3 June 1942, near Noumea, New Caledonia
The convoys made it into port unharrassed.. The US carriers are patrolling north and east of the port as this has been an area where the Jap subs have not been operating. The US cruisers have pulled up into the harbor. Over a dozen destroyers are patrolling the entrance to the harobor. While it would be difficult for a Japanese sub to get close now, it is not impossible. The destroyers are kept at Modified Condition Zebra during this time. This is a slightly stepped down version allowing some movement around the ship. Have the crew is at General Quarters at all times. When putting a substantial strain on the crew, it is the best way to assure optimal response if a Japanese submarine were to be spotted.
LT Greg Cummins is at his station in the CIC monitoring the plotting board. While no enemy sound or RADAR contacts have been made, Greg has the plotting team keeping track of the friendly ships in the area. While this is mostly for practice, it is also to be sure that some ingenious Jap sub captain doesn't try to follow a friendly ship into the harbor. That is exactly what happened on 7 December at Pearl Harbor when a Japanese midget sub almost snuck into the anchorage by following a US ship.
Greg stands by the table with the talker on his head. He is in constant contact with the bridge and they can confirm visually any RADAR or SONAR contacts that seem suspicious. He runs the room very tightly and the sailors and junior officers have all now learned that he has no patience for laxity. He also knows that the men have another eight hours ahead of them on duty and makes sure each man gets a break every couple of hours to grab a smoke or just get some fresh air. The room is almost unbearably hot with the tropical heat combining with the waste energy form the tubes in the electronics to keep the room near 100 degrees all the time. There is no way around it. The hatches must be closed at all times at this Condition. The men just have to grin and bear it.
The Dogs of War - companion AAR to Howlin' At The Moon
Moderators: wdolson, MOD_War-in-the-Pacific-Admirals-Edition
RE: The Dogs of War - companion AAR to Howlin' At The Moon
"We have met the enemy and they are ours" - Commodore O.H. Perry
RE: The Dogs of War - companion AAR to Howlin' At The Moon
4 June 1942, near Kona, Hawaii
It is unbelievable what a difference just 50 miles can make. Here on the windward side of the Big Island it is full blown tropical jungle.
“God, this is just like Iceland,” LT Joe Broadway says
“Except its about 50 degrees warmer,” CPT Brett Castlebury says.
“It is hard to believe that our time on that God forsaken rock would actually prepare us for this”, Broadway muses.
“I never thought about it that way but you're right,” Brett agrees.
Odd as it was to say, it was true. The one thing the Marines had learned at Reykjavik was how to deal with unending dampness. It placed a toll on men and machine. The Marines had learned the importance of keeping their gear and weapons clean and well oiled to fend off the moisture. Even though the environmental conditions were vastly different, water was water. It was the enemy of a modern combat force no matter if it was 35 degrees or 85 degrees. The other thing that the Marines had learned was the importance of taking care of their feet. Trench foot was going to be even more of a problem in the tropical weather. Iceland was just the warm up for that enemy.
The other thing that the Big Island and Iceland have in comon is volcanoes. Brett had never traveled to the parts of Iceland where the volcanic fields are active, but here at Hilo you can see a faint glow to the southeast at night. That light is coming from Kilauea, an active volano not 30 miles from where they were camped. The locals assure the Marines they are in no danger, but it is still an ominous sight to see the night sky lit up with a dull red hue.
It is unbelievable what a difference just 50 miles can make. Here on the windward side of the Big Island it is full blown tropical jungle.
“God, this is just like Iceland,” LT Joe Broadway says
“Except its about 50 degrees warmer,” CPT Brett Castlebury says.
“It is hard to believe that our time on that God forsaken rock would actually prepare us for this”, Broadway muses.
“I never thought about it that way but you're right,” Brett agrees.
Odd as it was to say, it was true. The one thing the Marines had learned at Reykjavik was how to deal with unending dampness. It placed a toll on men and machine. The Marines had learned the importance of keeping their gear and weapons clean and well oiled to fend off the moisture. Even though the environmental conditions were vastly different, water was water. It was the enemy of a modern combat force no matter if it was 35 degrees or 85 degrees. The other thing that the Marines had learned was the importance of taking care of their feet. Trench foot was going to be even more of a problem in the tropical weather. Iceland was just the warm up for that enemy.
The other thing that the Big Island and Iceland have in comon is volcanoes. Brett had never traveled to the parts of Iceland where the volcanic fields are active, but here at Hilo you can see a faint glow to the southeast at night. That light is coming from Kilauea, an active volano not 30 miles from where they were camped. The locals assure the Marines they are in no danger, but it is still an ominous sight to see the night sky lit up with a dull red hue.
"We have met the enemy and they are ours" - Commodore O.H. Perry
RE: The Dogs of War - companion AAR to Howlin' At The Moon
5 June 1942, near Noumea, New Caledonia
The convoys are about done unloading and are beginning to reform. The will depart after dark heading back to New Zealand before returning for another load of troops from the West Coast. The Surface Action Force consisting of the four “Cleveland” class cruisers plus the four Mahan class destroyers will lead the way. The carriers will not be accompanying them on the return journey as the threat of enemy air attack is near zero this far south.
“I wonder where they are heading,” ENS Dawkins says as they pass the four carriers on their way out of Noumea
“I bet it is somewhere more exciting than where we are going,” LT Greg Cummins says
“I was unaware it was the US Navy's job to provide you two with excitement,” LT Doyle says having come up behind them without being noticed. “Those troop ships are perhaps even more valuable to the Navy right now than the carriers. I think keeping the Jap subs at bay shoudl be exciting enough.”
“Begging your pardon, Lieutenant,” Greg says, “but don't you think that is a bit of hyperbole? I mean the carriers are the best long range weapon we have right now with the battleships almost all being laid up after Pearl Harbor. How can a bunch of empty APs be more valuable?”
“True, the carriers may be our best offensive weapon,” Doyle concedes, “but last time I checked, they never conquered or held a single valuable piece of real estate. For that you need Marines and soldiers and they aren't going to be able to swim to where they are going. So to first hold what we have and then advance, we need to be able to get men and materials forward, and for that we need a whole bunch of those”
He punctuates his dissertation by point at the gathered transports in the harbor.
“Point conceded, Lieutenant,” Greg says
The convoys are about done unloading and are beginning to reform. The will depart after dark heading back to New Zealand before returning for another load of troops from the West Coast. The Surface Action Force consisting of the four “Cleveland” class cruisers plus the four Mahan class destroyers will lead the way. The carriers will not be accompanying them on the return journey as the threat of enemy air attack is near zero this far south.
“I wonder where they are heading,” ENS Dawkins says as they pass the four carriers on their way out of Noumea
“I bet it is somewhere more exciting than where we are going,” LT Greg Cummins says
“I was unaware it was the US Navy's job to provide you two with excitement,” LT Doyle says having come up behind them without being noticed. “Those troop ships are perhaps even more valuable to the Navy right now than the carriers. I think keeping the Jap subs at bay shoudl be exciting enough.”
“Begging your pardon, Lieutenant,” Greg says, “but don't you think that is a bit of hyperbole? I mean the carriers are the best long range weapon we have right now with the battleships almost all being laid up after Pearl Harbor. How can a bunch of empty APs be more valuable?”
“True, the carriers may be our best offensive weapon,” Doyle concedes, “but last time I checked, they never conquered or held a single valuable piece of real estate. For that you need Marines and soldiers and they aren't going to be able to swim to where they are going. So to first hold what we have and then advance, we need to be able to get men and materials forward, and for that we need a whole bunch of those”
He punctuates his dissertation by point at the gathered transports in the harbor.
“Point conceded, Lieutenant,” Greg says
"We have met the enemy and they are ours" - Commodore O.H. Perry
RE: The Dogs of War - companion AAR to Howlin' At The Moon
6 June 1942, Perth, Australia
USS Shark is gently manuevered into one of the dry docks here in Freemantle's port. The damage is actually minor. The outer doors on the portside forward torpedo tubes were merely knocked out of alignment. The units will be stripped down and examined for any additional damage then reassembled and plumbed. All told, Shark will be laid up for just a week. The rest of the damge was also insignificant with a few popped rivets and seams.
LT DJ Haskins is quite frankly a little disappointed. ComSubforceSWPA areas has been limiting the yards at Perth to only those boats that can make be repaired in less than ten days. Any boat with damage more serious than that is being routed to Melbourne or Sydney. He had hoped Shark might be sent to Melbourne and he would have a chance to visit with his friends the Floyds. Still, it is nice to be able to walk around and stretch his legs. The fact that the crew can spend some time not worrying about dodging Japanese patrol aircraft and destroyers is a help also.
Perth reminds DJ a lot of home. Geographically speaking the two cities are very similar being the most southwest port of their respective nations. Perth is smaller than San Diego and has much less of a military presence or at least it did prior to the War. San Diego was a major hub for both US Navy and Marine activities prior to 1941 while Perth was largely an outpost befor the Japanese attacked. The other big difference is the lack of diversity at Perth. There is no large contingent of any other culture present here. That is not to say that everything is “lily white”, but 25% of the population of San Diego is Hispanic. The few Aboriginal faces DJ has encountered reminds DJ that both country's share a common heritage of displacing the original inhabitants. DJ wonders if the Australians treated the Aborigines any better than white Americans treated the Indians when they arrived. He doubts that knowing that both populations arose from English settlers who probably shared similar attitudes about the “savages” they displaced.
USS Shark is gently manuevered into one of the dry docks here in Freemantle's port. The damage is actually minor. The outer doors on the portside forward torpedo tubes were merely knocked out of alignment. The units will be stripped down and examined for any additional damage then reassembled and plumbed. All told, Shark will be laid up for just a week. The rest of the damge was also insignificant with a few popped rivets and seams.
LT DJ Haskins is quite frankly a little disappointed. ComSubforceSWPA areas has been limiting the yards at Perth to only those boats that can make be repaired in less than ten days. Any boat with damage more serious than that is being routed to Melbourne or Sydney. He had hoped Shark might be sent to Melbourne and he would have a chance to visit with his friends the Floyds. Still, it is nice to be able to walk around and stretch his legs. The fact that the crew can spend some time not worrying about dodging Japanese patrol aircraft and destroyers is a help also.
Perth reminds DJ a lot of home. Geographically speaking the two cities are very similar being the most southwest port of their respective nations. Perth is smaller than San Diego and has much less of a military presence or at least it did prior to the War. San Diego was a major hub for both US Navy and Marine activities prior to 1941 while Perth was largely an outpost befor the Japanese attacked. The other big difference is the lack of diversity at Perth. There is no large contingent of any other culture present here. That is not to say that everything is “lily white”, but 25% of the population of San Diego is Hispanic. The few Aboriginal faces DJ has encountered reminds DJ that both country's share a common heritage of displacing the original inhabitants. DJ wonders if the Australians treated the Aborigines any better than white Americans treated the Indians when they arrived. He doubts that knowing that both populations arose from English settlers who probably shared similar attitudes about the “savages” they displaced.
"We have met the enemy and they are ours" - Commodore O.H. Perry
RE: The Dogs of War - companion AAR to Howlin' At The Moon
7 June 1942, northwest of Suva, Fiji
VP-51 has had its patrol pattern shifted slightly to the west. The far corner of the “fan” of search arcs now covers the island group of the New Hebrides. Something is up. CDR Underwood was particular urgent in the briefing this morning. He seemed very concerned that the pilots was especially vigilent for any Japanese surface or submarine activity up in that area. LT(jg) Hank Tyler has turned his PBY back toward the base having seen nothing. He passes just north of the largest island in the chain, Espiritu Santo.
“Contact, aircraft. Two fighters two o'clock high,” ENS Page announces
“Crap!” Tyler says as he pushes the throttles to their stops.
“Relax, Lieutenant, they ours,” Page says
“Are you sure?” Tyler says. “This is NOT the time to be wrong.”
“Definitely F4Fs, Sir,” Page assures him.
The two stubby Grummans rapidly close and roar past right in front of the nose of the PBY. Tyler wags his wings to acknowledge them.
“Damn fighter jocks. Always need to show off,” Tyler says
“Contact, surface ships, one o'clock,” AM2c Curliss announces over the intercom. “I think we found our carriers.”
Tyler picks up his binoculars and looks off to the south. The sea is suddenly flooded with ships. He can now pick up multiple aircraft of all types: fighters, dive bombers, torpedo planes, and even a few float planes.
“Jeesh, Louise,” he says. “Its the whole goddamn US Navy down there.”
“At least now we know what the burr up CDR Underwood's butt was this morning,” Page says
“Well, now it makes sense,” Hank says. “I don't understand why he just didn't tell us.”
“Maybe he didn't know,” Page suggests.
“You may be right, Mike,” Tyler says. “The brass may have just told him that they needed extra us to pay particular attention to this area of ocean without telling him why.”
“That would be the Navy way,” Page says
The operational security thing is still new to Tyler and his crew. Perhaps the Japs are better at intelligence gathering than they give them credit. It may be that just a change in the radio patterns out of Suva would tip them off that something was up. The IJN had proved itself more than capable so far. Maybe the brass is right to not underestimate them.
VP-51 has had its patrol pattern shifted slightly to the west. The far corner of the “fan” of search arcs now covers the island group of the New Hebrides. Something is up. CDR Underwood was particular urgent in the briefing this morning. He seemed very concerned that the pilots was especially vigilent for any Japanese surface or submarine activity up in that area. LT(jg) Hank Tyler has turned his PBY back toward the base having seen nothing. He passes just north of the largest island in the chain, Espiritu Santo.
“Contact, aircraft. Two fighters two o'clock high,” ENS Page announces
“Crap!” Tyler says as he pushes the throttles to their stops.
“Relax, Lieutenant, they ours,” Page says
“Are you sure?” Tyler says. “This is NOT the time to be wrong.”
“Definitely F4Fs, Sir,” Page assures him.
The two stubby Grummans rapidly close and roar past right in front of the nose of the PBY. Tyler wags his wings to acknowledge them.
“Damn fighter jocks. Always need to show off,” Tyler says
“Contact, surface ships, one o'clock,” AM2c Curliss announces over the intercom. “I think we found our carriers.”
Tyler picks up his binoculars and looks off to the south. The sea is suddenly flooded with ships. He can now pick up multiple aircraft of all types: fighters, dive bombers, torpedo planes, and even a few float planes.
“Jeesh, Louise,” he says. “Its the whole goddamn US Navy down there.”
“At least now we know what the burr up CDR Underwood's butt was this morning,” Page says
“Well, now it makes sense,” Hank says. “I don't understand why he just didn't tell us.”
“Maybe he didn't know,” Page suggests.
“You may be right, Mike,” Tyler says. “The brass may have just told him that they needed extra us to pay particular attention to this area of ocean without telling him why.”
“That would be the Navy way,” Page says
The operational security thing is still new to Tyler and his crew. Perhaps the Japs are better at intelligence gathering than they give them credit. It may be that just a change in the radio patterns out of Suva would tip them off that something was up. The IJN had proved itself more than capable so far. Maybe the brass is right to not underestimate them.
"We have met the enemy and they are ours" - Commodore O.H. Perry
RE: The Dogs of War - companion AAR to Howlin' At The Moon
8 June 1942, near Luganville, Espiritu Santo
The men of VS-6 have finally gotten their wish fulfilled. They are out hunting the Japanese . The four carrier Task Forces are refueling her in the New Hebrides before heading north. Intelligence has picked up on Japanese activity in the southern Solomons at some place called Guadalcanal. The carriers are being sent up that way to investigate. The route plotted to reach the launching point will make it a three day journey. They could make it in two but ADM Halsey wants to try to avoid Japanese search aircraft if he can. The will approach from the east.
The men in the ready rooms are tense. Already this is the furthest they have gone into enemy controlled ocean. Technically the New Hebrides were still Allied controlled, but there are no troops or even search aircraft up here. No they are quite alone and exposed. If the Japanese spot them during the approach, they could send their carriers in to intercept. While most of the men are itching to fight, facing the unknown has nerves on end. Even the Three Bobs are quiet. What little that is discussed is focused around tactics and plans. Now that they are finally getting the chance to face the enemy, Carey, Jaccard, and Stone are much quieter. For this, LT(jg) James West is grateful
The men of VS-6 have finally gotten their wish fulfilled. They are out hunting the Japanese . The four carrier Task Forces are refueling her in the New Hebrides before heading north. Intelligence has picked up on Japanese activity in the southern Solomons at some place called Guadalcanal. The carriers are being sent up that way to investigate. The route plotted to reach the launching point will make it a three day journey. They could make it in two but ADM Halsey wants to try to avoid Japanese search aircraft if he can. The will approach from the east.
The men in the ready rooms are tense. Already this is the furthest they have gone into enemy controlled ocean. Technically the New Hebrides were still Allied controlled, but there are no troops or even search aircraft up here. No they are quite alone and exposed. If the Japanese spot them during the approach, they could send their carriers in to intercept. While most of the men are itching to fight, facing the unknown has nerves on end. Even the Three Bobs are quiet. What little that is discussed is focused around tactics and plans. Now that they are finally getting the chance to face the enemy, Carey, Jaccard, and Stone are much quieter. For this, LT(jg) James West is grateful
"We have met the enemy and they are ours" - Commodore O.H. Perry
RE: The Dogs of War - companion AAR to Howlin' At The Moon
9 June 1942, Auckland ,New Zealand
LT Greg Cummins is sitting on his bunk reading technical manuals for the torpedo mounts and fire control system. LT Faber, the ship's gunnery officer, walks in after coming off duty. Greg shares the room with Faber, LT(jg) Laird, and ENS Slocum, the assistant Deamge Control Officer.
“Jeesh, Greg, you ever not reading those stupid manuals?” Faber asks
“Only when I'm sleeping and on duty”, Cummins answers.
“You know you really can't learn everything you need to know from a book?” Faber asks
“Of I am fully aware of that,” Greg answers, “but my thinking is that if I know the technical matters by rote, the rest will come easy.”
“You are definitely NOT a fly by the seat of your parts kind of person, are you?” Faber asks
“No, that's not my style,” he asnswers. “Fate favors those that are well prepared.”
“Perhaps, but book knowledge is not the same as real experience,” Faber says. “Knowing every last detail in those manuals will not make up for actual experience using systems.”
“Well I am drilling on the mounts every chance I get,” Greg says, “but there is a limited amount of time available for that sort of activity.”
“Sounds like you are doing everything you can to be ready,” Faber says. “I doubt we will need them anytime soon. Don't think even the Japs are crazy enough to venture this far South.”
“You are probably right,” Greg says, “but it is best not to assume anything.”
LT Greg Cummins is sitting on his bunk reading technical manuals for the torpedo mounts and fire control system. LT Faber, the ship's gunnery officer, walks in after coming off duty. Greg shares the room with Faber, LT(jg) Laird, and ENS Slocum, the assistant Deamge Control Officer.
