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Notable events involving Skate include:

9 Jul 1943
During 9/10 July 1943, USS Skate (T/Cdr. E.B. McKinney, USN) conducted trials and / or exercises in the San Francisco area.

18 Jul 1943
During 18/19 July 1943, USS Skate (T/Cdr. E.B. McKinney, USN) conducted trials and / or exercises in the San Francisco area.

29 Jul 1943
USS Skate (T/Cdr. E.B. McKinney, USN) conducted trials and / or exercises in the San Francisco area.

30 Jul 1943
USS Skate (T/Cdr. E.B. McKinney, USN) conducted trials and / or exercises in the San Francisco area.

31 Jul 1943
USS Skate (T/Cdr. E.B. McKinney, USN) conducted trials and / or exercises in the San Francisco area.

1 Aug 1943
Around 0900T/1, USS Skate (T/Cdr. E.B. McKinney, USN) departed San Francisco for San Diego. She is escorted by USS Lawrence (T/Cdr. T.B. Hutchins, 3rd, USN) until 1930T/1 when USS Crane (T/Cdr. H.N. Coffin, USN) took over.

2 Aug 1943
Around 1500T/2, USS Skate (T/Cdr. E.B. McKinney, USN) arrived at San Diego from San Francisco.

3 Aug 1943
USS Skate (T/Cdr. E.B. McKinney, USN) conducted exercises off San Diego.

4 Aug 1943
USS Skate (T/Cdr. E.B. McKinney, USN) conducted exercises off San Diego with USS Kennison (T/Cdr. J.B. Weiler, USN).

5 Aug 1943
During 5/6 August 1943, USS Skate (T/Cdr. E.B. McKinney, USN) conducted exercises off San Diego during which she was escorted / assisted by USS Williamson (T/Lt.Cdr. J.A. Pridmore, USN).

7 Aug 1943
During 7/8 August 1943, USS Skate (T/Cdr. E.B. McKinney, USN) conducted exercises off San Diego during which she was escorted / assisted by USS Williamson (T/Lt.Cdr. J.A. Pridmore, USN).

9 Aug 1943
USS Skate (T/Cdr. E.B. McKinney, USN) conducted exercises off San Diego.

10 Aug 1943
During 10/11 August 1943, USS Skate (T/Cdr. E.B. McKinney, USN) conducted exercises off San Diego during which she was escorted / assisted by USS Williamson (T/Lt.Cdr. J.A. Pridmore, USN).

12 Aug 1943
USS Skate (T/Cdr. E.B. McKinney, USN) conducted exercises off San Diego.

13 Aug 1943
During 13/14 August 1943, USS Skate (T/Cdr. E.B. McKinney, USN) conducted exercises off San Diego during which she was escorted / assisted by USS Williamson (T/Lt.Cdr. J.A. Pridmore, USN).

15 Aug 1943
USS Skate (T/Cdr. E.B. McKinney, USN) conducted exercises off San Diego.

16 Aug 1943
USS Skate (T/Cdr. E.B. McKinney, USN) conducted exercises off San Diego during which she was escorted / assisted by USS Williamson (T/Lt.Cdr. J.A. Pridmore, USN).

18 Aug 1943
Around 0800T/18, USS Skate (T/Cdr. E.B. McKinney, USN) departed San Diego for San Francisco.

19 Aug 1943
USS Skate (T/Cdr. E.B. McKinney, USN) arrived at the Mare Island Navy Yard from San Diego.

20 Aug 1943
USS Skate (T/Cdr. E.B. McKinney, USN) conducted exercises in the San Francisco area.

30 Aug 1943
USS Skate (T/Cdr. E.B. McKinney, USN) departed San Francisco for Pearl Harbor.

5 Sep 1943
Around 1025VW/5, USS Skate (T/Cdr. E.B. McKinney, USN) arrived at Pearl Harbor from San Francisco.

8 Sep 1943
From 8 to 10 September 1943, USS Cabrilla (T/Cdr. D.T. Hammond, USN) and USS Skate (T/Cdr. E.B. McKinney, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbor during which they were escorted / assisted by USS Litchfield (T/Cdr. J.R. McKnight, Jr., USN).

During 9/10 September exercises were carried out with an incoming convoy. This was convoy 2295 which had departed San Francisco on 31 August and arrived at Pearl Harbor on 10 September. This convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Maliko (American, 6847 GRT, built 1918), Mericos H. Whittier (American (tanker), 6972 GRT, built 1919), Nira Luckenbach (American, 5591 GRT, built 1919), Philippa (American, 9606 GRT, built 1902) and Thomas Ewing (American, 7180 GRT, built 1943). The convoy was escorted by USS Le Hardy (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Prause, USN).

15 Sep 1943
USS Grayback (T/Cdr. J.A. Moore, USN), USS Tinosa (T/Cdr. L.R. Daspit, USN) and USS Skate (T/Cdr. E.B. McKinney, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbor with and / or assisted by USS Allen (T/Lt.Cdr. H.H. Nielsen, USN).

16 Sep 1943
During 16/17 September 1943, USS Grayback (T/Cdr. J.A. Moore, USN) and USS Skate (T/Cdr. E.B. McKinney, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbor with USS Allen (T/Lt.Cdr. H.H. Nielsen, USN).

On the 16th USS Halford (T/Cdr. G.N. Johansen, USN) and USS Charles R. Greer (Lt.Cdr. W.T. Denton, USNR) also participated in the exercises.

18 Sep 1943
USS Grayback (T/Cdr. J.A. Moore, USN) and USS Skate (T/Cdr. E.B. McKinney, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbor with USS Litchfield (T/Cdr. J.R. McKnight, Jr., USN).

19 Sep 1943
USS Seadragon ( T/Cdr. R.L. Rutter, USN) and USS Skate (T/Cdr. E.B. McKinney, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbor with USS Allen (T/Lt.Cdr. H.H. Nielsen, USN).

21 Sep 1943
During 21/22 September 1943, USS Skate (T/Cdr. E.B. McKinney, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbor.

On 22 September she was joined by USS Cero (T/Cdr. D.C. White, USN) and USS Allen (T/Lt.Cdr. H.H. Nielsen, USN).

25 Sep 1943
Around 1300VW/25, USS Skate (T/Cdr. E.B. McKinney, USN) departed from Pearl Harbor for her first war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off Wake Island.

She was escorted out until 2000VW/25 by USS SC-1271 (Lt.(jg) S. Weinstein, USNR). (1)

29 Sep 1943
Around 0900X/29, USS Skate (T/Cdr. E.B. McKinney, USN) arrived at Midway.

Around 1710X/29, after voyage repairs and having embarked fuel and provisions, she departed for her patrol area. (1)

4 Oct 1943
USS Skate (T/Cdr. E.B. McKinney, USN) conducted a periscope reconnaissance of Wake Island. Also pictures were taken through the periscope. (1)

6 Oct 1943
While conducting air/sea rescue duties during air attack on Wake Island by Task Force 14, USS Skate (T/Cdr. E.B. McKinney, USN) was strafed by a Japanese Zero fighter aircraft (Mitsubishi A6M), Lt. W.E. Maxson III, USN, was hit by a bullit. He died of his wound on 8 October and was buried at sea. (1)

7 Oct 1943
While conducting air/sea rescue duties during an air attack on Wake Island, USS Skate (T/Cdr. E.B. McKinney, USN) picked up two US naval aviators from the sea.

USS Skate was also bombed by Japanese aircraft while crash diving. She sustained damage but was able to remain on patrol. (1)

9 Oct 1943
USS Skate (T/Cdr. E.B. McKinney, USN) picked up a US naval aviator from the sea near Wake Island. (1)

10 Oct 1943
USS Skate (T/Cdr. E.B. McKinney, USN) picked up three more downed US naval aviators from the sea near Wake Island. (1)

14 Oct 1943
Around 2100L/14, USS Skate (T/Cdr. E.B. McKinney, USN) departed the Wake Island area to proceed to the area to the east of the Mariana Islands so as to patrol on the Japan - Truk route. (1)

18 Oct 1943
At 1810K/18, USS Skate (T/Cdr. E.B. McKinney, USN) received a sighting report from USS Saury (T/Cdr. A.H. Dropp, USN) which reported having encountered a Japanese task force in position 13°35'N, 149°55'E, which had two battleships in it.

By 0400K/19, USS Skate was thought to be in a suitable position to intercept by the enemy was not sighted.

The reported enemy task force must have been the one made up of the battleships Yamashiro, Ise, light cruiser Tatsuta and the destroyers Fujinami, Hayanami and Suzunami which were en-route from Japan to Truk with troops and supplies. (2)

23 Oct 1943
USS Skate (T/Cdr. E.B. McKinney, USN) departed her patrol area to proceed to Midway. (1)

28 Oct 1943
Around 0715Y/28, USS Skate (T/Cdr. E.B. McKinney, USN) ended her first war patrol at Midway. She was then taken in hand for a post patrol repair/refit period by USS Sperry (T/Capt. R.E. Blue, USN).

10 Nov 1943
During 10-12 November 1943, USS Skate (T/Cdr. E.B. McKinney, USN) conduced training exercises at/off Midway. (3)

15 Nov 1943
Around 1500Y/15, USS Skate (T/Cdr. E.B. McKinney, USN) departed from Midway for her second war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off Truk.

24 Nov 1943
At 0501K/24, north-north-east of Truk, in position 08°06'N, 152°08'E, USS Skate (T/Cdr. E.B. McKinney, USN) sighted smoke bearing 143° at a range of 27000 yards. Course was changed to 150° and the bearing then remained steady.

At 0510K/24, as it was getting light USS Skate dived and commenced a submerged approach. There appeared to be four transports in the convoy.

By 0527K/24, the smoke appeared to be drawing slowly to the right. Course and speed were changed to try to intercept the enemy which appeared to be making for the North Pass to enter Truk Lagoon. USS Skate was unable to obtain a favourable attack position as she was most likely detected and bombed at periscope depth by a Japanese aircraft at 0559K/24.

A convoy of so far four unidentified transports arrived at Truk on this day escorted by the destroyer Urakaze and the submarine chasers Ch-29 and Ch-31.

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At 1001K/24, in position 07°55'N, 152°00'E, the tops of the masts of five warships were sighted bearing 148° at a range of about 8 nautical miles. Course was changed to close but it was never possible to identify the ships however they appeared to be two heavy cruisers and three destroyers proceeding on a course of 080° at 20 knots.

