Chiyoda (submarine tender)

Chiyoda (submarine tender). The *Chiyoda* was a unique and versatile warship of the Imperial Japanese Navy, originally constructed as a seaplane tender but later converted to serve as a submarine tender and aircraft carrier. Commissioned in 1938, she played a significant role in supporting Japanese submarine operations during the Pacific War before being repurposed as a light carrier. Her career ended during the Battle of Leyte Gulf, where she was sunk as part of the Northern Force decoy fleet.

Design and description

Originally designed as a fast seaplane tender, *Chiyoda*'s hull was based on that of a light cruiser to achieve high speed. Her initial configuration included two aircraft catapults and a large hangar capable of accommodating up to thirty floatplanes, such as the Aichi E13A and Mitsubishi F1M. The ship was powered by geared steam turbines driving two shafts, which gave her a top speed of 29 knots, allowing her to keep pace with fleet units like the Kido Butai. Her armament, typical for Japanese auxiliary vessels, consisted of four 127 mm dual-purpose guns in twin mounts and a growing number of 25 mm anti-aircraft guns as the war progressed. The design incorporated a large, open stern for seaplane recovery and featured extensive workshops for aircraft maintenance.

Construction and career

*Chiyoda* was ordered under the 1934 Naval Replacement Program and her keel was laid down at the Kure Naval Arsenal on 14 December 1936. She was launched on 19 November 1937 and commissioned into the Imperial Japanese Navy on 15 December 1938. Initially assigned to the Combined Fleet, she participated in early wartime operations, including the invasion of Guam and the Battle of Wake Island in December 1941, deploying her seaplanes for reconnaissance and bombing missions. Following the Battle of Midway in June 1942, which devastated Japan's carrier force, the navy decided to convert several auxiliary vessels into light aircraft carriers. *Chiyoda* was selected for this conversion, which began in late 1942.

Submarine tender operations

Following her initial conversion work at Yokosuka Naval Arsenal, *Chiyoda* was not immediately completed as a carrier. Instead, from early 1943, she was operationally employed as a submarine tender. In this role, she was based at Truk Lagoon, the major forward base for the Combined Fleet, and later at Kwajalein Atoll. Her duties involved providing logistical support, repairs, and supplies to the fleet submarines of the 6th Fleet (Imperial Japanese Navy), such as those from the I-15 and Kaichū classes. This period saw her supporting submarine campaigns against Allied shipping lanes and conducting missions related to the Guadalcanal campaign and the defense of the Solomon Islands. Her workshops were adapted to service submarine equipment and torpedoes.

Later service and fate

*Chiyoda* returned to Yokosuka in late 1943 to complete her conversion into a light aircraft carrier. The reconstruction removed her seaplane facilities, installing a full-length flight deck, a single hangar, and accommodations for about thirty aircraft, typically a mix of A6M Zero fighters and B5N Kate torpedo bombers. Recommissioned as a carrier in November 1943, she was assigned to the 3rd Fleet. Her final operation was during the Battle of Leyte Gulf in October 1944. Serving in Vice-Admiral Jisaburō Ozawa's Northern Force, she was part of the decoy force intended to lure the United States Navy's Third Fleet away from the Leyte landing areas. On 25 October 1944, during the Battle off Cape Engaño, *Chiyoda* was disabled by gunfire from American cruisers and destroyers of Task Force 38. Unable to be towed and with all escorts driven off, she was scuttled by her crew on 10 October 1944, with heavy loss of life. Category:Imperial Japanese Navy ship names Category:Seaplane tenders of the Imperial Japanese Navy Category:World War II submarine tenders Category:Ships built at Kure Naval Arsenal