IUSSCAA Message Board


UNCLASSIFIED, NON-POLITICAL, and  NON-SENSITIVE POSTS ONLY
IUSSCAA Posting Guidelines


IUSSCAA Wallpapers
Ocean Night 1280x1024 1024X768 800X600
Mid-Watch   1280x1024 1024X768 800X600



IUSSCAA Message Board
Start a New Topic 
Author
Comment
View Entire Thread
Re: Think you know your naval (not merely US) trivia? #3

I loved those pub lib quizzes...the grams killed me, but the minutiae..oh joy!

Re: Think you know your naval (not merely US) trivia? #3

I was just talking about this today on board Battleship WISCONSIN (BB-64). Typhoon Cobra, also known as Halsey's Typhoon is part of our Command and Control presentation on the Navigation Bridge. In the Chart House I usually point out our original Clinometers and relate the December 1944 tragedy. Spence, Hull, and Monaghan capsized and approximately 800 sailors were lost after the destroyers breached 45 degree rolls in the massive waves. I believe there is a book about Halsey's Typhoon.

Re: Think you know your naval (not merely US) trivia? #3

I'm glad to see the responses to #3. John, you'r right about the inability to delete old "useless" info from our minds. Over 50 years after I learned what a fundamental frequency was, I STILL catch myself looking for repetition patterns in the carpet at my Dr's office, upholstery at restaurants, etc.

Capt D - I remember reading about Cobra and its aftermath in Morison's " History of United States Naval Operations in World War II." I was a kid at the time, and thought the Navy was all fun, snazzy uniforms, and fun liberty ports. Made me realize things.

Re: Think you know your naval (not merely US) trivia? #3

they were sold to the Mexican navy
all three capsized during Typhoon "Cobra"
a single kamikaze strike destroyed them all at Okinawa
all three were destroyed in a refueling accident

As we know, the correct answer was the typhoon option.

On 17-18 December 1944, Halsey's Task Force 38 of approximately 86 ships was steaming east of the Philippine Islands. High speed operations during the preceding days made refueling the ships - particularly the destroyers - an urgent necessity. But TF 38 was overtaken by a typhoon (named "Cobra" by the Navy). Sea conditions made refueling impossible. The barometer dropped to 26.8, sustained winds of 75 knots and gusts to 120 knots wreaked havoc. Many ships were damaged, and some were unable to maintain headway. Ever increasing rolls ultimately took their toll. Hull, Monaghan, and Spence all capsized and sunk. Of the 866 men on the three ships, 775 were lost. Over the next few days, 91 survivors from the three vessels were rescued. USS Tabberer (DE-418) - herself damaged in the storm - rescued 55 of them.

Since answers and general comments are still coming, so is another question. :nerd_face:

Visits: