Small Ship, Big War - The Voyages of the Hibiki

[Cuttlefish]

November 27, 1942

Location: Kwajalein
Course: Docked
Attached to: TF 72
Mission: Air Combat
System Damage: 2
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 456

Orders: Await further orders.

---

“I think the men have too much time on their hands, Exec,” says Captain Ishii. The two of them are standing on the port observation wing. Anchored nearby is destroyer Naganami, and beyond that is the Soryu.

“Did you have something in mind, sir?” asks Lieutenant Miharu. He does not disagree with the captain. The ship is in good repair and there is only so much busy work the officers can come with during an extended stay in port.

“I do, in fact,” says the captain. “I think we should set up a course in hand to hand combat.”

“Really, sir?” says the lieutenant. “I think that is what too many of them have spent their time ashore doing, especially after they have had a few drinks.” Captain Ishii makes an impatient gesture.

“Yes,” he says. “They are brawling, and from the injury reports I am seeing a lot of them have been doing it badly. I am not speaking of brawling, but of budo, fighting techniques that instill self discipline, that hone the mind and spirit as they hone the body. It would be good for them. It would add to discipline, give them an outlet for their restlessness, and help maintain a proper fighting spirit.” Miharu thinks about it for a moment.

“I cannot disagree, sir,” he says. “Did you have someone in mind as an instructor?” Captain Ishii nods.

“Yes,” he says. “Several, in fact. Chief Petty Officer Shun, of course. He has little formal training, but as you well know his skill in a fight is remarkable. And he is a good teacher; I have seen it. For a more formal approach we have Lieutenant Sugiyura, who knows something of judo. And I thought I myself might have some modest skill worth passing on to the men.”

Lieutenant Miharu says nothing to this, although in truth that is something he is curious to see. There are many tales he has heard about Ishii’s younger days, and one of the most popular topics in late night bull sessions among old Hibiki hands is who would win a fight between Shun and Ishii.

“Very good, sir,” is all he says. “Shall I set something up and see to getting the appropriate equipment?” Captain Ishii nods.

“If you would, Exec,” says the captain, and rubs his hands together. “This should be fun.”

[Admiral DadMan]

ORIGINAL: Cuttlefish

ORIGINAL: rtrapasso

ORIGINAL: Feinder

Hm. Just noticed. How is it that their fuel is going down, if they're disbanded in port?

-F-

This happens if recon (or other aircraft) overfly the base, iirc. Ships automatically cast off in case of attack...

EDIT - but this should only happen if they are at dock, i think...

Hibiki is still attached to TF 72 and is docked, not disbanded in port. Fuel levels are dropping by one or two points a day, usually two.

Also, if she is in a CV TF and the carriers are conducting ops (CAP, Naval Search, ASW, etc) some fuel will be expended.

[Cuttlefish]

November 28, 1942

Location: Kwajalein
Course: Docked
Attached to: TF 72
Mission: Air Combat
System Damage: 2
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 454

Orders: Await further orders.

---

Ensign Izu approaches his bunk cautiously. Before climbing in he examines the pillow and the thin mattress pad. He tests every piece of the frame and supports for structural soundness. The ceiling above and the floor underneath are carefully scrutinized. Everything seems to be in order.

He finally takes a deep breath and swings up into it. Nothing happens. Izu lets out a long breath and tries to relax. As tired as he is, he has found it difficult to sleep for the last few days.

Ever since his trick with the crab went better than his wildest dreams, Izu has been waiting for the inevitable retaliation. Handa isn’t going to just let that one go, Izu knows it. Sometime soon something awful is going to happen if Izu isn’t on his guard every moment.

The worst part is that Ensign Handa has been perfectly friendly towards him. In the days since the crab incident he has not shown one sign of ill will towards Izu. But Izu knows that this geniality is a mask designed to lull him into carelessness. Handa cannot suffer such a loss of face to go unavenged.

Izu settles into an uneasy sleep, startling awake at every little noise in the crowded bunkroom. The worse thing is that he must get up extra early before he goes on duty in order to carefully inspect every piece of his uniform for one of Handa’s little jokes.

He wishes Handa would strike soon. He doesn’t know how much longer he can take the strain of waiting.

[Cuttlefish]

November 29, 1942

Location: Kwajalein
Course: Docked
Attached to: TF 72
Mission: Air Combat
System Damage: 2
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 452

Orders: Await further orders.

---

Early in the morning there is a flurry of activity over by Tabik Channel near the north end of Kwajalein atoll. A plane has reported a suspicious shadow in the water near the channel entrance, and five patrol craft race are assigned to hunt the intruder. Word comes later that they indeed make contact with a submarine, one that apparently evades the depth charges and escapes.

