Ship History
Built by Maizuru Naval Arsenal at Maizuru. Laid down August 18, 1920 as Minekaze-class destroyer. Launched March 31, 1921 as Tachikaze 太刀風 meaning "Sword Wind" in Japanese. Commissioned December 5, 1921 in the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN).

During 1938-1939 participates in the Second Sino-Japanese War patrolling off the coast of central China. During 1940, on detached duty supports the Japanese invasion of French Indochina (Vietnam). In 1941, under the command of Lieutenant Commander Yasum Hirasata assigned to Destroyer Division 34 (DesDiv 34) with Akikaze and Hakaze, Eleventh Air Fleet.

Wartime History
On December 7, 1941 departs Takao Harbor (Toshien Harbor) to perform air-sea rescue duty in support of the initial air raids against the Philippines. On December 20, 1941 departs Takao escorting a convoy bound for the Philippines then returns on January 4, 1942. On January 10, 1942 departs Takao escorting another convoy to Davao then conducts patrols and escort duties. On February 3, 1942 escorts a convoy from Davao to Balikpapan and returns.

On February 27, 1942 conducts patrol and escort duties from Kendari to Staring Bay escorting shipping between Celebes (Sulawesi) and Singapore. On March 16, 1942 departs Staring Bay via Jolo to Singapore. On April 1, 1942 departs Singapore to support the assist in Northern Sumatra-Andaman Islands operations. On April 15, 1942 escorts a convoy from Singapore via Takao to Maizuru for repairs at the end of the month.

On May 20, 1942 departs Kure via Saipan to Wotje then via the Marshalls for patrol and escort duty. On July 14, 1942 departs Jaluit escorting a convoy bound for Rabaul and returns nine days later. On August 12, 1942 departs Jaluit bound for Rabaul arriving four days later. On August 17, 1942 departs Rabaul bound for Tarao and returns eleven days later.

PARTIAL HISTORY

On December 27, 1942 at Rabaul damaged by an air raid and suffers a direct hit on the port bow and near misses. Aboard, Lieutenant Commander Yasumi Hirasata was killed. On December 28, 1943 alongside Yamabiko Maru for emergency repairs. On January 8, 1943 placed under the command of Lieutenant Commander Isamu Miyazaki.

On January 16, 1943 departs Rabaul escorted by SUZUKAZE towing UZUKI bound for Truk arriving five days later. On January 22, 1943 departs Truk via Saipan to Sasebo then to Maizuru for repairs. On February 27, 1943 placed under the command of Lieutenant Commander Yasuteru Yokota.

On March 10, 1943 departs Sasebo via Saipan to Rabaul.

PARTIAL HISTORY

On April 15, 1943 off Wewak suffers light damage during an air raid and two days later returns to Rabaul.

Returns to Maizuru for repairs in May, remaining until September. From October until the end of the year, Tachikaze was based out of Truk, with its patrol area extending from Palau towards Rabaul.

Tachikaze was accidentally grounded on a reef near the South Pass at Truk Lagoon.

On January 22, 1944 departed Truk escorting a convoy to Rabaul. Returning to Truk, on February 4, 1944 Tachikaze was accidentally grounded on a coral reef off Kuop Atoll near Truk Lagoon. Despite efforts to free her by towning and blowing free, the destroyer remained stranded on the reef.

Sinking History
On February 17, 1944, during "Operation Hailstone" U.S. Navy (USN) carrier aircraft from USS Intrepid, USS Essex and USS Bunker Hill heavily straffed Tachikaze and scored a torpedo hit in the engine room. The destroyer suffered heavy casualty from these attacks. Three bomb hits loosened the ship from the reef and caused it to sink in deep water. Officially removed from the Navy list on March 31, 1944.

Shipwreck
Tachikaze has not yet been found. Likely, the shipwreck is in very deep water.

References
Combined Fleet IJN Tachikaze: Tabular Record of Movement

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Last Updated
December 28, 2023