enemy during this patrol.

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

— page 42 —
1-1 MS. (Sampan) (EC) - 150 tons (Gun Attack No. 2)
: 3-1 MS. (Sampan) (EC) - 150 tons (Gun Attack No. 4)

TOTAL SINK: 300 tons

DAMAGED:

: 1-1 MS. (Sampan) (EC) - 100 tons (Gun Attack No. 1)
: 1-1 MS. (Sampan) (EC) - 150 tons (Gun Attack No. 3)
: 8-1 MS. (Sampan) (EC) - 400 tons (Gun Attack No. 4)

TOTAL DAMAGED: 650 tons

TOTAL SINK & DAMAGED: 950 tons

DISTRIBUTION:
(Complecto Reports)
Cominch (7)
CNO (5)
Cinepac (6)
JICPO (1)
L.CICPO (1)
Comsorvpac (1)
Cinclant (1)
Comsubslant (8)
S/II School, NL (2)
CO, S/II Base, PH (1)
Comsopac (2)
Comsowespac (1)
Comsubsowespac (2)
CTG 71.9 (2)
Commorpac (1)
Comsubspac (3)
Comsubspac.d (20)
SUD.M, MI (2)
ComsubspacSubordcom (3)

J. H. BROWN, Jr.,

E. L. HYMES, 2nd,
Flag Secretary.

— page 43 —
SS221/A16-3
U.S.S. BLACKFISH (SS221)
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
10 May, 1945.

Serial: (011)

DECLASSIFIED
T-I-A-L

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

Subject: USS BLACKFISH (SS221) - Report of War Patrol
Number ELVEN.

Enclosure: (A) Subject Report.
(B) Track Chart. (To ComSubPac only).

1. Enclosure (A), covering the ELVENTH War Patrol of this vessel, conducted in LUZON STRAIT-FORMOSA, and SOUTH CHINA SEA area during the period 21 March, 1945 to 10 May, 1945 is forwarded herewith.

ROBERT F. SELLARS.

DECLASSIFIED

DECLASSIFIED-ART. 0445, CPNAVINST 551: C
MT. 09-0989 C DATE 1945

— page 44 —
21 February, 1945 and moored alongside USS PROTEOUS for refit under tender and SubDiv 202 personnel.

Major items accomplished during this refit were: (1) Installation of new hull ventilation supply and exhaust blower impellers; (2) Overhaul of No. 1 and 2 Main Engines; (3) Overhaul of both evaporators; (4) Relocation of APR-SPA equipment from Radio Room to Control Room; all other work routine.

Completed refit 10 March; commenced training 12 March; completed training 17 March; loaded and ready for sea 20 March, 1945, with six (6) Mk. 18-1 and eighteen (18) Mk. 18-2 torpedoes on board.

This is unquestionably the finest refit this vessel has ever received, and the outstanding cooperation of tender and division officers and personnel is highly appreciated. The reoperation facilities and organization at Camp Dealay are excellent and our two woks stay was most enjoyable, all hands returning to the boat in high spirits and fine condition.

The following officers were transferred:

- Lt-Comdr. C.G. CARLISLE, DE, USNR - New Const.
- Lieut.man G.W. CLARKE, U.S. Navy - New Const.
- Ensign W.F. HEINKEL, (D)L, USNR. - USS PROTEOUS.

The following officers were received on board for duty.

- Ensign A. K. BERGSTROM, DE, USNR.
- Ensign L. E. KUHNUENCH, U.S. Navy.
- Ensign J. B. SPENCER, Jr., U.S. Navy.

(B) NARRATIVE

Officers attached to USS BLACKFISH and total number of patrols, including the present one.

| PATROLS | 13 |
||----|
| R.F. SELL-IRS, Comdr.; U.S. Navy; Commanding | 5 |
| P. CURTIS, Lieutenant, DE, USNR. | 5 |
| S.I. ROBISON, Lieutenant, DE, USNR. | 3 |
| P.F. CUMMINGS; Lieutenant; DE, USNR. | 3 |
| E.W. WOODFORD, Lieutenant, (Jg), U.S. Navy. | 3 |
| J.H. STIGGLMAN, Lieutenant, (Jg), DE, USNR. | 3 |

— page 45 —
1
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
J.F. PARSONS, LIQUID (jg), DE, USNR.
A.K. BERGSTROM, 'Ensign, (D), L, USNR.
L.E. KUHNMUNCH, Ensign, U.S. Navy.
J.B. SPENCER, Jr., Ensign, U.S. Navy.

Chief Potty Officers and total number of patrols, including the present one:

| Patrols | Total |
||-------|
| KRUPOWICZ, C.E., CMOMM(T)(SS), USN. | 10 |
| GAULT, H(n), CTM(T), (SS), USN. | 4 |
| KALKOFEN, 'L.J., CEPHM(A)(T)(SS), USN. | 2 |
| MOILVINE, R.R., CEM(A)(T)(SS), USN. | 7 |
| GIBSON, R.L., CMOMM(A)(T)(SS), USN. | 6 |
| FITZGERALD, J.M., CMOMM(A)(T)(SS), USNR. | 6 |

21 through 25 March, 1945

1500(K) Underway from L.PRA-H.RBOR, GUAM in company with 21st. USS TIGRONE(S349), USS BULLHEAD(D5332) and USS SEAHORSE(S3304). TIGRONE, BULLHEAD and BL.KGFISH comprising coordinated attack group with Commander Hiran Cassody, U.S. Navy, as Group Commander in TIGRONE, and designated Task Units 17-23.1, 17-23.2 and 17-23.3 respectively. Escort is PC-1256.

Conducting daily training dives and drills. Crew appears well organized in spite of large turnover.

0148(I) SJ contact 16,000 yds - 3150T. Tracked friendly convoy consisting of seven large tankers and four DBS on base course 2200T, spoof 13 kts. Strong PR indications on 700 mgo. Exchanged recognition signals by 'Lids Lamp with escort. Lost 'redar' contact on this convoy bearing 184°, 26,000 yds. (Ship Contact #1)

0940(I) Sighted one Lftr. 24th. 15 miles on estimated course 0600T. Lat 20-54-30N. Long. 132-24-50E (Aircraft. Contact #3)

0942 Aircraft o/o to approximately 1200T. (heading will pass har across our storm). Attempted exchange recognition signals.

0944 Aircraft o/o to his loft, heading for SEAHORSE, the latter bearing 0400T, 7,500 yds from us, both of us on course 2700T.

0945 Aircraft began to lose altitude from estimated 6000 feet to approximately 1000 feet; appears as if she will pass close above S.I.NORSE.

— page 46 —
0946 Our high porisoo and bridge personnel observe goyser of water havo up dead ahoad of SEAHORSE (estimated) oloser than 100 yds ahoad) tracers and splashes from automatic weapons visible, many appearing to strike SEAHORSE on forward 20MM platform. Wo realize that we havo just boon tho unwilling spactators of one of our bonts boing boond and strafod. BLACKFISH ahoagd course to hoad for submorging SEAHORSE and circling single-lotter recognition by saorohlight. The pyro-technie barrego of "Buck Rogers" pistol, mortars and submargod signal gun sounds'impressivo, but with a borserk B-24 haodd our way, tho offoot was a bit flat tho submargod signal gun projectillos going loss than fifty foot in'ntho air and flopping into tho water with-out going off, tho mortars dropping down onto thoir firing pin in tho bottom of tho gun and staying thoro, and tho "Buck Rogers" projectillos giving a most puny demonstrati on, somowhat like a colorad firecracker.

0948 Exchangod corroct roogonition with B-24 and shc olosod har bomb bay doors. Told him by light that submarino ho bombod was friondly, upon roocipt of which he haodd off on oourse 2400T, approximate boarding of TIGRONE and BULLHEAD. Number of this plane boliovod to bo 5786 or 5736.

1000 Slowed to 1/3 spood noar SEAHORSE submorging spot and sent mossago by sound informing him that area was clear.

1009 SEAHORSE surfacod and told us only damage was to antonno and porroonl foolings. Informod Group Commander by ,,OPL00 that SEAHORSE had boon attacked by B-24 and reported har antonno shot away, but so far no othor damage located.

1333(I) Ship Contact #2. By high porisocop sighted single 24th. froighter - probably APL convertod from USMC "6-2" and DD or DE escort, boring 2400T, 18,000 yds, tracked on base course 0000T, spood 16.

Thirty ono airraft contacts during tho day, indicating tht we havo a carrier in tho vicinity.

0630(H) SEAHORSE said she sank a mino.
25th

1055(H) BLACKFISH sank'a floating mino - Mk 6 Mod 2 in 25th. Lat. 20-29-45N, Long 126-56-00E.

All timos horoaftor aro (-8) Zono Timo.

— page 48 —
2315 BLACKFISH informed SEA OWL and THRESHER would like to join up for BATAN shoot tomorrow, adding that we would be clear of BASCO by noon.

Tuesday, 27 March

: 0145 THRESHER informs BLACKFISH and SEA OWL bombardment should be on morning twenty eigthh.

: 0251 Master Gyro Compass failure (Sea Section K).

: 0504 Submerged with SABTING ISLAND bearing 1800T, distance 4 miles, heading for close inshore patrol along West Coast BATAN ISLAND. Looking for radio tower charted north of BASCO. No tower seen; however, three large buildings spotted on radio tower's supposed position. Also noted a large structure on skyline above and to eastward of BASCO, which in silhouette bears some resemblance to a large early warning radar installation, although the missivons of construction probably produce that. This object is roughly 100 feet long and 30 feet high. Took photographs. JP and number of other personnel hoard occasional faint explosions and JP reported them followed by heavy water disturbances. Clear road sea SEA OWL can take a look.

: 1515 Master Gyro Compass back in commission.

: 1849 Surfaced. Patrolling West of BATAN ISLAND Group to intercept THRESHER and PETO.

: 2100 Told "Mobsters" and SEA OWL only good targets were dock area, site of radio station with no tower and large single building North of station.

: 2120 SEA OWL tells us no good military targets to shoot.

Wednesday, 28 March

: 0225 THRESHER says may shoot tomorrow morning at 0900, PETO not participating.

: 0245 Radar contact with THRESHER heading in. Exchanged calls and news by SJ. (Ship Contact #3)

In view of fact that THRESHER will probably battle surface in close after looking over BASCO, we will stay clear. Coordinated battle surfacing does not appeal to us. We will look over CALYAN ISLAND radic station instead.

: 0306 Heading for CALYAN ISLAND. May find a sparo Nip sub.

— page 49 —
0528 Submerged.

1845 Surfaced.

Sent our Number One to COMSUBPAC telling of intention to bombard CALAYAN Radio Station.

1953 Fire in the After Battery - secured battery charge. Doop friar in Galley went up in flames. Good sized friar for five minutes.

2010 Secured from friar quarters.

2345 Battle Gun Stations. Four tubes ready. Moving in to proceed to proposed shooting spot which gives opening range to tower of 3,250 yards. CALAYAN TOWN and other landmarks stood out clearly in bright moonlight, but no tower visible. We know where tower should have been, but it isn't there. Looking for sand sort of target; no military installation of any kind. Numerous huts visible on wooded hill-side and they are friendly. No use using barrage methods with notarget so after looking the beach over from 3,000 yards decided to head back to BILTAN. No indications of radar anywhere in the vicinity of CALAYAN ISLAND, and no indications of any sort of coast watchers or defensors. In short no Nips near CALAYAN TOWN.

Thursday, 29 March

0045 Secured from Gun Stations much to the disapppointment of all hands.

Running north again to take a look at the eastern shore of BILTAN, and particularly to see if there is anything visible of the large unidentified structure on top of the ridge above BILTAN.

0524 Submerged, BILTAN ISLAND abeam to starboard 12 miles. Current seems to be against us wherever we go; it is now working against us as we try to close BILTAN. Finally get in good position to look over prospective shooting zone. Several objects on hills behind BILTAN. Our large frame structure of day before yesterday must be on a lower hill, we cannot see it from our present position. However, there is a tower-like affair which is undoubtedly a lock-out station of some sort. After looking this target over for two hours, decided to shoot it and shift to any return fire anountored. Moving in to battle surface spot, having decided that we had better shoot while there is a bit of daylight. Initial range will be about 4,000 yards.

— page 50 —
1804 Battle Surface. Closing the beach at full speed. We are too far out to start shooting. Sun is setting, target is silhouetted nicely. No counter measures from the beach. No radar.

: 1821 Commence firing; range ends up at 2500 to 2900 yards, with several hits near target which throw earth and debris around tower. Still no counter measures. Much bad ammunition with five misfires out of twenty six rounds used. Getting darker; sound man hears screws (as usual) about same time lookouts pick up small boat with light from the beach, range about 2500 yards. Boat may be friendly since he has steady light, so don't fire at him. Cease firing and retire to East for decaption. Quite dark now for shooting and the powder flashes were beginning to blind us. Plan on heading West tomorrow.

: 2018 Receive orders to start West tomorrow. Also note that THRESHER bombarded BAGCO with apparently no counter measures either; and that PRATAS REF should be setup for us after THRESHER shoot there. Will plan on leaving our calling cards at PRATAS also, enroute to our Lifeguard Station.

Friday, 30 March
0055 to Rapackod leaky storm tube (starboard shaft).
0226

0529 Submerged forty miles west of BALTIMORE CHANNEL.

1500 Surfaced. Heading for PRATAS REF.

1942 3J radar contact at 13,000 yds - closed to 4 miles by 3D with friendly IFF. Crossing our track astern, lost from 3D at 17 miles. (Aircraft Contact #16)

Saturday, 31 March
0530 Trim Dive.

1058 Shoal spot encountered (Lat. 20-29-30N, Long 116-26-00E). Depth 30 fathoms when we changed course to avoid shallower water.

1104 3D contact closing; 7 miles. Submerged (Aircraft Contact #17).

1136 Surfaced. TIGRONE reports contact.

- 7 -

— page 51 —
1200 By exohange of WOFACO messages, BLACKFISH, LAMPREY, TIGRON3, cnd BULLHEAD know each others' location.

