Small Ship, Big War - The Voyages of the Hibiki

[Cuttlefish]

ORIGINAL: princep01

Late summer to be a bit more precise, but that's just picking.

An offensive along the Lae-New Britain-New Ireland axis can be expensive and attritional for both sides, I'd think.  Sort of a landlubbers approach to things, but attrition favors the Allies, so it might be a wise approach by Wolfpack.  It also tends to isolate the Solomons and New Caledonia.  Another plus for the Allies.  Interesting appoach. 

Also interesting is how little the Allies have been able to take back by this date.  Even Baker Is. is still under the banner of the Rising Sun.  Perhaps some of Wolfpack's previous offensive strikes were a bit premature, resulting in heavy CV losses that are now retarding his ability to mount a renewed seaborne assault.

A game with so many viable strategies for both sides is a game destined to be played over and over.

To date has the IJN lost a CV?  I remember Akagi and Hiryu were seriously damaged, but I don't recall a CV actually sunk.  I's guess that both are back in service now. 

The Japanese have yet to lose an aircraft carrier. There is going to be a lot more information about Kido Butai coming soon in the AAR, so I won't say anything more about that now. Japanese estimates (emphasize estimates) of Allied carrier losses are between 5 and 8 CV's sunk, plus 3 or 4 CVL's and CVE's. It has definitely impeded the Allies' ability to launch amphibious attacks out of range of their land-based air cover to this point. Japanese intelligence is unsure how many carriers the Americans may have launched since the start of the war.

[Reg]

ORIGINAL: Cuttlefish

The Japanese have yet to lose an aircraft carrier. ... Japanese estimates (emphasize estimates) of Allied carrier losses are between 5 and 8 CV's sunk, plus 3 or 4 CVL's and CVE's.

A fact that no doubt will significantly contribute to the longevity of this thread. (Much to the relief of all the dedicated followers I am sure.... [:D])

[Cuttlefish]

September 5, 1943

Location: Tokyo
Course: Disbanded in port
Attached to: None
Mission: None
System Damage: 0
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 475

Orders: Await further orders

---

“Lieutenant Sugiyura hates me,” says Seaman Senior Kinsei mournfully. “He thinks I’m an idiot.” He is sitting on the floor of his bunk area looking at the left sleeve of his jacket. The sleeve is ripped and torn and looks like it has been savaged by wolves, but what really happened was that it got caught in a torpedo hoist. Only quick action by a very alert petty officer in shutting down the hoist saved Kinsei’s arm from being dragged into the mechanism and suffering a similar fate.

“Just be glad you still have your arm and get some sleep,” says his friend Hosogaya tiredly. Kinsei sighs. He knows he is not incompetent, but he got off on the wrong foot with his commanding officer and it seems that everything he does to try and improve the lieutenant’s opinion of him goes wrong. He sits on the floor trying to make some repairs to his sleeve, but finally gives it up as hopeless and crawls into his hammock for a few hours of sleep.

---

“I hate him,” says Lieutenant Sugiyura. “He’s an idiot.” He and Lieutenant Miharu are seated in the officer’s wardroom going over crew evaluations. He has just delivered his opinion that the new torpedomen are working out fine, with the exception of Seaman Senior Kinsei.

Hibiki’s executive officer leans back and regards Lieutenant Sugiyura. Despite the torpedo officer’s aggressive, hard-driving nature Lieutenant Miharu knows that he is an excellent instructor. He is respected by his men as well as by his superiors. He works his men hard and his standards are very high, but he is also fair and looks after those under his command. This is by no means true of every officer in the Imperial Japanese Navy.

“I can tell you what Captain Ishii would say,” he tells Lieutenant Sugiyura, “because I have heard him say it many times. You are an officer, Lieutenant. Hate is not a luxury you can allow yourself.”

Lieutenant Sugiyura opens one hand. “I know,” he says. “But I confess I am at my wit’s end with this man.”

