• 1941, December 10, 1031: S-38 sights large convoy off the coast of Luzon. Lieutenant Commander Fred Sloniker orders immediate dive to periscope depth and course change to location of convoy.
  
  
• 1034: one ship verified through periscope: minesweeper, headed toward S-38. LtCdr Sloniker orders course change to avoid minesweeper.
  
  
• 1038: two additional minesweepers spotted, also headed toward S-38, as well as a freighter closer to shore. LtCdr Sloniker believes minesweepers are headed toward S-38's pre-dive location. S-38 continues on course.
  
  
• 1040: minesweeper course corrections suggest they have spotted S-38's periscope. LtCdr Sloniker orders dive to 150 feet, use of sonar to track warships, and course change to place S-38 ahead of convoy based on freighter movements.
  
  
• 1050: S-38 rigged for silent running.
  
  
• 1105: based on passive and active sonar signals, LtCdr Sloniker decides convoy is not moving along shore as earlier believed but is making for open sea. S-38 changes course to cut them off.
  
  
• 1120: S-38 is now believed to be between minesweepers and convoy. LtCdr Sloniker orders direct convoy intercept course.
  
  
• 1130: Multiple freighter sonar contacts are confirmed. Convoy contains at least four freighters.
  
  
• 1136: range to nearest freighter is 2640; range to nearest warship is 4310. LtCrd Sloniker orders ship to periscope depth, ahead flank.
  
  
• 1140: S-38 at periscope depth. 20 ships in convoy in all, including at least three minesweepers, at least two large modern composite freighters, at least one small modern composite freighter, at least one medium modern composite freighter, and at least one subchaser. Nearest ship, large freighter, selected as target.

• 1146: Escort ships have spotted S-38. Ordered to surface to improve speed.
  
  
• 1148: S-38 fires four torpedoes at target large freighter, then performs immediate crash dive.
  
  
• 1150: Two confirmed hits on target, two duds. The event cam indicates both hits were in the stern of the freighter. S-38 turns bearing 090, rigs for silent running.
  
  
• 1155: S-38 maneuvers away from convoy. Depth charges are heard, but only one is anywhere near boat, and no damage is done.
  
  
• 1217: Confirmed kill of Japanese large freighter, 7,170 tons. This happened the moment I reloaded the save. The Real Fleet Boat mod attempts to delay the message that a boat is doomed until it's actually sinking, in order to encourage uncertainty about whether to put another eel in it or not, but I suspect saving and loading broke this. S-38 continues to move away from convoy. Escorts use active sonar without success.
  
  
• 1324: no sound contacts on sonar.

FredMSloniker fucked around with this message at 04:01 on Feb 26, 2015

• 1941, December 10, 1324: Believing they have successfully evaded the convoy's escorts, S-38 first rises to periscope depth, then surfaces. No ships spotted. Lieutenant Commander Fred Sloniker reports sinking of large modern composite freighter, resumes patrol around Aparri, ahead standard.
  
  
• 1439: Aircraft spotted. As the S-18 class lacks flak guns, it immediately dives to 150 feet, continuing at flank speed.
  
  
• 1441: Bomb impact on surface of the water. S-38 continues at flank speed along its patrol route.
  
  
• 1502: Battery power reported at 50%. S-38 surfaces and proceeds ahead standard.
  
  
• 1518: S-38 reduces speed to ahead one third to recharge batteries more quickly.
  
  
• 1640: Aircraft spotted. S-38 crash dives, then reduces speed to ahead one third to conserve batteries.
  
  
• 1732: Sound of explosion detected. Uncertain origin. LtCdr Sloniker decides to wait one hour before surfacing in case a plane is overhead.
  
  
• 1743: S-38 surfaces, proceeds ahead one third along patrol route.
  
  
• 2059: Patrol of Aparri complete. LtCdr Sloniker makes routine radio report and is directed to the southern Formosa patrol area (the closest remaining). S-38 sets course, ahead flank.
  
  
• December 11, 0209: LtCdr Sloniker, believing S-38 far enough from Aparri to not have to worry about patrols, orders speed reduced to ahead one third to more quickly recharge batteries.
  
  
• 0651: Aircraft spotted. S-38 crash dives, then reduces speed to ahead one third.
  
  
• 0654: Bomb impact on surface of the water.
  
  
• 0837: S-38 ordered to surface.
  
  
• 2315: Battery recharge complete. S-38 moves to ahead flank.
  
  
• December 12, 0027: S-38 enters southern Formossa patrol area, begins patrol.
  
