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Notable events involving Searaven include:

The page dealing with the wartime history of USS Searaven was created in August 2023.

[No deck logs of this submarine are currently available to us so therefore some details, particularly regarding trials and exercises, might be missing on this page.]

[No maps are displayed, except for the 4th and 5th war patrols, as the patrol reports of this submarine do not give daily noon positions except for the two above listed patrols.]

9 Dec 1941
Around 1830H/9, USS Searaven (Lt.Cdr. T.C. Aylward, USN) departed Marivales, Philippines for her 1st war patrol. She is ordered to patrol to the north-west corner of Formosa. (1)

17 Dec 1941
Around 2115H/17, USS Searaven (Lt.Cdr. T.C. Aylward, USN) arrived in her patrol area via the Bashi Channel and the east coast of Formosa. (1)

17 Dec 1941
At 1015H/17, to the north of Formosa, in position 26°02'N, 121°39'E, USS Searaven (Lt.Cdr. T.C. Aylward, USN), three transports were sighted on course 210°(T) at a speed of 10 knots. A favourable attack position could not be obtained. (1)

22 Dec 1941
At 1015H/17, to the north-west of Formosa, in position 25°37'N, 120°57'E, USS Searaven (Lt.Cdr. T.C. Aylward, USN), two ships were seen proceeding on course 235°(T) at 7 knots. A night attack was made through driving rain in which two torpedoes were fired from 800 yards at the leading ship of which only a light could be seen in the limited visibility. No hits were obtained. (1)

25 Dec 1941
At 0845H/17, to the north-west of Formosa, in position 25°21'N, 120°40'E, USS Searaven (Lt.Cdr. T.C. Aylward, USN) heard screws on the hydrophones while she was at 110 feet. On coming to periscope depth a transport was seen proceeding on course 210°(T) at 14 knots. Range was 3800 yards. One torpedo was fired from 3200 yards for a 3300 yards run but it missed.

26 Dec 1941
Around 2359H/26, USS Searaven (Lt.Cdr. T.C. Aylward, USN) departed her patrol area to return to Manila. (1)

29 Dec 1941
USS Searaven (Lt.Cdr. T.C. Aylward, USN) is ordered to proceed to Port Darwin, Australia instead of Manila which port was no longer considered safe. Course was set to proceed via the East coast of Luzon and the Molucca Passage. (1)

30 Dec 1941
USS Searaven (Lt.Cdr. T.C. Aylward, USN) is ordered to patrol off Subic Bay. Course is set accordingly. (1)

31 Dec 1941
At 1946H/31, east of northern Luzon, in position 18°30'N, 119°02'E, USS Searaven (Lt.Cdr. T.C. Aylward, USN), two ships were sighted proceeding on course 275°(T) at 15 knots. Range was 4000 yards. These ships turned out to be Japanese destroyers who must have spotted Searaven at the same time as they came towards at high speed.

Searaven quickly dived to 170 feet but was then hunted and depth charged for about two hours. Three patterns of depth charges were dropped but none were very close and no damage was sustained. (1)

1 Jan 1942
Around 2100H/1, USS Searaven (Lt.Cdr. T.C. Aylward, USN) arrived in her new patrol area off Subic Bay. (1)

6 Jan 1942
Around 1840H/6, USS Searaven (Lt.Cdr. T.C. Aylward, USN) departed her patrol area off Subic Bay for Port Darwin, Australia. (1)

8 Jan 1942
USS Searaven (Lt.Cdr. T.C. Aylward, USN) is ordered to patrol off Basilan Strait. (1)

9 Jan 1942
Around 2300H/9, USS Searaven (Lt.Cdr. T.C. Aylward, USN) arrived in her patrol area off Basilan Strait. (1)

10 Jan 1942
Around 2050H/10, USS Searaven (Lt.Cdr. T.C. Aylward, USN) is ordered to patrol off the Tinaca Lighthouse near the Gulf of Davao. Course is set accordingly. (1)

11 Jan 1942
Around 1200H/11, USS Searaven (Lt.Cdr. T.C. Aylward, USN) arrived in her new patrol area off the Tinaca Lighthouse near the Gulf of Davao.

At 2155H/11, USS Searaven is ordered to patrol off Manado, Celebes, Netherlands East Indies. Course is set accordingly. (1)

12 Jan 1942
Around 2100H/12, USS Searaven (Lt.Cdr. T.C. Aylward, USN) arrived in her new patrol area off Manado, Celebes, Netherlands East Indies. (1)

13 Jan 1942
Around 1900H/13, USS Searaven (Lt.Cdr. T.C. Aylward, USN) left her patrol area for Darwin, Australia. (1)

19 Jan 1942
Around 0615H/13, USS Searaven (Lt.Cdr. T.C. Aylward, USN) left her patrol area for Darwin, Australia. She was then taken in hand for a short tender refit by USS Otus (Cdr. J. Newsom, USN). (1)

28 Jan 1942
Around 1700H/28, USS Searaven (Lt.Cdr. T.C. Aylward, USN) departed Darwin for her 2nd war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the South China Sea. She was escorted out until 1845H/28 by USS Peary (T/Lt.Cdr. J.M. Bermingham, USN). (2)

29 Jan 1942
Around 2230H/29, USS Searaven (Lt.Cdr. T.C. Aylward, USN) received a signal to proceed north while passing through Wetar Strait. (2)

31 Jan 1942
Around 0230H/31, USS Searaven (Lt.Cdr. T.C. Aylward, USN) received a signal ordering her to proceed towards Manipa Strait. (2)

1 Feb 1942
Around 0245H/1, USS Searaven (Lt.Cdr. T.C. Aylward, USN) received a signal ordering her to proceeds towards Camranh Bay, Indo-China via Manipa Strait, Bangka Passage, Sibutu Passage and Balabac Strait. (2)

3 Feb 1942
Around 0126H/3, in the Molucca Passage, in position 00°05'N, 126°11'E, USS Searaven (Lt.Cdr. T.C. Aylward, USN) sighted the masts of a Japanese destroyer bearing 010°(T) at a range of 10000 yards. Enemy course was 160°(T) at 18 knots. The enemy was zig-zagging. Started attack.

0150H/3, Fired two bow torpedoes from 900 to 1000 yards. Both missed. The target took no evasive action and no counter attack followed. (2)

6 Feb 1942
Around 0625H/6, off Sibutu Passage (approximate position 04°45'N, 119°40'E), USS Searaven (Lt.Cdr. T.C. Aylward, USN), sighted an enemy merchant vessel bearing 180°(T) at a range of 14000 yards. Enemy course was 340° at a speed of 15 knots. No attack was possible due to the ship being out of range. (2)

10 Feb 1942
Around 2345H/10, USS Searaven (Lt.Cdr. T.C. Aylward, USN), received a signal informing her that a Japanese Task Force had left Camrahn Bay and was southbound and that Searaven was to try to intercept this force. Course was set accordingly. (2)

11 Feb 1942
USS Searaven (Lt.Cdr. T.C. Aylward, USN) attacked an enemy cruiser force with four torpedoes in position 07°36'N, 108°24'E (South China Sea). No hits were obtained. USS Searaven was depth charged following the attack but was not damaged.

The Japanese force attacked was made up of the heavy cruisers Chokai, Kumano, Mikuma, Mogami, Suzuya and the destroyers Uranami, Isonami and Ayanami.

Around 1811H/11, in position 07°36'N, 108°24'E, USS Searaven sighted the enemy Task Force which she was ordered to intercept. The enemy force was made up of about 4 heavy cruisers and 8 destroyers and was sighted bearing 063°(T) at a range of 7000 yards. Enemy course was 215°(T), speed 12 knots. Commenced attack.

1825H/11, Fired four bow torpedoes from a range of 1800 to 2000 yards at two of the heavy cruisers. Went deep on firing due to some of the escorting destroyers being very close. The torpedoes were heard to run but no explosions followed.

1832H/11, Depth charging started while Searaven was at 100 feet going to 250 feet. 16 Charges in all were dropped estimated to be between 200 and 800 yards off. Three destroyers were heard to be hunting overhead. Pinging and screws faded out around 2215H/11 and half an hour later Searaven surfaced and sent out an enemy report. (2)

15 Feb 1942
At 0215H/15, USS Searaven (Lt.Cdr. T.C. Aylward, USN) received a signal ordering her to patrol off Hainan Island. (2)

19 Feb 1942
At 2000H/19, USS Searaven (Lt.Cdr. T.C. Aylward, USN) is ordered to proceed to Lombok Strait via Mindoro, Sibutu and Makassar Strait. (2)

1 Mar 1942
At 2100H/1, While en-route southbound in Makassar Strait, USS Searaven (Lt.Cdr. T.C. Aylward, USN) is ordered to proceed to Fremantle passing through Sape Strait (between Sumbawa and Komodo Islands).

Shortly afterwards, at 2125H/1, when north-west of Cape William, an unidentified vessel was seen bearing 070°(T), range 5000 yards. She was apparently coming towards so dived to periscope depth but nothing could be seen through the periscope. The hydrophone operator reported hearing screws but these soon faded out. (2)

2 Mar 1942
At 0235H/2, While en-route southbound in Makassar Strait near Cape Mandar, USS Searaven (Lt.Cdr. T.C. Aylward, USN) sighted an unidentified ship bearing 150° at a range of 4500 yards. Searaven dived but again the target could not be seen through the periscope. The target must have turned away. USS Searaven surfaced at 0402H/2 and continued her passage southwards. (2)

3 Mar 1942
In the southern end of the Makassar Strait, USS Searaven (Lt.Cdr. T.C. Aylward, USN), attacked what is thought to be an enemy tanker with two torpedoes. No hits were obtained. Searaven was depth charges following the attack.

At 0040H/3, While en-route southbound in Makassar Strait between Taka Bakang and Pulau Kapoposang, in approximate position 04°50'S, 118°45'E, USS Searaven sighted an unidentified ship bearing 016° at a range of 6000 yards. The ships course was southerly at 15 knots. Later it was seen there were two ships, a tanker and a 'four-goal' transport thought to be a naval auxiliary. USS Searaven dived to attack.

Two torpedoes from the stern tubes were then fired a the tanker from 1500 yards. The torpedoes were heard to run but no hits were obtained. While making the attack the second vessel, which had not been seen before diving, bore down on Searaven from starboard and commenced dropping depth charges but these did no damage. (2)

4 Mar 1942
At 0715H/4, when southeast of the Sibbalds Bank, in approximate position 06°00'S, 117°00'E, USS Searaven (Lt.Cdr. T.C. Aylward, USN) sighted two modern-type enemy destroyers bearing 185°(T) at a range of 12000 yards. They were proceeding on course 075°(T) at 15 knots. The range was too great to close.

At 2016H/4, an unidentified ship was seen near Pulau Banawaya. USS Searaven dived to attack but the range could not be closed. (2)

5 Mar 1942
During daylight hours, USS Searaven (Lt.Cdr. T.C. Aylward, USN) made the southbound passage of Sape Strait submerged. (2)

12 Mar 1942
At 0815H/12, USS Searaven (Lt.Cdr. T.C. Aylward, USN) arrived at Fremantle from patrol. She is then taken in hand for a tender refit initially by USS Holland (T/Capt. J.W. Gregory, USN) but later by USS Otus (Cdr. J. Newsom, USN). (2)

2 Apr 1942
At 1700H/2, USS Searaven (Lt. H. Cassedy, USN) departed Fremantle for her 3rd war patrol. She was ordered to transport 1500 rounds of 3" AA ammunition to Corregidor. (3)

7 Apr 1942
At 1212H/7, in position 14°49'S, 117°38'E, USS Searaven (Lt. H. Cassedy, USN) a periscope was reported on the port bow distant 1500 yards. USS Searaven then headed for this spot at three engines. When over the sport altered course 90° to right. When settled on this now course a torpedo wake was reported opposite new track crossing old track just aft of the turning point. The Commanding Officer did not see the reported torpedo wake and it is considered the contact report was false.

[Which was most likely indeed the case as no Japanese submarines were operating in this area at this time.] (2)

9 Apr 1942
When midway between Sumba and Sawu Islands, USS Searaven (Lt. H. Cassedy, USN) receives a signal ordering her to patrol to the north of Timor Island. (2)

11 Apr 1942
At 2125H/11, USS Searaven (Lt. H. Cassedy, USN), receives a signal ordering her to pick up around 24 Australian troops stranded on the south coast of Timor near Cape Kurus. Course was then reversed to proceed to the south coast of Timor. (3)

12 Apr 1942
At 0100H/12, USS Searaven (Lt. H. Cassedy, USN), receives a signal informing her that 26 Australians were using a code of doubtful security and that precautions were to be taken against an enemy surprise attack while attempting the rescue. (3)

13 Apr 1942
USS Searaven (Lt. H. Cassedy, USN) stood into the coast submerges at the rendezvous point while making careful periscope observations.

1530H/13, two horsemen were seen approaching the rendezvous point from the southward.

1900H/13, Surfaced. Stationed machine gunners to guard against possible enemy interference with small boats. Lights were seen on the beach near the rendezvous. Rigged the boat but the engine gave trouble so paddles had to be used. Signalled the beach and got a reply, took this as coming from the stranded party. Communications with the shore were lost and also the surf was to great so the party could not be picked up. It was therefore decided to try again next evening and USS Searaven stood out to charge the batteries. (3)

14 Apr 1942
0445H/14, USS Searaven (Lt. H. Cassedy, USN) submerged and stood into the coast again to observe the rendezvous point from around 1500H/14 until dark.

1530H/14, Observed a group of four men mounted on horseback and another group of three men on foot approaching the rendezvous position. They disappeared into the brush just short of the rendezvous point.

1900H/14, Surfaced and prepared the boat for lowering. Removed the engine to lighten the boat.

2050H/14, Noted reflection of a campfire on the beach a little south of the rendezvous point. Signalled 'SR' and within two minutes received an answering signal from a point a little to the northward of the campfire. Sent the boat in to this point to pick up the party and signalled the beach to this effect. Received answering flash from the beach after completion of this message. The boat anchored off the surf and an attempt was made to get in contact with someone ashore but the attempt failed. Ensign C.C. Cook, USNR then left the boat and swam to the shore and then approached a campfire on the beach. He noticed about 12 men around it. When about 25 yards from the campfire he turned his flashlight upon himself and shouted. All men at the campfire then scattered. Ensign Cook then searched the area for an hour but failed to make contact after which he was ordered to rejoin Searaven. Attempts to make contact with the shore from the submarine failed.

0100H/15, The inoperative engine of the motor boat was jettisoned to expedite securing the boat.

0130H/15, The boat returned and was hoisted aboard.

0200H/15, As USS Searaven stood out signals from the beach resumed. Left the area to make a report about the situation the ComSubs Asiatic Fleet when well to the south. The signal was sent on 16 April 1942. (3)

16 Apr 1942
USS Searaven (Lt. H. Cassedy, USN) is ordered to return to Timor and continue the attemps on the night of the 17th and if needed the 18th. (3)

17 Apr 1942
At 1530H/17, USS Searaven (Lt. H. Cassedy, USN) was one mile off shore at the rendezvous point. Seven horsemen plus three pack horses were seen approaching the rendezvous and four men on foot were seen at the rendezvous position.

