If you can see this text here you should update to a newer web browser

Normal | Highlight & Comment Highlighted Text will be in Yellow, but there are none yet

OF6-7/S19-7 Serial (075) DESTROYER SQUADRON SEVEN U.S.S. PLUNKETT, Flagship Care Postmaster, New York, N.Y. C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L July 16, 1942. From: The Commander Destroyer Squadron Seven. To  : The Commander Destroyers, U.S. Atlantic Fleet.   Subject: Camouflage Paint on U.S.S. PLUNKETT.   References:    (a)  Comdeslant conf. ltr. S19/FF13-6 Serial 0151 of January 28, 1942. (b) Comdeslant conf. ltr. S19/FF13-6 Serial 0499 of March 24, 1942.      1.        During the period 10-16 June 1942, Commander Destroyer Squadron SEVEN (then Commander Destroyer Division FOURTEEN in MADISON) had opportunity to observe the effectiveness of the camouflage paint on PLUNKETT on a cruise from Hampton Roads, Virginia, to Panama, Canal Zone.      2.        Relative positions of PLUNKETT and MADISON in screen were such that the mean point of observation was on PLUNKETT's starboard quarter (148° relative), distance 2200 yards. However, as formation was zigzagging and, in addition, the screen was patrolling stations, observations were made at all target angles from about 15° on bow to dead astern and at ranges varying from about 1000 yards to 3400 yards. A low observation point (height of eye about 12 feet) was used to get the effect from the vantage point of a submarine trimmed down on the surface.      3.        Observations were made at the same time on the LANSDALE, whose sides are painted with splotch pattern of sea blue and ocean gray and the superstructure an experimental splotch pattern of ocean gray and light green. Mean position was 122° relative from LANSDALE, distance 3400 yards.      4.        Because of the close range and clear weather that prevailed, day observations were of no particular value - both ships were plainly visible and neither the color combinations nor the splotch patterns had any observable effect on target angle estimations. Also, as ships were patrolling, it was not possible to ascertain positively whether, during late hours of twilight when both ships were just barely visible, either system of painting had any effect on the accuracy of target angle estimtion. The general impression was that the PLUNKETT's painting was more deceptive because the splotches were both larger and better placed in relation to corners than those on LANSDALE. It is thought that LANSDALE's small "jigsaw puzzle" splotch painting is of little or no deceptive value.

OF6-7/S19-7 Serial (075) DESTROYER SQUADRON SEVEN U.S.S. PLUNKETT, Flagship Care Postmaster, New York, N.Y.   C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L July 16, 1942.   Subject: Camouflage Paint on U.S.S. PLUNKETT. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -      5.        Night observations gave more definite results:    (A)    CLEAR NIGHT; NO MOON.           As darkness fell, PLUNKETT disappeared from view (naked eye) as soon as LANSDALE -though about 1200 yards closer than LANSDALE. Both ships were visible„ through 7 X 50 binoculars throughout clear nights, but PLUNKETT was more difficult to pick up in sweeping with glasses.    (B)    CLOUDY NIGHT; NO MOON.           Toward end of twilight, PLUNKETT disappeared before - or if patrol carried her over a thousand yards closer than LANSDALE, at about the same time - as LANSDALE. After complete darkness, PLUNKETT was seldom seen except when patrols carried her within range of about a thousand yards.    (C)    MOONLIGHT NIGHTS.           (1) When moon was behind observer and low, PLUNKETT was more visible than LANSDALE. PLUNKETT could be seen with naked eye at maximum range {3400 yards) but LANSDALE required binoculars to be seen at distance of over 3000 yards.           (2) When moon attained altitude of 40°, PLUNKETT no longer reflected light and relative visibility of both ships became approximately that of clear moonless night. PLUNKETT less visible.           (3) When moon was behind PLUNKETT and LANSDALE, both ships were silhouetted and appeared dark. They were equally visible.     S. R. CLARK.

Thanks to Rick E. Davis for allowing me to post this document!
Transcribed by RESEARCHER @ LARGE. Formatting & Comments Copyright R@L.

Ships Home | Ship Camouflage Home | Researcher@Large Home