Japanese destroyer Yamakaze

Japanese destroyer Yamakaze was a Shiratsuyu-class destroyer of the Imperial Japanese Navy. Commissioned in 1937, she served during the Second Sino-Japanese War and the early campaigns of the Pacific War. The vessel was famously sunk by the United States Navy submarine USS Nautilus (SS-168) in June 1942, with the loss of all hands.

Design and description

The Shiratsuyu-class destroyer design was an evolution of the preceding Hatsuharu-class destroyer, incorporating lessons from the Tomozuru Incident and the Fourth Fleet Incident. These ships emphasized stability and firepower, with a standard displacement of approximately 1,685 tons. Their primary armament consisted of five 12.7 cm/50 Type 3 dual-purpose guns mounted in enclosed twin turrets, a configuration that was innovative for Japanese destroyers of the period. For anti-submarine warfare, they were equipped with two quadruple mounts for 61 cm Type 90 torpedo tubes, capable of launching the potent Type 93 torpedo. Propulsion was provided by three Kampon boilers driving two geared steam turbines, generating 42,000 shaft horsepower for a top speed of 34 knots.

Construction and career

*Yamakaze* was laid down on 25 May 1935 at the Uraga Dock Company shipyard in Yokosuka. She was launched on 21 February 1936 and commissioned into service with the Imperial Japanese Navy on 30 June 1937. Upon completion, she was assigned to Destroyer Division 24 of Destroyer Squadron 4, 4th Fleet. Her early service included operations off the coast of China during the Second Sino-Japanese War, supporting Imperial Japanese Army landings and conducting patrols. At the start of the Pacific War, she was part of the screen for the invasion force for the Philippines, participating in the Battle of Legaspi and the Landing at Lingayen Gulf. In early 1942, she was involved in the Dutch East Indies campaign, including the Battle of the Java Sea and the Battle of Sunda Strait, providing escort for the 2nd Fleet's heavy cruisers and conducting anti-submarine patrols.

Sinking

On 25 June 1942, *Yamakaze* was on a solo transport mission from Yokosuka to the forward base at Ōminato in northern Honshu. While approximately 60 nautical miles southeast of Tokyo Bay, she was sighted by the American fleet submarine USS Nautilus (SS-168), commanded by Lieutenant Commander William H. Brockman Jr.. The *Nautilus*, which had recently been involved in the Battle of Midway, fired a spread of torpedoes. One torpedo struck *Yamakaze* amidships, causing a catastrophic explosion, likely detonating her torpedo reloads or magazines. The destroyer sank rapidly at position 34°34′N 140°26′E, with the loss of all 226 crewmen, including her commanding officer. No survivors were recovered. She was struck from the naval register on 15 July 1942.

Wreck discovery

The wreck of *Yamakaze* was located in July 1982 by a team from the Japan Coast Guard and the Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology during a routine seabed survey. The site was later examined in greater detail in 1999 by the deep-sea research vessel *Kaiko*, operated by the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology. The wreck rests upright in approximately 1,200 meters of water. The hull is broken just aft of the bridge superstructure, consistent with a massive internal explosion. The forward gun turrets remain intact, and the distinctive silhouette of the Shiratsuyu-class destroyer is clearly identifiable. The wreck is considered a war grave under Japanese law and has not been disturbed.

Category:Shiratsuyu-class destroyers Category:Ships sunk by American submarines in World War II