1900H/17. Searaven surfaced and observed a bombing raid on Kupang. A blinking light was observed on Mount Kurus signalling the letters A I M three times.

2020H/17, An unidentified northbound ship was sighted to the west. Two bow and two stern torpedo tubes were brought to the ready but no attack was made due to the ongoing operation.

2100H/17, Commenced making signals towards the beach. 15 Minutes later contact was established. Lowered the boat and sent it to the beach.

0115H/18, The boat returned with 16 Australians and learnt that another 17 men remained on the shore, 15 of which were very weak. Sent a signal to the that the submarine would return the following night to pick them up. Also learnt that it was expected that the Japanese could attack at any moment the following day. Of the men coming on board all but three had fever and almost all were in a bad condition.

0215H/18, Stood clear of the coast to charge the batteries. (3)

18 Apr 1942
USS Searaven (Lt.Cdr. H. Cassedy) evacuates 32 Royal Australian Air Force men from Timor.

18 Apr 1942
At 1600H/18, USS Searaven (Lt. H. Cassedy, USN) was one mile off shore at the rendezvous point and observed the beach closely for the remainder of daylight.

1900H/18, Surfaced and observed another air raid on Kupang.

2120H/18, Established communication with the stranded party and sent over the boat.

0100H/19, The boat returned with the remaining 17 Australians. 4 of them could not sit up and could hardly move. All but 2 had to be carried below on the shoulders of the crew of the submarine. This second group was in much worse condition than the first group that had come aboard. 2 of the Australians were in a serious condition.

0200H/19, With everybody secured as well as the boat course was set to the west on two engines, using the other two to charge the batteries. Course was subsequently set for Fremantle. (3)

23 Apr 1942
At 2008H/23, on board USS Searaven (Lt. H. Cassedy, USN) a fire was reported in the maneuvering room when she was in position 28°51'S, 112°55'E (west of Geraldton, Australia). That room and the after torpedo room had to be evacuated.

At 2100H/23, a signal was sent to ComSubs Asiatic Fleet requiring assistance.

At 2300H/23, a signal was sent to ComSubs Asiatic Fleet that the fire had been extinguished and that only the batteries could be used for propulsion.

At 2358H/23, a signal from ComSubs Asiatic Fleet was received stating that the submarine USS Snapper (Lt.Cdr. H.L. Stone, USN) would come to our assistance and later also the patrol yacht USS Isabel (Lt. J.W. Payne, Jr., USN).

At 0735H/24, USS Snapper was sighted and at 0845H/24, Snapper took Searaven in tow.

Around 1000H/24, the tow line parted. A new tow could be astablished and towing resumed around 1300H/24.

At 1615H/24, the minesweeper HMAS Maryborough(A/Cdr. G.L. Cant, RAN) joined.

At 1700H/24, the destroyers USS Parrott (Lt. J.N. Hughes, USN) and USS Paul Jones (Lt. C.R. Herms, USN) joined as escorts.

Around 1745H/24, the tow parted.

At 1755H/24, USS Snapper. parted company to proceeed to Fremantle.

At 1800H/24, HMAS Maryborough passed a towline.

The tow and its escort arrived at Freemantle on the 25th. (3)

25 Apr 1942
USS Searaven (Lt. H. Cassedy, USN) ended her 3rd war patrol at Fremantle. She was then taken in hand for repairs and refit with the assistance of USS Otus (Cdr. J. Newsom, USN). (3)

26 Jun 1942
HMAS Voyager (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Robison DSC, RAN) conducted A/S exercises off Fremantle with USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN). (4)

27 Jun 1942
HMAS Voyager (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Robison DSC, RAN) conducted A/S exercises off Fremantle with USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN). (4)

28 Jun 1942
At 1645H/28, USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) departed Fremantle for her 4th war patrol. She is ordered to patrol in the Banda Sea, in the Timor, Kendari and Ambon areas respectively.

For the daily positions of USS Searaven during her 4th war patrol see the map below.

(5)

10 Jul 1942
At 1729H/10, when in position 08°32'S, 125°23'E, USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) sighted a ship bearing 000° at a range of 10000 yards coming out of the haze.

At 1735H/10, When the range was 8000 yards the ship was identified as being from the Hakiwa Maru-class. Decided to overtake and make a surface attack. The speed of the target was 12 knots.

At 2120H/10, The target was seen again, broad on the starboard bow at a range of 8000 yards.

At 2125H/10, the target was obscured by a rain squall. Enemy course had been determined to be 240°(T) and speed was estimated to be 13 knots.

At 2225H/10, the target was lost from sight and was not seen again.

The target may well have the hospital ship Hakiwa Maru which arrived at Kupang on the 11th. So if this correct the identification of the ship had been spot on. (5)

25 Jul 1942
At 2300H/25, USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) sent a signal to ComSubs Southwest Pacific informing them that the submarine had developed serious defects and that it was not considered safe to remain on patrol any longer and permission was requisted to return to Fremante. This permission was granted in a signal received at 0116H/26 and course was set accordingly. (5)

5 Aug 1942
At 1007H/5, when south-west of Geraldton, Australia, in position 29°54'S, 113°39'E, the officer of the watch and a lookout on board USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) sighted a periscope bearing 080° at a range of 1200 yards. Evasive action was taken. The periscope was seen once more but no torpedoes were seen and USS Searaven resumed her passage. A signal was sent to report this contact.

No enemy submarine was in this area at this given time though so the sighting must have been bogus. (5)

6 Aug 1942
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) ended her 4th war patrol at Fremantle. She was escorted in by USS Isabel (Lt. J.W. Payne, Jr., USN). The submarine was then taken in hand for refit and repairs by USS Holland (T/Capt. P.E. Pendelton, USN). (5)

27 Sep 1942
Around 0745H/27, USS Skipjack (T/Lt.Cdr. J.W. Coe, USN) and USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) departed Fremantle for their 5th war patrols.

USS Skipjack was ordered patrol in the Banda Sea and then patrol her way north wards as she is to end her patrol at Pearl Harbour.

USS Searaven was ordered to patrol in the Sunda Strait inspecting Flying Fish Cove, Christmas Island en-route and on the way back from the patrol area.

On laving harbour they first conducted exercises with USS Lark (Lt.Cdr. H.P. Thomson, USN) before proceeding on patrol. (6)

27 Sep 1942
For the daily and attack positions of USS Searaven during her 5th war patrol see the map below.

4 Oct 1942
0458H/4, USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) sighted Christmas Island bearing 015°(T) at a range of 8 nautical miles.

0553, Searaven submerged and cruised up the east coast of Christmas Island about 2 nautical miles from the beach. Rounded the north-east point and had a look inside Flying Fish Cove but saw no signs of activity except for a small patrol boat of about 50 tons anchored in the cove and some salvage work being undertaken on a beached steamer to the southwest of Smith Point.

1840H/4, Set course to 340°(T) to be well clear of the island on surfacing which was done at 2022H/4. (7)

5 Oct 1942
0555H/5, USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) submerged to make a survey of Flying Fish Cove, Christmas Island. There were no signs of activity except near the stranded merchant vessel.

1251H/5, Fired one torpedo at the stranded merchant vessel (this was the wreck of the Norwegian merchant vessel Eidsvold (Norwegian, 4184 GRT, built 1934)) which hit amidships as intended. That should end any salvage operations. Then stood out and cleared to the northward of the island.

1950H/5, Surfaced and sent a signal to ComSubs Southwest Pacific reporting the situation at Christmas Island and our action taken. (7)

7 Oct 1942
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) arrived in her patrol area off / in the Sunda Strait. (7)

9 Oct 1942
At 1210H/9, when in position 06°06'S, 105°46'E, USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) sighted a ship bearing 097° at a range of 14000 yards. The target was heading 225° at 12 knots. No attack was possible as the range could not be closed further then 4000 yards. It was thought the target was the cement carrier Kiyotada Maru (3080 GRT, built 1936) proceeding to Christmas Island to load phosphate there. (7)

10 Oct 1942
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) attacked a transport in an enemy convoy in the Sunda Strait. No hits were obtained though and one of the three torpedoes fired exploded prematurely.

0525H/10, Sighted an enemy convoy in approximate position 06°15'S, 105°28'E about 5 miles south of Krakatau Island. Range was 6 nautical miles. The convoy was proceeding on an easterly course at an estimated 8 knots.

0530H/10, Reversed course to close. The convoy was made up of three transports (one thought to be of the Senkai Maru-class and two of the Aden Maru-class) and a minelayer-type escort thought to be the Itsukushima (offsite link) [this could not be the Itsukushima though as she was not in the Sunda Strait area at this time, given the discription given in the patrol report it may have been one of the Hatsutaka-class, perhaps the Hatsutaka herself (offsite link)].

0538H/10, The leading vessel of the convoy turned on a searchlight. Submerged.

0634H/10, Fired three torpedoes from 3000 yards at the third ship in line. However one of the torpedoes prematured after which USS Searaven went deep. The other two torpedoes missed. No counter attack followed.

0800H/10, Sighted the minelayer which apparently had remained behind. Commenced approach but after almost one hour this was given up as the range could not be closed. (7)

12 Oct 1942
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) torpedoed and damaged the German blockade runner Regensburg (8068 GRT, built 1928) in Sunda Strait, Netherlands East Indies. It was thought the ship had been sunk but this was not the case. The damaged ship reached Batavia barely afloat. She was later fully repaired at Singapore.

1312H/11, Sighted a ship bearing 077°(T) 06.10at a range of 16000 yards on a southwesterly course. Commenced approach. Crossed ahead at a range of 6000 yards. Enemy course was 240°(T) at a speed of 12 knots. The enemy was identified as a German transport of the Este-class. The German nazi flag was seen flying from the mast. Four torpedoes were fired from 1500 yards from the stern tubes, position was 06°10'S, 105°37'E. One hit was obtained just forward of amidships of the target. After the hit the target circled to the right and seemed to steady on course 250°(T) at a reduced speed. It looked like she might get away so swung the submarine around and fired four torpedoes the bow tubes but all missed. The target was seen to settle by the bow and appeared to be dead in the water by now so stuck around to watch her sink while reloading two torpedoes aft and two forward in the meantime. The hydrophones later heard explosions from the direction of the target and these were thought to be the target breaking up. Also fast screws were reported approaching fast. The periscope was put up but it was covered with an oil film and nothing could be seen so went to 200 feet and took evasive action. Later Searaven returned to periscope depth and nothing except two lifeboats under sail could be seen. Each boat contained about 20 men. No A/S vessel could be seen though and it was considered the ship must have been sunk.

24 Oct 1942
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) attacked a Japanese destroyer [most likely a torpedo boat] in the Sunda Strait with three torpedoes. No hits had been obtained.

1836H/24, Heard pinging to the southward.

1843H/24, east-south-east of Krakatau Island, in position 06°12'S 105°34'E, sighted what is thought to be a modern type Japanese destroyer bearing 201°(T), range 6000 yards, speed estimated to be 12 knots. Two stacks were seen. She had a tripod foremast, military mainmast, high forecastle, torpedo tubes and a low main deck. The target had first been identified as a Tomozuru-class torpedo boat but this was later changed to a destroyer and the targets speed was thought to be 16 knots. Commenced attack.

1844H/24, fired three bow torpedoes from 1200 yards. All missed as the targets speed had been underestimated. No counter attack followed and the attack had probably not even been noticed by the Japanese. Following this attack Searavenhad five torpedoes left, one forward and four aft. (7)

25 Oct 1942
At 0925H/25, USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN), heard pinging to the northward. Five minutes later the shape of a destroyer in a rain squall. The shape was not definite enough to indentify the type. The bearing was 000°(T), range 12000 yards, enemy course about 210°(T). Commenced approach but the target disappeared into the rain squall and could not be seen again. The pinging faded out to the northwestward.

At 1230H/25, a Tomozuru-class torpedo boat was sighted bearing 254°(T), range 14000 yards. Enemy position was 06°14'S, 105°25'E. Enemy course was 105°E. Commenced approach but the target could not be closed enough to fire the single torpedo that was left in the forward torpedo tubes. (7)

29 Oct 1942
At 1122H/29, USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN), sighted a merchant vessel bearing 155° at a range of 14000 yards, in position 06°17'S, 105°37'E. She was on an estimated course of 050°. The actual hull of the vessel could not be seen but the configuration of her upperworks and masts gave the impression this was a German ship. No attack was possible due to the ship passing at too great a range. The vessel sighted was most likely the German blockade breaker Weserland (6521 GRT, built 1922).

3 Nov 1942
At 1425H/3, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN), sighted the top of a tripod mast bearing 198°(T) at a distance of 8 miles. The stack and the hull of the ship could not be seen but the top of the mast looked a lot like the one of the minelayer sighted twice on 10 October 1942. Enemy position was 06°17'S, 105°36'E. Before the mast was sighted some faint pinging had been heard. No attack was possible due to the long range which could not be closed. (7)

4 Nov 1942
At 0905H/4, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN), sighted smoke bearing 239°(T) at a distance of about 10 miles. Commenced approach during which the bearing was drawing to the right. The contact developed into a laden tanker of about 8000 tons. She was a new ship with a large stack over a deckhouse well aft. A military type mainmast was situated just forward of of its after deckhouse. The bridge was about two thirds of the way to the bow. Short king posts were situated about two thirds of the way forward between the after deck hourse and the bridge. Other king posts were just forward of the bridge. She had a raked bow and cruiser stern. Enemy course was 022° at 16.5 knots. She could not be found in the identification books but looked a bit like the Itsukushima Maru except that her foremast was farther forward, there were king posts near the bridge and she seemed a little smaller then 10000 tons. She could not be closed further then 8000 yards. Enemy position on sighting was 06°23'S, 105°26'E. (7)

7 Nov 1942
At 1415H/7, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN), sighted two unescorted merchant vessels thought to be of the Kamikawa Maru-class bearing 320°(T), range 8000 yards, enemy course 230°(T). These ships were in column 1000 yards apart and appeared identical. They were of about 7000 tons and were making 20 knots. They passed out of range and could not be attacked. Their position when they were sighted was 06°15'S, 105°29'E.

It was very unfortunate that the ships sighted by USS Searaven could not be attacked as they were the Japanese armed merchant cruisers Aikoko Maru and Hokoku Maru proceeding on a raid in the Indian Ocean. (7)

10 Nov 1942
At 1122H/10, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN), sighted a merchant vessel bearing 218°(T) at a range of 14000 yards. The ships course was 080°. Position of the ship when first sighted was 06°15'S, 105°30'E. Commenced closing but the closest range obtainable proved to be 5000 yards. The target was seen to fly the French flag from the gaff. She was last seen heading for the pass to the eastward of Sangiang Island. (7)

13 Nov 1942
USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) departed her patrol area in the Sunda Strait to return to Fremantle paying a visit to Christmas Island en-route. (7)

15 Nov 1942
At 1235H/15, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN), sighted Christmas Island. She patrolled, submerged, to the north of the Island. She surfaced at 2002H/15 to charge the batteries and continue the patrol on the surface. (7)

16 Nov 1942
0400H/16, USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN), set course to proceed to Flying Fish Cove, Christmas Island.