The ships sighted were most likely the heavy cruisers Suzuya, Kumano and the destroyers Hatsuzuki, Suzutsuki, Fujinami, Hayanami and Hamakaze which were enroute from Truk to Kwajalein.

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At 2021K/24, north-east of Truk, in position 08°12'N, 152°30'E, USS Skate obtained radar contact on a vessel bearing 266° proceeding on course 075° at 9 knots. This is thought to be a submarine emitting radar signals on more or less the same frequency as USS Skate. This is thus most likely another US submarine and USS Skate continued to proceed northwards to send a report of today's sightings. [The closest US submarine seems to have been USS Apogon (T/Cdr. W.P. Schoeni, USN) but she was about 50 miles further to the south to the east of Truk.] (4)

30 Nov 1943
Well to the north of Truk, in position 09°03'N, 151°29'E, USS Skate (T/Cdr. E.B. McKinney, USN) attacked a Japanese carrier with three torpedoes. No hits were obtained. Apparently one torpedo prematured close to the enemy carrier.

The enemy task force was expected due to an Ultra intercept of enemy radio traffic and USS Skate was in a position the intercept the enemy task force which had departed Truk for Japan earlier that day.

The enemy task force was made up of the light carrier Zuiho, escort carriers Chuyo, Unyo, heavy cruiser Maya and the destroyers Akebono, Sazanami, Ushio and Urakaze (all offsite links).

1053K/24 - In position 09°03'N, 151°29'E, well to the north of Truk, two destroyers and a converted carrier were sighted bearing 174° at a range of about 14000 yards.

Two more destroyers and two more, larger, carriers were sighted shortly afterwards. Many aircraft were patrolling the area.

The targets were seen to make a radical course change to the left. Range to the two largest carriers was about 9000 yards now. The leading right hand destroyer was heading directly towards USS Skate which went to 90 feet for a burst of speed to obtain a better attack position.

1106K/30 - Returned to periscope depth after heavy screws had been reported dead ahead. Set up for a stern tube attack.

1112K/30 - Fired three stern torpedoes from 1500 yards on the largest enemy carrier of about 20000 tons with no upperworks. Enemy course was 055° at 18.5 knots. This carrier was overlapping with the second largest carrier of the group. All torpedoes were heard to run normally after firing. It had not been possible to fire No.7 tube due to a malfunction.

One minute and fifty seconds after firing a large geyser was seen just forward of the center of the nearest carrier and the entire ship was seen heeling to port. The overlapping carrier turned sharply 90° to port. The explosion was heard but no smoke was seen coming from the target before Skate went deep. During the next fifteen minutes a total of thirteen depth charges were dropped but no damage was sustained.

USS Skate later surfaced and commenced to chase the enemy task force to try to attack again at dawn the following morning. (4)

1 Dec 1943
At 1415K/1, well to the north-north-west of Truk, in position 10°40'N, 150°45'E, USS Skate (T/Cdr. E.B. McKinney, USN) obtained radar contact bearing 294° at 30000 yards. USS Skate commenced tracking, changed course and went to full speed. Obviously this was the same enemy task force encountered the day before.

By 0440K/1, the range had decreased to 19500 yards when one of the escorts pulled away from the enemy task force and commenced closing the submarine. It was getting light but as it was still to dark to have been spotted USS Skate most likely had been detected by radar.

At 0501K/1, an aircraft was detected by radar coming directly towards quickly. USS Skate quickly dived. Up to around 1000K/1, 15 depth charges were dropped in the area but none were close. USS Skate had to remain deep giving the enemy task force the opportunity to get away. (3)

7 Dec 1943
At 1525K/7, while patrolling submerged well to the north-west of Truk, in position 08°47'N, 150°44'E, USS Skate (T/Cdr. E.B. McKinney, USN), alerted due to a signal based on Ultra information (the interception and decoding of Japanese signals), sighted smoke bearing 190°. Pinging was heard on the same bearing.

Course was changed to 190° and the bearing remained steady.

At 1614K/7, the bearing appeared to be pulling to the right so course was changed to 300° and Skate went ahead at standard speed. The targets later changed course to the left. USS Skate continued to run in at speed but the range was not closed further then 8000 yards. The targets were seen to be two tankers and two escorts. Also air cover was present.

At 1800K/7, USS Skate surfaced to give chase and commence an end around so as to be able to attack at dawn the following morning.

A 2206K/7, a pip was picked up on the radar screen bearing 246°. Range was a phenomenal 55000 yards but this was probably due to low cloud, and as range decreased by 2000 yards a minute until it was 35000 yards, it was probably not correct.

An end around was then commenced which took all night and eventually USS Skate was 26000 yards ahead of the convoy.

At 0457K/7, the convoy could just be seen through the periscope. An attack was started but when about to fire torpedoes depth control was lost. At the same time one of the escorts obtained contact on the submarine. On return to periscope depth it was seen that the tankers had made a radical course change and that one escort was coming directly towards. USS Skate was still not in full depth control and she broached to 40 feet. She then immediately went deep. The escort dropped four depth charges which caused no damage.

The convoy encountered must have been the one made up of the tankers Fujisan Maru (9527 GRT, built 1931) and Shinkoku Maru (10020 GRT, built 1940) escorted by the destroyers Shimakaze and Tamanami. This convoy was on passage from Truk to Palau. (4)

12 Dec 1943
At 1640K/12, while well north-north-west of Truk, in position 08°56'N, 151°09'E, USS Skate (T/Cdr. E.B. McKinney, USN) sighted the tips of masts of a single ship bearing 037° at a range of 10500 yards. An approach was started but the range did not decrease. Finally after an hours run at greater depth the target was identified as a small patrol vessels with two high masts. She appeared to be lying to and was evaded. (3)

21 Dec 1943
USS Skate (Lt.Cdr. E.B. McKinney) torpedoed and sank the Japanese fleet tanker Terukawa Maru (6433 GRT, built 1934) north-west of Truk, Caroline Islands in position 09°45'N, 151°56'E.

Terukawa Maru was a converted merchant vessel. She was on passage from Truk to Saipan escorted by the destroyer Amagiri but according to the patrol report of USS Skate a second escort was present.

2123K/20 - Well north-north-east of Truk, in position 08°36'N, 152°39'E, radar picked up a target at 30500 yards bearing 348°. Commenced tracking and the plot soon showed an enemy course of 045° at 11 knots. Later the target changed course to 000°. An end around run was started.

0303K/21 - Skate was now ahead of the target at a range of 25000 yards. There were too many clouds to make a night attack from periscope depth. It was decided to attack at dawn.

0514K/21 - Submerged and reversed course. The target was seen to have three masts and it was thought another ship was alongside. A patrol vessel was about 2000 yards away on the port quarter of the target. The other escort had been patrolling wide on the targets starboard beam.

0620K/21 - In position 09°50'N, 151°55'E, fired four bow torpedoes from 1300 yards. The target had been positively identified as Terukawa Maru. Enemy course was 290° at 11 knots.

Three explosions followed but the results could not be observed as Skate broached after firing torpedoes. One of the escorts was seen coming towards and Skate went deep.

0622K/21 - Depth charging started. During the next five and a half hours the two escorts were hunting. A total of 38 depth charges were dropped quite a few of which were close and some minor damage was sustained.

1135K/21 - The last depth charges, four in number, were dropped.

1209K/21 - Returned to periscope depth. Large clouds of smoke were seen but nothing else of the target was visible.

2122K/21 - The target blew up with a tremendous explosion.

25 Dec 1943
USS Skate (T/Cdr. E.B. McKinney, USN) torpedoed and damaged the Japanese battleship Yamato (offsite link) well to the north-north-east of Truk, in position 10°05'N, 150°32'E.

Yamato was en-route from Yokosuka to Truk carrying troops and supplies. She was escorted by the destroyers Yamagumo and Tanikaze.

Once again USS Skate had been alerted about the approaching Japanese task force due to Allied code breaking of Japanese signals.

0440K/25 - In position 10°13'N, 150°27'E, radar contact was obtained bearing 321° at a range of 27500 yards. Changed course to 270° to intercept as the contact was drawing to the left.

0446K/25 - Range had decreased to 23000 yards so submerged and speeded up to close the range. Sound picked up three sets of screws. Course was changed to 240°. It was still too dark to make out the targets.

0518K/25 - Fired all four stern tubes from 2400 yards. Enemy course was 145° at 19 knots. Torpedoes had been set to 10 feet.

After about two minutes a torpedo explosion was heard followed by a muffled explosion. It was still too dark to observe the results.

0521K/21 - Depth charging started. A total of six were counted but none were real close. The attacking destroyer remained in the area for about 30 minutes but she was never in contact with the submarine.

26 Dec 1943
At 2222K/26, USS Skate (T/Cdr. E.B. McKinney, USN) departed her patrol area off Truk to proceed to patrol near Wake Island. (3)

30 Dec 1943
Around 0300K/30, USS Skate (T/Cdr. E.B. McKinney, USN) arrived in her new patrol area near Wake Island. (3)

2 Jan 1944
Around 0100L/2, USS Skate (T/Cdr. E.B. McKinney, USN) left patrol to proceed to Pearl Harbor. (3)

7 Jan 1944
Around 1330VW/7, USS Skate (T/Cdr. E.B. McKinney, USN) ended her second war patrol at Pearl Harbor. She was escorted in by USS PC 603 (Lt. E.D. Gasson, USNR) which had joined around 0810VW/7.

USS Skate was then taken in hand for post patrol repairs / refit by USS Bushnell (T/Capt. C.T. Bonney, USN). It was noted that the material condition of USS Skate was worse then what was to be expected after two war patrols.

27 Jan 1944
USS Skate (T/Lt.Cdr. W.P. Gruner, Jr., USN) conducted trials / exercises off Pearl Harbor.

28 Jan 1944
USS Skate (T/Lt.Cdr. W.P. Gruner, Jr., USN) conducted trials / exercises off Pearl Harbor.

29 Jan 1944
During 29/30 January 1944, USS Skate (T/Lt.Cdr. W.P. Gruner, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbor.

On 29 January exercises were carried out together with USS Trout (T/Lt.Cdr. A.H. Clark, USN) and USS Wyman (Lt.Cdr. R.W. Copeland, USNR).

Later USS Trout parted company and the two remaining ships were joined by USS Rock (T/Lt.Cdr. J.J. Flachsenhar, USN) and USS Chew (Cdr. A.G. Grant, USNR) for night exercises.

On completion of the night exercises, USS Skate was rejoined by USS Wyman for more exercises until USS Wymanwas relieved by USS Litchfield (T/Cdr. H.C. Maynard, USN).

