[Homer_J_Simpson]

Free Republic University, Department of History presents World War II Plus 70 Years: Seminar and Discussion Forum
First session: September 1, 2009. Last date to add: September 2, 2015.
Reading assignment: New York Times articles delivered daily to students on the 70th anniversary of original publication date. (Previously posted articles can be found by searching on keyword “realtime” Or view Homer’s posting history .)
To add this class to or drop it from your schedule notify Admissions and Records (Attn: Homer_J_Simpson) by freepmail. Those on the Realtime +/- 70 Years ping list are automatically enrolled. Course description, prerequisites and tuition information is available at the bottom of Homer’s profile. Also visit our general discussion thread

[Homer_J_Simpson]

William L. Shirer, The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich

[CougarGA7]

Sorry I'm a day late with this, State Championships were this weekend. This is an important follow up on the issue of torpedo nets at Pearl Harbor. As you recall, Admiral Kimmel recommended on the 12th of March that he did not recommend getting torpedo nets for the ships at Pearl Harbor until they were made lighter and easier to manage. This is Bloch's agreement with Kimmel on the subject.

C-N20-12/ND14
(0250)

Confidential 20 March 1941.

From: Commandant, Fourteenth Naval District.
To : The Chief of Naval Operations.
Subject: Anti-torpedo baffles for protection against torpedo plane attacks.

Reference: (a) CNO Classified Itr serial 010230 of February 17. 1941.

1. In reply to reference (a) the following comment and recommendation on anti-torpedo baffles for vessels moored in Pearl Harbor is submitted.
(a) The depth of water in and alongside available berths in Pearl Harbor does not exceed forty-five (45) feet.
(b) There is limited maneuvering area in Pearl Harbor for vessels approaching and leaving berths which prevents the departure of a large group of vessels on short notice.
(c) Most of the available berths are located close aboard the main ship channels, which are crossed by cable and pipe lines as well as ferry routes. The installation of baffles for the fleet moorings would have to be so extensive that most of the entire channel area would be restricted.

2. Other harbors in the Fourteenth Naval District have a water depth limitation similar to Pearl Harbor.

3. In view of the foregoing the Commandant does not recommend the installation of baffles for moorings in Pearl Harbor or other harbors in the Fourteenth Naval District.

C. C. Bloch.
cc: to CINCPACIFIC
BUORD
Op-30C1

Since the depth of Pearl is only 45 feet and the degree in which the harbor would be restricted by ant-torpedo baffles were deciding factors in their recommendation not to install this protection for the ships. This will have some serious consequences later.