description HIJMS Akagi Overview
Akagi was an Imperial Japanese Navy aircraft carrier converted from an Amagi-class battlecruiser hull after the Washington Naval Treaty altered Japanese construction plans. It served as the flagship of Vice Admiral Chuichi Nagumo's carrier striking force during the attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941. At the Battle of Midway, American dive-bombers fatally damaged the carrier on 4 June 1942, and Japanese forces scuttled it the following day. Its wreck was later located at great depth in the central Pacific.
insights Ranking position
HIJMS Akagi ranks #21 of 186 in the Shipwreck ranking, behind Batavia, ahead of HMHS Britannic.
help HIJMS Akagi FAQ
Why was Akagi converted from a battlecruiser into an aircraft carrier?
Akagi began as an Amagi-class battlecruiser, but the 1922 Washington Naval Treaty limited new capital ships. Japan used the treaty's conversion allowance to complete Akagi as an aircraft carrier instead.
Did Akagi originally have three flight decks?
Yes, its early configuration used three superimposed flight decks in an attempt to permit simultaneous launching and landing. A major 1930s reconstruction replaced this arrangement with one full-length flight deck and enlarged aircraft facilities.
What role did Akagi play in the attack on Pearl Harbor?
Akagi served as Vice Admiral Chuichi Nagumo's flagship during the December 7, 1941 carrier attack. It was one of six Japanese carriers that launched aircraft against Pearl Harbor.
How was Akagi lost at the Battle of Midway?
American dive bombers fatally damaged Akagi on June 4, 1942 while fueled and armed aircraft made the hangar fires difficult to control. Japanese destroyers scuttled the abandoned carrier the following morning.
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