It is the first time in the war that an enemy submarine has attempted to enter the anchorage itself. The consensus opinion among the Japanese is that they did the enemy sub a favor by driving it away, because the area around Tabik Channel is studded with dangerous coral outcroppings and the clear, shallow waters of the world’s largest lagoon would make it difficult for a submarine to hide.

“They must have been foolhardy or desperate,” says Lieutenant Sugiyura later. “Even if they reached the anchorage and made an attack they could hardly have gotten out alive. And those wretched torpedoes the Americans use probably wouldn’t even have exploded.”

“Perhaps they weren’t planning on using torpedoes,” says Lieutenant Miharu. “I have heard that there have been similar encounters with submarines over the last few days at Truk and Rabaul and several other places.” Sugiyura thinks about this for a moment.

“Spying?” he says at last. Miharu nods.

“It makes sense,” he says. “There are many signs the enemy is ready to try something, but they need to know where our fleet is first, particularly the carriers.”

“It is a good thing we have taken to changing our codes often and limiting the information we broadcast via radio,” comments Sugiyura.

“Yes,” says Miharu. “Otherwise they might be able to anticipate our movements and perhaps even lay a trap. As it is they are uncertain, which forces them to delay.” He notes the glint in Sugiyura’s eye and holds up a hand just as the torpedo officer is about to speak. “Yes, yes, I know, as long as they don’t wait too long. You desire targets.” Sugiyura just grins.

[Feinder]

He wishes Handa would strike soon. He doesn’t know how much longer he can take the strain of waiting.

 
Methinks Handa knows all he has to do is...  nothing, for now.  Torture is more in the expectation, than the act (or so I've heard).
 
-F-

[cantona2]

ORIGINAL: Cuttlefish

November 25, 1942

Location: Kwajalein
Course: Docked
Attached to: TF 72
Mission: Air Combat
System Damage: 2
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 460


They have no way of knowing yet that this is just the first harbinger of a gathering storm.

OOOOOOO i like, i like, i like

[Cuttlefish]

November 30, 1942

Location: Kwajalein
Course: Docked
Attached to: TF 72
Mission: Air Combat
System Damage: 2
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 450

Orders: Await further orders.

[Cuttlefish]

December 1, 1942

Location: Kwajalein
Course: Docked
Attached to: TF 72
Mission: Air Combat
System Damage: 2
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 448

Orders: Await further orders.

---

“…and Sakati recommends that we flush the tank, drain it, and repair the leaks,” Lieutenant Miharu say. Captain Ishii nods.

“Very well, he has my permission to proceed. Anything else this morning, Exec?” Lieutenant Miharu is holding his usual morning meeting with the Captain before he turns the bridge over to him and goes to get some sleep.

“Just one thing, sir,” says the lieutenant. “I’m worried about Ensign Izu again. He has been doing quite well lately, but this past week his eyes are bloodshot and he has developed a nervous twitch under one eye. He seems to be under a lot of strain.” To Miharu’s surprise the captain bursts out laughing. “Sir?”

“Ah, you can leave that to me,” says the captain, regaining his composure. “I suspect I know what is going on there. By the way, how are the combat classes going?”

“Quite well,” replies Lieutenant Miharu. “Sugiyura only has them exercising and meditating so far, but it does seem to have a beneficial effect. They are eager to do some real fighting, of course.”

“Of course,” says the captain. He thinks for a moment. “I believe I will attend tomorrow’s session, Exec. It might be very educational.”

[Cuttlefish]

December 2, 1942

Location: Kwajalein
Course: Docked
Attached to: TF 72
Mission: Air Combat
System Damage: 2
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 446

Orders: Await further orders.

---

The morning sun sparkles on the water as Chief Torpedo Officer Sugiyura leads several dozen men of the Hibiki in exercises on the crowded stern of the destroyer. They are doing a good job of matching his movements, and Sugiyura is pleased. He is keenly aware that Captain Ishii is among his audience this morning.

These movements were already familiar to some of the men, of course, but after nearly a year of war even the most proficient need the work. Sugiyura leads the men through the forms, then brings the exercises to a close.

“It will be a while yet before we are ready to begin seriously working on actual combat,” says Sugiyura, “but I thought that perhaps a demonstration or two today might be in order. Please, make room. You three, there, bring out the mats.” The men move back along the rails, clearing a space, and the mats are brought out and unrolled. These are reed mats, and even though they are several layers woven together they do not seem like a great deal of padding against the steel deck of the destroyer.

Sugiyura steps to the center of the mats and looks around. “Chief Petty Officer,” he says, addressing Shun, “would you assist me, please?” Shun nods and steps forward, removing his shoes and jacket. It is understood that in this situation rank does not apply. The two men face each other. The other men lean forward, very much interested to see these two in action.

