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| IJN Mutsuki-class destroyer 1,336 Tons (normal) 1,800 Tons (deep load) 320' x 30' 1" x 9' 9" 4 x 12cm Type 3 guns 2x3 24" torpedoes 18 x depth charges 16 x mines    5th AF July 28, 1943 |
Ship History Built at Sasebo Naval Arsenal at Sasebo. Laid down August 21, 1925 as a Mutsuki-class destroyer. Launched July 12, 1926. Commissioned May 5, 1927 in the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN). On August 1, 1928 renamed Mikauki 三日月 ”Crescent Moon". During the late 1930s, Mikazuki participated in actions in the Second Sino-Japanese War, covering the landings of Japanese troops in central and southern China. Wartime History At the start of the war, Mikazuki was part of Carrier Division 3 under the IJN 1st Fleet, and based in Japanese home waters as an escort for Hōshō and Zuihō. During the Battle of Midway on June 4-5,1942, Mikazuki was part of the escort for Zuihō and was not involved in combat during that battle. Afterwards, Mikazuki was reassigned to the Southwest Area Fleet. From July 1942 to March 1943, Mikazuki escorted convoys between Moji, Kyūshū and Taiwan. From March 26, 194 until June 10, 1943, Mikazuki underwent refit at the Sasebo Naval Arsenal. Afterwards was reassigned to Destroyer Division 30 of Desron 3, in the IJN 8th Fleet and departed for Rabaul. On June 28, 1943 participated in a transport run to Kolombangara, but aborted due to American air attacks. On July 2, attempted to bombard Rendova. Participated in the Battle of Kula Gulf on July 5-6, during which she landed Naval Landing Forces, but saw no action. On July 9, successfully delivered troops to Kolombangara. On the night of July 12-13, 1943 during the Battle of Kolombangara (Second Battle of Kula Gulf), this destroyer covered the transports. Afterwards, attempted to assist sinking Jintsū, but was driven away by American forces. On July 17, 1943 suffered minor damage due to an American air raid on the Shortlands. On July 27, 1943 while delivering troops to Cape Gloucester, Mikazuki ran aground on a coral reef. Sinking History On July 28, 1943 caught by B-25 Mitchells and sunk. During the attack, eight of the destroyer's crew were killed. Shipwreck Rod Pearce dove the wreck: "The wreck is still there but badly broken up." References Also spelled "Mikatsuki" in some sources. Combined Fleet - IJN Mikazuki: Tabular Record of Movement Contribute
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