Destination's Journey

Zuihō 28 December 1940

Japanese Aircraft Carrier Zuiho

Japanese Aircraft Carrier Zuiho

Originally laid down as the submarine tender Takasaki, Zuiho was a light aircraft carrier of the Imperial Japanese Navy. The lead ship of her class, Zuiho was launched in June 1936 and commissioned in December 1940.

Zuiho participated in the Guadalcanal Campaign and was significantly damaged during the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands. She later took part in the Battles of the Philippine Sea and Leyte Gulf. Acting as a decoy in the latter battle, she was sunk on 25 October 1944 by American aircraft.

Takasaki Before Conversion to Zuihō
Takasaki Before Conversion to Zuihō
Zuihō 28 December 1940
Zuihō 28 December 1940
Mitsubishi A5M on board carrier Zuiho ended up on the carrier's bow
Mitsubishi A5M on board carrier Zuiho ended up on the carrier’s bow
Zuihō pictured during the Battle of Cape Engano. Note the battle damage to her flight deck
Zuihō pictured during the Battle of Cape Engano. Note the battle damage to her flight deck
Zuihō underway during the Battle of Cape Engano on 24 October 1944
Zuihō underway during the Battle of Cape Engano on 24 October 1944
Zuihō
Zuihō
Zuikaku (left center) and (probably) Zuihō (right) under attack by U.S. Navy dive bombers during the Battle off Cape Engaño
Zuikaku (left center) and (probably) Zuihō (right) under attack by U.S. Navy dive bombers during the Battle off Cape Engaño
Bombs are falling Zuihō, in lower left center. The large carrier Zuikaku is burning and apparently dead in the water in the right center distance
Bombs are falling Zuihō, in lower left center. The large carrier Zuikaku is burning and apparently dead in the water in the right center distance
Zuihō sinking on 24 October 1944
Zuihō sinking on 24 October 1944