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Imagine this: The backdrop is World War II, a time of turmoil and chaos. In the midst of this tempest, a U.S. Navy submarine ominously evaporates, swallowing its contingent of 80 valiant crew members. Yet, amidst the suffocating shroud of uncertainty, Tim Taylor and his relentless band of investigators refuse to allow this enigma to linger unperturbed.
Armed with the bleeding-edge of technology, they embark on a gritty journey to excavate the unvarnished truth. And just as despair threatens to tighten its grip, a jaw-dropping revelation within the footage jolts them into a desperate race, hurtling back into the abyssal depths to unearth the raw, jarring reality that awaits.
The enigmatic vanishing of the U.S.S. Grayback, designated as the S.S. -208, casts a haunting shadow. This American submarine slipped into obscurity in the tumultuous year of 1944, leaving behind a trail of questions. Presently, determined endeavors persist in the quest to unveil the vessel's cryptic resting place, driven by the relentless pursuits of the Lost 52 Project. This initiative stands as a beacon of dedication, aimed at unearthing the secrets of the 52 submarines that silently slipped into the depths during the chaos of World War II.
Tragically, the Grayback's absence from the maritime realm was first documented in the waning days of March 1944, a somber entry in the annals of history.
Silent Departure
Setting out on its ultimate and tenth wartime expedition during World War II, the USS Grayback set sail from Pearl Harbor on January 28, 1944. Leading up to its vanishing act, the submarine had radiated a series of triumphant communiques to its base, proudly attesting to the demise of two enemy freighters – the Toshin Maru and Taikei Maru – both met their doom on February 24th.
The sudden disappearance of the Grayback caught everyone off-guard, for no whisper of warning had hinted that this would be the conclusive odyssey of the illustrious submarine.
"Triumph and Silence: USS Grayback's Echoing Feats"
Continuing their saga of success, on February 25, 1944, the crew of USS Grayback broadcasted yet another exultant message, heralding the downfall of the Asama Maru—a formidable Japanese submarine repurposed as a troop conveyance. Alongside this triumph, they announced the decisive sinking of the Napo Maru, a tanker in enemy ranks.
However, following this resounding announcement, a lamentable silence ensued. The submarine's triumphant transmissions ceased to echo. Navigating the waters towards Midway Atoll in the North Pacific for vital replenishment, the USS Grayback's arsenal had dwindled to a mere pair of torpedoes, marking a tense juncture in their perilous journey.
"Vanishing Echoes: The Enigma of USS Grayback"
The communication dated February 25 marked the final transmission from the Grayback. Given their position upon sending this ultimate message, it was anticipated that the submarine would rendezvous with the resupply station by March 7.
As three weeks elapsed without the submarine's arrival at the designated Midway Atoll destination, anxiety swelled. The escalating unease culminated in the formal declaration of the vessel's disappearance on March 30, 1944.
Legacy
Initiated on April 3, 1940, the U.S.S. Grayback's creation unfolded at the Electric Boat Company in Groton, Connecticut. Renowned for its adept craftsmen and engineers, the company was a prime selection for constructing the submarine.
With an enduring legacy in submarine production, the company's roots trace back to the U.S.S. Holland, the inaugural US Navy submarine, constructed in 1899. In World War I, the company proved instrumental in bolstering naval endeavors for the United States and the United Kingdom, contributing to the construction of a total of 85 submarines.
Production
In World War II, Electric Boat Company constructed 74 submarines, including Grayback. Grayback, a Tambor-class, was one of 12 built, 7 lost in World War I.
Remaining Tambor subs retired, Grayback vanished before recall, mirroring the rest.
Engineered with precision, the Grayback stretched a formidable 300 feet from stern to stern, poised to plunge into the abyss while withstanding the crushing force of 2,410 tons beneath the waves.
With a sleek width of 27 feet, it commanded a surface speed of 20 knots, a clandestine underwater velocity just shy of nine knots, and a remarkable 48-hour capacity to remain concealed beneath the waves, spanning vast distances.
Propelled by four electric motors and driven by diesel engines, this submarine possessed the prowess to delve to depths of 250 feet below the surface. Yet, fate dealt a heavy hand as it set sail beyond its intended capacity, a vessel meant for 54 enlisted men and six officers now carrying a burden of 80 souls on its final journey in February 1944.