“Jeesh, Greg, you ever not reading those stupid manuals?” Faber asks
“Only when I'm sleeping and on duty”, Cummins answers.
“You know you really can't learn everything you need to know from a book?” Faber asks
“Of I am fully aware of that,” Greg answers, “but my thinking is that if I know the technical matters by rote, the rest will come easy.”
“You are definitely NOT a fly by the seat of your parts kind of person, are you?” Faber asks
“No, that's not my style,” he asnswers. “Fate favors those that are well prepared.”
“Perhaps, but book knowledge is not the same as real experience,” Faber says. “Knowing every last detail in those manuals will not make up for actual experience using systems.”
“Well I am drilling on the mounts every chance I get,” Greg says, “but there is a limited amount of time available for that sort of activity.”
“Sounds like you are doing everything you can to be ready,” Faber says. “I doubt we will need them anytime soon. Don't think even the Japs are crazy enough to venture this far South.”
“You are probably right,” Greg says, “but it is best not to assume anything.”
"We have met the enemy and they are ours" - Commodore O.H. Perry
RE: The Dogs of War - companion AAR to Howlin' At The Moon
10 June 1942, Hilo, Hawaii
CPT Brett Castlebury is returning to the bivoac area after the morning briefing. The entier 2nd BTN is now back at Hilo after the two weeks of jungle training on the other side of the island. Brett, for one, is glad to be “home”. While the base here lacks many of the amenities of a fully developed base like Camp Elliot, it is much better than the conditions over at Kona. There is a permanent messhall, barber shop, Px, and most importantly permanent lantrines. It is said you don't appreciate the simple things in life until you lose the. Brett thinks that is definitely true of modern toilet facilities.
There was no information in the briefing regarding the Division's next assignment. It was hinted that things are fluid enough that the exact target may not yet be selected. Brett guesses it doesn't matter much in the end for him and the men of Gulf COY. Those kind of decisions are made by the brass. Their job will be to merely carry the orders out once they are sent down. Grand strategy is for General and Admirals. Now, tactics and small unit operations, that is a different story. Brett has some opinions regarding those matters, but no one seems to be interested in asking him what they might be.
All he can do is keep pushing his men as hard as possible so that when the word is given, they will be ready.
CPT Brett Castlebury is returning to the bivoac area after the morning briefing. The entier 2nd BTN is now back at Hilo after the two weeks of jungle training on the other side of the island. Brett, for one, is glad to be “home”. While the base here lacks many of the amenities of a fully developed base like Camp Elliot, it is much better than the conditions over at Kona. There is a permanent messhall, barber shop, Px, and most importantly permanent lantrines. It is said you don't appreciate the simple things in life until you lose the. Brett thinks that is definitely true of modern toilet facilities.
There was no information in the briefing regarding the Division's next assignment. It was hinted that things are fluid enough that the exact target may not yet be selected. Brett guesses it doesn't matter much in the end for him and the men of Gulf COY. Those kind of decisions are made by the brass. Their job will be to merely carry the orders out once they are sent down. Grand strategy is for General and Admirals. Now, tactics and small unit operations, that is a different story. Brett has some opinions regarding those matters, but no one seems to be interested in asking him what they might be.
All he can do is keep pushing his men as hard as possible so that when the word is given, they will be ready.
"We have met the enemy and they are ours" - Commodore O.H. Perry
RE: The Dogs of War - companion AAR to Howlin' At The Moon
11 June 1942, North of Ndeni Island
Admiral Halsey's plan seems to be working. There has not been a single sighting since they left Espiritu Santo. It had been surmised, correctly, that the Japnese were concentrating their air search assets to the South and West of the carriers current position. The fact that not even one lone patrol plane had been caught snooping meant the likely will arrive off the Southern Solomons undetected.
LCDR Gallaher is giving the final briefing for today in the VS-6 Ready Room.
“Ok, that about does it,” he says. “Now, I want all you men to try to get some sleep tonight. I want you at your sharpest tomorrow”
That was easier said than done. The men had been wishing for this day for over six months now. While intelligence estimates indicated they woul likely only find a merchant convoy or two, they were still pretty hyped up for battle. No direct recon of the base has been done. What they will meet tomorrow is just a “best guess”.
“Well, we are finally going to get our shot at the Japs,” LT(jg) Carey says as the retire to their bunks.
“I just hope there will be something worth shooting,” ENS Stone says
“At this point in time, I'd be glad to sink a nice fat freighter,” ENS Jaccard says.
“I'm hoping we might find some combat ships,” LT(jg) James West adds. “I'd love to drop one of those 1000 lbers right down the stack of a Jap battleship.”
The other three men stare at West.
“What?” he says
“Well, its just that in six months of war, James,” Carey says, “That is the first time any of us have heard you make any sort of statement about getting the Japs.”
“Yeah,” Stone says, “you're normally Mr. Wet Blanket.”
“You saying I'm chicken?” West objects.
“No, nothing like that!” Stone quickly says
“Its just that you are not the “Rah Rah” type,” Jaccard says
“Yeah, you're the thinking man's warrior,” Carey adds
“Well, that doesn't mean I don't want to get those Jap bastards back any less than any of you,” West says.
“Never thought that you didn't,” Carey says. “Its just the departure from character that surprised us.”
The men strip and climb in their bunks. Sleep does not come easy, but they all are able to get at least a few hours.
Admiral Halsey's plan seems to be working. There has not been a single sighting since they left Espiritu Santo. It had been surmised, correctly, that the Japnese were concentrating their air search assets to the South and West of the carriers current position. The fact that not even one lone patrol plane had been caught snooping meant the likely will arrive off the Southern Solomons undetected.
LCDR Gallaher is giving the final briefing for today in the VS-6 Ready Room.
“Ok, that about does it,” he says. “Now, I want all you men to try to get some sleep tonight. I want you at your sharpest tomorrow”
That was easier said than done. The men had been wishing for this day for over six months now. While intelligence estimates indicated they woul likely only find a merchant convoy or two, they were still pretty hyped up for battle. No direct recon of the base has been done. What they will meet tomorrow is just a “best guess”.
“Well, we are finally going to get our shot at the Japs,” LT(jg) Carey says as the retire to their bunks.
“I just hope there will be something worth shooting,” ENS Stone says
“At this point in time, I'd be glad to sink a nice fat freighter,” ENS Jaccard says.
“I'm hoping we might find some combat ships,” LT(jg) James West adds. “I'd love to drop one of those 1000 lbers right down the stack of a Jap battleship.”
The other three men stare at West.
“What?” he says
“Well, its just that in six months of war, James,” Carey says, “That is the first time any of us have heard you make any sort of statement about getting the Japs.”
“Yeah,” Stone says, “you're normally Mr. Wet Blanket.”
“You saying I'm chicken?” West objects.
“No, nothing like that!” Stone quickly says
“Its just that you are not the “Rah Rah” type,” Jaccard says
“Yeah, you're the thinking man's warrior,” Carey adds
“Well, that doesn't mean I don't want to get those Jap bastards back any less than any of you,” West says.
“Never thought that you didn't,” Carey says. “Its just the departure from character that surprised us.”
The men strip and climb in their bunks. Sleep does not come easy, but they all are able to get at least a few hours.
"We have met the enemy and they are ours" - Commodore O.H. Perry
RE: The Dogs of War - companion AAR to Howlin' At The Moon
12 June 1942, East of Florida Island
The three carriers come to life at 0300. Planes are prepped at brought to the deck. The pilots eat an early breakfast and are all in the Ready Rooms by 0400. Each carrier will send out seven SBDs to search the waters around the Task Forces. The hope is they will find the enemy unprepared for their arrival.
LT(jg) James West is warming up his SBD on deck at 0500. He will search nearly directly North of the carriers. He checks all the instruments to verify the plane is ready to go: fuel, oil pressure and temp, manifold pressure, engine temp all good. He waits for the signal and at 0530 the flag is raised. His plane captain taps him on the shoulder and climbs down. The plane handler signals for West to taxi the SBD forward. Three planes proceed him before his turn comes. The launching officer holds his hands over his head to indicate to James to “hold brakes”. He waits for the ship to reach the bottom of the trough of the next wave, and as the bow begins to rise, he drops his hands point towrd the bow. James pushes the throttle all the way forward and the SBD begins its roll. It quickly picks up speed and clears the forward edge of the flightdeck in controled flight.
James allows the bird to gain some air speed before putting the plane into a gentle climb. There is a 500 lb bomb slung beneath it, but the plane feels light on the controls. His recent experience carrying a 1000 lb bomb had changed his perspective about how the SBD felt with a “mere” 500 lbs hanging beneath it. He turns the plane North as he passes 6000 feet. While, unlikely, if the Japanese had detected the USN's presence, their carriers would most probably be found in this direction. He proceeds out to 300 NM without seing a thing. The radio crackles only a few times as some patrol boats are spotted near Guadalcanal. Besides that, there is nothing. No combat ships worth attacking and no merchant shipping either. James turns the plane back to the carrier and lands uneventfully.
He finds out that the only action of the day is interception of some patrol aircraft. Several of the F4Fs had to team up to bring down one of the huge flying boats the Japanese have code named Mavis. They had also shot down a single engine float plane. The pilots in the ready room are in a sullen mood when James returns. The big raid that everyone had been hoping for finally happened, and they had drawn a big goose egg. In all it was a very long day with very little to show.
The three carriers come to life at 0300. Planes are prepped at brought to the deck. The pilots eat an early breakfast and are all in the Ready Rooms by 0400. Each carrier will send out seven SBDs to search the waters around the Task Forces. The hope is they will find the enemy unprepared for their arrival.