: 1230 Commenced approach on PRATIS REEF from the West. No reason for not making this firing run on the surface. There is plenty of diving water up to the roof. Closest firing range we can obtain is about 5,000-6,000 yards.

: 1250 TIGRONE says contact is hospital ship.

: 1315 Sighted two towers on PRATIS ISLAND, bearing 0690T, range estimated 11 miles. Battle Gun Stations. Will fire 4" only, but mount automatic weapons, keeping 20MM and 50Cal. gun crews below decks.

: 1352 Sighted two empty 4" shell casos - probably THRASHER's.

: 1355 In good position 1,000 yards'off outer roof with opening range to towers set at 6,000 yards. Commence firing. First four-rounds are misfires - seans normal with us - but thereafter the firing goes smoothly. Intended firing 25 rounds, but 35 get up the hatch before we have to fire. Swords, good hits on north of tower, but it refuses to fall. Many hits near base of tower and into buildings beyond. This HC point detonation ammunition explodes too soon for maximum damage on shore targets. Surprisingly, there is no firing at us although we see what looks like gun emplacements on this side of beach. Taking movies of this shoot. One explosion near tower looks like Nip oil supply or ammunition want up in smoke.

: 1404 (Aircraft Contact #18) After lookout sights large silver plane at range of about eight miles, closing. All ahead full; with right full rudder to get us away from roof.

: 1405 Submerging, counting noses after this fast dive and find all hands present. Ping ranges on roof give 900 yards and 1100 yards although we have 30 fathoms under us. Pick various avasivé courses to avoid submerged roofs and pull clear. Large explosion astern; may have been dropped by plane since we left a long string of ammunition cans floating aft.

: 1649 Surfaced. Heading for possible contact by TIGRONE.

: 1850 Pack Commander assigns us patrol line west of PRATIS REEF to cover possible course of his contact.

— page 52 —
2000 Clean 4 inch; remove grease from firing pin and substitute light oil. Fired sovran primers satisfactorily.

2054 SJ Interference 310T.

2242 SJ Interference 330T.

2247 APR at 160 mge, 300 PRF, 2.5 mcs. This may be PRTAS REBEF.

Sunday, 1 April

0100 Pack Commander tells us to form scouting line.

0430 BUGRA, BULH&D, TIGRONE, BLACKFISH and LMPREY now on scouting line covering 120 mile front on base course of 2000T. Should certainly catch anything coming North or East.

0820 SD with IFF at 28 miles (Aircraft Contact #19)

1405 (Ship Contact #4) Sighted TIGRONE. Closed and hold brief VHF confarance at 2500 yards. His contact has paterod out. We should remain within fourteen hours of our lifeguard station, so Pack Commander reloases us. We head North.

2017 SJ contact. Plane bearing 2050T, 15,800 yards. (Aircraft Contact #20) His course 3100T, spoed 290 kts. SD followed out. to 17 miles.

2026 Weak APR at 253 mge.

2226 SJ interforance boraing 2700T. Exchanged calls with BULLH&D (Ship Contact #5).

2235 APR at 160 mge again. We are near PRTAS REBEF and if the thoorotical APR radiation pattern is correct, the interforance omantos from PRTAS. Conducting intricate manoeuvors, assuming a 160 mge radar on PRTAS, and we come out with a very fine radiation pattern for our APR, which was unobtainable at rofit' base. Believe this is early warning aircraft radar. BULLH&D and BURRFISH get lifeguard assignments. We will look over our station anyway.

Monday, 2 April

0200 APR at 160 mge faded out.

0545 Trim Dive.

— page 53 —
0907 Removing three dogreo Easterly error from Gyro.

1015 Sighted ship on horizon. (Ship Contact #6). It has sails. Manned Battle Stations and automatic weapons. Many ships. They are junks. We close them and take a look.

1050 Passed several junks close aboard. Dotorimind them as friendly because; (a) Under sail; (b) regular Chinese junk; (c) thoy wore fishing; (d) we passed 100 yards aboard with no hostile indication; and (e) no Nip colors seen. Those follows wore old and tattered, nothing like the trim sailing sampans encountered near HONGKONG last patrol. Took photographs. Own colors mounted.

1110 Came alongside one junk and stopped causing no end of conversation and much shouting from the Chinese crew, which was composed of eight men a woman, and a boy. Exchanged grins; some broad and enand food for a string of squid, which later proved a delicacy. No English-speaking man or crew, sign language inadequate; so no information. Only identifi cation on junk was the numeral "170" painted on port stern. Loft a busy Chinese crew dividing loot. During rest of day counted batter than 100 assorted junks.

1139 SD with IFF at 39 miles (Aireraft Contact #21)

1237 SD with IFF at 32 miles (Aireraft Contact #22)

1257 Exploded mine with 20MM gun. (Mine Contact #2 - Section I) -appeared to be type "JIA" - Mine Warfare Notes No. 1-45 of 1 February, 1945.

1630 Exploded mine with 20MM. (Mine Contact #3).

1657 Exploded mine with 20MM. (Mine Contact #4). Despite the fact that we nicked those mines several times with rifle and "tommy gun" fire, they did not explode until hit by 20MM. The resulting explosion was very heavy, throwing spray and mine particles 100 feet high and covering an area of 300 yards with a dense gray-white smoke. The detonation was accompanied by a huge yellow flame. "Moon gun range has been 100-125 yards on those mines, but think we had batter increase it to 200 yards in the future.

With these mines encountered at our Lifeguard Station, we will patrol at night further south by the 100 fathous curve where currents are not so effective for drifting mines, and during daylight will cover the Northern edge of submarine patrol area when we can sight those mines.

— page 54 —
1847 Passing through oil slick. OOD and Commanding
Offi cor exchanging views on whether this could be a
submarine. Diosel smell in air. Fairly dark now.

1849 SJ contact at 0300T, 770 yards followed by Quartermaster reporting a periscope on our port quarter.
(SHIP CONTACT #7). All ahoad flank, and put him
astarn. Ho might be SN00K coming through area and ho
may be BURRITSH at Wostorn adge of her area. Also
ho may be a nip. Commanding Officer saw periscope
with 4 - 6 foot exposed steadily and radar remained
on pip until range oponad to 2200 yards; Sant con-
taot to Paok Commander. Oponad to 9-10,000 yards
and slowed for patrol until he surfaced so we could
maintain radar contact. Ho may bo midgot, and ho may
be large sub onroute South. Will study future oil
slioks carefully.

2000 No radar contact yet, so sat search course of 2150T,
spoed 8 knots, covering prosapotivo sub course to
southwest. SN00K and BURRTISH glvo thelr posits; so
this was a Nippor who had tho drop on us but fumbled
the ball. Looks like our Lifeguard Stetion is brack-
eted by nines and Nip Submarinos.

2046 Phantom pips on SJ. Found to be acusod by glassy
sea and occasional swells.

2200 TIGRONE has contact.

2208 TIGRONE says "contact was junks".

Tuesday, 3 April

With continuous surface patrol, our fuel will not last
long. Glad to note that Paok Commander has requested
refueling thp Paok at SUBIC BAY.

0248 (AIRCRAFT CONTACT #23) SJ radar contact at 10,000
yards, bearing 3000T, crossed our track astarn and
lost contact 9,000 yards, 0800T.

0425 PR indication - 500 mge, 750 PRF, 25 mes.

0542 Trim Dive.

0627 No. 2 Main Motor circulating water pump out of
commission.

1018 (SHIP CONTACT #8) Sighted group of junks - 3390T,
15,000 yds.

— page 55 —
1055 (AIRCRAFT CONTACT #24) SD and IFF 20 and 30 miles - flight of big planes. Kept these fellows on SD out to 50 miles.

: 1126 (AIRCRAFT CONTACT #25) SD and IFF 30 miles.

: 1218 (AIRCRAFT CONTACT #26) SD and IFF 32 miles.

: 1420 (SHIP CONTACT #9) Another group of junk at 020°T, 12,000 yards.

: 1542 (MINE CONTACT #5) Exploded another "JA" type mine - within eight miles of first mine contact of yester-day.

: 1606 (MINE CONTACT #6) Sank mine with 20MM without explosion - within one mile of location of yesterday's second mine sighting.

: 1618 Received dope from COMSUBPAC reference guarding new air operational intelligence radio circuit.

: 1630 Sank suspected mine, but turned out to be an old oil drum.

: 2020 Informed Peak Commander that our EOM is out of commission, request he pass us any information addressed to BLACKFI J.H.

: 2203 (AIRCRAFT CONTACT #27) SJ contact 24,000 yds, 0250T. SD picks him up at 11 miles. SJ follows him as he passes up our starboard beam and closing track slightly. No PR interforonoo on either high or low band, no IFF. SJ reports he has crossed our track ahead, distance 10 miles.

: 2207 SJ and SD show him coming in from port bow. Submerged with range at 7,500 yards and closing fast.

: 2221 SD and SJ swap from 40 feet shows plane at 7 miles bearing 270°R. With range closing rapidly to 42 miles wont back to 65 foot.

: 2236 Swooping on 3D, 3J and PR at 40 foot.

: 2242 All clear, surfacod. Since no PR on this follow, wonder who is and how he knows we are here.

— page 56 —
00045 Transmitted BLACKFISH #4 informing COMSUBPAC of our ECM failure.

: 00054 APR indication - 160 mgo, 290 PRP, 2.5 msec. Taking readings and plotting for several hours to check our APR pattern. Suspect it may be from landbased station.

: 0130. Paok Commander instructs us to proceed to Southwest corner of LEGJOINT to watch for any northward movement of shipping out of YULIN BAY. Proceeding. This doesn't look right because SNOOK should be tharó. However, with BCM out, we don't have the picture.

: 0342 SJ contact 2600T, 7,000 yards. More Funks. (SHIP CONTACT #10).

: 0503. APR on 160 mgo, and 230 mgo. This indication at 160 mgo. is most persistent. No regular time pattern looks as if he is swooping and keying intermittently, probably landbased from one of the islands off HONG-KONG or SIAITOW.

: 0610 Auxiliary engine out of commission.

: 0737 No. 4 Main Motor out of commission - Sea Section K. Indications of trouble sam as last patrol, ie - a large flash and detention, accompanied by considerable amount of black smoke. All stop. Inspecting and taking readings on No. 4 Main Motor and cubicle.

: 0812 Cubicle apparently O.K. Electrically disconnected No. 4 Motor in order to more fully investigate trouble. Going ahaad again on both shafts, floating No. 4 Motor.

: 0845 (SHIP CONTACT #11) Throo funks bearing 3350T, hull down on horizon.

: 1000 BULLHEAD tells us that TIGRONE message to proceed to HUN.N was addressed to SNOOK. We shook and find raid on madde bust. Returning to Lifeguard Station and so inform BULLHEAD. ECM back in commission after swell job by radio tochnician. Started broaking all ECM messages which have pilod up. COMSUBPAC tells Paok Commander boats cannot refuel at SUBIC; will slow down and start conserving fuel.

: 1022 Auxiliary Engine back in commission.

: 1101 (AIRCRAFT CONTACT #28) Submerged for GD contact which closed from 30 miles to 8; no PR; IFT out of commission.

— page 58 —
0935 (AIRCRAFT CONTACT #36) SD contact 16 miles.
: 1057 (AIRCRAFT CONTACT #37) SD contact 27 miles, closed to 11 miles than wont out again.
: 1233 (AIRCRAFT CONTACT #38) SD contact 7 miles - submerged. Through the port scopa sighted fourteen B-24s on approximately course 3100T, altitude 500 feet.
: 1306 At radar depth; numerous pips ranging from 7 to 12 miles. SD contacts at 20,000 to 24,000 yds. Want back to 65 feet.
: 1319 Radar depth again with SD pips at 7 and 9 miles. Want back to 65 feet.
: 1419 Surfacod. All color on SD and SJ. Following south arm odge of HILLSTORM westward in case our planes have attacked and driven convoy seaward.
: 1439 (AIRCRAFT CONTACT #39) SD contact 17 miles.
: 1510 BULLHEAD asks if we roadivod contact. We told him affirmative, but that contact was old: Next contact report shows convoy close in to coast, forty miles inside bombing zone. Doodie to patrol for next two days near northwest corner of area where first convoy was reported and maybe others may pass through. Weather is very nasty now, low overcast with 30-40 knot wind.
: 1526 SJ intorfornoo at 2080T.
: 2003 Locked port shaft again for further work on #4 Main Motor.

Friday, 6 April
: 0415 Unlocked port shaft. Will continue work on #4 motor again tonight.
: 0500 Roadivod orders to lifeguard station south of SWATO. Proceeding. Wind and sea heavy, wind veoring from 070T to 0450T.
: 0833 (MINE CONTACT #7) Passed floating mine 1000 yards to port. Did not attempt to sink it due to the heavy seas and the fact that we are having to push to make our lifeguard position on time. Now passing through the drifting mine field sighted three days ago.
: 1230 Exchanged call with plums on 4475 kos. We come in S-5, but they wore weak.

— page 59 —
1334 (AIRCRAFT CONTACT #40) SD contact 19 miles with IFF. Lost SD and IFF at 40 miles.

: 1445 (AIRCRAFT CONTACT #41) Submerged with SD contact closing from 7 miles. This pip was procoeded far approximately a minute and a half by a great deal of intorference which blanked out all of the SD scope.

: 1503 Surfaced. All clear on SD and aerofoil APR sweep on Nip A/C froquandos failed to devolop any further information or cause for tho odd SD interference.

: 1600 (AIRCRAFT CONTACT #42) SD contact 19 miles.

: 1645 Passed tho 100 fathom curve, soundings checking with our DR post. Sights have been unobtainable since yesterday morning.

: 1911 Locked port shaft far further work on #4 main motor.

: 1925 Recoviod lifeguard assignment far tamorrow. This now Air Operational Intelligence schedule comes in woll at night. Procoeding.

Saturday: 7 April

: 0418 Unlocked port shaft. Thoro is still another night's work on #4 main motor.