0447H/16, Submerged and continued the approach.

0745H/16, Commenced reconnoitering the area around Flying Fish Cove from about 2 miles out. Also took a series of pictures through the periscope. Saw about 12 soldiers on the beach near Smiths Point. Noted that the stranded ship that we had put a torpedo in on 5 October had settled considerably.

1300H/16, Located what appeared to be the barracks. It is a large building near Rocky Point. About 60 soldiers were seen in front of it which entered the buildings around 1305H/16.

1600H/16, Decided not to attack the barracks with the use of the deck gun as we had been warned that a 6" gun had recently been installed near Smiths Point although nothing could be seen.

1700H/16, Set course to the eastward.

2003H/16, Surfaced.

2005H/16, Sighted the lights of a ship about 3 miles north of Flying Fish Cove. Stood to the northward and patrolled north of the island during the night. (7)

17 Nov 1942
USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) sank the Japanese small transport Nissei Maru (833 GRT, built 1942) (offsite link) in Flying Fish Cove, Christmas Island in position 10°25.6'S, 105°40.28'E.

0420H/17, Submerged.

0605H/17, Headed in towards Flying Fish Cove.

0635H/17, Sighted a ship alongside the southernmost dock at Flying Fish Cove.

0705H/17, Fired two stern torpedoes from No.5 and No.6 tubes from 2700 yards. Both hit and after the second torpedo had hit it appeared that the whole ship disintegrated and she was not seen again.

0706H/17, Standing out.

0707H/17, Heard explosions which sounded like light depth charges or perhaps from a medium gun aft. Went deep to 250 feet.

0830H/17, Heard a last series of explosions. The Japanese had used a considerable amount of ammunition during this period.

2003H/17, Surfaced.

21 Nov 1942
At 0925H/21, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) arrived at Exmouth Gulf to land her excess diesel fuel there. She departed for Fremantle at 1210H/21. (7)

24 Nov 1942
USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) ended her 5th war patrol at Fremantle. She was then taken in hand for a refit by USS Pelias (T/Capt. W. Wakefield, USN). Refit was completed on 15 December 1942 and from then until 18 December 1942 and exercise programme was carried out. (7)

18 Dec 1942
At 1600H/18, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) departed from Fremantle for her 6th war patrol. She was ordered to proceed through the Banda and Ceram Seas towards her patrol area off Palau. On completion of the patrol she is to proceed to Pearl Harbour. (8)

21 Dec 1942
Around 0930H/21, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) arrived at Exmouth Gulf to top off with fuel. She departed again around 1400H/21, having taken on board 9800 gallons of fuel. (8)

31 Dec 1942
USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) claims the sinking of the Japanese minelayer Itsukushima (offsite link) off Ambon. The Itsukushima was however not in the Ambon area at that time. No ship is reported as having been sunk by the Japanese.

1430I/31, Sighted smoke bearing 266°(T) at a range of about 15 nautical miles. Commenced approach.

1434I/31, Heard an explosion close by which sounded like a depth charges. There was nothing in sight and also no aircraft were seen.

1521I/21, Several colums of smoke were seen and later it was seen that the contact turned out to be a convoy made up of three merchant vessels ('Bengal Maru-type') escorted by two A/S vessels to the right of the convoy.

1604I/15, Searaven appeared to be dead ahead of the convoy now.

1615H/15, picked up what is thought to be a destroyer about 1000 yards on the starboard wing of the convoy. Later it is tought to be the minelayer Itsukushima.

1630I/31, In position 03°54'S, 127°50'E fired three torpedoes from 1600 yards. Searaven went deep after firing. Three explosions were heard, all thought to be hits.

1633I/31, Depth charging started by the two other A/S vessels.

1710I/31, Depth charging ceased. During a lull in the depth charging it was though that breaking up noises were heard. (8)

6 Jan 1943
USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) arrived in her patrol area off Palau. (8)

9 Jan 1943
USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) attacked a Japanese convoy to the west of Babeldaob, Palau in position 07°38'N, 134°12'E. Apparently the torpedo fired missed.

1710I/9, Sighted smoke bearing 103°(T) which developed in a convoy leaving Babeldaob through the Toagel Mlungi Channel. Two large vessels were in column were in column on the starboard wing with two smaller vessels on the port wing. The convoy's base course was 300°(T) and they were zigzagging between 280°(T) and 320°(T). There was 3000 yards between the columns. All were hull down. Commenced approach on the starboard wing. Saw no escort. Got caught close ahead of the column leader which passed about 400 yards astern and that the torpedo run to the second target would be too short. Decided to attack with a stern torpedo.

1823I/9, in position 07°38'N, 134°12'E, fired one stern torpedo (Mk. XIV) from No.8 tube from 700 yards. Went deep on firing. Did not hear an explosion. [Probably the torpedo had been a dud which perhaps did inflicted some damage to the ship.] Some depth charges were dropped for about one hour but these did no damage.

2000I/9, Considered that as the convoys base course was around 300°(T) they were likely to be proceeding towards the San Bernandino Strait. Decided to give chase and overtake them during the night and then make another attack at dawn.

2108I/9, Surfaced and gave chase at 15 knots. Figured the convoy speed as 10 knots so by 0600I/10 Searaven could be 15 to miles ahead of the convoy.

10 Jan 1943
USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) attacked a two-ship, unescorted, Japanese convoy with four torpedoes north-east of Palau in position 08°47'N, 132°18'E. Apparently no hits had been obtained.

0230I/10, Left our patrol area.

0609I/10, Nothing in sight yet. Decided to patrol back and forth across the estimated enemy course line to about 6 miles on each side.

0628I/10, Sighted smoke bearing 122°(T), distance about 15 miles. Submerged.

0720I/10, The smoke developed into two ships on base couse 300°(T). Commenced approach and attack. during which it was seen that these were the same two ships from the column we attacked the day before. No escort was seen. The targets were zigzagging on courses between 285°(T) and 315°(T) at a speed of 9.5 knots.

0804I/10, In position 08°47'N, 132°18'E, fired two bow torpedoes at each of the targets so four torpedoes in total. Ranges were around 1600 to 2000 yards respectively. The first torpedo fired exploded prematurely 14 seconds after having been fired. Searaven went deep after firing the last torpedo to avoid any possible aircraft bombs. Another explosion was heard after about 1 minute and 30 seconds. The screws of the first ship were heard to stop and it was thought that this ship had been hit.

0835I/10, Returned to periscope depth. The two ships were seen smoking proceeding on course 050°(T) apparently undamaged.

1000I/10, Sighted a column of smoke bearing 345°(T), distant about 10 miles. Commenced approach. Remained on contant bearing with Searavens course as 270°(T).

1100I/10, Smoke has now faded out on the same bearing. Must have been a ship on course of about 300°(T).

Decided to spent tonight and tomorrow in this area as there seemed to pass shipping to and from Palau through this area. (8)

14 Jan 1943
USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) torpedoed and sunk the Japanese auxiliary submarine chaser Ganjitsu Maru No.1 (former whaler, 216 GRT, built 1926) and the Japanese transport ship Shiraha Maru (5682 GRT, built 1918) well to the north-west off Palau in position 09°12'N, 130°38'E.

Besides the above ships the convoy was made up of the transports Genoa Maru (6791 GRT, built 1919), Hoeisan Maru (6037 GRT, built 1918) and Kenzan Maru (4705 GRT, built 1919). Other escorts were the submarine chaser CH-20 and the auxiliary submarine chaser Showa Maru (178 GRT, built 1927) (all links are offsite links).

0850I/13, Sighted several columns of smoke bearing 141°(T) at a range of about 10 miles.

0907I/13, Smoke was blowing to the southward giving impression of ships on a northerly course. Came to course 056°(T) to close.

0918I/13, Made out masts giving the convoy a westerly course. Came to course 200°(T).

0929I/13, Changed course to 220°(T).

0959I/13, The convoy was dead ahead at 7000 yards range so came to course 270°(T). The convoys course was around 290°(T) at this time. Decided to trail to try to ascertain base course and speed.

1049I/13, Sighted a seaplane.

1130I/13, Decided convoy was on base course 300°(T), speed 9 to 10 knots. Thought over the situation for the rest of the day. Figured the convoy would be 54 miles ahead at the time Searaven could surface. With luck it would then be possible to be ahead of the convoy for an attack at daylight tomorrow.

1835I/13, Surfaced and gave chase on course 300°(T) charging on one engine and running on three. Placed the fourth engine on propulsion at the end of the battery charge.

0210I/14, Figured Searaven to be within 10 miles from the convoy. Changed course to 306°(T) to pass to starboard.

0400I/14, Figured to be abeam of the convoy. Visibility was poor due to rain squalls. Came back to course 300°(T).

0612I/14, Nothing in sight. The position of the convoy was estimatedd to be 15 miles bearing 161°(T). Changed course to 251°(T).

0707I/14, When four miles to the southwest of the estimated convoy track came to course 120°(T) and slowed to 12 knots. Planned to run to the convoy 8 knot position circle them make a run for their 10 knot position circle on track between Palau and Surigao Passage.

0740I/14, Sighted smoke bearing 160°(T) distant about 15 miles. This soon developed into several columns of smoke.

0745I/14, built up to 16 knots. Changed course to 290°(T). Figured from navigational position convoy was on base course 298°(T) at 9 knots.

0800I/14, Came to course 266°(T) taking position 15 miles ahead.

0901I/14, Changed course to 221°(T).

0907I/14, With the convoy bearing 123°(T) at 15 miles submerged and commenced approach.

1022I/14, The convoy was now bearing 276°(T) and the range was 20000 yards.

1030I/14, The convoy changed course to 280°(T) and at 1106I/14 it appeared to be on course 290°(T).

1128I/14, The convoy was on a base course 285°(T). Range to the leading ship of the starboard column, and the better target on this side of the convoy, was 4000 yards. Sailfish came to course 200°(T). The A/S vessel was a little forward of the beam of this target about 1500 yards from the column.

1132I/14, In position 09°12'N, 130°38'E, fired four bow torpedoes from a range of 3500 yards. Three were aimed at the leading merchant of the closest column and one at the A/S vessel (range 2500 yards).

A total of four explosions were heard after 1m17s, 1m25s, 2m22s and 2m30s. These were followed by depth charges and gunfire for about 10 minutes. During this time also cracking and popping sounds were heard for about 15 minutes. These sounds were followed by a loud very mushy explosion heard clearly throughout the submarine. The A/S vessel did not drop any depth charges.

1220I/14, Returned to periscope depth. The only thing in sight was a small A/S vessel in the vicinity where the convoy had been. He was cruising around at various courses in a small area apparently searching for and / or picking up survivors. It is thought the first two torpedoes fired may have hit the A/s vessel and the last two torpedoes fired hit the transport and that both had been sunk. (8)

17 Jan 1943
USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) attacked but missed the Japanese armed merchant cruiser Gokoku Maru (10438 GRT, built 1942) (offsite link) north-west of Babeldaob, Palau, in position 07°52'N, 134°02'E.

0720I/17, Sighted a transport bearing 290°(T), range about 5 nautical miles. Enemy course was 180°. Commenced attack.

0727I/7, Enemy course now 142°. Range 7000 yards.

0739I/7, In position 07°52'N, 134°02'E, fired three bow torpedoes from a little over 1600 yards. No.2 tubes outer door would not open so a full salvo of four torpedoes could not be fired. 1.5 minutes after firing the target was seen to change course towards with hardover rudder so went deep. All torpedoes thus missed. A counter attack then followed during which 15 depth charges were counted. (8)

19 Jan 1943
0737I/19, northwest of Babeldaob, Palau, in position 08°00'N, 134°00'E, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN), sighted an A/S vessel patrolling on course 060°(T) at a speed of 8 knots. This ship was evaded.

0900I/19, Smoke was sighted bearing 355°(T). Changed course to 090°(T) to close the supposed track.

0953I/19, The contact had developed into two A/S vessels about 1 mile apart patrolling on course 140°(T). Position was 08°01'N, 134°10'E. Closed to about 5000 yards but then set course to get clear as the targets were considered to be too small to attack with torpedoes. (8)

20 Jan 1943
0220I/20, west-north-west of Babeldaob, Palau, in position 07°47'N, 133°56'E, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN), sighted an A/S vessel bearing 270°(T) at a range of 4 miles. This ship was evaded as she was too small to attack with torpedoes.

0333I/20, In position 07°45'N, 133°49'E, sighted a transport, estimated to be around 4000 tons, bearing 275°(T) at a range of 4 miles. She came out of rain squall. Her course was estimated to be 120°(T). Decided to make an end around on this vessel and then attack from periscope depth.

0415I/20, The ships disappeared into the haze. USS Searaven came to course 180°(T) to close the track. At 0427I/20, course was changed to 215°(T). At 0436I/20, decided the contact must have been on a westerly course so changed course to 270°(T). At 0505I/20, course was changed to 330°(T) but ran into heavy rain squalls.

0530I/20, Submerged.

0700I/20, In position 07°43'N, 133°45'E, sighted a transport bearing 036°(T) at a range of 7 nautical miles. The ships was proceeding to the south-east. No escort was seen but the ship could not be attacked as the range could not be closed enough.

04 (8)

21 Jan 1943
1249I/21, west of Babeldaob, Palau, in position 07°42'N, 133°07'E, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN), sighted sighted smoke bearing 130°(T) at an estimated range of 15 miles. Commenced approach but at 1406I/21, the vessel was recognised as being the hospital ship Seattle Maru (6178 GRT, built 1908). She was proceeding at 8 knots on course 300°(T) and had obviously left Palau for the Phillipines earlier in the day. The approach was discontinued. (8)

23 Jan 1943
USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) attacked a Japanese transport in a convoy off Palau with four torpedoes but no hits were obtained. USS Searaven sustained some damage from depth charges in the counter attack. Following this attack Searaven had only one bow torpedo left so the patrol area was left to proceed to Pearl Harbour.

0628I/23, west-north-west of Babeldaob, Palau, in position 07°42'N, 134°11'E, smoke was sighted bearing 294°(T) well over the horizon. Commenced approach. The contact developed into a six ship convoy escorted by what are identified as three Otori-class torpedo boats as well as aircraft. Course of the convoy was 120° at 7 knots speed.

0645I/23, Obtained a position ahead of the convoy.

0750I/23, Fired four stern torpedoes from 2600 yards at the leading ship of the starboard wing of the convoy. One explosion was heard but the result was not seen as Searaven had gone deep after firing but one minute later a depth charge exploded close aboard to starboard which caused damage. The depth charge or bomb must have been dropped by an aircraft.

