Ship History
Built by Sasebo Naval Arsenal at Sasebo as Destroyer No. 51. Laid down November 29, 1929. Launched November 8, 1930. Comissioned October 31, 1931. Named Oboro (朧) meaning Gloom or Haze.

Wartime History
Assigned to Destroyer Division 20 under the 2nd Fleet. During the Second Sino-Japanese War, from 1937, Oboro covered landing of Japanese forces in Shanghai and Hangzhou.

During 1940, she was assigned to patrol and cover landings of Japanese forces in south China and occupation of French Indochina.

Assigned to Cardiv 5, First Air Fleet. Captain Lieutenant Commander Takasuka Osamu. On November 25, 1942 departs Yokosuka for Haha jima arriving the next day. On December 4, departed with the invasion force bound for Guam.

On December 15-19 escorts Tsugaru from Saipan to Kwajalein then patrolled and escorted in the area until departing on April 6 via Saipan for Kwajalein then back to Yokosuka.

On April 10, assigned to Yokosuka Naval District and two days later assigned to captain Lieutenant Commander Takasuka. On June 15-23 escorted Zuikaku from Kure to Ominato, the returned to Yokosuka on June 24. During July 1-13 docked for repairs. On July 18-August 3 escorted Nisshin Maru from Yokosuka to Mako, then returned.

On September 19, departed Yokosuka for a transport run to the Aleutians then returned to Yokosuka. On October 11, departed Yokosuka via Shimushu Island for another transport run to the Aleutians.

Sinking History
On October 16, 1942 Oboro and Hatsuharu were attacked by B-26 Marauders at at roughly 52-17 N, 178-08 E approximately 30 nautical miles northeast of Kiska Island. The B-26 piloted by Capt Russell I. Maurer scored a direct bomb hit on Oboro that exploded munitions, wrecked the rudder and caused an explosion that sank the destroyer. Aboard, four dead and 14 injured. Hatsuharu was also heavily damaged during the same attack.

Rescue
Only seventeen of the crew survived, including Lieutenant Commander Yamana who were rescued by Hatsuharu.

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Last Updated
October 23, 2024