1 Feb 1944
During 1/2 February 1944, USS Skate (T/Lt.Cdr. W.P. Gruner, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbor.

5 Feb 1944
Around 1300VW/5, USS Skate (T/Lt.Cdr. W.P. Gruner, Jr., USN) departed Pearl Harbor for her third war patrol. She is ordered to patrol off Truk but is first to proceed to Midway to top off with fuel and provisions and some voyage repairs if required.

She is escorted out until sunset by USS PC-570 (Lt. A.W. Cocroft, USNR). (5)

9 Feb 1944
Around 1015Y/9, USS Skate (T/Lt.Cdr. W.P. Gruner, Jr., USN) arrived at Midway.

She departed for her patrol area after topping off with fuel and provisions and having made some minor voyage repairs around 1345Y/9. (5)

16 Feb 1944
USS Skate (T/Lt.Cdr. W.P. Gruner, Jr., USN) torpedoed and sank the Japanese light cruiser Agano offsite link) about 170 nautical miles north of Dublon Island, Truk, Caroline Islands in position 10°11'N, 151°42'E.

The already damaged Agano was en-route from Truk to Japan on two shafts. She was escorted by the destroyer Oite and the submarine chaser Ch-28.

1646K/16 - Sighted the superstructure of an unidentified ship bearing 212°. The ship was hull down, estimated range 12 nautical miles. The ship was heading towards.

1647K/16 - Submerged to commence approach.

1717K/16 - A bomb exploded but not close. As it was thought possible an aircraft had spotted the submarine at periscope depth, USS Skate went to 90 feet.

1722K/16 - The foremast of the ship now could be seen and it was thought to be a Japanese heavy cruiser.

1734K/16 - Another bomb or depth charge exploded but again not close. Two escorts were with the cruiser as was a heavy air escort.

1735K/16 - The cruiser zigged towards. Range was now 5000 yards. The enemy looked like a Kako-class vessel.

1743K/16 - Fired four bow torpedoes from 2300 yards. Three hits were obtained and the sound man reported a fourth.

1746K/16 - Depth charging started and they were fairly close. Skate meanwhile had gone deep.

1830K/16 - The escorts were not in contact. Skate opened out to the northward amid occasional depth charges and pinging by the escorts.

2115K/16 - Surfaced. Found the SJ radar to be defective and also the compass was giving trouble. Decided to clear the scene until repairs had been completed.

0028K/17 - Repairs were completed and both the SJ radar and compass were again functioning normally. Set course to close the cruisers last known position.

0100K/17 - Obtained SJ radar contact on a target at a range of 19000 yards. Set course to proceed to the other side of the cruiser so as to be down moon. The two escorts were soon also picked up by the SJ radar. Both were circling the cruiser remaining within 1500 yards from the stricken vessel.

0105K/17 - Flames and occasional explosions were seen on the cruiser and from time to time dark clouds of smoke arose.

0238K/17 - Made a quick trim dive before closing. The cruiser was now at a range of 14000 yards. During this test dive a loud explosion was heard but as many explosions had been heard during the last hours nothing was thought of it however on surfacing no contact could be obtained with the SJ radar and also no more flames were seen. The escors were between 12000 and 14000 yards away. A dense pall of black smoke was visible where the cruiser should have been. Skate commenced to close but no more contact on the cruiser was obtained.

0317K/17 - As it was now obvious that the cruiser had gone down commenced to clear the area. (6)

17 Feb 1944
At 1453K/17, north-west of Truk, in position 09°06'N, 150°31'E, USS Skate (T/Lt.Cdr. W.P. Gruner, Jr., USN) sighted what appeared to be a destroyer or large patrol vessel bearing 250° at a range of about 12 nautical miles.

At 1455K/17, Skate submerged and commenced an approach. The target was seen once through the periscope but could barely made out. She was not seen afterwards and the approach was broken off. Estimated course of the enemy was 070°. (5)

18 Feb 1944
At 1512K/18, north-west of Truk, in position 09°01'N, 150°34'E, USS Skate (T/Lt.Cdr. W.P. Gruner, Jr., USN) obtained SJ radar contact bearing 162°. The lookout sighted the ship at the same time. Range was about 23000 yards. The enemy was proceeding to the north-west.

At 1515K/18, USS Skate submerged to make an approach. The ship was subsequently seen to be a hospital ship.

At 1549K/18, two photographs were made through the periscope from 3000 yards. USS Skate then set course to the east.

The hospital ship encountered was the Teno Maru (6076 GRT, built 1927, former Dutch Op Ten Noort) which had departed Truk that day for Saipan. (5)

19 Feb 1944
At 2245K/19, USS Skate (T/Cdr. E.B. McKinney, USN) received orders to patrol in the Palau area. She was to reconnoitre Woleai and Ulithi Atolls en-route. (5)

22 Feb 1944
USS Skate (T/Cdr. E.B. McKinney, USN) conducted a periscope reconnaissance of Woleai Atoll. A patrolling float plane, thought the be a 'Pete' (Mitsubishi F1M) was a real nuisance during this reconnaissance. (5)

25 Feb 1944
At 0930K/25, USS Skate (T/Cdr. E.B. McKinney, USN) the mast of what was thought to be a destroyer was sighted bearing 292° at a range of 18000 yards. Position was 10°06'N, 139°40'E.

At 0945K/25, the above ship was positively identified as a destroyer. Shortly afterwards the flight deck of a carrier was seen a few miles further to the north-east. It was first thought that the enemy was about the enter the Atoll but they made off to the north-west and were soon lost from sight. The range to the carrier was never less then 20000 yards. [No Japanese carrier was in this area though.]

USS Skate (T/Cdr. E.B. McKinney, USN) then conducted a periscope reconnaissance of Ulithi Atoll which was completed in the morning of the 26th. (5)

27 Feb 1944
USS Skate (T/Cdr. E.B. McKinney, USN) arrived in her new patrol area, about 80 nautical miles to the north of Babeldaob, Palau. (5)

29 Feb 1944
At 1330I/29, west of Palau, in position 07°04'N, 135°26'E, USS Skate (T/Lt.Cdr. W.P. Gruner, Jr., USN) sighted a ship bearing 088°. Range was about 12000 yards. Commenced to close.

At 1402K/29, USS Skate the ship was seen to be a hospital ship proceeding on course 240° at 8.5 knots.

It was identified as being the same hospital ship that had been encountered on the 18th. It was thought to be the Teno Maru (6076 GRT, built 1927, former Dutch Op Ten Noort). This is however unlikely as this ship apparently arrived at Rabaul on 1 March. The hospital ship sighted may have been the Hikawa Maru (11622 GRT, built 1930) instead. (6)

1 Mar 1944
On 1 and 2 March 1944, USS Skate (T/Cdr. W.P. Gruner, Jr., USN) made three torpedo attacks on a Japanese convoy to the south of Palau. A total of 13 torpedoes were fired but no hits were obtained.

Another approach on 3 March had to be broken off and no torpedoes were fired.

The convoy attacked had departed Palau on 29 February for New Guinea and was made up of the the transports Kwayo Maru (often spelled as Kayo Maru) (4368 GRT, built 1923), Kofuku Maru (1920 GRT, built 1940) and Shoei Maru 2 Go (1878 GRT, built 1939) [This was the engine aft vessel, see below]. They were escorted by, at least, the submarine chaser Ch-34.

0053I/1 - While to the south of Palau in position 06°08'N, 134°12'E, obtained radar contact bearing 346° at a range of 19450 yards. There were at least four targets in this group of ships.

0055I/1 - Commenced tracking and maneuvered to gain a position on the starboard bow of the convoy. There were three medium sized ships in column with an escort on each bow about 1500 yards from the leading ship. A third escort was playing roving guard at the end of the column. The convoy was zigzagging but base course was 180°, speed 9 knots.

0154I/1 - In position 06°11'N, 134°10'E, fired three bow torpedoes at the third ship in the column. Also three bow torpedoes were fired on the second ship in the column. Both ship were of about 3000 tons. Range on firing was a litle over 3000 yards.

The fourth torpedo prematures 18 seconds after firing violently shaking the submarine. The enemy immediately opened fire and turned on searchlights. Skate had swung left on completion of firing the torpedoes and made off at full speed. Depth charges were being dropped it it was not possible to be sure if hits were obtained but it was thought two torpedo explosions were heard.

0429I/1 - Skate was trying to get into position for a stern tube attack. Meanwhile it was seen that all targets were still present.

0452I/1 - Range was now 5500 yards and an attack was started however an aircraft forced Skate to dive and the convoy shortly afterwards passed overhead.

0556I/1 - Saw the convoy disappear through the periscope on bearing 155°.

1135I/1 - Surfaced and set off in pursuit to try to attack again the following night.

1551I/1 - Sighted smoke of the convoy bearing 220°, range 15 nautical miles. Tracked the convoy all afternoon and during the night until moonset.

0005I/2 - Maneuvered to gain a position for a stern torpedo attack. The formation of the convoy seemed to be the same as last night.

0122I/2 - In position 02°48'N, 134°52'E, fired three stern torpedoes at the third ship in the column. An engines aft ship of about 3000 tons. Range was 3500 to 3300 yards. Almost simultaneously the leading ship turned on a red light indicating a submarine to port.

USS Skate went ahead full on course 100° to open out to the eastward. No hits were obtained. The escorts were meanwhile dropped depth charges and had to be evaded while Skate was getting clear of the convoy.

The convoy was now tracked until daylight while Skate obtained a position to attack from submerged at dawn.

0612I/2 - Submerged with two escorts heading directly towards at a range of 14000 yards. This were the port and starbord bow escorts of the convoy.

0638I/2 - Went to battle stations and continued the approach.

0705I/2 - In position 02°03'N, 134°55'E, fired four stern torpedoes from 3500 yards at the third ship of the column. This was the engine aft vessel. Again no hits were obtained.

One of the escorts was seen coming towards so USS Skate went deep to evade. Depth charging started at 0713I/2. They were dropped until 0827I/2 but none were really close.

0830I/2 - Retured to periscope depth.

1011I/2 - Surfaced to send a contact report.

1157I/2 - Submerged to give all hands a rest. Also decided to check the torpedo data computer as 13 torpedoes had been fired for no hits but all checked well.

2057I/2 - After having received a signal that another submarine [USS Peto (T/Lt.Cdr. P. van Leunen, Jr., USN)] was also ordered to intercept the convoy decided to have one last go at it so set a course to intercept it once more.

1753I/3 - Sighted smoke bearing 194° at a range of more then 20 miles. Altered course to gain a position ahead of the convoy.