One of escorts came over and also started dropping depth charges fairly close. She was later joined by one more of the escorts and both dropped depth charges. Searaven meanwhile was at 315 feet. Depth charging lasted for about 20 minutes. (8)

10 Feb 1943
USS Searaven (Lt.Cdr. H. Cassedy) ended her 6th war patrol at Pearl Harbor. She was ordered to the Mare Islands Navy Yard for an overhaul.

10 Feb 1943
Around 0530W/10, USS Pollack (T/Cdr. R.E. Palmer, USN) and USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) both made rendezvous with their escort to Pearl Harbour, USS PC-584 (Lt.(jg) A.L. Pattison, USNR).

The submarines entered Pearl Harbour later that morning ending their 5th and 6th war patrols respectively. (9)

12 Feb 1943
USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) departed Pearl Harbour for the Mare Island Navy Yard where she is to undergo a major refit. (10)

19 Feb 1943
USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) arrived at the Mare Island Navy Yard from Pearl Harbour. (10)

7 May 1943
USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) completed her refit at the Mare Island Navy Yard. (10)

18 May 1943
Having completed her post-refit trials USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) departed the Mare Island Navy Yard for Pearl Harbour. (10)

25 May 1943
USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) arrived at Pearl Harbour from the Mare Island Navy Yard. At Pearl Harbour she was docked for some repairs to her torpedo tubes. Before she was ready to go on patrol four days of exercises were carried out. (10)

29 May 1943
USS Spearfish (T/Cdr. G.A. Sharp, USN) and USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbour with USS Allen (T/Lt.Cdr. H.H. Nielsen, USN). (11)

30 May 1943
USS Spearfish (T/Cdr. G.A. Sharp, USN) and USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbour with USS Allen (T/Lt.Cdr. H.H. Nielsen, USN). (11)

31 May 1943
During 31 May and 1 June 1943 USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbour with USS Allen (T/Lt.Cdr. H.H. Nielsen, USN). (12)

6 Jun 1943
Around 1300VW/6, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) departed from Pearl Harbor for her 7th war patrol. She was initially ordered to patrol north-north-west of the Mariana Islands area. Before proceeding to her patrol area she is to top off with fuel and water at Midway. She was escorted out until 2000VW/6 [identity of the escort not mentioned in the patrol report]. (10)

12 Jun 1943
Around 0830X/12, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) arrived at Midway from Pearl Harbour. At midway she was taken in hand for repairs as a defect had occured on No.4 engine. (10)

16 Jun 1943
Around 1400Y/16, with the repairs completed, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) departed Midway for her patrol area. (10)

20 Jun 1943
At 1155M/20, a lookout on board USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) reported seeing a puff of smoke on the horizon bearing 320°(T). This was not seen by the Officer on duty. Altered course to 320°(T) to close and investigate.

1215M/20, Nothing in could be seen on the reported bearing. Made a careful search from beam to beam through the high periscope. Decided the smoke had probably been a whale spouting. Came back to our original course of 262°(T).

1242M/20, In position 26°20'N, 168°08'E, sighted a ship bearing 290°(T) range about 7 miles. This ship suddenly appeared through the slight haze on the horizon. Reversed course to open out and track the contact.

1246M/20, The contact was very difficult to see only a very dim outline was visible and only the superstructure could be seen. It was thought to be a small vessel with thee superstructure amidships. One tall mast appeared to come out of the superstructure. It was thought the contact was on course 200°(T). The outline was to dim for a positive identification. USS Searaven came to course 200°(T) and no.1 and no.2 engine were started to warm them up to keep smoking down as much as possible but both started to smoke badl [USS Searaven suffered badly from smoking main engines after her refit.]

1259M/20, The ship had been out of sight for five minutes. Came to course 240°(T) to close the track. Increased speed to 16 knots.

1311M/20, Still no sign of the ship. Came to course 300°(T) to close thinking that the ship may have turned to the north or the west.

1321M/20, Speed now 17 knots. Still no sign of the ship. Came to course 000°(T) figuring on moving north, then north-west, then west and finally south to cover possible tracks.

1328M/20, When near the position where the ship had last been seen the Executive Officer sighted what he believed to be a periscope about one point forward of the port beam at about 1500 yards. Swung with hard over rudder to 090°(T). Went to full power and retired behind the resulting heavy smoke screen.

Later it was thought the ships seen had been a Japanese submarine. [We can place no Japanese submarine in this area on this time though.] (10)

24 Jun 1943
During 24 and 25 June 1943, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) conducted a periscope reconnaissance of Marcus Island during which a small transport (about 1500 tons) and escort were seen off the island. The small size of the target did not warrant a torpedo attack and most likely anti torpedo nets would be installed to the seaward of the target. (10)

28 Jun 1943
Around 2200K/28, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN), entered her patrol area in position 21°00'N, 144°36'E. (10)

11 Jul 1943
0644K/11, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) sighted a lone enemy destroyer of the modern type bearing 030°(T) at a range of about 10000 yards. Her course was 270° and she was doing around 20 knots. She was first mistaken for a cruiser. It was considered that she was probably part of a screen of a larger force so decided to let her go by unmolester and hope for bigger prey.

0655K/11, When the range was 3500 yards the destroyer came left to course 170° presenting zero angle on the bow. Eased down to 120 feet while the enemy came down the starboard side. She was not pinging.

0720K/11, the destroyer went out of sight on bearing 160°(T). She had been zig zagging redically. USS Searaven came to course 090°(T).

0739K/11, Changed course to 130°(T) and at 0800K/11 to 140°(T).

0820K/11, When in position 27°34'N, 137°30'E, sighted a formation of ships and planees bearing 034°(T) distant 20000 yards. First appeared four large ships and a number of smaller ones. Angle on the bow appreared quite small. Range did not change and bearing hauled rapidly to the southward. USS Searaven changed course to 120°(T).

The ships were identified as aircraft carriers of the Skokaku-class. Masts were riggers on the trailing carrier and lowered on the leading carrier. They were hull down and mast had given the impression that more ships had been present. Islands and foremast had given the impression of a small angle on the bow where it was now seen to be around 80° starboard.

0839K/11, Identified the leading ship as a Chitose-class seaplane tender and the trailing ship as a Tone-class heavy cruiser. The tops of what most likely were three destroyers were also seen. Two floatplanes and two single engine carrier planes provided A/S escort overhead.

0925K/11, The formation went over the horizon. their base course had been 155°(T) with a speed of about 15 knots. An enemy contact report was sent after surfacing in the evening.

The force sighted was made up of the aircraft carriers TONE and CHIKUMA depart Shinagawa with a task force: CarDiv 1's Shokaku, Zuikaku, Zuiho, heavy cruisers Tone, Chikuma, Mogami, light cruisers Agano, Oyodo and the destroyers Arashi, Hagikaze, Isokaze, Hatsuzuki, Suzutsuki and Tamanami (all offsite links). They were en-route from Tokyo Bay to Truk. (10)

14 Jul 1943
At 0610K/14, when southwest of Iwo Jima, in position 23°54'N, 140°23'E, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) shipped two enormous seas. Water came into the conning tower and electrical equipment was damaged as well as to the after battery. (10)

16 Jul 1943
At 2000K/16, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) informed ComSubPac in a signal that she is going to leave her patrol area and is going to patrol further to the eastward between 151'E and 152'E and then north of 21'N. This due to a shortage of lubrication oil which was due to excessive usage by the engines. (10)

21 Jul 1943
USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) departed her patrol area to patrol off Marcus Island. (10)

23 Jul 1943
USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) made a persicope reconnaissance off Marcus Island. A patrol vessel was sighted patrolling to the south of the island. (10)

29 Jul 1943
USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) ended her 7th war patrol at Midway. She was then taken in hand for refit by the submarine base. On completion of the refit three days of exercises were carried out before she was ready to depart on her next patrol. (13)

20 Aug 1943
Around 1300Y/20, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) departed from Midway for her 8th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in Japanese home waters off the north-eastern coast of Honshu. She was escorted out until 1500Y/20 [identity of the escort not mentioned in the patrol report]. (14)

22 Aug 1943
At 1755M/22, in position 30°44'N, 177°23'E, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN), sighted what is thought to be a fairly large vessel bearing 310°(T) at a range of about 12 nautical miles. USS Searaven tried to intercept but the ship, which was on a southerly course at a speed of around 18 knots, but she could not be closed. The identity of this vessel is not clear, Japanese surface vessels would not be that far out and also no Japanese submarine was in these waters. No Allied ships were reported to be in this area as well. (14)

26 Aug 1943
At 1547L/26, in position 36°37'N, 156°57'E, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN), sighted a large sampan of about 500 tons bearing 244°(T) at a range of 8000 yards. The ships draft was too shallow to attack with torpedoes and as it was thought this was a picket boat and that she would be armed she was not attacked with the deck gun. (14)

28 Aug 1943
At 0425L/28, in position 36°57'N, 149°33'E, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN), sighted two sampans in column directly ahead at a range of 3000 yards. They had been detected by the SJ radar shorly before. Evaded them as these were most likely picket boats. (14)

29 Aug 1943
USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) arrived in her patrol area off northern Honshu, Japan. (14)

2 Sep 1943
At 0810K/2, north-east of Iwaki, Honshu, in position 37°17'N, 141°47'E, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) sighted a ship bearing 294°(T). The sampans course was 200°(T). It was first though to be a bigger ship but on closing the range it was seen to be a sampan of only 100 tons. She was not attack so as not to give away the submarines position.

At 1627K/2, in position 37°23'N, 141°48'E, two sampans were sighted bearing 050°(T) on course 310°(T). These were in column 500 yards apart and are thought to be patrolling. They were of about the same size then the sampan sighted earlier this day. (14)

3 Sep 1943
At 0200K/3, east of Iwaki, Honshu, in position 37°04'N, 142°24'E, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) obtained two small radar contacts bearing 055°(T) at a range of 4500 yards. Commenced tracking which gave that the contacts were on course 300°(T) at 4 knots. They were 500 yards apart. Closed to 3500 yards to investigate and it is thought it may be the same two sampans sighted yesterday afternoon. If that was the case they were patrolling along a convoy lane which the Japanese had been using before. Decided to patrol along this convoy lane.

1917K/3, in position 36°54'N, 142°04'E, sighted a sampan proceeding on course 310°(T), avoided her. (14)

4 Sep 1943
At 0605K/4, north-east of Iwaki, Honshu, in position 37°19'N, 142°01'E, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) sighted two sampans of about 80 tons proceeding on course 315°(T) proceeding at 4 knots. Both had radio antennae and were most likely picket boats. They passed at 1500 yards.

At 0845K/4, in position 37°14'N, 141°55'E, sighted a sampan of about 100 tons on course 340°(T) proceeding at 6 knots. Evaded. (14)

5 Sep 1943
At 0335K/5, south-east of Sendai, Honshu, in position 37°45'N, 142°10'E, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) obtained a radar contact bearing 270°(T) at a range of 4600 yards. Closed but the target was not visible at 3000 yards. It was a very small pip also. Must be another patrolling sampan so avoided.

At 0915K/5, in position 37°45'N, 142°00'E, sighted a sampan bearing 180°(T) at a range of about 8000 yards. The sampans course was 320°(T) at 4 knots. She was larger then the previous saipans sighted, about 150 tons and looked like a miniature USS Holland. It was possible the same one contacted earlier this day.

2232K/5, in position 37°45'N, 142°14'E, obtained a radar contact bearing 035°(T) at 5250 yards. Tracked the target on course 130°(T) at 4 knots. It was a small pip on the radar scope.

2300K/5, The target reversed course and was not visible at 3000 yards. Later lost contact at 4200 yards and contact could not be regained. Must have been either a patrolling sampan which had reached the end of her patrol line or a submarine that had submerged. (14)

8 Sep 1943
At 1025K/8, east of Iwaki, Honshu, in position 37°03'N, 141°26'E, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) sighted a small sampan of about 50 tons proceeding on a southerly course at 6 knots. She was not attacked. (14)

11 Sep 1943
At 0243K/11, south-east of Sendai, Honshu, in position 37°28'N, 142°25'E, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) obtained a radar contact bearing 125°(T) at a range of 4500 yards. The contact developed into two small pips. Figured these were the routine patrols. Due to a mistake we came to close to another pip which had appeared on the radar scope at 0302K/11 at a range of only 2500 yards. The submarine must have sighted as a signal was flashed towards. Then quickly got clear of the contacts. (14)

14 Sep 1943
At 1200K/14, east of Kinkasan Island, in position 38°14'N, 142°21'E, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) sighted a sampan of about 80 tons 038°(T) at a range of 4000 yards. She was proceeding on a course of 320°(T) at 4 knots. (14)

16 Sep 1943
At 1110K/16, south-east of Sendai, Honshu, in position 37°43'N, 141°43'E, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) sighted a patrol boat of about 100 tons 172°(T) at a range of 5000 yards. She was proceeding on a course of 020°(T) at 5 knots. She seemed to be patrolling the 100 fathom curve. Evaded. She passed at a range of about 2500 yards. (14)

24 Sep 1943
At 0438K/24, off Sendai Bay, Honshu, in position 38°03'N, 141°23'E, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) obtained a radar contact on a small vessel bearing 050°(T) at a range of 4000 yards. Placed the contact and commenced tracking which gave the following result; enemy course 135°(T) at a speed of 4.5 knots. Contact was lost at 0500K/24 at a range of 6000 yards. Sight contact was lost soon afterwards.

At 1003K/24, in position 37°48'N, 141°23'E, sighted a sampan bearing 183°(T) proceeding on a northerly course. Range was about 5000 yards. Went to 120 feet to let him pass close aboard.