“A basic strike and counter,” Sugiyura addresses them. Then, to Shun: “Are you ready?” Shun nods again. He assumes a slight crouch and comes up onto the balls of his feet.

Sugiyura assumes a fighting stance and then strikes at him with his right arm. He uses nothing close to full speed. Shun easily deflects the blow, and the two men step back. Sugiyura runs through this several times, commenting to the assembled sailors about the moves and stances both men are using, and slowly increasing speed. Finally both men step back.

“Perhaps the men would like to see a more extended sequence,” Shun murmurs. The men respond enthusiastically, and Sugiyura smiles.

“Very well,” he says. “Just to whet their appetites. Ready, Chief?” Shun nods. The torpedo officer bows to him, and Shun solemnly returns the gesture.

The men will argue for days about exactly what happens next. They all agree that Shun crouches and charges Sugiyura, but the ensuing exchange of blows is lighting fast and over in just seconds. All that is certain is that it ends with a meaty thud as Sugiyura catches the Chief solidly in the ribs with a kick. Shun grunts and staggers back, then smiles. “Very good,” he says.

“Again?” asks Sugiyura. Shun replies yes, and the two men square off again. The next exchange is even more confusing and debated. It also ends abruptly, but this time Sugiyura goes flying over Shun’s head and crashes into the mats on his back. Shun extends an arm and helps him to his feet. Sugiyura does not seem to be hurt, though he rolls his shoulders experimentally.

“To return to the original drill,” he again addresses the men, “let’s have…” he breaks off as Captain Ishii steps forward. The captain murmurs something in his ear, and Sugiyura nods. “Let’s have two of you show us what you have learned,” he resumes. “Ensign Handa and Ensign Izu, if you please.” The two young officers step out of opposite sides of the gathered men and onto the mats. They stand eyeing one another warily.

Sugiyura coaches them into assuming the correct stances. “Now you,” he says, indicating Handa, “strike at him,” and he indicates Izu. “Counter as you saw Shun do.” He steps back, and before he can say “begin” Handa strikes. Izu barely blocks the blow. Izu glares at Handa, then sneers and makes a snapping gesture with his hands that resembles clacking crab claws. Several of the onlookers laugh.

Sugiyura starts to say something, but Handa yells and strikes out again. His technique is terrible but spirited, and this blow gets through and splits Izu’s lower lip. Izu hisses and flings himself at Handa. The two men stand almost toe to toe, flailing away at each other.

Sugiyura angrily starts to step forward, but Captain Ishii holds up a hand to forestall him. “Let them go,” is all he says, and Sugiyura steps back.

Both men are more interested in offense than defense. Handa quickly acquires a swollen eye, and Izu’s other lip is split. They grapple and trip each other, then roll over and over on the mats, snarling and cursing as they attempt to inflict further damage. Captain Ishii watches patiently for a moment, but as the two men begin to tire he nods to Shun and Sugiyura.

“I think these two are ready to cool off,” he says. The two step forward and grab Izu, who is on top at the moment, by his legs and arms. They shuffle a few steps and then unceremoniously fling him over the rail. The splash has barely died away when Handa follows him into the water. One of the other petty officers turns and looks down, then takes out his whistle. He looks at the whistle, polishes it up a bit, then blows on it.

“Man overboard,” he says in a conversational tone. Lines are lowered, and both ensigns are brought back up on deck. They look bruised, chastened, and of course are dripping wet. Captain Ishii steps over to them.

“Well, gentlemen,” he says, “are you done now?” The two men look at each other, then back at the captain.

“Yes sir,” they say in low voices. Captain Ishii nods.

“Good,” he says. He next glances over at Sugiyura, who addresses the class as a whole.

“That’s all for today,” he says. “Dismissed.” The men depart, talking among themselves about events. Several of them pause to roll up and stow the mats, but soon the stern is almost deserted. Captain Ishii pauses to compliment Sugiyura on the way the classes are going, then heads back to the bridge.

[Onime No Kyo]

You are absolutely brilliant CF. [&o]

[rtrapasso]

Good thing that they didn't decide to train in katana lessons!! [X(] [:D]

[Onime No Kyo]

With their....umm...zeal, they could have caused serious damage to the ship with those wooden swords.

[tocaff]

It makes me wonder how much time CF is putting into this tale that he so skillfully weaves.

[princep01]

In all the navies, of all the world, I suspect that Ensign will be Ensign....and then grow up in and become real officers.
 
Heehee...funny story.

[HarryM]

Most excellent!

[Cuttlefish]

December 3, 1942

Location: Kwajalein
Course: Docked
Attached to: TF 72
Mission: Air Combat
System Damage: 2
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 444

Orders: Await further orders.