: 0430 Racoivod amplifying - but badly garbled - instructions from FIFTH AIRFORCE RESCUE COMMAND. Lator COMSUBPAC ADCOM clarifios 5 AAF RESCUE'S strip message by giving it to us again with an EOM transposition; and still lator COMSUBPAC toils us how to broak 54AF RESCUE's massage, which, to tho sorrow of our Coding Board, we had previously discovered was incorroctly sot up.

: 0700 With visibility at 1000 yards, wind and sea Force 4 from the NE, attanpted to got off a weather report to 54AF RESCUE COMD on 4475 kos without any luck.

: 0809 (AIRCRAFT CONTACT #43) SD contact and IFF at 10 miles Commando calling search plans once every five minutes on 4475 and WFF. No reply.

: 0950 Established voice communication on 4475 kos with JUKEBOX TWO. Ho hoars us woll, but ho is weak.

: 1025 JUKEBOX TWO coming in fino now. Ho is narrowing search. This is rotton search woathor as tho horizontal visibility is now 1500 to 2000 yards, with 500 feet to 1000 ceiling.

: 1106 (MINE CONTACT #8) Exploded mine sighted 500 yards on port side.

- 16 -

— page 60 —
1125 Overheard BURRFISH talking with cover aircraft. BURRFISH asks aircraft to wiggle his wings, followed shortly by "Do not give us heart failure by coming in like that"!!

1140 JUKEBOX TWO reports search negative.

1240 JUKEBOX TWO says, "We have been hit by flak. Have a seriously wounded man aboard. Have ambulance ready". We tell him will try to relay his message to base.

1500 Attempting to send urgent message to 5AAF RESCUE COMD on 4385 kcs. Sent message blind twice. Tried to get same message through to NPM. Unable to break in on two other submarines. Secured transmitting since JUKEBOX TWO would be back at his base before the relay via NPM could be accomplished. Hope the blind transmission was picked up.

1510 Heading south to clear floating mine area before dark, and to await further dope from 5AAF or COMSUBPAC. Wind and sea approaching gale force, and without sights for over two days fear we may be considerably south-west of our DR post.

1518 (AIRCRAFT CONTACT #44) SJ radar contact - 2620T, 10,000 yards. SD picks him up, but no IFF. Closing to 4 miles, still no IFF, no reply from callup on VHF or 4475. Submerged.

1604 Surfaced.

1850 FIFTH AIRFORCE RESCUE COMD., says search for survivor unsuccessful, nothing more for us today.

1916 Looked port shaft to complete work on #4 main motor. Proceeding on one shaft.

2200 Explosion close aboard; heard throughout ship. Diving, but slowly, on one shaft trying to head away from sea. Nothing on SJ, SD, or APR. OOD and lookouts insist they heard a plane pass overhead prior to explosion. Could have been plane bomb, or could have been one of the many drifting mines in this area, being set off by the exceptionally heavy seas. Visibility is zero yards, ceiling zero, wind and sea Force 5 from NE.

2222 Surfaced.

Sunday, 8th April

0255 Rooi vad today's Lifeguard assignment from FIFTH AIRFORCE RESCUE COMMAND. Heading for station.

— page 61 —
0349 Port shaft unlocked. #4 Main Motor on propulsion, repairs completed. A tough job well done by the Eloctroiicans.

0520 Obtained first sights since 5 April. Found ourselves 65 miles southwest of DR position. Changed course and speed to return to station. This heavy blow shocks at 2.5 knots drift.

1035 (AIRCRAFT CONTACT #45) SD contact 14 miles with IFF. No reply on 4475 or VHF.

1055 (AIRCRAFT CONTACT #46) SD and IFF 20 miles. Overheard conversation on 4475 but not planes of our strike. Contact closed to 2 miles, VHF conversation. Coiling 200 feet.

1132 (AIRCRAFT CONTACT #37) SD contact 12 miles, closed to SJ range 17,000 yards, 2500T.

1400 (MINE CONTACT #9) Passed mine 1000-1500 yards to port. Unable to pick it up again in heavy seas and low visibility.

1729 (AIRCRAFT CONTACT #48) Submerged for SD contact closing from 15 miles to 2 miles. Three B-25s sighted through periscope, on approximate course 0750T, altitude 200 feet.

1845 APR indications 279 mge, 900-1000 PRF, 4 mos. Plotting its pattern, which appears to be a keyed radiation to the north of us. Growing weaker as we proceed south. Increase speed and head towards suspected bearing of indication. Called BULLHEAD and BURRFISH asking them for posits. No answer.

2300 Reversed course and slowed to 2/3 speed, having discovered that the APR indication only appeared when our own SJ transmitter was off, and the transmission of a few "AA"s by the SJ key showed up nicely on the APR scope. The intensity of St. Elmo's Fire on the antann appears to determine the amount of APR interference.

TIGRONE tells us she had 3 torpedoes fired at her.

Monday, 9 April

0300 No lifeguard duty today. Will patrol along southern boundary HALLSTORM looking for mines and downed aviators if any reported from BULLHEAD or BURRFISH areas. Weather still overcast; but seas only Force 2.

0426 CONSUMPTIONS of BULLHEAD bombings by B-24s.

0543 (MINE CONTACT #10) Mine sunk by 20MM.

- 18 -

— page 62 —
0-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

0842 SD radar out of commission for one hour.

1315 (SHIP CONTACT #13) Two junks bearing 247 T., distance 15,000 yards. Sighted thirty junks the rest of the afternoon, closest range 2,700 yards.

Tuesday, 10 April

0500 Heading back eastward along southern edge of HILSTORM, conducting surface patrol. No lifeguard today.

0822 (SHIP CONTACT #13) Passed first of approximately twenty-five junks sighted during the day - 042 T, 18,000 yds.

1835 Trim Dive.
2000 SNOOK receives orders to depart area, we head south-westerly anticipated. Instructions to take over her area. Apparently the "MS BLACKFISH" and the storm have effectively swept this area of mines.

With nothing to keep us busy in a very dead area, we revert to the ridiculous - starting to chook titile "B" cards and revising ship's orders.

Wednesday 11 April

0700 No assignment today, heading back towards HILSTORM.

0826 Received NEM NR-683, an urgent message; date-time group 10233@. This is an aircraft contact, reporting the sighting of two life rafts with alevon mon, however there is no indication in heading or text of sender's or addresses identification or location of rafts! Sequence of later dispatches to and from QUEENFISH indicate the contact was in her area.

0919 (AIRCRAFT CONTACT #49) SD contact 4 miles - submerged. Sighted one B-25 who commenced circling us at one mile as we went down. Fired submerged identification signals. Plane went away. SD is not operating properly.

0940 Surfaced.

1355 (SHIP CONTACT #14) More junks at 3290T, 15,000 yards.

1452 (AIRCRAFT CONTACT #50) SD contact 9 miles, closing fast. Divod.

1512 Surfaced.

With no instructions to move into SNOOK area or Lifeguard, conducted another anti-mine sweep today.

— page 63 —
0946 (AIRCRAFT CONTACT #51) Dived for aircraft - B-24 - sighted at 10 miles, estimated course 2900T, changing course to 325 T. No contact on SD until 6 miles. Something is wrong with the SD.

: 1005 Surfaced.

: 1217 Investigated floating Kapok liftoffsket.

: 1932 APR contact - 160 mge, 150 PRF, 35 mcs. Triple pip interference which we have never seen before. Manoeuvored ship on various headings for next two hours attempting to ascertain his bearing. He is sweeping at thirty second intervals for eight seconds maximum interforance. Finally decide he is bearing 1700T. Standard speed heading on 1700T. Pip does not increase in intensity. Pip disappears and we get no more interference during the night. Rosum base course. This could have been a Nip Sub.

Friday, 13 April

: 0537 (SHIP CONTACT #15) Two junks bearing 1800T., range 18, 000 yards.

: 0600 Increased speed to investigate long oil slick.

: 0624 (AIRCRAFT CONTACT #52) Submerged for aircraft sighting-PB4Y2A, ten miles. SD does not pick planos up at reason able ranges.

: 0635 Surfaced.

: 0830 With clear skies, visibility unlimited and calm seas, Proceeding at st.nadir speed along southern edge of HAISTORM looking particularly for survivors of PRIVATER, reported overdue from scouting mission in this area.

: 1010 More Chinese Junks. (SHIP CONTACT #16) Altogether passed twenty two junks throughout the day.

: 1153 (AIRCRAFT CONTACT #53) SD contact 30 miles.

: 1225 (AIRCRAFT CONTACT #54) SD contact 12 miles. Sighted formation of six unidentified aircraft, 3500T, 10 miles, estimated course 3200T, elevation 2 degrees. No IFF. Silver color. Believe to be Nips.

— page 64 —
1908 APR indication 160 mgo, 350 PRF, 3.5 mcs, from 20 to 75 percent saturation, keying and sweeping. Swinging ship to determine true bearing. Believe this is shore-based, early warning radar near SWATOW, as bearing determined 3250T. This also bears out our APR pattern as the true bearing changes.

2139 Stopped and booked to investigate vibration in port shaft. Vibration believed caused by garbage fouling sorew.

Saturday, 14 April.

0150 SJ contact 32,000 yards; five pips; vary pulse rate and discover second sweep echoes at 69 miles range. Plots in as mountain behind SWATOW.

0600 More lifeguarding for BULLHEAD and BURRFISH. We have had two assignments in fourteen days. Looks like a waste of talent here since SNOOK has pulled out of her area off HATINAN. Covering route of air strike and conserving fuel.

1136 (AIRCRAFT CONTACT #55) SD contact and IFF at 22 miles.

1930 Circling on station for two hours determining again that the 160 mgo interference on APR is still in the direction of SWATOW and that it is early warning aircraft radar.

2200 TIGRONE calling BULLHEAD. No answer. We answer. TIGRONE has radar contact at 22 miles; must be a carrier force at that range. We head for interception at full speed in spite of low fuel. Looks like this contact may bypass HONGKONG and we can get in. BULLHEAD should be in nice spot if she would answer up. TIGRONE says enemy course heads him for HONGKONG and sub cannot close under air cover. We head for spot SE of HONGKONG and intend patrolling there for two days in case this contact moves NE. TIGRONE asks for rendezvous BULLHEAD and BLACKFISH. Heading for rendezvous.

Sunday, 15 April.

0745 Last fuel ballast tank goes dry, shifted to normal fuel tanks.

0803 TIGRONE changes rendezvous.

0938 (AIRCRAFT CONTACT #56) SD and IFF at 17 miles.

0939 (SHIP CONTACT #17) Junks. Sighted twenty-one during the day.

— page 65 —
1019 (AIRCRAFT CONTACT #57) SD and IFF contact closing from 8 miles. Submerged.

1034 Surfaced.

1113 (AIRCRAFT CONTACT #58) SD and IFF closing from 7 miles. Conversation overheard on VHF. Submerged.

1130 Surfaced.

1159 (AIRCRAFT CONTACT #59) SD and IFF 9 miles - steady. Lost at 18 miles.

1205 Aircraft contact report on gunboat moving up east HAINAN coast. TIGRONE cancels rendezvous and starts chasing. BULLHEAD joins in. They are both in a position to intercept by darkness. We are far away, but set course and speed to intercept at midnight south of ST JOHN ISLAND. TIGRONE says he will cover 7 knot speed aircle, while BULLHEAD says he will cover the 10 knot speed cirele. This is good coordinated problem, and it seems improbable that the Nip can get by three boats unless he turns into HAINAN STRAIT.

2200 Radar contact on ST. JOHN ISLAND, 3520T, range 47, 000 yards. Commence patrolling across Nip probable course line. No contact by TIGRONE and BULLHEAD. TIGRONE turns Pack over to BULLHEAD and departs area due shortage of fuel. BULLHEAD says she will pass to south of us anrount to her lifeguard station.

Monday, 16th April

0150 (SHIP CONTACT #18) Exchange calls with BULLHEAD at range of 10,000 yards. He is using his ST until we make contact then shifts to SJ to talk. A fine system.

0530 Submerged for day patrol in close to ST. JOHN ISLAND in hopes the NIP has been delayed. We are now within 14 hours run of our lifeguard station. In case we got a lifeguard call, will be able to make it at full speed; otherwise we will remain in this vicinity since the Nips have to pass through this area if they are sending traffic up from HAINAN. There is not enough water inshore of ST JOHN ISLAND to float a raft. Aircraft report says damaged DD just inside HAILSTORM near our Lifeguard Station. Just our break to change areas and have something like that happen.

1305 (SHIP CONTACT #19) Sailing Junk on southerly course.

— page 66 —
1500 Hump on ST JOHN ISLAND visible bearing 3120T, thirtown miles; shoots with soundings at 20 fathoms which puts us four miles south of HILLSTORM.

1821 Surfaced.

2130 Try to contact TIGRONE to tell him about the strong tidal currents at BASCO, BATAN ISLAND. TIGRONE intends to bombard BASCO tomorrow and has not been there before.

2210 Receive permission from Paok Commander to patrol present area for few days.

2321 (AIRCRAFT CONTACT #60) SJ contact 0700T, 15,000 yards. Closed to 7 miles.

Tuesday, 17 April.

0130 (AIRCRAFT CONTACT #61) SJ contact 3200T, 13,000 yards. Lost him at 0050T, 13,500 yards.

0219 (SHIP CONTACT #20) away radar tracking party. SJ contact at 3900 yards; track him for an hour; decide he is Junk on course 0700T, speed 2-3 knots. Secure tracking.

0506 (SHIP CONTACT #21) away radar tracking party. SJ contact at 10,000 yards; looks like a sea-truck convoy. Tracking nine pips on course 2300T, speed 2.5 knots. At morning twilight we see nine junks. Manoeuver to avoid.

Yesterday we had a definite target to look for so a submerged day was in order. Today we will run on the surfaco on a search curve covering as much of the HAINAN-HONKONG traffic routes as possible. It appears that these routes would converge just south of ST. JOHN ISLAND.

