Japanese destroyer Shinonome (1927)

The Shinonome (東雲, "Dawn Cloud") was the twenty-third of twenty-four Fubuki-class destroyers, built for the Imperial Japanese Navy following World War I. These destroyers were revolutionary for their time, boasting unprecedented firepower and seaworthiness compared to previous designs.

Design and Characteristics

The Fubuki-class destroyers were characterized by their powerful armament of six 12.7 cm (5 in) Type 3 naval guns in three twin turrets, and nine 61 cm (24 in) torpedo tubes in three triple mounts. The guns could elevate to 75 degrees, making them capable of anti-aircraft fire, although dedicated anti-aircraft weaponry was limited in the initial design. They also had minesweeping gear and depth charges. Shinonome, like her sister ships, was powered by geared turbines providing a top speed of 38 knots (70 km/h; 44 mph).

Service History

Completed in 1928, Shinonome initially served in various fleet exercises and patrols in the years leading up to World War II. At the outbreak of the Pacific War, Shinonome was assigned to Destroyer Division 11 of Destroyer Squadron 3, participating in the invasion of the Philippines in December 1941.

Fate

On December 17, 1941, while patrolling near Davao in the Philippines, Shinonome was sunk, likely by a Martin PBY Catalina flying boat of the United States Navy. There were no survivors. Shinonome was stricken from the Navy List on January 15, 1942.

Legacy

The loss of the Shinonome was an early blow to the Imperial Japanese Navy in the Pacific War. Although her service was brief, the Shinonome represents a significant advancement in destroyer design and naval technology of the interwar period.