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Old Salt
Posts: 489
Location: San Freakcisco CA area | Subject: Research Question - Longest WWII Submergence?
OK, forget the obvious answer of the 52 boats that didn't come back -- this is a serious question:
A Navy doctor named Ivan Duff wrote a submarine medical report that was published in 1947 based upon his analysis of all but what he believes were some 56 WWII patrol reports. I have a copy of that 268 page report.
In it, among other conditions, he mentions numerous instances of 16-18 hour periods of submergence and stifling carbon dioxide levels. In one instance, he also mentions a 37 hour, 45 minute submergence (PUFFER, War Patrol #1).
My question - does anyone have an authentic, citeable source [e.g. a CO's published book, patrol report, documented firsthand account] of A US WWII BOAT being submerged longer than 30 hours during WWII with no outside air replenishment?
Edited by SOB490 2008-10-15 8:33 AM
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Plankowner
Posts: 5024
Location: Gulfport, MS | Subject: RE: Research Question - Longest WWII Submergence?
Are you asking about the Longest WWII Submergence, or Longest WWII Submergence by a US Navy Submarine? If it is the former, check the U-Boat records.
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Old Salt
Posts: 251
Location: Beavercreek, Oregon | Subject: RE: Research Question - Longest WWII Submergence?
I think if you were to re-ask your question. How long has anyone been submurged on a WWII or a Guppy conversion you would get a few responces. |
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Plankowner
Posts: 9165
Location: Upper lefthand corner of the map. | Subject: RE: Research Question - Longest WWII Submergence?
I know when I rode Cusk in 1969 we were down once for over 30 hours. was miserable. headaches that wouldn't quit. Once we snorkeled the headaches were gone in about 15 minutes. I think part of it was because the smoking lamp wasn't out and we were still trying to light up. Air was so thick you could see it.
I'm sure this isn't a record. |
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Master and Commander
Posts: 2191
Location: Port Ludlow, WA (the Olympic Penninsula) | Subject: RE: Research Question - Longest WWII Submergence?
According to the USS Puffer's own (1st) war patrol report (and paraphrasing from), she submerged on 9 Oct at 0525 in the Makassar Straits for a mechant ship shot. She was held under by counter attack until 1910 on 10 Oct making that, as you mentioned, a 37 hour 45 minute submergence. This event alone is covered by two pages of her signed report.
Edited by crystal 2008-10-15 1:43 AM
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Old Salt
Posts: 431
| Subject: RE: Research Question - Longest WWII Submergence?
Carp in 67 was down over 34 hours dont think we hit 35. Nasty time Air, you could chew.
Lithium Hydroxide spread on flash covers, Horrible dust that choked you As I remember the CO2
Content hit over 4%
I wrote this if you want to read it
http://www.olgoat.com/substuff/mik41.htm |
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COMSUBBBS
Posts: 6180
Location: Summerville, SC | Subject: RE: Research Question - Longest WWII Submergence?
Dog-gone Mike, reading that brought back some memories of the early '60's when we did much the same on the 484 and 408. If I remember right(almost a fat chance) we did some of that prior to going way up North where we really weren't suppose to be. I can remember one run we went on for a nuke that had crapped out and we drew the lucky straw to fill in and go North.
We went on a "Gitmo trip", at least that's what we were told it was, to fill in for another nuke that couldn't make the grade. Snorkeled all around the islands and sat for hours at "silent running" for weeks in that 135 degree stuff. The navy blue web belt would turn white from the salt we sweated out. Oh yeah, those were the days! |
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Old Salt
Posts: 461
Location: Medina, OH | Subject: RE: Research Question - Longest WWII Submergence?
Hope this is OK to ask: With today's SSNs, let's say, for discussion purposes, they're at sea six months. What percent of that time is spent submerged? About how often visit a port? Curious for purposes of submarine cookbook. Thanks. |
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Great Sage of the Sea
Posts: 892
Location: Palo Pinto County, Texas | Subject: RE: Research Question - Longest WWII Submergence?
It's perfectly fine to ask. I wouldn't hold my breath whilst waiting for a straight answer though! |
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Plankowner
Posts: 9165
Location: Upper lefthand corner of the map. | Subject: RE: Research Question - Longest WWII Submergence?
The limiting factor is how much food you can carry. Water and air is almost limitless..... plus, how much the crew will take and who needs to reenlist or get out...... or the reactor runs out of poop..... |
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Master and Commander
Posts: 1107
Location: Tucson AZ | Subject: RE: Research Question - Longest WWII Submergence?
Ric has it right, Nancy. Even loaded with stores to the point of barely being able to move around, you're pretty much limited to a max of 80 - 90 days out before having to resupply. (Unless capacity has changed dramatically since my day.)
So, for your chosen 6 month at-sea period, figure at least 1 or 2 pit stops of probably 2 or 3 days. Generously, let's say 2 four-day resupply stops. that makes for 8 days out of the 6 months or about 4.4%.
That means >95% of the period is spent submerged!
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Research Question - Longest WWII Submergence?