  
• December 13, 0100: Flash traffic received, reporting large Japanese convoy in area of 0370N 11030E and ordering units within striking distance to intercept. S-38 is too far to reach convoy in time and maintains patrol.
  
  
• 1633: LtCdr Sloniker makes routine report.
  
  
• December 14, 0244: Patrol complete. LtCdr Sloniker makes routine report, then orders S-38 to patrol zone at 2430N 12530E.
  
  
• December 15, 0152: S-38 reaches center of patrol zone, begins patrol route.
  
  
• December 16, 1510: Aircraft spotted. Lookout reports aircraft not headed toward S-38, so S-38 dives to periscope depth to monitor its path. Aircraft does not spot it, so S-38 surfaces once aircraft is out of sight.
  
  
• December 18, 1224: Patrol complete. LtCdr Sloniker makes routine report, then orders S-38 to patrol zone at 29N 12330E.
  
  
• December 19, 0848: S-38 reaches patrol zone. Begins anti-shipping operations.

• December 19, 0849: S-38 sets up patrol pattern off the coast of China, ahead standard. Patrol is expected to last 96 hours.
  
  
• December 20, 0102: Op Immediate traffic received:
  
  From: CTF3
  
  To: TF3
  
  EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY SHIFT BASE OF OPERATIONS TO SURABAYA JAVA X
  
  Japanese forces continue to advance on Manila, despite the best efforts of the US and local units. S-38 is now based out of Surabaya and will likely return there at the end of its current objective.
  
  
• 1252: Merchant ship spotted! Medium modern split freighter, apparently unescorted. S-38 dives to periscope depth.

FredMSloniker fucked around with this message at 04:05 on Mar 1, 2015

• December 20, 1252: S-38 sights medium modern split freighter, apparently escorted. S-38 dives to periscope depth and proceeds toward the freighter, ahead flank.
  
  
• 1254: Freighter is unescorted and unaware of S-38's presence. S-38 plots intercept course.
  
  
• 1308: Realizing that S-38 cannot match freighter's speed underwater, Lieutenant Commander Fred Sloniker orders the boat surfaced. If the freighter spots the boat, it will be able to outrun it, but it is already outrunning it, and some chance is better than none.
  
  
• 1401: S-38 is able to close within 1500 yards of the freighter without being seen. It is now directly to the stern of the freighter and closing slowly.
  
  
• 1408: S-38 is within 1300 yards. The freighter suddenly begins to turn, indicating that the sub has been spotted. LtCdr Sloniker orders battle stations and tube 1 fired; torpedo misses.
  
  
• 1410: S-38 fires torpedo 3. It too misses. S-38 is within 1100 yards of freighter; deck gun is manned and begins to fire on the waterline.
  
  
• 1426: Despite holing the freighter in several places and doing significant damage to the stern of the ship, S-38 continues to be unsuccessful at causing sinking. LtCdr Sloniker orders tube 2 fired; torpedo misses.
  
  
• 1430: LtCdr Sloniker orders tube 4 fired. Torpedo impacts on stern of freighter. Freighter loses speed and begins to list.
  
  
• 1435: LtCdr Sloniker, believing the freighter unarmed, orders S-38 to come alongside the freighter and prepare to use the deck gun if torpedo damage proves insufficient.
  
  
• 1437: Freighter opens fire on S-38. LtCdr Sloniker immediately orders the boat to periscope depth, but a shot from the freighter punctures the control room pressure hull. The damage is unrepairable, and S-38 immediately sinks to the sea floor. S-38 is lost with all hands.

• Should I begin a campaign on January 2, 1942 or start over at December 6, 1941?
  
  
• Should I upgrade to the Porpoise-class or use an S-18 again?

• The USS Porpoise (SS-172), first of the Porpoise-class ships (the tradition is to name the class after its first example)?
  
  
• The USS Pike (SS-173), the first all-welded submarine (allowing it to dive deeper and resist depth charges better)?
  
  
• The USS Shark (SS-174), lost to Japanese destroyer fire February 11, 1942?
  
  
• The USS Tarpon (SS-175), which survived running aground and sunk the German raider Michel, the only German raider sunk by a US submarine in the Pacific?
  
  
• The USS Perch (SS-176), scuttled in the Java Sea March 3, 1942, after being damaged by Japanese destroyers?
  
  
• The USS Pickerel (SS-177), first submarine to be lost in the Central Pacific area, some time after April 3, 1943?
  
  
• The USS Permit (SS-178), which served with distinction and survived the war?
  