1850I/3 - Sent out a contact report on the area frequency.

1930I/3 - Obtained radar contact on the convoy on bearing 215° at 28000 yards. Commenced tracking. The convoy was found to be proceeding on a base course of 110° at 5 knots.

2128I/3 - Having almost gained the desired position to commence a submerged radar approach when radar contact was gained on a vessel bearing 175° at 11200 yards which was rapidly closing. Submerged to avoid detection and gain position. Position was now 01°22'0S 138°40'E.

2148I/3 - Went to battle stations and commenced approach. The vessel detected at 2128I/3 had high speed screws and was an escort. This was could not be seen through the periscope.

2218I/3 - The selected target, once again the engine aft ship, commenced to swing to starboard at a range less then 2000 yards. Skate had most likely been detected so the approach was broken off and she went deep but no depth charges were dropped.

2255I/3 - Commenced to return to periscope depth.

2320I/3 - Surfaced and proceeded to the north to return to our patrol area. There was not enough sea room to make another approach on the convoy before it would arrive at Hollandia which was thought to be the convoys destination. (6)

5 Mar 1944
USS Skate (T/Cdr. W.P. Gruner, Jr., USN) makes a failed torpedo attack on a Japanese convoy between the north coast of New Guinea and Palau in position 03°02'N, 136°53'E. Six torpedoes were fired but no hits were obtained.

1040I/4 - Received a contact report of two ships to the north-east. Altered course to intercept.

1538I/4 - In position 02°07'N, 137°36'E, obtained radar contact bearing 150° at 36000 yards. Assumed this to be the targets so altered course to get ahead.

1647I/4 - Sighted smoke bearing 141°. Range was over 15 miles.

1800I/4 - Heard numerous underwater explosions. Assumed that the convoy was being attacked and that the attacker was depth charged. [This was a correct assumption as USS Balao (T/Cdr. C.C. Cole, USN) was attacking and then depth charged.]

1915I/4 - In position 02°08'N, 137°37'E obtained radar contact bearing 204° at a range of 17000 yards. Commenced tracking. The convoy consisted of two ships proceeding on a base course of 315° at 9 knots. Commenced to get in position ahead of the convoy at a range of 19000 yards and then wait for the moon to set to make a surface attack.

0207I/5 - Went to battle stations and commenced an approach on the port flank of the convoy. Three escorts were picked up on the way in, one approximately ahead, on on the port bow of the convoy and one, most likely, on the starboard bow.

0242I/5 - Changed course to make an attack on a 90° port track. Two more escorts had been picked up by radar.

0255I/5 - At the crucial instant before firing the convoy zigged to the right to course 000° and in view of the close proximity of the nearest escort (1700 yards bearing 020° relative) it was decided that the opportunity to fire successfully had been lost and could not be regained without detection. Course was therefore altered to the right and Skate passed between the two port quarter flankers. It was decided to cross astern of the convoy and make an approach from the starboard quarter.

0336I/4 - With the starboard bow escort dead ahead at 2400 yards altered course to the left and came in for a 120° starboard track. Excessive torpedo run made firing here impractical so speed was increased and course was changed to the right to attain a more favourable position. Meanwhile one of the escort on the port side of the convoy had eased around astern of the convoy probably playing roving guard or to attain a better position for a left zig.

0352I/4 - Decided that optimum firing conditions had been attained under the circumstances as it was not possible to make another approach before dawn so in position 03°02'N, 136°53'E fired three torpedoes at each of the two transports from the bow tubes. Range was about 3500 yards. No hits were obtained. Numerous depth charges were dropped after this attack.

As there was now only one stern torpedo remaining left patrol and set course for Pearl Harbor. (5)

17 Mar 1944
Around 1140VW/17, USS Skate (T/Cdr. W.P. Gruner, Jr., USN) ended her third war patrol at Pearl Harbor.

She was escorted in [identity of the escort not given in the patrol report]. The escort had joined around 0855VW/17.

USS Skate was then taken in hand for post patrol repairs / refit by USS Bushnell (T/Capt. C.T. Bonney, USN). She was also docked during her repair / refit period.

2 Apr 1944
USS Skate (T/Cdr. W.P. Gruner, Jr., USN) conducted trials / exercises off Pearl Harbor.

4 Apr 1944
From 4 to 6 April 1944, USS Drum (T/Cdr. D.F. Williamson, USN), USS Gabilan (T/Cdr. K.R. Wheland, USN) and USS Skate (T/Cdr. W.P. Gruner, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbor. These included night exercises.

Most likely they were escorted / assisted by USS Litchfield (T/Lt.Cdr. A.F. Hollingsworth, USN) during these exercises.

7 Apr 1944
USS Skate (T/Cdr. W.P. Gruner, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbor.

8 Apr 1944
USS Skate (T/Cdr. W.P. Gruner, Jr., USN) and USS Perch (T/Cdr. B.C. Hills, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbor with USS Allen (Lt. W.J. Riley, Jr., USNR), USS Mitchell (Lt.Cdr. M.S. Erdahl, USNR) and USS Florikan (Cdr. G.A. Sharp, USN).

11 Apr 1944
Around 1330VW/11, USS Skate (T/Cdr. W.P. Gruner, Jr., USN) departed from Pearl Harbor for her fourth war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off the Bonin Islands. Before proceeding to her patrol area she was to call at Midway to top off with fuel and provisions and to make voyage repairs if required.

She was escorted until sunset by USS PC-483 (Lt. P.R. Phillips, USNR). (7)

15 Apr 1944
Around 0740Y/15, USS Skate (T/Cdr. W.P. Gruner, Jr., USN) arrived at Midway from Pearl Harbor.

After topping off with fuel and provisions and some minor voyage repairs she departed for her patrol area around 1530Y/15. (7)

22 Apr 1944
At 1132K/22, in position 28°15'N, 152°07'E, USS Skate (T/Cdr. W.P. Gruner, Jr., USN) sighed the masts of a sampan bearing 210° at a range of 8 nautical miles. Avoiding action was taken. (7)

30 Apr 1944
At 1132K/22, to the east of Haha Jima, Bonin Islands, in position 26°44'N, 142°15'E, USS Skate (T/Cdr. W.P. Gruner, Jr., USN) sighed eight sampans proceeding southwards along the east coast of the island. They were not attacked so as to not give away the presence of the submarine and also gun action would have to take place close to the island which for sure would take the attacker under fire with shore batteries. Also it would intensify the enemy air patrols in the area and these small targets were not worth it. (7)

2 May 1944
At 0740K/2, north-north-west of Chichi Jima, in position 28°07'N, 141°53'E, USS Skate (T/Cdr. W.P. Gruner, Jr., USN) sighted a large sampan at a range of 6000 yards. As it was thought this might be a scout for a convoy she was not attacked but no convoy showed up. (7)

3 May 1944
USS Skate (T/Cdr. W.P. Gruner, Jr., USN) attacked a Japanese convoy to the west of the Bonin Islands in position 29°46'N, 137°03'E. It was throught possible a large transport had been sunk but this was not the case.

The convoy attacked was en-route from Palau to Tokyo and was made up of the transports Noto Maru (7185 GRT, built 1934) and Tosan Maru (8684 GRT, built 1938). They were escorted by the destroyer Satsuki and the frigate Kaibokan 4 (all offsite links).

1232K/3 - West of the Bonin Islands, in position 28°31'N, 137°31'E, USS Skate sighted two ships, hull down, bearing 240° at a range of 28000 yards. They were northbound. Commenced tracking at best speed which was 17.5 knots to obtain an attack position. The targets course was determined to be 342° at 14 knots.

1723K/3 - Submerged for attack.

1800K/3 - Determined that it was a convoy of two large transports and two escorts, thought to be a destroyer and some sort of other escort, perhaps a corvette / frigate type vessel.

1822K/3 - In position 29°46'N, 137°03'E fired four bow torpedoes from 2700 yards at the second transport. On firing depth control was lost. A total of four explosion were heard thought to be hits. Breaking up noises were also heard.

1825K/3 - Depth charging commenced. Until 1946K/3 a total of 27 were counted but no damage was sustained.

1955K/3 - Heard two very loud and two distinct series of explosions. It was believed this was the target sinking.

2022K/3 - Surfaced. Nothing in sight. (8)

6 May 1944
At 1017K/6, north-west of Chichi Jima, in position 27°10'N, 142°03'E, USS Skate (T/Cdr. W.P. Gruner, Jr., USN) sighted a sampan bearing 280° at a range of 3000 yards. The enemy vessel was on a souterhly course. No gun attack was made due to the close proximity of Chichi Jima. (7)

14 May 1944
At 1810K/14, west of the Bonin Islands, in position 28°14'N, 140°27'E, USS Skate (T/Cdr. W.P. Gruner, Jr., USN) sighted a sampan bearing 015° at a range of 14000 yards. Tracked the target and endeavoured to take up a position to the eastward of him in order to silhouette the enemy against the setting sun.

At 2227K/14, fire was opened from 2800 yards and fired 14 rounds of 4" but no hits were obtained. It had been intended to attack from closer range but the enemy could not be seen from 1500 yards so the range had to be opened. (7)

19 May 1944
USS Skate (T/Cdr. W.P. Gruner, Jr., USN) sank the Japanese guard boat Meisho Maru (31 GRT) with gunfire well to the north-north-west off Ogasawara-Gunto, Bonin Islands in position 28°56'N, 141°38'E.

0949K/19 - In position 28°56'N, 141°38'E sighted a sampan bearing 328° at a range of 6000 yards. Enemy course was 100°. Took position for battle surface and gun action.

1103K/19 - Made battle surface. Fired 67 rounds of 4" at ranges varying between 3500 and 1000 yards.

1145K/19 - The sampan was on fire and in a sinking condition. Closed the sampan.

1200K/19 - Picked up three survivors. Eight more survivors were seen to be alive. They were given a rubber boat and some food and then shoved off.

The sampan was not boarded as an enemy aircraft was patrolling not far away and was closing. (7)

24 May 1944
At 1900K/24, USS Skate (T/Cdr. W.P. Gruner, Jr., USN) left patrol to proceed to Majuro Atoll, Marshall Islands. (7)

28 May 1944
USS Skate (T/Cdr. W.P. Gruner, Jr., USN) received orders to proceed to Midway instead of Majuro. Course was set accordingly. (7)

31 May 1944
Around 0845Y/31, USS Skate (Lt.Cdr. W.P. Gruner, Jr., USN) ended her fourth war patrol at Midway.

She was then taken in hand for a post patrol repair/refit period by USS Proteus (T/Capt. R.W. Berry, USN). (7)

18 Jun 1944
From 18 to 20 June 1944, USS Skate (T/Cdr. W.P. Gruner, Jr., USN) conducted training exercises off Midway together with USS Litchfield (T/Lt.Cdr. A.F. Hollingsworth, USN).