“His service record is excellent,” says Lieutenant Miharu, “as are his previous evaluations. What do you think has caused his problems here?”

“I don’t know,” says Sugiyura. “He is clumsy and accident-prone. It seems the harder he is pushed, the clumsier he becomes. I shudder to think what he will be like in actual combat.”

Lieutenant Miharu leans forward, clasping his hands on the table. “You are a torpedo officer,” he says. “Your approach to most problems is to attack, and if that does not work to attack harder. This is understandable, even laudable. But you might be facing a situation here where pushing harder is only making your problem worse.”

“What else is there to do?” Sugiyura asks.

“That,” says Lieutenant Miharu, “is for you to decide. If Kinsei does not work out we can reduce his rank and transfer him to someplace less critical. But if that happens, Lieutenant, I think you know that it would represent your failure as much as his.”

Lieutenant Sugiyura drops his gaze. “Yes,” he says. “I know that.” He meets Lieutenant Miharu’s eyes again. “I will give some thought to…less direct measures I might try.”

“Very good,” says Miharu. “I will look forward to your next report on the matter, then.” The two officers discuss several other things before Lieutenant Sugiyura departs. Lieutenant Miharu remains seated, filling out more of the inevitable paperwork.

[Cuttlefish]

September 6, 1943

Location: Tokyo
Course: Disbanded in port
Attached to: None
Mission: None
System Damage: 0
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 475

Orders: Await further orders

---

Though Hibiki is peacefully anchored in Tokyo Bay one enemy continues to stalk the ship. This enemy is persistent, pernicious, and takes advantage of every small weakness in the ship’s defenses. This enemy is rust.

Sea water is ideally suited to attack and damage steel. The water itself is loaded with chloride compounds, a marvelous substance for promoting electrolysis. Wind, surf, and the action of hull against water produce a fine spray which is rich in oxygen and settles everywhere. The salts and the oxygen produce a high rate of oxidation, a process that turns steel into brittle, flaking iron oxide, better known as rust.

The sea also has allies in the fight against steel. Sand, marine microorganisms, and larger marine creature such as barnacles can weaken or damage paint and other coatings designed to thwart rust. And because rust is permeable by both air and water the process, once started, can continue until the metal under attack is completely consumed.

The defense against this attack is hard, constant work. The chipper, the scraper, and the wire brush are the weapons wielded by Hibiki’s crew in an unceasing counterattack. And a quiet interlude such as the current stay in Tokyo Bay provides an ideal opportunity for the ship’s officers and petty officers to order the crew into the fray.

It cannot be said that the crew enjoys the work, any more than any crew in any navy has enjoyed the work since wooden hulls gave way to steel ones. But it is necessary. It also has the added benefit, at least from some points of view, of keeping the crew fully occupied while waiting for the next call to action.

Rust never sleeps. Hibiki’s crew does, but sometimes the sleep seems all too brief before they are awakened once more and sent back into action against their eternal enemy.

[John 3rd]

Well written...

[bradfordkay]

Why do I have this sudden desire to listen to a Neil Young record?

[tocaff]

Because Neil's voice hurts your ears?  [;)]

[rtrapasso]

ORIGINAL: bradfordkay

Why do I have this sudden desire to listen to a Neil Young record?

Perhaps you are a connisseur of whine? [:'(]

[Dixie]

ORIGINAL: Cuttlefish

Rust never sleeps. Hibiki’s crew does, but sometimes the sleep seems all too brief before they are awakened once more and sent back into action against their eternal enemy.

Sounds like action soon [:D]



[center][/center]

[cantona2]

Very well done Dixie

[Cuttlefish]

ORIGINAL: Dixie


[center][/center]

Wow, nice job on the picture! I like it.