  
• The USS Plunger (SS-179), recipient of the most battle stars of any boat in its class?
  
  
• The USS Pollack (SS-180), which also served with distinction and survived the war?
  
  
• The USS Pompano (SS-181), last of its line, lost September 1943, likely to mines?

FredMSloniker fucked around with this message at 05:27 on Mar 2, 2015

• January 4, 1942, 0800: USS Plunger departs Surabaya en route to patrol area:
  
  Operational Order
  January 3, 1942
  
  To: Fred Sloniker, USS Plunger (SS-179)
  DEPART ON: January 4, 1942
  
  Proceed to the Molucca Passage Choke Point at the north end of the Molucca Sea via the Banda Sea and conduct combat patrol within 100nm of its center point. Addition direction will be provided via message traffic Make reports as necessary to ABDA Task Force 3
  
  OBJECTIVE:
  Reach Molucca Passage Choke Point
  
  
  
  
• 0811: USS Plunger, clear of the docks, accelerates to flank speed.
  
  
• 0958: USS Plunger spots coastal composite freighter. This close to Surabaya, it is almost certainly a friendly ship, but Lieutenant Commander Fred Sloniker orders an intercept course nonetheless.
  
  
• 1023: Freighter is confirmed flying British colors. USS Plunger resumes course.
  
  
• January 7, 0430: Having passed through the Flores Sea and Banda Sea without incident, USS Plunger reaches patrol area. LtCdr Sloniker makes routine report, receives new orders:
  
  From: COMSUBPAC
  To: USS Plunger (SS-179)
  Conduct combat operations for the next 72hrs within 100nm of Molucca Passage. If IJN units detected move into your area report to ABDA Task Force 3 ASAP. If IJN units are detected outside of the Patrol area, proceed at your discretion to intercept and destroy.
  
  USS Plunger begins patrol, ahead standard.
  
  
• January 10, 0428: Having completed patrol without incident, LtCdr Sloniker makes routine report, receives new orders:
  
  From: COMSUBPAC
  To: USS Plunger (SS-179)
  Proceed at best speed to the Tarakan Island and conduct scouting operation for the next 72hours. Remain within 100nm of the center of the oparea. If IJN units are detected outside of the Patrol area, proceed at your discretion to intercept and destroy.
  
  USS Plunger sets course, ahead flank.
  
  
• 1721: Diving Officer advises fuel reserve at 50 percent. LtCdr Sloniker orders reduction to ahead standard.
  
  
• January 11, 0507: USS Plunger reaches patrol area. LtCdr Sloniker makes routine report, then orders the boat to a point 30 nm off the coast of Tarakan Island. He believes that any object of interest in the patrol area must pass through this port.
  
  
• 1428: Task force sighted!
  
  

FredMSloniker fucked around with this message at 03:10 on Mar 9, 2015

• 1942, January 11, 1428: having spotted a task force, Lieutenant Commander Fred Sloniker reports its position to COMSUBPAC, receiving the following reply:
  
  GOOD FIND X WILL DIRECT FURTHER ASSETS TO INTERCEPT X BREAK CONTACT AND RTB AT YOUR DISCRETION X
  
  Disappointed at being ordered not to attack, LtCdr Sloniker nevertheless orders USS Plunger to dive to 150 feet and sets course away from the task force.
  
  
• 1657: No sound contacts detected. USS Plunger moves to periscope depth, but rough seas prevent survey of area. LtCdr Sloniker orders sub surfaced; no contacts sighted. Hoping to find a target for his as-yet-unused torpedos, LtCdr Sloniker orders USS Plunger to resume patrol of area.
  
  Although the radio message said to return to base at my discretion, the patrol is still marked incomplete. I decided it'd be best to finish the 72 hours before heading back. Anyway, I want to at least shoot at something!
  
  
• January 12, 2012: Officer on deck spots Hatsuharu-Shigure destroyer, possibly part of larger task group. LtCdr Sloniker reports its position to COMSUBPAC, receiving the following reply:
  
  Roger your contact report. If fuel and weapons permit, maneuver into position and engage IJN units.
  
  LtCdr Sloniker orders dive to periscope depth and course set to intercept destroyer.

FredMSloniker fucked around with this message at 23:38 on Mar 10, 2015

FredMSloniker fucked around with this message at 02:59 on Mar 11, 2015

• 1942, January 12, 2014: As ordered, USS Plunger sets course toward the task force. Rough seas make the periscope view intermittent at best.
  