0800 Fix plaoos us 15 miles south of SHANGCHUAN(Chinese for ST. JOHN ISLAND). We are inside and outside 20 fathoms curve from time to time, since southern limit of HAIN STORM hero. is inside 20 fathom curve. Flat calm sea, coiling unlimited today.

0930 (SHIP CONTACT #22) Many Junks; with eight more different groups sighted during the day.

1134 (AIRCRAFT CONTACT #62) 8R contact 16 miles; no IFF. Submerged at 8 miles range.

1213 Surf. ood. Do not care for 100 foot dives with 4 fathoms under the keel.

- 23 -

— page 67 —
1507 (AIRCRAFT CONTACT #63) SD contact 8 miles - not sighted. Submerged.

1527 Surfaced.

1615 (AIRCRAFT CONTACT #64) SD contact 6 miles - not sighted. Submerged.

1641 Surfaced.

Wednesday, 18 April

0720 Passed two small aircraft seat cushions close aboard. No identifying marks, and smaller than US; could be Nips.

0925 (SHIP CONTACT #23) Four Junks - 340°T, 13,000 yards. Sighted over fifty sailing junks throughout the day, twenty-one of them in one group.

0950 Changed course to investigate object. Belly tank, probably US.

1012 Passed belly tank close aboard, US.

1036 (AIRCRAFT CONTACT #65) SD contact 22 miles.

1112 (AIRCRAFT CONTACT #66) SD contact 9 miles with IFF.

1155 Another belly tank; probably US. Marked with white letters on red background:

[STAMP: text here]

1910 (AIRCRAFT CONTACT #67) SD contact 3 miles - no IFF. Submerged. We were four miles from Chinese junk and the Nip aviator may have become confused. Up to 40 feet twice, SD and SJ picked him up each time. Finally all clear.

1950 Surfaced. Many bird pips on SJ, ranges 800 to 3000 yards. Very annoying. We have been three days in this area with no APR indications, which is unusual.

2159 Transmitted our No. 6 to COMSUBPAC.

2200 BULLHEAD now patrolling 15 miles south of us.

Thursday, 19 April

0830 Sent BULLHEAD a message, reconfiguring FIFTH AIRFORCE despatch requesting names and condition of aviators. BULLHEAD has destroyed ECM.

— page 68 —
0845 (SHIP CONTACT #24) Ten Junks; many more sighted during the day.

0910 SJ motor generator out of commission.

1033 (SHIP CONTACT #25) Spokes USS BULLHEAD by SJ. Closed for VHF chat; taking by light also.

1058 (AIRCRAFT CONTACT #68) SD contact 4 milos. Submerged; so did BULLHEAD.

1117 Surfacood.

1132 BULLHEAD surfacood.

1143 Closed BULLHEAD. Exchanged information. He says: his aviators protty well out up. Tell him we have to leave the 23rd because of low fuel. He says no other instructions. Part company.

120C Close four large Chinese junks to look them over. Took pictures. Look like Chinese alright as they lower thoir sails and run for cover. Give them a hello and wave which is vigorously returned.

1220 (AIRCRAFT CONTACT #69) SD contact 7 milos, closed to 3½ milos as we divod. No IFF.

1257 Surfacood.

1458 (AIRCRAFT CONTACT #70) SD contact 32 milos, No IFF.

1505 (AIRCRAFT CONTACT #71) SD contact, another at 28 milos, no IFF.

1810 (AIRCRAFT CONTACT #72) SD contact, no IFF - 9 milos.

1610 Investigating smoke to northward; entered HILLSTORM.

1633 Departed HILLSTORM. Smoke is on Beach.

1905 SJ interferance boaring 2280T.

1947 (SHIP CONTACT #26) Spoke USS B.SHAW by SJ. Exchanged news. He is ordered to LIGHT. We are patrolling south of ST JOHN ISLAND; BULLHEAD patrolling south of us; we tell BASHW better hang around east coast H.I.N.A.N. . . .Iso give him dope on area from what TIGRONE told us.

2326 (SHIP CONTACT #27) SJ contact; junks; tracked them for one-half hour.

— page 69 —
0300 Weather reverts to NE monsoon; seas building up from NE and wind increasing rapidly. By 0600 full monsoon blowing again.

: 0315 (SHIP CONTACT #28) SJ contact; mort junk; tracked for half-hour.

: 0843 (SHIP CONTACT #29) Sighted moro junks, the first of over a dozen for the day.

: 1610 (AIRCRAFT CONTACT #73) SD contact 2 miles; submerged, also picked him up on SJ as we went under, bearing 2750T.

: 1629 Surfacood.

: 1701 SD contact 10 miles, steady. (AIRCRAFT CONTACT #74).

: 2128 Traoked two SJ pipes, bearing 0220T - 11,000 yards; more junks.

Saturday, 21 April

: 0124 APR indication, 160 mgo, 390 PRF, 2.5 mcs; the first confirmation in over four days that the APR is functioning. No direction determined.

: 0137 Tracking group of SJ pips; junks again.

: 0155 Traoked another set of junks.

: 0342 (AIRCRAFT CONTACT #75) SJ picked up something at 1900T, 9300 yards. Keyed the SD to find we have aircraft contact closing to two miles. Submerged. No APR indication.

: 0349 Surfacood.

: 0515 (SHIP CONTACT #30) Again tracking group of junks, the first of many sighted throughout the day.

No fixes for two days, although reliable radar bearings on the China Coast and consistent fathometer readings give us fair position.

: 0731 (AIRCRAFT CONTACT #76) SD contact 12 miles.

: 0758 (SHIP CONTACT #31) Sighted strange looking junk - only two sails. Investigating. Appears friendly. He is well-built, soagging type junk. No cargo aboard.

: 0913 Spok USAS RASTAW by SJ. He has orders from CTF-71 to patrol this area; other SWP boats to relieve the HECKLERS. We have not been informed of these moves.

— page 70 —
10:49 (AIRCRAFT CONTACT #77) SD contact 18 miles, closed to 14.

: 12:52 (SHIP CONTACT #32) Sighted USS BISHAW bearing 171°T, 14,000 yards. Ho is moving north. Told him we would remain south of him until clear of area.

: 15:44 (AIRCRAFT CONTACT #78) SD contact 16 miles.

: 15:45 SJ radar out of commission.

: 16:37 Sighted another aviator's scout-cushion.

: 19:30 Givo BULHARD informa tion on area substitutions by WOPLCO. Ho says he is moving back to his area also.

: 19:45 SJ radar back in commission.

: 22:46 (SHIP CONTACT #33) SJ contact - 090°T, 8,500 and 9,500 yards. Comanche tracking first of several groups of junks passed throughout the night. Those nights are very disappointing with four or five radar tracking drills every night, hoping that one may turn into a good target.

: 23:00 APR - 160 mgo, 390 PRF, 2.5 mcs. No direction determined.

Sunday, 22 April

: 00:30 Moro tracking drills on junks. Two more during night. We cannot afford not to track - one of those contacts may be something worth while.

: 05:45 Radar contact on CAP ROCK off HONGKONG, bearing 350°T, 25,000 yards. We are heading for southern edge of HILLSTORM at 1150, East.

: 07:15 Sighted G.P ROCK bearing 327°T.

: 07:30 (AIRCRAFT CONTACT #79) SD contact at 16 miles, opening to 18 miles.

: 09:34 (AIRCRAFT CONTACT #80) SD contact 12 miles, closed to 11, then opening.

: 17:35 (SHIP CONTACT #34) Sighted group of junks - 030°T, 10,000 yards; first of sixty-seven sighted during the day.

- 27 -

— page 71 —
1045 Gave USS BLENNY dope on this area; mines, junks, aircraft, etc., via WOPAC.

2001 Trim dive to flush out converted #3 and #5 fuel ballast tanks and shift fresh water. Compensation is becoming difficult due to the unhappy fact that we have a full load of torpedoes. Find we are well into HILLSTORM. Gyro is acting up. Departing HILLSTORM hurriedly.

1941 Receive orders from COMSUBPAC to leave station about sunset 23rd; BLENNY to relieve us about noon. We will remain near junction of HILLSTORM and 1150E until we clear area in order to take advantage of any possible aircraft contacts on shipping passing through HILLSTORM. Will route ourselves out of area via PRATAS REGF and finish off our 4" ammunition.

Monday, 23 April

0245 Exchanged redogntion by SJ with USS BLENNY(SHIP CONT.CT #35). Gave her more dope on area.

0622 Sighted possible paris scope - 0000T, 900 yards; took evasive action.

0710 Dived for SD contact 3 miles. Some of our SD contacts at close ranges may be flocks of birds, but we don't question it.

0718 Surfaced. No plane sighted through periscope.

0737 (MINE CONT.CT #11) Sank mine with 20MM gunfire; no explosion.

0759 Sent mine contact and periscope dope to Pack Commander and BLENNY.

1118 (SHIP CONT.CT #36) Several junks, 15,000 yds, 050T.

1215 SJ motor-generator back in commission. Excellent job by auxilliarymen who manufactured and fitted slip ring substitutions for copper rings which had worn through.

1640 Master gyro definitely out of commission now. Steering by auxiliary gyro. We wondered how the noon fix placed us in HILLSTORM; we can now blame it on a variable error of zero to six degrees west in the master gyro. Departing HILLSTORM.

2000 Fix andsondings check with 100 fathom curve. Heading for Pk.T.S RESE which we expect to bombard tomorrow at dawn. Gyro back in commission; find that the trouble was caused by very dirty mercury. Both auxiliary and master gyros checking now.

— page 72 —
0333 SJ contact on PRAT'S REF, Various courses killing time until morning twilight. Brief SJ interference to northward.

: 0505 Battle gun stations. Target outlined beautifully with eastern background.

: 0530 Surfaced. Heading back in.

: 0540 Commence firing. Picked as target the right hand radio tower this time. With well spotted salvos, 20 hits of 23 shots are recorded in the target area and small fires are started at base of tower. . .as we leave the island a brown pall of smoke hangs over the target area. Took movies and photos.

: 0550 Cease firing. Depart PRAT'S and head for SAIPAN.

: 0630 (SHIP CONTACT #37) BULLHEAD fires recognition signal and surfaces 8,000 yards to east of us. We exchange dope and proceed on our way.

: 0711 (AIRCRAFT CONTACT #82) SD contact closing from 9 to 5 miles. Submerged. Must be our LIBRATOR friend.

: 1723 Surfaced.

: 1029 (MINE CONTACT #12) Sank mine with 20MM fire. Did not explode; old and rusty.

: 1040 Several belly tanks sighted.

: 2200 Transmitted BLACKFISH #7 to COMSURF and CTG 17.7

Wednesday, 25 April

: 0215 Radar contact ITALY ISLAND.

: 0400 Trans. itted BALTIN ISLAND GROUP. No contacts.

: 0705 Trim Dive.

: 1030 Departed area; anrou to SAIPAN.

— page 73 —
1230 Investigated life raft. Cork type; appeared to be from LST; no identification. Lat. 20-34-05N, Long. 123-47-45E.

: 1403 (AIRCRAFT CONTACT #83) SD contact, closing from 7 miles. Submerged.

: 1414 Surfaced.

: 26 April - 30 April

: Enroute Area to Saipan, conducting trim dives, drills, and qualification tests.

: 0033(I) CTC 17.7 tells us usual rendezvous. 26th.

: 0100(I) Set clocks to (-9) Zone time. 26th.

: 0855(I) (SHIP CONTACT #38) Spoke USS LIZARDFISH on opposite course.

: 1535(I) (MINE CONTACT #13) Sank mine with 20th fire. Did not explode.

: 1841(I) (SHIP CONTACT #39) Spoke USS BLUEFISH on opposite course. Told him about mine.

: 1930(I) Told CTG 17.7 about mine, so he can warn other boats, and asked him if downed Zoome was still in SMOKE-STACK.

: 1330(I) With no answer from CTG 17.7 made rotating search for downed aviator along his drift line, covering about 300 square miles. Several old Kapok life jackets sighted during the day. Many SD contacts and plane sightings; all friendly.

: 0811(I) (SHIP CONTACT #40) Spoke USS SANDWICH, on opposite course by searchlight.

: 1630(I) Set clocks to (-10) Zone Time. 28th.

: 1002(K) Exchanged recognition with Trans.ort-type plane 28th. probably C-47.

: 1822(K) Same plane returning towards Mariannas. 28th.

: 1830(K) Consubpact tells us aviator not picked up yet. 28th. He certainly was not in area we searched.

- 30 -

— page 74 —
0600 (K) Contacted Escort, LCI 1054.
30th.

: 1032(K) Moored alongside U.S.S. ORION, TANAPAG HARBOR.
30th. Received 70,000 gallons fuel. Since all ammunition expended, took on board two rounds H.C. 4"/50.
Removed 20 electric torpedoes with excellent cooperation from Tender Personnel. No voyage repairs necessary. Lieutenant F. CURTIS, (DE), USNR, was detached accordance orders CTG 17.7. FFT
Cinopac for duty.

: 1000(K) Underway. Escort LCI 1097.
May 1st.

: 1500(K) Relaased Escort.
1st.

May 1 to 10.

: 2039(K) Spoke U.S.S. BUMPER by SJ radar.
2nd.

: 2028(L) Spoke U.S.S. SEACAT by Aldis Lamp; in company with
3rd. U.S.S. TORSK and U.S.S. BILLFISH.

: 1015(L) Passed three SJ radar interferances. Would not
4th. answer our challenges. Determined to be JACK,
SUBUNDO, MUSKAILUNGE.

: 0915(M) Crossed 180th Maridian. Rapet a day.
7th.

: 0100(VW) Contacted Escort.-/PC-1078. Rerouted due Nip
10th. Sub contact on our track.

Moored Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor.