LT(jg) James West is warming up his SBD on deck at 0500. He will search nearly directly North of the carriers. He checks all the instruments to verify the plane is ready to go: fuel, oil pressure and temp, manifold pressure, engine temp all good. He waits for the signal and at 0530 the flag is raised. His plane captain taps him on the shoulder and climbs down. The plane handler signals for West to taxi the SBD forward. Three planes proceed him before his turn comes. The launching officer holds his hands over his head to indicate to James to “hold brakes”. He waits for the ship to reach the bottom of the trough of the next wave, and as the bow begins to rise, he drops his hands point towrd the bow. James pushes the throttle all the way forward and the SBD begins its roll. It quickly picks up speed and clears the forward edge of the flightdeck in controled flight.
James allows the bird to gain some air speed before putting the plane into a gentle climb. There is a 500 lb bomb slung beneath it, but the plane feels light on the controls. His recent experience carrying a 1000 lb bomb had changed his perspective about how the SBD felt with a “mere” 500 lbs hanging beneath it. He turns the plane North as he passes 6000 feet. While, unlikely, if the Japanese had detected the USN's presence, their carriers would most probably be found in this direction. He proceeds out to 300 NM without seing a thing. The radio crackles only a few times as some patrol boats are spotted near Guadalcanal. Besides that, there is nothing. No combat ships worth attacking and no merchant shipping either. James turns the plane back to the carrier and lands uneventfully.
He finds out that the only action of the day is interception of some patrol aircraft. Several of the F4Fs had to team up to bring down one of the huge flying boats the Japanese have code named Mavis. They had also shot down a single engine float plane. The pilots in the ready room are in a sullen mood when James returns. The big raid that everyone had been hoping for finally happened, and they had drawn a big goose egg. In all it was a very long day with very little to show.
"We have met the enemy and they are ours" - Commodore O.H. Perry
RE: The Dogs of War - companion AAR to Howlin' At The Moon
13 June 1943, Perth, Australia
Swordfish is out of the dry dock. She is moved over to a pier at the sub base, and the crew is quickly loading the necessary provisions for the trip north. They will not be returning to Soerabaja this time as that base is now being threatened by the enemy and likely fall within a few days. Instead they will stop at a small port on Australia's NW corner to refuel before heading into japanese territory. This will shorten their time on station by four or five days, but it is better than being based out of Perth.
LT DJ Haskins is in the forward torpedo room with ENS Beasley checking out the torpedoes. There is a growing concern within the submarine community that there is something wrong with the Mk14 Torpedoes. DJ himself has seen several attacks come up empty when everything seemed to be plotted correctly. They are using these last few hours in port to open up as many of the torpedoes as time allows. The gyroscopes, depth mechanisms, and warheads are all given a through check out.
“You have an answer for this?” DJ asks
“No Lieutenant, everything seems to be in proper working order”, Beasley answers.
“What about you, Chief?” her asks CTM Reynolds who is assisting them.
“No, Sir, everything appears to be working as designed,” he answers. “Maybe the problem is in the torpedoes all together”
“Don't think I am following your there, Chief”, DJ says.
“Well, these things were designed mostly on paper,” Reynolds says. “A lot of the inner workings were based on ideas that had never been used before. Perhaps, the designers got it wrong.”
“Well, I have seen some of the memos coming out of BurOrd,” Haskins says. “They assure us that the torpedoes are not the problem.”
“Well, I for one think they are wrong,” Reynolds says. “If it were up to me, I'd just disable that goddamn magnetic detonator. That's what I think the problem is if you asked me”
“Well, Chief, you may be right, but we have orders to not do that exact thing,” DJ says. “Seems you're not the only one with that opinion as it has already been suggested.”
“Well, Lieutenant, what BurOrd doesn't know won't hurt them will it?” the Chief asks.
“Hmmm, that may be true,” Haskins ansers. “I'll run the idea past the skipper.”
DJ can tell from the look on the Chief's face that he isn't very hopeful about what LCDR Shane's response will be.
Swordfish is out of the dry dock. She is moved over to a pier at the sub base, and the crew is quickly loading the necessary provisions for the trip north. They will not be returning to Soerabaja this time as that base is now being threatened by the enemy and likely fall within a few days. Instead they will stop at a small port on Australia's NW corner to refuel before heading into japanese territory. This will shorten their time on station by four or five days, but it is better than being based out of Perth.
LT DJ Haskins is in the forward torpedo room with ENS Beasley checking out the torpedoes. There is a growing concern within the submarine community that there is something wrong with the Mk14 Torpedoes. DJ himself has seen several attacks come up empty when everything seemed to be plotted correctly. They are using these last few hours in port to open up as many of the torpedoes as time allows. The gyroscopes, depth mechanisms, and warheads are all given a through check out.
“You have an answer for this?” DJ asks
“No Lieutenant, everything seems to be in proper working order”, Beasley answers.
“What about you, Chief?” her asks CTM Reynolds who is assisting them.
“No, Sir, everything appears to be working as designed,” he answers. “Maybe the problem is in the torpedoes all together”
“Don't think I am following your there, Chief”, DJ says.
“Well, these things were designed mostly on paper,” Reynolds says. “A lot of the inner workings were based on ideas that had never been used before. Perhaps, the designers got it wrong.”
“Well, I have seen some of the memos coming out of BurOrd,” Haskins says. “They assure us that the torpedoes are not the problem.”
“Well, I for one think they are wrong,” Reynolds says. “If it were up to me, I'd just disable that goddamn magnetic detonator. That's what I think the problem is if you asked me”
“Well, Chief, you may be right, but we have orders to not do that exact thing,” DJ says. “Seems you're not the only one with that opinion as it has already been suggested.”
“Well, Lieutenant, what BurOrd doesn't know won't hurt them will it?” the Chief asks.
“Hmmm, that may be true,” Haskins ansers. “I'll run the idea past the skipper.”
DJ can tell from the look on the Chief's face that he isn't very hopeful about what LCDR Shane's response will be.
"We have met the enemy and they are ours" - Commodore O.H. Perry
RE: The Dogs of War - companion AAR to Howlin' At The Moon
Special thanks to Thane who pointed out to me that Emily's letter about internment would have far reaching effects.
14 June 1942, Suva, Fiji
LT(jg) Hank Tyler is not assigned to fly today. He is in the squadrons “Operations Hut” helping CDR Underwood with some of the administrative duties. Never a fan of paperwork, Hank would normally try to find some way to get out of such duty. The Commander is about overwhelmed though, and it hardly seems fair that he and the XO would have to bear this burden all alone. Afterall, they also have flight duties on top of all of the “clerical” duties.
He barely notices the two men that entered the hut that asked to speak with Underwood alone. They disappear into his office for about five minutes. Hank cannot hear what they are discussing, but their hushed tones suggest that it is something they don't want everybody in the room to know about. The door opens and Underwood steps out with a look of concern on his face.
“Lieutenant Tyler, can we have a word with you,” he says.
Tyler stands and walks to the Commander's office. He doesn't know what is up, but suddenly a sense of foreboding comes over him
“Lieutenant, this is CDR Mowery and LT McElroy,” Underwood says. “they are from Naval Intelligence and need to ask you some questions.”
With that Underwood leaves the room closing the door behind him
“Have a seat, Lieutenant,” Mowery says. “An issue has arisen, and we need your cooperation on the matter.”
“Anything I can do , Sir,” Tyler says matter of factly. The Commander's pleasant demeanor does not fool him for a moment. This is a serious man who only troubles himself with serious matters. Hank can tell that just by the way he speaks.
“You know a woman named Emily Stebbins, correct?” Mowery says
“Yes, Sir,” Tyler answers. “I guess you could say we are dating though the geographical constraints do put a damper on it.”
“How long have you known Miss Stebbins,” Mowery asks.
Tyler pauses for a moment. At first it is just to do the math in his head, but he also is taking time to process why these two Intelligence weanies are so interested in Emily.
“Well, Sir,” he says slowly, “it has been just under five months since we met. We started dating while the squadron was based at San Franciso.”
“Yes, we are well aware of that, Lieutenant,” the Commander says almost not waiting for the answer.
“If you already knew that, why did you ask the question?” Tyler says.
“I wanted to see what you would say,” he responds. “When you first met Miss Stebbins, did you approach her or did she approach you?”
“I approached her,” Tyler says. “It was at a dance at the Whitcomb Hotel. If I may ask, Sir, why are you so interested in my girlfriend?”
“I think you better leave the questions to us, Lieutenant,” Mowery says sternly. “Let's just say we are concerned about her loyalty. She has been engaged in some questionable activities that may suggest she has Pro-Japanese sympathies.”
For four years Hank had reigned in his rebellious streak. It was the price he had to pay to first become a pilot in the Navy and then maintaining his qualification. This, however, was too much. These pukes from the Intelliegnece Office were accusing Emily, his girl, of being a traitor! He rose from his seat with fire in his eyes.
“Listen here, you sonofabitch!” he says glaring straight into Mowery's eyes. “If you think I am gonna sit here and let you bad mouth Emily, you are full of it!”
With that the door swings open and CDR Underwood rushes in. He grabs Hank by his shirt and slams him back down into the chair.
“Sit down, Lieutenant!” he says. “Gentlemen, a moment with my officer if you would.”
The two men sense that Underwood was not making a request and they leave the room. Mowery keeps his eyes fixed on Tyler as he steps through the door.