[Cuttlefish]

December 4, 1942

Location: Kwajalein
Course: Docked
Attached to: TF 72
Mission: Air Combat
System Damage: 2
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 443

Orders: Await further orders.

---

Shiro edges his way into a place at the crowded mess table. He smiles apologetically as he squeezes in, but instead of grumbling the other sailors make room for him. Shiro, easygoing and always willing to lend a hand where needed, is well liked by his fellow crew members.

After helping himself to some rice and fish he leans over the table gets the attention of Riku, who is sitting across from him.

“Hey, Ariga, could you do me a favor?” Riku looks up at his friend. His mouth is full of food, but he gestures for Shiro to go on. “I’m starting another shogi set, but I’m almost out of wood. Could you find a piece or two for me?” Riku finishes chewing and looks at Shiro.

“Wood?” he says. “Half the islands in this atoll are covered in trees. What do you need my help for?” Shiro makes an apologetic gesture.

“The wood of the palm trees is much too fibrous and spongy,” he says apologetically. “I really need some good Japanese hardwood. If it is an inconvenience then of course I understand. I don’t want you to go to a lot of trouble, but since you are the quartermaster’s chief assistant I thought you might be able to find some if anyone could.” Riku shrugs.

“It is no trouble,” he says. “I will keep my eyes open.” Shiro thanks him. The two eat in silence for a moment, listening to the conversation taking place elsewhere at the small table. The current topic is whether the enemy will stage a big attack this coming Monday, the first anniversary of the start of the war.

Many opinions are offered, and Shiro and Riku toss in a few of their own. There are those who are convinced that the Americans are never going to mount a serious attack, and others who are convinced that the Americans could not bear the loss of face that the failure to respond to the anniversary of Pearl Harbor would entail. Everyone has an idea, and that fact that the question of whether or when America will attack has been debated dozens of times before does not make the conversation any less lively.

The talking dies down as sailors finish eating and head for their hammocks or to go on duty. Soon the mess area is empty, though the rattle of pans can be heard from the galley as the cooks clean up and begin preparing for the next shift. Another day aboard the Hibiki is drawing to a close.

---

Excerpt from “Japanese Destroyer Attack!” by Shiro Kuramata, Ballentine Mori Press, 1963. Translated by Captain Ben Packard, USN (ret.). Original Japanese title: “Small Ship, Big War”.

The days of our long stay at Kwajalein near the end of 1942 were good days. We were well rested and well fed, and we were men of the Imperial Japanese Navy, a force that had humiliated the West and carved out an empire.

It is difficult, and almost heartbreaking, for me to remember how we felt then. Though we had already been tested in battle and had seen comrades die, those days for us those were in many ways days of innocence. We had no way of knowing what was coming. We were like a bold group of mountaineers who had conquered a tall and difficult mountain and then triumphantly pitched our tent right in the path of an avalanche.

No doubt our optimism will seem foolish to those who read about it all these years later. We were not foolish or stupid, though a year of victories may have left us a little arrogant. But all we knew of the war was what we could see or hear from the deck of our ship. Even those of us with some appreciation of the industrial might of America could not picture the rows of warships under construction, or the hundreds of factories that were already beginning to produce endless numbers of advanced warplanes. We only had our own frame of reference to go on, after all, and that frame of reference did not include such resources.

But all that was still in the future as the first year of the war drew to a close. Aboard the Hibiki we held bull sessions, played practical jokes, pursued our hobbies, complained about officers, and waited for something to happen…

[Cuttlefish]

December 5, 1942

Location: Kwajalein
Course: Docked
Attached to: TF 72
Mission: Air Combat
System Damage: 2
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 439

Orders: Await further orders.

[Cuttlefish]

December 6, 1942

Location: Kwajalein
Course: Docked
Attached to: TF 72
Mission: Air Combat
System Damage: 2
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 437

Orders: Await further orders.

---

The already formidable Japanese forces at Kwajalein get a substantial boost in the afternoon with the arrival from Japan of a powerful task force built around the battleships Yamato, Musashi, and Kirishima. Musashi of course is newly commissioned, while the other two battleships have been recently refitted and repaired.

This leaves far and away the bulk of Japanese naval strength at Kwajalein. There is the Far East Force at Singapore, of course, and another group of battleships and cruisers at Rabaul. Some destroyer divisions are scattered here and there. But it is the ships at Kwajalein that are expected to react to and halt any enemy incursion.

The crew of the Hibiki watches the arrival of the Yamato and Musashi with pride. Most of them are aware that in many ways the aircraft carriers already present are far more important. But the giant battleships are symbols, and symbols matter. Eighteen inch shells aren’t bad, either.

[Onime No Kyo]

Maybe the locan commander should stage a demonstration with the Yamato and Musashi.....sink an island or something. [:D]