- 31 -

— page 76 —
1. TIME : L.A.T. : : INTLT.: CRSE &: HOW CON:
NO.: DATE : LONG. : TYPE : RANGE : SPEED : T.OTED : REMARKS
: 24. March:20-25N. : U.S. : : 2200T: : 7 tankers - 4
: 1: 0148(T) : 113-56E:CONVOY:16,000:13 kts: SJ : 1:escorts (DD).
: 24. March:20-40N : U.S. : : 0000T: : 1:escort looked like
: 2: 1333(T) : 131-35E:APR:DE:18,000:16 kts:Sight. :big DE.
: 28. March:20-18N : U.S. : : 0900T: :
: 2:0245(H) : 121-52B:SUB : 7.700:14 kts: SJ : USS THRESHER.
: 1: April:19-18N : U.S. : : 1800 :
: 4: 1405(H) : 115-46B:SUB : 15,000:17 kts:Sight : USS TIGRONE.
: 2: 2226(H) : 20-36N : U.S. : : 3400T: SJ :
: 2: April:19-55N : : 15,000:15 kts:Inter. : USS BULLHEAD.
: 6.: 1100 to : 22-10N :
: 1700(H) : and : JUNKS : 15,000:Vari- : : 1:over one hundred
: : 115-50E:

— page 78 —
35 -

: C-O-N-F-I-D-Z-N-T-I-A-I

(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS

Upon receipt of SubForPacFlt Conf. Ltr. 5-45, 91 detailed aircraft contacts have been deleted and the following paragraph substituted:

Although 'most of our aircraft contacts were presumed to have been friendly, we were probably bombed on the night of 7 April when a 'very heavy explosion was heard and felt throughout the ship and O.O.D. and lookouts reported plane passed overhead. However, the explosion could have been caused by a floating mine detonating in the exceptional heavy seas that night since we were steaming in the vicinity of many floating mines at the time. On 13 April, a formation of silver colored planes was sighted off the China coast, south of SWATOW, and these were believed to have been Nips. No. APR indications of Jap airplane radar were encountered during this patrol, except for one contact of 160 mgo which may have been a surface ship radar. Our own planes gave us a bad time with high frequency radar which we could not detect; they would stay around our vicinity for a long time, and though we knew that they knew we were there, we could get no indication of radar whatsoever.

— page 79 —
1803(H)
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
USS BLACKFISH
TIME: 1803(H)
GUN ATTACK #1
DATE: March 28, 1945.
PATROL #11
LAT. 20-25N
LONG. 121-55E.
TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED
SUNK: -- None
DAMAGED OR
PROBABLY SUNK: - Lookout tower and buildings behind BASCO, BATAN ISLAND.

DAMAGE DETERMINED BY: - Observation of many hits on and near tower including buildings in vicinity.

DETAILS OF ACTION

Original plan had been to approach BATAN ISLAND submerged and make a Battle Surface from close-inshore. Could not close the Island prior to sunset submerged; and in view of the fact that we desired to shoot before dark, surfaced at sunset and ran in at full speed from 8,000 yards. The previous day's reconnaissance from the west side of the Island had shown a tower located on the summit of a hill behind the town of BASCO, and we intended firing at it from the east side of the Island. This particular tower could not be located, and after looking over the Island submerged during the approach, several other objects similar to dummy radar installations, dummy shore batteries, and lookout towers were seen and plotted in. One large structure which fanned out at the top was selected as the target since it was on a hill and closest to the shore line. Grouped about this tower were several small houses or buildings, and our imaginations may have conjured two small radio masts near them; probably receiver antennae. Opening range was assumed to be 4500 yards; target was silhouetted by the setting sun; and our background was good for retirement. Opened fire at 1821; five misfires, later found to have been caused by too heavy grease on firing pin assembly; next nineteen rounds appeared to cause quite a bit of damage in the target area. Spotting by parissoe was good, the first three above covers, and the rest being hits on and near the tower, throwing debris in the air, several large flashes, and smoke hanging near tower. Final firing range is 2500-2900 yards, which put us too close to the beach for ease of mind. Opened the range and ceased firing when powder flashes became near-blinding. This was good shooting by the gun crew, and it is thought they did a good amount of damage to this particular spot. Due to the fact that many natives on the island are presumed to be friendly, the ship was placed where overs would not fall into BASCO town. No return fire or counter measures were exporionced.

Ammunition Expended: - 24 rounds 4"/50 Cal. H.C.

— page 80 —
36 rounds 4"/50 Cal. H.C.

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

USS BLACKFISH
TIME: 1317

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED

SUNK: -- None
DAMAGED OR
PROBABLY SUNK: - (a) North Radio Tower on PRATAS REEF.
    (b) Destroyed ammunition or fuel dump close to tower.

DAMAGE DETERMINED BY: - Observed direct hits on upper portion of radio tower. Many hits near base of tower with one large explosion which gave off a cloud of black smoke.

DETAILS OF ACTION

In view of the tactical situation and deep water up to the reef, made surface approach from the west. Manned Gun Battle Stations at 15,000 yards. Closed Island at full speed choosing northern radio tower as the best and closest target for our assumed firing position. Turned to south at range of 6,500 yards to the tower firing the 1338 and had the same difficulties as last firing with first four rounds. Thereafter the firing was smoothly coordinated, with exceptionally fine spotting from the periscope. The first three salvos were over the target and landed in the water on the other side of the Island. The range was reduced in 400 yard increments and the seventh shot was a direct hit high up in the tower. Three more good hits in the tower were obtained at various heights, but it refused to fall. Many hits were registered near the base of the tower, and one hit produced large cloud of black smoke with much noise; we believe this was their fuel supply or an ammunition dump. The range and deflection were changed continuously to make a good barrage pattern which covered an area of about 100 square yards. Ceased firing as 0.0.D. aft sighted silver plane approaching; dived and retired submerged. There were no counter measures from the Island, although the plane may have dropped on us when we heard a heavy explosion astern two minutes after diving.

Ammunition Expended: - 36 rounds 4"/50 Cal. H.C.

— page 82 —
1055(H)/25 March - Lat. 20-20-45N, Long. 126-56-00E. Probably Japanese type Mk. 6 Mod. 2, or "JIA" - Mine Warfare Notes, No. 145 of 1 February, 1945. Hoavy sea growth on it. Sunk by repainted hits from 20MM, 50 Cal. and rifle fire.

: 1257(H)/2 April - Lat. 21-59-30N, Long. 116-10-00E. Bolivoid sand type as Contact #1. Floating-fairly high, as shown in Mine Warfare Notes, No. 1-45 of 1 February, 1945. Due to the fact that no indication of tidal currents have been observed in this area, and due to the fact that the prevailing winds have been from the Northeast for the past eleven days, it is believed that these mines are breaking loose from a field off the coast of China in the Swatow-Imoy area, or also in the Formosa straits. Exploded by 20MM gunfire. Heavy-detonation accompanied by a huge yellow flame, spray and mine debris being thrown some 100 feet in the air, and producing a dense gray-white smoke over an area of some 300 yards.

: 1630(H)/2 April - Lat. 22-06-50N, Long. 116-47-30E. Same remarks as for Contact #2. Exploded by 20MM gunfire.

: 1657(H)/2 April - Lat. 22-05-15N, Long. 116-50-20E. Same remarks as for Contact #2. Exploded by 20MM gunfire.

: 1542(H)/3 April - Lat. 21-59-00N, Long. 116-04-00E. Same remarks as for Contact #2. Exploded by 20MM gunfire after reported hits by 20MM, and 30 cal. carbines

— page 85 —
4. Electrical: On April 4 a commutator flash-over occurred in Number 4 main motor which resulted in a charred insulation and numerous badly burned brushes some of which had completely burned through pigtails. Several commutator segments were flash welded together at the ends. The motor was taken off propulsion, disconnected electrically and propulsion was resumed in the three motor combinatio. This system was used during the daytime, in order to have two shafts to dive on from planes, but the port's shaft was locked at night so the electricians could work on the motor. Damaged brushes were replaced, the commutator was cleaned up and polished, and the motor was given a complete test before going back on propulsion. This was a four day job and was efficiently handled by the electricians. An informal board of investigation was held, with the report being submitted to the raft activity in order to determine what action will be necessary to put this motor back in full commission. The same casualty occurred during the 10th war patrol, and no apparent cause was found.

Additional AC equipment installed during this vessel's last Navy Yard Overhaul has increased the IC load beyond the capacity of one IC motor generator. In order to meet this condition, the radar switch is rigged in such a manner that the load can be split to use both IC motor generators simultaneously. This expedient necessitates the use of both IC motor generators on the surface, and under such condition loss of IC power can be expected at any time. The presently installed 10 KVA machine should be replaced with 15 KVA motor generators.

5. ECM Failure: On the evening of 3 April when lighting off the ECM for use, it started smoking and ceased operating. Investigation by the KTE revealed nothing wrong at first inspection. There were no personnel on board who had ever seen the ECM apart before, and we were very suspicious about dismantling the machine to look for trouble. However, with the aid of a theoretic al-wiring diagram, the technician found that various key contacts and universal contact points were pitted and burned with some of them being are welded together and the main power switch was burned out. We had no spare parts on board. The cause of trouble was finally traced down to the anode-decode switch which had shorted out with an eight ohm ground when its insulation had burned through. The ground was cleared, all points cleaned and spaced, main power switch replaced from radar spares, and the machine placed back in commission. Ropairs took about twenty hours and our radar technician is to be complimented on the completion of this ordinarily "impossible" job. It is suggested that submarines be equipped with the actual wiring diagram for the ECM in case this casualty arises on patrol. The "theoretical" wiring diagram furnished is of no use whatsoever. This machine will be turned in for replacement.

— page 86 —
6. Gyro Compass: The master gyro compass suddenly picked up an error which could not be satisfactorily determined because it was so variable, somewhere in the neighborhood of 0-6 west. Upon investigation, it was found that the gyro was very dirty, and the floating surface of the bowl was also dirty. The mercury and bowl were cleaned and the sensitive element was leveled with balance-wheels as best as could be done at sea where over a slight rolling, pitching or yawing may throw the adjustment off. The gyro was reassembled and allowed to settle. The next azimuths taken, checking against the auxiliary gyro, showed that the master had settled down to a constant .5. Easterly error, and it remained in satisfactory operating condition until the end of the run.

(L) RADIO

VHF - This unit is useless beyond a range of 3000 yards for communications between submarines. Aircraft were heard clear-ly and satisfactorily at ranges up to an estimated 50 miles.

TEL - The performance of this unit was excellent despite the following casualties: (1) Bad contacts on second IF stage giving us faulty meter readings. (2) The motor generator slip rings con- tinually collecting carbon from the brushes thus reducing power output and necessitating frequent cleaning. All other Radio equipment operated satisfactorily and without casualties.

RECEPTION: NEM - Reception from NEM was highly satisfactory and no difficulties were encountered. However, only two acknow- ledgements for our seven transomless iron were received.

GUAM RELAY 9090 KCS. - There is no doubt that this relay has greatly improved reception from the hours of 2200 to 0400 when other frequancoies fade, but transmissions of poor quality have been exporionoed on 9090 kcs numerous times during the patrol.

Many messages were badly garbled causing delays which could have been serious. The principle defects were unintelligible characters, groups omitted; errors remaining uncorrected, or when corrected, not corresponding to previous transmission; and may six and four letter groups. It became necessary very often to shift to 6045 and copy a weaker but more readable signal.

Following are a few examples of the trouble experienced by this vessel's operating personnel:

| DATE  | MSG NR | REMARKS |
|-------|||
| 19 April | 1253   | Slurred characters thru-out transmissions. |
| 20 April | 1300    | Groups slurred and run together. |
| 21 April | 1332    | Intermittently soratchy signal causing bad garbled. |
| 21 April | 1381    | Cut out several times during transmission. |
| 22 April | 1580    | Three four-letter groups. |
| 22 April | 1608    | Skipped 'twelve characters of a 36 group. |
| 22 April | 1661    | Message of URGENT precodence missed because of bad transmission. |

— page 88 —
3.7 MC in after part of Conning Tower was over heating.
V7 One of the rotefiter tubes was gassy. Replaced. Unit still over
heated. T3 had part of it's primary shor tado. Replaced.
4. 7 MC switches on Bridge to Far'd and after Torpedo
Rooms stuck continuously throughout patrol. No attempt made to
repair this as it in no way prevented satisfactory operation and
we were unwilling to break the water-tight seal on the bridge switch
box.
5. 1 MC in crew's quarters was not operating. Speaker had
an open primary winding. Replaced.
6. 1 MC switch on bridge sticking occasionally throughout
latter part of patrol.

(M) RADAR AND APR

Performance of the SJ radar was exceptionally good throughout the patrol. On the night of March 24, while enroute to Patrol
area, a friendly convoy was contacted and tracked out to a range of
26,000 yards. The SJ has also been helpful in picking up low flying
planes and birds, the latter being tracked out to 5400 yards.
Performance of the SD radar was considered fair. Though
many initial contacts were made at close ranges, we believe that
several of these were caused by flocks of birds. The SD seems to be
inferior in operation between ranges of 9 to 22 miles, and several
times caused us embarrassment when a large pip would suddenly appear
at 8 or 9 miles and start closing fast. Most of our SD contacts
were made near HALLSTORM and were not accompanied by IFF, which con-
dition is reasonable since our planes do not use their IFF, when
over enemy territory. Most SD contacts are considered to have been
friendly.
All APR indications were observed while patrolling on life-
guard station south of SWATOW except for the last week of the patrol
spent south of HONKONG. These indications occurred between 150 &
160 mge, had pulse repetition rates of either 350 or 750 PRF and had
a time base of 2.5 to 3.5 micro-seconds. This was probably early
warning aircraft radar. Due to the nature of the frequency band on
the TN-2 receiver we were unable to accurately determine the exact
frequency of each APR indication. However, all indications seemed
to come from land based radars.
All indications which lasted for a considerable time
occurred in sweeps and the amount of saturation varied from ten to
fifty percent. At infrequent intervals a 60 to 80 percent saturation
indication was observed. This sweeping and amount of saturation led
us to believe that the radars were a considerable distance away and
that they were not trained particularly on this submarine.
The maximum number of indications were observed about
2100 H. The indications first appeared about 1900 H and disappeared
about 0100H, except for infrequent and weak indications.
While on lifeguard south of SWATOW we were able to determine
mine that the APR indications were coming from radar in the direction
of SWATOW. This was accomplished by swinging ship, using a theoretical
cal radiation pattern, and plotting the true bearing of the minimum
interference.

