Small Ship, Big War - The Voyages of the Hibiki

[Cuttlefish]

September 16, 1943

Location: 350 miles northwest of Eniwetok
Course: Southeast
Attached to: TF 48
Mission: Air Combat
System Damage: 0
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 249

Orders: Escort Akagi to rendezvous with other Japanese carriers

---

From the personal diary of Petty Officer Second Class Taiki Takahashi:

I don’t know what the wretched Americans are up to, but couldn’t they have waited three more days? Or even two? The hardest part is that I have no idea what is happening back home. What is Sayumi doing, and how does she feel? Did she meet my parents? I worry about how that might go without me there.

I know there is no point in dwelling on it, but I can’t help it. I suppose if I die out here now at least this way I will not make Sayumi a widow for a second time. On the other hand I think I would prefer to die having been married, even if only for a day.

I have never felt so alone out here. I hope Sayumi isn’t feeling the same way.

---

Taiki’s mother slides aside a door, revealing a small but very clean bedroom. “And you will sleep here,” she says. Behind her Sayumi peers into the room. It looks very nice. Taiki’s father comes bustling up behind them and sets down her suitcases.

Sayumi is feeling a little overwhelmed. Taiki’s parents have refused to listen to her protests and are gently but firmly moving her into their home. Sayumi, who is uncommonly tall for a woman, looks down at Taiki’s mother and tries one more time.

“Mother Takahashi,” she says, “I appreciate what you are doing very much, but I simply can’t be this kind of burden to you.” Taiki’s mother turns and looks up at her. She is a short, slender woman in a kimono, with a lined and kindly face.

“Enough of that” she says. “You are going to marry my son, and as far as I’m concerned that means you are part of the family already. Besides, you will be helping my husband with his business.” Sayumi looks at her in surprise. “Oh, I know, I’m supposed to be offended by that,” she says with a smile. “But this is not the Japan it was when I was younger, I know that. Women are working in the factories, women are working in the fields. And it has been hard, with both Taiki and Noboru gone. We will help each other.”

Sayumi smiles. It is good not to be alone again.

[Cuttlefish]

September 17, 1943

Location: 225 miles west-southwest of Eniwetok
Course: Southeast
Attached to: TF 48
Mission: Air Combat
System Damage: 0
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 451

Orders: Escort Akagi to rendezvous with other Japanese carriers

---

Had the encounter happened in the morning, when the task force was refueling, the outcome might have been much different. If it had occurred while Akagi was launching or recovering aircraft the results might also have been less fortunate. But the American submarine Herring sights the Japanese ships while they are making good speed to the south. The submarine is unable to get into position to attack Akagi, so her commander attempts to get a shot at the best target he can, light cruiser Noshiro.

Noshiro is the newest warship in the Imperial Japanese Navy. She is almost 200’ longer than Hibiki and slightly faster, and her lines are cleaner than most Japanese light cruisers. With only six 6” guns her main armament is nothing to write home about, but she is well equipped with torpedoes, depth charges, and anti-aircraft guns. She is also sailing right into Herring’s sights.

---

Hibiki is trailing destroyer Amatsukaze on the port side of the task force. Suddenly Amatsukaze begins a sharp turn to port. A signal light begins flashing from her tower – periscope sighted.

Captain Ishii orders Hibiki to follow Amatsukaze. The other destroyer swiftly reaches the area where the periscope was seen and drops four depth charges. Both destroyers then slow and begin quartering the area, their sonars probing for some sign of the enemy. As is so often the case, however, the enemy submarine has disappeared.

But Noshiro and the other ships have continued serenely onward and are now out of danger. Amatsukaze and Hibiki continue the search for a time but finally give up and hurry to rejoin the task force.

[Xenocide]

You cannot chop down the mightiest ships in the Imperial Navy with a Herring. No matter how British your accent is.

[Cuttlefish]

ORIGINAL: Xenocide

You cannot chop down the mightiest ships in the Imperial Navy with a Herring. No matter how British your accent is.

Kudos for a good Monty Python reference! But if Ensign Izu gets in an argument with someone about whether or not a swallow could carry a coconut it's going to be your fault...

[Dave3L]

So when Captain Ishii orders flank speed, does the Black Gang break out the coconut halves?

[Mike Solli]

Is LTC Hara the commander of the Amatsukaze?

