Q&A · 3:08:44-3:09:08

Japanese giant submarines off the American West Coast

A submarine-strategy answer favors persistent disruption near the enemy's coast over a search for a single decisive engagement.

Commerce Raiding Japanese Navy Minelaying Submarine Warfare US West Coast

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Question

How should Japan use ten 10,000-ton submarines at the start of World War II?

Short answer

They should mine and attack shipping along the American West Coast, forcing the United States to divert forces to homeland defence.

Notes

Operations close to American ports could impose convoy, patrol, and minesweeping demands far from the main Pacific battlefront. German activity on the East Coast shows how a small raiding force can consume disproportionate defensive resources.