  
• 2016: Sonar picks up a second destroyer contact, soon verified by periscope.
  
  
• 2017: A third destroyer is likewise detected. Lieutenant Commander Fred Sloniker begins plotting the ships' paths on the map.
  
  Stock Silent Hunter 4 will show you trajectory lines for detected ships. For some reason, Real Fleet Boat turns that off. So you have to crack out the ruler and take sightings at fixed intervals.
  
  
• 2020: The destroyers are proceeding north, apparently unaware of USS Plunger. LtCdr Sloniker orders a northeasterly course to bring the sub alongside the task force.
  
  
• 2022: A fourth destroyer is detected by sonar, also part of the task force.
  
  
• 2041: The nearest destroyer is now within 1000 yards. LtCdr Sloniker orders battle stations.
  
  
• 2043: LtCdr Sloniker orders all tubes opened, firing even tubes at the nearest destroyer and odd tubes at the destroyer in the rear of the formation. Torpedo launches are timed for roughly simultaneous impact. LtCdr Sloniker orders immediate dive to 150 feet and breakaway from task force.
  
  
• 2045: All torpedoes fired miss. Rough seas may be responsible; without visual confirmation, LtCdr Sloniker cannot be certain torpedos on correct trajectory. As odds are high that attack was not noticed, LtCdr Sloniker orders USS Plunger to resume following task force.
  
  
• 2053: LtCdr Sloniker orders USS Plunger to periscope depth, confirms that at least three destroyers are still on course. (Fourth destroyer was moving faster than others when sighted and may have moved out of visual range.) USS Plunger moves to intercept task force again.
  
  
• 2058: Unusual behavior observed from initial destroyer contact; it appears dead in water despite no torpedo damage. LtCdr Sloniker orders USS Plunger to approach from broadside.
  
  
• 2103: Active sonar pings heard; however, behavior of destroyer does not change. LtCdr Sloniker decides to approach as closely as possible until the destroyer shows signs of noticing them, then fire two forward torpedoes (the other two have not yet been reloaded) and break off from the task force.
  
  
• 2105: The destroyer begins to accelerate. LtCdr Sloniker orders immediate firing of torpedos. However, torpedo room responds that tube hatches have jammed and cannot be opened.
  
  Over the next few minutes, as crews struggle with the torpedo hatches, the destroyer maneuvers to cut off USS Plunger's escape. Other two destroyers begin to close in as well.
  
  
• 2108: Finally able to get the torpedo hatches open, the crew fires tubes one and three at the nearest destroyer, then immediately crash dives.
  
  So what was going on here? Well, in Herp's LP, he mentioned that, if you don't open your torpedo tube doors before firing, they can mess up the solution (because there's a delay in their firing) and cause you to miss. I forgot to do that this time, though I remembered for the first salvo. However, either Silent Hunter 4 or the Real Fleet Boat mod has changed this behavior.
  
  Now, if you don't manually open the torpedo tubes, they won't fire at all.
  
  
• 2110: Both torpedoes missing confirmed. USS Plunger proceeds away from the task force ahead flank.
  
  
• 2113: Depth charges heard in water. LtCdr Sloniker orders ship rigged for silent running and cancels battle stations. Further depth charges and active sonar pings are heard, but none come close enough to boat to do damage.
  
  
• January 13, 0009: Sonar room declares no warship contacts remain. LtCdr Sloniker orders sub surfaced and secured from silent running. Lack of contacts confirmed. USS Plunger resumes patrol.
  
  
• 0759: USS Plunger sights another task force and radios its position in. COMSUBPAC orders it to break contact. USS Plunger crash dives.
  
  
• 0921: USS Plunger surfaces, having confirmed with sonar that it has escaped detection by the task force, and resumes patrol.
  
  
• January 14, 0423: patrol off of Tarokan Island complete. New orders arrive:
  
  From: COMSUBPAC
  
  To: USS Plunger (SS-179)
  
  Conduct Combat Operations in the Celebes Sea at your discretion, remain on station as long supplies are adequate.
  
  LtCdr Sloniker elects to continue patrol until torpedoes are exhausted or fuel reaches 25% level. (At that time, it is at 32% level.)
  
  
• 0740: Task force spotted! LtCdr Sloniker radios the contact in, but is ordered once again to break contact. Orders crash dive and course away from task force.
  
  
• 0746: Depth charges bracket ship! No damage, but the task force is clearly aware of USS Plunger's position. Active sonar bounces off its hull, and its own sonar confirms no less than four warships in the vicinity...