[Cuttlefish]

September 18, 1943

Location: 160 miles west-northwest of Kwajalein
Course: Southeast
Attached to: TF 48
Mission: Air Combat
System Damage: 0
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 408

Orders: Escort Akagi to rendezvous with other Japanese carriers

---

Darkness falls as Hibiki and the other ships draw close to Kwajalein. Mid morning should find the destroyer dropping anchor in the lagoon. Lieutenant JG Kuwaki has the bridge, having punctually relieved Lieutenant Sugiyura a short while ago. Lieutenant Miharu is in command. Captain Ishii is in his cabin, still awake, writing a letter.

Lookout stations are manned by sharp-eyed men, specially trained for night duty. The galley is dark, having already been cleaned and secured for the following morning. The engineering spaces are manned and the nightly card game there is already underway, interrupted occasionally to check gauges or to perform routine maintenance.

There are a couple of other card games taking place elsewhere, as well as a game of shogi. Other men write letters, or read, or are already asleep. In the radio room two men talk as they catch up on filing the day’s routine transmissions. It is another night at sea for Hibiki.

Tomorrow they will learn whether they came out here to repel an enemy attack or to swing at anchor while enjoying the dubious amenities of Kwajalein. But that is tomorrow. Tonight is just another night at sea, one of many in the course of a long war.

[Cuttlefish]

September 19, 1943

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

Orders: Make preparations to sail

---

Hibiki reaches Kwajalein without incident. It is obvious from the number of ships and level of activity there that something is going on, but details are vague until Captain Ishii returns from a trip ashore. He and Lieutenant Miharu meet in his cabin.

“The enemy is attacking,” Ishii says without preamble. “Two days ago ships were spotted approaching New Caledonia. This time it was no feint. They began to land troops this morning. Four enemy divisions have been identified and the attack is still developing.”

“What do we have there now?” asks the lieutenant.

Ishii shrugs. “I’m not sure. 4th Infantry Division is at Noumea, and we have extensive minefields and a fair number of planes in the area. The fighting is said to be fierce and costly to both side so far. Nothing is really clear yet.”

“And our orders?”

“Nothing yet,” says Ishii, “except that we must strike back hard and quickly if we are to defeat this invasion. Most of the fleet is already here. As soon as everything is ready we will head south to engage the enemy.”

“The decisive battle, at last?”

“Perhaps,” says Ishii. “It is too soon and Noumea too far away to say yet what will happen. But I am sure that is what Admiral Yamamoto is hoping for.”

“What are our orders?” asks Lieutenant Miharu.

“None yet,” says the captain. “We are to be ready to sail on short notice, obviously.”

“Yes sir,” says the lieutenant. “Is there anything else?”

“Not at present,” says Ishii. “Oh, while it doesn’t affect us nearly as much our armies apparently won a major victory in China while we were at sea. We captured some place called Ichang and destroyed a Chinese army of almost 100,000 men in the process.”

“Good news, sir.” says the lieutenant. “Yet it seems as if China is a place where we are always winning but never triumph.”

“It’s a pit,” agrees Ishii. “But at least the occasional victory there makes the Army feel as though they are contributing something.”

[Cuttlefish]

ORIGINAL: Mike Solli

Is LTC Hara the commander of the Amatsukaze?

I checked when I ran a turn a short while ago. Yes he is.

[BigBadWolf]

ORIGINAL: Cuttlefish

“It’s a pit,” agrees Ishii. “But at least the occasional victory there makes the Army feel as though they are contributing something.”

[:D][:D][:D]

ccc...

[Capt. Harlock]

“Not at present,” says Ishii. “Oh, while it doesn’t affect us nearly as much our armies apparently won a major victory in China while we were at sea. We captured some place called Ichang and destroyed a Chinese army of almost 100,000 men in the process.”

Not bad -- but Chinese casualties are almost irrelevant. You'll never come to the end of 'em.

[Cuttlefish]

September 20, 1943

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

Orders: Make preparations to sail

---

In the morning Chief Engineer Sakati seeks out Chief Petty Officer Shun. He finds him on the foredeck. As Sakati comes up Shun snaps to attention and gives him a crisp salute. The two men rarely interact, but they have served aboard Hibiki longer than anyone else on board and have a deep professional respect for one another.

“Relax, Chief,” says Sakati. “This is unofficial. I was ashore last night and picked up some news about the fighting around Noumea. There was one thing in particular I wanted to tell you. It seems that our aircraft confirmed sinking the American heavy cruiser Astoria there yesterday.”

