Japanese destroyer Amatsukaze (1939)

The Amatsukaze was a Kagerō-class destroyer of the Imperial Japanese Navy. Laid down in 1939 and commissioned in 1940, she was considered one of the most advanced destroyers of her time, notable for being one of the first Japanese warships to be equipped with an experimental steam turbine that significantly enhanced her speed and range. This turbine, however, proved problematic and required frequent maintenance throughout her service.

As part of the Japanese Second Fleet, the Amatsukaze participated in numerous crucial battles of the Pacific War, including the attack on Pearl Harbor as part of the escort screen for the carrier task force. She saw action in the Battle of the Java Sea, sinking the Dutch destroyer Java and severely damaging the British cruiser Exeter. She also fought in the Guadalcanal campaign, participating in several nighttime surface engagements against American cruisers and destroyers.

Throughout her career, the Amatsukaze underwent several refits to improve her anti-aircraft armament. Despite her advanced design, the Amatsukaze was ultimately sunk by a mine in the Java Sea in April 1945. Her wreck was discovered in 2004. The Amatsukaze’s history highlights both the technological innovation and the heavy attrition suffered by the Japanese Navy during World War II.