At 1300K/24, in position 37°43'N, 141°26'E, a sampan was sighted bearing 202°(T) at a range of 7000 yards on an opposite course. Evaded. (14)

25 Sep 1943
At 0221K/25, north-east of Iwaki, Honshu, in position 37°14'N, 141°35'E, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) obtained a radar contact on a small vessel bearing 265°(T) at a range of 4000 yards. The target tracked on course 315°(T) at a speed of 5 knots. Radar contact was lost at 0231K/25 when the range was 6000 yards. The target had never been sighted. (14)

26 Sep 1943
At 1233K/26, well to the east-south-east of Sendai, Honshu, in position 37°38'N, 143°11'E, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) sighted four sampans in loose column about 500 to 800 yards apart on course 240°(T) doing about 8 knots. The nearest one passed 1500 yards abeam. They were all around 100 tons in size and all mounted guns forward, had radio antennae and what were most likely depth charge racks aft. Evaded them as they were obviously patrol / picket boats. (14)

27 Sep 1943
At 1830K/27, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) left patrol to return to Midway. (14)

2 Oct 1943
At 1200Y/2, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) arrived at Midway where she disembarked 18 torpedoes and took on board almost 30000 gallons of fuel. She left for Pearl Harbour at 1717Y/2. (14)

5 Oct 1943
At 1400X/5, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) and USS Pargo (T/Cdr. I.C. Eddy, USN) joined company. (15)

6 Oct 1943
Around 0600W/6, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) and USS Pargo (T/Cdr. I.C. Eddy, USN) were joined by an escort [identity not known] which was to escort them to Pearl Harbour. The submarines arrived at Pearl Harbour around 1000W/6 ending their 8th and 1st war patrols respectively. (15)

7 Oct 1943
USS Searaven is taken in hand for refit at Pearl Harbour to make her fit her her next patrol. Refit is completed on 24 October. From 25 to 31 October 1943 an exercise programme was carried out. (16)

25 Oct 1943
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbour. (17)

26 Oct 1943
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbour. (17)

27 Oct 1943
From 27 to 29 October 1943, USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbour. These included night exercises. (17)

30 Oct 1943
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbour. (17)

31 Oct 1943
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbour with USS Greenlet (T/Cdr. F.W. Laing, USN). (17)

3 Nov 1943
Around 1200VW/3, USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN) and USS Apogon (T/Cdr. W.P. Schoeni, USN) departed from Pearl Harbor for their 9th and 1st war patrols respectively. They were ordered to patrol in the Eastern Caroline Islands and the shipping lanes between Truk and Kwajalein respectively. They were escorted out until 1900VW/3, by USS PC-584 (Lt.(jg) A.W. Bartlett, USNR). Before proceeding to their patrol areas they were to top off with fuel at Johnston Island. (18)

5 Nov 1943
Around 1200VW/5, USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN) arrived at Johnston Island to top off with fuel and make some minor voyage repairs. She departed for her patrol area around 1800X/5. (16)

14 Nov 1943
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN) arrived in her patrol area and commenced patrolling the shipping route between Truk and Makin Island. (16)

18 Nov 1943
At 2010L/18, between Truk and Ponape, in position 06°32'N, 155°53'E, USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN), obtained a radar contact bearing 242°(T) at a range of 16000 yards. Commenced tracking which gave the target as being on course 100°(T) at 6.5 knots.

At 2050L/18, the target could be seen but appeared to be very small.

At 2111L/18, the range had come down to 3500 yards and the target could clearly be seen. It was considered to be a small patrol vessel not worth a torpedo attack due to its shallow draft. She was then evaded. (16)

25 Nov 1943
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. M.H. Dry) torpedoed and sank the Japanese fleet tanker Toa Maru (10052 GRT, built 1934, offsite link) north of Ponape in position 08°20'N, 158°01'E. The escorting destroyer had been the Akigumo.

1353L/25, sighted a ship bearing 284°(T) at 15000 yards. Commenced approach on the target which turned out to be a large Japanese tanker escorted by a destroyer.

1432L/25, In position 08°20'N, 158°01'E, fired four bow torpedoes at the tanker from 1300 yards. Went deep on firing and rigged for depth charging. Two torpedo explosions were heard while going deep.

1438L/25, Depth charging started with a pattern of six. Searaven was at 275 feet by now.

1448L/25, Seven depth charges were dropped in rapid succession. Also what are thought to be breaking up noises were heard.

1730L/25, The last of a total of 27 depth charges were dropped.

1950L/25, Surfaced. Nothing in sight.

5 Dec 1943
1905L/5, When east-north-east of Ponape, in position 08°15'N, 161°53'E, USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. M.H. Dry), obtained a radar contact bearing 156°(T) at a range of 30950 yards. Commenced tracking which gave that the target was proceeding on a base course of 240°(T) at a speed of about 15 knots. The target was zig-zagging and appeared to be bound for Ponape. To make a sucessful attack an end around would be needed.

0200L/6, When in position 07°40'N, 161°00'E, the target changed course to 270°(T) apparently heading for Truk.

0549L/6, Dived to 65 feet and commenced a periscope approach during which it was seen the the target was a large tanker escorted by two destroyers. Due to a change in the zigzag pattern no favourable attack position could be obtained.

The tanker must have been the Nippon Maru (10024 GRT, built 1936, offsite link) en route from Kwajalein to Truk escorted by the destroyers Maikaze and Nowaki. (16)

13 Dec 1943
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN) departed her patrol area to return to Pearl Harbour via Johnston Island. (16)

19 Dec 1943
At 1130X/19, USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN) arrived at Johnston Island where she embarked 19400 gallons of fuel (she had only 3250 gallons remaining on arrival).

She departed for Pearl Harbour around 1635WX/19. On departure she assisted in towing the stranded transport Admiral Nulton (American, 3545 GRT, built 1920) off the reef in the turning basin. (16)

22 Dec 1943
Around 0700VW/22, USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN) made rendezvous with USS PC-1080 (Lt. A.G. Steer, Jr., USNR) which then escorted her to Pearl Harbour.

USS Searaven moored at the Submarine Base at 1130VW/22 ending her 9th war patrol.

USS Searaven refitted from 23 December 1943 to 5 January 1944 during which period she was also docked.

Post refit trials and exercises were carried out from 6 to 12 January 1944. (16)

11 Jan 1944
During 11/12 January 1944, USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN) and USS Apogon (T/Cdr. W.P. Schoeni, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbour with USS Greenlet (Lt. J.T. Hodgson, Jr., USNR). (19)

17 Jan 1944
Around 1100VW/17, USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN) departed from Pearl Harbor for her 10th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Marshall (Eniwetok), Caroline (Truk) and Marianas Islands (Saipan) areas. She was escorted out by USS PC-570 (Lt. A.W. Cocroft, USNR) until 1945VW/17. Before proceeding to her patrol area USS Searaven is to top off with fuel at Johnston Island. (20)

19 Jan 1944
Around 0920WX/19, USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN) arrived at Johnston Island. After embarking 14290 gallons of fuel she departed for her patrol area around 1745X/19. (20)

26 Jan 1944
At 0330L/26, when passing through position 12°00'N, 163°00'E, USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN) entered her patrol area. (20)

27 Jan 1944
During the day, USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN), conducted periscope reconnaissance of the islands of the Eniwetok Atoll. A total of 141 photographs were taken through the periscope and also a movie was shot. No shipping was sighted inside the lagoon. Also no patrol vessels were encountered. About 50 Japanese were seen working on the beach on the northeast end of Eniwetok Island. (20)

29 Jan 1944
At 1048L/29, USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN), sighted the tops of an enemy transport bearing 057°(T) at a distance of 8 nautical miles in position 11°18'N, 162°20'E which was one mile of the entrance to Wide Passage. The ship then entered the atoll and anchored off Engebi Island.

In the afternoon more pictures of the Eniwetok Atoll were taken. (20)

9 Feb 1944
After over a week of lifeguard duties off Eniwetok, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN), took more pictures of the Atoll following the air strikes which had been carried out. (20)

13 Feb 1944
in the late afternoon, after several more days of lifeguard duties, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN), departed the Enewitok area. She set course to patrol between Truk and Ponape. (20)

16 Feb 1944
At 0200L/16, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN), passed through position 07°20'N, 156°10'E, entering her new patrol area.

At 1432L/16, in position position 07°20'N, 156°10'E, USS Searaven sighted smoke bearing 200°(T). Commenced to close to investigate.

At 1448L/16, sighted the masts of a freigher.

At 1532L/16, sighted the masts of two escort vessels near the freighter.

At 1607L/16, the approach was broken off as USS Searaven was to be off Truk for lifeguard duties the following morning. (20)

18 Feb 1944
At 1038L/18, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN), rescued three American aviators from a rubber boat off Truk. (20)

20 Feb 1944
Late in the evening, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN), departed the Truk area to proceed towards the Mariana Islands. (20)

22 Feb 1944
At 0345K/22, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN) obtained a radar contact bearing 330°(T) at a range of 11800 yards. It was only a very weak pip on the screen and was probably a small patrol vessel. Contact was lost soon afterwards and could not be regained. (20)

23 Feb 1944
At 0130K/23, in position 15°03'N, 144°56'E, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN) obtained a radar contact bearing 330°(T) at a range of 17000 yards. It was a small single pip proceeding on course 190°(T). Most likely a patrol vessel so evaded this contact.

0212K/23, Resumed course to get to our assigned station off Saipan.

0240K/23, In position 15°11'N, 144°56'E, obtained a radar contact bearing 300°(T) at a range of 16900 yards. Tracked this target on course 180°(T) at 6 knots. It was only a small pip so considered that this was another patrol vessel.

0258K/23, In position 15°20'N, 144°10'E, obtained another radar contact bearing 036°(T) at a range of 24250 yards. This was determined to be an other American submarine (USS Sunfish).

0408K/23, In position 15°41'N, 144°57'E, obtained another radar contact bearing 355°(T) at a range of 24800 yards. This was determined to be an other American submarine (USS Tang).

0600K/23, Submerged and proceeded towards the assigned position for lifeguard duties.

1240K/23, In position 15°26'N, 145°20'E, sighted four sampans, two with their sails rigged. They were heading northwards at a speed of around 6 knots.

1640K/23, In position 15°16'N, 145°25'E, sighted a large sampan at a range of 5 nautical miles proceeding on a course of 115°(T) at 6 knots.

2135K/23, In position 15°20'N, 145°10'E, obtained another radar contact bearing 130°(T) at a range of 16000 yards. Tracked the target as northbound at 4 knots. Did not close this target as it was suspected to be the submarine trap (Q-ship) reported by earlier (by USS Sunfish). (20)

25 Feb 1944
At 2030K/25, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN) departed her patrol area in the Mariana Islands for Midway. (20)

3 Mar 1944
At 0900Y/3, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN) ended her 10th war patrol at Midway. She is then taken in hand for a short refit by the submarine base there. refit was completed on 20 March 1944. During 22/23 March 1944 exercises were carried out off Midway. (21)

26 Mar 1944
At 1600Y/26, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN) departed from Midway for her 11th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off the Bonin Islands. (22)

4 Apr 1944
At 0400K/4, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN) passed through position 24°00'N, 143°00'E and entered her patrol area.

At 0601K/4, Sighted a searchlight directed at Searaven. This was seen to come from a patrol boat bearing 270°(T). Distance was about 5 nautical miles. Position was 24°08'N, 142°20'E which was to the south-east of Iwo Jima. It was a patrol vessel which was difficult to see. Light conditions were favourable for the enemy therefore he was able to see the submarine first. SJ radar had not picked up this target (yet), so most likely it was rather small. (20)

6 Apr 1944
At 0010K/6, south-west of Iwo Jima, in position 24°30'N, 141°05'E, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN) obtained a radar contact bearing 020°(T) at 22000 yards. Commenced tracking which gave the contacts course as 170°(T) at 8 knots. The contact turned out to be a convoy of 7 to 8 ships, 3 or 4 were thought to be escorts. One of the escorts was 7000 to 8000 yards in front of the convoy going from one side to the other at a speed of 5 knots.

0306K/6, Range to the largest target was 8200 yards. The closest escort was then about 4000 yards away. Dived to periscope depth.

0358K/6, Unable to see any part of the convoy from periscope depth. The moon was now one hour from setting and was covered by clouds.

0410K/6, Still no targets in sight.

0413K/6, Sighted what is thought to be the original target (the largest ship of the convoy) bearing 345° relative with a port angle on the bow at a range of 2000 yards. Swung right for a stern shot but soon steadied when a destroyer came into sight at 1200 yards.

0415K/6, With the setup almost completed the destroyer turned towards presenting zero angle on the bow at a range of about 700 yards. There was no time to fire a down the throat shot and Searaven started to go deep.

0417K/6, The destroyer went right over the submarine but did not drop any depth charges.

0420K/6, Searaven was now at 225 feet while the convoy passed overhead.

0515K/6, Surfaced with the closest vessel of the convoy at a range of about 14000 yards bearing 191°(T). Commenced an end around to the west of the convoy for a daylight attack.

0559K/6, in position 24°05'N, 141°07'E, a radar contact was obtained bearing 073°(T) at a range of 13650 yards and closing. Then sighted a patrol vessel on this bearing. Tracked it on course 220°(T) which put this vessel directly between Searaven and the convoy.

0615K/6, Evaded this escort vessel and lost contact at a range of 18000 yards.

0650K/6, Changed course and opened out the make an end around to the eastward.

0833K/6, Obtained radar contact on an aircraft at 9 miles and closing. Dived and changed course to trail the convoy.

0837K/6, Searaven was at 120 feet when the aircraft dropped a bomb. The explosion was loud but not close.

1150K/6, Surfaced to close the convoy again but could not regain contact. (20)

9 Apr 1944
At 1020K/9, while south-south-west of Iwo Jima, in position 24°12'N, 141°08'E, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN), while running at 60 feet and 20 seconds after exposing the periscope, two bombs or depth charges were dropped close aboard which caused some damage. (22)

17 Apr 1944
USS Searaven (T/Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN) torpedoed and sank the Japanese auxiliary minesweeper Noshiro Maru No.2 (216 GRT, built 1923) in position 25°52'N, 142°24'E.

At 0740K/17, east of Iwo Jima, in position 25°00'N, 142°46'E, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN) sighted smoke on the horizon bearing 025°(T). Changed course to close. Increased speed to 15 knots.

0826K/17, Again sighted smoke now bearing 014°(T). Visibility was now hazy.

0845K/17, Visibility cleared. Sighted four ships through the periscope. Range was about 11 miles. Later lost contact.

1134K/17, Regained contact when smoke was again sighted now bearing 335°(T). Commenced an end around run.

1345K/17, Abeam of the convoy, distance 20 miles. The convoys base course was established as being 335°(T).

1531K/17, Now dead ahead of the convoy at 21 miles. Dived to close the convoy submerged.

1742K/17, Sighted the tops of four ships which later turned out to be two transports, one trawler and a yacht type escort.

1826K/17, Course of the convoy was now 355°(T). The freighters were on the left flank and the escorts on the right flank.

1828K/17, in position 25°52'N, 142°24'E, four torpedoes were fired at the leading transport, thought to be of 5500 tons, from 1100 yards. Two hits were obtained which blew the target to pieces.

1829K/17, Went deep and rigged for depth charges. While going deep breaking up noises were heard for several minutes.

1830K/17, The escorts went to work and started dropping depth charges quite close.

1908K/17, After 37 depth charges had been counted it was thought the escorts had exhausted their supply as no more were dropped while they remained hunting. Some minor damage had been caused by the depth charges. (22)

1 May 1944
USS Searaven (T/Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN) claims the sinking of a yacht type escort vessel south-east of Hahajima in position 25°43'N, 142°41'E.

0912K/1, east of Iwo Jima, in position 24°35'N, 143°00'E, the high periscope watch of USS Searaven sighted smoke on the horizon bearing 298°(T). Range was about 22000 yards. Commenced an end around at full speed. Contact was lost at 0941K/1. Enemy course was to the north-north-west.

1650K/1, Regained contact bearing 120°(T). Commenced another end around to gain a position ahead.

1734K/1, The target was now almost dead astern bearing 165°(T). Submerged.

1813K/1, Heading of the target now 160°(T), range about 12000 yards.

