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| IJN Seaplane Carrier 10,930 Tons 602' 4" x 61' 8" 6 x 12.7cm Type 89 guns 20 x Type 96 AA guns 24 x seaplanes |
Ship History Built by by Kawasaki Shipyards at Kure. Laid down May 1, 1937 as seaplane carrier similar to Chitose but with less powerful engines and was able to carry 24 seaplanes. Launched May 16, 1938 as Mizuho meaning "Fresh Grain" in Japanese. Commissioned February 25, 1939 in the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN). During May 1940, ship of 3rd Reserve at Yokosuka Naval District under the command of Captain Hoshi Kazuo. On June 1, 1940 at Yokosuka assigned to the Combined Fleet. On November 1, 1940 becomes flagship for Seaplane Tender Division 7. On December 2, 1940 assigned to the China Area Fleet. During January 1941 and February 1941 operates off the coast of China and Hainan Island. During March 1941 assigned to Seaplane Tender Division 11 and operates in the Inland Sea and off Kyushu until October. On November 6, 1941 assigned to Southern Force, Philippines Force, South Philippines Support Force Seaplane Force. On November 18, 1941 departs Kitsuki arriving Kure the next day. On November 24, 1941 departs Kure and operates in the Terashima Channel. On November 27, 1941 departs bound for Palau arriving in early December 1941. Wartime History On December 8, 1941 at the start of the Pacific War departs Palau as part of the Japanese invasion force bound for Legaspi. On December 12, 1941 arrives Cabugao Bay off Catanduanes and supports the Japanese landing at Legaspi. On December 16, 1941 departs Cabugao Bay and the next day arrives Ramon Bay and covers Japanese landing. On December 24, 1941 arrives Anibawan Bay at the northeast of Polillo Island then moves to Lamon Bay to cover the landing then departs bound for Palau. On December 29, 1941 returns to Palau and two days later departs for Davao. On January 2, 1942 departs Davao. On January 4, 1942 anchored with Chitose and other warships including cruisers Myoko and Nachi in Malalag Bay. At 11:55am bombed by B-17s that score a hit on Myoko that departs for repairs. On January 9, 1942 departs Malalag Bay and in the Pakiputan Strait rendezvous with Chitose to support the Japanese landing at Menado on Celebes (Sulawesi). PARTIAL HISTORY Sinking History On May 1, 1942 at 11:03pm torpedoed by USS Drum (SS-228) approximately 40 miles off Omaezaki on the south coast of Honshu in Japan at roughly Lat 34°26'N Long 138°14'E. On May 2, 1942 at 4:16am the damaged seaplane carrier capsized and sank with the loss of 101 aboard. A total of 472 survivors including 31 wounded and were resuced. References IJN Mizuho: Tabular Record of Movement Contribute
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