During 19 and 20 June USS Greenlet (Lt.Cdr. J.T. Hodgson, Jr., USNR) also participated in the exercises. (9)

23 Jun 1944
Around 1520Y/23, USS Skate (T/Cdr. W.P. Gruner, Jr., USN) departed from Midway for her 5th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off the Kuril Islands.

7 Jul 1944
USS Skate (T/Cdr. W.P. Gruner, Jr., USN) torpedoed and sank the Japanese destroyer Usugumo (2000 tons, offsite link) and torpedoed and damaged the Japanese transport Kasado Maru (6167 GRT, built 1900) about 160 nautical miles north of Etorofu Jima in position 47°43'N, 147°55'E.

The other ships in the convoy were the transports Taihei Maru (6285 GRT, built 1928), Umekawa Maru (1931 GRT, built 1939) and the auxiliary gunboat Shinko Maru No.2 (2578 GRT, built 1939). The other two destroyers were the Akebono and Ushio. The convoy was en-route from Otaru to Matsuwa. (all links are offsite links).

1540K/7, In position 47°38'N, 148°00'E, sighted two columns of smoke bearing 250° at a range of about 28000 yards. Commenced tracking and set course to gain a position ahead.

1604K/7 - Dived and commenced a submerged approach.

1645K/7 - The convoy consisted of five transports with two Fubuki-class destroyers ahead and one on the starboard quarter of the convoy. Decided to attack a destroyer and then one of the transports. Enemy course was 045° at 11 knots.

1715K/7 - In position 47°43'N, 147°55'E fired three bow torpedoes at the destroyer on the starboard quarter of the convoy and then tried to get a setup on one of the transports. Range was 2040 yards.

1718K/7 - Fired three bow torpedoes at a large transport from 2800 yards. The ship soon turned away firing her gun in the direction of the attacker.

1720K/7 - The targeted destroyer emerged from a large smoke cloud. He had a 75° port list and a broken back. Cdr. Gruner could look down her after funnel and could see the fires in her boilers still burning. Sound reported the two other destroyers approaching but they could not be seen due to the smoke. Skate went deep.

1721K/7 - Depth charging started. Sound reported a torpedo explosion on the second target. Depth charges were heavier then any encountered until this time and 16 out of the 55 depth charges recorded exploded below 430 feet.

1900K/7 - One of the destroyers left the area.

2005K/7 - The last depth charge exploded. It was quite some way off.

2010K/7 - Returned to periscope depth. Nothing was in sight.

2135K/7 - Surfaced. Set off in pursuit of the convoy. Sent a contact report. (10)

12 Jul 1944
At 0902K/12, in position 47°24'N, 146°15'E, USS Skate (T/Cdr. W.P. Gruner, Jr., USN) sighted a ship bearing 055° at a range of 15500 yards. Tracked it on the surface and then submerged on the ships track. Course of the ship was 208° at 15 knots. The ship was subsequently seen to be a Soviet Liberty-type vessel. Took photographs through the periscope.

At 1315K/12, in position 47°09'N, 146°16'E, sighed another ship. Bearing was 225°, speed 15 knots. Again it was a Soviet Liberty-type vessel. Again photographs were taken through the periscope. (9)

14 Jul 1944
At 1145K/14, in position 47°34'N, 146°42'E, USS Skate (T/Cdr. W.P. Gruner, Jr., USN) obtained a radar contact. Skate submerged and the ship passed at a range of about 3000 yards but could not be seen due to thick fog.'

At 1242K/14, USS Skate surfaced and commenced tracking the contact. Shortly afterwards the fog suddenly lifted and USS Skate then closed to 3500 yards. The vessel was Russian and was proceeding on course 225° at 11 knots. It was thought it was possibly the Shchors (Russian, 3770 GRT, built 1921). (9)

15 Jul 1944
USS Skate (T/Cdr. W.P. Gruner, Jr., USN) torpedoed and sank the Japanese fishing vessel Miho Maru (515 GRT, built 1913) in the Sea of Okhotsk in position 48°08'N, 148°06'E.

1437K/15 - In position 48°42'N, 149°13'E, sighted smoke bearing 055° at a range of 25000 yards. Commenced tracking. The contact subsequently tracked on course 225° at 10 knots. Set course to gain a position ahead.

1546K/15 - Submerged to identify and if needed attack the contact. The ship passed at a range of 3500 yards. It was a small freighter. Rust on the hull appeared red and it was possible that the ship displayed the Soviet flag but it could not be seen for sure. Continued to trail the ship.

1820K/15 - Surfaced and continued to trail the ship until dark. The ship did not ignite any lights so it must be enemy.

2150K/15 - In position 48°08'N, 148°06'E fired two torpedoes from 1490 yards. One hit was obtained and the ship sank rapidly.

Numerous survivors were seen in the water. Two were picked up.

16 Jul 1944
USS Skate (T/Cdr. W.P. Gruner, Jr., USN) torpedoed and sank the Japanese transport Nippo Maru (1942 GRT, built 1944) in the Sea of Okhotsk in position 48°29'N, 147°36'E.

2352K/15 - In position 48°22'N, 148°27'E, obtained radar contact on a ship bearing 060° at a range of 12350 yards. Commenced tracking. Visibility was only 500 yards due to thick fog. The target needed to be closed to identify it but as it was zigzagging this was too dangerous.

0113K/15 - The target suddenly loomed up out of the fog at 500 yards range. No lights of identification marks were seen so Skate swung to bring the stern tubes to bear. Three stern torpedoes were fired in position 48°20'N, 148°12'E. Range on firing was 880 yards. No hits were obtained. The target sounded three blast and dropped a couple of depth charges. Enemy course had been 235° at 10 knots.

Continued to track the target and worked around for a bow tubes attack.

0150K/16 - Fired three bow torpedoes into the fog from a radar range of 1260 yards. One hit was obtained and the target sank at 0156K/16 according to the radar. Enemy course had been 200° at 10.5 knots. On returning the scene at dawn a lot of debris and survivors were seen in the water.

22 Jul 1944
At 0451K/22, in position 49°11'N, 149°03'E, USS Skate (T/Cdr. W.P. Gruner, Jr., USN) sighted a ship bearing 288° at a range of 25000 yards. Tracked it on the surface and the ship was subsequently seen to be a Soviet Liberty-type vessel (call sign UUOL). Photographs were taken. (9)

31 Jul 1944
At 2015K/31, USS Skate (T/Cdr. W.P. Gruner, Jr., USN) left patrol to proceed to Pearl Harbor. (9)

7 Aug 1944
Around 1000VW/7, USS Skate (Cdr. W.P. Gruner, Jr.) ended her fifth war patrol at Pearl Harbor.

She was escorted in [identity of the escort not known]. The escort had joined around 0530K/7.

25 Aug 1944
USS Skate (T/Cdr. R.B. Lynch, USN) conducted training exercises off Pearl Harbor.

26 Aug 1944
USS Skate (T/Cdr. R.B. Lynch, USN) conducted training exercises off Pearl Harbor.

27 Aug 1944
USS Skate (T/Cdr. R.B. Lynch, USN) and USS Sea Dog (T/Cdr. V.L. Lowrance, USN) conducted training exercises off Pearl Harbor with USS Charles R. Greer (Cdr. A. Jackson, Jr., USNR) and USS Greiner (T/Lt.Cdr. L.H. Kiser, USN).

28 Aug 1944
During 28/29 August 1944, USS Skate (T/Cdr. R.B. Lynch, USN) conducted training exercises off Pearl Harbor. These included night exercises.

30 Aug 1944
USS Skate (T/Cdr. R.B. Lynch, USN) conducted training exercises off Pearl Harbor.

1 Sep 1944
USS Skate (T/Cdr. R.B. Lynch, USN) conducted training exercises off Pearl Harbor.

2 Sep 1944
USS Skate (T/Cdr. R.B. Lynch, USN) conducted training exercises off Pearl Harbor.

3 Sep 1944
USS Skate (T/Cdr. R.B. Lynch, USN) conducted training exercises off Pearl Harbor.

4 Sep 1944
USS Sawfish (T/Cdr. A.B. Banister, USN) and USS Skate (T/Cdr. R.B. Lynch, USN) conducted training exercises off Pearl Harbor with USS Canfield (Lt.Cdr. P.E. Cherry, USNR) and USS Gendreau (T/Cdr. A.D. Kilmartin, USN).

8 Sep 1944
Around 1330VW/8, USS Skate (T/Cdr. R.B. Lynch, USN) departed from Pearl Harbor for her 6th war patrol, and was ordered to patrol off the Ryukyu Islands. First to proceed to Midway to top off with fuel and provisions and some voyage repairs if required.

She is escorted out until sunset by USS PC-580 (?). (11)

12 Sep 1944
Around 0830Y/12, USS Skate (T/Cdr. R.B. Lynch, USN) arrived at Midway to top off with fuel and provisions. Also voyage repairs were required on the hydraulic plant which took quite some time. (11)

14 Sep 1944
Around 1000M/14, with the repair completed, USS Skate (T/Cdr. R.B. Lynch, USN) departed Midway for her patrol area of the Ryukyu Islands. (11)

21 Sep 1944
At 1524K/21, west of the Bonin Islands, in position 29°05'N, 138°45'E, USS Skate (T/Cdr. R.B. Lynch, USN) sighted an armed trawler, most likely serving as picket boat.

At 1605K/21, USS Skate dived, closed and conducted a practice torpedo attack.

At 1904K/21, USS Skate surfaced and continued passage to the patrol area. (11)

23 Sep 1944
Around 0800K/23, USS Skate (T/Cdr. R.B. Lynch, USN) entered her patrol area. Course was set to patrol off the east coast of Okinawa. (11)

24 Sep 1944
At 1319K/24, while patrolling off the east coast of Okinawa, in position 26°09'N, 128°02'E, USS Skate (T/Cdr. R.B. Lynch, USN) sighted a 60 to 80 tons fishing trawler leaving the fleet anchorage. The vessel was too small to attack with a torpedo and too close to land to attack with the deck gun. (11)

26 Sep 1944
USS Skate (T/Cdr. R.B. Lynch, USN) attacked a Japanese convoy with six torpedoes to the north of Okinawa in position 27°14'N, 128°16'E. No hits were obtained as the attack is spoiled by a premature explosion of one of the torpedoes.