1835K/1, Targets course now 340°(T), speed 7 knots. The target is thought to be not very big.

1851K/1, With the range estimated at 4000 yards, came left for a stern tube shot. Unable to determine the type of ship the target is.

1856K/1, Tracking the target by sound. Set the torpedoes to four feet to ensure hitting.

1902K/1, In position 25°43'N, 142°41'E, fired three stern torpedoes. The condition of the sea permitted only one look through the periscope and it was then seen that the target was a yacht type escort vessel of about 1000 tons. Average run of the torpedoes was 850 yards.

1903K/1, The second torpedo was seen to hit and the target blew up, and except for the clipper bow, sank immediately.

1905K/1, Two of the targets ready depth charges went off and caused the bow also to sink. (22)

3 May 1944
At 2000K/3, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN) departed her patrol area for Midway. (22)

9 May 1944
USS Searaven (T/Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN) arrived at Midway. (22)

11 May 1944
USS Searaven (T/Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN) departed Midway for Pearl Harbour where she is to refit. (22)

14 May 1944
USS Searaven (T/Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN) ended her 11th war patrol at Pearl Harbour. On the 15th she is taken in hand for refit at the Pearl Harbour Navy Yard. The refit was completed on 25 July 1944. From 5 to 12 August 1944 a training programme was carried out. (23)

4 Aug 1944
USS Searaven (T/Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbour. (24)

5 Aug 1944
USS Searaven (T/Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbour. (24)

6 Aug 1944
USS Searaven (T/Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN) and USS Growler (T/Cdr. T.B. Oakley, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbour with USS Burden R. Hastings (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Fay, USNR) and USS Rall (Lt.Cdr. C.B. Taylor, USNR). (25)

7 Aug 1944
During 7/8 August 1944, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbour. These included night exercises. (24)

10 Aug 1944
During 10/11 August 1944, USS Skipjack (T/Cdr. R.S. Andrews, USN) and USS Searaven (T/Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbour with USS Burden R. Hastings (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Fay, USNR).

Later USS Seahorse (T/Capt. C.W. Wilkins, USN) and USS Allen (Lt. W.J. Riley, Jr., USNR) before the night exercises commenced.

On the 11th, USS Greiner (T/Lt.Cdr. L.H. Kiser, USN) also joined. (25)

12 Aug 1944
USS Skipjack (T/Cdr. R.S. Andrews, USN) and USS Searaven (T/Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbour with USS Burden R. Hastings (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Fay, USNR). (25)

15 Aug 1944
At 1330VW/15, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN) departed the Submarine Base at Pearl Harbour for her 12th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off the Kuril Islands via Midway where she was to top off with fuel and water before proceeding to her patrol area. She was escorted out by USS PC-603 (Lt.(jg) S. Powel, Jr., USNR) which escorted the submarine until 2015VW/15. (26)

19 Aug 1944
USS Searaven (T/Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN) arrived at Midway from Pearl Harbour. She was then taken in hand for voyage repairs and repairs to no.1 engine, which was defective upon arrival, by USS Proteus (T/Capt. R.W. Berry, USN). (26)

21 Aug 1944
With her repairs completed and a dockside trials run for no.1 engine carried out, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN), departed Midway to proceed to her patrol area off the Kuriles. (26)

28 Aug 1944
USS Searaven (T/Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN) entered her patrol area after passing through position 46°50'N, 157°00'E. (26)

1 Sep 1944
At 0734L/1, in position 52°17'N, 155°41'E, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN) sighted a ship bearing 030°(T) at a range of 20000 yards. Commenced approach but this was broken off when it was seen that this was a properly marked Russian transport proceeding on course 150°(T) at 10 knots.

At 1450L/1, in position 51°54'N, 156°17'E, a northbound transport was sighted bearing 095°(T) at a range of 16000 yards. She was subsequently also identified as Russian.

At 2312L/1, in position 52°40'N, 154°20'E, the running lights of a vessel were sighted bearing 320°(T) at a range of about 7 nautical miles. The ship was identified as Russian. (22)

3 Sep 1944
At 0822L/3, when in position 50°24'N, 155°38'E, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN) sighted 5 sampans in Kakumabetsu Bay, Paramushiru. These were not attacked.

At 0904L/3, when in position 50°27'N, 155°42'E, USS Searaven sighted 23 sampans in Kakumabetsu Bay, Paramushiru. These were not attacked.

At 1242L/3, when to the west of Paramushiru in position 50°34'N, 155°35'E, USS Searaven sighted a ship hull down through the periscope bearing 104°(T) at an estimated range of 16000 yards. Commenced approach on the ship which was proceeding to the south-east.

At 1255L/3, it was seen that the ship had an escort which was later thought to be a Sokuten-class minelayer.

At 1320L/3, a third vessel was sighted trailing the other ships by 4 to 5 miles. This is thought to be a patrol vessel.

At 1348L/3, a second patrol vessel was sighted.

At 1430L/3, the transport was lost out of sight. The closest range had been 10000 yards. (26)

4 Sep 1944
USS Searaven (T/Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN) sank a small Japanese fishing trawler with gunfire in position 47°03'N, 151°21'E.

At 1533L/4, when in position 46°55'N, 151°24'E, USS Searaven, sighted three small craft thought to be trawlers bearing 355°(T) at a range of 5000 yards. Dived to observe but for set in and the targets could no longer be seen. Contact could not be regained and a search was started.

1852L/4, Sighted a single fishing trawler bearing 110°(T) at a range of 4000 yards. Manned battle stations and commenced approach.

1907L/4, Opened fire with the 4" gun from 2500 yards, gradually closing the range to 500 yards. When the range was 1500 yards fire was also opened with the two 20mm and one .50 cal.

1925L/4, The target was now well ablaze. Two minutes later fire was ceased and the target sank at 1733L/4 in position 47°03'N, 151°21'E. There had been no return fire.

27 Rounds of 4", 600 rounds of 20mm and 300 rounds of .50 Cal had been expended. (26)

6 Sep 1944
At 0541L/6, when north-west of Chirinkotan-to, in position 49°04'N, 153°24'E, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN) sighted a sampan. She was avoided. (26)

11 Sep 1944
At 0915L/11, in the Sea of Ochotsk, in position 49°54'N, 150°07'E, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN) sighted what was initially thought to be an Chidori-class torpedo boat on the horizon bearing 085°(T). Initially only smoke and the foremast had been seen but on closing it was thought to be a torpedo boat.

0946L/11, Range now 9000 yards. The target appears to speed up and slow down alternately as if searching. He was not using echo ranging.

0953L/11, Range now 8500 yards.

1007L/11, Range now 7800 yards.

1011L/11, Observed the target heading away at 18 knots.

1025L/11, Target lost over the horizon bearing 214°(T). On closing the target further it was seen to be not a torpedo boat but a minesweeper of the modern type.

The minesweeper sighted was most likely W-24 (offsite link). (26)

13 Sep 1944
At 0704L/13, north of eastern Etorfu, in position 45°48'N, 148°40'E, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN), sighted a single ship through the high periscope bearing 139°(T). The ship was difficult to make out in the morning light and was not visible from the bridge. It's two masts appeared to be close together.

0705L/13, Dived.

0743L/13, At 45 feet, the target is in sight bearing 182°(T). Only the tops of the masts were visible though.

0800L/13, The masts were no longer visible. The target was evidently proceeding southbound down the west coast of Etorfu. The target was not seen afterwards as Searaven was kept down by an aircraft. (26)

14 Sep 1944
At 0704L/14, east-north-east of Etorfu, in position 45°35'N, 149°03'E, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN), sighted a steady light bearing 340°(T). This developed into three separate lights. Radar made contact at 6000 yards and three small vessels were tracked on course 217°(T) at 6 knots, heading for the coast of Etorfu. The outlines of these vessels were not visible, but they must have been small fishing vessels or cargo sampans.

2350L/14, north-east of Etorfu, in position 45°42'N, 148°56'E, obtained a radar contact bearing 356°(T) at a range of 6200 yards. Tracked the target on course 250°(T) at a speed of 6 knots. Decided to have a closer look at this one. It turned out to be a flat barge and could be seen only properly at 600 yards. It was possibly a landing craft. Let it pass. The target did not seem to have noticed the submarine. (26)

15 Sep 1944
At 1208L/15, east-north-east of La Perouse Strait, in position 46°14'N, 145°45'E, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN), sighted a ship bearing 254°(T) at a range of about 22000 yards. Started an end around to the northward, then submerged and started an approach.

1400L/15, Determined the target to be a Russian Liberty ship proceeding on course 035°(T) at a speed of 12 knots. Took pictures through the periscope.

1629L/15, In position 46°42'N, 145°48'E, sighted smoke, shorty after having surfaced, bearing 305°(T). Commenced an end around to the southward. Estimated course of the target was 220°(T) at 7 knots.

1814L/15, In position 46°06'N, 145°14'E, sighted smoke bearing 232°(T). Decided to get into a position so that contact could be kept with both targets. Estimated course of the target was 075°(T).

1843L/15, Submerged and commenced an approach on the first target which was later seen to be Russian.

1929L/15, Sunset and then lost contact with the second target.

2015L/15, Surfaced to try to locate the second target. This was most likely a Russian as she was unescorted and very near to the regular Russian shipping route. She could however not be found but at 0520L/16, in position 47°28'N, 146°35'E, a properly lighted Russian transport was sighted on course 200°(T) at a speed of 7 knots. (26)

19 Sep 1944
At 0309L/19, east of La Perouse Strait, in position 45°43'N, 144°50'E, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN), sighted a light on the horizon. Headed towards.

0317L/19, SJ radar picked up the target at 18750 yards. Tracked the target on course 270°(T) at a speed of 7 knots.

0350L/19, Observed the target to be a correctly lit Russian transport.

1445L/19, In position 46°07'N, 145°00'E, the high periscope watch sighted a ship bearing 314°(T) at a range of about 21000 yards. Commenced an end around to the northward.

1626L/19, Dived and commenced approach.

1830L/19, Identified the target as Russian on a course of 085°(T) at a speed of 8.5 knots. (26)

21 Sep 1944
USS Searaven (T/Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN) torpedoed and sank the Japanese transport Rizan Maru (5288 GRT, built 1917, former British Munlock) out of a convoy in position 49°16'N, 145°29'E.

The convoy (KIRA-803) attacked was made up besides the above mentioned ship of the fleet supply ship Shirasaki (754 GRT, built 1942) and the transports Hanasaki Maru (1570 GRT, built 1905) and Senzan Maru (1144 GRT, built 1918). They were escorted by the destroyer Kamikaze and the frigate Fukue (all links are offsite links).

1251L/21, Visibility suddenly improved and then sighted a convoy between bearings 210°(T) and 225°(T) which was seen to consist of two transports and one large and two small escorts on course 010°(T) at a speed of 8 knots. Range was around 24000 yards and position was 48°30'N, 144°57'E. Commenced an end around.

2020L/21, Obtained SJ radar contact on the convoy at 13000 yards. Commenced tracking and went to battle stations. Tracked the convoy on course 010°(T) until 2105L/21 when it changed course to 060°(T). The sea was very rough and visibility only 500 yards.

2232L/21, in position 49°49'N, 145°10'E, commenced firing four torpedoes from 2200 yards at one of the transports but after the second torpedo had been fired the large escort overlapped the target at a range of 850 yards so the last two torpedoes were fired at her. 2m, 35s and 3m, 5s after firing the first torpedo two explosions were heard. The torpedoes probably ran underneath the large escort and one, probably the last torpedo fired, had hit the transport. The other explosion was probably a premature. After the explosions the large escort turned on a red searchlight and headed for the transport that had probably been damaged.

2300L/21, Commenced tracking the second transport which had meanwhile changed course to 108°(T). The two other escorts, probably patrol vessels deserted it shortly thereafter and headed for the scene of the first attack.

2347L/21, In position 49°16'N, 145°29'E, fired four torpedoes from the stern tubes from 2500 yards. One timed hit was heard and seen 2m, 40s after the first torpedo had been fired which was the correct time for the second torpedo to hit the ship. The targets radar pip began to diminish immediately until it completely disappeared. A retrace of the track later gave no contact so the target must have sunk. (26)

25 Sep 1944
USS Searaven (T/Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN) attacked several Japanese small craft off the southwest tip of Etorofu, Kuril Islands in position 44°40'N, 146°50'E. In all she sank two trawlers and 8 sampans with gunfire.

0754I/25, In position position 44°43'N, 147°03'E, sighted a fishing trawler bearing 155°(T) proceeding on course 240°(T) at 4 knots. Avoided.

0859I/25, In position position 44°45'N, 147°05'E, sighted a patrol type trawler bearing 176°(T) departing from Naibo Wan. Enemy course was 240°(T) at 5 knots.

1440L/25, In position position 44°47'N, 147°01'E, sighted patrol type trawler bearing 036°(T) at a range of 4000 yards proceeding on course 040°(T) at 8 knots. Avoided.

1548L/25, In position position 44°44'N, 147°02'E, sighted another converted trawler type patrol vessel at a range of 8000 yards on course 040°(T) at 8 knots. The target was considered too small to be engaged with torpedoes.

1600L/25, In position 44°50'N, 147°06'E, sighted ten cargo sampans and trawlers in convoy. Range 7000 yards proceeding on course 220°(T) at 6 knots. Trailed submerged.

1839L/25, Fog set in, so surfaced to recontact the sampan convoy.

2009L/25, Went to battle stations for a surface gun attack and opened fire on the nearest group in position 44°40'N, 145°50'E. Some of the sampans carried stern lights. The attack procedure was to get close and the from about 250 yards fire one or two 4" rounds and then open up with 20mm and .50 cal. After the initial action the remaining sampans and trawlers scattered to the westward. Radar kept the targets on the screen until 6000 to 7000 yards out.

2220L/25, By this time it is believed that all targets had been destroyed, capsized, sunk or were in a sinking condition. A subsequent search of the area revealed only wreckage and burning or sinking craft. Only 27 rounds of 4" were expended on these 10 craft which had been made up of two trawlers of about 200 tons each, 4 large sampans of about 100 tons each and four sampans of 50 tons for a total of around 1000 tons. Other ammunition expended was 1380 rounds of 20mm, 450 rounds of .50 cal, 200 rounds of .45 cal and 120 rounds of .30 cal. (26)

26 Sep 1944
At 1715L/26, west off the southern part of Urup, in position 45°47'N, 149°33'E, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN), sighted a patrol vessel bearing 234°(T) at a range of 5300 yards. Enemy course was 040°(T) at a speed of 10.5 knots. Too small to attack with torpedoes so avoided. (26)

27 Sep 1944
USS Searaven (T/Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN) attacked and damaged the Japanese frigate Nomi with gunfire in position 45°42'N, 149°07'E. Later a torpedo attack with three torpedoes in position 45°41'N, 148°38'E failed to hit the target.

