USS REDFIN (SS-272)

Algiers to Milne Bay 

REDFIN departed ALGIERS on October 09, 1943 and proceeded down the Mississippi River to Pilottown and then down South Pass to the entrance buoy to the Gulf of Mexico.  In the Gulf is where REDFIN made her first dive in salt water.  REDFIN proceeded on to the Submarine Base, COCO SOLO, PANAMA CANAL ZONE, arriving there on October 14, 1943 at 1400 hours. 

Three days were devoted to routine maintenance and preparing for the training period.  REDFIN went through the Degaussing Slip to be demagnetized from any magnetic mines. 

Between October 17^th and November 18^th REDFIN conducted trials and training in the COCO SOLO area and the training area off LAS PERLES ISLAND.  The training consisted of torpedo tube tests and firings, Independent Ship’s Exercises, torpedo and gunnery firing, sound testing and preparation for departure. 

REDFIN returned to the Submarine Base at COCO SOLO via the Panama Canal to receive fuel, torpedoes, ammunition and fresh and dry stores. 

On November 04, 1943 LCDR Robert KING was promoted to CDR as of November 01. 

REDFIN departed COCO SOLO and proceeded through the Panama Canal to the GALAPAGOS ISLANDS, arriving there on November 23^rd.  At quarters on November 23^rd Charles Harry HOMEWOOD was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal. 

REDFIN departed the GALAPAGOS ISLANDS on the same day, after they fueled to capacity, and proceeded to BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA. 

On December 08, 1943 REDFIN received a dispatch changing the destination from BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA to MILNE BAY, NEW GUINEA. 

REDFIN arrived in MILNE BAY, NEW GUINEA on Saturday, December 18, 1943 and moored alongside USS FULTON (AS-11) at 1307 hours. 

The 8,500-mile voyage from GALAPAGOS to MILNE BAY is believed to be the longest non-stop voyage made by any submarine until the time of the nuclear submarines. 

The period between December 18^th and 25^th was devoted to repairs and general upkeep.