“Now you are going to listen to me and you are going to listen good,” Underwood says with no level of compromise in his words. “These men have the ability to take you from this room right now, no questions asked. They can not only strip you of your wings but also make your life a living hell. I am sure you have no doubts about your girlfriend's loyalty to the country, but I might point out that you barely know her. I don't know what this is all about, but I do know one thing: you are going to sit here and answer their questions calmly and professionally. If you fail to do so, I will ground you and send you back to the States myself. Do I make myself clear?”
“Yes, Sir,” Hank says in a beaten tone.
Mowery and McElroy return to the room and the interview begins again. They ask him dozens of questions about Emily: had she ever mentioned lack of support for the War, did she ever ask him to read pro-Japanese materials, does she associate with Japanese people, and on and on. The continue to grill Hank for over an hour. No matter how many times Tyler protests and assures them of Emily's loyalty, they do not seem to be satisfied. Finally, they run out of questions. They dismiss Hank and he walks out of the office and straight out the door. He walks down to the beach and just stares at the waves. Feelings of doubt and confusion fill his mind, but they are overwhelmed by another emotion: rage. He has no idea what this is all about, but he is going to find out.
What Tyler does not know is that on this day in Olean, New York, two grim faced men enter the Olean Savings and Trust building asking to speak with Mr. Tyler. Hank's father is grilled for over half an hour about a girl he has never met.
14 June 1942, Suva, Fiji
LT(jg) Hank Tyler is not assigned to fly today. He is in the squadrons “Operations Hut” helping CDR Underwood with some of the administrative duties. Never a fan of paperwork, Hank would normally try to find some way to get out of such duty. The Commander is about overwhelmed though, and it hardly seems fair that he and the XO would have to bear this burden all alone. Afterall, they also have flight duties on top of all of the “clerical” duties.
He barely notices the two men that entered the hut that asked to speak with Underwood alone. They disappear into his office for about five minutes. Hank cannot hear what they are discussing, but their hushed tones suggest that it is something they don't want everybody in the room to know about. The door opens and Underwood steps out with a look of concern on his face.
“Lieutenant Tyler, can we have a word with you,” he says.
Tyler stands and walks to the Commander's office. He doesn't know what is up, but suddenly a sense of foreboding comes over him
“Lieutenant, this is CDR Mowery and LT McElroy,” Underwood says. “they are from Naval Intelligence and need to ask you some questions.”
With that Underwood leaves the room closing the door behind him
“Have a seat, Lieutenant,” Mowery says. “An issue has arisen, and we need your cooperation on the matter.”
“Anything I can do , Sir,” Tyler says matter of factly. The Commander's pleasant demeanor does not fool him for a moment. This is a serious man who only troubles himself with serious matters. Hank can tell that just by the way he speaks.
“You know a woman named Emily Stebbins, correct?” Mowery says
“Yes, Sir,” Tyler answers. “I guess you could say we are dating though the geographical constraints do put a damper on it.”
“How long have you known Miss Stebbins,” Mowery asks.
Tyler pauses for a moment. At first it is just to do the math in his head, but he also is taking time to process why these two Intelligence weanies are so interested in Emily.
“Well, Sir,” he says slowly, “it has been just under five months since we met. We started dating while the squadron was based at San Franciso.”
“Yes, we are well aware of that, Lieutenant,” the Commander says almost not waiting for the answer.
“If you already knew that, why did you ask the question?” Tyler says.
“I wanted to see what you would say,” he responds. “When you first met Miss Stebbins, did you approach her or did she approach you?”
“I approached her,” Tyler says. “It was at a dance at the Whitcomb Hotel. If I may ask, Sir, why are you so interested in my girlfriend?”
“I think you better leave the questions to us, Lieutenant,” Mowery says sternly. “Let's just say we are concerned about her loyalty. She has been engaged in some questionable activities that may suggest she has Pro-Japanese sympathies.”
For four years Hank had reigned in his rebellious streak. It was the price he had to pay to first become a pilot in the Navy and then maintaining his qualification. This, however, was too much. These pukes from the Intelliegnece Office were accusing Emily, his girl, of being a traitor! He rose from his seat with fire in his eyes.
“Listen here, you sonofabitch!” he says glaring straight into Mowery's eyes. “If you think I am gonna sit here and let you bad mouth Emily, you are full of it!”
With that the door swings open and CDR Underwood rushes in. He grabs Hank by his shirt and slams him back down into the chair.
“Sit down, Lieutenant!” he says. “Gentlemen, a moment with my officer if you would.”
The two men sense that Underwood was not making a request and they leave the room. Mowery keeps his eyes fixed on Tyler as he steps through the door.
“Now you are going to listen to me and you are going to listen good,” Underwood says with no level of compromise in his words. “These men have the ability to take you from this room right now, no questions asked. They can not only strip you of your wings but also make your life a living hell. I am sure you have no doubts about your girlfriend's loyalty to the country, but I might point out that you barely know her. I don't know what this is all about, but I do know one thing: you are going to sit here and answer their questions calmly and professionally. If you fail to do so, I will ground you and send you back to the States myself. Do I make myself clear?”
“Yes, Sir,” Hank says in a beaten tone.
Mowery and McElroy return to the room and the interview begins again. They ask him dozens of questions about Emily: had she ever mentioned lack of support for the War, did she ever ask him to read pro-Japanese materials, does she associate with Japanese people, and on and on. The continue to grill Hank for over an hour. No matter how many times Tyler protests and assures them of Emily's loyalty, they do not seem to be satisfied. Finally, they run out of questions. They dismiss Hank and he walks out of the office and straight out the door. He walks down to the beach and just stares at the waves. Feelings of doubt and confusion fill his mind, but they are overwhelmed by another emotion: rage. He has no idea what this is all about, but he is going to find out.
What Tyler does not know is that on this day in Olean, New York, two grim faced men enter the Olean Savings and Trust building asking to speak with Mr. Tyler. Hank's father is grilled for over half an hour about a girl he has never met.
"We have met the enemy and they are ours" - Commodore O.H. Perry
RE: The Dogs of War - companion AAR to Howlin' At The Moon
5 June 1942, Hilo, Hawaii
CPT Brett Castlebury is watching third platoon's practice on the rifle range that has been set up for the Marines' ongoing training. He is beginning to become concerned that the men are getting too comfortable here in Hawaii. At least when they were in Iceland there was the real threat of encountering the enemy even if that was a very remote possibility. The nearest Japanese to where he stands now are on Wake Island. Brett doubts they were going to paddle their way over a thousand miles. With the threat of invasion growing more remote every day, the Marines are getting a bit laxed. He may need to change things up a bit to help them keep their edge. LT Reese seems to have things well in hand here; so, he makes his way back to the Company HQ.
As he turns to go, he is met by LT Broadway who is making his way down the mud road carrying something in a duffle bag.
“You look like a man on a mission, Lieutenant,” Brett says. “Whatya got in the bag?”
“Oh, just a little present for you Captain,” he says, “ but we need to go back to the range for me to give it to you.”
Brett turns around and the two men make their way down to the firing line. The 3rd Platoon is packing up and getting ready to head back down to camp. The Range Master is closing down the range for the day.
“Excuse me, Gunny,” Broadway says, “but could I trouble you to keep the range open for a few minutes?”
“No problem at all, Lieutenant,” he says. “We're not supposed to be done here for another half hour any way. What you up to, if I might ask?”
“Well, I acquired a new personal weapon for the Captain here and I thought he might want to try it out,” Broadway says with a grin.
The three men gather around a table as Broadway opens the duffle.
“Now, how in the hell did you get that?” Castlebury says.
“Just a little horse trading,” Broadway says still grinning.
“Well, this is definitely an upgrade,” Brett says as he lifts a M1928A1 Thopson submachinegun from the bag.
The weapon is heavy weighing over ten pounds. Unlike the Reising M50, the gun was known for its reliablity. They are exclusively issued to the Army which means Broadway somehow had conned one out of some poor soldier's hand. He slaps in a 20 round magazine in and chambers a round. He rips off a quick burst and immediately sees that what he heard about the weapon is true: it is highly inaccurate at full auto. He practices firing off short bursts and finds that he can achieve a reasonable hit rate. To his surprise, LT Broadway joins him on the firing line with a Thompson of his own.
“Two?” Brett says incredulously
“Couldn't let you have all the fun,” he answers with the same ear-to-ear grin on his face
The two men go through several magazines as the get accustomed to the weapons. Fortunately, the Thompsons use the same exact 0.45 caliber round that the Reisings use. Given the fact that the Marines had pretty much discarded their submachine guns, ammo shortage was not going to be a problem.
CPT Brett Castlebury is watching third platoon's practice on the rifle range that has been set up for the Marines' ongoing training. He is beginning to become concerned that the men are getting too comfortable here in Hawaii. At least when they were in Iceland there was the real threat of encountering the enemy even if that was a very remote possibility. The nearest Japanese to where he stands now are on Wake Island. Brett doubts they were going to paddle their way over a thousand miles. With the threat of invasion growing more remote every day, the Marines are getting a bit laxed. He may need to change things up a bit to help them keep their edge. LT Reese seems to have things well in hand here; so, he makes his way back to the Company HQ.
As he turns to go, he is met by LT Broadway who is making his way down the mud road carrying something in a duffle bag.
“You look like a man on a mission, Lieutenant,” Brett says. “Whatya got in the bag?”
“Oh, just a little present for you Captain,” he says, “ but we need to go back to the range for me to give it to you.”
Brett turns around and the two men make their way down to the firing line. The 3rd Platoon is packing up and getting ready to head back down to camp. The Range Master is closing down the range for the day.
“Excuse me, Gunny,” Broadway says, “but could I trouble you to keep the range open for a few minutes?”