2123L/26, west of Urup, in position 46°10'N, 149°38'E, obtained a radar contact bearing at a range of 12500 yards. There was bright moonlight with excellent visibility. Maneuvered to place the target down moon and trailed on course 220°(T). The target was zigzagging on courses between 195°(T) and 270°(T). The target was closed to between 8000 and 10000 yards where it was sometimes visible. It was suspected that it was the same target that had been contacted at 1725L/26 or some other small craft too small for torpedoes but suitable for gun attack. Continued to track the target until moonset.

0030L/27, Moonset. Commenced closing the target slowly. Fog started setting in so lost complete sight of the target.

0200L/27, At battle stations for a gun attack. Radar range now about 1000 yards, paralleling target which was sharp on the starboard bow, but not in sight. The targets course was 260°(T).

0210L/27, In position 45°42'N, 149°07'E (between Urup and Etorfu), the target came in sight broad on the starboard bow at 300 yards range. The outlines were not distinguishable. Opened fire with the 4" gun, 20mm and .50 cal. On explosion of the second 4" shell it was seen that the target was a modern type minesweeper so much bigger then thought. The enemy was caught by surprise and did not return fire. Four 4" hits caused damage above the waterline while the smaller machine guns raked the bridge.

0211L/27, Turned left away from the target, while the target also turned away from the submarine and she was soon lost from sight. Secured from battle stations gun and went to battle stations torpedo.

0230L/27, Still tracking the target to get ahead for a torpedo attack. The target was now zigzagging radically and evidently unaware of the submarines position. Speed of the target gradually increased to 16.5 knots.

0331L/27, In position 45°41'N, 148°38'E (north of eastern Etorfu), fired three bow torpedoes from tubes 1 to 3 from 900 yards. The target was not seen so the radar input was used to fire the torpedoes. On firing went flank ahead. No hits were obtained and it is believed the target either ran between the torpedoes or one may have run under. The target dropped 23 depth charges.

0341L/27, obtained a new radar contact at a range of 12000 yards. There were two pips. Decided to clear the area to the northward as it was to be expected that it was going to be heavily patrolled during the day. (26)

28 Sep 1944
At 0530L/28, west of the southern part of Simushir, in position 46°53'N, 151°35'E, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN), obtained radar contact bearing 152°(T) at a range of 7200 yards. Tracked and avoided as it was considered to be a small fishing trawler which was stopped.

0713L/28, in position 47°06'N, 151°42'E, obtained radar contact bearing 050°(T) at a range of 7400 yards. Tracked the target on course 220°(T) at 5 knots. Considered the target to be a fishing vessel so avoided.

0758L/28, in position 47°07'N, 151°47'E, obtained another radar contact at a range of 7000 yards which was also considered to be a fishing vessel. This one was on course 205°(T) also proceeding at 5 knots.

Seas were too rough for gun attacks and visibility was not more then 1000 yards. Set course to proceed further to the west to avoid further contacts on these small boats. (26)

30 Sep 1944
At 2330L/30, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN) left patrol to proceed to Midway. (26)

6 Oct 1944
At 0930Y/6, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. M.H. Dry, USN) ended her 12th war patrol at Midway. She was then taken in hand for a tender refit by USS Proteus (T/Capt. C.N. Day, USN). Following refit a 7 day training period was carried out before she was ready to proceed on her next, and last, war patrol. (26)

1 Nov 1944
Around 1500Y/1, USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R. Berthrong, USN), departed Midway for her 13th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the northern part of the South China Sea as a member of a coordinated attack group which was furthermore made up of USS Pampanito (T/Capt. F.W. Fenno, Jr., USN), USS Pipefish (T/Cdr. W.N. Deragon, USN) and USS Sea Cat (T/Cdr. R.R. McGregor, USN).

Around 2100Y/1, she joined USS Pampanito and USS Pipefish which had departed Midway later in the afternoon.

They were to proceed to Saipan first before proceeding to their patrol area.

Around 2000L/5, USS Pipefish parted company to proceed at best speed to Saipan with a case of appendicitis on board.

Around 0700L/7, USS Pampanito and USS Searaven were joined by USS Archerfish (T/Cdr. J.F. Enright, USN).

At 2030L/7, USS Searaven suffered a fire in the maneuvering room which was quickly brought under control. She briefly had to stop but was able to rejoin the other two submarines shortly afterwards. (27)

9 Nov 1944
Around 1330K/9, USS Pampanito (T/Capt. F.W. Fenno, Jr., USN), USS Archerfish (T/Cdr. J.F. Enright, USN) and USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R. Berthrong, USN) arrived at Saipan. They were escorted in USS Swanson (T/Lt.Cdr. W.K. Ratliff, USN) by which had joined around 0630K/9.

The three submarines were then all taken in hand for voyage repairs by USS Fulton (T/Capt. A.A. Clarkson, USN). (27)

11 Nov 1944
Around 1330I/11, USS Pampanito (T/Capt. F.W. Fenno, Jr., USN), USS Pipefish (T/Cdr. W.N. Deragon, USN) and USS Sea Cat (T/Cdr. R.R. McGregor, USN) and USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R. Berthrong, USN), which were to operate as a coordinated attack group, departed Saipan to proceed to their patrol area in the northern part of the South China Sea.

With them were also USS Archerfish (T/Cdr. J.F. Enright, USN) and USS Scabbardfish (T/Cdr. F.A. Gunn, USN). These two submarines parted company with the others around 1900I/12.

On leaving Saipan these six submarines were escorted by USS Candid (Lt. C.B. Hinton, USNR). (27)

16 Nov 1944
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R. Berthrong, USN) arrived in her patrol area. (27)

18 Nov 1944
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R. Berthrong, USN) is bombed by an enemy aircraft to the east of Hainan Island. She sustained some minor damage.

During the night of 18/19 November USS Searaven made two torpedo attacks on what is thought to be a small Japanese tanker but no hits were obtained.

At 0944H/18, In position 19°32'N, 112°23'E, USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R. Berthrong, USN) sighted a Japanese Mavis aircraft (Kawanishi H6K) at short range. Crash dived.

0945H/18, Received one bomb while passing 90 feet which caused some minor damage. USS Searaven would patrol submerged for the remainder of the day while repairs were being made.

1840H/18, Surfaced.

1930H/18, Received a contact report from USS Pipefish. Changed course to intercept the reported convoy.

2107H/18, East of Hainan, in position 19°07'N, 111°46'E, obtained radar contact bearing 325°(T) at a range of 22000 yards. Commenced tracking which gave the convoys course as 220°(T) at a speed of 11 knots. Commenced working ahead of the convoy to cross its bow and get on the starboard bow between the convoy and Hainan Island.

2210H/18, Temporary lost contact with the convoy to get clear of USS Pampanito which was also closing to attack.

2222H/18, USS Pipefish discontinued her attack and USS Pampanito commenced hers.

2225H/18, Regained radar contact on the convoy at a range of 23000 yards. Closed to 15000 yards while getting into position on the convoys starboard bow.

2340H/18, USS Pampanito completed her attack and ordered USS Searaven to start hers. USS Pampanito reported one ship on a course of 315°(T). This ship had not been picked up by radar yet.

2350H/18, Obtained radar contact at a range of 13000 yards. Targets course was tracked as being 295°(T) at 9.2 knots. One escort was on the port bow of the target. Crossed ahead and commenced attack from the starboard bow of the target.

0034H/19, Sighted the target which was an engine aft ship of about 250 to 300 feet in lenght.

0038H/19, In position 19°06'N, 111°13'E, fired four bow torpedoes for a torpedo run for 2000 yards. On completion of firing changed course left to clear the escort.

0041H/19, No hits were obtained.

0042H/19, The escort closed the target, crossing ahead of him and then gradually dropped back on the starboard quarter. The target was seen to sent a visual message to the escort.

0043H/19, Commenced reload forward and having decided that the target must be a small tanker, empty, and that the torpedoes must have run under so shortly afterwards commenced an end around to make another torpedo attack.

0120H/19, Searaven was now in position to commence a second attack but only three torpedoes had been reloaded forward up till now. Decided to fire these three torpedoes with a depth setting of three feet.

0123H/18, Commenced second attack.

0138H/18, Target now in sight. Unable to see the escort who was now on the port quarter of the target.

0144H/18, In position 19°04'N, 111°05'E, fired three bow torpedoes with a torpedo run of 1900 yards.

0145H/18, The target turned away and steadied on course 180°(T). Searaven meanwhile worked up to full speed to get clear. Due to this course change the torpedoes missed. (27)

25 Nov 1944
At 1444H/25, east of Hainan, in position 19°16'N, 111°20'E, USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R. Berthrong, USN), sighted two ships through the high periscope bearing 186°(T) at an estimated range of 30000 yards. They could not be identified due to the slight haze on the horizon. They were tracked zigzagging on a base course of 340°(T). Took position ahead and sent out a contact report.

1555H/25, Dived and commenced approach.

1730H/25, Identified ships as patrol or fishing vessels with two masts and a deck house amidships. Estimated them to be around 500 to 600 tons. Broke off the approach with the range down to 7000 yards. (27)

26 Nov 1944
At 1840H/26, east of Hainan, in position 19°17'N, 111°21'E, USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R. Berthrong, USN), obtained radar contact bearing 210°(T) at a range of 8800 yards. This were small vessels possibly the same as seen the day before. Avoided. (27)

1 Dec 1944
At 1430H/1, east of Hainan, in position 19°18'N, 111°57'E, USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R. Berthrong, USN), obtained radar contact on an aircaft at a range of 9 miles and closing rapidly. Dived and changed course left after having submerged.

1436H/1, A bomb was dropped but not close.

1440H/1, Two more bombs were dropped, closed but they caused no damage.

1515H/1, Two more bombs were droped, even closed but again they caused no damage. It was subsequently noticed that when submerged USS Searaven was leaking air causing bubbles to rise to the surface. (27)

3 Dec 1944
The coordinated attack group made up of USS Pampanito (T/Capt. F.W. Fenno, Jr., USN), USS Pipefish (T/Cdr. W.N. Deragon, USN) and USS Sea Cat (T/Cdr. R.R. McGregor, USN) and USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R. Berthrong, USN) attacked the Singapore section of the Japanese convoy HI-83 which was made up of the tankers Akashi Maru (10045 GRT, built 1944), Eisho Maru (6888 GRT, built 1944), Harima Maru (10045 GRT, built 1944), Kyokuun Maru (10045 GRT, built 1944), Miri Maru (10564 GRT, built 1943), Seishin Maru (5240 GRT, built 1943) and Toa Maru (10038 GRT, built 1944). They were escorted by the escort carrier Kaiyo, patrol boat PB-102 and the frigates Kaibokan 35, Kaibokan 63, Kaibokan 64 and Kaibokan 207 (all links are offsite links).

In the attacks by the pack of submarines the Seishin Maru is damaged and the Kaibokan 64 is sunk.

0013H/3, In position 19°25'N, 112°24'E, USS Searaven obtained radar contact bearing 120°(T) at a range of 21000 yards. She then changed course to close and commenced tracking. Several pips were seen but the exact number could not be determined yet at this range. The convoy was tracked on course 225°(T) at 13 knots.

0036H/3, USS Searaven sent out a contact report to the remainder of the attack group. USS Searaven then commenced to cross the convoys bow and take up a position on the port bow of the convoy as it was thought the three other submarines were to starboard.

0307H/3, USS Searaven was in position to commence an attack from the port bow of the convoy.

0312H/3, While about to start the attack, USS Searaven, was hit by a sea that broke over the bridge. Sea water entered the conning tower causing some flooding and damage.

0336H/3, After some quick repairs had been made, USS Searaven commenced her surface attack. Although the moon was nearly full it was completely overcast with light passing rain squalls. The convoy consisted of at least seven ships arranged in two columns. Distance between the columns was 2000 to 3000 yards. One escort was ahead, one on the port quarter of column. Other escorts were to starboard. The convoy did not have radar, at least none was detected. The leading ship of the port column was chosen as the target and it was decided to fire ahead of the nearest escort which was fairly close to the column. The convoy had been zigging between 230°(T) and 200°(T) making 12 knots.

0400H/3, Target, with escort ahead and on its quarter were clearly in sight when the quarter escort turned toward about 45° ending with about 10° starboard angle on the bow at a range of 4900 yards.

0403H/3, Range to the escort was now 4200 yards. It was though he had just sighted Searaven or as about to do so. He could be seen without binoculars. Angle on the bow now zero. Searaven came left as fast as possible and went ahead flank.

0406H/3, Escort now astern, range 1950 yards and opening slowly. Started tracking the original target again. She had zigged towards giving an angle of the bow of 30° port.

0408H/3, Searaven slowed to one third speed to set up for an attack with the stern tubes.

0410H/3, In position 19°06'N, 112°03'E fired four stern torpedoes from 3700 yards. Following firing the last torpedo Searaven went ahead flank and continued to watch the closest escort vessel who was now at a range of 2800 yards.

0413H/3, Sighted two hits, first between stack and bridge, which caused a cloud of smoke higher then the targets masts. The second hit was forward of the bridge. The target swung to his right showing beam silhouette and the dull red spots abaft the first hit along the waterline. Range to the escort was still 2800 yards.

0415H/3, Heard a loud rumbling explosion which was though to be an internal explosion on the ship that had just been hit. The escort ahead of the target turned on a green over white light at which time the escort abeam of the target turned right and closed the target. The target was a large ship of about 500 feet with a long superstructure, relatively high bridge, short stack and two thick masts [This does not realy fit in with the ships which were in this convoy though]. It is thought this ship was sunk as it disappeared from sight at a range of about 5000 yards and it had originally been sighted at a range of 8000 yards.

0418H/3, Heard what is thought to be an end of run torpedo explosion but it could also have been a depth charge.

0420H/3, Heard what is thought to be another end of run torpedo explosion but this too could also have been a depth charge.

0429H/3, Range to the convoy was now 10000 yards. Slowed down and continued tracking. Reported this attack to the Pack Commander in USS Pampanito.

About 0444H/3, much 20MM fire in the direction of the convoy was seen.

0445H/3, The reload of the torpedo tubes was completed. The convoy was tracked on a course of 170°(T) at a speed of 11 knots. Nothing had been heard of the other three boats of the pack so decided to attack again and reported this to the pack commander.

0448H/3, Two explosions were heard 17 seconds apart.

0449H/3, USS Pipefish commenced an attack on the starboard flank.

0450H/3, The order of the convoy was now somewhat disrupted. All escorts had deserted the port bow when the 20MM fire was sighted. Searaven again picked the leading ship of the port column as the target for the bow tubes and the ships astern of this one as the target for the stern tubes.

0455H/3, Sighted the first target which was a large modern tanker of nearly 600 feet.

0459H/3, The target zigged away to 20° to course 190°(T).

0503H/3, In position 18°42'N, 111°54'E, commenced firing the bow tubes at the large tanker from 3300 yards. On completion of firing swung left and got setup on the second ship in the column which was another large modern tanker.

0506H/3, Commenced firing the stern torpedoes from 3400 yards. On completion of firing went to full speed.

