AKASHI

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AKASHI

Post by shipstamps » Tue Sep 30, 2008 9:56 pm

AKASHI.

Built as a repair ship by Saesbo Navy Yard at Saesbo for the Imperial Japanese Navy.
18 January 1937 laid down.
29 June 1938 launched under the name AKASHI.
Tonnage 9.000 tons, dim. 154.66 x 20.50m.
Powered by two MAN diesels, 10.000 shp, speed 19 knots.
Armament 2 – 12cm guns, 2 – 2.5 cm AA and 2 MG.
31 July 1939 completed and placed on reserve list.

15 November 1939 assigned to the Combined Japanese Fleet.
She was the only special designed repair ship completed for the Japanese Navy.
10 March 1940 commissioned under command of Capt. Miyazato Shutoku.
11 October 1940 took part in the Imperial Navy Review in Tokyo Bay.
23 July 1941 took part in the South Indochina Occupation Operation.
06 December 1941 arrived at Palau.
Thereafter used in different battle areas in the Pacific, and carried out emergency repairs on all kind of Japanese warships.
1942 For a long time stationed at Truk.
17 February 1944 after the American Operation “Hailstone” the attack on Truck by American planes, in which many Japanese were sunk, the AKASHI was anchored in Truk’s Repair Anchorage.
After the two day attack Truk was eliminated as a major Japanese fleet anchorage.
19 February 1944 the Japanese fleet evacuated Truk, and also the AKASHI left her anchorage, she was damaged during the raids, in which her speed was reduced to 12 knots.
24 February 1944 she arrived at Palau, and performed self repair before she commenced repairs on Japanese warships.
31 March 1944 during the American air attack on Palau she was found by planes when anchored in shallow water in a cove off the northern part of Urukthapel Island. She sustained numerous direct hits and near misses by bombs and rockets. AKASHI suffers at least seven hits on her stern, two on her port bow, one on her superstructure forward of the well deck, two amidships and another after of her stack that causes a fierce fire.
AKASHI sinks by the bow. Her bridge, crane tops and masts remain above water. Her Captain and an unknown number of crew survive.

1954 The Fujita Salvage Company, under authority of the Palau Government, salvages the hulk of the AKASHI for scrap.

On Palau 1995 32c sg 867.
Attachments
SG867
SG867

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