“No problem at all, Lieutenant,” he says. “We're not supposed to be done here for another half hour any way. What you up to, if I might ask?”
“Well, I acquired a new personal weapon for the Captain here and I thought he might want to try it out,” Broadway says with a grin.
The three men gather around a table as Broadway opens the duffle.
“Now, how in the hell did you get that?” Castlebury says.
“Just a little horse trading,” Broadway says still grinning.
“Well, this is definitely an upgrade,” Brett says as he lifts a M1928A1 Thopson submachinegun from the bag.
The weapon is heavy weighing over ten pounds. Unlike the Reising M50, the gun was known for its reliablity. They are exclusively issued to the Army which means Broadway somehow had conned one out of some poor soldier's hand. He slaps in a 20 round magazine in and chambers a round. He rips off a quick burst and immediately sees that what he heard about the weapon is true: it is highly inaccurate at full auto. He practices firing off short bursts and finds that he can achieve a reasonable hit rate. To his surprise, LT Broadway joins him on the firing line with a Thompson of his own.
“Two?” Brett says incredulously
“Couldn't let you have all the fun,” he answers with the same ear-to-ear grin on his face
The two men go through several magazines as the get accustomed to the weapons. Fortunately, the Thompsons use the same exact 0.45 caliber round that the Reisings use. Given the fact that the Marines had pretty much discarded their submachine guns, ammo shortage was not going to be a problem.
"We have met the enemy and they are ours" - Commodore O.H. Perry
RE: The Dogs of War - companion AAR to Howlin' At The Moon
16 June 1942, Auckland, New Zealand
While the USN carriers are off on their little hunting trip, the Surface Action Group is stood down. LT Greg Cummins won't deny that he is more than a bit jealous of the sailors and pilots on the carriers right now. The fact that the raid has been dubbed a failure eases the pain at least a little. The rest does give the ships in the Task Force a chance to conduct some minor dockside maintainence and repairs. It had been more than five weeks since they had left Pearl Harbor, and the lack of combat did not mean the ships were not getting worn down.
Like so many other ports acrossed the world, Auckland now finds itself “occupied” by the US military. The men from the Surface Action Group represent nearly 6,000 men alone. The streets are filled with not only sailors but men from a number of support units based here from both the Army and Navy. The New Zealand people are warm and friendly hosts even if they are keeping their daughters practically under lock and key. The US servicemen are being polite guest for the most part although there are the inevitable alcohol induced fights that break out. The SPs are doing a good job keeping every one in line, and damage to a minimum.
Half of Perkins crew has been given shore leave for the day. Greg Cummins is sitting on his bunk reading some technical manuals when LT Doyle sticks his head through the door.
“Mr. Cummins,” he says sternly, “What exactly are you doing?”
“Just brushing up on the technical data for the FCS and torpedo mounts,” Greg answers.
“I would think you would have those all committed to memory by now,” Doyle says
“Not quite,” Greg answers thinking he actually almost has memorized them.
“Correct me if I'm wrong, Lieutenant,” Doyle says, “but I believe you have been granted a day pass for today have you not?”
“Yes, Sir, I have,” he answers, “but I thought my time would be better spent in study.”
“Well, LCDR Ford suspected that might be the case,” Doyle says. “he has instructed me to order you off this boat immediately. You are not to return prior to 1700 hours, and you are to leave all the technical manuals, specs, and any other US Navy documents official or otherwise on board the Perkins. If you have any objections, you are to take it up with him.”
Greg looks up at Doyle in disbelief. He can tell by the look on his face that this is not a joke. He puts the manual down and grabs his hat.
“Off you go now,” Doyle says teasingly. “All work and no fun makes Greg a dull boy.”
He makes his way to the main deck and up to the forward boarding ladder. Here Laird, Slocum, and Faber await him in a launch at the bottom of the ladder.
“Ah, our Fearless leader has arrived,” Faber says as Greg climbs aboard. “Hope you are wearing comfortable shoes, because we are going mountain climbing.”
“What?” Greg says
“Yup, we are going there,” Faber says pointing to a green bulge in the landscape to the Southeast.
The bulge is Mangere Mountain, an inactive volcano just to the South and West of Auckland's port. The men arrive at a RNZN pier then catch a tram to the city's edge. Its is only about a mile to the base of the mountain which in most places would be just a large hill. The man make their way up the Southeast slope to the summit which is about 350 feet above sea level. In the center is a deep crater belieing the mountain's formative process. Scattered around the summit are a number of stone works that are remnants of the Maori culture that existed her before European settlers arrived. Greg is impressed with the size of some of the stones that he realizes were moved here by man power alone. While not as impressive as the stone works at say Easter Island or Stonehenge, they still are a testament to the Maori's determination. The men spend a few hours walking around and enjoying the amazing views of both of Auckland's harbors: the shallow water inlet to the west and the deep water port to the east.
They make their way back down and walk to the tram stop where the had gotten off on the way out. After a twenty minute wait, the tram pulls up and they head back to town. A make shift Officer's Club has been set up near the port. They eat an early dinner there before returning to Perkins shortly after 1830. Greg returns to his cabin and reaches for his manuals. He drops them on his bed and instead heads to the Ward Room. His comrades from the day's excursion are gathered there with some other officers. He is invited to join a game of Bridge and accepts. As Greg sits and enjoys the comraderie at the table, he realizes this may be the first time he has truly relaxed in more than six months.
While the USN carriers are off on their little hunting trip, the Surface Action Group is stood down. LT Greg Cummins won't deny that he is more than a bit jealous of the sailors and pilots on the carriers right now. The fact that the raid has been dubbed a failure eases the pain at least a little. The rest does give the ships in the Task Force a chance to conduct some minor dockside maintainence and repairs. It had been more than five weeks since they had left Pearl Harbor, and the lack of combat did not mean the ships were not getting worn down.
Like so many other ports acrossed the world, Auckland now finds itself “occupied” by the US military. The men from the Surface Action Group represent nearly 6,000 men alone. The streets are filled with not only sailors but men from a number of support units based here from both the Army and Navy. The New Zealand people are warm and friendly hosts even if they are keeping their daughters practically under lock and key. The US servicemen are being polite guest for the most part although there are the inevitable alcohol induced fights that break out. The SPs are doing a good job keeping every one in line, and damage to a minimum.
Half of Perkins crew has been given shore leave for the day. Greg Cummins is sitting on his bunk reading some technical manuals when LT Doyle sticks his head through the door.
“Mr. Cummins,” he says sternly, “What exactly are you doing?”
“Just brushing up on the technical data for the FCS and torpedo mounts,” Greg answers.
“I would think you would have those all committed to memory by now,” Doyle says
“Not quite,” Greg answers thinking he actually almost has memorized them.
“Correct me if I'm wrong, Lieutenant,” Doyle says, “but I believe you have been granted a day pass for today have you not?”
“Yes, Sir, I have,” he answers, “but I thought my time would be better spent in study.”
“Well, LCDR Ford suspected that might be the case,” Doyle says. “he has instructed me to order you off this boat immediately. You are not to return prior to 1700 hours, and you are to leave all the technical manuals, specs, and any other US Navy documents official or otherwise on board the Perkins. If you have any objections, you are to take it up with him.”
Greg looks up at Doyle in disbelief. He can tell by the look on his face that this is not a joke. He puts the manual down and grabs his hat.
“Off you go now,” Doyle says teasingly. “All work and no fun makes Greg a dull boy.”
He makes his way to the main deck and up to the forward boarding ladder. Here Laird, Slocum, and Faber await him in a launch at the bottom of the ladder.
“Ah, our Fearless leader has arrived,” Faber says as Greg climbs aboard. “Hope you are wearing comfortable shoes, because we are going mountain climbing.”
“What?” Greg says
“Yup, we are going there,” Faber says pointing to a green bulge in the landscape to the Southeast.
The bulge is Mangere Mountain, an inactive volcano just to the South and West of Auckland's port. The men arrive at a RNZN pier then catch a tram to the city's edge. Its is only about a mile to the base of the mountain which in most places would be just a large hill. The man make their way up the Southeast slope to the summit which is about 350 feet above sea level. In the center is a deep crater belieing the mountain's formative process. Scattered around the summit are a number of stone works that are remnants of the Maori culture that existed her before European settlers arrived. Greg is impressed with the size of some of the stones that he realizes were moved here by man power alone. While not as impressive as the stone works at say Easter Island or Stonehenge, they still are a testament to the Maori's determination. The men spend a few hours walking around and enjoying the amazing views of both of Auckland's harbors: the shallow water inlet to the west and the deep water port to the east.
They make their way back down and walk to the tram stop where the had gotten off on the way out. After a twenty minute wait, the tram pulls up and they head back to town. A make shift Officer's Club has been set up near the port. They eat an early dinner there before returning to Perkins shortly after 1830. Greg returns to his cabin and reaches for his manuals. He drops them on his bed and instead heads to the Ward Room. His comrades from the day's excursion are gathered there with some other officers. He is invited to join a game of Bridge and accepts. As Greg sits and enjoys the comraderie at the table, he realizes this may be the first time he has truly relaxed in more than six months.
"We have met the enemy and they are ours" - Commodore O.H. Perry
RE: The Dogs of War - companion AAR to Howlin' At The Moon
17 June 1942, Southeast of Noumea, New Caledonia
The USN's carriers are back on nurse maid duty. This time it is a convoy of freighters carrying supplies and more importantly a large number of aircraft to Noumea. Once there, the base will be officially operational. While not totally freeing up the carriers, it will help make Noumea even more secure. The four VFs are busy providing Combat Air Patrol (CAP) over both the flight decks and the convoy. The pilots in the attack squadrons are doing their usual search and ASW functions but with the exception of the submarine threat, no one expects much action this far South.
