Akatsuki (暁, "Dawn")[1] was the twenty-first Fubuki-classdestroyer, or the lead ship of the Akatsuki class (if that sub-class is regarded as a separate class), built for the Imperial Japanese Navy in the inter-war period. When introduced into service, these ships were the most powerful destroyers in the world.[9] They remained formidable weapons systems well into the Pacific War.
Construction of the advanced Fubuki-class destroyers was authorized as part of the Imperial Japanese Navy's expansion program from fiscal 1923, intended to give Japan a qualitative edge with the world's most modern ships.[10] The Fubuki class had performance that was a quantum leap over previous destroyer designs, so much so that they were designated Special Type destroyers (特型, Tokugata). The large size, powerful engines, high speed, large radius of action and unprecedented armament gave these destroyers the firepower similar to many light cruisers in other navies. The Akatsuki sub-class was an improved version of the Fubuki, externally almost identical, but incorporating changes to her propulsion system.[11]
Like others of her type, Akatsuki was modified during the middle 1930s, both to correct design deficiencies and to enhance combat capabilities. She participated in operations in the Second Sino-Japanese War, which broke out in July 1937.
World War II
[edit]AkatsukiatKiska Island, Aleutians, during the Japanese occupation of Kiska, summer of 1942
From October, Akatsuki was used for numerous “Tokyo Express” high speed transport runs throughout the Solomon Islands.[17]
On October 25, 1942 Akatsuki, Ikazuchi, and Shiratsuyu conducted a daylight raid into the waters of "Ironbottom Sound" off Guadalcanal. In the resulting action, the fast minesweeperUSS Zane was damaged and fleet tug USS Seminole and patrol craft YP-284 were sunk before the Japanese ships were driven off by US Marinecoastal artillery. Akatsuki suffered light damage when its No.3 gun turret was hit by coastal artillery, with four crewmen killed.
Three weeks later, Akatsuki returned to "Ironbottom Sound" as part of a powerful bombardment force built around the battleshipsHiei and Kirishima. On the night of 12–13 November 1942, in the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal, this unit encountered a task force of U.S. Navy destroyers and cruisers. Operating on the right flank of the Japanese battleships, Akatsuki is often credited with illuminating and then torpedoing USS Atlanta: however, her junior torpedo officer, Michiharu Shinya – one of her few survivors - later stated unequivocally that Akatsuki was overwhelmed by gunfire before being able to launch any torpedoes.[18][19] Soon after illuminating Atlanta, she was heavily hit by American gunfire and sank early in the action near Savo Island at position 09°17′S159°56′E / 9.283°S 159.933°E / -9.283; 159.933, with the loss of all but 18 crewmen (out of a total complement of 197), who were later captured by U.S. forces.[15] These crewmen were later imprisoned at the Featherston prisoner of war campinNew Zealand.
On 15 December 1942, Akatsuki was removed from the navy list.[20]
^The Lost Ships of Guadalcanal by Robert Ballard and The Path From Guadalcanal by Michiharu Shinya
^Nishidah, Hiroshi (2002). "Akatsuki class destroyers". Materials of the Imperial Japanese Navy. Archived from the original on 2012-12-10. Retrieved 2015-07-13.
Nishidah, Hiroshi (2002). "Akatsuki class destroyers". Materials of the Imperial Japanese Navy. Archived from the original on 2012-12-10. Retrieved 2015-07-13.
Empire of Japan
Imperial Japanese Navy
Soviet Navy