Shun’s face, as usual, betrays no expression, but he gives the engineer his full attention. “I am sorry to hear that, sir,” he says. “That was a good ship.”

Sakati nods. “Indeed,” he says. “A good friend once, and I am sure a formidable foe.” He pauses. “One wishes sometimes that everything had turned out differently.” Shun nods. Both men are silent for a moment, their thoughts on the past.

---

It is April, 1939. Four warships slice westward across the Pacific, heading towards Japan. They are the American heavy cruiser Astoria and the Japanese destroyers Sagiri, Akatsuki, and Hibiki. Aboard Astoria is an urn containing the ashes of the former Japanese ambassador to the United States, Hiroshi Saito. Astoria has carried the urn all the way from Annapolis, and is now on the final leg of her long journey.

The voyage will turn out to be a public relations triumph. The Japanese are deeply moved by the honor done them by Astoria, and her captain and crew are gracious guests. Sakati and Shun are among a group of Japanese from the escorting destroyers invited to tour the cruiser, and both are impressed by the American ship. Shun especially notes the efficiency and professionalism of the crew, while Sakati is struck by the fact that the engine rooms are the cleanest he has ever seen.

The fellowship and good feeling generated by the voyage, sadly, are quickly dissipated over the next two years, as the two nations edge ever closer to war. Now, more than four years later, such a gesture of mutual honor and respect seems very far away indeed.

---

“I wonder if Turner was still in command,” says Shun after a moment. Captain Richmond Turner had greatly impressed the Japanese during Astoria’s visit.

“There is no way to know,” says Sakati. Shun nods. He ponders for a moment, then speaks.

“Do you remember the song?” he asks, then surprises Sakati by reciting it in his gruff voice.

“Welcome you men with hearts so true
America's best--America's pride
You show that though the winds blow
That peace and goodwill the storm can ride.”

Sakati remembers it. “Not exactly prophetic, was it, Chief?” he says.

“No sir,” says Shun.

---

Sailors from Astoria carry Ambassador Saito’s ashes ashore at Yokohama, April 17 1939:

[goodboyladdie]

Sorry to spam your AAR again CF, but I had to [&o].

You sir, are a true master!

[tocaff]

Excellent!

[Onime No Kyo]

Just finished catching up with the story after coming back from vacation. Amazing writing, CF. And no, I dont expect I will ever get tired of saying that. [&o]

[Wirraway_Ace]

Cuttlefish, this is truly brilliant work.  Better than much of the stuff getting published these days.  Your command of the naval technology and tactics of the era is truly exceptional.  Your characters feel very real.  However, your success in the game as the IJN tends to get overshadowed by the compelling day-to-day story.  Never having been a fan of the IJN, I find myself rooting for both the Hibiki and Wolffpack...

[Cuttlefish]

Thanks for the compliments, everyone. In the case of the last entry I should especially say thanks to Barb, who first brought the incident with the Astoria to my attention way back on page 13 of the AAR. I’ve been waiting for a chance to work it into the story ever since.

[Cuttlefish]

September 21, 1943

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

Orders: Make preparations to sail

---

It had rained earlier in the morning, but now the sun is out and the islands of Kwajalein atoll steam in the late summer sunshine. Not that there is a marked difference in the seasons here; the weather is remarkable consistent throughout the year.

Shiro sits in the shadow of the aft 5” turret. He is working slowly and carefully on an oval of wood. He studies it from several angles, then uses the tip of his knife to carefully remove a tiny curl of wood. Then he resumes his study. Around him there is only desultory activity aboard the ship. Hibiki is at anchor, and everyone is waiting for the orders that will send them south. As yet the fleet is still gathering, but their destination is common knowledge and the crew knows it is not a matter of if, only of when.

“Ah, there you are,” a voice says, and Shiro looks up to see Riku standing above him. He nods a greeting, still concentrating on his carving, and Riku sits down companionably on the deck beside him. He peers at what Shiro is working on. What he sees is a flat oval of wood perhaps six centimeters long. Shiro has carefully carved away wood on one side to leave a raised border around the silhouette of a woman’s face.

“Who is that?” Riku asks. Then memory kicks in. “That’s Taiki’s girl!” The two of them met her only once, shortly before they left Okayama. Shiro nods once and removes another tiny piece of wood from around the hair. Then he lowers it for a moment.