— page 90 —
160 mcs: 390 ppb.
: 2.5 ms: (E)

: 160 mcs: 350 ppb.
: 3.5 ms: (F)

: 160 mcs: 300 ppb.
: 3.5 ms: (F)

In observation(B)the two pips were superimposed on top of each other. The two pips each remained on the scope for the same period of time. In observation (C) the three pips all came on the scope together and remained on top of each other as in (D) the two pips were superimposed on top of each other as in observation (B). However, the smaller pip was not steady, it appeared to be pulsing at three second intervals. This observation was only noticed twice. Observation (G) looked much like (C), except there were only two pips. The frequency was a little lower, the pulse rate higher, and the time base one micro-second wider. The other observations are self explanatory.

Considerable interference from our radar was expor- inced. The 3T radar interference occurred at 230, 400-460; 550 and 600 mgo. These interferences were all 100% saturations, 1000 pulses per sec, and a pulse width of 2.5 micro-sec. The APR could not be used while the SD was being keyed as the interference com- pletely obliterated the APR time base.

— page 91 —
1. Line voltage on SJ dropped when transmitter was turned on. Gassy rectifiers, 836's in EAV, rectifier. 2. Lost main and expanded sweeps on SJ. V1L, VR-150-30 was not recavling enough voltage part of the time. Suspected C4 - .25MF. Condenser had a leak. Replaced V1L and disconnected C4. 3. Lost stop and grass on SJ intermittently. Loose connection in R.U. terminal board. Heater connection was loose, and grounded to case removing heater voltage from R.U. and I.F. amplifier strip. Repaired.

SD, ABK AND BN F.I.LURE

1. Lost all IFF echoes and grass. Loose heater connection on V218, IFF MP, in SD. Also found broken Video cable between BN'and SD. Repaird. 2. Lost trace on SD scope. C255, a filter connector in high voltage power supply was shorted. Replaced condenser.

(N) SOUND GEAR AND SOUND CONDITIONS

1. Absence of contacts throughout the patrol gave no opportunity to observe performance of the sound gear, although contacts on roofs and fish appeared to sound normal. Fathometer operated very satisfactory. This unit was operated once every hour during the entire time in the area and frequently at shorter intervals because of shallow water in which we were patrolling.

The following minor casualties were experience ed:

1. Full voltage ground on sound gear. Line switch on QO-JK was shorted to the chassis. Changed position of switch, amplifier. 2. QO-JK amplifier would not receive echo ranging but otherwise operated normally. Replaced with emergency amplifier in F.T.R. Did not attempt to repair as this would necessitate pinging in area. 3. JP would not receive. Found open lead in the hydrophone plug. Repaired.

(O) DENSITY LAYERS

1. No density layers encountered; most of patrol conducted in twenty to forty fathoms.

— page 92 —
1. With the exception of burns received by the Chief of the Boat while extinguishing a fire in the deep fat fryer; and a chipped elbow by a helmsman, health of all hands was excellent as might be expected of a surface patrol.
2. Quality of food furnished by tender, USS PROTUS, was excellent, and its variety and preparation was unusually good.
3. Probably the highest factor contributing to the personnel ship's hull ventilation supply and exhaust blower impellers. The volume of air circulated, even in the forward torpedo room, was twice as much as during any of the past five patrols. The old impellers which were installed with the boat, may have been of incorrect specification, as suspected by the First Lieutenant and USS PROTUS refit activities.

(P) PERSONNEL:

| Officers | CPO | Enlisted | Total |
||-----||-------|
| 10      | 6   | 69       | 85    |
| 25      | 25  | 21       |       |
| 4       | 5   | 3        | 14    |
| 3       | 0   | 14       |       |
| 6       | 6   | 67       |       |
| 52     |     |          |       |
| 67     |     |          |       |
| 3       |     |          |       |

1. No. on board
2. Average age
3. Average No. War Patrols
4. No. making first patrol
5. Qualified for Command
6. Qualified in Submarines
7. Qualified at start of patrol
8. Qualified at end of patrol
9. Number advanced in rating
10. Qualified for advancement, but no vacancies.

2. All officers and men performed their duties in a highly commendable manner. It is regretted that the enthusiasm and cooperation shown in our many false contacts could not have paid off dividends on some target worthy of torpedoes. The four inch gun crew did some fine shooting during the three shore bombardments, and the 20MM personnel are considered experts at exploding and sinking mines.
3. The three new officers will develop into good watchstanders and diving officers. They are qualified as O.O.D's underway and have demonstrated an unusual keenness and ability not generally encountered among new officers.
4. GLEASON, Donald M., 665 41 40, RTLC, (SS), USNR is deserving of special merit on for the manner in which he maintained the SS, AD, APR and QB-C sound gear in efficient condition despite a multiple of minor casualties. GLEASON is being recommended for Ensign, USNR.

MEERS, Robert E., 381 71 36, MMIC(SS), USN is also deserving of mention for the work he did in late turning and assembling now brass slip rings for the SS motor generator when the normally equipped copper slip rings deteriorated so badly that this machine was put out of commission.
5. We now have but four Officers and two men to qualify in submarines.

— page 96 —
15 May 1945.
FC5-4/A16-3
Serial: 0375
CONFIDENTIAL
SECOND SUBMARINE REPORT
USS BLUEFISH (SS221) - Report of Eleventh War Patrol.
From: The Commander Submarine Squadron FOUR.
To: The Commander-in-Chief, UNITED STATES FLEET.
Via: (1) The Commander Submarine Force, PACIFIC FLIGHT, Administration.
(2) The Commander-in-Chief, U.S. PACIFIC FLEET.
Subject: U.S.S. BLUEFISH (SS-21) - Report of Eleventh War Patrol.

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

2. It is regretted that no suitable targets presented themselves for torpedo attack. The bombardment of the town on BATAJ ISLAND and the North and South Radio Towers on BATAJ REF were well planned and executed, with resulting heavy damage to these shore installations.

3. The Squadron Commander congratulates the Commanding Officer, officers and crew of the U.S.S. BLUEFISH upon successfully completing her eleventh war patrol.

W. V. O'REGAN.

— page 97 —
11/10/44/16-3(18) SUBLIME FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
Serial 01163
Confidential
Third Endorsement to
DIMAPFISH Report of
Elcventh War Patrol.
CO. SUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 760
U.S.S. BLACIFISH - ELEVENTH 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. BLACIFISH (SS221) - Report of Elcventh War Patrol (21 March to 10 May 1945).

1. The elcventh war patrol of the BLACIFISH, under the command of Commander A. F. Collars, U.S. Navy, was conducted in the Luzon Straits-Porose and South China Sea areas. The BLACIFISH coordinated attack group with the U.S.S. TIGRONE formed as a group commander. Lifeguard services were rendered in addition to offensive patrol.

2. Despite thorough area coverage this well conducted patrol produced no contacts worthy of torpedo fire. Bombardment of shore installations on Batam Island and Pratas Reef was conducted, causing damage to radio towers and buildings. The Force Commander hopes the BLACIFISH will be favored with better luck next time.

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

DISTRIBUTION:
(Complete Reports)
Commander
CINC
CINCPAC
JTG C.
CAC

— page 99 —
1. U.S.S. SEA POACHER (SS406)
: FOURTH WAR PATROL
: NOT PART OF BLACKFISH REPORT

(A) PROLOGUE
Arrived MIDWAY on 19 May, 1945, from third war patrol. Refit was satisfactorily accomplished by Gubmarine Base, Midway and Submarine Division THREE THIRTY-TWO. Received athletic trophy for three successful refit.

-A five day training period was conducted with Commander D.L. WHELCHEL as training officer. One day was occupied with special weapons training and approximately one day with calibration, experimentation and practice with the D.U. loop. Nine men were transferred and nine men were received.

(B) NARRATIVE

| Name | Rank | File No. | No. of Patrols |
|------|------|||
| C.F. LEITH | Lt. Cdr. | 82442 | 10 |
| W.W. GASKINS | Lieut. | 135232 | 7 |
| P.E. LAQOUTURE | Lieut. | 159071 | 4 |
| R.P. COMBS | Lieut. | 91674 | 6 |
| J.A. BRINK | Lt. (jg) | 313153 | 3 |
| B.C. YOUNG | Ensign | 338149 | 4 |
| R.D. COBB | Ensign | 341187 | 2 |
| L.L. DAVIS | Ensign | 338562 | 2 |
| P.V. PURKRABEK | Ensign | 389933 | 2 |

CLINK, E. | COMMON | 291-44-38 | 10 |
HOBBS, D.D. | CCS | 336-70-26 | 8 |
DAVIS, W.T. | CG(M) | 287-19-80 | 6 |
SHAPER, D.R. | CY(T) | 258-28-60 | 4 |
SMITH, F.S. | OPM(T) | 223-21-72 | 8 |
BROWN, M.M. | J.T. CTM (AA) | 311-57-69 | 7 |
BELDEN, E.W. | BERM(AA) | 648-23-63 | 4 |

16 June 1945

1600(Y) Underway for patrol area. Daily training dives were conducted enroute to area.

17 June 1945.

Dropped from calendar.

— page 100 —
1330W Departed Pearl enroute Saipan in accordance with ComSubPacAdCom Operation Order 115-A-45 and escorted by PC 483.

1830Y Parted company with escort.

2200Y Made contact temporarily with vessel presumed to be U.S.S. BRAAM which was expected at this time.

June 15, 1945

0825Y Sighted and spoke U.S.S. TORSK heading toward Pearl.

1200Y Position 20-53.5 N, 163-21.0 W.

June 16, 1945

1200Y Position 21-00.3 N, 169-12.0 W.

June 17, 1945

1200Y Position 20-56.3 N, 174-16.0 W.

June 18, 1945

0720Y Sighted and exchanged calls with U.S.S. BLUEGILL.

1200Y Position 21-02.0 N, 179-40 E.

June 20, 1945

0630M Sighted and avoided liberty ship.

0940M Sighted and avoided unidentified Merchant Vessel.

1200M Position 21-03.8 N, 173-52.5 E.

June 21, 1945

1200M .Position 21-25.2N, 166-48.5 E.

— page 101 —
22, 1945
0740M Submerged due to sudden appearance of smoke near water at about 4,000 yards range. Thought to be torpedo smoke.

1200M Position 21-27.3 N, 166-25.1 E.

1330M No corroborating evidence of enemy submarine. Surfaced, continued patrol.

June 23, 1945

0540M Divd for daylight patrol submerged. IC system is failing repeatedly. Exact cause unknown, but one Motor Generator is apparently overloaded.

1200M Position 21-28.8 N, 165-27.0 E.

June 24, 1945

0545M Divd for daylight patrol submerged.

1200M Position 21-31.0 N, 166-30.5 E.

June 25, 1945

0540M Divd for daylight patrol submerged.

1200M Position 21-25.7 N, 166-11.8 E.

June 26, 1945

0550M Divd for daylight patrol submerged. IC system still giving trouble.

1200M Position 21-14.4 N, 164-50.3 E.

2200M Received: ComSubPac Serial 9. Set course for Guam.

June 27, 1945

1200M Position 20-18.8 N, 161-44.8E.

— page 102 —
1200M Position 18-50.5 N, 154-53.0 E.
June 28, 1945
1200M Position 17-56.8 N, 148-14.7 E.
June 30, 1945
1200M Position 14-28.3 N, 144-20.8 E.
1700M Arrived Guam. Commenced voyage repairs under administration of ComSubDiv 341. During the next three days the excellent cooperation of Division, Squadron, and Tender personnel enabled us to get our IC system, air conditioning plant, and periscopes back into top condition for which the BLACKFISH is greatly appreciative.
July 3, 1945
1500K Departed Guam, [ARROGANT: name] Lifeguard League, Escorted by SC 677.
1700I Reloaded escort.
July 4, 1945
1200I Position 17-20.0 N, 143-44.3 E.
July 5, 1945
1200I Position 21-00.5N, 139-43.2 E.
1730I Received ComSubPac 95@644.
July 6, 1945
1200I Position 26-03.8 N, 139-24.3 E.
2237I Exchanged recognition signals with U.S.S. REDFIN.

- 4 -

— page 103 —
1945

July 7, 1945

Encountered many of own aircraft during night.

0630I Arrived Lifeguard Station 31-3N, 140-05E.

0645I Maneuvered to avoid floating mine sighted dead ahead at 500 yards range. Passed mine abeam 30 yards distant. It appeared similar to Jap Mine Mark 6, Mod. 1 - BuOrd designation JH. Manned .50 caliber and 20MM guns.

0711I Mine exploded under fire of both 50s and 20s.

Sighted several of own aircraft during day.

1034I Sighted our air cover, a Privateer.

1100I Arrived new lifeguard station 31-3ON, 139-45E.

1140I Sighted Sumisu Shima.

1200I Position 31-26.ON, 139-44.6E.

1500I Air cover departed.

July 8, 1945

1030I Arrived new lifeguard station 31-3ON, 140-30E.

Made several plane contacts with own forces during day.

1200I Position 31-35.8N, 140-37.2E. Received ComSubPac #89136.

1700I Set course to west, passing north of Sumisu Shima which is still in sight.

July 9, 1945

1030I Arrived lifeguard station 31N, 138-30E.

1145I Air cover contacted.

1200I Position 31-05.2N, 138-33.7E.

Numerous plane contacts all through day.

2100I Arrived new lifeguard station 30N, 138-15E. Many planes observed and contacted on radar during night.

— page 104 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
July 10, 1945
0900I  Arrived new lifeguard station 30N, 138E.
1002I  Sighted floating mine. Japanese Mark 6, Mod 1 - BuOrd designation JH.
1055I  Destroyed mine with 40MM gunfire.
1200I  Position 30-00.5N, 138-02.0 W. Contacted air cover.
1545I  Air cover departed.
Many planes observed on radar during day.

