Hiyō: The Unlikely Aircraft Carrier
Imagine a ship designed to be the epitome of luxury, destined for the high seas as an ocean liner. But fate had other plans. Hiyō, originally named Izumo Maru, was transformed into one of Japan’s most formidable aircraft carriers during World War II.
The Dream and Reality
Hiyō’s journey began in 1938 when she was ordered as the Izumo Maru. The dream was to create a fast luxury passenger liner, but reality struck with the outbreak of war. As Japan prepared for conflict, Hiyō’s design was repurposed into an aircraft carrier, making her one of the largest and most advanced in the Imperial Japanese Navy.
Design and Specifications
Was Hiyō just another ship, or did she have a special purpose? With a length of 220 meters and a displacement of 24,150 tonnes, she was built to be a giant among her peers. Her flight deck stretched for 210.3 meters, with two superimposed hangars, each about 153 meters long.
Armament and Defense
Was Hiyō prepared for the battles ahead? Her primary armament consisted of a dozen 12.7-centimeter Type 89 dual-purpose guns in twin mounts, along with 20 single mount and eight triple mount 2.5 cm Type 96 light AA guns. These defenses were crucial as she faced American forces in the Pacific.
Commissioning and Early Operations
When did Hiyō first set sail? Laid down on November 30, 1939, by Kawasaki, she was launched on June 24, 1941. Commissioned in July 1942 with Captain Akitomo Beppu at the helm, Hiyō quickly became a formidable presence in the Pacific.
First Battles and Challenges
How did Hiyō fare during her first engagements? On October 16, she launched nine A6M Zeros and nine B5Ns to attack USS Aaron Ward. However, a fire on October 21 reduced her speed, forcing her to return to Truk for repairs.
Training and Operations
What was Hiyō’s role in the Guadalcanal campaign? After returning from repairs, she trained with her air group of 27 Zeros and 12 D3As. In April 1943, she participated in Operation I-Go, attacking shipping in the Sealark Channel and Milne Bay.
Final Days
How did Hiyō meet her end? In June 1944, while en route to Guimaras Island, Hiyō was torpedoed by USS Trigger. Despite efforts to repair the damage, she sank shortly after due to a large explosion caused by leaking gasoline vapour.
Conclusion
Hiyō’s story is one of transformation and sacrifice. From an ocean liner destined for luxury voyages, she became a symbol of Japan’s naval might in the Pacific. Her journey from design to destruction serves as a poignant reminder of the unpredictable nature of war.
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This page is based on the article Japanese aircraft carrier Hiyō published in Wikipedia (retrieved on January 19, 2025) and was automatically summarized using artificial intelligence.