0507H/3, Heard and saw a hit on the first target followed shortly afterwards by two more hits in the first target followed by a great explosion. Flames, smoke and burning pieces were thrown nearly a thousand feet in the air. The SJ radar operator stated, 'first target looks like a rain squall'. When the 'rain squall' subsided the target was no longer in sight or on the radar screen at 6000 yards. This large tanker is considered to have sunk.

0509H/3, Heard two more hits , believe one of these may have been an end of run from the bow shot but it was thought the other explosion was a hit in the second target. Tracked this target as slowing rapidly from 13 knots to about 1 or 2 knots immediately after hearing these two explosions.

0513H/3, Heard another explosion believed to be an end of run explosion from the stern torpedo attack. Reported the second attack completed to the remainder of the pack.

0514H/3, Heard more explosions thought to be depth charges which were dropped for the next five to six minutes. Commenced tracking the remaining ships but at the same time retained contact on the damaged tanker to the northward which was making about 3 knots on course 205°(T).

0530H/3, Lost contact on the cripple but sure we can locate him again after we give the dope on remaining ships to the rest of the pack. Believe that USS Sea Cat and USS Pipefish were in contact with them but will wait until USS Pipefish had completed her attack before sending the contact information [this is called 'dope'].

0547H/3, Received word that USS Pipefish had completed her attack. Heard two explosions at a ten second interval. Continued to track the convoy between 16000 and 18000 yards.

0550H/3, The radar screen indicated three ships and two escort. Tracked them in course 220°(T) at a speed of 13 knots. Forwarded this information to the pack commanded four minutes late including these ships position.

0555H/3, Came to a northerly course to search for the damaged tanker. Informed the pack commander that Searaven had only one torpedo remaining and that we were searching for the damaged tanker to the northward.

0558H/3, Regained contact on the damaged tanker and commenced getting into position to attack. The cripple was now doing about 4 knots on a course of 190°(T).

0615H/3, Having gained position on the port bow of the crippled tanker at 9500 yards dived for a submerged dawn approach. At this time it was beginning to get light in the east behind Searaven as seen from the target.

0630H/3, Picked up pinging on the starboard bow.

0647H/3, Sighted tanker bearing 320°(T) at a range of 4600 yards with an angle on the bow of 35° port. Changed course left to close the track.

0702H/3, Tried to have a look around but could see nothing but the escort who came up the starboard side at a range of 2500 yards. She disappeared into the rain and mist. Searaven meanwhile nearly broached four or five times.

0704H/3, Heard the first of a series of explosions and depth charges probably from the southward. A total of 14 were counted.

0714H/3, Changed course right to 300°(T) putting the sea on the beam to permit better depth control.

0726H/3, Sighted the damaged tanker bearing 237°(T) at a range of about 5000 yards but then lost him in a rain squall. Decided to track him as long as possible and trail submerged while further repairing damage from the water that had entered early in the day. Intended to attack before moonrise tonight.

0755H/3, The escort dropped two depth charges but these were not close.

0800H/3, The damaged tanker was now on base course 200°(T) at a speed of 4 knots. Went to 200 feet, came to 200°(T) and set speed to 4 knots so as to trail the damaged tanker.

1020H/3, Heard screws on the hydrophones bearing 040°(T) but no pinging. Considered this to be another escort joining the damaged tanker after having picked up survivors. He passed nearly overhead. Went to periscope depth but found nothing in sight. Distant pinging was heard on bearing 200°(T).

1052H/3, Went back to 200 feet making 4 knots. Heard pinging several times during the day on bearing around 205 °(T).

1825H/3, Surfaced and changed course to 180°(T), to coverthe southerly position in case the target had zigged left at sunset.

1905H/3, Obtained radar contact bearing 270°(T) at a range of 25000 yards. Tracked target on course 200°(T) at a speed of 4 knots. Quite sure this was the damaged tanker. Sent a contact reported to the pack. Commenced getting into position to attack.

1926H/3, Sea Cat reported commencing attack. Asked her if she was attacking the cripple and received a reply that she was attacking a very slow target. Decided to wait to attack until Sea Cat had completed hers. Noticed that Sea Cat was attacking from the port bow so took position to attack from the starbord bow.

2152H/3, Received a message from Sea Cat to attack if ready.

2158H/3, Commenced attack. The moon had come up but was behind a cloud bank in the east. The night was reasonably dark. Both escorts could be seen, one ahead and one on the port bow. The target was now on course 230°(T) still at 4 knots.

2200H/3, The escort ahead of the target changed course towards Searaven, so came right to keep the bow pointing towards him. This escort gradually drew left and finally took position on the starboard beam of the target. The moon was now out at intervals between clouds so decided to fire the last remaining torpedo from fairly long range.

2210H/3, Range now 6000 yards.

2215H/3, The communications between the conning tower and the bridge fouled up resulting in the last torpedo being fired too soon at 2216H/3 for a torpedo run of 4800 yards instead of the intended 3700 yards. Position was 17°48'N, 111°20'E.

2217H/3, Went ahead at flank speed and changed course to put the target group astern.

2219H/3, The target was seen to zig towards.

2225H/3, Heard one explosion believed to be the end of run explosion for the torpedo fired.

2301H/3, Reported the results of the last attack as well as the position, course and speed of the damaged tanker to the remainder of the pack. (27)

4 Dec 1944
At 1249H/4, USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R. Berthrong, USN) is ordered by the pack commander to return to base. (27)

21 Dec 1944
At 0920Y/21, USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R. Berthrong, USN) arrived at Midway from her patrol area in the northern part of the South China Sea. She was then taken in hand for some minor voyage repairs and fuelling by USS Aegir (T/Capt. A.L. Prosser, USN).

At 1430Y/21, USS Searaven departed Midway for Pearl Harbour. (27)

25 Dec 1944
At 1030VW/25, USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R. Berthrong, USN) ended her 13th war patrol at Pearl Harbour. She was escorted in by USS PC-603 (Lt. S. Powel, Jr., USNR) which had joined at 0613VW/25.

USS Searaven was then taken in hand for a post patrol refit to make her fit for training duties to which she was now assigned. (27)

14 Jan 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. T.M. Ustick, USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (28)

15 Jan 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. T.M. Ustick, USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (28)

16 Jan 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. T.M. Ustick, USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (28)

19 Jan 1945
During 19/20 January 1945, USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. T.M. Ustick, USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (28)

21 Jan 1945
From 21 to 26 January 1945, USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. T.M. Ustick, USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (28)

24 Jan 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. T.M. Ustick, USN) conducted A/S exercises off Pearl Harbour with USS Bennett (T/Cdr. J.N. McDonald, Jr., USN) and USS Anthony (T/Cdr. C.J. van Arsdall, Jr., USN). (29)

1 Feb 1945
During 1/2 February 1945, USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. T.M. Ustick, USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (30)

7 Feb 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. T.M. Ustick, USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (30)

9 Feb 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. T.M. Ustick, USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (30)

11 Feb 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. T.M. Ustick, USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (30)

13 Feb 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. T.M. Ustick, USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (30)

14 Feb 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. T.M. Ustick, USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (30)

15 Feb 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. T.M. Ustick, USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (30)

16 Feb 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. T.M. Ustick, USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (30)

17 Feb 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. T.M. Ustick, USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (30)

19 Feb 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. T.M. Ustick, USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (30)

20 Feb 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. T.M. Ustick, USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (30)

21 Feb 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. T.M. Ustick, USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (30)

22 Feb 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. T.M. Ustick, USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (30)

23 Feb 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. T.M. Ustick, USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (30)

25 Feb 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. T.M. Ustick, USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (30)

26 Feb 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. T.M. Ustick, USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (30)

27 Feb 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. T.M. Ustick, USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (30)

1 Mar 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. T.M. Ustick, USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (31)

3 Mar 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. T.M. Ustick, USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (31)

5 Mar 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. T.M. Ustick, USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (31)

6 Mar 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. T.M. Ustick, USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (31)

7 Mar 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. T.M. Ustick, USN) conducted attack exercises off Pearl Harbour during which USS Harry E. Purvis (T/Cdr. A.M. Purdy, USN) acted as target. (32)

10 Mar 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. T.M. Ustick, USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (31)

11 Mar 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. T.M. Ustick, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbour with USS Pruitt (Lt. D.B. Harby, USNR), USS Seagull (T/Lt. W.S. Hall, USN) and USS LCI(L)-698 (Lt.(jg) C.F. Turner, USNR). (33)

12 Mar 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. T.M. Ustick, USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (31)

13 Mar 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. T.M. Ustick, USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (31)

14 Mar 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. T.M. Ustick, USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (31)

15 Mar 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. T.M. Ustick, USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (31)

17 Mar 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. T.M. Ustick, USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (31)

19 Mar 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. T.M. Ustick, USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (31)

20 Mar 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. T.M. Ustick, USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (31)

21 Mar 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. T.M. Ustick, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbour with USS Pruitt (Lt. D.B. Harby, USNR), USS Florikan (Lt. D. Hima, USN) and USS LCI(L)-880 (Lt.(jg) D.E. Norris, USNR). (33)

22 Mar 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. T.M. Ustick, USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (31)

23 Mar 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. T.M. Ustick, USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (31)

24 Mar 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. T.M. Ustick, USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (31)

25 Mar 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. T.M. Ustick, USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (31)

2 Apr 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. T.M. Ustick, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbour with USS Pruitt (Lt. D.B. Harby, USNR), USS Seagull (T/Lt. W.S. Hall, USN) and USS YMS-300 (Lt. R.A. Woods, USNR). (34)

3 Apr 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. T.M. Ustick, USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (35)

5 Apr 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. T.M. Ustick, USN) very briefly conducted excercises off Pearl Harbour but it appears they were cancelled as she was only at sea for about one hour. (35)

6 Apr 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. T.M. Ustick, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbour with USS Pruitt (Lt. D.B. Harby, USNR). (34)

7 Apr 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. T.M. Ustick, USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (35)

9 Apr 1945
From 9 to 20 April USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. T.M. Ustick, USN) conducted excercises off Pearl Harbour. Most likely this was a simulated war patrol. (35)

23 Apr 1945
From 23 April to 5 May 1945, USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. T.M. Ustick, USN) conducted excercises off Pearl Harbour. Most likely this was a simulated war patrol. (36)

7 May 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Smallwood, Jr., USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (37)

8 May 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Smallwood, Jr., USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (37)

9 May 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Smallwood, Jr., USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (37)

11 May 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Smallwood, Jr., USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (37)

13 May 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Smallwood, Jr., USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (37)

14 May 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Smallwood, Jr., USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (37)

15 May 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Smallwood, Jr., USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (37)

17 May 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Smallwood, Jr., USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (37)

18 May 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Smallwood, Jr., USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (37)

19 May 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Smallwood, Jr., USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (37)

21 May 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Smallwood, Jr., USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (37)

22 May 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Smallwood, Jr., USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (37)

23 May 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Smallwood, Jr., USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (37)

24 May 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Smallwood, Jr., USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (37)

25 May 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Smallwood, Jr., USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (37)

26 May 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Smallwood, Jr., USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (37)

28 May 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Smallwood, Jr., USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (37)

29 May 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Smallwood, Jr., USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (37)

30 May 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Smallwood, Jr., USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (37)

31 May 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Smallwood, Jr., USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (37)

2 Jun 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Smallwood, Jr., USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (38)

4 Jun 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Smallwood, Jr., USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (38)

5 Jun 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Smallwood, Jr., USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (38)

6 Jun 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Smallwood, Jr., USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (38)

7 Jun 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Smallwood, Jr., USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (38)

8 Jun 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. T.M. Ustick, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbour with USS J. Douglas Blackwood (Lt.Cdr. J.L. Johnston, USNR). (39)

9 Jun 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Smallwood, Jr., USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (38)

18 Jun 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Smallwood, Jr., USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (38)

19 Jun 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Smallwood, Jr., USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (38)

20 Jun 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Smallwood, Jr., USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (38)

22 Jun 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Smallwood, Jr., USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (38)

23 Jun 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Smallwood, Jr., USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (38)

25 Jun 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Smallwood, Jr., USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (38)

27 Jun 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Smallwood, Jr., USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (38)

28 Jun 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Smallwood, Jr., USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (38)

29 Jun 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. T.M. Ustick, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbour with USS Howard (Lt.Cdr. F.W. Diehl, USNR). (40)

30 Jun 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Smallwood, Jr., USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (38)

1 Jul 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Smallwood, Jr., USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (41)

2 Jul 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Smallwood, Jr., USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (41)

3 Jul 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Smallwood, Jr., USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (41)

4 Jul 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Smallwood, Jr., USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (41)

5 Jul 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Smallwood, Jr., USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (41)

6 Jul 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Smallwood, Jr., USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (41)

7 Jul 1945
USS Catfish (Lt.Cdr. W.A. Overton, USNR), USS Jallao (T/Cdr. J.B. Icenhower, USN) and USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Smallwood, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbour together with USS Coolbaugh (Lt.Cdr. S.E. Zimmerman, USNR). (42)

8 Jul 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Smallwood, Jr., USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (41)

9 Jul 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Smallwood, Jr., USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (41)

10 Jul 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Smallwood, Jr., USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (41)

11 Jul 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Smallwood, Jr., USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (41)

12 Jul 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Smallwood, Jr., USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (41)

13 Jul 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Smallwood, Jr., USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (41)

14 Jul 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Smallwood, Jr., USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (41)

15 Jul 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Smallwood, Jr., USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (41)

16 Jul 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Smallwood, Jr., USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (41)

17 Jul 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Smallwood, Jr., USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (41)

18 Jul 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Smallwood, Jr., USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (41)

19 Jul 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Smallwood, Jr., USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (41)

20 Jul 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Smallwood, Jr., USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (41)

21 Jul 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Smallwood, Jr., USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (41)

30 Jul 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Smallwood, Jr., USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (41)

31 Jul 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Smallwood, Jr., USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (41)

2 Aug 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Smallwood, Jr., USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (43)

3 Aug 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Smallwood, Jr., USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (43)

4 Aug 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Smallwood, Jr., USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (43)

6 Aug 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Smallwood, Jr., USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (43)

7 Aug 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Smallwood, Jr., USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (43)

8 Aug 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Smallwood, Jr., USN) conducted A/S excercises off Pearl Harbour with USS Halsey Powell (T/Cdr. S.D.B. Merrill, USN) and USS Strickland (Lt. T.H. Baird, Jr., USNR). (44)

9 Aug 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Smallwood, Jr., USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (43)

10 Aug 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Smallwood, Jr., USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (43)

11 Aug 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Smallwood, Jr., USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (43)

12 Aug 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Smallwood, Jr., USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (43)

13 Aug 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Smallwood, Jr., USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour. (43)

19 Aug 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Smallwood, Jr., USN) departed Pearl Harbour for Balboa, Panama Canal Zone. (45)

23 Aug 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Smallwood, Jr., USN) is ordered to proceed to San Francisco instead of Balboa. (45)

25 Aug 1945
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Smallwood, Jr., USN) arrived at San Francisco from Pearl Harbour. (45)

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