July 11, 1945
1200I  Position 30-17.3N, 138-05.2 E.
1820I  With 40MM gunfire exploded one Japanese Mark 6, Mod 1, mine. BuOrd designation JH. During night sighted numerous friendly planes.

July 12, 1945
1000I  Arrived new lifeguard station 32-20N, 138-30E.
1140I  Fighter strike delayed indefinitely.
1200I  Position 32-17.5N, 138-32.5 E.
2200I  Arrived new lifeguard station 32N, 138-55E.

July 13, 1945
0130I  Contacted our air cover by radar and VHF.
1200I  Position 32-19.0N, 138-29.5E.
Have now returned to previously assigned lifeguard station, 32-20N, 138-30E for delayed fighter strike.

July 14, 1945
1130I  Sighted our air cover for fighter strike.
1200I  Position 32-15.4N, 138-39.2 E.
With radar contacted numerous planes during afternoon.

— page 105 —
14101 Air cover departed.
: 18001 Set course for Area 9. To be under direction of John J. FOOTE, Commander, USN. Commanding USS THREADFIN.
: July 15, 1945
: 11251 Sighted and conversed with one B-24.
: Make numerous contacts with planes.
: 12001 Position 32-27.4 N, 138-40.7E.
: 21001 Received THREADFIN's serial Four directing us' to patrol in vicinity of Saishu To until 18th, then area 9.
: We do not anticipate being able to arrive at Saishu To by 18th, however.
: 21301 Informed THREADFIN of our STA' area nine and acknowledged ComSubPac's 141029.
: July 16, 1945
: 11251 Sighted one PEM. Radar contacted two planes. Talked to him on VHF - no business.
: 12001 Position 30-56.0 N, 134-41.0 E.
: July 17, 1945
: 02121 Made radar contact and exchanged calls with U.S.S. SEIKESFISH.
: 05071 Divied intending to remain submerged during daylight in order to transit Colnett Strait at night.
: 10001 Discovered that we are missing zone notice C-43.
: 12001 Position 30-56.0 N, 134-41.0 E.
: 19051 Surfaced. Commenced passage of Colnett Strait.
: No enemy activity was noted during the passage except 160 m radar was sweeping and occasionally steady on us. Saturation would go from 10% while he was sweeping to 100% when he steadied on.

— page 106 —
0-0-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-I
July 18, 1945

04401 Dove for submerged patrol off Kuro Shima.
11001 Took good look into harbor, nothing there larger than row boat.
11301 Sighted PEM.
12001 Position 30-54.3 N, 130-05.0 E.
13101 Sighted two unidentified fighter planes which were on a southerly course.
16501 Sighted and commenced approach at battle stations on vessel bearing 3500T, distant 9,000 yards. Soon noted that this was a US Submarine cruising on surface. We believe this was the U.S.S. BATFISH.

2017I Surfaced.

July 19, 1945

02001 Informed ComSubPac that we are missing zone notice #43.

03491 Commenced receiving SJ interference bearing 0100T.

04131 Made radar contact on vessel bearing 3200T, 10,750 yards. Since this was on bearing of SJ interference we did not investigate. Attempted to exchange calls but couldn't raise him.

04151 Radar 160 mge. steadied on, 100% saturation.

04301 Lived for daylight patrol submerged, Intending to approach Bono Misaki close, "to arc clear of the enemy's fire by the per visibility next to the beach. Decided to move up to Kamion Misaki as visibility looked better in that direction.

The periscopes are giving us the first trouble since operating Guam. #1 scope is clear but hard to retain, and it lacks conspicuously: #2 is very foggy with low internal pressure.

1026I Again sighted friendly submarine cruising on the surface. Ho passed us at 8,000 yards.

1200I Position 31-06.5N, 130-26.1 E.

— page 107 —
1930I Picked up friendly submarine presumably BATFISH, commenced tracking.

: 1936I Had to go to 90 feet to avoid being run over by friendly submarine.

: 1940I Fired recognition grenade.

: 1942I Submarine turned to Stbd. and slowed.

: 1943I With friendly submarine giving us a 90 sterboard angle on the bow at 2,500 yards range, surfaced, thoréby prescinting other submarine our starboard beam. Visibility was good, identification definite. Commenced sending challenge by blinker tube. The other submarine apparently observed five minutes of silent prayer for at

: 1949I Friendly submarine dived without answering our light or radar signals. We headed away and sent him the major war vessel recognition signal via sonar. No response.

: 2020I Picked up SJ radar interference bearing 000°T.

: 2030I Exchanged recognition signals and calls with USS BATFISH on SJ radar. Exchanged views and news by blinker, radar, and VHF. He informed us that tomorrow he was going to patrol area 97 and 93. This neatly administered ground glass to our gears for we had intended patrolling entrance to Kagoshima Kaiwan tomorrow. Commended manouvring to talk to him by electric Mogaphone.

: 2056I Picked up screws on TDM at 000°T. Definitely not torpedo, but something. It was not the BATFISH and no radar target appeared on this bearing. Cleared to west at flank speed, informing BATFISH of our contact.

: 2100I Set course for Danjo Gunto.

— page 108 —
0800I. Arrived vicinity Danjo Gunto.

1100I. Poor visibility due to rain convinces us that a submerged patrol between Oshima and Fukaye Jima would be impractical. Headed south again to patrol on surface between Danjo Gunto and Fukaye Jima.

1200I. Position 32-12, 128-44, 4E.

1510I. Divied to avoid plane. This later identified as B-29.

1648I. Surfaced.

July 21, 1945

0448I. Divied for daylight patrol submerged off southern end of Koshiki Rott.

During morning rounded southwestern end of Shimo Koshiki. Made close pariscope inspection of harbor with no results. This place utterly devoid of shipping. A radar installation was observed on this island at approximately 31-38, 3N, 129-40, 7E. Small town with numerous shacks visible.

1200I. Position 31-36, ON, 129-34, 3E.

2003I. Surfaced intending to head for Oniki Saki for submerged patrol tomorrow.

2100I. Received POMPERT serial THREE giving us all of area TWELVE south and west of southwestern tip of Koroa. Blind bombing zones, OPSER 30E and Consubpac's 16964 limit this area.

2200I. Set course for now area.

July 22, 1945

0225I. Rounded Danjo Gunto anroutte area TWELVE.

0401I. Divied to avoid plane at 10 miles contacted by SD radar.

0447I. Surfaced.

0612I. Divied to avoid plane on SD at 5 miles.

0632I. Surfaced.

— page 109 —
1200I Position 32-23.2N, 126-54.0E.
1917I Detected emergency IFF at 14 miles; this slowly opened to 21 miles and disappeared. Commanded search of area for a downed plane.
2100I Sent BLACKFISH serial SIX reporting destruction of CSP 1506 and reporting our IFF contact.
July 23, 1945
0906I Div'd for sight contact on airplane which we ascertained later was a PEM.
1200I Position 33-02.8N, 124-19.8E.
1535I Sighted two PEMs. By VHF we learned that they know of no planes downed in this area.
1614I Sighted mine.
1643I Sighted mine.
1752I Sighted mine.
1800I Commenced patrolling northwest corner of restricted area.
July 24, 1945
1123I Sighted mine and avoided same.
1200I Position 34-40.8N, 122-51.8E.
1349I Sighted targets bearing 1810T. Closed them and found them to be fishmongers. One woman in crew reported by our very ob servant Asst. Engineer.
1656I Sighted and avoided mine.
1751I Sighted and avoided mine.
Made sweep towards China Coast to cover northwest corner of restricted area. No results.
July 25, 1945
0500I Received POMPRET FOURTH directing us to take northern part area TWELVE. Set course for Shantung Promon tory.
1200I Position 35-18.4N, 123-33.0E.

— page 110 —
1323I Divd to avoid unidentified SDI radar contact at 8 miles.

: 1416I Surfaced, picked up SJ radar intruder on 0380T, presumed to be U.S.S.S. SPIKEFISH.

: 0518I Divd for submerged patrol across Shantung-Daisoi Gunto traffic lane.

: 0638I Commenced approach at battle stations on vessel bearing 0130T. This developed into a friendly submarine on course 1800T, speed 12. We assumed it was the SPIKEFISH.

: 0646I Submarine divd.

: 1200I Position 37-38.5N, 123-24.9E.

: 1640I Surfaced. Commenced patrolling along Shantung-Dairon Daisoi Gunto traffic lane.

: 0813I Dove - running down last true bearing of small vessel.

: 1045I Sighted and closed a hulk of about 200 foot length, floating keel upwards.

: 1200I Position 38-10.8N, 124-21.2E.

: 1200I Position 37-44.5N, 123-19.2E.

: Surfaced patrol across Shantung Daisoi Gunto visibility usually very hazy 15-20,000 yards.

: July 29, 1945.

: 1200I Position 38-35.2N, 122-49.0E.

: Conducting surface patrol across Shantung Daisoi Gunto Lane as yesterday, visibility same.

: 1506I Set course for sweep up towards Pohai Strait.

— page 112 —
0-0-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

August 1, 1945

01001 Headed out from Shantung Promontory having swept Jungchen Bay down to Sangkow Bay. Made careful reader sweep of each bay. Definitely nothing in bays.

0517 Submerged for patrol.

12001 Position 36-57.6N, 123-32.5E.

1707 Surfaced.

21051 Recovered Constitution instructions to report to Lifeguard Station EASY. Set course for now station via Maikotsu Suido and Saishu Kaikyo.

August 2, 1945

Enroute Lifeguard Station.

12001 Position 35-34.2N, 125-54.9E.

August 3, 1945

Enroute Lifeguard.

05001 Barometer has fallen from 29.36 to 28.92 during last four hours. Soas and winds increasing with every indication of nasty weather impending. Barometer made anchor dip .5 in about 45 minutes.

06001 Storm has broken with full fury. Submerged to 150 feet. At this depth we are unable to maintain course or depth at two thirds speed and the boat is rolling 50 either side of the vertical. Boat rode nicely at 130 foot. Were lucky to have made Saishu Kaikyo for dive as doubt if we could ride this one out on surface. Wind at least 60-80 knots, seas ab out 40 foot.

12001 Position 33-44.2N, 126-57.1E.

16001 Poriscope depth soas still high but weather clearing rapidly. Saishu To visible about six miles.

2017 Surfaced. Storm has vanished.

— page 113 —
1200I Position 31-51.2N, 129-01.6E.
: 1630I Exchanged recognition signals and calls with U.S.S. TENCH.
: 1200I On Lifeguard Station.
: 1230I Commono ad sooing swarms of planes proceeding toward Kogoshima Kaiwan.
: 1300I The sky in the direction of Kyushu is spockled with planes. Smoke is clearly visible over the hills in the vicinity of tho Kaiwan. Planes are flying over us continually but presumption is thoy are friendly- our cover seoms to be lost in tho shuffle.
: 1330I Our air cover finally arrives with the explanation that he had difficulty in taking off.
: 1440I Received word from our air cover that six aviators are down at 30-39N, 130-13E. Commenced closing this spot at flank spood.

During next two hours tho air cover repeatedly zoomed and circled tho survivors, dropped smoke bombs and confirmed his initial report of their latitude and longitude. Air cover did a fine job of homing us in with no time wasted.

1640I Received on'board First Lieutenant, [Bevorott P. Brady, USAF, First Lieutenant Ira B. Baker, USAF, Second Lieutenant, Merle L. Meacham, USAF, Staff Sergeant Doyle E. Anderson, USAF, 'Scrogan't Ted Q. Wilson, and Sergeant Ralph Lawson, USAF.

All were in good spirits and apparently in good health. The only signs of their crash landing and two hours in tho water was the unsteadiness of a couple of them as they came aboard and some very minor cuts on fingers and legs.

— page 114 —
0-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
August 6, 1945

On Lifeguard Station. We have now worn a hole in this particular section of water off Bono Misaki. Nip shore based radar is always evident. Have had saturated 160 mge, radar practically continuously from day we passed Yaku Shima on entering area. We usually have at least two shore radars on us continuously - solution to the problem was to secure APR and key SD. Night search plans from Okinawa never seemed to run with IFF if off. When we picked him up every night on SD we would request him to light it off by VHF. If no answer at four miles we pulled the cork. One obliging pilot came up on VHF unsolicited and told us he had us at 20 miles. So we idetitfied him and told him to close us to chack SD. Ho-closed us by nearly taking off the St mast and cruising a definite lowering in morale of that lookout section.

0924I Sank one life buoy. Either a Franklin Buoy or one very similar.

1200I Position 31-04.ON, 129-38.0E.

1743I Received word there was a downed aviator in a boat near southeastern Yaku Shima. Headed for this position. Received confirmation and report that man was seen in boat.

2043I Received ComSubPac's instructions to depart station on August 8th and pick up WHALE's passengers enroute Guam.

August 7, 1945

Searching Tokara Kaikyo for boat reported to us last night.

0822I Sighted our plane cover a PEM. Received word from him that boat was close to Yaku Shima. Took course to investigate.

0954I Sighted boat about 5,000 yards from beach. Plane reported that he couldn't make out any sign of life in it. Dedided to dive - take a look up close and rotire if boat was empty. Boat was drifting towards reef too fast so surfaced intending to pull man out and dive again heading towards desaper water. Position of boat 30-16.1N, 130-23.8E, 3,000 yards from Yaku Shima.

— page 115 —
1000I Boat alongside but was greatly _nagrined_ to find the cupboard bare so retired at full speed having 'become very tired of the scenery of Yaku Shima . PEM sank boat and directed us to position of an empty life raft.

1051I Sank life raft at 30-20.8N, 130-12.0E.

1200I Position 30-13.4N, 130-05.1E.

During afternoon headed back toward our lifeguard station.

August 8, 1945

0055I Dived to avoid unidentified aircraft contacted by radar.

0613I Observed emergency IFF at 8 miles. Notified Okinawa base of this but were unable to learn of any plane in danger.

