Zuihō

Armor Model

Overview

The Imperial Japanese Navy considered plans to rapidly increase the number of aircraft carriers by converting existing vessels. For instance, the submarine tender Takasaki, laid down in Yokosuka in 1935, was completed as an aircraft carrier. In December 1940, the carrier was commissioned as the Zuihō. In September 1941, the ship became the flagship of the 3rd Carrier Division, leading it to cover the Combined Fleet's attack on Pearl Harbor. After the division was disbanded, the carrier joined the 1st Fleet. The ship participated in the Battle of Midway, the Guadalcanal Campaign, and the raid on Rabaul. The carrier also transported aircraft to Truk and Guam. In June 1944, the ship took part in the Battle of the Philippine Sea, and in October of the same year—in the Battle of Leyte Gulf. In the Battle off Cape Engaño on October 25, 1944, Zuihō was attacked by American aircraft, sustained several torpedo and bomb hits, and subsequently sank.