The Grayback, more than a mere vessel, stood battle-ready. Armed with a fearsome array, it bore ten 21-inch torpedo tubes, six at the bow and four sternward. Its arsenal boasted a 50-caliber gun, Oerlikon 20mm cannons, and Bofors 40mm weaponry, strategically positioned along the deck to wield both defensive and offensive might beneath the waves and upon its ascent to the surface.
A mere ten months after the Electric Boat Company's craftsmen laid their final strokes, Rear Admiral Wilson Brown's wife took center stage, heralding the Grayback's emergence into the world on January 31, 1941.
Unleashing the Beast
By June 30 of the same year, this steel leviathan was officially commissioned into the United States Navy, a mere five months prior to the nation's thunderous declaration of war on Japan, in response to the devastating assault on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.
Embarking on its naval journey, the Grayback, now under the watchful gaze of Lieutenant Willard A. Saunder, ventured into the tumultuous expanse of Long Island Sound. Here, its initial sorties doubled as testing grounds to unfurl the banner of its capabilities, acquaint its crew with its intricate facets, and render them familiar with its essence.
With the crew's skillful mastery now affirmed, the Grayback embarked on patrols, weaving through the tapestry of September 1941, where the Caribbean and the Chesapeake Bay were cloaked in the shadow of its presence.
Baptism of fire
Having undergone a meticulous regimen of checks and refurbishment at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard on the Maine coast, the vessel charted its course back to the crucible of Pearl Harbor in 1942. The specter of global warfare loomed large, casting its shadow over the nation, as the Grayback reentered the stage. Soon, its baptism by fire came on February 15, 1942, tracing the coastline of Guam, an island scarred by Japan's invasive onslaught.
Amidst its vigil along the shores of Guam, the Grayback ventured into Saipan's proximity, a Japanese-held territory. These weeks of vigil turned into a three-week game of stealth and pursuit with a cunning Japanese submarine—a gripping "hide and seek" ballet beneath the waves.
In this underwater duel, the adversary fired twin torpedoes, their lethal intent foiled by the Grayback's skillful evasion. Swift retaliation ensued, as the Grayback unloosed its own arsenal in a symphony of thunderous retaliation.
As the Grayback prowled through hostile territories, it deftly slipped past a slew of enemy vessels, even unleashing its prowess to send a formidable 3,291-ton adversary to the depths.
Yet, on its second expedition, the ship's encounters with conflict dwindled, eventually leading it to berth at Fremantle. Here, amidst the maritime dance of war, the Grayback rested at its station in Western Australia, etching its name onto the annals of military history.
Amidst the Depths
During its ensuing two maritime missions, the Grayback's path carved through South China's domain, navigating treacherous waters veiled by inky nights and shadowy threats of enemy patrol.
Nevertheless, the Grayback's mission remained a resounding success, claiming the destruction of numerous enemy vessels, from boats to merchant ships. Then, come December 7, 1942, the Grayback charted its course back to Australian shores, ready to embark on its fifth mission after replenishing its resolve.
Relentless Pursuit
On its fifth venture, the Grayback found itself entwined in a daring rescue mission, etching an unforgettable chapter into its legacy. Amidst Japanese-held territory, a Martin B-26 Marauder's descent into peril left six American lives hanging in the balance.
As dusk descended, two brave souls from the Grayback launched into action, spearheading a valiant search-and-rescue mission that culminated in the triumphant retrieval of the stranded Americans. By the time dawn broke, the Grayback had slipped back beneath the waves, eluding the probing gaze of Japanese aircraft.
When darkness enfolded the seas once more, the Grayback's vigilant crew guided the newfound brethren to the embrace of their submerged sanctuary. Commander Edward C. Stephan, the hand at the helm since September 1942, earned the coveted Navy Cross and the U.S. Army Silver Star for his unwavering gallantry. Yet, as their journey unfolded, the submarine didn't just inflict damage upon enemy vessels; it tasted the bitterness of retaliation, its hull marred by the explosive fury of depth charges from an enemy destroyer.
The Wolfpack's Roar
September 12, 1943, painted a new chapter as the Grayback anchored in Pearl Harbor, readying itself for further Pacific sorties. The eighth mission's baton was now passed to Commander John Anderson Moore, who led the submarine into uncharted waters once more.