0635K/26 - In position 27°16'N, 128°13'E, sound picked up echo ranging to the northward. Shapes of ships could just be seen in the morning twilight. By sunrise four transports and nine escorts were seen. It was only possibly to close due to continuous high speed. Selected the last transport, a 4000 tons passenger vessel, as target. Course of the convoy was 200° at 9 knots.

When the range had come down to 4800 yards, an escort on the submarines port beam was sweeping for a sound contact so slowed down until this escort had passed close ahead. Two more escorts were on the port beam but a mile away. A vessel with a flat top was ahead of the target but it was not a carrier.

0734K/26 - In position 27°14'N, 128°16'E, fired six torpedoes from 4290 yards. Three at the passenger vessel and three at the strange looking ship with the flat top. As the fifth torpedo was fired there was a loud explosion. A moderate column of water rose close to the submarine and the torpedo tracks. This was bad time and place for a premature. The escorts on the port beam were now quite close and depth charging started almost at once. Three or four escorts were involved in the counter attack. A total of 39 depth charges were counted. All were fairly well placed. Meanwhile convoy had plenty of time to evade the torpedoes.

1115K/26 - Returned to periscope depth as soon as the escorts screw had faded out. (11)

29 Sep 1944
USS Skate (T/Cdr. R.B. Lynch, USN) attacked a Japanese convoy and torpedoed and sank the Japanese auxiliary minesweeper Hoei Maru (219 GRT, built 1919) and the Japanese transport Ekisan Maru (3690 GRT, built 1895) north of Yoron Jima in position 27°14'N, 128°25'E.

1125K/29 - In position 27°11'N, 128°13'E, a convoy of five transports and seven escorts was sighted. Started an approach on the leading ship at high submerged speed. As an escort was badly placed (for the attacking submarine) it was not possible to get close enough.

1240K/29 - Went to 150 feet to let the escort pass. On return to periscope depth it was seen that the last ship of the convoy was now the most favourably placed target to be attacked. The vessel, a transport, was not loaded and of about 4000 tons in size.

1304K/29 - In position 27°12'N, 128°18'E, fired four torpedoes at the transport from 3600 yards.

1305K/29 - Fired two torpedoes at an auxiliary gunboat just ahead of the target.

1306K/29 - Saw, and heard, two premature torpedo explosions. The nearest escorts were seen to turn towards so went deep.

1308K/29 - Heard one torpedo hit at the correct running time for the third torpedo. Also heard the targets propellers stop. This was followed by breaking up noises. Meanwhile one of the escorts is closing the range.

1310K/29 - The escort passed close by but did not drop depth charges.

1314K/29 - Depth charging commenced. Three escorts were participating the in the hunt.

1318K/29 - Breaking up noises ceased. The noises had been heard by two officers and three experienced sound men. They were confident the target sank.

Meanwhile the depth charge attack was well conducted. They were on three sides of the submarine and listened about one third of the time. After two patterns on the starboard bow and quarter they seemed to loose the scent and Skate managed to slip away at slow speed. A total of 50 depth charges had been counted. They were of the 'large type'.

1515K/29 - Returned to periscope depth. Two Pete (Mitsubishi F1M) seaplanes were seen patrolling the area. One escort was also still seen to be patrolling while echo ranging loudly. Continued to clear the area to seaward.

1817K/29 - In position 27°10'N, 128°06'E, sighted a trawler ahead. It passed astern at 1855K/29.

2042K/29 - Surfaced and continued to proceed westwards to send a contact report.

2 Oct 1944
At 0909K/2, while patrolling south-west of Tokunoshima, in position 27°37'N, 128°47'E, USS Skate (T/Cdr. R.B. Lynch, USN) a cargo sampan was sighted. It was not engaged with the deck gun due to the close proximity of the land.

At 0951K/2, in position 27°36'N, 128°48'E, a small trawler and sailing sampan were sighted. There too were not engaged for the same reason. (11)

5 Oct 1944
At 1051K/5, while patrolling south-west of Amami-Oshima, in position 28°06'N, 128°54'E, USS Skate (T/Cdr. R.B. Lynch, USN) sighted a trawler of about 100 tons. She was equipped with a large horizontal two wire radio antenna. Four lookouts were seen on the bridge. Obviously a Japanese picket boat. She was not attacked. (11)

16 Oct 1944
USS Skate (T/Cdr. R.B. Lynch, USN) attacked a Japanese task force to the south-east of Amami-Oshima in position 27°49'N, 130°37'E. A torpedo hit was claimed but this appeared not to have been the case.

The ships sighted / detected by USS Skate must have been ships out of the following; heavy cruisers Nachi, Ashigara, light cruiser Abukuma, destroyers Akebono, Ushio, Kasumi, Shiranuhi, Wakaba, Hatsushimo and Hatsuharu.

1904K/16 - In position 27°30'N, 130°35'E, sighted through the periscope, three destroyers or destroyer-type ships. They were proceeding on a base course of 030° zigging 20° on either side. Their speed was 18 knots. Worked up ahead.

2024K/16 - In position 27°49'N, 130°37'E, obtained radar contact on three larger ships. Range was 18000 yards. They were zigging 20° to 30° on either side of a base course of 330° at a speed of a little over 18 knots.

2100K/16 - The two groups joined. Skate meanwhile tracked from ahead looking for more ships as a contact report that had been received shortly before indicated that there were more enemy vessels that had so far been detected.

2115K/16 - Went to radar depth as the enemy was approaching. They were proceeding now on a course of 045° at a speed of a little over 18 knots.

2119K/16 - A rain squall came by. Nothing could be seen through the periscope but sound indicated that the enemy had made a zig. The bow tube attack that was being setup at that time was now out of the question.

2121K/16 - In position 27°49'N, 130°37'E, fired three stern torpedoes at a heavy set of propellers (4 shafts). The torpedo in No.8 tube got stuck and ran hot. The torpedo was successfully ejected / fired later. Estimated range was 3000 yards.

2125K/16 - Heard one torpedo hit. The sound man tracked it out near a heavy set of screws. The propeller beat however did not slow down so it is thought the torpedo hit the ships armour.

2127K/16 - A destroyer was picked up coming towards.

2134K/16 - The destroyer dropped a total of 10 depth charges but they were not well placed.

2215K/16 - The destroyer was heard to leave the area.

2251K/16 - Surfaced and shortly afterwards commenced to send an enemy report. (12)

19 Oct 1944
At 1437K/19, while patrolling to the south of Amami-Oshima, in position 27°58'N, 129°24'E, USS Skate (T/Cdr. R.B. Lynch, USN) sighed a group of six fishing sampans coming out a rain squall and could not be closed. Also they were too close to land to be attacked with the deck gun. (11)

22 Oct 1944
At 0010K/22, USS Skate (T/Cdr. R.B. Lynch, USN) left patrol to proceed to Pearl Harbor. (11)

2 Nov 1944
Around 1115VW/2, USS Skate (T/Cdr. R.B. Lynch, USN) ended her 6th war patrol at Pearl Harbor.

She was escorted in by USS SC-1050 (?) which had joined around 0700VW/2.

5 Nov 1944
Having completed some voyage repairs after her return from patrol, USS Skate (T/Cdr. R.B. Lynch, USN) departed Pearl Harbor for San Francisco. She is to proceed to the Hunters Point Navy Yard for a major overhaul. (11)

12 Nov 1944
USS Skate (T/Cdr. R.B. Lynch, USN) arrived at the Hunters Point Navy Yard where she is taken in hand for refit.

25 Mar 1945
USS Skate (T/Cdr. R.B. Lynch, USN) conducted exercises in San Francisco Bay with USS Willard Keith (T/Cdr. L.L. Snider, USN).

2 Apr 1945
With her refit completed, USS Skate (T/Cdr. R.B. Lynch, USN) departed the Hunters Point Navy Yard for Pearl Harbor.

9 Apr 1945
USS Skate (T/Cdr. R.B. Lynch, USN) arrived at Pearl Harbor from San Francisco.

14 Apr 1945
USS Skate (T/Cdr. R.B. Lynch, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbor.

15 Apr 1945
USS Skate (T/Cdr. R.B. Lynch, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbor.

16 Apr 1945
USS Skate (T/Cdr. R.B. Lynch, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbor.

17 Apr 1945
USS Skate (T/Cdr. R.B. Lynch, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbor.

18 Apr 1945
USS Skate (T/Cdr. R.B. Lynch, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbor.

19 Apr 1945
USS Skate (T/Cdr. R.B. Lynch, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbor with USS Whitman (Lt. E.A. Sandor, USNR).

20 Apr 1945
USS Skate (T/Cdr. R.B. Lynch, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbor with USS Whitman (Lt. E.A. Sandor, USNR).

25 Apr 1945
During 25 April 1945, USS Skate (T/Cdr. R.B. Lynch, USN) and USS Pipefish (T/Cdr. W.N. Deragon, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbor with USS Pruitt (Lt. D.B. Harby, USNR), USS J. Douglas Blackwood (Lt.Cdr. J.L. Johnston, USNR) and USS PC-599 (Lt. J.M Kindt, USNR).

They were then joined for night exercises by USS Cabezon (T/Cdr. G.W. Lautrup, USN), USS Capitaine (T/Lt.Cdr. E.S. Friedrick, USN) and USS Chew (Lt.Cdr. J.J. Mannion, USNR).

Night exercises were then carried out with a group of transports simulating a convoy. The group of transports was made up of the following vessels; USS Carlisle (Lt.Cdr. M.J. Carley, USNR), USS Cleburne (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Callahan, USNR), USS Crenshaw (Cdr. W.B. Studley, USNR), USS Crittenden (T/Capt. P.C. Crosley, USN), USS Cullman (Lt.Cdr. W.B. Dell, USNR), USS Riverside (T/Capt. L.N. Miller, USN), USS Bandera (T/Capt. A.C. Thorington, USN), USS Beckham (T/Capt. A.R. Sodergren, USN), USS Buckingham (T/Capt. H.G. Moran, USN), USS Kingsbury (T/Cdr. J.H. Hughes, USN), USS Lander (T/Capt. J.D. Sweeney, USN), USS Pickaway (T/Capt. H.L. Bixby, USN), USS Rockbridge (T/Capt. W.W. Cone, USN), USS San Saba (T/Capt. E.E. Berthold, USN), USS Waukesha (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Herold, USNR), USS Winston (Lt.Cdr. E.S. Doty, USNR) and USS Prentiss (T/Cdr. G.P. Walker, USN). [A source give that 18 transports were present so perhaps there was one more that is not listed here]. The convoy was escorted by 9 escorts according to the source which also stated that 18 transports had been present. USS Chew was the escort leader and he three escorts that had been exercising with the submarines also joined the convoy. Most of the above transports had already been out for exercises for several days during which they had been escorted by USS PC-486 (Lt. R.B. Whitney, USNR), USS PC-781 (Lt. F. Hopkinson, USNR) and USS PC-1078 (Lt. J.R. Slater, USNR) which were still present. [That leaves two escort vessels still unaccounted for.]

The exercises were completed on the 26th.

27 Apr 1945
USS Skate (T/Cdr. R.B. Lynch, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbor with USS J. Douglas Blackwood (Lt.Cdr. J.L. Johnston, USNR) and USS PC-599 (Lt. J.M Kindt, USNR).

28 Apr 1945
USS Skate (T/Cdr. R.B. Lynch, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbor.

30 Apr 1945
USS Skate (T/Cdr. R.B. Lynch, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbor with USS Pruitt (Lt. D.B. Harby, USNR) and USS PC-599 (Lt. J.M Kindt, USNR).

6 May 1945
USS Skate (T/Cdr. R.B. Lynch, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbor.

6 May 1945
USS Skate (T/Cdr. R.B. Lynch, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbor.

7 May 1945
During 7/8 May 1945, USS Lapon (T/Lt.Cdr. D.G. Baer, USN), USS Skate (T/Cdr. R.B. Lynch, USN), USS Cabezon (T/Cdr. G.W. Lautrup, USN) and USS Loggerhead (Cdr. R.N. Metcalf, USN). conducted exercises off Pearl Harbor together with USS Pruitt (Lt. D.B. Harby, USNR) and USS Coolbaugh (Lt.Cdr. S.T. Hotchkiss, USNR). These included night exercises.

9 May 1945
USS Steelhead (Lt.Cdr. R.B. Byrnes, USN), USS Manta (T/Lt.Cdr. E.P. Madley, USN) and USS Skate (T/Cdr. R.B. Lynch, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbor with USS Pruitt (Lt. D.B. Harby, USNR), USS Coolbaugh (Lt.Cdr. S.T. Hotchkiss, USNR) and USS Loeser (Lt.Cdr. J. Proctor, USNR).

11 May 1945
Around 1330VW/11, USS Tunny (T/Cdr. G.E. Pierce, USN) and USS Skate (T/Cdr. R.B. Lynch, USN) and departed from Pearl Harbor for Guam.

They were escorted out until 1930VW/11 by USS PC-780 (Lt. W.E. Tassie, USNR)

22 May 1945
Around 1230K/22, USS Tunny (T/Cdr. G.E. Pierce, USN) and USS Skate (T/Cdr. R.B. Lynch, USN) arrived at Guam from Pearl Harbour.

They were escorted in by USS PC-616 (Lt.(jg) C.W. Harris, USNR) which had joined around 0910K/22.

On joining USS PC-616 already had USS Trepang (T/Cdr. A.R. Faust, USN) in company which then also proceeded into Apra Harbor, Guam ending her fourth war patrol.

USS Tunny and USS Skate were then taken in hand for voyage repairs by USS Holland (Capt. C.Q. Wright, Jr., USNR).

USS Trepang was taken in hand for post patrol repairs / refit by USS Apollo (T/Capt. J.C. McCutchen, USN).

23 May 1945
USS Tunny (T/Cdr. G.E. Pierce, USN), USS Bonefish (T/Cdr. L.L. Edge, USN) and USS Skate (T/Cdr. R.B. Lynch, USN) conducted exercises off Guam.

24 May 1945
USS Tunny (T/Cdr. G.E. Pierce, USN), USS Bonefish (T/Cdr. L.L. Edge, USN) and USS Skate (T/Cdr. R.B. Lynch, USN) conducted exercises off Guam.

In the evening of the 24th, USS Tunny is docked for some minor repairs. She is undocked later that night.

25 May 1945
USS Tunny (T/Cdr. G.E. Pierce, USN), USS Bonefish (T/Cdr. L.L. Edge, USN) and USS Skate (T/Cdr. R.B. Lynch, USN) conducted exercises off Guam.

26 May 1945
USS Tunny (T/Cdr. G.E. Pierce, USN), USS Bonefish (T/Cdr. L.L. Edge, USN) and USS Skate (T/Cdr. R.B. Lynch, USN) conducted exercises off Guam.

27 May 1945
USS Tunny (T/Cdr. G.E. Pierce, USN), USS Bonefish (T/Cdr. L.L. Edge, USN) and USS Skate (T/Cdr. R.B. Lynch, USN) conducted exercises off Guam.

28 May 1945
Around 1500I/28, USS Tunny (T/Cdr. G.E. Pierce, USN), USS Bonefish (T/Cdr. L.L. Edge, USN) and USS Skate (T/Cdr. R.B. Lynch, USN) departed Guam for their 9th, 8th and 7th war patrols respectively.

They were to operate as a tactical group (wolfpack) in the Sea of Japan. T/Cdr. G.E. Pierce on board USS Tunny was in command of the group.

They were escorted out until 1840L/28 by USS SC-536 (Lt.(jg) R.M. Heilman, USNR).

The submarines remained in company until 1400I/2, then they parted company to the north-east of Amami Oshima, Ryukyu Islands, to proceed independently.

3 Jun 1945
At 0135I/3, west of Suwanose Jima in position 29°35'N, 129°05'E, USS Skate (T/Cdr. R.B. Lynch, USN) obtained radar contact on a small Japanese picket boat which was avoided. (13)

4 Jun 1945
Around 2300I/4, USS Tunny (T/Cdr. G.E. Pierce, USN), USS Bonefish (T/Cdr. L.L. Edge, USN) and USS Skate (T/Cdr. R.B. Lynch, USN) made rendezvous to the south of the Tsushima Strait. They then set course to the position in which they were to dive for submerged passage of the Strait after which they were to proceed independently.

5 Jun 1945
At 1449I/5, USS Skate (T/Cdr. R.B. Lynch, USN) detected a cargo sampan which was not attacked. [No position is given in the patrol report. These is a second report during the passage of the Tsuchima Strait in which further details most likely will be given but this report is not available to us.]

At 1958I/5, a ship, thought to be a tanker of about 6000 tons was sighted through the periscope. Enemy course was 030° at 10 knots. [Position is again not given in the patrol report.]

At 2157I/5, a small fishing vessel was seen laying stopped. [Position is again not given in the patrol report.] (13)

8 Jun 1945
At 1125I/5, north-west of Kanazawa, Honshu, in position 36°56'N, 136°29'E, USS Skate (T/Cdr. R.B. Lynch, USN) sighted a destroyer or frigate through the periscope. Enemy course was 270° at 20 knots. The least range was 14000 yards. (13)

10 Jun 1945
USS Skate (T/Cdr. R.B. Lynch, USN) torpedoed and sank the Japanese submarine I-122 (offsite link) in the Sea of Japan, 6 nautical miles from the Cape Rokugo lighthouse in position 37°29'N, 137°25'E.

0826I/10 - In position 37°31'N, 137°23'E, sighted a small ship through the periscope. This turned out to be a minesweeper.

1120I/10 - In position 37°28'N, 137°25'E, sighted a square black object on the horizon. Manoeuvred to close to investigate.

1128I/10 - The object was seen to have a gun. Went to battle stations. Shortly afterwards it was seen to be a submarine.

1144I/10 - In position 37°29'N, 137°25'E fired four bow torpedoes from 800 yards. Enemy course was 122° at 15 knots. The enemy was thought to be of the I-121 class [which was correct].

1145I/10 - The enemy was hit amidships and went under before the smoke and debris cleared away. The wreck was then hit by a second torpedo.

1149I/10 - Heard two end of run explosions. All torpedoes were now accounted for.

1150I/10 - Heard breaking up noises and hissing air in the direction of the sinking. A large air bubble came up and oil was seen on the water.

2023I/10 - In position 37°37'N, 136°40'E, obtained radar contact on a small ship at a range of 17000 yards. Chased this contact for half an hour. Enemy course was 150° at 10 knots. The enemy then entered water in which mines had been dropped by Allied aircraft so the chase was broken off.

11 Jun 1945
USS Skate (T/Cdr. R.B. Lynch, USN) attacked a Japanese transport with four torpedoes south-west of Shika [Togi], Japan. No hits were obtained.

This was most likely the Kankyo Maru (3205 GRT, built 1918).

1729I/11 - In position 37°02'N, 136°32'E, smoke was sighted to the southward. Skate headed into shallow water to head this target off. The target developed into a loaded transport of about 4000 tons. Enemy course was 018°, speed 9 knots.

1834I/11 - In position 37°04'N, 136°37'E, fired four torpedoes from 3400 yards. No hits were obtained.

1853I/11 - The target is heading for the cove [bay]. Two more ships were seen to be there. These were thought to be a large to medium transport and a small transport.

2019I/11 - Surfaced to charge the battery.

2245I/11 - Stopped the battery charge and headed towards the cove [bay] to see if it was possible to attack the ships anchored there.

2300I/11 - It commenced to rain which reduced visibility drastically. Patrolled off the cove close inshore to fool the enemy radar equipped aircraft which was patrolling nearby. (13)

12 Jun 1945
USS Skate (T/Cdr. R.B. Lynch, USN) torpedoed and sank the Japanese transports Yozan Maru (1222 GRT, built 1918), Kenjo Maru (3051 GRT, built 1905) and Zuiko Maru (887 GRT, built 1944) and torpedoed and damaged the Japanese merchant cargo ship Kankyo Maru (3205 GRT, built 1918) in Togi harbour [Togi Bay], northern Honshu, Japan in position 37°08'N, 136°42'E.

0310I/12 - Headed in towards the cove [bay] again but visibility was still not good enough to see as it was still raining.

0412I/12 - Dived to await better visibility.

0845I/12 - Visibility cleared. Went to battle stations and headed into the cove [bay]. A small tanker of about 1000 tons was also seen to be there [Zuiko Maru was an engines aft ship and thus resembled a tanker].

0912I/12 - Fired six bow torpedoes. Five torpedoes were seen to hit. One in the small transport, three in the large to medium transport and one in the loaded medium transport.

0917I/12 - The large to medium transport was seen to sink. The small transport was settling.

0918I/12 - Enemy guns opened fire.