The pilots of VS-6 sit in the Ready Room biding their time. Other than the few men assigned to patrol duty today, there isn't a lot for them to do. That said, the need to be ready to fly at a moment's notice. The are all in their flight suits with their knee boards nearby just in case there is a sudden call for action. While their location implies enough safety that there isn't a lot of tension in the room, the men are not relaxed either. It is a routine they have become very familiar with during the war. In the just over six months after Pearl Harbor, Enterprise has been at sea for more than five of them.
LT(jg) James West is playing Gin with LT(jg) Bob Carey. It provides a welcomed distraction from the boredom.
“This is getting old,” Carey says
“How's that?” James asks not sure what he means by that statement
“This constant routine of playing Mother Hen to a bunch of transports,” Carey says
“Well at least its something to do,” James says
“Yeah, I guess after the Solomon's raid, I can't complain too much,” Carey says
“Well, that was a shot in the dark from the get go,” James says. “More of a aggressive patrol than an actual raid.”
“Would have been nice to have found at least a convoy or something,” Carey muses.
“Guess it just wasn't our day,” West says.
“Maybe next time,” Carey says. “Knock with two”
“Crap,” James says. “Thirteen left”
“Guess it still isn't your lucky day, James” Carey says smiling
The USN's carriers are back on nurse maid duty. This time it is a convoy of freighters carrying supplies and more importantly a large number of aircraft to Noumea. Once there, the base will be officially operational. While not totally freeing up the carriers, it will help make Noumea even more secure. The four VFs are busy providing Combat Air Patrol (CAP) over both the flight decks and the convoy. The pilots in the attack squadrons are doing their usual search and ASW functions but with the exception of the submarine threat, no one expects much action this far South.
The pilots of VS-6 sit in the Ready Room biding their time. Other than the few men assigned to patrol duty today, there isn't a lot for them to do. That said, the need to be ready to fly at a moment's notice. The are all in their flight suits with their knee boards nearby just in case there is a sudden call for action. While their location implies enough safety that there isn't a lot of tension in the room, the men are not relaxed either. It is a routine they have become very familiar with during the war. In the just over six months after Pearl Harbor, Enterprise has been at sea for more than five of them.
LT(jg) James West is playing Gin with LT(jg) Bob Carey. It provides a welcomed distraction from the boredom.
“This is getting old,” Carey says
“How's that?” James asks not sure what he means by that statement
“This constant routine of playing Mother Hen to a bunch of transports,” Carey says
“Well at least its something to do,” James says
“Yeah, I guess after the Solomon's raid, I can't complain too much,” Carey says
“Well, that was a shot in the dark from the get go,” James says. “More of a aggressive patrol than an actual raid.”
“Would have been nice to have found at least a convoy or something,” Carey muses.
“Guess it just wasn't our day,” West says.
“Maybe next time,” Carey says. “Knock with two”
“Crap,” James says. “Thirteen left”
“Guess it still isn't your lucky day, James” Carey says smiling
"We have met the enemy and they are ours" - Commodore O.H. Perry
RE: The Dogs of War - companion AAR to Howlin' At The Moon
18 June 1942, Java Sea
Shark is slowly making her way through the maze of Japanese held Islands. Half of Java is now owned by the enemy as well as a good portion of Borneo and Sumatra. The Japs have a large base at Kendari which forces the USN and RNN subs to stay as far away from there as possible.
LT DJ Haskins is off duty technically but is in the sub's control room monitoring the boat's progress. Shark will transit the Eastern Java Sea then make her way up through the straits of Macassar. Unlike their last patrol, this time the will move around the North cape of Borneo then into the South China Sea. Radio reports are that the Japanese are landing on Mindanao and Palawan. Hopefully they will be able to run into some of that traffic while patroling that area.
Shark is slowly making her way through the maze of Japanese held Islands. Half of Java is now owned by the enemy as well as a good portion of Borneo and Sumatra. The Japs have a large base at Kendari which forces the USN and RNN subs to stay as far away from there as possible.
LT DJ Haskins is off duty technically but is in the sub's control room monitoring the boat's progress. Shark will transit the Eastern Java Sea then make her way up through the straits of Macassar. Unlike their last patrol, this time the will move around the North cape of Borneo then into the South China Sea. Radio reports are that the Japanese are landing on Mindanao and Palawan. Hopefully they will be able to run into some of that traffic while patroling that area.
"We have met the enemy and they are ours" - Commodore O.H. Perry
RE: The Dogs of War - companion AAR to Howlin' At The Moon
19 June 1942, Hilo, Hawaii
CPT Brett Castlebury iis in the Company HQ this bright Hawiian morning. There is no firm date, but word has come down that they will be deploying soon. As usual, there is no indication when that will be or where they are going. Brett has gotten used to all the rumors that pop up whnever a move is announced. He has learned to filter most of them out. Scuttlebutt is not the most reliable information source. It is amusing at what some of the men come up with though. Having a map of the South Pacific and a vivid imagination can be a dangerous thing for a bored Marine. He's glad that Generals get to make these decisions because some of the places his men have come up with for a destination would put the Division is a dangerous position.
“No, Private, we are not heading to Rabaul or Truk or the Marianas,” he has said on more than one occasion.
Brett doesn't know where there are heading for sure, but he is sure that the Allied offensive is going to be a slow stepwise process.
“No need to stick your neck out just to get your head chopped off,” he thinks as he himself studies the map.
“If I were going to guess, I bet we are going here”, he thinks with his finger on an island chain Northwest of Fiji. The notation on the map says New Hebrides.
CPT Brett Castlebury iis in the Company HQ this bright Hawiian morning. There is no firm date, but word has come down that they will be deploying soon. As usual, there is no indication when that will be or where they are going. Brett has gotten used to all the rumors that pop up whnever a move is announced. He has learned to filter most of them out. Scuttlebutt is not the most reliable information source. It is amusing at what some of the men come up with though. Having a map of the South Pacific and a vivid imagination can be a dangerous thing for a bored Marine. He's glad that Generals get to make these decisions because some of the places his men have come up with for a destination would put the Division is a dangerous position.
“No, Private, we are not heading to Rabaul or Truk or the Marianas,” he has said on more than one occasion.
Brett doesn't know where there are heading for sure, but he is sure that the Allied offensive is going to be a slow stepwise process.
“No need to stick your neck out just to get your head chopped off,” he thinks as he himself studies the map.
“If I were going to guess, I bet we are going here”, he thinks with his finger on an island chain Northwest of Fiji. The notation on the map says New Hebrides.
"We have met the enemy and they are ours" - Commodore O.H. Perry
RE: The Dogs of War - companion AAR to Howlin' At The Moon
20 June 1942, Southeast of Noumea, New Caledonia
The Surface Action Group is patroling just ahead of a convoy heading into Noumea. CINCPAC has decided that any valuable convoy needs an esort from now on. While certainly not in the Japs backyard, they are close enough to bases in the Solomons and New guinea where a IJN raiding force could make its way down here. Of course, they would have to get past the US carriers which are nearby. The carriers themselves are not visiable but the skies are filled with F4Fs, SBDs, and TBFs.
LT Greg Cummins is acting as OOD on the bridge of USS Perkins. Even in a non-combat situation there is a lot to be attended to for the OOD. First and foremost is keeping her place in the formation. They are in an anti-subamarine orientation now with the four cruisers in the center and the four destroyers circling around them. Greg is thankful for the new RADAR systems installed during the last refit as it provides information as to Perkins' position to all seven of the other ships in the Task Force. The ship's primary comabt duty at the moment is to search for and attack any submarines trying to infiltrate the screen. Greg keeps in constant contact with both the CIC and the lookouts. In addition, he needs to track all the aircraft that are flying about to verify they are indeed friendly. Cummins raise his binoculars to locate a new plane that CIC had reported was approaching.
“Inform CIC that Bogey 027 is a TBF, heading North by Northwest,” Greg says
The infromation is passed. He is informed of a new surface contact to the Northeast. He spins around and peers through the binoculars in that direction. It is a USN destroyer, likely a Gridley class. It must be part of the outer screen of one of the CV groups. He passes the information along like the last. This continues on for the entire time Greg has the Con. While RADAR is an amazing tool, it has added to the work load considerably. If things were this busy in such a benign setting, Greg is beginning to wonder what the situation will be like in actual combat.
The Surface Action Group is patroling just ahead of a convoy heading into Noumea. CINCPAC has decided that any valuable convoy needs an esort from now on. While certainly not in the Japs backyard, they are close enough to bases in the Solomons and New guinea where a IJN raiding force could make its way down here. Of course, they would have to get past the US carriers which are nearby. The carriers themselves are not visiable but the skies are filled with F4Fs, SBDs, and TBFs.
LT Greg Cummins is acting as OOD on the bridge of USS Perkins. Even in a non-combat situation there is a lot to be attended to for the OOD. First and foremost is keeping her place in the formation. They are in an anti-subamarine orientation now with the four cruisers in the center and the four destroyers circling around them. Greg is thankful for the new RADAR systems installed during the last refit as it provides information as to Perkins' position to all seven of the other ships in the Task Force. The ship's primary comabt duty at the moment is to search for and attack any submarines trying to infiltrate the screen. Greg keeps in constant contact with both the CIC and the lookouts. In addition, he needs to track all the aircraft that are flying about to verify they are indeed friendly. Cummins raise his binoculars to locate a new plane that CIC had reported was approaching.