Barely a fortnight after its Pearl Harbor docking, the Grayback embarked anew, sailing in the company of the U.S.S. Shad to Midway Atoll. Here, the U.S.S. Cero joined the entourage, giving birth to the legendary "Wolfpack." Echoing the tactics of German U-boats, these submarines united their might in a symphony of destruction, a formidable force against the enemy's maritime dominion.
Enacted by the United States Navy, the Wolfpack proved a resounding triumph, exceeding even the loftiest expectations. In unity, these three submarines orchestrated the sinking of over 38,000 tons of Japanese shipping.
By November 10, 1943, the triumphant trio returned to Midway Atoll, their arsenals depleted after a relentless spree of destruction. At the culmination of this remarkable campaign, Commander Moore stood tall as the second officer to be adorned with the Navy Cross while at the helm of the Grayback.
Blood and Thunder
December 2, 1943, marked the Grayback's renewed voyage, this time braving the tumultuous East China Sea. In an astounding feat, the Grayback unleashed a torrent of torpedoes over just five days, vanquishing four Japanese warships.
Depleted of ammunition, the Grayback charted its course back to Pearl Harbor, where Commander John Anderson Moore was once again adorned with the coveted Navy Cross.
After an astonishing nine missions of triumph, the Grayback returned to the embrace of Pearl Harbor, unaware that it embarked on its tenth and ultimate voyage.
Facing the Abyss
On January 28, 1944, the submarine sailed into the open ocean for the last time. As forewarned, its final message to base resounded on February 25, 1944.
By March 30, the legendary submarine was officially declared missing, severed from contact and lost in the expanse of the seas.
Descent into Darkness
As the Grayback ventured beyond Pearl Harbor's confines one last time, its mission was perilous: to sink a colossal 21,594 tons of Japanese shipping. It marked Commander Moore's third tenure at the vessel's helm.
Yet, as the ship's silhouette vanished from sight, Commander Moore was posthumously honored with his third Navy Cross, an emblem of valor that matched his leadership. Grayback, too, was bestowed her eighth battle star, a testament to her steadfast service during World War II.
"Lost Coordinates: Unraveling Grayback's Mystery"
Japanese war records lent clues to the Grayback's final resting place, yet a single-digit error in a map's transcription led investigators astray. The vessel's true location was leagues away from their initial assumptions, birthing an entirely new set of challenges for the determined pursuers of truth.
Initiating the investigation anew, researcher Tim Taylor delved into the enigma surrounding the submarine's vanishing act, determined to pinpoint where the Navy's initial assessment had faltered.
Serendipitously, a breakthrough in understanding emerged. Taylor then took the helm of the Lost 52 Project, a clandestine quest aimed at unearthing the remnants of the 52 submarines that had vanished during the tumult of World War II.
Ironically, Taylor found an unexpected ally in Yutaka Iwasaki, a Japanese scholar, as they together undertook the task of decrypting files unearthed from the Sasebo base.
The base, a wartime hub of the Japanese Imperial Navy, stood witness to daily radio exchanges between Naha, Okinawa, and Japanese naval aviation operations.
Without delay, Iwasaki plunged into the project, swiftly unearthing a transcription error in the February 27, 1944 report collected at Sasebo from Naha. Astonishingly, this data had been logged just days before Grayback had docked at the base, and it contained a detailed account of an assault by a Nakajima B5N bomber launched from an aircraft carrier.
Into the Abyss
ngly, their endeavor bore fruit, with the Lost 52 team successfully locating the long-lost submarine's hull, preserved on the ocean floor through the passing decades.
Yet, with the exhilaration of discovery came the somber awareness that the team's findings might also unveil the remains of those who had perished.
Unearthing the Past
In a conversation with the New York Times, Taylor reflected, "It was a mix of great feeling and sadness as we found the 80 men." The weight of this revelation weighed not just on the team but also on those who had lost loved ones aboard the Grayback.
Tales from the Deep
Gloria Hurney, one of the living witnesses touched by the discovery of Grayback 75 years after its disappearance, had a personal connection. Her uncle, Raymond Parks, had served aboard the submarine as an electrician's mate, first class.
Gloria recalled her past, reminiscing about a book's assertion that only divine providence could unveil the fates of lost ships, leaving her without closure. Thankfully, the team's discoveries offered a different truth. Yet, she was not alone in being profoundly impacted by this revelation.
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