0920I/12 - Fired three stern torpedoes. All are believed to have been hits. One in the small tanker, one in the biggest transport which was now resting on the bottom of the cove [bay]. The third appeared to hit the second largest transport which was shooting at the submarine but this was not certain.

0930I/12 - A small enemy patrol craft was coming towards. The small transport hull was seen to be under water. The small tanker was also under. Both were in shallow water and were probably resting on the bottom. The loaded medium transport was still afloat and shooting. She was partly hidden behind the largest transport which was resting on the bottom.

USS Skate then commenced to clear the area.

0957I/12 - A depth charge was dropped. Not very close.

0958I/12 - Another depth charge was dropped. Also not close. The gunfire persisted so this must be coming from the shore. (13)

13 Jun 1945
USS Skate (T/Cdr. R.B. Lynch, USN) torpedoed and sank the Japanese transport Hakkenzan Maru (1180 GRT, built 1918) in the Sea of Japan in position 37°20'N, 134°28'E.

1158I/13 - In position 37°42'N, 134°58'E, smoke was sighted. Changed course and headed towards.

1251I/13 - Commenced tracking on radar and also commenced an end around.

1506I/13 - Completed the end around so dived ahead of the target. While making the end around it was thought a periscope was sighted close aboard at 1317I/13 in position 37°37'N, 134°37'E and evasive action was taken for a little over 10 minutes.

1610I/13 - Range was 9600 yards. Went to battle stations submerged. The target was a lightly loaded small transport proceeding on course 242° at 10 knots.

1635I/13 - In position 37°20'N, 134°28'E fired two bow torpedoes (the last in the bow tubes) from 1000 yards. One hit was obtained and the target sank in three minutes.

The target was identified as the Hakkenzan Maru by survivors that had been picked up. Also what was thought to be the ships log book was picked up from the water.. (13)

14 Jun 1945
At 1825I/14, in position 36°53'N, 136°22'E, USS Skate (T/Cdr. R.B. Lynch, USN) sighed a sampan of about 8 tons proceeding on course 270° at 6 knots.

At 1858I/14, in position 36°53'N, 136°21'E, USS Skate sighed another slightly larger sampan of about 15 tons also proceeding on course 270° at 6 knots. (13)

15 Jun 1945
USS Skate (T/Cdr. R.B. Lynch, USN) made two torpedo attacks, both with one torpedo, on a small tanker in position 37°23'N, 136°43'E. USS Skate was now out of torpedoes.

At 1101I/15 - In position 37°23'N, 136°46'E, a small tanker, 2000 tons or less was sighted. Closed the track to make an attack.

1150I/15 - In position 37°23'N, 136°43'E, fired a stern torpedo from 2090 yards. It missed. Enemy course was 267° at 8.5 knots. The enemy vessel had just changed course to increase its distance from the coast.

1158I/15 - Fired a stern torpedo, the last torpedo on board. No hit followed though the torpedo ran straight towards the ship. Most likely it ran under.

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2350I/15 - In position 37°08'N, 136°05'E, obtained radar contact on three ships at a range of 40000 yards. Enemy course was 200° at 12 knots.

Shortly afterwards a message was received from USS Bonefish (T/Cdr. L.L. Edge, USN) that she too was in contact with these vessels and that it were escorts. USS Skate signalled to Bonefish that she was out of torpedoes and would clear the area to the eastwards.

The vessels detected were most likely the frigates Okinawa, Kaibokan 63 and Kaibokan 207 (offsite links) which were on an A/S sweep in the area. (13)

17 Jun 1945
At 0846I/17, in position 37°42'N, 136°33'E, USS Skate (T/Cdr. R.B. Lynch, USN) sighted two destroyer type vessels in poor visibility. The least range was 12000 yards. Enemy course was 050° at 20 knots. Perhaps this were Kaibokan 75, Kaibokan 158 (offsite links) which were on an A/S sweep in the area.

At 1120I/17, in position 37°31'N, 137°08'E, two ships were seen close inshore proceeding on course 245° at 8 knots. One was thought to be a transport of about 2000 tons the other a 900 tons tanker.

At 1640I/17, while in position 37°33'N, 137°13'E, smoke was sighted and Skate closed to investigate.

At 1720I/17, the target was seen to be a 3000-4000 tons transport with a deck load of landing craft. She was proceeding, very close inhore, on course 050° at 10 knots. (13)

18 Jun 1945
At 0132I/18, in position 37°51'N, 136°37'E, USS Skate (T/Cdr. R.B. Lynch, USN) obtained radar contact at a range of 50000 yards. It tracked out to 66000 yards before contact was lost. The target could not be identified as it was never seen.

At 0908I/18, in position 37°38'N, 137°20'E, USS Skate sighted a small fishing vessel. This vessel remained in the area until the middle of the afternoon.

At 1136I/18, in position 37°34'N, 137°22'E, USS Skate sighted a medium sized transport of about 3500 tons proceeding on course 290° at 10 knots. It could not be attacked as Skate was out of torpedoes.

At 1152I/18, in position 37°31'N, 137°22'E, USS Skate sighted a small craft which looked like a motor torpedo boat. It was not possible to identify the ship definitely.

At 1154I/18, a small transport was seen to the coast. It was a very old vessel of about 900 tons proceeding on course 110° at 8 knots.

At 1159I/18, an interesting vessel was seen. It looked like a destroyer of the vintage Russo - Japanese war. It was a coal burner and was proceeding to catch up with the medium sized transport seen at 1136I/18.

At 1310I/18, in position 37°33'N, 137°21'E, a small transport of about 800 tons was sighted proceeding on course 320° at 8 knots. This also looked like a very old vessel. (13)

19 Jun 1945
At 0650I/19, in position 37°35'N, 137°20'E, USS Skate (T/Cdr. R.B. Lynch, USN) sighted what was thought to be a coastal submarine. No deck gun was seen. The hull looked like an RO-100 class. The enemy was zigging. It was not possible to close the range. Enemy course was 120° at 12 knots.

At 0750I/19, in position 37°32'N, 137°22'E, another submarine of the same class was seen proceeding on course 110° at 14 knots. The enemy probably had detected USS Skate as she started to made wild zigs.

At 2130I/19, USS Skate left patrol to proceed to Midway via the La Pérouse Strait. (13)

21 Jun 1945
At 0101I/21, in position 42°30'N, 135°26'E, USS Skate (T/Cdr. R.B. Lynch, USN) obtained radar contact on a small vessel. It was avoided.

At 2005I/21, in position 43°36'N, 136°18'E, a Russian merchant vessel was sighted proceeding on course 050° at 11 knots. Shortly afterwards another Russian merchant vessel is seen proceeding on course 200° at 11 knots. (13)

23 Jun 1945
At 2015I/23, USS Tunny (T/Cdr. G.E. Pierce, USN) and USS Skate (T/Cdr. R.B. Lynch, USN) made rendezvous.

The following evening also USS Crevalle (T/Cdr. E.H. Steinmetz, USN) and USS Sea Dog (T/Cdr. E.T. Hydeman, USN). The four submarines then proceeded in company to exit the Sea of Japan through the La Pérouse Strait.

They remained in company until around 0500I/25.

24 Jun 1945
At 2250I/24, west of the La Pérouse Strait, in position 45°52'N, 141°16'E, USS Skate (T/Cdr. R.B. Lynch, USN) obtained radar contoct on a ship which developed into a Russian merchant vessel proceeding on course 260° at 10 knots. (13)

30 Jun 1945
Around 1400Y/30, USS Skate (T/Cdr. R.B. Lynch, USN) arrived at Midway.

Around 1800Y/30, she departed Midway for Pearl Harbor together with USS Bowfin (T/Cdr. A.K. Tyree, USN).

4 Jul 1945
Around 1045VW/4, USS Skate (T/Cdr. R.B. Lynch, USN) ended her 7th war patrol at Pearl Harbor.

She proceeded into port together with USS Flying Fish (T/Cdr. R.D. Risser, USN), USS Tinosa (T/Cdr. R.C. Latham, USN), USS Bowfin (T/Cdr. A.K. Tyree, USN) and USS Spadefish (T/Cdr. W.J. Germershausen, Jr., USN).

They were escorted in by USS Pruitt (Lt. D.B. Harby, USNR) which had joined around 0530VW/4.

25 Jul 1945
USS Skate (T/Cdr. R.B. Lynch, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbor.

26 Jul 1945
USS Skate (T/Cdr. R.B. Lynch, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbor with USS Harmon (Lt. R.W. Steel, USNR).

USS Skate and USS Sea Cat (T/Lt.Cdr. R.H. Bowers, USN) also conducted gunnery exercises on a target that was being towed by USS ATR-84 (Lt.(jg) M.J. Schwartz, USNR).

27 Jul 1945
USS Skate (T/Cdr. R.B. Lynch, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbor.

28 Jul 1945
USS Skate (T/Cdr. R.B. Lynch, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbor.

30 Jul 1945
USS Skate (T/Cdr. R.B. Lynch, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbor.

31 Jul 1945
During 31 July / 1 August 1945, USS Skate (T/Cdr. R.B. Lynch, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbor.

These included night exercises together with USS Tunny (T/Cdr. G.E. Pierce, USN), USS Pruitt (Lt. D.B. Harby, USNR) and USS Peterson (Lt.Cdr. S.M. Hay, USCG).

On 31 July 1945, USS Tunny, USS Bowfin (Cdr. A.K. Tyree, USN), USS Skate and USS Sea Cat (T/Lt.Cdr. R.H. Bowers, USN) carried out gunnery exercises on a target that was being towed by USS Trever (Lt. H.L. Phillips, USNR).

2 Aug 1945
USS Skate (T/Cdr. R.B. Lynch, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbor.

6 Aug 1945
USS Skate (T/Cdr. R.B. Lynch, USN) departed Pearl Harbor for Guam.

17 Aug 1945
USS Skate (T/Cdr. R.B. Lynch, USN) arrived at Guam from Pearl Harbor.

18 Aug 1945
USS Skate (T/Cdr. R.B. Lynch, USN) and USS Springer (T/Lt.Cdr. J.F. Bauer, USN) departed Guam for Midway. The following day they were ordered to proceed to Pearl Harbor instead.

29 Aug 1945
USS Skate (T/Cdr. R.B. Lynch, USN) and USS Springer (T/Lt.Cdr. J.F. Bauer, USN) arrived at Pearl Harbor from Guam.

30 Aug 1945
USS Skate (T/Cdr. R.B. Lynch, USN) departed Pearl Harbor for San Diego.

6 Sep 1945
USS Skate (T/Cdr. R.B. Lynch, USN) arrived at San Diego from Pearl Harbor.

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