GREYHOUND - First Battle

Summary

The transcript follows a tense naval confrontation, likely during a World War II-era submarine battle. The crew is engaged in a dramatic sonar and hydrophone search for an enemy vessel, constantly tracking its position with urgency. As the enemy ship is identified and reported at various distances, the crew's focus intensifies, culminating in a failed attack before finally successfully sinking the target. The captain emphasizes teamwork, calling it an 'all hands job,' underscoring the importance of each crew member's role in the mission's success.

Takeaways

• 😀 The scene is set in a naval or military context, likely during a battle or intense encounter at sea.
• 😀 The dialogue suggests a moment of high tension, with the crew actively tracking and attempting to engage an enemy contact.
• 😀 The crew's focus is on sonar, hydrophone, and visual tracking to locate and confirm the enemy's position.
• 😀 The enemy's position is reported multiple times with specific distance details (e.g., 700 yards, 600 yards, etc.).
• 😀 There's an emphasis on maintaining precise coordinates, including ‘zero zero one’ and bearing ‘295’ for targeting.
• 😀 The ship's crew is following orders promptly, with clear communication between various officers (e.g., Mr. Lopez, Mr. Watson).
• 😀 The enemy vessel is detected within sonar range but is initially difficult to hit.
• 😀 The script reveals a sense of urgency, especially when it’s mentioned that the enemy is moving toward a convoy.
• 😀 The phrase 'minimum sonar range' signals the difficulty of tracking or engaging the target at close range.
• 😀 At the end, the captain declares the target has been sunk, attributing the success to the efforts of the entire crew ('all hands job').

Q & A

What kind of military operation is being described in the script?

The script describes a naval engagement, possibly involving a submarine or destroyer during World War II. The crew is tracking an enemy vessel using sonar, preparing to engage, and coordinating efforts to protect a convoy.

What is the significance of the 'minimum sonar range' mentioned in the script?

The term 'minimum sonar range' refers to the closest distance at which the sonar can effectively detect objects underwater. The mention of the contact being inside this range indicates the enemy vessel is very close to the ship, which could potentially pose a danger.

What role does Mr. Lopez play in the operation?

Mr. Lopez appears to be in charge of the sonar or targeting equipment. He is preparing to deploy a 'medium pattern' which is likely related to sonar or torpedo targeting to engage the enemy.

What does the phrase 'overwrapping screws up a revving screw' suggest?

The phrase likely refers to the sound of the enemy vessel's propellers (screws) changing speed or direction. The crew is detecting this change in propulsion, which suggests the enemy is maneuvering to evade detection or attack.

What does the captain's command, 'steady on the reciprocal, course maintain our present heading' indicate?

This command is instructing the ship to stay on its current course (heading) and not make any abrupt turns, ensuring the ship maintains a steady position while the crew assesses the situation.

Why does the captain mention 'standard sweeps' when referring to sonar?

The captain is ordering the sonar crew to perform standard sweeping sonar scans to detect any movement or changes in the environment around the ship, especially after coming about or changing direction.

What does the phrase 'escort greyhound' refer to?

In the context of the script, 'escort greyhound' seems to be a code or call sign used by the ship or one of its escorts. It could be a reference to the type of ship or its designation.

How does the captain feel about the outcome of the engagement?

The captain expresses satisfaction and relief, stating that the target has been sunk and acknowledges the teamwork involved in the operation, referring to it as an 'all hands job.'

What can be inferred about the enemy's actions based on the phrase 'he’s trying to slip over us'?

The enemy is likely attempting to maneuver stealthily or at a slow pace in an effort to evade detection or attack, possibly trying to get closer or position themselves behind the ship.

What does the mention of '500 yards' indicate about the proximity of the enemy vessel?

The mention of '500 yards' indicates the enemy ship is very close, within striking distance, and the crew is preparing for immediate action to engage or defend against the threat.