The USS Guavina had been made ready in Brisbane by the end of July 1944. The submarine repair unit had done their work well, the boat coming out of the hands of the tenders with new IFF radar, frequency modulation gear, engine rings to keep down the smoke, and a coat of light gray paint that looked sharp in the Australian sun. The torpedoes—sixteen steam and eight electric—were all freshly overhauled, and the crew took some pride in how clean they looked in the racks. The men themselves were in good spirits, though weary of the endless cycle of patrols, refits, and training. Still, when the lines came off on August 16, they felt the familiar mix of relief and apprehension. Relief at leaving behind the routine of shore duty, apprehension at what waited for them in enemy waters.