“Inform CIC that Bogey 027 is a TBF, heading North by Northwest,” Greg says
The infromation is passed. He is informed of a new surface contact to the Northeast. He spins around and peers through the binoculars in that direction. It is a USN destroyer, likely a Gridley class. It must be part of the outer screen of one of the CV groups. He passes the information along like the last. This continues on for the entire time Greg has the Con. While RADAR is an amazing tool, it has added to the work load considerably. If things were this busy in such a benign setting, Greg is beginning to wonder what the situation will be like in actual combat.
"We have met the enemy and they are ours" - Commodore O.H. Perry
RE: The Dogs of War - companion AAR to Howlin' At The Moon
21 June 1942, Suva, Fiji
LT(jg) Hank Tyler has been in a foul mood for a week. His encounter with the Naval Intelligence pukes a week ago is still leaving a bad taste in his mouth. What's even worse is that CDR Underwood forbade him from writing Emily at all. He said that it would probably be best if Hank let the situation cool off for a while. The problem is that Tyler has no idea what “the situation” is at the moment. CDR Mowery had been very vague as to what “offense” Emily may or may not be have committed. How much trouble is she actualy in at this point? How much trouble is Hank in at this point? He has no idea.
Tyler makes his way to the Operations Hut. The CO has asked that Hank come up and see him. He has reason to suspect this may have something to do with Emily.
“You wanted to see me, Sir?” Hank says as he enter the office.
“Yes, Hank, sit down,” Underwood says. “I think it is time you write your girl again.”
“Has something changed?” Hank says hopefully.
“Not that I am aware of so far,” Underwood says, “but I think I made a mistake in telling you to stop writing her. After thinking about, it might be perceived
by some as suspicious that you suddenly broke off communication. Kinda like you had something to hide.”
“I don't,” Tyler says with a bit of venom in his voice.
“Didn't say that you did,” Underwood replies somewhat exasperated. “You need to understand that Intelligence types don't think like you and me. The see a spook behind every shadow. They're not a bad lot but their job makes them inherently distrustful. Keep in mind that Naval Intelligence still has a big ole egg on their face because they failed to detect the build up to Pearl Harbor.”
“Well, they should,” Hank says. “That was a pretty bad screw up.”
“Yes, it was,” Underwood agrees, “That also means that they are trying really hard to make sure nothing like that happens again. We have to accept that during war things change. What may be innocent behavior by a person in peace time can easily be construde as disloyal in war. You need to understand that fact. I do beleive that this whole thing is just a misunderstanding of some type by how you have described Miss Stebbins, but we have got to let this play out. Any attempt by you or me will only be perceived as an attempt to cover for her. Do you understand?”
“Yes, I guess,” Hank says dejectedly. “It appears I am powerless to help Emily, and if I try, it will only make it worse.”
“OK, did you bring the letters you have written in the last week to Miss Stebbins like I asked,” Underwood says
Hank hands him the letters. He had though it odd that the man that told him the CO wanted to see him also said to bring along the letters.
“Nope, Nope, Nope,” Underwood says as he leafs through the letters dropping each successive one into the trash can.
“Are you just taunting me, Sir?” Tyler says
“No, I am protecting you,” the CO says. “You need to assume that all corespondance you make for the foreseeable future is monitored. Everything you write will be read and dissected for any hint of double meaning.”
“Jesus,” Hank says. “Isn't that being a bit paranoid?”
“No, its not,” Underwood says. “Its my intention to do everything I can to save your career. In order to do that, I cannot take any chances.”
“I appreciate that, Sir, more than I can say,” Tyler says
“Just looking out for one of my own,” Underwood says. “No go back and write some new letters. Do not mention anything that is happened here. Talk about the weather. Talk about you squadronmates. Give no hint to her that there is trouble brewing. I don't want to give Intelligence any more ammunition. Got it?”
“Aye, sir,” Tyler says
Thousands of miles away in downtown San Francisco, the Stebbins family attorney is giving the same exact advice to Emily and her father.
LT(jg) Hank Tyler has been in a foul mood for a week. His encounter with the Naval Intelligence pukes a week ago is still leaving a bad taste in his mouth. What's even worse is that CDR Underwood forbade him from writing Emily at all. He said that it would probably be best if Hank let the situation cool off for a while. The problem is that Tyler has no idea what “the situation” is at the moment. CDR Mowery had been very vague as to what “offense” Emily may or may not be have committed. How much trouble is she actualy in at this point? How much trouble is Hank in at this point? He has no idea.
Tyler makes his way to the Operations Hut. The CO has asked that Hank come up and see him. He has reason to suspect this may have something to do with Emily.
“You wanted to see me, Sir?” Hank says as he enter the office.
“Yes, Hank, sit down,” Underwood says. “I think it is time you write your girl again.”
“Has something changed?” Hank says hopefully.
“Not that I am aware of so far,” Underwood says, “but I think I made a mistake in telling you to stop writing her. After thinking about, it might be perceived
by some as suspicious that you suddenly broke off communication. Kinda like you had something to hide.”
“I don't,” Tyler says with a bit of venom in his voice.
“Didn't say that you did,” Underwood replies somewhat exasperated. “You need to understand that Intelligence types don't think like you and me. The see a spook behind every shadow. They're not a bad lot but their job makes them inherently distrustful. Keep in mind that Naval Intelligence still has a big ole egg on their face because they failed to detect the build up to Pearl Harbor.”
“Well, they should,” Hank says. “That was a pretty bad screw up.”
“Yes, it was,” Underwood agrees, “That also means that they are trying really hard to make sure nothing like that happens again. We have to accept that during war things change. What may be innocent behavior by a person in peace time can easily be construde as disloyal in war. You need to understand that fact. I do beleive that this whole thing is just a misunderstanding of some type by how you have described Miss Stebbins, but we have got to let this play out. Any attempt by you or me will only be perceived as an attempt to cover for her. Do you understand?”
“Yes, I guess,” Hank says dejectedly. “It appears I am powerless to help Emily, and if I try, it will only make it worse.”
“OK, did you bring the letters you have written in the last week to Miss Stebbins like I asked,” Underwood says
Hank hands him the letters. He had though it odd that the man that told him the CO wanted to see him also said to bring along the letters.
“Nope, Nope, Nope,” Underwood says as he leafs through the letters dropping each successive one into the trash can.
“Are you just taunting me, Sir?” Tyler says
“No, I am protecting you,” the CO says. “You need to assume that all corespondance you make for the foreseeable future is monitored. Everything you write will be read and dissected for any hint of double meaning.”
“Jesus,” Hank says. “Isn't that being a bit paranoid?”
“No, its not,” Underwood says. “Its my intention to do everything I can to save your career. In order to do that, I cannot take any chances.”
“I appreciate that, Sir, more than I can say,” Tyler says
“Just looking out for one of my own,” Underwood says. “No go back and write some new letters. Do not mention anything that is happened here. Talk about the weather. Talk about you squadronmates. Give no hint to her that there is trouble brewing. I don't want to give Intelligence any more ammunition. Got it?”
“Aye, sir,” Tyler says
Thousands of miles away in downtown San Francisco, the Stebbins family attorney is giving the same exact advice to Emily and her father.
"We have met the enemy and they are ours" - Commodore O.H. Perry
RE: The Dogs of War - companion AAR to Howlin' At The Moon
22 June 1942, Hilo, Hawaii
Training is intensifying at Hilo. As soon as lift can be arranged, the Division is heading to the South Pacific. The trip will take more than three weeks and with the exception of PT, the men will be relatively inactive. CPT Brett Castlebury is working his men hard. He wants them in peak physical shape before they board the transports. They use the few Higgins Boats assigned to the Division to conduct some mock invasions. While it is nothing like the real thing, the experience of maneuvering on and off the boats is invaluable. Brett knows that eventually the Marines will likely have to take an opposed beach. If the men can at least get used to the evolutions of boarding and disembarking, that will be one less thing he has to worry about.
Brett is very happy with the five officers that have been assigned to Gulf Coy. 1StLT Broadway has been a Godsend. He is a good officer and a good Marine. Even though he is subordinate, the two men have struck up a warm friendship. The two junior officers, 2ndLTs Reese and Hodge, are coming along nicely too. They are very teachable and are willing to listen to both the superiors and their Platoon Sargeants. Brett knows from his own experince that leaning on that resource only makes one a better officer. He thinks of how MSGT Wilson had “trained” him up. The unit is about in as good of shape as it can be as the time to head South approaches.
Training is intensifying at Hilo. As soon as lift can be arranged, the Division is heading to the South Pacific. The trip will take more than three weeks and with the exception of PT, the men will be relatively inactive. CPT Brett Castlebury is working his men hard. He wants them in peak physical shape before they board the transports. They use the few Higgins Boats assigned to the Division to conduct some mock invasions. While it is nothing like the real thing, the experience of maneuvering on and off the boats is invaluable. Brett knows that eventually the Marines will likely have to take an opposed beach. If the men can at least get used to the evolutions of boarding and disembarking, that will be one less thing he has to worry about.
Brett is very happy with the five officers that have been assigned to Gulf Coy. 1StLT Broadway has been a Godsend. He is a good officer and a good Marine. Even though he is subordinate, the two men have struck up a warm friendship. The two junior officers, 2ndLTs Reese and Hodge, are coming along nicely too. They are very teachable and are willing to listen to both the superiors and their Platoon Sargeants. Brett knows from his own experince that leaning on that resource only makes one a better officer. He thinks of how MSGT Wilson had “trained” him up. The unit is about in as good of shape as it can be as the time to head South approaches.
"We have met the enemy and they are ours" - Commodore O.H. Perry