1030I Received word of fighter plane in distress, 'He claimed that he was circling Tsurikaki light, but we were 6 miles from light and no plane was in sight. Told plane to turn on his emergency IFF which he did at a range of 40 miles. De-cided he was off Kuskakki light. Told him our estimate of the situation - he said he would head for our position.

1122I Received word that 'plane was down 60 miles south of Tsurikaki light. Headed for this spot at full speed.

1148I Received word that plane was actually down 10 miles west of Kuskakki light. Changed course radically to arrive at this new spot.

1200I Position 31-19.N, 129-36.5E.

1240I Received word that oil slick and lifeljokket were sighted 12 miles bearing 250°T from us. This put him about 12 miles west of Uji Gunto. Headed for this new spot. Cover plane was short of gas so shoved.

1245I Plane reported that there was no sign of pilot and that he believed the pilot had gone down.

1320I At estimated position commenced search.

1331I Sighted oil slick at 31-09N, 129-11E.

— page 116 —
13461 Recovered one yellow (1000 cubic inch), low pressure, breathing oxygen container floating in this vicinity. Further search was unrewarded. Could have saved this pilot if he had given us a correct position.

17141 Closed Kuskakli Light to two miles and commenced shelling this lighthouse, radio, and possibly radar installation.

17491 Ceased firing after expanding 88 rounds of 5" ammunition giving many direct hits on lighthouse, towers, and adjoining buildings. Much smoke and violent explosions were caused by these hits. When, the smoke finally cleared away we observed both towers were damaged, lighthouse hit and damaged, and nearby buildings thoroughly holed.

18001 Headed for home.

20001 Dove for aircraft 4 miles no IFF - No VHF.

21461 Dove for aircraft 4 miles no IFF - No VHF.

22001 Picked up conversation on VHF from two night fighters working on Nip. Suddenly found that dog fight was close aboard as we had three planes on SJ with rapid bearing and range changes. 'Decided to stay up and render assistance if wrong plane splashed. Fight finally took itself out of range. No shots were fired the battle remained in the sparring stage, but served the purpose of seering off our heckler.

August 9, 1945

02001 Sent message announcing shelling of Kuskakli and news of our departing area.

05551 Sighted and avoided at flank speed a periscope which lookout was able to keep in sight for approximately half a minute, making positive identification. Our position at time of sighting 29-55.2N, 131-53.5E.

08001 Sent BLACKFISH serial ELEVEN notifying ComSubPac of our periscope sighting.

11281 Sank mine by gunfire at 29-58.7N, 133-16.0E.

12001 Position 29-51.2N, 133-24.6E.

— page 117 —
1315I Sanr airplane belly gasoline tank. found floating.

1850I Sighted U.S.S. WHALE.

2102I Commenced transfer of passengers from WHALE to us. The trip was made in the WHALE rubber boat and turned out to be a regular invasion. Seven-teen now faces were then aboard our ship. They were just in time to learn that our evaporators were out of commission for the duration. No baths allowed.

Our Passengers were:

Lieut-Comdr. W.W. BUSH, Jr. U.S. Navy.
Lieut., K.W.D. LEE, U.S. Naval Reserve.
First Lieut., R.E. SHUMWAY, U.S.A.A.F.
Lieut(jg); D.L. HEFRON, U.S. Naval Reserve.
Lieut(jg), R.M. APPLET. THE, U.S. Naval Reserve.
Second Lieut., J.C. BRIGHTILL, U.S.A.A.F.
Second Lieut., G.S. LOMAS, U.S.A.A.F.
Ensign, W.A. STEENBERG, U.S. Naval Reserve.
Staff Sergeant, K.N. IGNHOWER, U.S.A.A.F.
Sergeant; S.C. KIDD, U.S.A.A.F.
Sergeant, H.L. WINNERG, U.S.A.A.F.
AHOIC; C.E. BOUGAN, U.S.N.R.
ARM2c; H.L. CRAY, U.S.N.R.
ARM2c; R.N. CRAPT, U.S.N.R.
ARM2c, O.D. KEROYACK, U.S.N.R.
QM2c, W.J. O'KEEFE, U.S.N.R.
Corporal, W.E. BARTLETT, U.S.A.A.F.

O'KEEFE was transferred from the ship's company on the WHALE. He was in a weakened condition from what was believed to be two serious attacks of stomach ulcers. He has a history of ulcers, but their previous manifestation occurred prior to his entry into the Navy and no record of this is in his Health Record.

— page 118 —
1200I Position 30.09.ON, 138-03.0E.
: 1300I Sighted and spoke USS SHAD.
: 0800I Sighted PB4Y2.
: 1200I Position 25.37.ON, 139-40.0E.
: 1220I Passed USS CATFISH on opposite course.
: 0030I Exchanged 'recognition signals with unidentified submarine'.
: 1200I Position 20-36.ON, 140-03.0E.
: 1250I Passed USS HADDO.
: 2050I Spike USS BLACKFIN.
: 1200I Position 16-49.ON, 143-54.0E.
: 1430I Made rendezvous with PC-813.
: 0850I Moored starboard side U.S.S. FULTON(AS11).

- 20 -

— page 120 —
1700 Item.
U.S.S. BLACKFISH(SS221)
GUN ATTACK NO.'1
DATE: August 8, 1945.
PATROL NO. Twelve.
Lat. 30-51-45N.
Long. 129-27-55E.

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED

Damaged - 'Lighthouse, radio station, radio towers and
probable radar installations on Kusakaki Shima.

Damage Determined By - Numerous observed hits on light-house,
radar installation, and adjoining buildings. Holes
were visible in buildings; radio towers showed
several hits; glass in lighthouse was knocked out.

Approached KUSAKAKI SHIMA from the west, visibility
excellent, sun dead astern. 1700 Manned the Five-Inch gun.
1714 Commenced firing to starboard, radar range 5,550 yards.
Continued on easterly course passing to the north of the
target at two thirds speed. After the initial range was set
in, sun control was accomplished by visual spotting from the
bridge, spotting for each shot. Thirty four rounds were fired
at the lighthouse while on the easterly course. At 1727
carried course to the west to make anchor run at target. 1730
commenced firing to port, the lighthouse again being the tar-
get. The range was approximately 4,500 yards. Prior to the
afternoon, the radar installation, after sooring three direct
light-houses, were well knocked at out, we shifted back to the
screened. 1747 Ceased firing, scoured from Battle Stations.
1750 took sweep by target to look over damage.

An exce'lent coverage of the immediate vicinity was
accomplished. The gunners did some very good shooting con-
sidering the inaccuracy of the sights. The sights were in
error due to heavy seas breaking over the gun prior to this
gun action. There were no misfires.

Amunition expended - 38 rounds of 5"-25 Cal. High
Capacity Ammunition with point
detonating fuses.

- 22 -

— page 121 —
1. MINE
July 7: Destroyed one floating Japanese Mark 6, Mod '1, Mine, BuOrd designation JH. Lat. 31N, Long. 140-05E.
July 10: Destroyed one floating Japanese Mark 6, Mod 1, Mine; BuOrd designation JH. Lat. 30-12N, Long. 138-10E.
July 23: Sighted three mines Lat. 33-58.0N; Long 124-14.6E; Lat. 33-59.1N; Long 124-14.6E; Lat. 34-09.0N; Long 124-14.6E.
July 24: Sighted three mines Lat. 34-46.1N; Long 122-28.7E; Lat. 34-56.3N, Long 122-38.5E.
July 29: Sighted one floating mine Lat. 38-22.0N, Long. 123-00.5E.
August 2: Sighted floating mine Lat. 35-54.8N, Long. 124-36.8E.
August 9: Destroyed one floating mine; Japanese Mark 6, Mod 1, BuOrd designation JH. Lat. 29-58.7N, Long. 133-16.0E.

North of 35°N, the YELLOW SEA was free of mines to our knowledge. South of that latitude however, it was simply cluttered with floating mines.

(J) ANTISUBMARINE MEASURES AND EVASION TACTICS
None encountered.

(K) MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGES
Hull and Machinery
Enroute GUAM from PEARL HARBOR, the nitrogen pressure in number two periscope dropped from eight pounds to two pounds. The Optical Shop on board the USS FULTON recharged the periscope and tightened up on all packing glands. One weak after leaving GUAM, the pressure was down to two pounds and the periscope began to fog up. Efforts to obtain charging equipment at various supply centers have failed during the past year and nothing could be done to remedy this defect.

— page 124 —
1. RADIO
On August 3rd upon surfacing it was found that the port outboard radio antenna had its stand-out insulators broken and was dangling from the insuctor on the after end and the antennae mast on the forward and. The weather was too rough to send a man on deck so the after-end of the antennae was freed from the insulator on the super-structure and secured on the rail of the forward clagrette dock until it could be removed entirely. Upon diving next day the antennae trunk to flooded. It was found upon surfacing that the bolt to which the antennae was secured had come loose allowing the trunk to flood. The bolt was removed and a wooden plug driven into the hole across which a metal strip was bolted to hold it in. No further flooding was experienced.

While draining the flooded antennae trunk the drain became clogged. In working to free it the RAO recover was partially flooded and was replaced by the RBH from the wardroom.

VHF
VHF-This unit was used to good effect through-out the patrol, especially when on lifeguard station. At other times we were successful in contacting patrol planes at satisfactory ranges in attempts to obtain some information on possible shipping in the vicinity. The unit was in operation through-out the entire patrol and other than the heating up of the generator no difficulty was encountered. It is hoped that the new SCR 624 which is to replace this unit will be able to equal its performance.

The performance of the TBL and all radio receivers was considered satisfactory.

Frequencies
9050 kcs. was copied constantly at night with very good reception with shifts to higher frequencies during daylight. This lifeguard liaison frequencies were copied with no trouble, but at no time were we able to raise the-rescue barge or cover aircraft by CW on those frequencies. The 4.75 kcs. voice-frequency was heavily loaded during strikes but the difficulties were not insurmountable. However, it is believed that too many of the planes use this frequency when VHF would suffice. Our rescue of the B-25 crew went off very smoothly in all respects. All necessary information was supplied with a minimum of transmissions and a high degree of accuracy. The first survivor position reported was right on the button. This was not always true of subsequent rescue attempts.

— page 125 —
100 50
: 160 mge: 163 mge:
: 500 pps: 25 500 pps:
: 10 ms: 10 ms:

: 100 75
: 100 mge: 104 mge:
: 350 pps: 50 500 pps:
: 20 ms: 22 ms:

: 100 75
: 157 mge: 157 mge:
: 500 pps: 400 pps:
: 12 ms: 8 ms:

: 100 75
: 157 mge: 157 mge:
: 500 pps:

— page 126 —
100
180 mgs.
250 pps.
10 ms.

: 75
50
25

: 100
178 mgs.
270 pps.
10 ms.

: 75
158 mgs.
475 pps.
10 ms.

: 25
0

(N) SOUND GEAR & SOUND CONDITIONS

Major Defects & Damages - None.

Auscause of contacts throughout patrol give little opportunity to observe performance. On few occasions when we were with other boats & near shore, operation seemed satisfactory.

The TDM modification to the QB is a good morale builder, although the one time we dove from a TDM contact, was probably unnecessary.

(O) DENSITY LAYERS.

Density layers encountered were entirely as predicted in HO publication Number 231. No indications of sharp salinity changes were encountered. In the south YELLOW SEA a layer at 65 feet which consisted of a 12 degree negative gradient was always encountered. On one occasion we bataed three and one-half hours at periscope depth and could have remained there indefinitely.

(P) HEALTH FOOD AND HABITABILITY

These conditions were excellent throughout the patrol. Of course the living and sleeping arrangements were a trifle crowded while our twenty-three visitors were aboard. Booster Blower and cooling coil in control room has solved problem of cooling forward part of the boat very nicely.

— page 128 —
0-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

Pursing course of lifeguard duties many of the islands range from 6,000 yards and in some cases closer when searching for visitors. In no case was any enemy activity noted. There is very little islands with impunity indicating that either the radar pickets, the islands are amazingly devoid of military strength.

We consider it desirable to furnish lifeguard submarines in a few kits of toilet articles such as the Red Cross in use. Please contain tooth brush, plastic razor, shaving and dental cream, dirty bags, etc. In addition a small supply of jungle green trousers and shirts and underwear would help.

— page 129 —
1945-06-12
Serial (016)
CONFIDENTIAL
FIRST ADDRESS TO:
U.S.S. BLACKFISH (SS221)
Report of 12th War Patrol.

From: The Commander Submarine Division THREE FORTY-ONE.
To: The Commander in Chief, U.S. FLIGHT.
Via: The Commander Submarine Squadron THIRTY-FOUR.
The Commander Submarine Force, PACIFIC FLEET.
The Commander in Chief, U.S. FLIGHT.

Subject: U.S.S. BLACKFISH - Report of War Patrol number twelve.

1. The twelfth war patrol of the U.S.S. BLACKFISH conducted in the Nanpo Shooto, East China Sea and Yellow Sea areas. Patrol was of sixty days duration, thirty-three of which were spent on station. Fifteen days were devoted to life guard duties and eighteen days to offensive patrol.

2. Despite thorough care coverage and bold inspection of enemy harbors there were no enemy ship contacts. There was only one aircraft contact definitely identified as enemy.

3. By alert and thorough performance of life guard duty aided by excellent cooperation from the air cover, the BLACKFISH on 5 August 1945, had the honor of rescuing six army aviation personnel, the entire crew of a B-25.

4. In the late afternoon of 8 August 1945, the BLACKFISH very effectively bombarded the lighthouse, radio and possible radar installations on Kusakaki Shima.

5. On 9 August 1945, sixteen army and navy cavitation personnel were received from the U.S.S. WHALE for transportation.

6. The BLACKFISH returned from patrol clean, shipshape and in good material condition. Refit will be accomplished in the normal time.

7. The Administrative Division Commander congratulates the Commanding Officer, officers and crew of the BLACKFISH on completion of this well conducted patrol, for the damage inflicted on enemy shore installations, and the rescue of six aviation personnel.

J. W. BLANCHARD.