TO: Submarine Division Commanders, SubPacFlt

 

FROM: ComSubPac

 

DATE: September 1942   

 

SUBJECT:   Mission Orders (October 2003, cycle 4)

Please read these orders carefully!

 

RMKS: 1       A blockade of Truk is in effect, all boats in the vicinity are to intercept and inflict maximum damage on all IJN capitol ships and merchants headed for the Solomon Islands. These are moving south from empire waters to the Solomon’s via the Mariana Islands, Palau and the Caroline Islands.

 

RMKS: 2       ONI believes that Admiral Yamamoto, CinC IJN, is using Truk as his headquarters and is determined to force the U.S. forces out of the Solomon’s once and for all. It is believed that he has assembled a formidable force consisting of four carriers, five battleships, 14 cruisers and over forty destroyers for this purpose. All boats in the Caroline, Palau and Solomon areas are to use extreme caution, anti-submarine activity is anticipated to be very intense.

 

RMKS: 3       IJN Submarine activity is expected to be heavy in the Solomon area and all boats are to be on the alert for these targets moving south from Empire waters south to the Solomon’s.

 

RMKS: 4       The air-sea battles of early June resulted in a tremendous victory. The Japanese surprise attack and planed invasion of Midway was defeated and turned back short of their target. But the enemy has successfully occupied American territory in the Aleutian Islands.

 

RMKS: 5       BuOrd positively confirms that the MK XIV torpedo is running below optimum depth setting, All commanders are hereby authorized to adjust settings accordingly. The MK VI magnetic exploder will continues to be employed during all attacks on the enemy.

 

RMKS: 6       An advanced Submarine base has been established at Midway Island. This refitting and re-supply facility will reduce the round trip voyage to Empire waters by 2,000 miles thus allowing more time on station for patrol.

 

RMKS: 7       Combat testing of a ‘ NEW ‘ surface Radar system has been successful. The SJ Radar will provide exact range and bearing to target thus enabling us to ‘ See at Night and during rain and fog ‘. As these set become available your commands will be fitted with these new sets.

 

RMKS: 8       Submarine divisions are assigned to the following areas of operation:

 

Submarine Squadron 1   

SubDiv 1M    PacFlt – East China Sea (Formosa)

SoWesPac – TF 42 (Solomon Islands) (1 Special Mission SM1CY4)

 

SubDiv 7A    PacFlt – Caroline Islands (1 Special Mission SM7CY4)

                        SoWesPac – Malaysia

 

Submarine Squadron 2

SubDiv 3A    PacFlt – Yellow Sea

                        SoWesPac – South China Sea

 

SubDiv 4A    PacFlt – Empire (Southern Japan)

LCDR Edwards – U.S.S. Gato SJ 6 & 7 & 8

 

Lt. Ketzeback – U.S.S. Guardfish SJ 1 & 2 & 3

 

Lt. Whitmore – U.S.S. Pompano SJ 4 & 5 & 9

                       

                 SoWesPac – Philippines

Lt. DJ Hipply – U.S.S. Tuna P-9 & 8

 

Lt. SJ Turner – U.S.S. Spearfish P-1 & 2

 

Lt. Bearden – U.S.S. Tautog P-3 & 4

 

Lt. Vorman – U.S.S. Searaven P-5, 6 & 7

 

Submarine Squadron 3

SubDiv 5A    PacFlt – Aleutian Islands

                        SoWesPac – Java Sea

 

SubDiv 6A    PacFlt – Empire (Northern Japan)

                        SoWesPac – Sulu Sea

 

 

                       

 

COMMENTS: If any commanders has trouble getting to his assigned patrol area he is to pick another area close to his assigned AO and inform his SubDivision CO and ComSubPac as to the change. (this is only if PZ Pick will not pick the area originally assigned.)

 

Please Acknowledge this transmission

 

Good Luck and Good Hunting

 

Rear Admiral Robert H. English

ComSubPacFlt

 

 

//    SENDS    //