[Cuttlefish]

September 7, 1943

Location: Tokyo
Course: Disbanded in port
Attached to: None
Mission: None
System Damage: 0
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 475

Orders: Await further orders

---

Taiki stands on a wooden navy dock watching one of Hibiki’s boats approach. A ways up the dock a boat from another ship is disembarking a handful of sailors. The waters of Tokyo Bay are constantly being criss-crossed by boats ferrying people to and from the ships at anchor.

Taiki hears the hollow thump of footsteps behind him. He turns to see Petty Officer Okubo approaching. He is apparently also going to catch the boat back to Hibiki.

Okubo looks considerably better than he did two weeks ago, though one cheek is still noticeably swollen. From the way he is working his jaw Taiki guesses that he is returning from another trip to the dentist.

Taiki nods politely. Okubo returns the gesture, then stands watching the approaching boat. Taiki turns his gaze back in the same direction, but is startled a moment later when Okubo clears his throat.

“I wanted to speak with you, Takahashi,” he says. Taiki turns to face him. It seems to him that Okubo looks uncomfortable.

“Yes, Petty Officer Okubo?” he asks.

Okubo scuffs at the worn wooden planks of the dock with the toe of one foot. “It’s about what happened on Truk,” he says. “I don’t remember much about things after the fight started, but I’m told you got me out of there with some quick thinking.” Taiki is startled. Okubo has not spoken to him since that day. This had not surprised Taiki; Okubo is not known as the most gracious man aboard ship.

“Yes, Petty Officer Okubo,” says Taiki politely. Okubo seems to expect something more. “I could not just let them beat a shipmate half to death,” he says. “Anyone would have done the same.” Okubo snorts.

“Anyone could have just blundered in there and gotten the crap beat out of both of us,” he says. “You used your head.” He pauses. “I owe you my thanks.” He grates out this last sentence as though it pains him to say it.

“You are quite welcome,” says Taiki. “But really, no thanks are necessary.”

“Heh,” grunts Okubo. “I think they are. Well, anyway. The boat is here.” He gives Taiki a stiff nod and strides off towards the boat. Taiki follows slowly. How remarkable, he thinks. He would have thought it more likely that Okubo would sprout wings and fly than utter thanks. What is next, he wonders, Captain Ishii and Lieutenant Miharu doing Kabuki theater on the bridge?

[John 3rd]

Don't think the Captain would look TOO good behind a fan...
 

[histgamer]

[:D]

[tocaff]

Kabuki is done on the Fubuki, not the Hibiki!  [:D]

[Cuttlefish]

September 8, 1943

Location: Tokyo
Course: Disbanded in port
Attached to: None
Mission: None
System Damage: 0
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 475

Orders: Await further orders

---

Hibiki races across the water not far outside Tokyo Bay. A wave crashes over the bow, the spray temporarily obscuring the bridge’s view of the lethal shapes of the three torpedo bombers boring in on the destroyer from almost exactly 45 degrees ahead to port.

“Range 6000 meters!” comes a call. Lieutenant Miharu raises his binoculars and studies the oncoming planes, which are now just a few hundred feet above the water.

“They are very fast,” he mutters. And they are. The new B6N Tenzan torpedo bombers are coming in with far greater speed than the B5Ns they are replacing would be capable of.

“More planes, 45 degrees to starboard!” a lookout shouts. Lieutenant Miharu looks in the indicated direction and sees three more B6Ns dropping down to attack altitude. It is a classic “scissors” attack. If this were for real Hibiki would be in trouble.

Beside the lieutenant Captain Ishii begins issuing orders. “Speed 30 knots,” he says. “Course 45 degrees to starboard.” Ishii is pointing Hibiki right at the first group of planes. The destroyer responds smartly and the deck plates shudder as the speed begins to increase.

Hibiki and the first group of planes are now closing with each other very quickly indeed. The ship’s anti-aircraft guns track the six attacking planes but do not fire. The planes that are now dead ahead maintain their course; while they have a very poor angle of attack they hope to give the other three planes a clean shot at the destroyer.