“I’m going to turn it into a medallion for him,” Shiro says. “Don’t say anything, I want it to be a surprise.”

“The secret is safe with me,” Riku assures him. “That’s not bad, working from memory.” Shiro shrugs modestly, then looks at Riku.

“Has Shun said anything more about what he was going to talk to you about the day we left Tokyo?” he asks. Riku makes a frustrated gesture.

“Not a thing. He has gone back to ignoring me, as usual,” he says.

“Do you suppose…” Shiro begins, but Riku puts up a hand.

“Don’t say it, please,” he says. “I can’t even think about it, it will make me crazy.” Shiro politely lets the subject drop.

“Is there any word yet on when we leave for New Caledonia?” he asks. Riku shrugs.

“Not that anyone has told me,” he grumbles. “All this rush to get here just so we can sit around and wait. I know we are gathering our strength so that we can strike a mighty blow at the enemy, but I wish we would go ahead and strike. I hate waiting.”

“If you sit on a rock for three years…” says Shiro. Riku rolls his eyes.

“Even the rock will become warm,” he says, finishing the proverb. “Yes, I know patience is a good thing. I just don’t seem to have much of it these days.”

“You’ve had to use a lot of it,” comments Shiro sympathetically. He goes back to his carving. Riku settles back, more or less patiently, and watches him.

[Cuttlefish]

September 22, 1943

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

Orders: Make preparations to sail

---

The main island of New Caledonia is large, around 350 kilometers in length and some 50 to 70 kilometers wide. It has been a Japanese possession since February 1942. Japanese planners had envisioned it as a springboard to further conquests in the south, including perhaps Fiji and New Zealand. Ultimately, however, more conservative voices in the military carried the day and plans for further expansion were called off. New Caledonia and the New Hebrides were thus fortified and used as an occasional springboard for Japanese raids into Allied sea lanes to the south. But except for these forays and a thwarted American attack back in March 1942 the region has seen little fighting until the recent invasion.

The main island, unlike many Pacific islands, is very, very old. It is in fact a fragment of a much larger continent that once included New Zealand and Australia, but it broke off and drifted its own way millions of years back. This makes it the home to many unique species of animals and plants. About the islands ancient heritage and unique ecosystem, however, the two armies currently contending for the place know little and care not at all.

The enemy attack, hindered by extensive minefields and constantly harassed by Japanese aircraft, has been slow to develop. It is a very powerful attack, however, and has by now established control of a wide area of the island’s relatively flat and arid western side. The Japanese have fallen back into prepared fortifications in the mountainous rainforests on the eastern side of the island and around Noumea at the island’s rugged southern tip. From here they will be very difficult to dislodge.

Difficult, but not impossible. The men of the Japanese 4th infantry division fight with confidence, however. They know they don’t have to hold on forever, just long enough for the Japanese carriers and the Combined Fleet to come to their rescue. When that happens, they know, the tables will be turned and it will be the enemy troops who are trapped. So they hold on and keep watch to the north, waiting for the fleet that will save them.

[Cuttlefish]

September 23, 1943

Location: Kwajalein
Course: None
Attached to: TF 4
Mission: Air Combat
System Damage: 0
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 475

Orders: Proceed south and engage enemy fleet off New Caledonia

---


A packet of orders is hand delivered aboard Hibiki. Captain Ishii opens and looks at them in his cabin. He is impressed by what he reads. The Imperial Navy is sending seventy-five ships south, organized in six task forces. Among these are four carrier task forces, each with three carriers or light carriers. A battleship group and a heavy cruiser division are also included. It is indeed going to be a formidable force.

Hibiki is assigned to the first carrier group, fourteen ships under the command of their old friend, Admiral Ozawa. Included are the carriers Shokaku, Zuikaku, and Akagi. Captain Ishii wonders if Ozawa requested Hibiki specifically. It makes no real difference, of course, but it would be flattering.

The ships will not be departing immediately, however. Ships are still arriving, while others need to refuel. The departure date is fixed for two days from now, September 25. It should take the fleet five days after that to be in range to attack the enemy.

One week, thinks Captain Ishii. Within one week the stage will be set for a battle that could break the deadlock in the Pacific and shape the course of the rest of the war. He goes through a mental checklist and determines that there are no special measures he needs to take before the fleet sets sail. Hibiki and her crew are ready.