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The Mk 10 Hedgehog antisubmarine weapon of the United States Navy significantly impacted World War II in the Pacific. Commander in Chief of Japan's Combined Fleet, Admiral Soemu Toyoda, needed to determine the direction of the American drive in the Pacific. With the increasing strength of Allied forces, Toyoda needed concrete proof of American naval activity and intent. Toyoda's Combined Fleet, consisting of 40 warships, 10 battleships, and 6 carriers, was tasked with scouting and detecting enemy warships. The submarines, equipped with surface radar equipment, were ordered to picket the NA Line, a 200mile stretch connecting New Guinea and the Caroline Islands. This intelligence enabled Toyoda to command Japan's decisive combat and ultimately achieve Japan's victory.
In the Pacific War, the Allies gathered a small force of destroyer escorts (DEs) called Escort Division 39, consisting of the USS England, USS George, and USS Raby. These newly commissioned Buckleyclass ships were equipped with advanced electronic sensors, including SL search radar, SA "bedspring" radar, and QSL1 sonar. The DEs were equipped with Mk 22 deck guns, quadmounted antiaircraft cannons, and depth charge projectors. The Mk 10 "Hedgehog" spigot mortar, a new and lethal weapon, was being used in the Pacific. The taskmaster of the English corporation was Lieutenant John A. Williamson, who had served in the North Atlantic and later worked as a teacher at the Subchaser School. The taskmaster's detached leadership allowed the DEs to prepare for wartime deployment, but the true test of the group would be fighting against the Japanese submarines.
On May 18, 1944, Escort Division 39, led by Lieutenant Colonel Fred H. Just, set out to locate and sink I16, a Japanese supply boat. The American patrol aircraft, along with the British, searched the area, detecting Japanese signal intelligence agents. The Japanese signal intelligence agents intercepted and translated the radio call, leading to the rerouted NA Line. Commander Hains, a member of the Allies, was informed that seven Japanese submarines were preparing to form a scouting line between Manus and Truk. Hains' strategy was to locate the furthest north submarine, sink it, and then turn southwest to ensnare the remaining vessels. This required crossing the Pacific Ocean Area of Admiral Chester Nimitz and the Southwest Pacific Area of General Douglas MacArthur.
In May 1942, Japan and the American forces engaged in a naval battle. The Japanese submarine Ro106 crashed off the coast of England, and the American ships, including England, attempted to locate the target. However, the Japanese submarine Ro104 evaded detection and escaped. The battle continued until the Americans' submarine Ro104, led by Lieutenant Hiroshi Izobuchi, escaped. The battle was a brutal battle, with the Americans losing dozens of lives. The battle was marked by a growing oil slick, debris, and sharks, and the American commander, Lieutenant Williamson, was troubled by the loss of lives. The battle remained a brutal battle between the two nations.
In the Pacific, Japan faced a formidable adversary, with England's warships Escort Division 39 navigating down the NA Line. However, Ro116, a Japanese submarine, plunged to Earth due to radar emissions. The Americans, led by Lt. Cmdr. Takeshi Okabe, managed to disrupt the Americans' fire runs and confuse the Japanese. To stall the submarine, the sound crew raised the frequency of sonar pulses during a firing run. Despite the Japanese's efforts, Ro116 was decapitated by Hedgehogs, causing the loss of 56 personnel. Commander Hains had to decide whether to head back to Purvis Bay for replenishment or continue towards the closest friendly port. The American base at Manus was resupplied with Hedgehog rounds, and the warships continued their efforts.
In the Pacific War, Japan and the American Navy engaged in a twoday conflict with the Imperial Japanese Navy's skilled submarine officers, Ro105. The Americans, led by Captain Ryonosuke Kato, used various tactics to deter the Japanese, but eventually, Ro105 sank beneath the seas. The USS England, a seasoned subkiller, joined the battle, sunk six submarines in just twelve days. However, the battle was not over, as seven enemy boats were reported by FRUPac. The victory had strategic ramifications, as Admiral Toyoda felt the American fleet was moving southward, leading to Operation AGo. The exploits of England and her fellow destroyer escort crews were secret due to security concerns, but the men of England received the Presidential Unit Citation for their exceptional combat performance.
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