As the range closes the nearest bombers release their torpedoes. The deadly cylinders slap into the water and head towards Hibiki. The group of planes to starboard continues to come in, only about a thousand meters farther away than the first group.

Hibiki maintains an exact reciprocal bearing with the oncoming torpedoes. Two of them pass the narrow-beamed destroyer down the port side and the other passes to starboard.

“Left full rudder!” commands Ishii as soon as they have passed. The other three planes are even now releasing their torpedoes, leading Hibiki by almost precisely the right distance to compensate for the destroyer’s speed. Hibiki begins to turn away from the new attack, but it is going to be close. Very close. On the bridge it looks as though one torpedo is going to strike, but then Hibiki’s stern begins to skid out of the way. The torpedo passes less than 50 feet aft.

“Well done,” says Captain Ishii with satisfaction. These exercises are excellent training for both ship and planes, but he always likes to come away with a “win”. “Prepare to recover torpedoes,” he orders. The torpedoes are dummies, but they are valuable nonetheless and designed to remain afloat after they finish their run.

“If the groups had come in at exactly the same time I think they would have had us, sir,” comments Lieutenant Miharu.

Captain Ishii nods. “I agree,” he says. “Fortunately it is some other destroyer’s turn tomorrow.” The torpedo planes roar back over Hibiki and head inland, the leader giving them a friendly waggle of his wings as they pass. Hibiki recovers the torpedoes and heads back into Tokyo Bay.

[Cuttlefish]

September 9, 1943

Location: Tokyo
Course: Disbanded in port
Attached to: None
Mission: None
System Damage: 0
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 475

Orders: Await further orders

---

The brown rat scurries along, following a bundle of wiring within the deck above the forward engine room. When it comes to a steam pipe that pierces the deck it slips into a hole in the insulation surrounding the pipe. The rodent moves through a tunnel in the insulation and emerges from another gap in the insulation at the back of the pipe where it passes briefly through a corner of the forward vegetable storage locker.

It is now in the land of plenty, though the humans that also inhabit the warship try to store their food in such a way that it is not easily accessible by rats or other vermin. But the rat knows that inevitably some food will find its way onto the deck plates, and it does not take much to make a feast.

But the rat does not scurry immediately out into the open in search of food. Brown rats do not see well, but their other senses are excellent. The rat listens and sniffs the air. The store room is dark and quiet, and there is no sign that humans are about. Anticipating a meal, the rat moves out from behind the pipe.

It detects movement to the side too late. The rat is fast, but the head that emerges from the darkness is much faster. Needle sharp teeth, curving backward to prevent prey from wriggling free, fasten onto the rat’s flank. Immediately afterwards two powerful coils are thrown about the rat and begin to squeeze.

The rat squeaks and struggles, but with every movement and every exhalation the coils grow tighter. The rat soon suffocates in the powerful grip. The jaws release their grip on the flank and then unhinge to a macabre degree. The rat is ingested head first.

Not long after a hatch opens and light floods into the room. Footsteps are felt as much as heard.

“Ah, there you are!” Oizuma says to Benzaiten. He notes the bulge in the python’s center and knows his pet has made a nice meal. He scoops up the torpid serpent, drapes her across his shoulders, and takes her back to her crate. Benzaiten is willing to go. Her crate is warm and comfortable, and it will be several days before she feels the urge to hunt again.

---

Interestingly, the publication below makes no mention of the use of Borneo blood pythons as a pest control measure.

[Capt. Harlock]

“They are very fast,” he mutters. And they are. The new B6N Tenzan torpedo bombers are coming in with far greater speed than the B5Ns they are replacing would be capable of.

Progress marches on for both sides. I wonder if Japanese Intelligence has got wind of the new American carrier-borne fighter?

[dekwik]

The description of the torpedo exercise is great CF! I imagine it's the kind of naval exercise that should have been done often but probably wasn't??

[histgamer]

By the later days in the war I doubt Japan had the fuel to conduct them.