Operation Barney: 9 U.S. Submarines Entered the Sea of Japan Through Minefields

In June 1945, Operation Barney sent nine U.S. Navy submarines through the heavily mined Tsushima Strait and into the Sea of Japan, using experimental frequency-modulated mine-detection sonar known to crews as “Hell’s Bells.” This documentary follows USS Bowfin, USS Sea Dog, USS Bonefish, and the other submarines as they navigated uncertain mine barriers, spread across Japanese shipping routes, launched coordinated attacks, and prepared for a high-speed escape through La Pérouse Strait. The technology helped make the penetration possible, but it did not eliminate the dangers of mines, shallow coastal waters, mechanical failures, aircraft, or anti-submarine forces. Eight submarines ultimately made the northern exit; Bonefish did not return. Sources: https://www.usni.org/magazines/naval-histo... https://www.bowfin.org/cool_timeline/patro... https://www.history.navy.mil/research/hist... https://www.history.navy.mil/research/libr... https://www.history.navy.mil/research/hist... #OperationBarney #WorldWarII #WWII #USNavy #Submarines #SubmarineWarfare #SeaOfJapan #USSBowfin #USSBonefish #PacificWar #NavalHistory #MilitaryHistory